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Article: Beirut's torn town center is alive again.(NEWS)
- Article from:
- Star Tribune (Minneapolis, MN)
- Article date:
- July 20, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Star Tribune Co. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Byline: Catherine Watson; Staff Writer
Beirut, Lebanon -- Every evening in Beirut, people of all sorts and ages gather in the handsomely restored Place de l'Etoile at the heart of downtown, to stroll and chat, play with the kids or relax with friends at one of the elegant outdoor restaurants.
The atmosphere is cosmopolitan and sophisticated, a Lebanese version of Paris - fitting since this used to be a French protectorate. There are always a few women in the headscarves and modest dress of conservative Islam, but many more in up-to-the-minute tube tops, skinny capri pants and spike heels.
Lebanon's different cultures mingle comfortably here, ...