Thoughts...

There is a lot to learn when you live or visit the Middle East. There is so much to take in here and so much to experience, good and bad.  Any of you who have legitimately lived in another country know there are a lot of things that take some getting used to when adapting to other cultures. This reality has brought forth many thoughts that I have been pondering during my stay here. 

One was triggered today by an interesting conversation my mom and I had about the use of my vocabulary in reference to how people act based on culture.  I used the word "wrong" in reference to my Aunt not allowing my cousin and I to see the Virgin Mary (stature obviously) being brought down the street only because we were wearing shorts  (mind you we were not going to church, we did not know the Virgin Mary would be making a visit outside our home, and we were not intentionally wearing the shorts to be disrespectful, it was hot outside, thus we wore shorts).  I use the word "wrong" often times in reference to patriarchical societies (including the US in some cases) that treat women as second class citizens.  I also use the word "wrong" in reference to the treatment of people based on religion, and treatment of people within a religion.  Often time the use of the word "wrong" is offensive, and I am sure it is offensive for me to say certain cultural practices are "wrong".  This thought is intreguing to me...because, is there a line? This is honestly not me ranting, but rather me being very curious. Where is the line between respecting culture and not imposing "Westernized views (and culture I suppose)" onto other countries and standing up and saying something is "wrong". 

For example: This article in CNN is about a beheading and crucifixion of a man who was guilty of murding an 11 yr old boy and the boys father. The man found guilty, instead of serving time in prison or given a "humane" death sentance was first beheaded then his body was displayed in public....I would say this is wrong, and most of the world's human rights groups would agree.  http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/05/30/saudi.arabia.execution/index.html  BUT This punishment is part of traditional "culture" in Saudi Arabia...is it wrong? It is culture in Saudi Arabia to make their women dress from head to toe, only allowing their eyes to be shown and make them second class  citizens, not allowing them even the right to drive a car...is this wrong?

Its very interesting to me. I guess as a "political scientist" who is never graded based on "right or wrong" answers, "right and wrong" are curious terms for me.  I really dont think there is a right answer to what is wrong (confused yet?)......but rather maybe the key is to walk the tight rope of respect while putting your foot down when there is something you personally truly believe is wrong.  For instance, my beliefs of the treatment of women in such places as Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan and Pakistan would lead me not to go spend my free time in those countries.  By not subjecting yourself to such things you do not disrespect the culture....BUT wait?! How do we effect change if we turn our heads??

Hmm....I am curious. (although in that last paragraph I think I accidentally described US foreign policy towards Saudi Arabia...haha) Culture intregues me, truly. I think that is what is so fascinating about living here. My parents and grandparents who I talk to on the phone the most hear me bitch, moan and whine a lot about family drama or cultural circumstances I don't agree with, but, I truly find them interesting when the heat cools down a little in my mind. I think that is what is the most important lesson I am learning here.  To respect people and culture while finding a balance of creating change. If I could, I would start a hugely successful feminst movement here....we'll see huh, I have two years?! haha

Anyway, enough of my thoughts for the day, I am sure you cared soooo much! ;)

Much love,

Sasha

Accepted

I have been officially unofficially accepted to Balamand University for my M.A.!! How are you officially unofficially accepted? Well...the university is still in need of my official transcripts and B.A. Degree from WWU which they will receive when my parents arrive in June. But, after looking over my unofficial ones and my "essay" the Dean of Admissions told me today I am accepted assuming he has no reason not to accept me after seeing the official papers...

There is only 14 days until Mara comes to Lebanon and 15 days until my parents and sonia come! I am very excited!!! I am starting to finally feel at "home" here and not like a guest...so its funny timing, but I am so excited! I am excited to show them the university and some of the places we all go for fun! 

