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THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR AN INDEPENDENT MONTHLY SERVING AMERICANS OF ARABIC HERITAGE Celebrating 41 Years of Service MEMBER ARAB-AMERICAN PRESS GUILD MEMBER AMERICAN LEBANESE CONGRESS ESTABLISHED IN 1963 www.syrianlebanesestar.com XXXXII #5 MAY 2004 I I Letter From Syria In Maaloula, Experiencing The Grammar of the Christ MAALOULA- Fifteen adult students bravely - minded their alefs, betas, and tetas and tried to get the grammar right in a . language dating from the beginning of history. They wondered how - continued on page 6 - Lebanon's Government Agencies Sharpen Skills U- '-o - BEIRUT, Lebanon to this improvement. -Tax revenues in this The Agency has helped capital city rising from Beirut and other Lebanese the ashes of civil war have cities and towns reform risen 50 percent since their government 2002. USAID contributed continued on page-7 King Backs Jordan Internet Centers I Don't Mind Threats " ^ Dr: Rajaa Habib Khuzai "I don't mind (threats) because I did something great for the women. I received compliments and praise from Iraqi women and from American women, and for thatia am ery proud." Dr. Rajaa Habib Khuzai, Iraqi Governing Council, Speaking- at USAID headquarters March 12th, 2004, about her resolution restoring women's rights. Voices of the Dead Echo Across Algeria SIDI MOUSSA, Algeria Algeria is mending from a decade- long civil war, but its ghosts of the dead, and continued.on page 8 Saudi Arabia: Clerics Pray for Rain, United Arab Emirates: Woman Tells of Beating DUBAI A popular Saudi, television host publicly showed her bruised and bloodied face and has shocked her compatriots into openly continued on page 6 Bush Rewards Libya, Eases Sanctions President opens door for American businesses to resume activities in the North African country. WASHINGTON - President Bush cleared the way on Friday for American companies to do business in Libya, easing Reagan-era economic sanctions as a reward to Moammar Gadhafi for continued on page 8 New SAID Director for Middle Blame Women Eastern Public AMMAN, Jordan - King Abdullah II us working to transform Jordan into a knowledge- based" economy. He started a program backed by USAID that created 75 public "knowledge stations." The stations provide public walk-in access to internet-linked PCs. fax machines, photocopiers, and other continued on page 9 RIYADH Saudi clerics led worshipers in prayers for rain Thursday, blaming a recent drought on sinfulness, including the women who unveil themselves or mingle continued on page 9 Diplomacy WASHINGTON, DC - The Administrator of the U.S. Agency for I nternat i o n al Development (USAID), continued on page 9 NEWBURY PARK, Calif. Ferial Masry may own the most unusual biography of any candidate seeking office in California this year. Born in Saudi Arabia, Mrs. Masry is running for a seat in the California Assembly as a Democrat in a heavily Republican district after she qualified for a spot on the November ballot as a write-in candidate. She opposed the war in Iraq in a district that heavily favors it. Her son, Omar, is an Army sergeant serving in Iraq, Muscat, Oman - Slowly, haltingly, political reform is shouldering its way into what once was the most conservative and autocratic part of the Arab world. While Iraq struggles to rebuild and Saudi Arabia shuns with fundamentalist tumult, most of the small, stable oil sheikdoms of the continued on page 10 and her husband is a Navy engineer serving stateside. If elected, Mrs. Masry would become the first Saudi native to hold elected office in the United States, according to the Arab American Institute, a group that promotes political involvement by Arab- Americans. Voters in this suburban Los Angeles district that includes almost half the population of Ventura County are taking a newfound interest in an continued on page 7 C U- (U LO .aLO XI o> Q -I 1 U-. d: i UI '4- ,L -_ . LI- S'. L.U. i'U <1: l LL. _.J ^1-j L.,I $15.00 SUBSCRIPTION Saudi Woman Will Seek California Assembly Seat Unusual Candidate in a Longshot Campaign Democracy Rears in the Persian Gulf 1- SPage 2 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR May 2004 1 Jacksonville News , .... .: .. : ...... .- .."* :' .* 50th Anniversary The Skaffs Audrey W. and Joseph D. Skaff celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a family dinner. They were married April continued on page 10 Weddings Bitar-Elias Maysoon Elias, Orange Park, and Simon Bitar, Jacksonville, were married at 4 p.m. Saturday in St. George continued on page 10 ESSA Fred Alex Essa, 78, went to his heavenly home Tuesday, March 23, 2004. He was born in Ramallah, Jordan on May continued on page 10 SOUD Funeral services to Mr. Vincent Sound, Sr., age 87, will be held 2:00 PM Tuesday from the South Jacksonville Presbyterian continued on page 17 Welcome Home! -A ttke BC rlt. frn uritT'i4tisie At its Tinest 7Days Breakfast Lunch Dinner 7AM to 10PM Fll Bar Happy Hur M-F 4-7 Southern Style Food Country Fresh Veggies Fresh Seafood Daily Check Out Our Special Board Excellent Food With Great Pricesl 1183 Beach Blvd. 242-8894 (Formerly Cafe Sonoma) The Hope and the Promise In the end, how should we judge success? As a small child growing up in rural West Tennessee, I first learned from my dad about plans to build a hospital in Memphis dedicated to helping children with catastrophic diseases. This hospital would serve children even if their families did not have the money to pay. The plans and vision for this hi=ospital were those of Danny Thomas, who like my family, was of Lebanese descent. I was proud to know that people of my heritage were giving back to the country that had welcomed us with open arms. In 1962, this vision of a hospital dedicated to children became St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Years ago, there was talk of the hospital being moved to St. Louis. Early one morning, I flew with then-Gov. Lamar Alexander, Lt. Governor John Wilder and Speaker of the House Ned McWherter to a St. Jude Board meeting in Memphis. After that meeting, the Board was invited to be honored on the floor of the House of Representatives. Danny Thomas and Ned McWherter exchanged expensive cigars (Danny's cigar was obviously more expensive than Ned's). From there, the Board went to a reception at the governor's residence. Thankfully the state's cooperation was assured, and St. Jude remained in Memphis. Since 1985 1 have had the honor and privilege of serving as a member of continued on page 11 Best Wishes From The Bajalia Family SAM'S ST. 