InfoAnda - Dream vacation spot in Lebanon at enemy's gate

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

Suspected U.S. missile strike kills 5 in Pakistan | 8 September 2009
Lady Gaga, Katy Perry lead MTV Europe nominations | | 20 September 2010
Poor nations need $1 bn to conbat swine flu: UN | 7 July 2009

Macau gaming revenue down due to World Cup | 2 July 2010

Forum Views () Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Dream vacation spot in Lebanon at enemy's gate

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail More Yahoo! Services Account Options New User? Sign Up Sign In Help Yahoo! Search web search Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Asia Pacific World Dream vacation spot in Lebanon at enemy's gate AFP - Saturday, April 17 Send IM Story Print A peacekeeping soldier from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon stands guard near the Fortress of Al-Wazzani resort in the southern area of Wazzani river on the Lebanese-Israeli border on April 12. AL-WAZZANI, Lebanon (AFP) - – On a lush green hillside that dips into a river, dozens of labourers are busy building a dream vacation getaway deep in Lebanon's south. The construction site in the tiny village of Al-Wazzani may look like any other except that in this case it sits right at the enemy's gate -- literally a stone's throw from Israel. "Many told us we were crazy to build so close to the border with Israel," said Khalil Abdallah, the man behind the three-million-dollar project located three metres (10 feet) from the UN-drawn border that separates Lebanon from Israel, two countries still technically at war. "Many also think it's a great idea," added the 58-year-old entrepreneur who recently returned to settle in his native Lebanon after living and working in Africa for 40 years. But the so-called Wazzani Fort, a rest and recreation resort in a region largely controlled by the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, has already raised hackles from across the border. Israeli troops earlier this month crossed onto the construction site and dismantled the hydraulic arm of a bulldozer, according to the Lebanese army. The incident prompted Lebanon to lodge a complaint before the UN Security Council. Abdallah and his sister and business partner Zahra, however, remain undaunted. "This is our land and we have every right to make use of every last inch of it," said Zahra, 45. "We want to live in peace and we want to realise this old dream." She expressed confidence the resort would be a success and attract lots of clients, both Lebanese and foreign, despite its strategic location. "You'll see, we are going to be fully booked when we open and we already have five weddings booked for this summer," said Zahra. As she spoke, an Israeli armoured vehicle slowly cruised by across the border, on a hilltop overlooking the resort. A Lebanese army tank was meanwhile stationed on the construction site while two vehicles from the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon -- UNIFIL -- patrolled the area. "The first time I saw Jewish soldiers up close I panicked," Mohammed Scheybar, a Syrian construction worker, told AFP. "They sat there and watched us for five hours and then left. "Now I am used to their presence and it doesn't bother me anymore." Israel occupied much of southern Lebanon for 22 years between 1978 and 2000 preventing people like the Abdallahs from accessing their land. The region was also devastated in 2006 following a war between Hezbollah and the Jewish state. And there are persistent fears another conflict may be brewing amid a constant war of words between the militant group and Israel. Given the turbulent history of southern Lebanon, some say Abdallah is pinning his dreams on a sleeping volcano. "The Jews are not okay with this project and local residents fear a backlash," said Ghazala, 45, a mother of seven who lives in the nearby village of Wata Al-Khiam. The UNIFIL force for its part said it is keeping a close watch on the project which appears to be too close for comfort to the Israeli border. "The Blue Line is always very sensitive and therefore utmost caution is necessary in any activities along this area," UNIFIL spokesman Neeraj Singh told AFP, referring to the UN-set border. "We are in contact with the parties to ensure that there is no misunderstanding leading to any escalation of the situation," he added. "We have asked the parties to refrain from any action that could be viewed as provocative." Construction of Wazzani Fort began in July last year, and the resort is due to be partially inaugurated in June of this year with nine guest rooms, a restaurant and swimming pool. Once completed in 2012, it will also include several bungalows, villas, a gym, a health clinic, tennis courts, horseback riding and a supermarket. Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad said it was heartening to see people like the Abdallah's invest in such a "daring" project. "This is a top quality tourism initiative in a region that had been abandoned for years," he said. "It is also a form of resistance and reflects the will of the local population to develop the region." Abdallah said his aim was only to fulfill a lifelong wish and offer guests a unique experience. "This is a dream come true for me and my dad," he said. "All I want is to end my days here." Recommend Send IM Story Print Related Articles US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary Reuters - 2 hours 4 minutes ago CORRECTED (OFFICIAL): Bieber, Elton in "Idol Gives Back" Reuters - 2 hours 4 minutes ago Film festival recalls Cold War Berlin, capital of spies Reuters - Saturday, April 17 Grace Kelly's dresses go on show in London AFP - Saturday, April 17 Brighter days seen for beaten-down art market Reuters - Saturday, April 17 News Search Top Stories Goldman charged with fraud Brazil Amazon dam project gets new go-ahead Greece sets stage for possible EU-IMF bailout US housing construction picks up Greece lays groundwork for possible EU-IMF aid: PM More Top Stories » ADVERTISEMENT Most Popular Most Viewed Most Recommended Global temperatures hit 'hottest March on record' Obama sets new course to conquer the final frontier Hungry survivors await help after China quake New US jobless claims unexpectedly jump Obama 100 percent committed to NASA's mission More Most Viewed » Two-million-year-old hominid sheds light on evolution Taiwan's male 'Susan Boyle' a web sensation Junkies and junk-food addicts share craving mechanism Toad is a telltale for impending quakes: scientists More Most Recommended » Elsewhere on Yahoo! Financial news on Yahoo! Finance Stars and latest movies Best travel destinations More on Yahoo! News Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Subscribe to our news feeds Top StoriesMy Yahoo!RSS » More news feeds | What are news feeds? Also on Yahoo Answers Groups Mail Messenger Mobile Travel Finance Movies Sports Games » All Yahoo! Services Site Highlights Singapore Full Coverage Most Popular Asia Entertainment Photos World Cup 2010 Copyright © 2010 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte. Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community | Intellectual Property Rights Policy | Help

