Palestinian women fiercely participate in the developing struggle for nationalism: women in Palestine have a word in politics, form committees and organizations for social work, scream against oppression, participate in the Intifada, and throw stones on aggressors while holding their babies in their arms… sleepless women in Palestine also can speak out in art and film-making… Women’s voices are making up history in this Arab country, and in the whole region… Many stories of the immense courage of individual women in Palestine are still to come as long as oppression and aggressions persist…

The resolution of the Arab-Israeli conflict is a strategic priority for Europe, as it seeks to play a role of power broker in the region. For this, it condemns the planned settlement construction of Israel in the occupied Palestinian territory, and believes that the creation of an independent, viable and democratic Palestinian state is in Israel’s interest. But before getting overly involved in these resolutions, it is important to step back and assess the limitations of the EU in the region. If unable to get the consent of the US, the UN and Russia, could the EU develop a separate peace plan for the Middle- East? There is no doubt that a European initiative that lacks American backing is stillborn... once more, could anyone predict if Israel intends to make concessions in this matter and when?…

I hope that more investors adopt the "going green" thing because years ago the cost of using solar systems and getting advantage of renewable systems costed more than those that depended on fossil sources. Because the equipments and arrangements were very expensive and the all in all cost showed that it was not worth it. now that its being taken more seriously I hope that its going to work out as new life style that more people will be convinced to adopt!... GOING GREEN!

Being a journalist myself....i know the urgent need of such a center in order to provide professional training to journalists and not just in Jordan but in all the Arab Countries. Most of the time our universities curriculums have nothing to do with reality especially when it comes to the technical part but all those efforts will be vain if political repression and opression of Freedom of expression remain prevailing especially now with the Cyber Revolution. Before journalism suffered from the dictatorial regimes now in addition to that our destinies also hinges upon business tycoons. We are an endangered specie and a very unique!!!!

Is it really true that minorities live in non-stop fear and neglect? In 2003, during a visit in England, I felt amazed with the frequent numbers of Indians and Pakistani workers in the United Kingdom. I do not find anybody who criticizes them, although, what happened between India and Pakistan, and still happens these days is really so harsh. Besides, the presence of the Jews as minorities in Europe or in the states has the same discrepancy. So I do wonder why we are always judging the nations by the worst men in it. Arabs, yes and Muslims, specifically do their jobs in excellent manners and Islam obliges Muslims to do their jobs in a perfectionist way, since by this one will be rewarded twice.

With the low wages and tax exemption policies that our government is applying to encourage foreign investments and injects more hard currency to our troubled economy, I find it very hard to believe that the government will allocate enough financial resources to support its healthcare reform. The new legal framework, which the government will initially test in the Suez governorate, will hardly cover basic healthcare needs for each family because it will not completely cover major surgical operations for destitute groups and low wages families, which presents large portion of Egypt’s population. I suggest that the government should level-up workers wages limits to ensure complete access to a comprehensive healthcare or apply taxes on foreign and local investors to contribute in covering health insurance bill for low income groups

I think that bringing justice to the family of the victims or the victims is the key factor that can bring relief and inner peace... i.e. bringing the criminals to justice and to recognize and acknowledge their crimes publicly ...because all the rest would be vain. Local government should work on an internal strategy to avoid the surge of new terrorist and that youth would find itself attracted to integrism due to the lack of national cohesion. As for the European role, I think it should be focused on making the difference between the victims and the terrorists... i.e. working on their policies so that European population clearly understand that islam is not equivalent to terrorism...

Lebanon is perhaps known to be the water kingdom in the region. Unfortunately, and due to a huge problem in water management and lack of management of water resources more than 50% (according to experts) is wasted. Accordingly, awareness regarding this issue occurs in a minimal or discrete way. Lately, and due to climate change and the Copenhagen conference the subject was raised again but no actual plan has been put into process by Governmental or Non-Governmental organizations except for a few projects in some regions and planning with no actual implementation, which puts Lebanon in a critical situation and that’s without mentioning the water pollution effect and the lack of control over sources such rivers, lakes, etc..

No one can deny the existing problem of the Algerian prisons, and I won´t be exaggerating if I say that this problems extends all over the Mediterranean and Arab countries... The efforts made by the EU to enhance the humanitarian situation in these prisons are important. However I think that such problem must be solved by cooperation between the concerned societies and the EU. EU have to know that such issues should be solved from the roots. I think the solution is to emphasize on education in those communities, on the social state and on helping orphans and widows, on providing free education to all people.

I'm already a fan of Euronews (English & French) and I'm glad to know that this news channel will be offreing an Arabic service. I’m interested in programmes related to Business, technology and science and I have been finding in Enronews programmes a lot of useful information. I believe that Arabic programmes will also catch my interest if they are going to be as attractive and diverse as those offered in English and French. I would also be happy if the Arabic desk journalists will make the effort to report on the situation in the Arabic World especially in the areas mentioned above.

Saving water = saving humanity. The issue of water is one of the most important environment issues that attract the attention of many people around the world. Many reports have shown that future humanity will seek water. More countries nowadays are suffering from the shortage of water resources. In the Mediterranean countries Jordan is having the problem and the European Union is supporting the country to overcome it. Much have been done by the former to try to solve even something on the issue. However, the concerned partners have to show some concern about the issue.

Talking about human rights and in this case stating that Europeans are working hard for the betterment of DZ jails is simply not true, to say the very least. The way it's being talked about somehow hints that prisons in the EU are kind of 5-star category places to forcefully be put in. I would say that if really "one" wants to work hard for the betterment of prisons in DZ and elsewhere as well, and that certainly includes France, the best way is to give people a fair trial. If some people are justly proved guilty they deserve punishment and are put in prison. That's normal. They have to pay for their crimes.

I'm European and my husband is Algerian, we live in UK. Finally he received the residence in UK, and after 9 years we went back home, but he has been jailed for a fight that he had about 10 years ago, with 7 months prison. Now are 2 months that he's in prison and I cannot talk with him by phone, we both tried to write to each other, but our letters have been rejected because in English. I've done my Visa to go and see him, but the visits are for 10 minutes only, once a week, behind a glass and over the phone. My husband had a fight and he's been treated like a criminal! I'm just very depressed about all of this. Do you think is human denying to have any kind of contact with your wife, especially if she lives abroad? I wonder how Algeria is working to build right for the Algerian prisoners, because so far, and for what concerns my situation, are not treated as human being.

Allowing Democracy is like asking for feedback but the feedback always depends on the input. So you can’t ask someone to feed you back while you are sure that the feedback is negative. Negative because you know that the input wasn’t satisfying. In order to add a feedback to the system the input should be changed first! Arabs should be satisfied and closer to be pleased before being asked to give their opinions. And higher authorities should be sincerely looking for feedback and willing to listen. Most importantly Arabs should be sure that diving in democracy oceans would not drown them.

There is no doubt that it’s a great Idea but it would be greater if there were more awake people to believe in and adopt such Idea, however it’s comforting to know that European Union is cooperating with our countries to make such Dream as I see it now, come true! We should definitely search and consider the renewable energies more seriously because once the ones we depend mostly on die, we will have to take that little Childs advice and eat our chicken raw!