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Fleas Roaches Ants Household Pests Wasps Bees * Sentricon Subterranean Termite Colony Elimination System * $250,000 Termite Damage Repair Guarantee * Complete Lawn and Ornamental Program * Real Estate Inspections * Trained Professionals S.Pre-Construction Soil Treatment Call today for a free estimate on 'll ,nr- 'pest control needs NADERS PEST RAIDERS ADE 904-285-0091 Serving Clay, Duval, Nassau and St. Johns Counties Residential Commercial Licensed Insured Bonded www.naderspestraiders.com ,ts'4g AID Jacksonville, FL S10' lIfs 1ma i ALBERTSONS Our Prices Bring You In Our People Bring You Back Open 24 Hours 7 Days A Week A COMPLETE FOOD & DRUG STORE Bakery Deli Liquor Camera Store 2875 University Blvd. W. 5940 Beach Blvd. 7117 Merrill Road 5435 Blanding Blvd. Jacksonville, Florida 731-4305 396-4319 744-4345 778-4906 Jacksonville, FL Obituaries a~~nah~M, RRnaR~ [ Page 3 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR May 2004 Future Are Real Are These Just Coincidences in the Word of God? Our Lord Jesus said in Matthew 25:6, "At the midnight hour was a cry made. Behold the Bridegroom cometh. Go ye out to meet Him." 1 In the llth book (1 King), Ilth chapter, lith verse of the Bible, God takes the Kingdom from Solomon. Was it coincidence that in the 11th hour of the 1 Ith day of the llth month of 1918 the First World War Armistice was signed and Jerusalem was freed from Turkish rule which had lasted 66 years? 2 Is it a coincidence that Jesus waited Prayer Events and True 1) ,r^^asw ^ Welcome The English word, "Prayer," is applicable to the Arabic word, "Dua," and the Arabic word, "Salat." The use of the English word, prayer, then means either the Arabic word Dua, Arabic word Salat, individually or collectively. Dua is offered anytime, at any place, by raising hands about face and supplication to Allah, Almighty. It is prohibited With the seventh- century Muslim invasion, some Christians welcomed the Muslim Arabs, because often the Islamic protection was better than that of Constantinople or the Persians. With this new regime Christians were given a special but secondary status in society (dhimmi) which offered government protection. But there was is prayer continued on page 11 to .Jackson~ille. Home of"SuDer Bowll 2oor!" Rev. Fred Massabni according to Jewish custom until He was 30 years of age to preach? If you add 30 years to 1918, the nation of Israel came of age or was reborn in 1948. 3 Could it be a coincidence that God have man 70 years to live? In Daniel 9:24 we read, "Seventy years are determined upon thy people and upon the holy continued on page 4 By Dr. Qazi Muhammad Barkatullah to look towards the sky or Heaven while offering Dua. (Bukhari.) Dua can be said alone or with a Buying, Selling, Relocating, or Investing?? Call the BEST!! CALL BUNNY! Bmnny Geoige, CRS Watson Realty Corp. 904-'4 t-4343 Office REAL ESTATE 904-635-30.'34 Cellular (904-.363-,2011 Homeo, 7Y) -) 24. EH-our Free emergencyy service Estimates TREE SERVICE * Removal Firewood Trimming Mulch Stump Grinding .Debris Hauling Jac 727-0839 Jacksonville, FL ABLE PLUMMING REPAIR SERVICE $10.00 OFF A SERVICE CALL! Cal: (904) 264-9621 During Normal Hours Mon. Fri. Orange Park, FL RF 0041068 M.J. SIMON REALTOR APPRAISER (904) 356-2489 432 East Monroe Street Jacksonville, FL METROPOLITAN NIGHT EVERY THURSDAY CHAMPAGNE TASTING 6 8PM & ACID JAZZ 7PM 12AM RI E . group. Salat a price to pay, a special tax (jizya), in addition to continued on page 12 0(09RMo Best Wisies Fromn r ;T TIM KLAIBER ? P (904) 642-4030 Fax: (904) 642-6133 3205 Forest Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32246 BEAUTERIA BEAUTY SALON FULL SERVICE SALON FOR MEN & WOMEN For Over 34 Years (904) 398-3861 5665 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville, FL C.L. 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LFD WINE SHOP WITH OVER 700 DIFFERENT WINES TEMPTI tIG TAPAS MENU LIVE MUSIC FRI. & SAT PARTIES A 60 WINES BY THE GLASS I BLOCK PAST PGA TOUR BLVD ON RIGHT IN THE VERANDA 285/0991 CATERING A Retrospect on Eastern Christianity Page 4 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR May 2004 FLORIDA Third Muslim Business Torched in Texas CAIR-San Antonio to hold 'community solidarity' news conference On Wednesday, April 7, the San Antonio, Texas, office of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-San Antonio) will hold a "community solidarity" news conference in reaction to an arson attack on Monday on a local Muslim business, the third such incident in three weeks. Participants in the news conference will include local elected officials and representatives from a number of civil liberties organizations, minority groups and law enforcement agencies. WHEN: Wednesday, April 7, 1:15 p.m. WHERE: Esperana Peace and Justice Center, 922 San Pedro, San Antonio, Texas CONTACT: CAIR-San Antonio, Sarwat Husain, 2 1 0 3 7 8 9 5 2 8, santonio@cair-net.org "If bias is indeed the motive for these attacks, our community needs to send a clear message to the perpetrators that bigotry and hatred will not be tolerated," said CAIR-San Antonio Executive Director Sarwat Husain. The first fire was set at Ziaa Abbasi's Texaco station on March 24. The 'second was at Ameen Jiveni's Kwik Pantry on March 29. The latest fire occurred at the, Muslim- operated Commercial Food Mart early Monday. All fires were set using gasoline at about 3 a.m. Arson investigators say they cannot label the fires as hate crimes until they arrest a suspect. SEE: : "Third Muslim Owned Convenience Store Set On Fire" http: //www.woai.com/news ilocal/story.aspx?content) id=6DE79D2E-EE7D- 4 FF 9-A 7 A 8 continued on page 12 * Skilled Nursing SPhysical, Occupational, Neurological And Speech Therapy * Infusion Therapy * Home Health Aides * Care Available 24 Hours A Day ,'36 Days A Year * Medicare/Medicaid Certified/ Private Insurance * Private Duty Services 386-248-2510 Daytona Beach, FL Care You Can Count Onf - Bradford Pre-School License #030969 904-964- 4361 407 W. Washington Starke, FL King Automotive Inc. 305-576- 3515 260 NW 28th Street Miami, FL Future Events (continued from page 3) transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy."' God gave Israel 70 weeks. Terah was 70 when he begat Abraham. Israel was destroyed in 70 AD. Is it coincidence that 70 added to 1918 gives you 1988? You might ask, Why 40 years? It was the time of the generation that could not see the promised land. They wandered 40 years in the wilderness Our Lord Jesus also said that the generation to see the fig tree bud and give forth leaves knows that summer is near. Israel is now blooming. This generation shall nor pass until all these things be done. In Mark 13:26-27 we read, "And then shall they see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. And then shall he send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the uttermost part of the earth to the uttermost part of heaven." Also, 40 in the Word of God denotes a time or times of testing, waiting, and proving. For example: 1 The 12 men who checked our the Promised Land took 40 days. 2 Jesus fasted and prayed 40 days before being tempted. 3 Moses was 40 days getting the 10 commandments from God. 4 It rained 40 days and 40 nights a the flood. 5 Goliath's defiance of God's army lasted 40 days. 6 Our Lord Jesus spent 40 days after 'the. resurrection, with His disciples. 7 The generation of people who were alive with Jesus did not pass away until the temple was destroyed and the people dispersed in AD 70, 40 continued on page 18 Regular & One Time Cleaning Moove In & Move Ouls Senior Cilizen Discounls Special Heallh Needs Bonded & Insured Please mentionAd When Calling -- Call Today For A No Obligation Estimate Contact Us Online 24/7 at www.maidbrigade.com Coral Springs, FL Kitchen and Vanity Counter Tops Large Selection of Marble, Ceramic, SGranite, & Porcelain Visit Our Showroom (813) 882-0900 4802 W. 