Global - Technology - Review

Those who remember Lebanon from the 1950’s and 60’s when its capital, Beirut, was a sophisticated and cosmopolitan Mediterranean resort, known as the Paris of the Middle East, will have been saddened by its descent into thirty years of civil war, armed conflict, political instability, and the recent collapse of the so-called Government of National Unity. Any hope that the great days of Lebanese tourism will return has long since faded. Lebanon has an ideal Mediterranean climate. The country is mountainous and used to be covered with dense forests of Cedar of Lebanon, the tree which is the national symbol, and which can be seen on the flag. Lebanese cuisine is famous for its selection of small dishes or mezze, not unlike tapas in Spain. These could include hummus, tabouleh, falafel or fattoush, toasted pitta with vegetables. A meal might conclude with baklava or Turkish coffee. Arak, a spirit flavoured with anise, is the national drink. Wheat and barley are grown in the fertile Beqaa Valley, as well as citrus fruits, tobacco and wine. The Arabic ruins at Anjar, the Phoenician ports of Byblos and Tyre, and, above all, the magnificent Roman remains at Baalbek, are World Heritage Sites.