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THE FIRST ENGLISH LANGUAGE DAILY IN FREE KUWAIT Established in 1977 / www.arabtimesonline.com emergency number 112

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016 / SAFAR 11, 1438 AH

NO. 16304

44 PAGES

150 FILS

Rancor in retreat

Obama, Trump meet to ease transition Hands bridge troubled waters

US President Barack Obama shakes hands with President-elect Donald Trump in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington on Nov 10. (AP)

Index Page Trump win fuels fears over encryption .................................. 10 US Muslims react to Trump win..... 10 Trump begins to play catch up ...... 11 Republican veterans in quandary over Trump................. 11 GOP vows action on Trump agenda ....................................... 12 Leaderless Dems in dire straits ..... 12 Junker seeks ‘clarity’ from Trump on issues .................................... 13 Trump win to empower Iran’s hardliners ................................... 14 Trump election puts Iran nuclear deal on shaky ground................. 14 Trump win may put Palestinian state further out of reach ............ 14 Japanese PM Abe to meet Trump next week ....................... 15 Trump victory stuns Hollywood, celebs express dismay, hope..... 20 Has entertainment lost power to unite? ..................................... 20 Is President Trump funny? Late Night TV reconsiders ................. 28 Trump’s win challenges Fed policy, independence ................. 30 Japan lawmakers OK TPP despite Trump victory................. 30 Trump economic message resonates ................................... 30 Dollar rises as Trump victory raises inflation expectations ....... 30 Voters shake up status-quo; don’t do the same for your 401(k) ....... 30 Investor Thiel wins with bet against Silicon Valley ................. 31 Tough reality check for Trump’s pledge for better jobs, wages ..... 31 Trump victory poses greater policy uncertainty ....................... 31 Private prison stocks surge on Trump win ............................. 31 Trump may bode well for dollar ..... 31 Bracing for Trump, some in Canada see ‘nothing good’ ........ 31 Ukraine’s Eurobonds plunge on Trump jitters .......................... 31 US, Mexico meet on heels of Trump victory ......................... 39 Trump’s broken promises anger Scottish village ........................... 40 Trump should not impact MLB international plans: Manfred....... 41 Belichick’s letter to Trump ‘not politically motivated’ ................... 41 Olympic voters weigh Trump effect on LA 2024 bid ................. 42

Protests across US WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (Agencies): Barack Obama and his successor Donald Trump held a 90-minute transition meeting in the Oval Office Thursday, with the outgoing president vowing his support after an “excellent conversation.” The Democratic US leader told the Republican president-elect his administration would “do everything we can to help you succeed, because if you succeed, then the country succeeds.” Obama said his talks with the billionaire political novice, held barely 36 hours after his upset election victory over the Democrat Hillary Clinton, were “wide-ranging.” “We talked about foreign policy. We talked about domestic policy,” Obama said. “We talked about some of the organizational issues in setting up the White House.” Trump said the pair “discussed a lot of different situations — some wonderful and some difficulties,” and that he looked forward to receiving Obama’s advice as he readies to assume office in January. “This was a meeting that was going to last for maybe 10 or 15 minutes,” Trump said. “The meeting lasted for almost an hour and a half. And it could have, as far as I’m concerned, it could have gone on for a lot longer.” “I have great respect,” he added, saying: “I very much look forward to dealing with the president in the future, including counsel.” The two men ended the historic White House encounter with a handshake and refused to take questions.

The meeting had potential to be an awkward one — the two had traded barbs during the heated campaign for the White House, with Obama describing the celebrity businessman as “uniquely unqualified” to be president. The two men, who have been harshly critical of each other for years, were meeting for the first time, Trump said. The Republican called Obama a “very good man” and said he looked forward “to dealing with the president in the future, including counsel.” Obama blasted Trump throughout the campaign as unfit to serve as a commander in chief. Trump spent years challenging the legitimacy of Obama’s presidency, falsely suggesting Obama may have been born outside the United States. But at least publicly, the two men appeared to put aside their animosity. As the meeting concluded and journalists scrambled out of the Oval Office, Obama smiled at his successor and explained the unfolding scene. If Trump makes good on his campaign promises, he’ll wipe away much of what Obama has done during his eight years in office. The Republican president-elect, who will govern with Congress fully under GOP control, has vowed to repeal Obama’s signature health care law and dismantle the landmark nuclear accord with Iran. First lady Michelle Obama also met privately in the White House residence with Trump’s wife, Melania, while Vice President Joe Biden prepared to see Vice President-elect Mike Pence later Thursday. Trump traveled to Washington from New York on his private jet, breaking with protocol by not bringing journalists in his motorcade or on his plane to Continued on Page 37

Newswatch DUBAI: Kuwaiti telecoms group Zain expects to sell its mobile transmitter towers in Saudi Arabia for more than $500 million in the first half of 2017, its chief executive said. Zain, which operates in eight countries in the Middle East and Africa, has been exploring the sale of its towers in some of its markets since as early as January 2015. “We’re down to two bidders,” Group Chief Executive Scott Gegenheimer told Reuters in an interview in Dubai, adding the deal is to likely to be finalised “sometime in Continued on Page 37

Madeline Lopes (left), and Cassidy Irwin, both of Oakland, march with other protesters in downtown Oakland, California, early Nov 9. President-elect Donald Trump’s victory set off multiple protests. (AP)

Court allows Farah Sadiq Mohammed

Four pull out of Kuwait race By Abubakar A. Ibrahim Arab Times Staff and Agencies