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Coplan For Advertising Information Write P.O.Box 5545 Jacksonville, Florida 32247 Phone (904) 737-6996 Postmaster-send change of address to the above address Please send your letters, news stories, pictures and club activities to The Editor's Desk. 4251 University Blvd. S., Suite 201, Jacksonville, Florida 32216 Subscription Rate: $15.00 per year Scholarship Winners Young Adult Affiliate Scholarship WJ136 .'".fLet .ltely P(-1 o. !\.rlcil,( Anawaty-Karan Scholarship I ,Tcxa 1tl6& YOUR CAR TO A PROVE"' TAKE YOUR CAR TO A PROVEN PRO ELECTRICAL REPAIRS DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE BRAKE REPAIRS FUEL INJECTION TUNE-UPS COOLING SYSTEMS CLUTCH REPAIR 0 Off Blue Angel Parkway 4930 Cerny Rd. Pensacola, FL IFC Helps Create Syria's First Private Bank on Over 40 Years The International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, has formalized a $3m equity investment for a 10% shareholding in the Bank of Syria and Overseas (BSO), helping to create Syria's first private sector continued on page 12 UUDai Announces 3bn Theme Park Dubai's MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) sector has been given increased prominence with the opening of the Dubai International Convention Center, including new hotels with extensive meeting facilities and the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing's (DTCM) increased marketing activities. Several public and private sector developments in the forthcoming years will continue to provide delegates with a combination of suitable products. The recently continued on page 13 SWorldwide Delivery Fullw S.kevyce iortom Locally Owned & Oprated Let's Not Forget Mother's Day! Call For Our Specials! 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I, upmomeda edlt service V Carpet / Ceramic Tile v Pergo V Vinyl OAE T nO SW Mon-thur 9-8 / Wood NDO i-Sat 9-6 10 EAST ORLANDO 1 Mon-thur 9-8 Fri-Sat 9-6 Dr. ila Dr 10376 E. Colonial Dr. ng Pkwy. 1/2 mile East of Dean Rd. I Orlando, FL rERG Page 6 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR May 2004 GEORGIA Maaloula (continued from page 1) Jesus would say it. They were studying the alphabet and structure of Aramaic, a language whose_ speakers once spanned the Middle East. It is, an obscure little program in a tiny town in Syria that has suddenly become a topic of excitement within the stony confines of Maaloula, 30 miles northeast of Damascus. The thrills are a result of the hit movie "The Passion of the Christ," in which Aramaic is used as dialogue, along with Latin. Once the town, with its shrine to an ancient saint, was mainly an out-of-the-way destination for Christian pilgrimage. Suddenly tourists are trekking up a winding mountain road to hear the sounds of Aramaic, at once.gutterat and lilting. Residents happily respond to requests to recite poems or sing songs. "The movie has put us on the map," said Ranjess Shelbab, a pharmacist MAJOR'S BARBER & BEAUTY SHOP 478-825-8619 201 EAST CHURCH ST. FT. VALLEY, GA HOUSE OF STYLE 478-929-3092 132 MANOR COURT WARNER ROBINS who attends the classes given by St. Tekla Greek Melkite Catholic Church here. "Everybody wants us to speak Aramaic. I want to get it right." Aramaic is related to Hebrew and Arabic. Some of the Dead Sea Scrolls are written in the ancient language. The Arab expansion of the 7th century elbowed out Aramaic, but it survived in small communities in Iran, Syria, Turkey and Iraq. Aside from Maaloula, a predominantly Christian town, villagers in two Muslim towns in Syria also use Aramaic in daily life. Everybody in the hamlet uses Aramaic; Arab speakers who come to town don't understand what's going on. Before there was a school to teach the language, it survived by being handed down from parents to their children. Today, most people in the village speak Arabic, too. And if people from Maaloula want to work in continued on page 14 Roberson Day Care 912-496-3620 13 Milton St. Folkston, GA UAE (continued from page 1) talking about one of the kingdom's long-hidden problems: violence against women. Rania al-Baz has been hailed as a hero for letting newspaper photographers snap pictures of her face and for frankly discussing her case after she said a beating by her husband this month left her her husband of six years, singer Mohammed Bakr 'al-Fallatta, had beaten her before. But she said the April 10 attach was especially vicious, and that she thought he wanted to kill her. He has not been seen or heard from since. Police say when they find al-Fallatta, he will likely face charges of abuse and attempted murder. unconscious. Her story has been widely reported in the Saudi media. A Saudi princess stepped forward to pay al-Baz's medical bills. 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Alpharetta, GA (Intersection of Jones Brirge Rd. & Old Alabama, next to CVS Pharmacy) Alpharetta, GA Page 7 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR.. May 2004 NORTH CAROLINA/SOUTH CAROLINA Masry (continued from page 1) assembly seat whose district lines favor Republican candidates. The race has also drawn international attention. "I'm the hottest .thing in Saudi Arabia," Mrs. Masry, 55, said in a recent interview. "All the newspapers have my pictures." One Saudi reporter, Mrs. Masry said, called in the middle of the night to ask her definition of democracy. (Her answer: "Responsibility.") "They were fascinated by how I could run and how people could accept me,"-- she said. Mrs. Masry left Saudi Arabia at age 9 with two siblings to attend boarding school in Egypt. Her parents wanted her to be the first girl in the family to get a formal education. She received a degree in journalism from the University of, Cairo, then lived in Britain and Nigeria before moving to the United States in 1979. She now teaches history and government at Cleveland High School in Los Angeles. "Coming here, it was like at last 1 can find my freedom," she said. "I can speak my mind." She is not shy about dong just that, even when her views apparently conflict with those of a majority of the district's voters. "The Middle East doesn't need war," she declared. Mrs. Masry speaks with pride of her son, whose unit, the 425th Civil Affairs Battalion, is working to rebuild and reopen institutions like hospitals and schools. "I want him to represent what America is all about," she said. her son maintains a Web site in Baghdad (omarmasry.net/l .htm) that includes a Web log that provides a running commentary on the war. In an e-mail message, Omar Masry described how one Iraqi wanted his mother to nmove back to the Middle East and run for office in Iraq. 