It’s a great program and there is no doubt that it has a great role in removing the gaps between many different cultures. Being able to study in a whole different country, exchange cultures, views of life, and life styles is a great thing. However it’s a shame that few people know about this scholarship. As Rami said none of my friends has ever heard of this scholarship either! I’m glad that I did though

I’m Glad that Suha was able to make it. I agree with both of you. Education prevents such abuse. It’s not only the financial safety education offers but also self confidence it gives every woman. Most women that are being abused never leave their husbands because they are financially dependent of their husbands! If they believe that they can work and support themselves they wouldn’t think twice about staying!

- Modern solar thermal energy technologies are costly; they don’t meet with user expectations, are economically unviable, of low competitiveness with conventional fuel, proved inefficiency and impracticability when used by poor who are in need for technologies.
- Many of children don’t know or believe that solar energy can be used for cooking (chickens), heating and distilling water. Implementing a solar village based totally on solar energy as only source of power can help visitors particularly children see the future and understand the benefits of solar energy.

Arab Spectator has grown weary of News and News Channels. Both models offered by Arab and foreign media outlets failed to win credibility. State-run channels, militant or one sided ones… the result is a fiasco. Arab regimes diverted their populations’ attention from politics to economical issues (finding means of subsistence). Some foreign channels have turned to a financial disaster, raising the taxpayer anger. So far only entertainment has made it. Euronews seems quite neutral which is good but also lacks attractive and catchy programs. How does it intent or will endeavor to overcome those hurdles? A difficult challenge, yet worth to take!!!

While all the studies link Europe to the Mediterranean region when it comes to common cultural traits, history, etc, it is essential that such exchange programs are established between universities from both regions to create a strong bond. However, proper follow up should be made in these programs in order to avoid the misleading of the objective that might become just a simple touristic trip for the students.

The problem extends to post harvest period when commodities affect by insects and diseases, heat has a fungicidal as well as insecticidal action, alternative to chemical insecticides approved by USDA, can be performed before export , with neither market quality effect nor health risk , awarded from Egypt recognized from UN we developed a superior 12 function system thermal disinfestations section designed for quickly killing insects by heating the grain with flow rate and temperature control ,while dipping perishable commodities in hot water arrests diseases by causing unfavorable environment conditions for pathogens, being powered by solar energy reduces treatment cost considerably

But what about rural areas and regions with low population density? awarded from Egypt recognized from UN we developed a superior solar powered POU, high financial viability system that possible to do one, some or all of 12 function, specifically tailored to suit and serve rural poor, locally maintainable,2 local power sources, operational year round, beside purifying chemically and biologically contaminated water its usable for drying crops that contributes in minimizing post harvest losses, and creates low cost sustainable income generation opportunities, each community has to order all or just specific components according to problem(s) it may suffer

The environment is becoming crucial element in our daily life, especially with the late changes that we have being seen in our daily life. More floods, high temperature degrees. All of these changes have resulted from our treatment to the environment. The developed countries as we all agree are not giving sufficient importance to the issue, that’s because they are fighting to live. It’s normal that we cannot ask a person who don’t have especially needs of life to save the environment. Therefore, the issue of environment is the concern of developed and industrialized countries.

I think this is a good idea but within limits. As the article shows, complaints began to pile in the van and it is just one single van touring the governorates of Egypt. The problem isn't the fact that our ministries or institutions are unaware of these problems, it is the fact that these administrative tools are reluctant to interfere most of the time. So yes, it is a great relieving tool for individual needs of the poor less informed citizens but for democratizing Egypt, it is one step in the road of million kilometers

Being a general practitioner myself, I do agree that financial support will always be the major problem facing the new law, especially that a large sector of Egypt's population will completely depend on governmental resources. Private sector will have to be included in the process. The government can depend on publicity to be a good incentive for the participating companies hence creating a wheel of benefits. Underpaid medical personnel are another challenge in front of the new program. That's another obvious reason why financial resources are the most important issue.

Bridge Building and breaking the barriers of ignorance!!! Only Music is able to do this miracle. Mixing the useful with pleasure, this is what it is all about and can take place between Mediterranean Countries and I believe this is the most fruitful one as well. Hopefully, such projects will always have proper funding and that they will reach as much people as possible.

Solar energy technologies are possible to provide several environmentally friendly technological options to improve rural poor communities:-awarded from Egypt recognized from UN, based on new awarded appropriate specifically tailored, green technology targeting small –scale poor farmers who lack adequate storage and preservation facilities and communities affected by biologically and chemically contaminated water. We developed 3 generations of superior solar powered reliable 12 function systems, usable year round for heating, sterilizing, distilling water and drying, disinfecting smoking crops, with a social impact of improving health due to availability of safe water and the increase in food security.

Many Mediterranean countries are still suffering from health care because of the low quality of the insurances services as well as the non concern of the government about the issue. The population is in need for a project in the health system

It is very good idea in the way of democracy and by this way, there will be a way to poor people to express about their needs, but the important issue is that, what about their complaints: do the governmental organizations and authorities solve their complaints or they will neglect them?

Modernization of the Syrian health sector is a very urgent issue, the system has been under many pressures in the past few years, starting from the millions of Iraqi refugees, 2006 War and the recent global epidemic of Avian flu and currently swine flu. All these factors and others affect the quality and the reliability of this system which has been serving millions of Syrians for many years

Scholarships to study in other countries have played a significant role in mutual understanding between different countries, peoples and cultures. US's Fulbright program and UK's Chevening programs have been there for a long time and they have played the role envisioned by their states, a mutual understanding between the EU and its partners in the south will be solid stone in building the partnership this area needs for successful development

Achieving a healthy, true and lasting democracy in the Arab countries will be a deep and long-term process. Before talking about democracy, we have to first work hard on building up the nationalist spirit by discarding all the confessional feuds, religious and ethnic fanaticisms, and all the other unreasonable devotions, we have to spread and develop the nationalistic awareness amongst the raising generations along with the values of patriotism, honesty and transparency, human rights, education, knowledge and awareness. In short, we have to first pave the road and create a healthy environment for democracy to sustain and flourish.

Though symbolic, the vans of the EU collecting complaints found recipients representing the downtrodden sector of Egypt's society. What matters here is not only the volume of aid produced by the EU initiative, because for those hard hit by woes of yawning inequality gaps any token of assistance would be appreciated. What actually matters is the increasing interest in this initiative on the part of losers in Egypt's aggressive economic reform, whether their complaints would be resolved or would be met with deaf ears from authorities. The indication here is the loss of faith in an aging governing system which has failed its citizens over and again. Whenever the government boasted its economic growth rate of 7%, those running to file their complaints to the EU vans were the ones who missed the benefits of growth as they get poorer while the rich minority gets richer.

Rural development can lead to development itself, the rural areas have lands and resources that can be used for many things starting from agriculture as a basic economic sector to the services as a developed sector. If the underdeveloped countries have tried to benefit from their land, they will solve many problems that are suffering from especially that most of them are in need for the most important needs for life which is food.

I think this is one of the practical ways that can lead us to solve the problem of democracy in the southern countries. Many initiatives have been taken but it’s just bla bla bla; through this project we are giving to the citizen something that they can see without waiting. People are fed up with lies and promises, people are looking for something practical. I am with this initiative and I support it and I want to see more in all the south Mediterranean countries that suffer from corruption and bribery.

