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October 2005 Archives

October 30, 2005

An item to return to: the Maghrebine & Muslim diaspora in Europe and Jihad

Stopping by Daniel Drezner I found something of interest to comment on, notably The trouble with European Muslims...., based off of an arty in the European edition of Time Magazine, The Enemy Within

Rootless and restive, young Muslims in Europe are increasingly turning to religious extremism. An inside look at the threat from homegrown militants

Lacking time immediately to comment, I note that as is typical the comments section is tending toward the expected paranioa, but interesting questions are raised. Although with false dichotomies.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 10:44 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Society & Culture

Press Freedom & Peevishness

The Moroccan business press carried an amusingly peevish reaction to the Reporters sans frontieres latest press freedom report (I confess I find it myself somewhat unconvincing as to methodology, but lack the interest to pursue further).

There was much whinging on about the unfairness of the rating, but the winning article closing I have to quote: "Morocco, remains, nevertheless, better placed than Palestine (132) or Egypt (143)."

I grant the writer my "Hey, but we're still better than the stinking Egyptians" award.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 09:39 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Society & Culture

Other Reflexions - On US Firms, Business and Valueing International Staff

I had the occasion with my Italian collegue to have an interesting (to people like us at least) reflective conversation about working for American firms and the value place (or not) on overseas experience.

Although it was nothing new, nor particular news indeed as I should say everyone reading my blithering on is likely aware of these things, the issue of the degree of real interest in US firms in their international staffs arose; oddly not in any way connected with my personal axe grinding or bemusement at my organisation schizophrenic approach to regional expertise, but from the Italian's experience on transfering herself to the US after a career with several large international British financial institutions with experience from London HQ right through to high level managerial experience in Asia running operations as the feranji big cheese.

Continue reading "Other Reflexions - On US Firms, Business and Valueing International Staff"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 11:28 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Biz - Private in MENA , Perso Biz Notes , Perso-Expatedness

October 29, 2005

In other notes

Had an odd call from the US Gov with respect to a private equity issue. Got a follow on email on a fund they seem to have in the works and new structure proposal.

After reading the proposal over, I have to say ... I can't make bloody heads or tails of its thinking. I'm not often at a loss of understanding like this. Either I'm stupid or this proposal makes no bloody sense.

The question is, what do I tell them on Monday for this damned call?

Half wish they'd fuck off. But half a mind that there might, in its bizarre bollixed up way, be a business opportunity here.

But this means trying to make some sense of it.

[UPDATED]
Actually on rereading the theoretical thinking was clearer, but the practicalities seem more than slightly fucked. Regardless, it was interesting speaking with an Under Secretary. Are Under Secretaries powerful people in USG?

In any case, the issue revolved around structuring a US G vehicle to subsidise equity investment in smaller firms in the MENA region. An interesting concept, although their proposal in practical terms was quite wierd and off base. Still, I was able to give them my practical view of the issues involved in market and what I thought Funds would think here.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:03 AM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso Biz Notes

Mere personal notes on Diplos, Iftaars and their hitting on colleagues

I remain submerged in business and the like, when not moderately fascinated by the entire CIA - Vice President scandal in the United States, however to keep my entertainment value up some side thoughts on recent items in Expat land.

In particular I am at present bemused by a certain problem with one of my key diplo contacts, useful mostly for giving me inside information on important economic-political developments. The problem being that at Iftaars he insists on hitting in a less-than-sophisticated manner upon an older colleague who is in town.

Now the woman, a very sporty older Italian lady is admittedly attractive and perhaps moderately sporting as well. But at the same time, she is married (the entire ring on the finger thing) and these things (iftaar) are not really 'hit on the older lady' events - especially when they are supposedly more about business and even worse, when one of the senior officers is there. I can't bloody invite this useful if clutzy fellow to these things if he insists on this behaviour. Makes me look like a pimp. Which really is not my style.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 01:53 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso Biz Notes

October 27, 2005

Although low added value, for the culinary interest: Argan Oil & Moroccan Goat Shit

I am afraid I have been rather wrapped up in balance sheets and similar things, and while this might have once generated commentary, my new found increased paranoia inhibits.

However, I was bemused and indeed surprised to see a well loved Moroccan product featured in The New York Times online, in an article entitled Tiout Journal: Hungry Goats Atop a Tree, Doing Their Bit for Epicures

The article is... well inadequate and amateurish I should say, but despite that interesting for highlighting something that I am personally professionally interested in, and secondly as a point of reflexion on 'new' environmental prodcuts.