I dont have anything to say...this is a new thing. :)

Much love,

Sasha

PS HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA!!! :)

Women

I was thinking today, I am pretty sure that women are the key to unlocking peace in the Middle East, but maybe I am biased...haha

I read this article yesterday about the wife of the presidential candidate running against President Ahmadinajad in Iran. They are calling her the Michelle Obama of the Middle East. Change and democracy are coming to the Middle East at different speeds in each country but a common thread that seems to mobilize people are the women who are beginning to participate in politics. Often times these women are the wives of political leaders, political prisoners continuing their husbands message or just regular women who have the money to participate. Regardless, there are not enough women participating at this point, but each new face in the male dominated political scene brings a unique perspective of the struggle that faces each country. Women's role in the Middle East is one that often times can only be truly understood by other women. I think this is the strong appeal they have with women and young voters. They also know a different side of war and the effects of it.

Here is the article about the Iranian presidential hopeful's influencial wife:

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/05/24/iran.wife/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

We'll see what the future holds for these women but hopefully more and more women here begin to play a heavy hitting role in politics locally and regionally. The more light that is shed on women's issues here the better. They have a unique ability to potentially have lasting effect on bringing peace to a region that has been in conflict for far to long.

Much love,

Sasha

Nothin, Nada, zip

I can't think of anything to write....OOO Happy Memorial Day! and Happy Birthday Jim!!! There is two things! haha OH and I heard that my newest baby...cousin (is Finn my cousin?) has long eyelashes!! I love that! He must be cuter than cute now!! YAY!

So....I really have nothing interesting to say today, but I felt like I should write on my blog since I haven't in a while. My cousin is currently killing mosquitos with our cool new mosquito zapper thingy that looks like a tennis raquet! :) OO I should take a picture of it. Its very neat, I may be obsessed with it! haha

On another note, this week was pretty mellow but the weekend turned out to be fun. It is actually a holiday weekend here too which is random, so tomorrow none of my cousins have school/work which is nice. We are going to see my aunt in Beirut tomorrow. Yesterday we went to dinner (at like 10pm mind you) at this great restaurant litterally on the beach it was great!! Good music too! all old US songs! I knew EVERY one of them which was random! They spanned the 1950s-1980s and some early 90s too! It was funny...I think my friends thought I was crazy cus I spent most of the night bopping along in my seat singing along! Today my cousin Sami took me to a beach outside of our area which was really nice with his friends...but we swam in the pool all day! haha Nice area though! :)

Well, since I dont have much to contribute to the world via the internet I am going to go to bed instead of rambling! ;) Some say dont drink and drive, I say dont be bored and type on your blog...you end up rambling...like now! (I also say, dont drink and drive, which is actually a huge problem here in Lebanon--not so fun fact--it was just an example....

Much love

Sasha

Interesting Articles

A few people have been asking me about life and politics here in the Middle East after reading my blog posts, so I thought I would just post links to a few articles I read today....I have actually been reading the news quite a bit since I've been here (this is where Grandma gets shocked) ;) so I thought I would share a few of todays interesting ones. This is where I am getting a lot of my opinions from, aside from just my experience living here.

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=102151

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/world/middleeast/18kuwait.html?_r=1&ref=middleeast (this is also a correction to an earlier post...i talked about women being elected in a Qatar election, I meant Kuwait, these are the women who were elected)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/15/world/middleeast/15diplo.html?ref=middleeast (this is a very interesting article about the potential shift in policy the US is seeming to be making regarding Israel. It is one small thing about the Obama admin that I really appreciate, they are trying to talk to others, not just financing Isreal's every little need and want. Lets just hope Isreal doesn't drag us into war with Iran because they are impatient. We'll see....this is just a glimps at why relations in the Middle East are so complicated. What is interesting about this, is there is a similar article to this one published in Lebanon's Daily Star who's headline reads: "Isreal plays up Iranian threat turing talks with U.S. lawmakers" interesting twist on the same story)

http://www.dailystar.com.lb/article.asp?edition_id=10&categ_id=2&article_id=102135 (this is an interesting article about young women and political activism fueled by Facebook and mobile phones. This is an example of progress and women's rights trying to push its way through a very hard conservative wall)

I suppose thats enough for today huh? I know my mom said my last post was so long she couldn't finish it yesterday because she was so busy...I'll try to keep it shorter! ;) I am actually contemplating the thought of putting time into actually researching some of these issues and writing potential columns...who knows, maybe the Wenatchee World would feel like publishing one or something...haha we'll see. I think writing columns would be a fun thing to do...

