Born in 1944 in Beirut, KARIM PAKRADOUNIis a lawyer, minister and writer. He has degrees in Law and History, and an MA in Political Sciences. He has held many esteemed positions during his career, including counselor of former President Elias Sarkis, counselor of former President Bachir Gemayel, Vice President of the Lebanese Forces, President of the Kataeb Party, and Minister of State for Development Reform. His previous publications include Stillborn Peace: Elais Sarkis' Mandate(1976ndash;1982) and Le Piege: Amine Gemayel's Mandate(1982ndash;1988).