In October of 1998 I was privileged to attend a conference at Villanova University entitled "Lebanon in the Twenty-first Century." Since I have conducted a course on American foreign policy in the public sector over the last 16 years, I welcomed this rare opportunity to focus on this troubled country.
Recently, the elements of that conference were assembled into a single volume, edited by Kail C. Ellis, who is dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Villanova University, and founder and former director of the Center for Arab and Islamic Studies at Villanova.
This volume is comprised of articles written by several noted and dedicated authors including Ellis. One might call it a prismatic kind of study. Such an approach could lend an uneven quality to the book; however, its editor, Kail C. Ellis, has clearly brought consistency in tone and texture to the overall reach of the book.
Each section consists of an introduction as to what will be covered, an exploration of that specific material from appropriate perspectives, and conclusion/analysis. Since contributors have expertise in several different fields, the abundance of sources available in the footnotes could be targeted as the beginnings of tomorrow's research. This formula makes this volume appealing to the general public, students and teachers.
Ellis's essential mission is twofold: First, to prime the reader on the confluence of Lebanon's intricate web of history, politics and religion as it became increasingly entwined with the geopolitical reality of its sensitive location, "sandwiched," as Ellis puts it, between its powerful neighbors, Israel and Syria. One increasingly comes to understand that Lebanon is but a microcosm of the most multi-dimensional problem haunting the world currently: the Israeli-Palestinian deadlock. Lebanon's life as a nation, in the Ellis perspective, is virtually "on hold" until this nagging, seemingly insolvable problem is addressed with some degree of authority.
Secondly, in his preface, Ellis states that, "Works on contemporary Lebanon are hardly an anomaly." Understanding Lebanon's past and present is but a prelude to predicting its seemingly ominous future. Ellis wants more. It is here this book gathers its strength, its case, because its layered approach forces the reader to read, learn and analyze each sector of Lebanese society through the prism of several disciplines.
This representative litany of problems is offered with the realization that without further reading, such a list tends toward oversimplification.
One cannot even begin with the now decade-old recovery from its civil war (1975-1990). A more likely place are the problems inherent in the Palestinian refugee situation, for Lebanon is "home" to 400,000 Palestinians who began seeking refuge in Lebanon after the Israeli-Palestinian war (1948). Many still live in poverty in makeshift camps. Their presence directly affects Lebanon's unstable, tense political situation, its economy and fragile image. Here the indefinable Hizballah organization began operations.
And as if these "external" factors were not enough, there is the matter of Lebanon's aforementioned geostrategic position with its "neighbors" - Israel and Syria. Even considering that Israel has withdrawn from the southern border of Lebanon after a 22 year occupation, festering webs of distrust involving Hizballah continue to inflame the nerves of each country; Syria's 35,000 man army within Lebanese borders is another open wound.
Internally, here is a country where there are 18 different religious communities, primary among them Christian Maronites and Muslims. Despite tolerant "side-by-side" living under a traditional confessional political system which divided power among the religions, an updated version (under the Ta'if Agreement of 1989) altered this tenuous balance, becoming the catalyst for the exodus of thousands of Maronites. The Maronites' historical affinity towards Israel, furthermore, has continued to provoke any state of quiesence, given the ongoing presence of Palestinians. Overt lack of American involvement in this destructive relationship creates additional cracks in the fault line.
Factor these complexities together with the following: a $25 billion dollar debt burden; an education system struggling to recover its former status as the "cultural and educational center of the Middle East;" an environment and eco system suffering the scourges of overpopulated cities, and "a total breakdown of state authority." Beirut, once known for its superior banking and commerce, longs for a return to its former glamorous status as the "Switzerland of the Middle East."
Lacking, except for a one religious leader in particular willing to agitate for the sake of a breakthrough for his country's sake, is dynamic leadership. Lebanon's "traditional" government does not add up to stablility; rather it is laden with laws and ideas long outdistanced by time and purpose.
Why does our conscience press us to care? Asserting the need for America to exhibit some measure of their former interest, Ellis offers his prescription: "In order to fulfill the dreams of a future revival, Lebanon needs the assistance of all those who support the rule of law, human rights, and a just peace in the Middle East."
For those so inclined, even in international relations, prayer remains a wonderful natural resource.