In other news, I am at the university today....my cousin is in class now, so I am in the computer lab reading the news. We'll spend all day here with her friends and going to class...should be fun. Vice President Biden is coming to Beirut to talk with President Michel Sleiman...he is only going to be in the country for 3 hours supposedly!! Can you imagine flying all that way for 3 hours!! I hope he has some other stops to make! I guess he does get to fly on a really really really nice plane, I dont feel too bad for him!! :) That would be amazing if I could meet him, but I am guessing security would be rather tight in Beirut on Friday, probably wont try! darn. :)

Much love,

Sash

Culture is a funny thing...

I have always been aware of my heritage, there were always things I knew about my family and upbringing that were influenced by the fact that one parent is American and the other Lebanese.  Sometimes I would be "different" than other because I had a different perspective on life because of my knowledge of life in another country. And when I would come to Lebanon, I knew I was very different because all of the sudden I was seen only as "American".  The little things about me that stand out in one culture, blend in the other.

Culture is something that is very hard to change and very hard to adapt to. And I am finding this out the hard way.  There are certain things about me that are very "American." 1. I am stubbornly independent and just stubborn in general I suppose.  Family and community is everything here, so is apperance and impression.  While these things are also found in American culture of course, they are to a degree I haven't experienced before. 

Your family is your closest circle. Your support, your friends, your worst nightmare sometimes. Also, living in small tribe like villages has its advantages of community, friendship and safety, it also has its downsides of gossip, appearance and pain.  Lets just say, on a microscopic scale I have a new found respect for celebrities who get talked about all the time by millions of people.  Being different has its advantages, but it also exposes you to a different degree than others who "fit in".  This is something I am finding quite difficult.

Being a part of life here, instead of just a visitor has its ups and downs.  Getting used to a new culture has its ups and downs. Life has its ups and downs.  

One of the most difficult culture issues for me is also apparent in American culture, but thanks to an amazing Feminist movement and the empowerment of women in the workplace and politics it sometimes seems like the tension has faded just a little...sexism and patriarchy. Two of my least favorite words in the dictionary. Here, while girls and women have MUCH more freedoms than those in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, they also are prisoners of patriarchy.  Girls my age are always accompanied by a male family member or very close friend. They are always watched, what they wear, what they do, who they do things with.  On some level, these things are hightened for me because I dont speak the language or know my way around. But even still, my cousin Nancy is still restricted here in many ways that I never was in the states.  

My cousin Zouzou said the other day when I cleared my place after a meal "you live here now, do the dishes." My response to him: "youve lived here 18years, you do the dishes too." He didnt like this, his response: "Im a boy, I don't do dishes." So I slapped him....and then explained to him how boys are just as capable as girls to do things like dishes. Even my older cousin Sami, who is 26 has his mom make his sandwhiches at the table...you would think that someone that old can wrap his own sandwhich in pita bread...but thats culture. Their mothers do everything for them, yet the men have all the power and control to dictate life. Patriarchy....great isnt it? What happend to Matriarchical societies....oh wait! haha That is a whole other conversation that would probably get me in trouble for voicing my opinion on the subject in an open internet blog...haha :)

Enough ranting for the day....its been one of those days. Maybe next time I will list all the things we take for granted in the US...theres a lot.... :)

Much love,

Sasha

PS

I forgot to report that while watching Marley and Me last night, I was bitten 20 times on my legs by mosquitos...20!!!!! I have 20 misquito bites on my legs alone in 2 hrs! Is that not ridiculous?! I think so! haha It was actually my fault because I forgot to refill the mosquito killer thing we have plugged in in our room! haha but still...I thought they would stop biting me after a while! Or at least that my body would get used to it and stop getting the bump! Silly body.

