Lebanon Archives

August 18, 2007

Is "The Only Good Arab is a Dead Arab" A Threat?

Having actually personally met some of the apparent victims in this situation, it pains me to say that I think they are probably wrong. Last year, a Foreign Service officer (and Georgetown Foreign Service School alumnus) emailed and voice-mailed a series of messages to individuals of the Arab-American Institute. These were "the only good Arab a dead Arab"; "they should burn in hell", etc .- type comments, and resulted in criminal charges. But to look over the whole accusation/indictment, and one ought to before judging, one can ask if there is enough here to charge Mr. Bigoted Foulmouth with a crime. After gender and time of day circumstances are considered, it may add up, but it's a close call. Without more, I'd go down on the side of free speech and say dismiss the charges unless more facts come out. (It does, nonetheless, make you wonder about State Department vetting standards.)

Continue reading "Is "The Only Good Arab is a Dead Arab" A Threat?"

Posted by Matthew Hogan at 10:13 PM | Comments (4)

February 13, 2007

The Gemayel high club

One cannot read this report on the bus bombing in Beirut without taking note of this attempt at logic by, of all people, Amin Gemayel, brother of the late Bashir, son of the elder late Pierre:

Amin Gemayel, Lebanon's former president and a prominent Christian leader, told the the Voice of Lebanon radio station that "alien hands" were behind the explosions. "Lebanese do not kill Lebanese," he said.

Is he, like, high?

Posted by Matthew Hogan at 09:10 PM | Comments (10)