Driving Lebanon-Style: Beirut Man Displays Acrobatic Skills While Driving

Following are excerpts from a program about a dare-devil driver in Lebanon, which aired on Al-Jadid/New TV on April 5, 2009.

Reporter: With great precision, he tries to drive his car in a strange, unique way, because practicing this sport gives him real, unparalleled pleasure. Hussein Al-Rawas attracts attention day in and day out, due to the exciting, acrobatic display – which is not without danger – which he performs with his car along the Beirut promenade, although this kind of driving requires great precision and concentration, in order to control the car. Hussein's relations with his car have generated discussion on the street. Some supporters viewed this as a new sport in Lebanon, while those who were against it said it was very dangerous and harmful, both psychologically and socially.

Young man: Honestly, this is fantastic. It's dangerous, but it shows Hussein's control of the car.

Second young man: If Allah decrees that Hussein should die, he will die.

Woman: It's not healthy for him.

Older man: I've known Hussein for 20 years. He is a fiend with the car. There is nothing he can't do.

Third young man: In the worst rush hour, he is very calm. I thought he was about to crash into another car, but he immediately changed direction with his heel. That's nice.

Second older man: I haven't been here for as while but decided to come to watch him. It's great. Well done.

Third older man: No one has his technical skills.