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In the They learned to simplify northern municipality of administrative Rahbeh, for instance, the procedures, standardize amount of tax collected budget revenue and went from $48 in 2001 to expenditures, and use $199,313 in 2003. information technology. The $17 million Large municipalities program, implemented by opened citizen reception the Center for Legislative offices, where people can Development at the State get answers to their University of New York questions or register their (SUNY), is also helping complaints. Other cities to reform and modernize launched public websites. Lebanon's parliament and The USAID program oversight agencies. trained more than 1,550 The program provided employees of 600 parliament with a legal municipalities in reference database with customer service and the all Lebanese laws, use of the reengineered decrees, and government and automated decisions since 1920 and administrative and continued on page 15 FOREST LAKE CHILD CARE CENTER LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED BY PETRA LEE PROUDLY SERVING FLORENCE & SURROUNDING AREAS! *6 WEEKS TO 12 YEARS PART TIME OR FULL TIME REGISTRATION FOR PRE-K 843-667-6221 3128 South Cashua Dr. Florence, S.C. PROPANE GAS, INC. PR'*SnWflg~haflmCounty Marwg*r(.yC~mpk, Proudly Serving Durham County Manager Lacy Compton We are an authorized distributor for L.P. gas in both bottled and bulk forms. Please feel free. to give us a call anytime you have a question regarding L.P. gas service in the local area. 919-477-2950 3117-B Guess Rd. Durham, NC U.S. SKYLINK INC. 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New Bern, NC THE DRUG STORE -H Panrmaic of i e Year! 626 Center Drive Town & Country Center Lincolnton,NC For all your prescription needs Convenient drivc-through window Fast, efficient and personal service Home health care needs j'JT~S.'". : .... -.Aon o 4'. P. .,, ._,,,, '' Page 8 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR May 2004 VIRGINIA/MARYLAND Algeria (continued from page 1) especially of the missing, continue to haunt the government and military. A military coup in 1992 prevented an Islamist government from taking power, but it introduced years if terror. More than 150,000 people died, killed by both rebels and government forces. Many of the dead a tenth have never been found; their relatives, like Alu Merabetm are still trying to find the remains. Thanks to an amnesty four years ago, former Islamist rebels have been helping the search. Libya (continued from page 1) giving up weapons of mass destruction. Libya's actions "have made our country and the world safer," the While House said. The easing of sanctions imposed in 1986 and those imposed under a 1996 Libya sanctions law will allow a resumption of oil imports from Libya FAMILY PLUS ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY 301-877-7909 9007 Pine View Lane Clinton, MD Fax: 301 -877-79110 Please Mention Ad When Calling Peering into a brick- lined well in the orange groves here, Merabet and a former rebel, Hafid Oumedi, stood discussing whether the bones of Merabet's brothers, Aziz and Merzak, might lie at the bottom. There are four wells within walking distance ofthe spot where, Oumedi says, he saw the two young men led away nine years go. He fears that their throats were cut and that any one of those wells could be their grave. That is how Algeria's Islamiic fighters did things back then; cutting throats kept the killing quiet; dumping bodies saved and permit most commercial activities, financial transactions and investments. It also will permit American oil companies to resume commercial activities in Libya. Marathon, ConocoPhilips, Amerjada Hess and Occidental all have assets in Libya but have been barred by the U.S. government from fO VIRGINIA SURVEILLANCE FORCE INC. Serving Northern Virginia With Quality Services VADCJS LIC. #11-2371 *Armed & Unarmed Security Uniformed & Plain Clothed Officers Vehicle Patrol Services * Investigation & Process Serving www.vsfprotection.com Merrifield, VA time. "There was no smell here," said a farm worker, adding that a well a few hundred feet to the north smelled for months around that time. But such searches are furtive affairs. Victims' families say the government forbids such searches. "They don't want to open the graves because they risk opening the graves in which they have buried bodies themselves," Merabet said. The government only recently conceded that people were missing, having argued for years operating there since 1986. Libyan assets held in the United States or by U.S. banks will remain frozen. Bush rolled back the sanctions as a result of Libya's decision late last year to abandon weapons of mass destruction., "Through its actions, Libya has set a standard that we hope other nations that they had joined the Islamists. The president, Abdelaziz Bouteflika, once berated a distraught mother by saying he did not have missing people in his pocket. It is not only the pain of" loss that families deal with. If they are unable to confirm a death, it is hard to collect pensions and benefits. And under an archaic law, children cannot leave the country and girls cannot marry without the written consent of their fathers, and if the fathers are missing, the children face maddening bureaucratic hurdles. will emulate in rejecting weapons of mass destruction and in working constructively with international organizations to halt the proliferation of the world's most dangerous systems," White House press secretary Scott McClellan said. 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Jordan (continued from page 1) multimedia technology services. Some are housed in government offices, others with NGOs. The network of stations is one of many programs contributing to the Jordanian government's initiative, "Connecting Jordanians." By 2006, a broadband learning and public access network will link all schools, colleges, universities, and telecenters in the country. The initiative, launched in October 2000 with the king's personal funds, CLERICS (continued from page 1) women who unveil themselves or mingle with men.. Saudi Arabia reported less than normal rainfall over the winter months. Addressing hundreds in Mecca, Grand Mosque cleric Abdel Rahman bin Abdel Aziz al-Sudeis said Muslims should purify their hearts of "envy, now involves USAID, a host of other donor agencies, and several foundations. One is the Case Foundation of Steve Case, the cofounder of America Online. USAID and the Case Foundation each contributed $250,000 to the knowledge station program. The program includes training courses that cover topics ranging from basic computer literacy to advanced technology skills. More than 37,000 Jordanians have enrolled, and more than 60 percent of those receiving jealousy, breaking (relations), and enmity hatred, off quarrels for trivial reasons," and ask for God's forgiveness. He singled out women, saying their sins included bedeckingg, unveiling, mingling (with men), being indifferent with hijab (the veil)." BBC XR COaclics. Mini BIuss. Vs. vns. Sdans. & L.im s. 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The knowledge station SAID (continued from page 1) Andrew S. Natsios has appointed Walid Maalouf as director of Public Diplomacy for Middle Eastern and Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) Affairs within USAID's Bureau of Legislative and Public. Affairs. Mr. Maalouf served at the United States Mission to the United Nations (U.N.) in New York since September initiative is one of five activities of USAID's "Achieving Market- Friendly Initiatives and Results" (AMIR) project. NetCorps Jordan, another AMIR program, offers technology and business training to the interns who assist clients in thd knowledge stations. AMIR, implemented in partnership with Jordan's private sector and government, is now devising ways to make the internet stations financially self- sustaining. 