Continue reading "Although low added value, for the culinary interest: Argan Oil & Moroccan Goat Shit"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 11:43 PM | Comments (10) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Biz - Private in MENA

October 24, 2005

In perso biz: Translators

While I have my own, personal connexions, I would like to check with readership to see if anyone might have references to reliable, cost effective in region Arabic to English translators for financial documents.

As I noted, I have my own personal connexions, but am always aware that there might be other fish in the sea. This would be a paying project and, well, I am the man. Reference may be sent to my email, which you should all be able to figure out. Do not refer me to recent graduates without experience.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:47 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso Biz Notes

Ramadan and Bad Tempers Among The Drinking Classes

Well, still burrowing away through bloody Arabic financials for the new Fund proposal [another bloody 7 megs in the inbox this morning - this bloody well better be worth it, if these fuckers don't close or try to renege on the points....], but this past Friday I had a most surreal 'Expat' experience.

Deciding to have a few drinks before Iftaar, having a good two hours, (hmmm, already condemned for writing such a phrase) I popped by the nearby four star for some liquid happiness and to write some items up at the bar. Being a shameless bastard, I popped out my trusty thinkpaddy and started whacking away while knocking back some fine Cuban products.

Continue reading "Ramadan and Bad Tempers Among The Drinking Classes"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 11:41 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso-Expatedness

October 18, 2005

Banging on about Dar Fur

A comment from a little ‘dialogue’ at Zenpundit which I thought I might expand on here, or rather a reply to a comment from some illiterate twit named Eddie banging on in half-informed ignorance about Dar Fur. The conversation may be found here, where Zenpundit’s core comments are reasonable.

My quoting and commentary on the Eddie comments.

Continue reading "Banging on about Dar Fur"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 12:37 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Filed Under: MENA Fringe

October 17, 2005

On Arabic, Training, Provincialism and Stereotypes

There is an a moderately amusing column of comments on The Washington Monthly's Political Animal blog with respect to the Arabic training arty that appeared in The Washington Post (See my earlier note On American Diplos....

Among the items that has cropped up is the "why would anyone want to study Arabic" as well as the Arabs evil.

I reproduce here for the amusement value my reply to this brilliantly provincial comment:

You know, what I missed in this whole discussion is the countries themselves. I've lived abroad in 3 countries and I have to say: There's almost nothing in this world that would convince me to live in one of the countries where we need Arabic speakers. I mean, architecture and literature and culture are great... but eventually I need to go out with my friends, get drunk, and get laid. I mean, come on -- do you know anyone dying to live in any of Pakistan, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, UAE or Saudi Arabia?

Compare those to West Europe, East Europe, and South America. Why on earth would anyone want to spend the 2-4 years living in one of those countries that is required to reach a level 4 fluency when there are so many nicer, more tolerant places to live?

Continue reading "On Arabic, Training, Provincialism and Stereotypes"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:00 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Filed Under: MENA Region General

In more other matters - When Investment Proposals Give You an Odd Feeling

I just finished the English language summary of a moderately lengthy investment proposal for the potential future exit, a gift as it were.

The odd item about this was a small thing buried inside with respect to a housing development in Kirkuk (a portion of the plan), and a queer little phrase allowing the regional authorities (not the national authorities, odd turn of phrase and one significant in context) to take over, for due market consideration, for the housing of soldiers and security officials.

In this one little sub-paragraph I rather realised the housing proposal is actually not what it purports to be.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 01:24 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso Biz Notes

October 16, 2005

In other matters, I now have an understanding of carbon

Having spent the weekend with materials like this The UNFCC CDM reading about how CDM proposals can eventually generate CERs.

Don't know what CERs are...? Tough.

Continue reading "In other matters, I now have an understanding of carbon"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 10:51 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso Biz Notes

On American Diplos & Arabic

The esteemed Father of Aardvaarks brought me attention to this Washington Post arty on Arabic training for US diplos.

The key point to attract attention to is the issue of real incentives rather than theoretical policy - in this case highlighted in the instance of the way language designation and training is handled.

I had some conversations with Zenpundit and others I believe with respect to the issue of US diplo training and operatinos and real incentives. While I had no idea as to these detials, this is precisely what I was thinking, and why I have contempt for the idiotic 'big picture' know nothing ideological attacks on the US diplos by right and left - the real problems undoubtedly in very large part are found among these odd detials, unintended consequences....

