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Michigan governor taps Lebanese-American to serve as state treasurer

(DETROIT, MI) — Michigan Governor Rick Snyder named Lebanese-American businessman Nick Khouri the new state treasurer, who will replace outgoing treasurer Kevin Clinton, according to Snyder’s press office.

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Nick Khouri.

“Nick’s expertise in tax policies and financial issues will be a great asset as we continue working to reinvent state government,” Snyder said. “His strong track record of proven service in both the private and public sectors will be essential in this critical state role.”

Khouri, 57, previously served as senior vice president of corporate affairs at DTE Energy in Detroit, where he oversaw governmental and regulatory relations and community affairs.

He also served as vice president of Public Sector Consultants, where he focused on public infrastructure and state and local tax policy. In the 1990s, Khouri was the state’s chief deputy treasurer and chief economist of the Senate Fiscal Agency.

State records show Khouri has been a registered lobbyist for DTE since 2012, which drew criticism from some Democrats.

“Putting a registered lobbyist in charge of all taxpayer dollars is no way to create public trust in government,” said Democratic Party Chairman Lon Johnson.

Khouri earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from University of Michigan and a master’s degree in economics from Michigan State University.

Khouri’s appointment is effective April 20. His annual salary will be $174,204, according to state records.

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 Business

ArabNet conference highlights creative arts in Beirut

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — ArabNet Beirut, Lebanon’s three-day festival of digital creativity, e-business, and entrepreneurship, is back for its 6th edition.

More than 80 elite speakers and 700 attendees will convene in Beirut on March 17-19 to share international and regional perspectives on e-commerce, digital media, and innovation.

ArabNet Beirut will tackle the growing role of banks in the entrepreneur ecosystem, including entrepreneurship opportunities in the MENA region.

It will also host seminars that will teach video production for the web, online customer service, fashion, and entertainment.

“Lebanon is a key regional hub for digital business and entrepreneurship,” said Omar Christidis, founder and CEO of ArabNet. “This is evident by the interest that major global companies have taken in investing and acquiring Lebanese web sites and apps.”

Christidis said the recent acquisition of Lebanese company Shahiya.com by a Japanese company for $13.5 million is a small example of the potential for digital entrepreneurship.

The conference is held in collaboration with the Central Bank of Lebanon, Choueiri Group, BankMed, and The Beirut Digital District.

Speakers include several Beirut-based digital entrepreneurs and e-commerce experts, including chief officers of Souq.com, the largest e-commerce site in the Arab world.

The ArabNet TechFair will see more than 40 companies and start-ups from Lebanon and the Levant region showcasing their investment offerings.

For more information about ArabNet Beirut, visit arabnet.me.

The ArabNet Beirut conference will attract 700 digital professionals and entrepreneurs for a three-day networking and e-learning event. (Photo by Natheer Halawani)
The ArabNet Beirut conference will attract 700 digital professionals and entrepreneurs for a three-day networking and e-learning event. (Photo by Natheer Halawani)
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 Business

9 Reasons to Invest in Lebanon

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — At the heart of the Middle East and the crossroads of three continents, Lebanon is where the East meets the West.

A convergence point of trade routes for thousands of years and a unique cultural and religious melting pot, The Land of the Alphabet is rising again as a regional and international hub for trade, finance, services, culture, and tourism.

In addition to a free-market economy based on a long tradition of government-supported liberalism, a sophisticated banking system, a developed legal framework, a superbly skilled workforce, and an exceptional lifestyle, Lebanon offers a large number of investment opportunities in all sectors of the Lebanese national economy.

IDAL, the Investment Development Authority of Lebanon, is the sole public agency responsible for promoting investments in Lebanon, identifying and marketing opportunities, guiding international companies to establish prime business positions, and assisting investors in accessing a wealth of untapped economic potential.

Here are your top 9 reasons to invest in Lebanon:

1. Strategic Geographical Location

Lebanon’s location on the crossroads of three continents — Europe, Asia, and Africa – has long influenced the tiny Mediterranean country’s unique cultural and economic history. Drawing on unique interactions with Babylonians, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, and Turks, Lebanese economic traditions have urbanized into a unique liberal position at the center of the Eastern Mediterranean.

2. Free Market Economy

Based on a long tradition of liberal investment policies, free enterprise and private initiative are the drivers of the Lebanese economy. Lebanon also boasts a strong laissez-faire commercial tradition.