I have no idea why reading an article about the Taliban on CNN made me think of it but it did. Maybe its because a fun little analogy would be that the Taliban is like the world's mosquito. Extremely annoying and potentially very dangerous...hmmm. I like analogies! :) But seriously...this article on CNN about the Taliban's latest activities...scary. They are threatening the Pakistani government...that all the current leaders step down otherwise they will capture their families or something. My goodness. These people. I would vote Afghanistan/Pakistan 2 of the scariest countires in the world...right next to Somalia. Its so sad.

"So lonely, So happy"

Going back to song titles for my entry titles! This song is one of my new favorites to listen to. Its by one of my friends bands actually! They make really great music and I really hope they make it big one day!!

There isn't too much going on these days. To pass the time I am actually reading a lot. I am really excited about this book that I am reading called "Dreams and Shadows" by Robin Wright. She spent 30 years living in and traveling the Middle East! She met with so many amazing leaders and revolutionaries, and some really troubled ones as well. Including the head of Hezbollah and the Iranian President...scary. She has such amazing insight into the Middle East, what I would give to have a career as fantastic as hers (she was a Washington Post journalist...wait still is I think). Anyway, in the books she travels to all sorts of countries and interviews both average people on the street and leaders of countries, and leaders of opposition parties of these oppressive leaders. And I had a revelation today while reading her chapter on Syria. A common theme throughout the countries I've read so far (Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and Egypt) is there is an oppressive government that does not abide by typical democratic standards and in each country there are many opposition groups trying to fight their way into government. Some opposition groups are a little troublesome for the main stream, and for US interests of course, like Hezbollah and some would argue the Muslim Brotherhood of Egypt (although interestingly enough if you took away their arms and military capabillities that categorize them as terrorist organizations they help so many people in their groups by providing social wealfare programs and housing and such). Anyway, the interesting part about all of this is there are soo many people in these countries who are trying to bring democracy to their people against the majority ruling party and the US never comes to their aid. These are average people fighting huge governments, serving jail time without trial, being beaten severely and most of the time held in solitary confinement. What brought all of this together for me is being here in Lebanon during election season. If there is one thing that separates a functioning democracy from a developing country is election season. I finally figured out why I was crying during Obama's inaguration...the peaceful transfer of power is something we as Americans should treasure above anything. Anyway, it is election season here and the campaign signs are all over the place. And coming back to my observations from the book, the "bad guys" who are funded through Iran and Syria have tons of money and great campaign strategy...even as someone who doesnt quite understand the signs and cant follow the election on the news, I know they are running a better campaign then the pro American, pro democracy, anti Syrian campaign that is so crucial to US interests. Do we see the theme I am trying to put together yet? America isnt standing by the movements that matter. They let the people striving for democracy in Syria and Egypt go to jail, and they dont give the pro US/democracy parties in Lebanon enough money to compete equally with the campaigns of the others, including Hezbollah. What is interesting is I've heard from friends in the US that the US is scared of Hezbollah winning more seats in parliament then they want...of course they should be scared. When will the US wake up and support the people who will bring peace to their countries? Interesting isnt it? We could help change the political enviornment of these countries from within, by helping the people who are already doing things to promot democracy, but we'd rather just wage war.

Ok, sorry for the rant. Its whats been on my mind today. I cannot wait to study middle east politics formally within a middle eastern country! Its going to be so exciting for me, since this is what I love already! And with the M.A. program focused on Mediterannean politics I hope to try to prove my theory that the Middle East can come to the same peaceful coexistence as Europe by following in their footsteps and realizing they need to ban together peacefully to help eachother grow. Lets not forget that Europe used to be just as devided and waged war more often I am sure than war is waged here in the Middle East some time ago between Protestants and Catholics, is that really different than the internal struggle within Islam between the Sunnis and the Shi'as? Or the struggle between Arabs and Israelis? I dont think so...but I'll let you know in 2 years when I get to study it more indepth! :)

In other news....I watched Marley and Me yesterday and balled my eyes out! I miss my Bruno!