I have been reading these articles since I have discovered this great site, just wanted to add a comment, regarding to the question: could Europe help? Well, sure, they can help, but Europe must understand that in the middle east region, exist two groups of persons, the first are the people that have loyalty and respect to their country and the second are the people that are working for other countries, by simply supporting their terrorism. I am an educated person and personally I would love that to be helped by Europe, instead of other middle eastern countries, at least CULTURE is symbol of Europe ,and HUMANITY is pride of Europe, so what else than these are important to me?

All we know about Europe is just images of colonization, domination and superiority, and what the Europeans know about Arabs is just stereotypes of underdevelopment, barbarism and mainly terrorism. So, we what we need is to build confidence between the two parts through establishing new bridges of communication without prejudices. Respect and credibility are the key words that should characterize both sides speeches and negotiations .Together Mediterranean Arabs & Europeans can be more than economic partners, their diversity can be an emblem of human peaceful coexistence, we don't need a total confusion within each other but we rather need to be logical , truthful , and equal in rights and duties. Peace and prosperity are man- made if there is a good will.

An ancient shrine of Algiers defies time. I should rather say: An ancient shrine defies time and PLACE as well. The lady of Africa prays for both of our communities the Christian and the Muslim communities here in Algiers. It’s really vital to both communities to take care of their religious monuments old or new in these hard times we are living in today. I’m very happy to learn that the Algerian government has financially participated in these renovation works. I do hope that all the religious monuments will be renovated whether in Europe or in the Maghreb because we are neighbors and Islam gives much importance to the neighbor regardless to his colour, origin or belief. I do hope that mosques in Europe will get the same care and attention. Many synagogues are neglected in Algeria. I hope they will be renovated because they belong to people who were or a few of them are still living here and they have the right to freedom of worship

Opening a dialogue between the two borders of the Mediterranean sea is a step toward more understanding, tolerance and cooperation. In spite of the cultural, political, economic and social differences between the Arab countries and the European ones, the need to bring these two poles together become a necessity to resist world challenges. On one side and for Europe, the Arab countries are a vast area of investments and profits due to the abundance of natural resources and human potentials. In the other side, Arabs need Europe to accomplish their development process and to solve one of their biggest & hardest problems which is unemployment. But, I think if the dialogue will be successful and promising in terms of economy, both Arabs and Europeans have to talk a lot about, crucial and very sensitive issues, mainly migration, people mobility and terrorism with a lot of credibility, sincerity and respect.

The European union cooperation with the Mediterranean countries is a plus value for these countries in comparison with other countries around the world. In addition to the closeness to Europe, the Mediterranean countries are benefiting from encouragement and support from the European union in order to go on for their development. The countries have big populations that can benefit from it, as well as a land that is in need for it. The concerned government should seize this opportunity and welcome the EU support by letting the NGOs and the people themselves get the financial support and advices directly.

Having targeted the mutual acknowledgment between Europe and the Mediterranean counties let researchers look for more ways that can lead them to their right path in the specialized field. The best solution for us as researchers is to exchange information not only through exchanged trips but through exchanged studies and training because having done so, you will get more into the point than just because you get involved to other life that will push you to think of your life and the life of the peoples around you. Giving the researchers a change to get their education in Europe will open many windows for them and let them think of global issues.

The world strongest economies are based on researches, leading to innovation and development. We should be more concerned about the issue as a clue for our development. The university and research institute should look for the support that can fulfill this objective. If they cannot do that, they just need to accept the support given to them by many European programs in the field like the Erasmus Mundus program.

Talking about planting mines to curb smuggling operations? what about being trapped between the Axis and Allies ending up with 20% of total landmines worldwide? That is Egypt since the end of World War II. Instead of using the natural reserves (oil, gas .. etc) and enjoying the sahari & oasis tourism, the developing country is struggling demine the western desert.. but how so? When costs of demining one landmine are estimated between $300-1000 and Egypt has got nearly 23 million landmines! UK and Germany won't even give the developing country a map for landmines! This is totally unfair.

I appreaciate this step because the prisoners really need help in the Arab countries because they lived in bad conditions. Th EU can help them through helping them in making small business inside the prisons and they can sell the production in big exhibition.

Women have the same capacity as men in doing any kind of job. Even the biological differences but some of them as some of men also managed to do many kind of job. For example, if we consider the job of Hyam, many men cannot put themselves in danger to do the job but there are others who can do it. So, it is just a matter of life and any person woman or man who think of something she/ he will manage to do it. Nowadays with the support of EU they are many initiatives to clear the stereotyping issue.

A project like this makes the two continents closer, let alone the two banks of the Mediterranean Sea. The customers in the south bank of the sea are not feeling the shortage of products that are in the north bank and vice versa. Most of the Mediterranean inhabitants are isolated because of the shortage of roads and projects in the field should be welcomed and supported because they push the inhabitant to self development. Thanks for the initiative and we hope for the coming of more.

Cooperation is something blessed, but water cooperation is something that Allah will pay us for. If you give thirsty person a cup of water you will save yourself in the day of Hasher. So, I think it is very important idea to think of sharing our water resources with others who don’t have it. We should be united as Mediterranean countries first in order to overcome the shortage of water.

I always say let's see if we can help the situation from inside... People from the south won't go to the north if they have jobs may be. Some will never go there even if they don't work, because of something very important. The faith of islam does not encourage that really - it's better to stay in one’s place for moral and faith reasons than to go to another. Man in origin is not the one who should look for living - but how to live and what to live for. Northern countries should work on to foster the true faith in the heart of the south countries - most of them are muslims - if they want to minimise troubles in the north.

There are many similarities between the people living in the Mediterranean sea. Either in the history that is dated back to many centuries or the quality of knowledge of the people in the region. The sea in reality is hosting a divergent civilization that cannot be ignored by anyone in the world. But can we live in the Mediterranean countries and waiting for others to gather our similarities? Many initiatives have been taken till now without practice. So, I think that the civil society in the region should integrate in the unity of the Euro-Mediterranean countries.

If you read the article you feel that you are dreaming, but life cannot continued without the saving of environment exactly as the editorialist said. However, how can the people who suffer from war and government crisis to think for that said. The blame should go to the people who have hand in that war or problems in general. But how can you blame someone who doesn’t care because he has his tidy land. The amazing thing in the issue is that the European Union who doesn’t have hand in any problems in the world is working as hard as possible to solve the other’s problems.

Save the environment is one of the most important things that we should be aware about. As the environmental problems are decreasing, our attention should be more concerned about the issue. We cannot live without environment as it the space element for our living. However, most of the Mediterranean countries are surviving their development problems and not thinking of the environment. The thing that push the ENPI policy to support them prevent the environmental degradation through the SMAP project and CAP Nador is one of the beneficiary as a beautiful place.

I agree with most of what Mr. Rhein said: Europe understood it has to help the south Mediterranean countries prosper to prevent massive immigration from happening. What I can add is that Europe is no more the job "paradise" it used to be. Not after the last economic crisis. Employees and managers are being laid off like never before. I strongly believe that we'd better stick to our land and try to work things out from here. If we do things right, and get our list of priorities right, chances are we will make it. One last thing, Mr. Rhein: we can have great profitable relations with Europe without being an actual member state of the Union. We don't need that. It is unnecessary to remind us that it is not even a possibility. It hurts without any purpose. :)

Agriculture is one of the important sectors in the development of each economy. Most of the Mediterranean countries have the means to develop this sector, however, most of them do not know how to achieve this goal. So, the Mediterranean cooperation should focus on exchanging information in the field, plus the implementation of vocational training for the farmers of the partners that are not advanced in the agriculture sector.