3. Liberal Financial Environment

With a free foreign exchange market, full currency convertibility policies, and no restrictions on the inward or outward movement of capital, Lebanon has an ideal banking structure for conducting business in the MENA region.

4. Untapped Investment Opportunities

Lebanon offers investors a wide array of investment opportunities in all sectors of the economy, especially in tourism, agriculture, and energy. Furthermore, Lebanon represents a point of entry to a large regional market.

5. Moderate Tax Rates

With maximum tax rates of 15% for companies and 20% for individuals, Lebanon’s fiscal charges are among the most moderate worldwide.

6. Qualified and Competitive Workforce

Lebanon’s workforce is well educated and multi-talented. Skilled labor is widely available, yet at moderate fees. According to the World Bank, 70% of the population generates an annual income of less than USD 10,000.

7. New and Expanding Infrastructure

With state-of-the-art telecommunications, expanding port facilities, and an ambitious road rehabilitation program, Lebanon’s infrastructure is quickly becoming one of the best in the region. Poor mobile communication systems allow for economic possibilities to grow the emerging market.

8. Unique Living Environment

Thousands of years of history, optimal climatic conditions, a very rich culture, and a vibrant nightlife justify Lebanon’s “Pearl of the East” surname.

9. Facilities and services for Investors

The Investment Development Authority of Lebanon (IDAL) is one of the most comprehensive programs in the MENA region which aim to retain investments in Lebanon. IDAL’s “One-Stop-Shop” Service offers investors a fast and seamless way to obtain the official permits and licenses needed to implement their projects.

For more information about investment opportunities in Lebanon, visit investinlebanon.gov.lb.

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 News

Shot sportscaster credits Lebanese-American trauma surgeon with recovery

(SAN DIEGO, CA) — A San Diego sports anchor who was shot outside of his home said he credits Lebanese-American trauma surgeon Dr. Fady Nasrallah with his miraculous recovery.

Kyle Kraska was shot on Feb. 10 by house painter Mike Montana over a financial disagreement over paint work on Kraska’s home. Montana is now charged with premeditated attempted murder and could face nearly 38 years to life in prison if convicted.

Kraska, an Emmy-award winning broadcaster with San Diego CBS affiliate KFMB-TV, spent over a month recovering from the shooting.

Prosecutors say the sportscaster was shot six times from several feet away, including twice in the upper body.

Kraska miraculously survived after undergoing several rounds of surgery under the leadership of Dr. Fady Nasrallah at Scripps Memorial Hospital in La Jolla, Calif.

Kraska returned to work this week and recognized Dr. Nasrallah for his “work ethic.”

“I just want you to know how much I love you, how much I loved your care, your thoughtfulness, your patience, your work ethic,” said Kraska in an on-air address to Dr. Nasrallah. “I love the fact that you stayed with me through the night, operating on me many times, and you refused to let me die.”

Dr. Nasrallah graduated from American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine in 2001, then completed a residency in General Surgery at Waterbury Hospital in Waterbury, CT from 2003 to 2008.

Kraska adds that he’s thankful for Dr. Nasrallah’s dedication to his recovery.

“I’ll never be able to repay you and I’ll never be able to thank you enough times,” he said. “But I want you to know that you’re right here in my heart.”

WATCH Kraska’s thank you to Dr. Nasrallah:
CBS News 8 – San Diego, CA News Station – KFMB Channel 8

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 News

U.S. removes Hezbollah, Iran from terror threat list

(WASHINGTON, DC) — Hezbollah and Iran are no longer on the list of U.S. terror threats, according to an annual security assessment issued by James Clapper, director of the U.S. National Intelligence.

In a previous report from January 2014, the list included Iran and Hezbollah in the “Terrorism” section, citing “direct threats” to the interests of U.S. allies.

But this year, the assessment praised Iran and Hezbollah for its attempts to “dampen sectarianism” and “deescalate tensions with Saudi Arabia.”

The report adds that Hezbollah faces threats from ISIS and the al-Nusra Front along Lebanon’s borders.

In recent months, the U.S. sent military aid to the Lebanese Army to assist the country’s fight against ISIS in border towns. Hezbollah and the U.S. have since become de-facto allies with a common target to combat ISIS.

“Sunni extremists are trying to establish networks in Lebanon and have increased attacks against Lebanese army and Hezbollah positions along the Lebanese-Syrian border,” the report said.