I've talked enough, I am sure you are bored now! I'm going to go running. Then call Daddy and let him tell me how wrong/right I am on my political observations...haha every Lebanese has an opinion about such things! ;)

Much love,

Sasha

One month down...2 years to go? ;)

Well, it is exactly one month until my Mom, Dad, Sis Sonia and bestie Mara get here on June 11! I am really excited! It also happens to be just shy of one month since I've been here! And, it looks like after this month and a 1/2 is up, it wont be the end of my time here in Lebanon, merely the beginning.

Plans are never concrete in my family until the day you step on the plane, and even then they arent quite dry...but it looks like the chances of me coming back to Lebanon in September is quite high! I will most likely come home as planned w/my parents and sister in July to spend the summer working in Wenatchee.  I plan to come back to Lebanon mid september to start my MA in Political science and international relations at the end of september. My application is in and waiting my parents arrival to finalize things like my official transcripts and evaluation of my degree.  I have been in touch with the head of the program and to my surprise and delight, the focus of the MA is on "Mediterranean studies" so not just Middle East politics but European politics also!! I fell in love with the politics of the EU after one of my favorite classes with one of my favorite professors this last year.  I already have a small idea of what I want to look at for my Masters thesis!! haha but like i said, plans always change.

I am still enjoying my time greatly. I can't complain too much when I wake up at noon, eat a little breakfast and go to the beach for an hour...to nap! :) I was supposed to get up this morning to go for a run (this food is killing me) but i was in the middle of a great dream so I turned off the alarm...maybe tonight...sunsets are nice scenery for a good run! ;)

Today is also one of my bestest best friends birthdays, I have no idea if she reads this but just in case "Happy Birthday Piper!". Piper is on her own adventure right now employed by Disney she is brining to life one of Tinkerbelle's fairy friends in Disney Tokyo until early July! It is a really exciting experience for her and I hope shes loving it! We were all so stoked when she found out about the job! Shes been working for Disneyland for the last couple of years as all sorts of characters ranging from a few of the 7 Dwarves to Wendy from Peter Pan, Alice (in wonderland), and most recently before jet setting to Tokyo she was Tinkerbelle herself!! I love that my friends work for Disney it is sooo fun to see them bring to life these amazing characters!! Another of my close friends Dana played Alice and Wendy as well at DisneyWorld and my friend Amanda will be going to DisneyWorld in June to hopefully play a face character, but she doesn't know what! I live through them! I would love to be Jasmine myself! haha 

Anyway.  Also, yesterday was Mother's Day in the US (here it is in March) so hopefully everyone remembered to call their mom to say Happy Mother's day! Shockingly enough I did! Although, it dawned on me today when I was reading my cousin Stacy's blog that I totally forgot to go on her blog yesterday to wish HER a happy mothers day! It was her very first one yesterday!!!! And she has the most precious mirical baby Finnegan (oh and my cousin Jim too...since he's the daddy...sorry Jim, forgot about you there for a sec...Father's day is in June, you'll get your turn).  So Stacy! Sorry I forgot! "Happy Mothers Day!!" Sounds like Jim didnt forget and I am so happy you had a wonderful day! 

Well I miss you all! While homesick isn't quite the correct word, I am starting to miss home a little and am so glad everyone is just a click away on email or facebook or the blog! haha I love technology! (Not really, I am actually terrible at it...but oh well!)

Much Love,

Sasha

PS. Mom and Auntie Lynn, I remembered sun screen today...SPF 50 even! But I do always remember the SPF 70 for my face! ;) Thought I'd let you know since you are both concerned about my beach time! Love you both!

Understanding counts...right?