Posted by The Lounsbury at 10:33 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Politics - US FP

Iraq: Constitution

Appears to have passed.

While my financial interest wants this to be meaningful, I have to say I would bet that this is 90 percent likely to be another meaningless 'benchmark' as I don't believe any of the real drivers in the inter-communal politics have changed.

Process, blather.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 10:28 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Egypt

October 12, 2005

Some observations on socialisation, expattedness, plumbers and afternoon apartment sex, videos and US foreign policy in MENA, from a personal perspective

Well, pratike is proving a good soucre of items to comment on in the past week, and since I do enjoy myself in this respect, let me present some comments on his comment, Why do they hate us? in my typically useful manner.

Our dear Man in Le Caire focuses on a snippet from a commentary in Foreign Affaires that I can not be bothered to read as of yet, but the snippet is quite good: "Forty-six percent of Egyptians polled identified U.S. policy as the source of their feelings, compared with 43 percent who stressed American values."

Well as the Man says, it is rather highish. The icky American values part that is. Leaving aside substantive questions as to the poll and the article, I prefer for the moment to entertain myself with pratike and commentators. More sporting, besides, I'm feeling ill.

Continue reading "Some observations on socialisation, expattedness, plumbers and afternoon apartment sex, videos and US foreign policy in MENA, from a personal perspective"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:38 PM | Comments (10) | TrackBack
Filed Under: MENA Region General , Politics - US FP , Society & Culture

Bloody Chourtah

Of course nothing was ready at 10 sharp in the morning as they insisted yesterday.

Why I believed that even with my paperwork being shepherded along by the Wali himself that we would overcome Ramadan torpor, I don't know. Every once in a while I get an attack of idiocy.

Still, better than the seven odd months this usually takes, and no unfortunate investigations into my moral character. Not that such would likely turn up anything, but always a risk of someone recalling who I went home with at some night or another.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:09 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso

October 11, 2005

On being an western expat, priviledges and abuse thereof

As I have a pounding headache from this quarterly nonesense (reporting as transparency.... bollocks) and my stress about the bloody fiasco upcoming, a moment to reflect on a few items.

First, yesterday I had a most peculiar (okay not so peculiar but I have bloody headache presently, so I will call it most peculiar) experience.

I got a ring from a partner at the local Price Waterhouse Coopers asking me to drop by, due to a conversation he had with the director of Fund X (a fund with whom I have had some conversations, they know I am sniffing about for exits).

I rather thought this was in regards to some issue I have been researching for Fund X and some associated schemes, or in the less likely alternative, about my real job. So, I pop by before Iftaar for a chat (not far from the office, why not?), and have a pleasant enough convo but it begins to take on the feel of an interview (as in askig me about what I know about certain financial subjects).

Continue reading "On being an western expat, priviledges and abuse thereof"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 11:19 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso-Expatedness

Done: One More Spin Filled

Just bloody finished my duties with respect to the Quarterly Report.

Pack of near lies but what the fuck. Anyone who buys into this rubbish deserves what they get, gullible motherfuckers.

Now, there must be a few places open that are still serving Cuban goodness.

Ah fuck, no, have to meet the moron from New York tomorrow AM.

Must think of ways to make her life miserable, stupid bitch.

Bloody hell, then must take taxi home to the woman who will want me to drink something healthy. Ah well, four years hold, then sell.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 09:36 PM | Comments (6) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso Biz Notes

October 10, 2005

In yet other matters, I realise I have become quite insane.

I also realise that I have come to hate iftaar.

I had to spend some of this past weekend at family iftaars, which once when I was a well-balance and normal human being I enjoyed.

Continue reading "In yet other matters, I realise I have become quite insane."

Posted by The Lounsbury at 02:42 PM | Comments (21) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso Biz Notes

On disasters and meetings

I just came out of our office pow wow about the aforementioned syndicated deal looniness. I am not sure if I am encouraged, depressed or some peculiar combination of the same.

Continue reading "On disasters and meetings"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 12:17 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso Biz Notes

October 09, 2005

On Arabic II: Training, Translation & Intelligence

I nipped by "Liberals Against Terrorism" (an atrocious name I may add that never ceases to irritate me) and found Pratike commenting on Arabic again, on indeed financing of Arabic studies by the United States.

That incited me to comment.

First on the financing issues, given what I saw when learning Arabic in the dark ages there certainly could be (and here I refer to the Anglo world not being in any way conversant with actual teaching materials elsewhere - except in terms of in MENA region, which are regardless of language (including Arabic), risible) better finaning of efforts to develop better pedagogical materials - preprepared texts, targetted vocabularies and all the sorts of things I recall from German (although this was wasted on me, after I decided I loathed German) and French (although in this case I was young and impressionable).

