I was shocked by Mr. Walid Khoury’s article. His total lack of objectivity,
insulting remarks about France’s victory in the European football
cup and generally twisted analysis are unworthy of a professional
publication like EXECUTIVE. His article denotes such a manifest antagonism
toward France, and such an inferiority complex toward his fellow
francophone Lebanese countrymen, that even his few correct observations
lose credibility. I’d like to offer some counter-arguments to the cultural,
political and economic issues he raises throughout his piece.
Lebanon’s most important wealth is its cultural pluralism, especially its openness
to the West. I find it fortunate that most educated Lebanese speak French
and English-we need both, if only to counterbalance the negative cultural
influence of our “sisterly” eastern neighbor. (Maybe Mr. Khoury would have
done better to direct his criticism to this invasive neighbor instead.)
As for the respective weight and role of French and English in Lebanon
they are, of course, quite different: An estimated 69% of primary and secondary
school students choose French as a second language, while only
31 % opt for English. More importantly, while English is primarily used as a communication and
business language,
French is part of our
country’s cultural identity .
In an era tom by globalization
between “Jihad
and Macworld” (to quote
Benjamin Barber’s
book), this multicultural
identity, and Lebanon’s
continued fight to be different from neighboring countries. have become
its raison d’être.
The US has proved time and again that it has no particular geopolitical
interest in the survival of Lebanon, using the nation as a mere
pawn in its regional strategy. On the other hand, France’s historical ties
and friendship toward Lebanon are an invaluable asset, especially at
a time when our independence, our identity and our very existence continue
to be threatened.
I find it strange that while both Time and Newsweek have just published
special issues on France’s economic revival, EXECUTIVE, or rather Mr.
Khoury, should remain so completely out of touch. For example, the March
cover of Newsweek read: ”The French Revolution: how high tech and the
pursuit of wealth are driving Europe’s leading economy.” Noting the fact
that France enjoys sustained growth rates since 1998 that are well ahead
of the other big European economies (Germany, the UK and Italy), the magazine
describes today’s France as an appealing mixture of tech startups,
soaring markets, falling unemployment, cultural flexibility and openness
to the world. I’d like to quote a standing joke, circulating from large corporate
boardrooms to tiny startups, to further illustrate my point: ·’I like
the 35-hour work week so much, I do it twice a week.”
As for Lebanon’s lack of competitiveness and the excessive weight of
the state in our country, it is on our government and not on the “‘French
economic model” (which has become more neo-liberal) that we should
lay the blame. Indeed, French influence did not prevent Lebanon from
having a lightweight public sector before the war, and it is only since 1990
that the state apparatus grew out of control.
In any case, there is no ideal economic model that can be replicated everywhere.
Rather, each country should determine a distinct path to development,
based on its own history, resources and culture. The US certainly
has the most dynamic economy, but also the highest rate of income disparities.
Instead of pitting the American model against the French one, we
should take the best of both worlds, confront the challenges of globalization,
and reach for the hopefully forthcoming regional peace. Ill
Ibrahim Tabet is the director of the Association des Publicitaires Fra11copl,011es
and the general secretary of the Forum Fra11copl1011e des Affaires
Air liquid under new management
A handover ceremony took place at the end of
July at the Palm Beach hotel between the ex –
m•n•11er of AIR LIQUlDE/SOAL Nr. Didier Cuny
and the new manager Nr. Fouad Haddad.
Participants Included several Industrialists, hospital
managers doctors, representatives of the
French embassy and French community members.
Nr Fouad Haddad thanked Nr. Cuny for his successful accomplishments
since 1996 at SOAL and asked
the guests to join him In wishing Nr Cuny great
~ In his new career In France.
It is Important to mention that SOAL Is a
subsidiary of AIR LIQUlDE Group, the worldwide
leader in the production of 11a• es, med/a,/ and
Industrial equipment.
AIR LIQUlDE/SOAL has been active In Lebanon
since 1928 and continues to offer the best service
to Its clients In the various field of Industry,
hospitalization and environment.