2003 as the Alternate Representative of the United States to the U.N. 58th General Assembly. He was an integral member of the Middle East team at the Mission and the first U.S. representative to deliver a speech at the U.N. in Arabic. Ambassadir John D. Negroponte, the U.S. Permanent Representative to the U.N. said: "We commend Mr. Maaloufs energy, patience, and continued on page 14 ALL PHAZE ELECTRIC INC. Over 20 Years Experience Residential* Commercial All Phases Of Electrical House Power Breaker Service Ceiling Fans Club Basements Extra Outlets Store Lighting Maintenance 410.646.7620 EMERGENCY SERVICE AVAILABLE ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED Please Mention This Ad When Calling Baltimore, MD Please Mention Ad When Calling ount ie etnnels LUXURY BOARDING FOR DOGS & CATS 301-855-8308 410-741-5011 www-countrysidekennels.com Owings, MD COVERSTAR EAST COAST INC. 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In 2002, Bahrain's voters elected a parliament. Qataris last year approved a new constitution with free speech guarantees. Political change is also under way in the gulf state of Kuwait, while a new wave of economic development has transformed parts of the United Arab Emirates, with only Saudi Arabia still largely grasping on to its status quo. The steps have been small by Western standards, but impressive for the Middle East, one of the least democratic regions of the world. They have been fueled, in part; by the growing affluence - and gathering restlessness of an expanding middle class that has access to the world through travel, the Internet, and satellite television. "When we see Tony Blair grilled by parliament live on TV, we are affected, believe me," said Nasser Sh- Almowaizri, a moderate Islamist professor at Kuwait University, referring to the British Prime Minister. "People are ready for change." How the gulf's experiments play out could be an indicator, as much as what happens in Iraq, of whether freedom and 'democracy will flower any time soon in the- Arab world. That matters to Americans, because everyone from leftist Arab intellectuals to President Bush agree that people who enjoy political freedom in their own countries are less likely to engage in terrorism abroad. continued pn Page 19 Carpet & Oriental Rug Store Essa (continued from page 2) 22, 1925. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, Shriner, and a member of St. George Greek Orthodox Church. Mr. Essa was preceded in death by his parents, Maria and Alex Essa and sister, Nijmeh Habeeb. He is survived by his loving wife Lelia; daughters, The Bitars (continued from page 2) Antiochian Orthodox Church. The bride, daughter of Lucy and George Elias, Orange Park, graduated 'from the University of North Florida and is employed by Bank of America. The bridegroom, son of Badia and Milad Bitar, graduated from Salwa Valles, Leila and Aleta Essa; sons, Alex, Daniel, Charles, Mike, and Eddie Essa; sisters, Nabiha Karoush and Yasmin Zabak; grandchildren, Ryan, Michael, Anthony, Matthew, Emily, Adam, Elena, Elise, Melissa, Jessica, Alexis, and Isaac. Obituaries Continue on Page 17 Jacksonville University and is employed by Bank of America. Dianne Elias was the maid of honor, and Steve Bitar was the best man. Following a trip to Tahiti. and Bora Bora, the couple will live in Jacksonville. The Skaffs (continued from page 2) 1.8, 1954, in Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Jacksonville. She is the former Ruth Audrey Wilkerson. Their sons are David Joseph Skaff, Michael Leon Skaff and Dennis- Christopher Skaff, all of Jacksonville. The Skaffs have seven grandchildren. Please Support the Advertisers of the Syrian Lebanese Star. 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County Road Midland, TX Prayer (continued from page 3) incumbent upon Muslim male and female five times a dat. Salat is offered in prescribed manner at prescribed time. Salat is obligatory prayer. It can be offered alone or with a group at home or at a place or worship called "Masjid." While private obligatory Salat is permissible but congregational Salat is preferable. Holy Prophet of Islam is reported to have said that congregational Salat- Obligatory prayer has twenty seven times more reward than Salat offered at home alone. Dua or Salat-prayer is not any sort of penalty for the Muslims. It should be offered with full awareness, voluntarily, cheerfully, earnestly, and sincerely. A Muslim should have faith that he or she is under the watchful eyes of the Almighty Allah. And that He has the power to remove distresses and make his or her life harmonious and pleasant. As a matter of fact, a-' Believer must be in full sense when saying prayer. Actually; when a Muslim is not in the state of awareness, he or she is prohibited to offer Salat and so to speak Dua. According to the Holy Quran; "0 Ye who believe! Go not near prescribed prayer Salat or so to say, Dua, when you are not in full sense, until you know what you are saying, nor when you are unclean, except when you are travelling along a way, until you have bathed. 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But this millet system reinforced the divisions among churches and splintered Christianity: Some Christians succumbed to Islam rather than remain in a subordinate social standing. Yet Christianity thrived in many places, and Christians remained the majority in that region into the ninth century. In these times Eastern and Western Christianity became increasingly estranged religiously and politically. Western Christianity was more strongly adversarial toward Islam. This resulted in the Crusades of the eleventh -to thirteenth centuries. The Crusades began as a desire to free the Holy Land from the Muslims, but ended with the sack of Constantinople and the Eastern churches. Western Christianity oppressed the Christian East. Christian nations oppressed the Muslims. Because Islam did not recognize the separation of religion and government, the Muslims failed to see the difference between local Christians of the East and the hostile Western Christian governments that mounted the Crusades.. Several Muslim dynasties rules following the Crusades. The last was the Ottoman Empire, which established its capital in Constantinople (Istanbul) in 1453. The continued on page 17 Interactive Family Chiropractic SDr. H Khayal 111111311 4-1=111111 Emergencies and new patients seen immediately! FREE CONSULTATION! Most insurance accepted fully covered! Open: Monday thru Saturday 214-718-9150 Convenient Richardson Location: 300 N. (oil Rd., Suite250 At Coit & Beltline Richardson, TX SULTANA'S DRY CLEAN SUPER CENTER Please Mention Ad When Calling Drive-Thru Available 24 Hr. Express Service Drop Expert Alteration on Site All Work Done On Site (972) 243-1982 3709 Spring Valley Road Addison, TX Texas (continued from page 4) 21C778DD3720 "Pair of fires leaves Muslim Community Concerned" http:www.mysanantoni o.com/news/metrostories/ MYSA04.02B_gas_fire_ 0404.5f44843.html. "We are monitoring the situation in San Antonio to se if it fits into the IFC (continued from page 4) banl since nationalization og the system in 1961. IFC's equity stake in BSO represents its. first investment in a Syrian financial intermediary and underlines IFC's growing pattern of anti- Muslim incidents in our society," said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad. Last month, vandals wrote "sand n*gets" and "America rocks b*tch" on the interior walls of the Islamic Center of the South Plains in Lubbock, Texas. commitment to helping the economy become more conductive to private sector investments. 