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about! That's the real deal! Way to go girls! Excuse me for my emotional outburst, but I'm happy to finally see a practical entrepreneurial endeavor that works, delivers, and brings results. What we need in the Arab world is that pragmatic approach in both business and social work: Don't give me a fish; instead, teach me how to fish it. We need solutions that work, with lasting rewards; and what a great example has the "Women in Communication" association has given! Good job "Women in Communication" and of course, a big Thank You to the EU.

The best reform for people and organised groups to take is the one before getting into prison. There are many teachings in life that guide us to a better safer community. The law wants that, but in a culture like the one of a Muslim place a good way to use is faith to minimise crime. There are many incidents in Quran and Islam faith calling on brotherhood, human respect and love for each other. Failure at any points, leads human power to restore justice- if not a Divine authority is there to threaten and warn. Precautions should be taken into more consideration than they are now. Not only in a Muslim place like Algeria- but in the World...

Life needs water, Tourism project need water, our descendants need water and projects. Thinking of projects is development, whereas we should think of project that will not affect our environment. We can get tourists in the Sahara in which there is no water as well as in the green places. So, what we need exactly is to let the civil society as well as the authorities know the value of this important element for life. The issue that had been thought about in the European financed project of MEDA WATER by reinforcing information and know-how exchanges.

The Catholic Church in Algiers is one of a testimony of the Euro-Mediterranean coexistence. The African countries’ churches in the Mediterranean still keep their original building from their building in the past centuries. This is Algerian example, as we can observe in Morocco, in which we have churches that have been built in the 19th century, and still keep their style. This shows the coexistence and respect between religions exists from the past decades. The thing that push us to step the steps of our ancestors and respect each other in order to live in the world of peace.

Human rights is in the right path thanks to the European Neighbourhood and Partnership policy (ENPI) . many initiatives related to the issue have been done so far, as well as projects in order to help the legal systems function in accordance with the principles of international conventions on criminal and prison law. Also, The ENPI is working hard to push the partners’ countries to good governance in the field of Justice.

I acknowledge that all these efforts to improve the inmates' situation is necessary, at least not to turn a couple of years sentence into a death sentence! But let's get real: what good is there in respecting human rights inside prisons if they are not respected outside? Are we working hard and honestly enough to put citizenship first? To put the respect of the citizen as a human being at the top of our priorities and at the heart of the system? If we don't install real democracy and transparency in our developing countries, being behind or in front of the bars wouldn't make a big difference, because the whole society will end up like a big prison. You see what I mean?

A continuous and sequential implementation of the policy of modernization and development in the ministry and the courts is needed and we should also draw the attention of the authorities to what it seems as an imbalance in the work and make proposals to reform them. Technical and advisory support continued is needed too. As well as a special care to improve the situation of lack of justice and providing the necessary equipments. Finally, The tribunal is not merely a mechanism for the prosecution in Lebanon, but also in itself an important signal that Lebanon is a democratic community, founded on the rule of law.

Finally, some justice brought to the Ministry, of Justice!!! It was time!!! Those reforms were more than necessary; however they will remain an incomplete step if not accompanied by a political reform. Judicial body should be completely liberated from any external interference. What is important as well is employment procedures, instead of hiring unqualified individuals and spend money on trainings, why not start by competent persons and save those funds for innovative projects? Nevertheless, this step ought to be saluted and extended to other ministries who also face the same problem.

Most tourists who come to Morocco belong to the more civilized world like Europe or America... If so, why would this kind of high educated people waste water - be that in their homeland or any spot in the world- if they are really civilized enough to feel the human and universal belonging to this Plant and life? One solution to that problem can idealistically be to educate tourists before they travel not to waste any energy...

Thanks for all effort, that can change our vision and our behavior, but in Egypt there is always a big problem. There is a belief that the theories and programs are different from practical performance. This belief comes from people and governmental mangers. So all the program’s points will be achieved without any change in real situation. I suggest saving these millions and try to change by model. Eurojar can choose some schools according to budget, then take full charge in schools management. And try to set inter national standers and Eurojar objectives. Then after people touch the real difference, we can ask the government to take this model and generalize it.

I am a member of a local disability association in Morocco too. Some time I volunteer with a center that cares for blind students. What jobs could they get as blind? What dreams? What suits more this category of people....I always keep an eyes and ear of their dreams in the future? Most of them want to be teachers of French at most with some of Math; this needs study why. But my thinking says the best way they can fit in is Art or Writing. I have been trying to focus on that while my mind targets and focuses on what they can do with English in concrete really. They have good minds that should not be exhausted by writing. It's why I hope to find beginner textbooks in Braille type. I think this may help them be Artist... Peace

There are efforts to improve education yes, but seems no good results are achieved mostly in human rights. The people there are still look like ruled by army, and the system of service to people in general is so stiff... I should not forget too the human right violation on the borders of Gaza with people who wants to enter and come as a world right. If educational systems do not teach rights and how to deal well- not only with knowledge) then it's a failure.

If Morocco has a limited resource to develop tourism using water, then a new strategy should go on to use a tourism that uses less water. If a golf course needs that much water, then desert- Sahara tourism can replace this luxury water consuming tourism. Tourists should consider a Moral Tourism. To come not to enjoy, but to feel and test how people suffer when water get less or not at all in some place... that's Moral Tourism in order to sense human world citizenship.

To start teaching people about electricity saving from the childhood is already done; has anyone thought that the problem is one of the models? Meaning those who teach good things miss acting upon it. It's not a question of education alone, but conviction too. We should see ways to use culture in saving energy. If you take a cultural or a human thing like faith it can be very well used to entice people to save LIGHT. In Islamic teaching, people are warned not to use water or personal usage like in praying even if the source being taken from is a river or sea. No squandering of natural energy.

I wonder how individuals with special needs are perceived in Europe. Are they well integrated? Do they find easily jobs? What about access to education? Maybe a joint committee of individuals with special needs should meet to share experiences of success but also of failure. Change of attitude towards handicapped people should emanate from conviction more than just an institutional change. But it’s also the image that handicapped give of themselves that will contribute to break this misperception, they should trust themselves, their abilities, love themselves, so others would treat them the way they deserve!

It is very interesting. We are experience to work in tourist projects in dry areas. With the golf courses is possible to develop a 100 news workers for each new golf course. It is necessary use recycle water. In Spain there are 310 golf courses. In Arizona (no rain) there are 320 golf courses.

Lebanese also had their share of mines and fragmentation bombs. And with the tenuous situation in the Middle East, they represent a permanent threat to the population there. Those projects risk at any time to be halted due to lack of financing, while the need for such activities is increasing. What will happen by then? Both Local Governments and donors should join forces in order to ensure the persistence of the process not only for sake of concerned parties but for the entire humanity.

We no longer can survive in this global economy unless we speak the same language as the international community: Quality Standards. But in order to meet the international quality standards, we need a lot of work and smart investments. Implementing quality management systems requires a certain level of awareness, culture, conviction, commitment and a great deal of patience. I'm very glad that this project is finally taking place, and as a quality management expert, I want to add that it will create new jobs. A spirit of excellence and competitiveness will spread among companies and individuals. This will boost the economy and help the citizens prosper in their own countries which will consequently decrease illegal migration rates too.