The report, under the title the Worldwide Threat Assessment of the U.S. Intelligence Communities, was released on February 26, 2015 to the U.S. Senate and was recently declassified by Times of Israel newspaper.

The U.S. policy change comes as the United States, Britain, China, France, Russia and Germany aim to outline a deal that would prevent Tehran from making a nuclear bomb.

The parties hope to reach a full accord by July 1.

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 News

Lebanese business offers “special offer” on Kenyan, Ethopian maids for Mother’s Day

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — An advertisement by a maid provider in Lebanon sparked outrage on Monday, after the business sent out a mass message offering “special offers” on Kenyan and Ethiopian “nationalities”.

The SMS advertisement was sent to thousands of phone users in Lebanon through mobile providers Alfa and MTC Touch, which allow businesses to purchase advertising that reach mobile users in the country.

READ the advertisement:

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The advertisement was shared by Lebanese NGO, “KAFA”, which advocates against “gender-based” discrimination and violence.

Several Facebook users commented in anger, calling the message “racist” and comparing the sale of maids to the sale of “potatoes.”

“I’ve heard an officer at the airport call on a domestic worker by her country name in a very disrespectful and demeaning manner,” wrote one user on Facebook. “She should have answered back saying at least we have electricity in my country!”

Despite the outrage, one blogger says it’s unlikely any action against the company will be taken.

“Today, the fair citizens of Lebanon are in shock,” wrote Beirut-based blogger Claude El Khal. “Tomorrow they’ll forget all about it. Until the next SMS or the next suicide.”

But Labor Minister Sejaan Azzi said the maid agency would be shut down, if it turns out to be a registered company.

The listed phone number in the advertisement traces to Alice Chalhoub, who owns a Beirut-based agency in Ain El Remmaneh that places domestic workers in Lebanese homes, according to MaidXchange.com.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Lebanon hosts dozens of other maid agencies that connect more than 250,000 migrant domestic workers with potential employers.

Human Rights Watch reports that, on average, more than one migrant domestic worker dies in Lebanon per week.

What do you think of this advertisement? Let us know on our Facebook page.

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 Lifestyle, News

Meet Carol Malouf: A Lebanese woman helping Syrian refugees

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — Carol Malouf has many titles — journalist, political consultant, university lecturer, and media advisor. But in recent years, she’s added social activist to that list after launching a Lebanese NGO to help Syrian refugees.

“Lebanese for Refugees” was founded in December 2013 after Malouf was contacted by the municipality of Arsal to document the plight of over 400 Syrian refugee families, according to a report by Global Voices Online.

Malouf was inspired to raise money to provide blankets to Syrian refugees in Lebanon during cold winter months. But she realized it wasn’t enough.

The project quickly grew into large donation drives of clothes, shoes, toys, blankets, food and money, using more than two dozen trucks to distribute the aid to several refugee camps.

The NGO has raised more than $100,000 in just three months from December 2013 to March 2014, and $20,000 in January 2015 alone.

The donations come from independent donors and other NGOs and organizations, including the Islamic Relief Committee, the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, the European Union, and Foodblessed.

Despite Malouf’s attention to refugees, she hasn’t lost her roots in journalism. She writes regularly for the Daily Telegraph, Al Jazeera English, and Al Joumhouria, among others. She is also a frequent commentator and analyst for ABC News Australia and other Lebanese TV stations.

Malouf was also the founding member and Senior Middle East Producer at Al Jazeera English, where she extensively covered regional and international news and political stories.

She holds a masters degree in politics from the University of Exeter and a bachelors degree in international relations. She is fluent in Arabic, English and French.

If you wish to donate to “Lebanese for Refugees”, visit their Indiegogo campaign at this link.

WATCH Malouf talk about the refugee crisis in Lebanon on France 24:

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 News

UAE to deport 70 Lebanese citizens; VP denies targeting Shiite Muslims

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — The United Arab Emirates has ordered 70 Lebanese citizens, mostly Shiite Muslims, to leave the country, according to a report by Lebanese Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil on Friday.

The ministry said in a statement that Bassil called his Emirati counterpart Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan to discuss the issue.

“The Lebanese in the Emirates fully merge into the Emirati society and abide by its laws. They are a good factor in this dear country,” the statement said.