So while my speaking is improving at a very slow rate, much like the movement of glaciers (wait, is that a bad example...they seem to be moving faster these days...global warming or something) my understanding is improving greatly. Auntie Lynn, would you agree this is a step in the right direction? Or am I making that up to feel better about my language skills? haha  While out to dinner the other night, I was eating and listening to everyone chat and one of the guys told this story, or more of an observation really that everyone who was cruising the streets suddenly stopped. Well he turned to me to translate his story, so I felt included in the conversation of course, and I looked and him and said "yea. I know. you just told everyone in english silly!" (lately people have been actually speaking English to me and then someone will translate their English...its rather funny) and he looked at me funny followed by a strange look from Nancy and at the same time (ish) they both claimed that no, he actually told them the story in arabic. I laughed at this and did not believe them, I was sure they were speaking english because I understood his story! And I wasnt looking at him most of the time because I was eating so I was sure I didnt just follow along thru hand motions (thats what I do most of the time in dinner/big group settings, because they use their hands, point use a few english or french words, works well actually...means i can laugh and have about %40 accuracy rate as to understanding what I am laughing at).  To make an uneccessary long story short I was really excited because I legitimately understood a conversation in Arabic! YAY ME!!

Thought I would let you all know. Other than that, life has been mellow. It was really really windy last night and most of today. Knocked out the electricity last night...fun stuff!

Hope all is well stateside! I am going to go read my CNN...make sure I am slightly informed about my country (i hate when ppl ask me about something going on in the US --like swine flu before I got with the program and I dont know what they are talking about...I feel like the thought "stupid americans" is going through their head!)   :)

Much love,

Sash

Decisions Decisions

I am having a great time here, going out with my cousins, eating great food, learning all the ins and outs of family drama....but I have big girl decisions to make now.  I might be able to get my Masters of Arts in Political Science and International Relations here at the univesrity my cousins go to, which is the same one I am taking my Arabic lessons.  I really love the university. It is small and I guess everyone knows their professors, which is what I loved about WWU.  It is a two year program and I am about 85% I am making the right decision by going.  I am hopefully meeting with the Dean of Admissions (family friend) this week to ask my final questions and get technical things figured out about my application, which will help finalize my decision.  But, there are of course scary parts about deciding to move to another country for 2 years.  I love my family and I always have a lot of fun here in Lebanon but living here will be much different than vacationing.  If you have an opinion about this, or have words of wisdom...please let me know! haha I figure there are no jobs in the US and I didnt get into grad school the first time around, if I come home, I don't have a plan. Although moving here is scary, at least its a plan....but I am still thinking!

Anyway! Things are going well here. The guys and Nancy and I went to see the Uninvited tonight...very out of character for me...to see a scary movie! It was good though, not just a slasher film, it had a story and you felt for the characters...I was analyzing it for like 2 hours after! haha

Miss you all,

Much love

Sash

Please though, honestly, leave a comment or email me or something some advice about my decision...I could use feedback. :)

Whats not to like?

Is this Laguna Beach or Lebanon? Today the line was blurred! After waking up and eating some delicious pancakes, my cousin Nancy and I went to the beach, finally (which I already mentioned...im just really excited about that) then we came home, relaxed, watched Toy Story 2 (SOOO GREAT) and showered.  After showering and eating lunch, I decided I wanted to get my hair done...haha yes random, but I have terrible split ends! So we went to the salon and my hair turned out GREAT! To anyone besides me, it looks the same, but it is soo much healthier and the guy actually successfully gave me great layers (I am very picky) and it cost me about $15 USD! GREAT! Then Nancy and I went to the opening of this new chic store down the road and shopped for almost an hour! Each of us walked out with a brand new dress (for clubbing tomorrow night!).  After shopping we went out to dinner with a few of her close friends and now we are at home relaxing! I told her MTV should do a reality show about teens our age here in Lebanon! Its crazy!!!

Tomorrows agenda includes Beach at 10:30am and night club at 10:30 pm! haha Hopefully tomorrow there will be less wind so we can actually swim! A novel concept in regards to going to the beach!!

Hope all is well with all of you! Miss you all!

Much love,

Sash

Pictures

So, I figured out the faster way to upload pictures!! YAY ME! So I added more pictures. The are out of order but oh well!!! Enjoy

YAY BEACH!

Nancy and I went to the beach today!!.....sort of! It was too cold to swim but we laid out and hopefully got a little tan!!! It was nice to be in such close proximity to the water!! Finally!!! The weather seems to be warming up so maybe next week it will be prime beach time!!!  

yaay

Much Love,

Sasha