Great, awesome! It's a necessary move to push bilateral trade forward! Undeniably, there's a lot of well-established corporate in Tunisia that will benefit greatly from this long-awaited Sea Highway, and it will encourage younger enterprises to expand their businesses and enhance their inter-continental operations. Moreover, this project will boost the settlement of outsourced European companies in our country which will help create new jobs! However, do you know that the ordinary Tunisian citizen still can't get an international MasterCard from his bank and make an international purchase on the internet? We need to fix this too.

Denying that sexual issues represent a major problem in our eastern world would be burying our heads in the sands. This issue is amplified in zones in dire situation, such as Palestinian Camps in Lebanon, as if it wasn’t enough with their difficult conditions and many restrictions imposed by the Lebanese Legislation. The project proved to be effective on many levels. It shouldn’t be left as an orphan and ought to be expanded to reach other Lebanese regions which could also benefit from this successful experience. However needless to reiterate, that a comprehensive solution must be found for Palestinian Camps.

I'm from Tunisia, and I'm really glad to hear about this EU-Egypt innovation fund out of which our Egyptian comrades will reap great rewards! In fact, innovation is the sole way out, the only exit from this global economic downturn. There are many sources of innovation. In his article "The Discipline of Innovation", Peter Drucker named 7: unexpected occurrences, incongruities, process needs, industry and market changes, demographic changes, changes in perception, and new knowledge. A thorough disciplined analysis of these 7 opportunities will ultimately lead to great innovations. Good luck Egypt !

Well, I have to say that creating bonds between Tunisia and Europe is more than welcome, it is expected. Common interests have always existed, since the dawn of history. Nevertheless, there's a lot of hard work ahead of Tunisian officials from their part. For example, the World Bank ranked Tunisia 73 out of 181 countries when it comes to the Ease of Doing Business. Encouraging regulatory steps to foster entrepreneurship and international cooperation are being undertaken. For example, a new law has been introduced last August (12th) to put at work for the first time a legal framework for local and international franchise businesses. Cool !

It is good news to hear about supporting such projects which give hope where there is no hope. However, I see that The EU supports more grassroots or micro/ short-term projects rather than solving the problem from its roots. The EU should support laws changes in order to provide legal protection of victims of violence: children, women, and youth and then support capacity building for police officers to deal with victims or the survivors. Also The EU should support educational projects especially in schools and moreover, the EU should support research in academia on such social problems we face instead of providing scholarships for students to study engineering and business, many they don’t come back. I will end up with a question: that is a great project but how many shelters we need in every city? Because even building thousands of shelters they won’t include all survivors of violence......

I cannot but expose admiration in front of the work of this young woman! But on the other hand, I cannot but shout to Hyam, and throughout her to all my brothers Arabs, and my neighbors Europeans –especially to them! - that our real enemies –a most threatening ones- are the mines that lye in our minds and hearts, the ones that produce injustice in a lot of our countries in the middle east, the ones that still tolerate tremendous lot of ignorance causing a large trail of damages in the lives of the people concerned. These are the real enemies; these are the real mines. Let’s keep on helping each other to eliminate them!

The roots of Egyptian civilization go back more than 6,000 years. The country has an unusual geographical and cultural unity that has given the Egyptian people a strong sense of identity and a pride in their heritage as descendants of humankind's earliest civilized. This history promoted Egyptians to create new ways of life. But nowadays, we are deteriorating in this field as all the other fields. Please direct most of this fund to establish the atmosphere of innovations for the future and make sure that the fund is directed correctly to those who deserve it not sons and daughters of powerful people.

Shelters are very important as an immediate solution, however if the current family laws & their application - no matter how ideal they seem to some - are not preventing the raise of victims number everyday, then a whole change is urgently required. Mentalities has been poisoned for years, some kids just grew on seeing wrong behavior as a normal daily life routine and believe this how men prove their manhood, they don’t know what other possibilities could exist behind their walls or their neighbors’ house walls, hence, raising awareness on civilized family attitude at a very early age is essential too.

Thanks to the EU and EURO-MED programs. The education of women in the whole region is the first step that leads to financial independence of women which helps them have their personal independence, to fight for their right, to express their thoughts and opinion, to think, to work, to travel, to have the right to choose... As women are the one who raise generations to come, it is important to educate them first. A male raised by educated woman will know how to deal and treat women, will know that women are equal to men in all life aspects and will consider women as partners in life and not competitors.

Only the person who already passed in such experience in life will really appreciate this humanity act done by the EU. I already experienced this issue in my life, and I had a lot of problems in the Lebanese society since they didn’t accept my small brother as a member in it, in addition to that, I can underline the below: The Lebanese authority does not take this issue seriously. A big part of the Lebanese society still has not respect for such cases and no financial support either. Hope that the EU will also increase the level of support for such important issues in the Arabic Society.

Such action can really upgrade the life of the girls for many reasons: It can avoid them many troubles in the future and especially “Men’s Authority”. Financial independence since it can open a lot of opportunities of work. It can avoid them many mistakes since it can provide them enough knowledge for the differentiation between bad and good. It can allow them to take the right decisions in their life.
Hope that this step from the EU will be followed by other steps in other Arab countries where the right of education does not exist!

The Arab nations are largely led by monarchies and authoritarian governments, and with many economies booming especially in the oil-rich Persian Gulf, governments are in no hurry to bring about change, this change which is considered as a slow process in the Arab countries. Democracy isn't always linear, it's a process that takes time, and it is evolutionary and requires strong consistent support which is what the EU policy is all about. But we still ask: did reform slow down in the Arab world or did it just never happen???

All societies have to trust and respect the Arab identity, and eliminate all forms of protest participation of Arab minorities in both political and social life. It is urgent to take action on behalf of states to prohibit the dissemination of racist ideas leading to hostility and violence and to legitimate the discrimination they experienced, although that we all recognize the presence of a huge number of Arab eminent personalities all over the world.

Water is life. We are not exaggerating when we say that most conflicts in the region have one thing in common: WATER. Awareness could be generated by means ranging from a simple TV advertisement to a water generating project costing millions of dollars. Those means can’t achieve anything nor can awareness among households be created if our governments have no awareness and are not 100% committed to solve this severe issue threatening not only our lives but also the life of coming generations.

The absence of consumer rights and laws in Lebanon make all consumers not protected against unfair, deceptive and fraudulent practices in the market which is considered as a law violation. Although that the minimum standard consumer rights consists on making available collecting consumers complaints, take them into consideration and make them available to law enforcement agencies across the country, this is not applied yet in Lebanon. The Lebanese people should exercise their rights to receive a free credit report, to refer to product warranties or stickers showing the energy costs of home appliances...taking advantage of law enforcement. But what would we say about the lack of politician's responsibility and efficiency in Lebanon????

There are a lot of green spaces in Lebanon that needs a such care from the Authority and from the EU, therefore I would like to suggest if we can promote for a yearly ceremony called" Lebanon Green DAY" which can be an event to support the green wealth and to cultivate a new generation of trees .... I am ready to prepare an action plan to be done and I am ready to put all the headlines of the work and to supervise the progress and the achievements.... I really need the support of a such organization like the EU!!!

