Long before the success of Danny Boyle’s multi-Oscar winning film Slumdog Millionaire, based on the lives of various youngsters living in its cavernous slums, or the massive terrorist attacks a few months earlier on its historical and business landmarks that left hundreds dead or wounded and plunged the city into s rare standstill, Bombay was a city that fascinated foreigners and Indians alike with an alluring image of fabulous wealth and poverty living side by side, the endless teeming hustle and bustle of its streets, ports and nightlife, the glamour and proficiency of its film industry (now named Bollywood), as well as being a major Asian financial centre.

The name Bombay was most likely taken from the Portuguese who arrived there during the 16th century and named the area Bom Bahia (good bay), yet in the mid ‘90s the local powers-that-be decided to give it a more Indian name and renamed it Mumbai, after the Hindu patron goddess of the city. Technically both names are still permissible. Below are some quotidian images from the city:

Ok, it ain’t dirty, it ain’t third word and it ain’t adventuresome.

But give me a break! I am testing out the new gallery feature!

A cartoon exhibition held from August 14 to September 13, 2006 in the Iranian capital, Tehran, was the focus of much international attention and controversy due to its holocaust theme.

The exhibition was spawned by two separate factors: The first had to do with the views of Iran’s new President, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is both staunchly anti-Israel and incredulous towards the generally accepted historical versions of the Nazi’s bloody “Final Solution” for Europe’s Jewry during WW II. The exhibit was not actually officially sponsored by the Iranian Government, but rather a newspaper run by Tehran’s municipality, but it’s worth noting that till his election to the Presidency, Ahmadinejad was the Mayor of Tehran.

The other reason was the infamous cartoon published in a Danish newspaper on September 30, 2005, which to many Muslims showed the Prophet Muhammad in a blasphemous manner and in turn resulted in violent anti-Danish protests and a boycott of Danish products in many Islamic nations.

In reality the exhibit was aimed just as much towards antagonizing America (and to a lesser degree Britain) as Israel and Denmark (oddly enough, only two out of the 204 caricatures on display dealt with Denmark!)

A curious side note about the exhibit is the fact that a lot of the time there were no visitors on site, and those who attended fell into three categories; students or government employees, ordered to attend; Tehran’s hip and avant-garde circles (composed mostly of authors, filmmakers and television personalities); and foreign correspondents from many of the world’s major media outlets.

Author and Photographer – Arya Kazemi.

As Cuban leader, Fidel Castro, 80, convalesces in hospital following surgery for internal bleeding brought on by his gruelling work schedule over recent months, Polo’s Bastards presents a photographic testament to the man whose term has outlasted nine US Presidents.

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Disinterested pedestrians going past a portrait of Fidel in an abandoned shop.

According to the sign in a print shop Fidel believes “ideas are worth more than weapons”.

Portraits of Cuban independence leader Jose Marti and Fidel at an intersection in Havana. According to Castro “Ideas illuminate the world”.

Graffiti commemorating Fidel and the 26th of July (date of his original uprising in 1953 against the pro-American Batista regime).

A bulletin board in central Havana features news and photos relating to some of the day’s major political themes. A protest in front of the American Interests Section in Cuba which supposedly drew more than a million denizens, Fidel and his newest regional ally, Bolivian President Evo Morales and the five Cuban-Americans being held in U.S. Federal prisons after being convicted of espionage on behalf of Castro’s regime.

A road sign on the island’s main highway commemorates the CDR’s (Committees in Defense of the Revolution) which maintain Castro’s grass roots level appeal by organizing various pro-revolutionary activities (including espionage!) in every neighborhood on the island-notice the machete and the motto on it stating “on high alert.” Another of Fidel’s proclamations is included;”the genius is in the masses, the genius is massive”.

A poster in a Havana pharmacy celebrating the 47th anniversary of the revolution while declaring: “47 years of sovereignty, dignity, independence, liberty, battle, patriotism, hope and revolution”.

A young man wearing a t-shirt featuring Fidel and his staunchest regional ally Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

Typical Cuban Post Office.

A classic image of Fidel’s early days on display in front of a residential window.

Billboard commemorating the 47th anniversary of the revolution along with an image of Fidel and one of his iconic fallen comrades; Camilo Cienfuegos.

For those Cuban households with a TV set Fidel is an oft-invited guest!

A mural for the revolution’s most famous fallen soldier; Ernesto “Che” Guevara. An encomium from Fidel praises him as a “man of ideas and action”.

A granite sculpture in honor of Fidel and his socialist revolution.

Colorful painting in Havana’s main bus terminal glorifying Marti and the revolutionary struggle of the 1950’s.

A photo from 1962 (and on display in Havana’s museum of the revolution) showing Fidel partaking in Cuba’s national pastime of baseball.

Poster with a caption of “Hail Cesar, we who are about to die salute you!” while showing Fidel hoisting an AK-47 at an anti-American rally.

Photographs by Arya Kazemi.

A view through the lens at Southern Lebanon prior to the current hostilities.

