A Visit to the Future: "Beirut 2005"!

"We Want to Know the Truth! ...We Want Our Freedom, Independence, and Above All Peace, Prospiroty, and Dignity!"

In support to my Lebanese freinds and all peace loving people inside and outside Lebanon, I travelled to the Lebanese capital on Thursday, Feb 24, 2005 to spend a long weekend in Beirut.

I joined thousands of Lebanese citizens at the site of the trageic event that resulted in the death of previous Lebanese Prime Minister, Rafeeq Al-Hariri and 18 more lives, in addition to the injuring of over 100. The terrorist act happened on Valentine's day, Monday, Feb 14, 2005. Below are some photos I took at "Martyr" Square, "Sahat Al-Shuhadaá", in downtown Beirut.

Al-Hariri's grave covered with flowers and surounded with candles	The other seven innocent victims who died with Al-Hariri!

This is me, Buthaina, sitting near the grave	And infront of the famous status of "Martyr" where the word "Truth", written in Arabic on a banner was put around the base

The exact location where the massive explosion took place near St. George Hotel that is famous for its location on the sea with the best beach in Beirut. It is a main landmark in the heart of Beirut.	A closer shot of the St. George Hotel, which was under construction due to damages following the past long War in Lebanon and was almost ready to receive tourists this summer!

Hotel Phoenicia was also damaged and needs at least three months to be reopened to receive tourists and other visitors to the country. This Hotel is one of the main landmarks in the capital city of Beirut where important International and Regional conferences and meetings are usually held. It is also considered a main resource for the Lebanese national income.	Another important building that was also being renewvated.

A banner calling for immediate Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon near a camp where university students gathered day and night and will contiue doing so until the Lebanese peaceful dream is reached!