Beirut is like a trip down the memory lane. Amazing land - Interrupted often with fights seldom with wars, but then... back on its feet again. Every single time... Only the true Beirutians can do this. No where else the recovery is so fast.

In just 28 hours... so much to see, so much to observe. This part of the world is enriched with timeless toughts and if you can't feel it, see it or hear it, stop searching. its everywhere. This sacred ground has witnessed a strong cocktail of sweet and sarrow. Each moment engraved on their stones and if you look closely; in their eyes...

20 years ago I was fortunate enough to do just that. Look closely in the eyes. Then I met Mustapha Assad, the man who defied gravity.

He was my boss then moved onto being a teacher, then an inspiration to my new company (but I guess the cycle never stops) now a role model of a man of integrity. He is well known but if you are meeting him here for the first time, in between my lines; the easiest introduction would be: He is the dreamer of Publicis Graphics network which emerged out of practically nothing and turned into a major playmaker in the advertising world.

It wasnt until the day before yesterday, when I dined at his home in Beirut that I discovered his secret. 20 years went by and he led us believe the success formula was in the hard work, decisiveness, dedication, relationship management, etc. Well its not entirely true :)

Sure enough he has all those qualities but so does hundreds of other people and none of them can be Mustapha Assad.

His power rests silently at his house. In his relationship with his beautiful wife Ghada, in his emphathy with his extremely high souled son Nader, in his steel bounds with his driver, his secretearry, his maids and this is going to sound crazy but... even in his furniture.

(His driver, who's been with him for some 30 years, has a son working for one of the biggest agency branches of Publicis and he is an account executive. (I truly hope he becomes a chain breaker.) This of course tells you something about Mustapha - doesnt it ? This is how you "touch lives".

I know I can never quite finish this paragraph and I'm not sure if I want to. But for the sake of ordinary science, here is a closing sentence : I am grateful for that promise you made 20 years ago and even more grateful that you kept it;

Unite. Never divide.