It is a great effort from you. It gives self-confidence and freedom of expression to young, but how can this given to adults. From the East to the West of Arab world, we lack to the democracy as a way of life and this is not the fault of governments alone. We as citizens share the same responsibility. We just need a program for adults.

When I read the article “Soap… and other rural products”, I rushed to the bathroom closet to check the basket of soaps that my sister gave me as a gift from her trip to Jordan. Here it was the exact bag of soap bars in the article’s picture. Soap is an all-natural, authentic gift that truly reflects the spirit of Jordan, not some cosmopolitan mass-produced brand that you can find in every mall around the globe. And most importantly, an encouragement to fellow working women who are given the opportunity to stand up for themselves and contribute in their own way.

Mosaics of the Dom are not only a piece of art. It is a representation of Islamic thinking and way of life. A large number of pieces put together and form a bigger view. It is the philosophy of gathering different things and make a final harmony of them. People of different origins and religions used to live together in a complete peace under the umbrella of Islam. I ask you to direct some of your efforts to show the history of Jerusalem.

Great work from the EU, but I have a small question: Lebanon has a great fortune named water but, unfortunately, this wealth does not have any value since the government didn't think to invest in it to produce Energy and Electricity. The reasons are of course the political situation and the corruption in the country... But I wonder can the EU fund a project to help the government to produce the Electricity from the water? So we can avoid the use of the expensive Fuel and so we can balance somehow the financial situation of the country!

The VBI is a unique pilot project but we must take into consideration how many women benefited from it compared to the number of unemployed women in Syria? Some of EU supported projects in Syria are innovative but they are adding hock to short- term. We need to work on both policy level and grass roots level in order to make an impact in addition to the importance of making the same project in other parts in Syria rather than concentrating in one part! There are many less privileged areas than the one where VBI is located? Marketing for women products and competition with big companies and SME is also a big challenge for these women! We need to build capacities of our society on FAIR TRADE and social market when supporting such projects. I wish this project reach more women in more areas.

I would like to put the lights on a bit on a major wasted resource of energy ,that our governement is ignoring,instead of taking advantage of it,wich is that GREAT MOUNTAIN OF GARBAGE IN DORA SEA SIDE AREA.
The fact is i just got married,and i am actually afraid on my children future from this huge disaster,wich is day by day assembeling and forming a deadly gas to the human been and the nature too.
so what i suggest is that they use these garbages to empower the green lands, or to use it into generating energy.
i ask european neighborhood to take this project and eliminate the danger by transforming it,into a usefull source of life
REGARDS
Joseph Antoury
LEBANON

It is important and essential to Lebanon who is facing an electricity shortages due to high demands and mismanagement of its resources to shift into renewable energy by all means since the country is under the sun for at least 300 days and its wind potentials are very efficient on 25 per cent of its territories..Great work can be done but the government needs to lift the ban on generating electricity from clean energy...a law is needed in this regard.

Completely right Salma... I totally agree with you, so another message but from a man this time, to all the women in the Arabic world... Go for Education and you will have all the capacities to control your life and choose your destiny... But sometimes it will be too late to go for Education or the circumstances will not help, so the support of the EU is the best in such cases. I can suggest that the UN focus a lot on the poor countries where the rate of the violence against women is much more higher than what we expect, and where the Religion is a law canceling all the women's rights!

After all these years do you still think Arabs are minorities??? After they reached the four corners of the globe and resided almost each and every big and small country??? Did you forget that Arabs come from 21 countries most of them are underdeveloped economically and are one of the major sources of legal/illegal immigrants??? Don't you know that marriage and children forms the stone corner of most Arabs lives and did you forget that Arabs are famous for having lots of children while European couples rarely get married? Not to mention children… Did you forget that most Arabs can divorce and re-marry again while having children from different wives and ex-wives??? Egypt population for example raised from 18 millions in early 50’s to more than 78 millions today? When will you start facing the facts that Arabs aren’t minorities? One day you will wake up finding them ruling some of the European countries... Don’t be shocked as it’s the target of many… And this is not a non achievable target by the way, as you can see after decades of European Origins ruling the USA, now it’s ruled by a president of African roots, so why not an Arab next time? Arabs are a fast growing opportunity and if not well employed and developed, they will turn into a wild random threat.

The consumer in Lebanon is not aware that he has rights in regard to the Products he is consuming. The lack of this awareness is that there do not exist laws that protect the consumer from bad quality products. Now the sad well known fact is that many bad quality products are sold to the middle east region (or what some like to call Third World Countries) because there is a minimal awareness and/or control on the quality of the consumer goods.

It is sad... Always sad to hear or read such stories. Unfortunately living in an Arab state you hear similar stories to Maha's on daily basis. Such stories should be shared, it helps spreading awareness. All Arab Women should know that they have the Right to be treated with respect; they have the right to be free from Domestic Abuse.

Food & Culture:
Food has been always related to culture, where every culture has its own kitchen in which receipts are contained from almost the vegetables that grew from its land.
Although in today's world of globalization countries has been able to interact with each other easily and people from different countries was able to be exposed to kitchens from every piece of the world.
Country Kitchens:
These regional kitchens or country kitchens were able to cross borders easily without the need of diplomatic clearances and a well known example could be the Chinese kitchen, were every country world wide has at least couple of Chinese restaurants transferring the Chinese culture of food and art to the world.
World wide dishes:
Still in every bit of the world have it's unique kitchen that will live forever, Egypt has got several famous dishes which have crossed the borders to the rest of the world like "Foul" Beans, "Falafel" Grilled grinded beans and the famous "Koshary" Mixed macaroni with beans and special sauce which was exposed to world wide by Abou Tarek one of the most famous restaurants in Egypt established in 1950 to offer "Koshary" and found on the web at Abou Tarek Restaurants
Here comes this program supporting culture orientations in an easy yet an interactive way.

Slovakia should serve as a great lesson not only for Mediterranean countries but also for all developing countries striving to become developed one day. With the help of EU, determination, and 100% commitment to fight corruption, perform necessary economical and political reform, and use each asset and resource correctly, any Mediterranean country can be the “New Slovakia” since almost all these countries do not lack the qualified human capital needed for such a huge transformation.

Moawad Foundation is working according the Chinese proverb “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime” by focusing on training the farmers and introducing new techniques to them that will help them for a lifetime. What is unique about EU’s grants is that they are divided to help both the government and Lebanese NGOs like Moawad Foundation thus, giving hope and encouragement to all other Lebanese NGOs that they are not forgotten and someday they will be helped as well.

As long as all kinds of laws are broken and aggressors not punished on a daily basis in Lebanon, any consumer protection policy will have no value at all. In addition, the current minister of Economy and Trade has been calling the government for more than one year to recruit additional consumer protection officers since there is a severe shortage but unfortunately, there’s no ear to listen. This of course, will discourage any future help from the EU concerning this issue leading us to lose another priceless opportunity.

Europe, like all neighboring countries still have a role, this is not the question, but the questions here are; what’s the definition and frame of that role? Does conflicting parties accept that role? Do they accept the intervention of another country in the first place? Do they really want to solve that conflict? Does solving that conflict match with their leaders agendas???... Conflict solving involves Win-Win situations; the Win-Loose strategy comes only in war and not in conflict solving. So if conflicting parties can’t accept having minor sacrifices in order to save the future of their nations, then their intentions for conflict solving are questionable. Middle East location, political and commercial history made it the land of diverse cultures and backgrounds for centuries, different nations and races resided the area for years and years. We can’t come today and claim its land for only one race and refuse the others because that will go against the nature of this land and its history. I believe Europe role should be towards raising the culture of accepting the other first before proposing any conflict solving methodology.