Continue reading "On Arabic II: Training, Translation & Intelligence"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 10:28 PM | Comments (15) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso , Politics - EU FP , Politics - Foreign Policy , Politics - US FP , Society & Culture

Bit of Madness: Likely Upcoming Silence

Afraid likely I shall have to fall somewhat silent. In addition to contributing to Fund closing my present firm has come up with yet another piece of "damn the icebergs, full speed ahead" madness.

Following some meetings by my utterly clueless CEO, and major overpromising, we are launching a project to arrange financing for several firms (yes, several firms), that despite this being Ramadan, we've engaged to arrange in coordination with local banks by end October/early November and have final closing to announce at a public event scheduled for the week after.

Continue reading "Bit of Madness: Likely Upcoming Silence"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 05:29 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso Biz Notes

October 07, 2005

On Carbon Trading

An interesting area of research for business, but an item to note: for the quasi granola people promoting this (and I think they're smart in theory on the approach), skip the preachy blah blah and get down to the numbers or at least the business.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 09:14 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso Biz Notes

October 06, 2005

And in regards to odd coincidences

Almost slipped my mind but today in going to a meeting with one of the big swinging dicks in the fin sector today - nice meeting really but not the point - I had the occasion to be kept waiting for a nice 45 minutes in the super fab penthouse offices and observe the fauna.

Continue reading "And in regards to odd coincidences"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 10:57 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso-Expatedness

Queer Conversations

I had a most peculiar experience a few evenings ago, indeed it was unique in my experience to date in the region.

Continue reading "Queer Conversations"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 09:59 PM | Comments (7) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso-Expatedness , Religion , Society & Culture

Starbucks and Extra Special Overdone Whinging

Due to running a search to see where 'Aqoul had been mentioned I ran across this post by a (former?) contributor to 'Aqoul on is livejournal: On the Arabization of Starbucks.

Well, I am bemused to say the least.

First, I almost was involved in some financing issues for an effort to bring Starbucks to the Levant - fell through when the bloody Iraq war started and as I was led to understand, Starbucks got cold feet. Second, I know the locations involved, indeed I suspect I even know the entrepreneur behind the Starbucks franchise (if it is the same person).

Let me say then, ridemycamel's whinging on strikes me as ridiculous and risiblely immature posturing, although very typical elitist arab lefty youth self indulgence.

Continue reading "Starbucks and Extra Special Overdone Whinging"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 09:16 PM | Comments (9) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Biz - Private in MENA , Sham-Levant

Things That Boggle: Calling the US Embassy Emergency Line for Travel Advice

Last night I was out with some of my diplo friends, including one of my American diplo amigos (he who I seduced into consuming the forbidden Castro fruit) having a perfectly fine dinner and drinks at a local Judeao-Maghrebine fish restaurant.

A very fine time, I should add, but interrupted by one of the most singularly bizarre calls one can imagine (in such contexts to be sure). Now, one first must know that here it is American practice not to have the late hours duty officer holed up in Consulate, but for him to carry a special phone linked into their system (whatever it is) to answer "duty calls" on the number supposedly reserved for Americans who have somehow gotten themselves into deep shit. Such as getting arrested for smuggling hashish or the like.

Continue reading "Things That Boggle: Calling the US Embassy Emergency Line for Travel Advice"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:59 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso-Expatedness

October 04, 2005

Counter-intuitive Headlines

Looking at today's regional financial and business headlines I see one of the leading holding companies for a certain royal family has published results. Headline: Quarterly Results, The [company] stands up well.

Well, that's a pretty odd spin given in all but its banking business line, it's bottom line has seriously deteriorated. Indeed, overall it's a pretty disastrous set of results.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 11:23 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso Biz Notes

October 03, 2005

Carbon Credits, Trading

Anyone by chance know good information sources about this subject?

Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:39 PM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso Biz Notes

In other matters related to perso biz

I note that the Director in town pimping our latest idiotically conceived product has come round to my point of view on a certain line - which they originally saw no point for but now admit seems to match the market.

Well, no shit. I don't ideally propose such things to waste everyone's time. I still am at a loss why they hired me as they seem to feel a need to fly here and confirm everything said (and it has so far been entirely confirmatory).

