Category: Foreign Aide

Lebanese Civil War novel

Cancer

Picture of the book 'The Foreign Aide', showing the crescent moon and stars in an evening sky above a smoking city landscape. In the foreground is an Arab shisha pipe. The whole scene is framed in an Islamic-style arch. The author's name is Alan Miles, and there's a question beneath his name - 'Who can you trust in love and war?' Underneath the book is a crumpled shirt, bloodied at the left shoulder. And just showing beneath the shirt is a brown manilla envelope. At the top of the picture there's a newsflash: 'Launch-date: June 9, 2026'.

Lawrence gives a history lesson, and stuns Richard with a secret. Meanwhile horrifying violence is breaking out in Beirut’s suburbs. Will Richard and Claire’s apartment be safe?

Militia

Lebanese militiaman with a large crucifix around his neck, drinking from a bottle.

Dangerous times for Richard and Monique — in more ways than one — as the war approaches.

River

Rocks in a fast-flowing mountain stream

Lawrence and Richard’s dangerous river trip — in Bulgarian tractor tyres.

Skirmishes

Two angry cats fighting

Trouble at home. Trouble in the classroom. We meet Dave, who shows Richard how to sort out a fight.

Marriage

2 wedding rings on a stone surface,separated by a crack

The backstory of Richard and Claire’s relationship and their life in London. Their marriage is solid … or is it?

Explosion

Abstract image of an explosion

Dinner at Lawrence’s is interrupted by news of a serious incident in the Beirut suburbs … and then by an explosion.

Rooster

Our 4 main characters meet. Richard is nonplussed by Monique’s secret — and unique — talent.

Question

The Lebanese flag

Scene-setting. What does ‘nationality’ really mean? Are you born with it, or can it be claimed? Would you fight for your country?