I believe that the main question of the article is mistaken. The question should remain how could the EU support the peace process? With all the related initiatives of the EU, it seems that the level of intervention is still not satisfactory, at least in terms of the tangible outcomes that seems to be absolute in this manner. However, I do agree with the propositions which dictate that the scope of the EU intervention is sound and sustainable. Successive to that and based on the fact that sustainability is a need based approach, there should always be a room for deliberations on these local needs and tailor all the aid to these. Inevitably, knowledge share and transfer is welcome and appreciated in this context. Open dialogue is to be proceeded, but within a pre-defined milestones!

Every step I take in my life, personally and professionally, reminds me that I didn't rise up to my potential. “If I had just been more careful in choosing my university education thus my profession, if only our universities were better, I would have ...”
Education in Syria is suffering from major deficiencies, mainly from lack of guidance before, during and after universities. As a graduate of the University of Aleppo, I struggled with outdated curricula, lack of technology and huge gaps between universities and the business society. I find that TEMPUS addresses greatly the needs of Syrian universities. For the generations after me, I really would like to remind them that those before Tempus struggled. They should take advantage of the privileges they have with the major reforms being implemented to university education in Syria through TEMPUS and other programs.

This article reminds me of the book “A Green History of the World, the Environment and the Collapse of Great Civilizations” by Clive Ponting. In his book, Ponting describes how collapsed societies that have been involved in massive conflicts, while lacking of environmental priorities, completely exhausted the natural resources to which they had access. In fact, this article reflects the inability of countries concerned by land conflicts to stop destroying their natural resources even when irreversible resource destruction is obvious to all. Now, our entire society is embarked on a massive resource extraction. The question is: will we overcome the obstacles that previous societies did not?

Taking on board of European education secular Arabic countries through such capable instruments as either TEMPUS or Erasmus Mundus is of sea change significance. Indeed, although not participants of Bologna Process or Tuning, these countries are encouraged to modernize their educational systems and further strengthen secular pillars they rely on against militant Islamic fundamentalist insurgency. Conversely, using education as one of the most universal instruments of intercultural dialogue, the EU society gets closer acquainted with the cultural peculiarities and values of Arabic world, eventually reducing anti-Arab and anti-Islamic prejudices and biases preeminent in certain quarters of western countries.

Even though the parliamentary elections has been monitored and supervised by the EU the real and important democracy is still missing and Lebanon is still under the instructions of the big and neighbor countries, which are negotiating on Lebanon as if it is a share in the stock market.
We can say that Lebanon has the best level of democracy between all the countries of the MEA, but this democracy is applied only on small things, like the freedom of expressing, freedom in general. And i can say now that the small things do not have any meanings if the most important issues in our country are confiscated by others.

Unfortunately, the Lebanese environment condition has been deteriorating year after year at a large pace. There are many Lebanese rules dedicated to the protection and maintaining of environment but they are not well implemented nor are any actions taken against aggressors. EU’s SMAP program was another lost opportunity consecutive governments must have grabbed to rescue our environment and to disallow Lebanon from becoming yet another desert.

Lebanon can be taken as an example in separating between economical and political affairs since it still managed to maintain positive economic growth in spite of the long years of political instability it has been facing. Yet, Lebanon still has a long way to strengthen its economy mainly by fighting corruption, aiming for more transparency, and starting with the necessary economical reforms required from it to benefit more from ENP’s and Paris 3’s financial grants and benefits.

Nepotism is one of the main causes contributing to the corruption and economical problems found in many Mediterranean countries. Favoring bloodlineس and relatives over experience, knowledge and efficiency in hiring employees is leading educated youth to migrate for EU and other countries that hire them for their potentials and credentials. By this, Mediterranean countries are not only losing their best brains, but also keeping in power people who most of the time fail in their work, due to lack of efficient knowledge, and lead to the failure and bankruptcy of their companies which will eventually weaken any economy.

Lebanon is a lighthouse of democracy in this dark Mideast giving hope and inspiration to many people that one day democracy and freedom will flourish in their countries too. Still, Lebanon’s democracy is fragile and threatened by many factors but mainly: one party owing weapon and threatening to use it if some democratically taken resolutions didn’t fit it, and neighboring countries interfering in each and every detail of Lebanon. EU helped in monitoring the last elections but it can help more if it pressures neighboring countries to prohibit them from destroying our democracy and the dreams of numerous neighboring populations

I agree with Mr. Renauld, EU’s projects in Lebanon are enormous, and the union is trying to balance funds among both The Lebanese Government and Lebanese NGOs and civil society. I believe what the union is trying to do is offering means to strengthen the Lebanese government that has been struggling for years to attain economical growth despite the political instability Lebanon has been facing. In return, the government is dedicating a lot of the grants and funds it’s receiving to support many NGOs it finds helpful for both the country and the EU – Lebanese relationships.

Caritas supported by EU is doing an excellent job for domestic workers suffering physically and mentally from the humiliation and abuse they’re facing but unfortunately it’s not enough without the help of the Lebanese Government. Lebanon who calls on daily basis for abiding by all UN resolutions should start by respecting UN’s Human Rights Declaration which its fifth article states “No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”. The government can at least start by issuing a law that punishes all aggressors severely to stop this humanitarian crime occurring almost every minute

Away from their family and country, working 24/7 to satisfy our needs. The least we can offer those workers, giving us and our children all their time and physical effort is respect and appreciation. I don't believe that someone in the 21st century still acts in this barbaric and primitive way. But those households should remember that someday their kids might have to travel and work outside and I don't think they would like to see them treated the way they are treating their workers and unfortunately they might not find Caritas or EU there to help them.

Jerusalem is the Arabic cultural capital 2009, and there is too much to do and to save, the job you are doing is great, but it is necessary to save the Maqdisiyyon (the original people of Jerusalem) and to save their mosques and churches also.

Democracy will never flourish in the Middle east as long as the Arabs are doing nothing to change the monarchies and authoritarian regimes not only they're living under but also strengthening by not calling for their freedom and right to choose. They, more than any other nation in the world, should have known by now that one hand can't clap alone and unite, take Europeans and Lebanese as examples, to call for 3 words living worth nothing without: freedom, democracy, and Sovereignty. As Lebanese, we paid blood for centuries for democracy, mostly achieved our goals, and never been prouder.

In Lebanon, we have been fighting and struggling since forever to maintain the democracy we have. We were being fought from all side so that our democracy can be controlled by a foreign regime. Once our sovereignty was lost, the democracy is controlled by the country occupying us. That what was happening from 1976 till 2005 when “Syria” (Lebanon’s sister) was in control of every single detail regarding Lebanon. This is where the Syrian democracy was applied on the Lebanese people. In the Syrian democracy the word “no” does not exist. Everyone should blindly say “I favor”. And if by any chance someone objects he is immediately considered as a traitor for the mother land and is taken to court. Any country in the world who wishes to improve and to progress must have “Democracy” as its main goal and object. There is nothing that cannot be solved through a decent democratic political reunion.

