Just like a wavin’ flag

Everywhere in Lebanon, it seems there are so many international flags festooning balconies and fluttering from cars that one could be forgiven for thinking that numerous foreign dignitaries are visiting the country — or perhaps establishing mobile branches of their embassies. In reality, all this is merely a Lebanese way of preparing for the World Cup and showing support for people’s favorite teams. The fact that the national team has never qualified for the World Cup does not appear to have affected people’s enthusiasm for the event, instead bolstering their loyalty to other popular teams. This loyalty is widely demonstrated during each international event through the display of some country’s flag, and the bigger the better. Nationalism and internationalism So where do these flags come from? Lebanese wholesalers of Chinese manufactured seasonal novelty games and gift items begin ordering flags directly from China at least four months in advance to ensure timely delivery,