Compensation for Collapsed Building Victims, Fears for Further Collapses

As one building collapses, there is fear that more of Lebanon's brittle infrastructure might collapse; Could you put a value on human life? Apparently, it's $20,000 according to the Lebanese government; Guantanamo in numbers- you will be horrified; Cairo continues the trend of revolutionary graffiti.

Beirut Spring [2]

How Much Should the Life of Victims be Worth?

Although statistics have shown the methods that can measure the value of human life, most would consider it a blasphemous sore point. The Lebanese government has offered the victims of the building collapse in Beirut's Ashrafieh area a $20,000 compensation. In lieu of the ongoing criticism of said settlement, Mustapha from Lebanon believes that the critics are missing the point. "It should be a given, on a personal, moral, philosophical and even legal basis, that life is priceless, and that one extra day of life is worth more than any money in the world. But there are many situations especially in government and medicine, in which an exact quantitative measure is regularly placed on lives."

Blog Baladi [3]

Taking down the Jal el Dib Bridge

Catching onto a growing wave of paranoia, Lebanese news outlets and blogs have focused their attention to the disheveled Jal el Dib Bridge. Yet, this Lebanese blogger is skeptical as it seems that everyone is still going about like it's business as usual. "Now that a building has collapsed in Lebanon, Lebanese are all of a sudden worried everything’s gonna fall on their heads, including the Jal el Dib bridge."

Jaraad [4]

92% Guantanamo prisoners who were never al-Qadea fighters

Controversial is an understatement when it comes to Guantanamo Bay. Yet, these stats and numbers regarding the infamous prison are more than a little bit shocking. The most horrific part? 86% of the captured individuals are handed over through non-governmental bounties. "Amount offered by the U.S. to Pakistani and Afghan villagers to turn someone in: 'Millions of dollars... Enough money to take care of your family, your village, your tribe for the rest of your life.'"

Caledoniyya [5]

The Wall Has It: Graffiti in Cairo

It seems that another Middle Eastern city is home to protester graffiti: Cairo. This Cairo-loving Tunisian blogger has shared her photographs and admiration of Cairo's post-revolution graffiti artwork. "However, one love I will take with me from Cairo is the uncannily fabulous graffiti – this, the Egyptians have mastered into a true art form."