Democracy will never flourish in the Middle east as long as the Arabs are doing nothing to change the monarchies and authoritarian regimes not only they're living under but also strengthening by not calling for their freedom and right to choose. They, more than any other nation in the world, should have known by now that one hand can't clap alone and unite, take Europeans and Lebanese as examples, to call for 3 words living worth nothing without: freedom, democracy, and Sovereignty. As Lebanese, we paid blood for centuries for democracy, mostly achieved our goals, and never been prouder.

In addition to what Walid said, we also can generate electricity; cultivate a green Lebanon from the water resources we have! Good luck Walid in your project!

Soon water will be the new source of power that the hole word is looking for, small invention we hope will born soon in Lebanon can let generator work on water and only water and this is enough to change the world.

People don’t know that it is not hard to invent. Generator can work on water instead of gasoil or diesel, the operation need equipments but it is not hard, we are working on it and hope it will work soon.

No Control means no consumer protection, the Lebanese authorities is always hidden from such important issues and therefore all types of restrictions will be broken by the vendors, suppliers, services providers… so the best important thing here is to ask why the Lebanese authorities is unavailable and how we can be supported from the EU in such issue?

Because education is the main gateway to sustainable development and national security, Society’s contribution is vital in order to increase girls’ education in rural parts of Egypt. Parents’ awareness should be increased about child-rearing techniques which uphold equality of education between sexes; social awareness should be raised to combat traditions and social values unfavorable to girls' education. The government should also eradicate any form of bias treatment against girls in curricula, eliminate any form of bad treatment towards them, and provide equal opportunities for females in the work environment.

I am interested in NGO work going on in Algeria. Environmental work in particular.

To avoid hostility between expatriate Arabs and Europeans, European countries should promote multicultural education regardless of ethnic diversity, race, language, age, origin, religion and gender to be able to create a healthy society. Moreover, the word terrorist should never be linked to Arab or Muslim, this guy has no country and no religion, he lost them when he lost his mind. Respecting each other tradition and culture will lead us to a better world.

In Lebanon and till now, people do not know the importance of this real wealth we had, therefore I strongly suggest the intervention of the EU, by arranging for many campaigns to explain the importance of water, its benefits and to provide the best solutions to protect it.

I have visited Lebanon last month and, to my surprise, I could say that most of prices of goods are controlled except for Taxi drivers. Also to my surprise, I got back the taxes paid on goods purchased on departure at the airport.

Arab minorities are the only victims of the dreadful acts of extremists. They are being marginalized in foreign countries due to the false idea that Arabs are a threat to them, not realizing that Arabs in foreign countries are the most contributing, and elite individuals in the Arab world. They go looking for jobs abroad and never come back to their country, and this created a problem as Arab countries are losing their workers, and expertise. A great example facing this particular problem is Jordan.

If you look bad, you will be treated like bad people. Along the time, all the Arab countries showed the West the bad side of the Arabic society, and both Arabic and Foreign Media played a big role in that by showing violence, war, intolerance, fanaticism, stupidity... Based on these bad ideas implemented in their mind, the western society is trying to control the Arab minorities and not let them be an effective part from their culture...

In Lebanon and till now people do not know the importance of this real wealth we had, therefore I strongly suggest the intervention of the EU, by arranging for many campaigns to explain the importance of water, its benefits and to provide the best solutions to protect it.

Arab minorities are the only victims of the careless acts performed by the twisted minds of extremists. They cannot be taken as a threat in foreign countries, as most of them are the contributing individuals of the Arab society. They seek for opportunities in the Arab world, but unfortunately they do not find the job that respects their knowledge, expertise, or even them. As a result, they end up filling applications for jobs abroad.

It's just a matter of time till that discrimination fade out and Europe realize that what happened in 9/11 came from extremists and in every religion there is extremists. Normal Muslims cannot be blamed for that. About staying veiled in European societies I believe it's a personal choice and it must be done away from society's pressures regarding employment or even family pressures, Isn’t the variety in cultures a very big factor in creating a rich culture?

Being Lebanese and Phoenician show the importance of dialogue; my ancestors managed to spread their civilization without arms nor military acts. Cultural dialogue remains the strongest way to convince.

In Egypt, we’re 80 million, we we’re 80 million hopes and 80 million Ziwil and Baradie. But the obstacle to do that is to cross the ignorant-educated issue, when we look at the universities graduates; yes they are holders of bachelors or licenses, big certificates and big universities names. But because of the 60 years old studying materials we have no real bachelors neither real big names. And I believe that, the solution is to renew the education system in Egypt and to create such organizations (Skills School) to teach what is needed.

Year after a year, Syria is improving its relations with its neighbors, thanks to the efforts of President Bachar El Assad. For example, the private section is multiplying the partnerships with European enterprises, especially from France, Bulgaria and Italy. EU countries are the best models for running big and small enterprises, which may lead to successful stories.

It is important to see if the spread of wealth is well distributed among wider population...Real developments in bordering countries such comes from solving the main conflict, the arab-israeli one, which is the source or the pretext of many violent activities from both sides... Mutual recognition between Palestinians and Israelis is needed based on a 2 state solution, which can lead to defusing the rise of violence… Education at all levels and reforms are needed but the outlook still remains foggy due to strong tribal mentality in the ruling class.

Mr. Maalouf was right 100%, because not all the European funds allocated for projects in South reach the real beneficiaries from Youth and liberity thereto that represents 70% of the population in our region who need 100 million job opportunities in the coming 20 years, however funds reach businessmen and Gov. responsibles/delegates represented in Specialst Gov. Councils or Ministries which is very well known hear and the rate of poverty exagerating.

Water is a vital resource that one should protect by raising awareness and educating people about the importance of environment protection.

I definitely agree with Mr. Renauld and I think that our mission is to strengthen the building capabilities of local NGOs.

The idea of consumer protection in Lebanon is almost not available, so as a Lebanese Graphic Designer, I have a proposal, starting from an idea that was treated in the «Qualeb» project (EU funded project), «food packaging». My research was about the design of the «nutritional facts», and how in Lebanon very few manufacturers apply the standard rules of this label. The end result will be a new design for the «Guideline daily amount» label, that makes it easier for the consumer to make a healthier choice, and so it protects consumers from misleading information that would affect his health. Some research was done as a project for my masters degree, and some sketches were finalized. I’m looking forward to implement this idea in the market for the consumers’ benefit.

Your reporters may need to be less bias in their approaches to tackle issues... Real development is needed in our part of the world and Europe should look more deeply into opening its arms to people who are deprived of all forms of protection... Some organizations and associations claim to represent the civil society but only serve their political and economical interests. At the same time many small NGO's in Lebanon find themselves deprived of real help.

We need democrats when we talk about democracy. Sectarian divisions, systems based on tribal associations and family linkages are part of a weakened society structure... it seems that the process of change toward a more a democratic society is taking place with the help of the Europeans.

Mechanical integration is not the solution, but being able to convey our desires and objectives, listening to each other's thoughts and perspectives are all means of better cooperation.

I got the impression that this article isn't accurate regarding some facts about women in rural areas because in Jordan most women work with men in agriculture..raising cattle...etc and only the fortunate ones join the public administration and that goes for both genders again! Trying to portray women to be trapped behind shame barriers isn't the whole picture; we need to show that men and women suffer from same problems. Projects like these have great importance and do pay