Other News on Saturday, 17 April 2010
Greece sets stage for possible EU-IMF bailout
India revokes ban on text messages in Kashmir
US-TECH Summary
Goldman charged with fraud
Countries to release anti-piracy text as deal nears
Better ad climate gives Gannett a boost
Panty Raiding MSU Student In Hot Water Over His Thefts of Thongs
US housing construction picks up
Countries to release anti-piracy text as deal nears |
Obama Administration Asks American People To Help Stop Fraud
Kyrgyz president formally resigns after turmoil |
German prosecutors target nine suspects in HP probe
Amid Talk Of Independent Bid, Crist's Campaign Chairman Resigns
Israel warns visitors to leave their iPads at home
SEC Accuses Goldman Sachs Of Fraud On CDOs
Turkey detains mother for newborn's honor killing |
US videogame sales revived in March: NPD Group
U.S. Deputy Secretary Steinberg To Visit India, Bangladesh
Cellphone satnav use surging in Europe
School Paddling Makes Comeback In Texas Town
Russia to put U.S. adoption boy in foster home
Deceased Candidate Elected Mayor In Tennessee
Obama Pledges To Continue Conservation Legacy Of Lincoln, Roosevelts
Pentagon Makes Policy Changes After Fort Hood Inquiry
New Kyrgyz leaders vow to prosecute ex-president
First Black Valedictorian Makes History At Notre Dame
Thai PM gives army chief extended powers
China earthquake toll rises to 1,144
North Korea has brazen record of attacking South
Little progress seen likely in Bhutto case
Taiwan court extends former president's custody
Countries to release anti-piracy text as deal nears |
Afghans blame both US, Taliban for insecurity
China PM in unusual tribute to deposed leader
Grace Kelly's dresses go on show in London
China's Hu speaks of gradual change on currency
Renault exits Indian car alliance with Mahindra
Grace Kelly's dresses go on show in London
Briton chosen world's best sommelier
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Brighter days seen for beaten-down art market
Rio's Christ statue graffitied
Dream vacation spot in Lebanon at enemy's gate
East Timor aims to send teen mums back to school
Historic million dollar jewels headline NY auction |
Brighter days seen for beaten-down art market |
Film festival recalls Cold War Berlin, capital of spies |
Bieber, Elton in Idol Gives Back |
Ahmadinejad wants global body on nuclear disarmament
Fight Al-Qaeda with satire, ridicule: researchers
Volcanic ash grounds Europe flights for third day |
RIM says video is big challenge to networks
Iran hosts nuclear disarmament meet
Huge crowds expected for Poland crash memorial
FCC extends deadline in Comcast-NBC deal
Four dead in Spanish helicopter crash in Haiti: UN
Brazil, Turkey promote diplomatic solution on Iran
Toyota recalling 870,000 minivans in US, Canada
Thai protesters boost security at Bangkok base |
FCC awaits economic data from Comcast, NBCU
Al-Qaeda frees two Italian hostages in Mali: official
New Housing Starts Rise 1.6 Percent In March
Crystal Bowersox Reportedly Almost Quit "American Idol"
Brazil Amazon dam project gets new go-ahead
U.S. Markets Slide After SEC Charges Goldman Sachs With Fraud
North Korea denies it sank South's navy ship |
Google helps online searchers with spelling
LAPD's Top Cop During King Riots Dead At 83 From Cancer
Tibetans cremate dead as quake toll rises |
Senate Blames Lax Government Oversight for Washington Mutual Bank Failure