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(972) 283-1160 SOUTH WEST CENTER MALL (RED BIRD MALL) 3662 W. CAMP WISDOM RD #1053 Dallas, TX 75237 ~ia~l Anwk IFC (continued from page 12) been available to local private, retail and corporate firms, enhance competition in the banking system by creating a model of "best practices" for current and future commercial banks. Dubai (continued from page 5) announced 3bn Dubailand theme park, will be one of the world's largest investments in a leisure complex covering 2bn sq feet with an artificial rain forest and indoor ski-slope, themed venues, a shopping mall and several five-star hotels. Masry (continued from page 7) Masry is a novelty in the Persian Gulf, she is also an exception in this country. "There has been virtually no immigration to speak of from Saudi Arabia," said James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, which plans to contribute to Mrs. Masry's campaign. Most of the Saudis in the United States live in Southern California, Mr. Zobgy said. The roster of Arab- Americans in politics includes Ralph- Nader, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and Representative Darrell Issa, Republican of California. Mrs. Masry is a Muslim, which would make her one of only a handful of Muslim elected officials nationwide. Mrs. Masry became he only Democrat in the race after another candidate became ill and dropped out. She secured a rare write-in victory, garnering about 3,700 votes to surpass the 1,200 needed to make it on the general election ballot. "It was a miracle," Mrs. Masry. said. Mrs. Masry's longshot campaign received some help from Michael S. Dukakis, who is in AL- AMIR FOOD STORE Fine Mediterranean Food Your Family Market for all Your Shopping Needs Come See Us! 7 Days a Week 9 AM 9 PM Middle Eastern and Persian Food 817-355-0601 fax: 817-868-1489 207 Martha Street #B Euless, TX 76040 Burger Barn FRESH GRILLED OLD FASHIONED HAMBURGERS 254-752-2502 1700 Colcord Waco, TX Cervis Plumbing Inc. 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"This is an overwhelmingly Republican district." Re g i s t e re d Republicans outnumber Democrats by 46 percent to. 34 percent in the district, but two Republican candidates for governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger and State Senator Tom McClintock, received a combined 77 percent of the vote in the recall election last fall. Mrs. Masry said Mr. Schwarzenegger. had cut too many social programs and relied too heavily on borrowing, to solve the state's budget problems. "He doesn't have complete programs or complete solutions," she said. Asked whether she supported a constitutional continued on page 15 Auntie Chanr's DumpyCing q4ouse Chinese Restaurant Houston, TX "...the best dumplings in town..." 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Central Expressway Richardson, Texas 75080 Home1 Auto Lifer~ Renter Page 14 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR May 2004 TEXAS/NEW MEXICO Maaloula (continued from page 6) Damascus, Arabic is a must. Largely because of "The Passion's" Aramaic dialogue, it's hard to find someone in mountainside Maaloula who has not seen the Mel Gibson film. Therese Chahine, who keeps house at the St. Tekla monastery, was appreciative but quibbled with the linguistics. Except where Jesus is speaking Aramaic versions of familiar scripture, she had a hard time understanding the dialogue. "I think they were using a mixture. Sometimes it seemed like Hebrew, sometimes like Arabic. It wasn't like we speak," she said gently. Although Aramaic is spoken here, few residents can read the 29- letter alphabet. Its grammar is improvised. Elias Saliba, the parish priest who began the Aramaic study course three years ago; said he hopes the town can benefit from the new interest in Aramaic. "The Passion" prompted the Syrian government to announce funding for his courses, but the money has yet to appear. "It may take a miracle," Saliba said. The Greek Melkites owe allegiance to the Roman Catholic pope. Beyond the devotion to the language, "The Passion" also plays into traditions dealing with Christian suffering in this ancient hamlet. "It makes us focus on the sacrifice of Jesus. It distills it. I saw it three times," Saliba said. Little :Maaloula, population 5,000 and folded into rocky overhangs, is the site of Saint Tekla's tomb. Christians regard her as continued on page 15 FARMER' S INSURANCE GROUP 75 Years Serving America Serving the Muslim Community anywhere in Texas ICN l For your quote comparison and i7 all your InsuranceNeeds call (713) 269-5777 12651 Briar Forest #162 Houston, TX 77077 e.mail: bshaath@farmersagent.com LAW OFFICE OF KAREN H. PENNINGTON Practice Limited to Immigration Law 2501 Oak Lawn Ave., Suite 100 Dallas, TX 75219 E-mails: Penningtonlaw@yahoo.com English and Spanish, & Farsi Spoken Not Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization Libya (continued from page 8) world safer."' Gadhafi also has garnered international backing with his decision to accept responsibility for the 1988 Pan Am 103 bombing. Libya has pledged $2.7 billion to compensate families of the airliner's 270 victims. Libya still is on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. Nations on the list are barred from receiving arms-related exports or sales of U.S. origin or receiving U.S. economic assistance. The U.S. government also is barred from supporting loan requests from such countries in international lending institutions. The While House said SAID (continued from page 9) interest in advancing the* President's agenda while representing America to delegates from other countries with warmth and grace." Prior to these two presidential appointments Mr. Maalouf was an experienced international banker in the greater Washington D.C. area for fourteen years and was active in the international community. He is a Knight of the Sovereign Military Bush's action "does not prejudge the removal of Libya from the terrorism list or detract from Libya's obligation to fulfill its continuing Pan Am 103 commitments. "The necessity of ending any tie to terrorist groups or activities will continue to be a central issue in relations with Libya," the White House said. Citing Libya's new stand, the White House said that Gadhafi's government "has taken significant steps eliminating weapons of mass destruction programs and longer- range missiles, and has reiterated its pledge to halt all support for terrorism. Order of Malta and a member of the Consular Corps of Washington, D.C., the American Task Force for Lebanon and the U.S. - Bahraini Friendship Society. 