In the papers
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
By Marian HENBEST/ FRANCE 24
Haaretz.com (Israel)
“Analysis: Clashes in Lebanon have yet to affect Israel”
The online version of Haaretz newspaper looks at the situation in Lebanon from an Israeli point of view. According to the paper, there is no immediate threat to the country’s security as Hezbollah is currently interested in upping its domestic status. In the longer term, however, Israeli leaders have reason to worry.
A UN Security Council resolution led to the clamp down of the Shia group on the Israeli-Lebanese border following the war between the two countries in 2006. Lebanese soldiers and UN peacekeeping troops were deployed to the region, a Hezbollah stronghold.
Israeli intelligence services have recently recognized, however, Hezbollah has since recovered and has tripled its rocket supply. While Israel has its attention turned towards rocket fire into the country from the Gaza strip and the possible investigation of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Hezbollah could end up renewing its armed presence along the border.
The New York Times (United States)
“Hezbollah Begins to Withdraw Gunmen in Beirut”
The New York Times suggests the army could hold the key to a possible solution to the problems in Lebanon. The recent fighting began over the Lebanese government’s decision to shut down Hezbollah’s telecoms network and to remove the chief of airport security – an ally of the Shia group.
The army, however, reversed these moves and succeeded in finding an agreement between the two sides. This is likely to significantly enhance the political status of leader General Michel Suleiman – who could be the only man all parties will accept as the country’s next president.
Aujourd’hui en France (France)
"Les Français investissent au Maroc"
“The French are investing in Morocco”
As the fifth Moroccan property conference is underway near Paris, Aujourd’hui en France explains a growing number of French are buying properties in the North African country. Some 35,000 French already live there – 5,000 of these are retired.
The article features a comment from a 67-year-old man who has bought a retirement house and is moving to Morocco with his wife next autumn. The pair paid €75,000 for a property measuring 120 square metres. The paper also features the story of a young couple in their 30s who are also looking to move to Morocco.
While the prices remain competitive, they are not cheap and they’re expected to go on rising over the next seven years. This poses a problem for Moroccans. Even some of the country’s wealthiest are being pushed out of the market.
Aujourd’hui en France (France)
"Le tipi est à la mode"
“The tipi is in fashion”
According to Aujourd’hui en France, the Indian tipi is coming into fashion. Many different models are currently on display at an exhibition in Paris, including the family tipi, typically about five metres in diameter and with a floor space of 20 square metres. Tipis are replacing tents in campsites and they’re also being used as accommodation at business conferences.
The Washington Post (United States)
“On Jenna Bush’s Wedding Day, The Whole Ranch Wears A Veil”
The Washington Post covers the marriage of Jenna Bush to her fiancé Henry Hager. The 26-year-old school teacher married the business student at the Texan ranch belonging to her father, American President George W. Bush. The couple wed during a private ceremony, attended by 200 family members and close friends
