AUB class

I spoke yesterday at Karim Maqdisi's graduate Middle East studies class on the Arab-Israeli conflict. I was rather impressed with the students: some of whom have communicated with me in the past. I liked the mix of Arabs, Americans, and Europeans. I have decided to speak only once during this trip: in the past, I would give five or six talks. But I get bored with myself if I repeat myself over and over again. Yesterday, I declined invitations to speak in Sidon and in Tyre. I felt bad of course. But I always like to speak on Arab-Israeli issues. I realized it was the first time that I speak in English while in Beirut (aside from talking to Western reporters). Whenever I meet with Western reporters and friends, I now remind them that their ancestors grilled and ate the buttocks of my Arab ancestors. I am really holding a grudge on that one. I mean, their buttocks? Come on.