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Legislators can review how funds were spent and Masry (continued from page 13) amendment that would make it possible for immigrants like her or Mr. Schwarzenegger to run for president, Mrs. Masry sounded as if she were teaching her high school civics class. "We should not touch the Constitution," she said. "It is only five pages and 7,000 words. It's beautiful as it is." Maaloula (continued from page 14) the first woman martyr. She met Saint Paul in Antioch, was inspired, gave up pantheistic religions and began to follow Christianity. Her parents became outraged and tattled to the Roman governor. Her ordered her make comparisons between proposed and previous budgets. A manual provided to parliamentarians outlines the internal structure and history of the Lebanese parliament as well as the publications of the parliamentary library. The program also introduced an electronic system that displays parliamentary votes on a first dumped into a pit of lions and then onto a bonfire. The animals did not cooperate and a heavenly rainstorm doused the flames. (Mel, call your agent!) She followed Paul, who was on his way to Damascus, but because her parents sent assassins to pursue her, she hid in the rugged stonetopped mountains here. Another miracle ensued: The mountains opened up to ease her escape, Maaloulans say. In Aramaic, Maaloula means entrance or gap. Tekia lived in a cave watered by a natural spring and died in peace. The 1,700-yea-old Church of Sergius and Bacchus is another monument to martyrdom. The saints were high- 1 I I aaAlrJ11-1113 I I 'I RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL SHomes Decks SRestaurants Offices Mobile Homes & More Auto Detailing also available Please Mention rTis Ad When Calling White Lake, MI ABSOLUTE PEST CONTROL SNatural & Organic Treatments Only * Insect, Humane Animal Control Free Estimates With Mention of This Ad Serving S.E. Oakland County Berkley, MI SC~ 1 C~l wall visible to the media and the public. The program also helped reform three oversight agencies. One is the Court of Audit (COA), which has administrative and judicial control over public expenditures. The others are the Civil Service Board (CSB) and the Central Inspection Board (CIB), which maintain government ranking Roman comrades-in-arms who refused the invitation of invitation of the Emperor Maximianus to perform animal sacrifices to Roman gods. Enrages, he sent them off to a province along the Ephrates River, with instructions that the military commander there get them to relent or kill them. Both soldiers refused. Bacchus was beaten to death but appeared in a vision to Sergius and urged him to stay the personnel records and respond to citizens' complaints about civil employees. With USAID's help, CIB created a website that makes it easier for citizens to file complaints, and COA developed a pre-auditing. system to double-check proper allocation of budget funds. course. The Roman commander tried to change his mind by making him walk in boots filled with nails that drove into his feet. he torture failed, so the commander had Sergius beheaded. The year was A.D. 297. The stone church has an alter in the style of pagan platforms, triangular with raised edges, to contain the blood, from the kind of sacrifices Sergius and Bacchus rejected. continued in Page 716 CHALKER JORDAN & BURGESS FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1930 Commercial & Residential Specialists Member Michigarn Pest Control Association CHALKER JORDAN & BURGESS PEST CONTROL Insects Rodents Animals Wasps Toll Free 1 -800-264-3526 31505 Grand River Farmington Hills, MI (248) 615-0110 Your Advocate From Start to Finish Over 25 Years Experience Auditoriums & Industrial Sound New Construction & Renovation Member of: NSCA, AES, ITVA - David R. 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Elsewhere in the Middle East, language seems to have little to do with the buzz over "The Passion." Rather, the focus in some places has been on cemtemporary preoccupations with political martyrdom. The victims are the Palestinians. Proprietors of the Damnascus theater first tried to advertise the film as "the movie that upset the Jews." The government wouldn't allow it. Damascus theatre-goers frequently relate "The Passion" to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. "It looks' like what we see on TV. Soldiers hitting civilians," said Mustaga Zeidani, a notary public. Reports from the West Bank say that pirated DVDs of "The Passion" are circulating there and that Arab-language satellite television aired shots of eager Palestinians gathering around screens to watch. Nabil Abu R-deineh, a spokesman for Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, commented, "The Palestinians are- daily exposed to the kind of. pain Jesus was exposed to during his Crucifixion." 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She was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Saleh Hismeh, Sr., her parents, Rizzallah and Mary Charles; 2 sisters; Mary Charles and Josephine Charles; and I brother, Alfred Charles, Sr. Survivors include her daughter and her husband, Elaine and Adil Salem; her son and his wife, Thomas Jr. and Vera Hismeh; 2 sisters; Maaloula (continued from page 16) Jesus as a prophet, they reject the Crucifixion and Resurrection stories. At St. John of Damascus Greek Catholic Church, an imam spoke at a seminar about the film Jeanette Dudum and Jean Charles; 3 brothers, George, Leo and Joe Charles; 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren The family will receive friends at 6:00 p.m. and the Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday,m March 31, 2004 at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 6320 Bennett Road. The Mass was celebrated at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, with Msgr. Mortimer Danaher officiating. Internment followed in St. Mary's Catholic Ceremony. The pallbearers were George A. Bajalia, A. George Bajalia II, Charles Carroll, George Jaghab, Lawrence Ossi and Michael Ossi and said, "Jesus .set an example that on Earth there is suffering but reward in the afterlife." The Aramaic class in St. Tekla's is held three times a week in a basement. Teacher continued in Page 18 UCLA SPORTS CAMP Boys & Girls, Ages 6-18 Day & Overnight Camps BASEBALL GYMNASTICS TENNIS * BASKETBALL SOCCER TRACK & FIELD *FOOTBALL SOFTBALL -VOLLEYBALL *GOLF INSTRUCTION FROM UCLA COACHES www.uclabruins.com 310-206-3550 Morgan Center, Los Angeles, CA HELP FOR TROUBLED SENIORS We deal with: Problems of relationships with adult children Lonliness Loss of loved ones Adjusting to retirement and other troubles you may have. We meet Thursday morning 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. I have over 35 years of experience and specialize in treating of older adults. Call me at (310) 824-5922 HINDY NOBLER, PHD. LCSW #36 Medicare Accepted Los Angeles, CA Soud (continued from page 2) Church, 2137 Hendricks Avenue, with Dr. Vincent Kolb officiating. Internment following in Oaklawn Cemetary. Mr. Soud was a native long resident of Jacksonville and served with the U.S. Navy during WWII. Along with his brothers, Mr. Soud owned and operated Soud Brothers and Sentinel Alarm Companies. He Retrospect (continued from page 12) Ottomans reinforced the subordinates status of Christians and Jews through the millet system. The Ottoman caliph considered "Armenian" those Christians who rejected the Council of Chalcedon. This led to frictions and internal quarrels in the differing millets. In the latter times of the Ottoman Empire, European nations opened commercial contacts on the Near East and Middle East. The European powers requested the right, to protect their was predeceased by his former wife; Dorothy Soud. He is survived by his wide, Mary Shad Soud. One Daughter; Rhonda. Myers (John). One Brother, Judge A, C, Soud, Jr. One Son; Victor Soud, Jr. (Debbie). Two grandsons, David and Douglas. A faithful and loving caretaker, Joyce Golphin, Several nieces and nephews. trading clients, often Christians. -Different governments protected different churches, and this aligned Eastern churches with European political centers. Gradually this disrupted the millet system as European governments wanted equality of citizenship for Eastern Christians. With Islam, religion and government are joined in the service of God, and the same person usually provides both religious and civic leadership. 