June 2008

I can understand and fully sympathize with those who speak English with an Arabic accent, replacing their “P” with a “B.” The “P” after all does not exist in Arabic so from where they come from, it’s perfectly safe to say “combuter, Baris, and Eurobe.” A store near my office has a big sign saying any women’s hand-bag for “200 SB” (Syrian Bounds). Funny as it may sound, I both respect and accept that. They are speaking English with an Arabic accent, just like the Pakistanis, the Indians, or the French do when speaking English.

“I am often asked what is the most serious form of human rights violations in the world today, and my reply is consistent: extreme poverty.” – Mary Robinson
As millions of impoverished human beings in developing countries are bypassed by development while billions of dollars are spent on a mad arms race, I felt a desperate need to find a Syrian face that is actively involved in the sacred fight against what Bernard Shaw described as the greatest of evils and the worst of crimes: poverty.

Following an award-winning career promoting some of the biggest names in the IT business, Bahaa Issa returns to put his skills at the disposal of a company and a country he believes in.“I came back because of the flag,” he says, and you are immediately impressed by the complete sincerity in his voice. Of course, being somewhat cynical, you might prod a little, look for a crack in his resolve, but he remains adamant; Bahaa Issa truly loves this country.

The Syrian National Symphonic Orchestra is now led by a young man filled with big dreams and an ambition that knows no bounds. His name is Missak Baghboudarian and since assuming his new job as Conductor of the Orchestra in 2003, he has managed to impress and educate, promoting classical music with style and passion, throughout Syria and the Arab World.

“I will make my famous Omlette! Nobody prepares eggs around here while I am at home!”
This wasn’t a traditional housewife fussing at the kitchen. Nor was it a retired husband accustomed to working around the house. These were the words of a very busy man, a giant scholar, a first-class politician, and a seasoned statesman used to the company of kings and presidents. His name was Madani al-Khiyami, and he was speaking to his beautiful wife—and friend—Jamila Mourad, a lady with charm, talent, and character.
It wasn’t a Syrian version of Romeo & Juliet. Nor was it an arranged traditional marriage, as is common in the Arab world. It started with a favorable and mutual first impression, transformed into companionship, love, and respect between the strong minded Jamila and the young medical doctor, Madani.

America is notorious for its policies concerning our region, but it is also a great country with many achievements, among its greatest, in my opinion, is its educational system. This statement comes from someone with first hand experience with the Syrian, French and British educational systems.
Allowing that American universities are the best in the world, among them Harvard ranks at the very top, and the Harvard Business School is the jewel of the Harvard crown. To this school the brightest students go to study business theory and practices, and it was to this school that I headed with my family last week.

Warren Buffett, the world famous American businessman, is regarded as one of the century’s greatest stock market investors, and is the largest shareholder and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. The holding company, headquartered in his native Omaha, Nebraska, works mainly in insurance, and for the last 25-years, has averaged a 75%+ annual return to its shareholders. Back in 1973, Berkshire began to acquire stock in the Washington Post Company and Buffett became a member of tis board of directors. By 1979, he had began to acquire stock in ABC, and in 1988, starting buying Coca-Cola stock. He eventually purchased up to 7% of the company for $1.02 billion; one of the finest investment decisions in his long business career.

Qatari and Syrian relations are probably stronger than any other connection in the Middle East. What makes them so, especially considering the differing relations they both have with the US and Israel? 
From an outside perspective, it seems fair to say that Syrian-Qatari relations suit both sides to a tee, and that these relations could be a standard example for what the terms between Arab states should be. The format of this close alliance stays in doubt, however, and doesn’t really function generally for all Arabs, as this relationship is based on the conflicting interests of the Arab states in general.

I claim to have no effectual bias in life, except one that favors entrepreneurs. It does not apply to business entrepreneurs only, but to everyone that has the unwavering spirit to start anything that can lead to positive change. Good intentions alone never clothed anyone. When asked to define entrepreneurship, I tend to avoid all the business language about market, opportunity, and risk, and the confusion of the many definitions of the originally French word. My answer has always made sense: entrepreneurship is the “art of the start,” and entrepreneurs are artists that see only a seed but draw a tree. Their vision and belief make them feel safe to commit the act of the start.