The Associated Press reports that hundreds of Lebanese have been “quietly deported” from the UAE since 2009. Deportation of Shiite Muslims have escalated since Hezbollah joined Syrian government forces in the neighboring civil war.

Reports add that gulf states are worried about the rise of Shiite Iran’s influence in the Arab world.

In 2013, Qatar deported 18 Lebanese expatriates after the Gulf Cooperation Council imposed sanctions against Hezbollah for its military intervention in Syria.

Hassan Alayan, a former deportee and now leader of a committee helping Lebanese deported from the UAE, told The Associated Press that it’s “unacceptable” to target citizens based on religion.

“It is a mistake for a state in the 21st century to adopt a policy of revenge on a sectarian or political basis,” he said. “This is dangerous and unacceptable.”

Prime Minister Tammam Salam said he met with UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashed al-Maktoum during an ongoing conference in Egypt.

Salam says the vice president vowed to follow up on the matter with UAE authorities, stressing that there is no official decision to target Lebanese citizens.

He adds that all measures taken against some Lebanese expatriates are linked to “security concerns.”

The UAE hosts more than 100,000 Lebanese workers.

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 Lifestyle, News

Want to combat corruption in Lebanon? There’s an app for that!

(BEIRUT, LEBANON) — It’s no secret that bribery, nepotism, embezzlement, kickbacks, and vote-buying often plague Lebanese institutions and government agencies. In fact, the Global Integrity Index classifies Lebanon as a “very weak country” in terms of integrity.

But a Beirut-based NGO is trying to change the culture of corruption by encouraging Lebanese citizens to report an act of corruption when they witness it.

The app is called “Sakker El Dekkene”, or “Shut the Store” in English, and it was founded by Lebanese anti-corruption activist Rabih El Chaer. Citizens can anonymously report bribes, kickbacks, and other corruption by simply entering the name of the agency and description.

El Chaer says the reports are then published online for other citizens and government agencies to see. He adds that curious lawmakers have already begun watching the app, as over 3,000 Lebanese citizens have begun issuing reports.

“Corruption weighs in our lives, limits our access to information, blurs our critical thinking, impedes change and lock us in a vicious cycle of economic and political inefficiency,” said El Chaer. “We rationalize corruption and make it look acceptable to the extent that we have no incentive to act against it.”

Does this sound familiar?

El Chaer says the app could serve as a solution to introduce reforms that combat corruption.

“Our reporting tools will uncover and measure corruption across the sectors and services of the administration,” he said. “These metrics will allow to assess, plan and implement targeted reforms.”

El Chaer is the founder of the Human Rights Center at the University of the Holy Spirit in Lebanon. He was formerly the Managing Director of the Lebanese Transparency Association and a legal advisor to the Minister of Interior and Municipalities.

For more information about the app, click here.

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 Entertainment, News

Amal Clooney joins Columbia Law School as professor

(NEW YORK, NY) — Lebanese human rights attorney Amal Clooney has accepted a position as a visiting professor and senior fellow at Columbia Law School in New York City.

Clooney will join the prestigious university’s Human Rights Institute, where she will lecture on human rights law and international tribunal cases.

“It is an honor to be invited as a visiting professor at Columbia Law School alongside such a distinguished faculty and talented student pool,” said Clooney. “I look forward to getting to know the next generation of human rights advocates studying here.”

Clooney graduated from the University of Oxford in England and the New York University School of Law. She also worked for Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Kofi Annan as a senior adviser when he was the U.N.’s envoy on Syria.

“We are privileged to have an international human rights practitioner of Amal Clooney’s stature join our faculty,” said Professor Sarah H. Cleveland, co-director of the university’s Human Rights Institute. “Her extensive experience advocating before U.N. and regional human rights mechanisms complements our existing offerings and will enrich the experience of our students.”

Clooney has handled cases before the International Criminal Court and Court of Justice, including several domestic international law cases in the United States and England.

She’s also writing a book called The Right to a Fair Trial in International Law, and is the co-editor of The Special Tribunal for Lebanon: Law and Practice.

Professors say they’re honored to welcome Clooney to their faculty.

“Amal Clooney’s dedication to public service and her diverse human rights litigation experience will inspire and guide our students as they learn how to use the law to advance social justice,” said Sarah Knuckey, director of the Human Rights Clinic.

“We are thrilled to welcome her to Columbia Law School’s community of international law scholars, practitioners, and students.”

 

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