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(Holy Quran 4:44) According to the Verse Maaloula (continued from page 17) George Ruzkallah writes the angular alphabet on a white board and the students try to bring it to life. "I want to learn it properly so I can be a teacher of it," said Michele Khoury, a farmer who takes the class. divided by 14 generations equals 40 years. In the beginning, I asked if these were just coincidences. No. 1 set no dates. Jesus can come at any time. These dates prove that the Holy Bible is God's book and the only God and the only Bible. If you believe from all your heart that Jesus is the only Son of God, that He came down 4:44, Prayer: Salat- obligatory prater and so to speak, Dua, cannot be considered to have been properly offered if the supplicant simply utters some words and repeats Arabic words without properly understanding what he or she is saying. That is the supplicant is The language lessons haven't captivated everyone, however. The town has lost some of its population to Damascus; there is little to keep the young here. "I don't have time for Aramaic," said 14-year- old Elian Shamesh. "I am learning French." from Heaven and paid for all your sins to save you from hell, you will be saved. Jesus is God in the flesh. Isaiah 48:12, "Hearken unto me, O Jacob and Israel, my called; 1 am he; I am the fist, I am also the last." If you want to live forever with Christ in Heaven, pray this prater from all your heart. Lord not fully conscious and aware of what he or she is uttering. It is also implicit in the Verse that a Believer who is non-Arab, besides praying in the prescribed Arabic words, should also pray to Allah in his or her own tongue. Because he or she can express his or Retrospect (continued from page 12) ideal is a worldwide Muslim community ('ummah') in which politics and religion are one, and racial and ethnic distinctions are not important. The Qur'an and other Islamic religious books are the foundation for the legal system, and Jesus I believe that you are the only Son of God and paid for all my sins on the cross. Forgive me. 1 am a sinner. Enter my heart and fill me with the Spirit of God. Save me from hell, Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving my soul. her feelings and thoughts comfortably in one's own language. The prohibition to offer prayer applies to the state or condition in which one is not in full possession of himself or herself either through emotional stress, anger, hunger, being sleepy or drowsy. there is no institution parallel to the church. Christian religious leaders always had difficulty convincing their Muslim rulers of their civic loyalty because they also wanted to be in contact with the foreign religious hierarchy. The protection continued in Page 19 Call today. 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Crow 800-458-2464 Los Angeles, CA -a Page 19 THE SYRIAN-LEBANESE STAR May 2004 CALIFORNIA Retrospect (continued from page 18) by European governments increased. the doubts about the civic loyalty of Eastern Christians. With the demise of the Ottoman Empire after World War 1, European nations assumed Democracy (continued from page 10) "More is going on in the gulf in many ways than in the other Arab countries, which is ironic, considering where they were 30 years ago," said Judith Kipper, the director of the Middle East Forum at the Council on Foreign Relations in New York. "Some of these rulers seem to understand that reform is essential." Kipper said the gulfs oil wealth, which in turn has produced higher rates of education and overall human development, probably explains why these countries are edging forward in the political arena. These are the stirring of Middle Eastern democracy, and they carry the promise of greater change to come," Bush said in a well-received speech last year in which he called Arab democracy a top U.S. priority. The Bush administration is spending $130 million this year on a program to promote mandates in some parts of the former empire to form nation-states in which citizenship would be based on one's place or residence or birth rather than on religion, and in which religious organizations would be free from government change in the region, and it is trying to craft a public. diplomacy initiative to reward countries that move toward democracy. Still, the road to full- blown democracy is a long one. THe elections in the gulf countries have been about autocrats sharing a tiny slice of power, with no talk of replacing the ruling families. There is neither true freedom of speech nor freedom of the press. All the states host huge populations of Asian guest workers who do the hardest work but are excluded from politics. Although women can vote in Qatar and have been elected to office in Bahrain and Oman, they generally -lack the same rights as men in the gulf. Kuwait, liberated by U.S.-led troops in 1991, is perhaps the starkest example of how democracy can lead in unsettling directions. In 1999, the emir tried to give women the vote, but the elected National Assembly the Arab control. This was in opposition to the ideal of 'ummah,' the united community under a single governance with economic, social, and legal practices based .on religion. Today these two opposing views are still in world's strongest parliament blocked him, and no progress has been made since. Then, in last year's national elections, Islamic fundamentalists trounced liberals. Then there is United Arab Emirates, the only small gulf country that has not held a vote. It has focused on Singapore- style economic freedom, luring so many Western companies and beachgoers that Dubai has become the Middle East's trade, technology, and tourism center. But it has shown no inclination to change its autocratic contention, and vie for acceptance. In the Middle East we find as much diversity among governments concerning church and state as in the West. Eastern Christian minorities still struggle for equality of citizenship. political system. "There are achievements in the gulf, but they have to be taken in context they are moving at a glacial pace," said Les Cambell, senior director of Middle East programs at the National Democratic Institute in Washington. Most experts agree that the small gulf states, with a total population of about 10 million, are an important proving ground because of their wealth and education levels. 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