Drooling idiots. However, I must admit that while I thought the whole ram the ship into an iceberg and then just up the speed thing would send us diving into the deeps, I so far am wrong.

Is it the accounting? Sheer momentum?

I have no idea, we should be already underwater but somehow, miraculously are not.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 06:23 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso Biz Notes

Random Reflections on the Office

While everyone is out, I am enjoying a quiet day looking out over the hazy city reflecting on why it is time to move on.

As some may have noticed, I seriously curtailed my commentary on the lying (not necessarily a bad thing), incompetent (very bad), deluded (bad) scum who are my central management, as well as my office generally. Got a bit sensitive when I discovered someone I know reads MENA blogs (thank god she's deluded and reads about that democracy rubbish).

This aside, you may have also noticed little to no commentary on the Leb Sluts and Near Substitutes (LSNS) in the office.

Continue reading "Random Reflections on the Office"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 05:45 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Perso-Expatedness

October 01, 2005

Dar Fur: Quaint Student Activism

I thought I might pass along this quaint little bit of student activism I found in my Lounsbury at Aqoul mailbox. It's a bit precious but who knows, some of you less cynical and more inclined to such things might wish to know about this:
Dar Fur Fast.

I personally found the concept quite stupid and rather typically student activist (what is the penchant for idiotic acronymic group names among North American student activists - STAND, students against something or other...), but regardless, one must show one cares, yes?

Regardless, they start right out by annoying me with that idiotic, abusive usage "genocide" in regards to Dar Fur. Well, again, like the Irshaad Manji item I just posted in 'Aqoul, there is this tendency to inflate and want to be part of the cool suffering gang as well. Nothing is "merely" anything, if there are horrors, why they must be genocide.

Regardless, for those into such things, here is a chance to express yourselves. You can be sure I will not. Certainly as drilling through I find it doubly silly as Ramadan starts shortly, so the special fasting timing rather implies those behind this are ... well... not Muslims rather clearly.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 08:16 PM | Comments (3) | TrackBack
Filed Under: MENA Fringe

In beating up on Liberals Against Terrorism: Some notes on a Morocco comment

One of their contributors, Mr. Ulrich, had a brief comment on the immigration and enclaves issues I commented on in passing yesterday on 'Aqoul.

One of the primary impressions my summer 2004 trip to Morocco left me with was the sheer economic inequality one observed crossing between Europe and North Africa, and then within Morocco between most actual Moroccans and the Western tourists. ..... The advantages of leaving are just too great - I don't know about Europe, but in the United States the minimum hourly wage is almost twice the average daily wage in Morocco, and when you get into sub-Saharan Africa the economic situation grows even bleaker. While nations should do everything they can to control their borders for security reasons of nothing else, the issue won't go away until these underlying economic issues are addressed. The problem, of course, is that "make Africa prosperous" isn't much of a policy suggestion.

A few notes on this:
(i) One really needs to compare purchasing power and not unadjusted wage rates, but the commentator is not an economist so I will let that pass.

(ii) The problem is less wage rates (legal Moroccan minimums are in fact too high, leading to a majority of off-the books employment) than growth rates.

(iii) While making Africa and North Africa prosperous is not a policy suggestion per se, freeing up their economies is. I should get back to my mini-project on comparative commentary based off of the World Bank Doing Business data.

Finally, I was bemused by the author's personal site on his first visit to Morocco. Lot's of silly things said, but decent enough observations over all.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 04:12 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Filed Under: The Maghreb

On Arabic, for Praktike

I noted the ever productive praktike has had a series of comments on Arabic that somewhat reek of the new learner.

I thought I might engage in a public service of a comment or two.

First, from this note

Incidentally, I'm now at the point in my Arabic studies where I can at least recognize who is and isn't a comfortable MSA speaker, and I'm beginning to understand As'ad AbuKhalil's snobbiness in this area. Gamal Mubarak speaks somewhat haltingly and melds Egyptian colloquial with MSA, whereas the Al Jazeera anchors and my teachers can prattle along like it ain't no thang, the latter with case endings and everything. I can imagine that being schooled abroad stunted Gamal's linguistic development.

Abu Khalil is a snotty prat of an arch literary leftist snob with regards to Arabic; arch purists like him should be disregarded,

Continue reading "On Arabic, for Praktike"

Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:31 PM | Comments (4) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Egypt , Perso , Society & Culture

The New Month Feedback Post

Well, in keeping with tradition, here it is. My pretension that I care.

Posted by The Lounsbury at 03:29 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
Filed Under: Blog Notes - Admin