Israeli bombs completely destroyed Beirut’s neighbourhood Haret Hreik in the summer of 2006. Because Hizbullah’s headquarters is located in the neighbourhood, Israeli war planners considered its... Show moreIsraeli bombs completely destroyed Beirut’s neighbourhood Haret Hreik in the summer of 2006. Because Hizbullah’s headquarters is located in the neighbourhood, Israeli war planners considered its destruction of particular symbolic and strategic relevance. For the same reasons, authority of reconstruction carried heightened symbolism and led to contestation between the central government and Hizbullah. In the intersection of these two powerful actors there remains little room for local residents to have a voice in the re-organization of their living spaces. Show less
In the southern suburb of Beirut (al-Dahiya), away from mainstream tourism avenues privileged by the post-war reconstruction agendas of Lebanese entrepreneurs and elites, alternative forms of... Show moreIn the southern suburb of Beirut (al-Dahiya), away from mainstream tourism avenues privileged by the post-war reconstruction agendas of Lebanese entrepreneurs and elites, alternative forms of entertainment have been developing for specific types of constituencies. Fifteen years after the organization of the “Islamic sphere,” under Hizbullah’s umbrella, into financial, political and social networks, new places providing the pious with popular culture services have been multiplying in al-Dahiya. “Al-Saha” belongs to this world of pious entertainment and forms an interesting casestudy for understanding the cultural features of the Islamic sphere in Lebanon. Show less
Lebanon has a thriving and diverse reproductive medical sector: procedures are practised that have aroused much ethical controversy, such as those using donor eggs and sperm. Sunni ulama have... Show moreLebanon has a thriving and diverse reproductive medical sector: procedures are practised that have aroused much ethical controversy, such as those using donor eggs and sperm. Sunni ulama have reached a broad consensus on these matters, and do not allow donor procedures. However, Shiite opinion remains diverse: some Shiite authorities allow their followers these controversial treatments, but have evolved concomitant rulings that entail surprising new patterns of kinship relations. Show less
Among Shia Muslims in Lebanon, piety has become a central marker of modernity. The author argues that, perhaps unexpectedly, it is women who are allotted the greater responsibility of representing... Show moreAmong Shia Muslims in Lebanon, piety has become a central marker of modernity. The author argues that, perhaps unexpectedly, it is women who are allotted the greater responsibility of representing modernity in all its dimensions, including the material. As part of their mandate to represent and facilitate their community’s progress, pious Shia women are encouraged to move into public roles and spaces. These processes demonstrate the coming together of the material and spiritual domains as well as the transformation and partial blurring of gender divides. Show less
Middle class youth are emerging as an oppositional force in Lebanon. Somewhat aware of their past and tired of their present, the youth desperately want to forge their own future. Hundreds of young... Show moreMiddle class youth are emerging as an oppositional force in Lebanon. Somewhat aware of their past and tired of their present, the youth desperately want to forge their own future. Hundreds of young people, most under 25, camped out in a tent city in Beirut in an attempt to influence the course of political change in Lebanon. Show less
