February 2005



Editorial


Hate campaign



For your information


The february shopping festival is cancelled, MTC lauds a smooth transition, the Lebanese splurge on New operators feel the fallout of the southeast Asian Tsunami
Shopping Blues




The manager of Le Vendome talks about his plans to consolidate his hotel's position as a top luxury hotel.
Q&A: Joseph Coubat



Companies & strategies


Menajet is trying to forge a path in Lebanon's turblent
Menajet ready for takeoff



Region


The US president is pledging to bring democracy to every corner of the world, but what sort of democracy
After Operation “Iraqi Freedom” comes “Expanding Freedom.”


and


Cover story


There is a new government in Beirut but what are its credentials and will it continue down a well-trodden path of mediocrity
Getting empire right



Special Report


Advertising revenue is down, competition from the Gulf's is increasing and press freedom is being squeezez
Media overview




Special interest are finding a way into journalism and the once-sacrosanct ideals of responsibility in reporting and telling the truth are slowly being eroded
Media commentary




Two years after its launch in the Arab world, Reality TV is attracting unprecedented audiences and spurning a multi-million dollar industry
Reality TV hits the jackpot




The CEO of Saatchi & Saatchi levant discuss the economic and political factors impeding growth in the advertising industry.
Q&A: Eli Khoury



Economy & Finance


There are growing signs that the dollar's spectacular drop may soon bottom out and that 2005 might be the year that the greenback bounces back.
What goes down…



Business


Lebanon's largest public hospital has opened its doors, but is it just a waste of money in sector that already has a nationwide surplus of beds?
Opening the doors to patients – and controversy




From environmental polluters to patrons, many industrialists have realised that being green can help keep them out of the red.
It ain’t easy being green but industry is adapting




Pockmarked buildings along the former Green Line are making way to sleek pubs and clubs as well as restaurants and luxury apartments.
Former Green Line becomes real estate hotspot