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The warning shots for the latest Israel/Lebanon crisis can be traced directly and ominously to November 2005. On the 21st of that month, Hizbollah launched a massive artillery and mortar barrage on Israeli positions along the border, triggering a similar response from the IDF – including the use of air strikes. These attacks by Hizbollah were designed to divert attention from their attack on the contested border village of Ghajar, with the aim of capturing Israeli soldiers. It was by far the heaviest fighting between the two embittered foes since the Israeli armed forces begrudgingly left South Lebanon in May 2000, after 22 years’ occupation. Just a few days earlier I had visited the region:

In Sidon we obtained the appropriate passes from the ‘authorities’, our Shiite driver then driving us south-east, via Nabatiye, to the deserted and former SLA base of Beaufort Castle. Later, we were shown around the macabre Al Khiam prison by two edgy Hizbollah members. A group of visiting American Lebanese were on hand to do the translating, and perhaps help with their financing.

Our driver checked in on his father (Khiam being his home village) before taking us south on a close-up tour of the border; Kfar Kila, Fatima Gate, a major UNIFIL base, and then further south along the border, before winding through the rugged hills to the coast.

We had dinner in Tyre after cutting a deal to visit the ancient Roman ruins. Then it was on up the now destroyed coast road to Sidon, and back to Beirut. Little did we know that a major storm was brewing…A storm that would soon destroy the newly optimistic and rebuilt Lebanon; once again turning this country into a battle-ground, with the same major players, dirty hands and huge gambles to play.

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An Amal member replaces a torn flag on a billboard remembering Amal martyrs. Hizbollah started out as an Amal splinter group.

Views from the damaged watch-tower of Beaufort castle. Beaufort’s strategic value may well come into hand, once again.

Beaufort Castle’s strategic hill-top location over-looking South Lebanon, has been fought over and occupied many times over the past millenium. In the 1970’s Palestinian guerrillas briefly occupied it, until Israel invaded and made it one of their main bases. In its retreat in May 2000 the IDF blew up parts of this historic castle to destroy traces of its occupation.

Downtown Beirut’s re-building, spearheaded by former president Rafik Hariri, is more reminiscent of Europe rather than the troubled Middle East.

Two un-armed Hizbollah members patrol the ruins of Baalbek. The Bekaa Valley has long been a stronghold and training ground for Hizbollah. Ironically, Baalbek was one of Lebanon’s biggest tourist draw cards.

A local man stands defiantly next to an Israeli army base along the border.

A tattered Hizbollah flag flies threateningly next to an Israeli base along the border.

The provocative Hizbollah moniker of an arm, gripping a AK47, marks its territory along the border.

The battered remains of the massive Holiday Inn is a constant reminder of the 15 year civil war. It became a favorite sniper position and in turn attracted firepower of all calibres. There were plans to restore the hotel to it’s former glory, including its once famous revolving restaurant.

Israeli Defence Force bases line the border at about one every mile. Although you couldn’t see anyone at home, you were left with the distinct feeling you were being watched.

A mural at the former Israeli/SLA detention camp of Al Khiam commorates the release of the prisoners in May 2000.

A mural on the wall of the once notorious Al Khiam prison.

From the watchtower of the reclaimed Al Khiam prison, Hizbollah has strategic views overlooking the disputed Shebaa farms area and beyond to Mount Miron.

Pictures of Hizbollah secretary general, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah are common place in the southern suburbs of South Beirut. Hizbollah was originally founded in response to the Israeli invasion of 1982.

At the former Al Khiam prison camp, Hizbollah art fully use a Katyusha missile launcher to show what they think of UN resolution 1559. This calls upon (among other things) “all remaining foreign forces to withdraw from Lebanon and for the disbanding and disarmament of all Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias.” Since the Syrian army withdrawl last year, Hizbollah remain the only serious player to aggravate Israel.

In Rafiq Hariri’s home town of Saida (Sidon), men relax with an Arak (lions milk) or Nargileh (waterpipe). At least 6000 years old, Saida was once a prominent and wealthy Phoenician city. At the Lebanese Armed Forces headquarters, we gained our necessary visas to continue south and into Hizbollah country.

Rafik Hariri and his entourage were assasinated outside the St George Yacht Club by a massive bomb on Feburary 14th 2005. The Valentines day massacre of the former President, threw Lebanon into a crisis that eventually forced the withdrawl of Syrian forces. The bomb site was still cordoned off as of Nov 2005 as UN investigators put together their case.

The ancient ruins of Tyre, with the modern and now also ruined city.

The imposing Israeli border base on the high-ground south of Kfar Kila, dwarfs it’s UN neighbours. Hizbollah forces in the bunker just behind us were tense, in contrast to the basket-balling Indians. Pictures were out of the question.

A UN base on the border south of Al Khiam.

There was no problem taking photographs at the UN base’s gate. At the Hibollah bunker 100 meters away they were a bit more camera shy!

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon was formed in 1978 with a mandate to oversee the Israeli forces withdrawal, and ensure the return of the Lebanese Government’s control of the region. Instead, Israel did not hand over control and installed their own militia, the South Lebanese Army.