Adorable! This was the perfect compliment to my daughter's birthday tea. Very feminine, and simply adorable. Every little girl's dream tea set! Will afford many hours of tea party fun with friends and dolls alike!

Absolutely enjoyable! The title reflects the content as well as anything I could say. It's perfect for self pleasure but, also makes the perfect gift. The reading is enjoyable, simple, and practical. The pictures are beautiful. It is small, so even someone that may not like to read a lot will enjoy this. Simply tie a ribbon bow around it and give it with a smile>

You'll have to hunt for this book since it's out of print, but it's definitely worth looking for. The action never stops, the characters are well-defined, and it's one of the best in the Lone Star series.

Lonely Planet New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, is a great book to have if you intend to visit all three states. There information is second to none, except New York City (buy Lonely Planet's New York City Guide). The entire Pennsylvania chapter is excellent also, and the guides to specific places like Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and the Lake Erie region is first rate! The only problem is that they skipped Meadville, PA, which is a excellent place between Erie and Titusville, and is near places like Conneaut Lake and Pymantuning.

If you are ready for hard-hitting advice on how to successfully discipline your children (as a parent or a teacher) take this book to heart. It makes sense because it's the truth--tried and proven. You are warned that misbehaviors may increase for a time because children have been used to having their way, but the long-term goal is the essential focus. This book is not for the weak-kneed. The smiles cannot disappear and there must be commitment to consistency. Just because you are "tired" one day, you can't abandon the plan. Again, the results are unquestionably worth the effort. If you truly love your children and care about their place in this world, this is an extremely worthwhile discipline manual.

This book is unique because it teaches concrete skills that people can use to improve their relationships. The point is that if people are responsible for themselves and their own thoughts and emotions and unilaterally accept others, they will feel happier in their relationships, be more open to improving their own weaknesses with their partner's help, influence their partners positively, and accept their own and their partner's flaws. It's probably most helpful for people who are already in committed relationships but have reached a kind of "standoff" or withdrawal from their partners, but know they still love them and want to re-connect. On the other hand, the 7 basic skills presents in this book would benefit us all and are useful in all types of relationships, from friendship to parent/child and spouse.

Here is a unique novel about Bodu Thakurulan, who was born Mohamed, the second son of the chief of one of the Maldive Islands. Readable and pertitent to Muslims and non-Muslims alike, the work has been highly researched by famed British author Royston Ellis, who writes not only about that part of the world but also has written about the Caribbean. The present story will be a valuable literary work for years to come.

Allen Windsor
New York City

This was easily one of the best general books written in the 90's on the plight of men in post-patriarchal America.

Cose is one of the country's top journalists, though he is more well known for his coverage of race-related issues. In this book, he applies his skills to presenting men's perspective(s) and tries to explain why, when they're allegedly masters of the universe, so many are unhappy and complaining. Just about everything of substance, from beat-dead-dads to the epidemic of male suicide to men's frustration with female hypocrisy in the dating/mating area, is touched on. Some of the most outspoken in the men's movement are given a significant voice for a change. Yet the story is well enough told that someone new to these issues, while certainly receiving a jolt, would not be turned off or intimidated. And the chapter on the black male experience is unique in the genre, so far as I know.

If I have any thing to say on the downside, it's that the book sacrifices some depth for breadth. And it's perhaps not radical enough for my tastes, but that's a personal bias. The views of a few important authors are over-looked, again IMO, and the book is more about reportage than it is about activism directed towards change. Still, getting the word out is important.

Try to find a copy of this excellent book and read it!

Whether you know and love Manteo as much as the author does, or you're just beginning to get acquainted, you'll enjoy this thorough and soulful chronicle of the town's first 100 years. Meticulously researched, beautifully written and full of wonderful old (and new) photos, it captures all the charm and quirkiness of the town and the people who built and shaped it.