Bank Of America Q1 Profit Dips, But Tops Views
Mexico bishop says porn, tv to blame for priest abuse |
US, British nationals hurt in deadly Afghan car bombing
U.S. says unclear if Hezbollah took Scuds to Lebanon |
Ice cap thaw may awaken Icelandic volcanoes |
N.Korea denies sinking S.Korea warship
Cambodia, Thai soldiers exchange gunfire at border
Tibetans cremate dead as quake toll rises
China cremates quake dead as hopes of finding survivors fade
North Korea denies it sank South's navy ship
RIM says video is big challenge to networks |
FCC awaits economic data from Comcast, NBCU |
Sex offender admits killing San Diego County teens
U.S. won't share Ft Hood evidence with Senate-Gates
Google shares slide amid Schmidt speculation |
Pakistan army kills 25 militants in overnight raid
Thai protest leaders to surrender, but the rally goes on
Cambodian, Thai troops clash on border
Fight Al-Qaeda with satire, ridicule: researchers
Thousands stranded in Asia due to Iceland volcano
Green Day's "American Idiot" hits Great White Way
Broken Social Scene returns with "Forgiveness"
Polanski victim no right to intervene: prosecutors
"Harry" takes meandering look at masculinity
"Romantically Challenged" not likely to win hearts
Argentine singer Torres takes "Different" approach
Loud applause and some boos on Domingo's return
Opera star Fleming sets out on "Dark" adventure
Green Day's American Idiot hits Great White Way |
Songwriter Omar Alfanno launches hits project
Still smokin', Cypress Hill battle to keep fans |
Romantically Challenged not likely to win hearts |
Chris Rock sets comic sights on devilish credit |
Polanski victim no right to intervene: prosecutors |
Loud applause and some boos on Domingo's return |
Broken Social Scene returns with Forgiveness |
Harry takes meandering look at masculinity |
Argentine singer Torres takes Different approach |
Iran wins regional support for its nuclear programme
Sudan vote 'failed' to meet global standards
Sudan poll does not meet world standards
Poland holds memorial service for late president
Iran slams US as 'world's only atomic criminal'
Poland honors crash victims, vows never to forget |
Bombs kill 38 at centre for displaced in Pakistan |
Iran, at nuclear conference, hits out at bullies |
Bakiyev supporters occupy regional Kyrgyz office |
Red Bull's Vettel seizes pole in F1 China Grand Prix
Karzai names election chiefs, ends standoff with U.N. |
Guilty Plea Deal Saves Murderer Of 2 Teens From Death Penalty
Sudan poll does not meet world standards: observers |
Pope says Church wounded by our sins |
Space Shuttle Leaves Space Station For Return To Earth
Toyota Recalls 600,000 Sienna Minivans Sold In 21 States
A Kyrgyz interim leader says US base unjustified
Pakistan prosecutor: Americans linked to militants
Cops getting caught on camera increases scrutiny
Ten wounded in India cricket stadium blast
Afghan president names new election panel chief
10 injured in 2 bombs near Indian cricket stadium
Suicide bombers kill 41 at Pakistani refugee camp
Suicide bombers kill 30 at Pakistani refugee camp
Bombs kill 38 at centre for displaced in Pakistan
2 hurt as generator blows up near stadium in India
Thousands stranded in Asia due to Iceland volcano
Goldman fraud charges trigger possible wider crackdown
Pakistani c.bank buys 39.45 bln rupees of govt paper
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01