The United Nations’ Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) 27 year “interim” mandate is well and truly over. Its mandate to “confirm the withdrawl of Israeli forces; to restore international peace and security; and to assist the government of Lebanon in ensuring the effective authority in
the area”, has been another long term major UN blunder.

The United Nations’ Interim Force in Lebanon, on patrol along the border near Fatima Gate. Approximately 250 UNIFIL troops have been killed since their mandate began in 1978. Fatima Gate, adjacent to the town of Kfar Kila was a border crossing during the war. After the Israeli withdrawal it became a minor tourist attraction, with fantastic views into Israel and the opportunity to purchase Hizbollah flags and souvenirs.

Author and Photographer – Fergus Cunningham.

Arya Kazemi takes us on a photo-tour of Lebanon –
home of Hezbollah, the radical Islamist group who have a serious gripe with their neighbours, Israel.

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It may amount to a petty squabble or it could escalate beyond our worst nightmares, but for the time being, sparked by the audacious kidnapping of two Israeli soldiers on 12th July, Hezbollah are continuing to throw sticks and stones over the fence, and Israel has gone round to sort it out.

Various nations are evacuating their nationals by land, air and sea, while the Beirut skyline regales with loud explosions and TV stations report new casualties by the hour. It’s been described as a “war by proxy”, with Iran in the red corner and America in the blue corner, but Hezbollah leader, Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah, and Israeli Prime Minister-designate, Ehud Olmert, are both big boys, who can fight their own battles. Perhaps more importantly… they’re both willing to.

The following photographs were taken before the latest hostilities kicked off; when Hezbollah were still huddled around the blackboard hatching plots to kidnap Israeli soldiers.

A road sign commemorating the erstwhile leader of Lebanon’s Shiite community, Imam Musa Sadr (who still remains unaccounted for after a mysterious disappearance in1978); the current Hezbollah leader, Sheikh Nasrallah, and the putative spiritual leader of all Shiites, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei.

The square of a Shiite village.

Two pictures showing decrepit remnants of the Israeli war machine bearing Hezbollah’s insignia.

Road sign commemorating a Hezbollah member killed in an anti-Israeli operation named ‘Islamic Unity’.

Pictures of Hezbollah’s founder (Iran’s revolutionary leader Ayatollah Khomeini) and current leader (Sheikh Nasrallah) on display in a shop.

Looking over a Shiite village in Southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah souvenirs.

A surreal scene combining natural beauty and rocket launchers.

An Israeli settlement in the distance.

The courtyard of al-Khiam prison, which was originally built in 1930 by the French colonial authority. During Israel’s occupation of Lebanon (1982-2000) it was used to hold those suspected of being Hezbollah members or sympathizers.

Signs and a flier inside the courtyard, outlining what took place there during the 18-year occupation (including two executions).

The leftovers of the prison’s administrative and interrogation center. The prison was almost entirely staffed by the mainly Lebanese Christian members of the SLA (South Lebanon Army), but Israel’s role as the backer of the group is not in doubt.

The prisoners’ quarters, featuring walls covered with inscriptions (including homage to Allah).

The prison’s still-active watchtower.

A mural at the prison, stating “till the extinction of Israel”.

Photography by Arya Kazemi.

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As football loving nations across the globe turn their eyes towards the FIFA World Cup 2006, being held in Germany, PBs would like you share with you some pictures of the fans in full regalia:

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It may not be Baghdad and it may not be Kabul, but walking the streets of Berlin in Germany, at the moment, in the wrong colours could potentially land you in all sorts of bother at the hands of football hooligans.

Here’s the other (better) side of the FIFA World Cup tournament:

SWEDEN

PORTUGAL

AUSTRALIA (As if you couldn’t guess!)

BRAZIL

TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

HOLLAND

ITALY

POLAND

PARAGUY

ENGLAND (One for the ladies)

Photographer: Sean Rorison

Get in touch with Sean if you want to be added to his email group to keep updated on his regular wanderings through some pretty interesting places.

Contact: sarchives@lycos.com

Website: http://www.seanrorison.com/travel

Photos: Mike White and Johan Farman

Photos from Songkarn Festival 03 in Thailand.

Top left: Mayhem Top right: Thaidancers at the songkran parade.Bottom left: Splashing the Buddha Bottom right: A boy on the biggest, badest drum ever.

Top: LiveLife gets a soaking.

Bottom: Water gets sprayed on everyone during Songkran Thai New Year.

Left: They start at a young age Centre: Soaking a motorcycle Right: Interesting local scenery

Photographers: Mike White and Johan Farman

P

hotographer: Rick Shaw

Posted: 1 July, 2003

Blunt instruments were used to kill along with guns and machetes

Front gate to the genocide memorial.

The church where the victims tried to take refuge from their murderers.

The inside of the church is left as it was – a reminder to others of past horrors.

The inside of the church as it was at the time of the genocide.

Evidence of the carnage.