A Syrian woman carries a child while on the way from areas controlled by jihadists of the Islamic State (IS) group, en route to safety in areas held by Kurdish-Arab Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) alliance on Nov 9, near the village of Mazraat Khaled, some 40 kms away from the Islamic State group’s (IS) de-facto capital of Raqa. (AFP) — See Page 37

Pause in Mosul advance BAGHDAD, Nov 10, (Agencies): Iraqi troops fired automatic weapons at positions held by the Islamic State group in and around the northern city of Mosul on Thursday, but did not advance as they regroup and clear neighborhoods once occupied by the jihadis. In Mosul proper, where troops have a foothold in a sliver of territory in the city’s east, the special forces control the Zahra neighborhood, once named after former dictator Saddam Hussein, military officials said. They have taken at least half of the Aden neighborhood and clashes were still ongoing there, while the regular army’s ninth division is stationed in east Mosul’s Intisar neighborhood, they added, speaking on condition of anonymity because they weren’t authorized to brief reporters. Skirmishes also continued in the city’s southern outskirts. Col John Dorrian, a spokesman for the US-led forces operating the key air campaign against IS, said that advancing troops and aircraft have destroyed some 70 tunnels the jihadis had been using to launch surprise attacks from inside densely populated areas. “They’ve set up elaborate defenses, and we have to assume they’ll do anything among the civilian population because they

don’t care about anyone,” he said, noting that airstrikes had hit hundreds of IS positions in the threeweek old Mosul campaign. Iraqi troops are converging from several fronts on Mosul, the country’s second largest city and the last major IS holdout in Iraq. Kurdish peshmerga forces are holding a line outside the city in the north, while Iraqi army and militarized police units approach from the south, and government-sanctioned Shiite militias are guarding the western approaches. The offensive has slowed in recent days as the special forces, the troops who have advanced the farthest, push into more densely populated areas of the city’s east, where they cannot rely as much on airstrikes and shelling because of the risk posed to civilians who have been told to stay in their homes. Over 34,000 people have been displaced in the fighting and are settling in camps and host communities in nearby provinces. Troops are trying to screen the crowds for potential IS fighters attempting to sneak out among the civilians, and some have admitted to meting out what they consider swift justice, by executing them. On Thursday, Amnesty International issued its latest report on the abuses of security forces, urging Continued on Page 37

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: Four parliamentary hopefuls quit the electoral race on Thursday, the Ministry of Interior (MoI) announced, leaving a total of 376 candidates contesting the parliamentary elections due on Nov 26. In a statement, the MoI’s Department of Election Affairs noted that Ahmad Al-Hamad and Mohammad Al-Hafaiti have relinquished their candidacies in the Second Constituency, while Mohammad Hassan and Nader Al-Otaibi pulled out of the race in the Fifth Constituency. As per election laws, candidates are permitted to drop out of the electoral race no later than a week before the date of elections. Meanwhile, the Administrative Court on Thursday revoked the decision to disqualify First Constituency candidate Farah Sadiq Mohammed; thereby, allowing her to contest the 2016 National Assembly elections. On the other hand, the court upheld the disqualification of Continued on Page 37

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US$/KD 0.30315/25

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Euro/KD 0.3302

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Yen/KD 0.0028

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British £/KD 0.3801

▲ KSE +24.83 pts at closing Nov 10 See Page 35

▲ Dow +217.64 pts at 21:55 Nov 10 See Page 36

▼ Nasdaq -32.20 pts at 21:55 Nov 10 ▼ FTSE -83.86 pts at closing Nov 10 ▲ Nikkei +1,092.88 pts at closing Nov 10 ▼ Gold $1,267.50 per oz (London) ▼

NYMEX crude $44.81 pb

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Brent crude $45.96 pb 3-month $ LIBOR rate 0.88650%

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

LOCAL

2

Kuwait’s Info Ministry says set for parliamentary polls This year’s coverage of election will be unique: Naji

KUNA photo

Advisor Abdulrahman Al-Nimash with Kuwait’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to international organizations Sadiq Marafi.

Many voters skeptical of lofty promises

Social media ‘websites’ rife with poll campaign slogans KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10, (KUNA): As Kuwait prepares for parliamentary elections due on Nov 26, social media websites have been rife with campaign slogans that touch on issues that voters can relate to. These campaign slogans aim to woo voters in all constituencies with lofty promises that seem to intrigue and entice the electorate. However, many voters remain skeptical of these campaign promises, many of which have failed to deliver in the past. With 50 seats in Parliament up for grabs, many candidates have enlisted the aid of advertising companies to further their campaigns, with the conviction that a slogan can a long way in swaying voters’ minds.

Campaign Moreover, many Kuwaiti academics see that a campaign slogan is a useful tool that can be employed to ensure a candidate’s success, adding that most slogans are selected on a random basis due to failure on a candidates’ part to understand the needs of voters. Speaking to KUNA, media professor at Kuwait University (KU) Dr Fawaz Al-Ajmi noted that campaign slogans are vital in the sense that they often reflect a candidate’s line of thought, add-

ing that candidates should select appropriate slogans that illustrate their goals and thoughts. On these slogans, he said that they could vary from one constituency to the other, as voters in each district have different needs and expectations. “These slogans need to change to keep up with the times,” he added. Meanwhile, psychologist Dr Othman Al-Khoder said that a candidate’s slogan largely depends on knowledge. “Slogans found to be appealing in the West may not be met with the same zeal in Kuwaiti society,” he pointed out. Al-Khoder also noted that social media has been of great help to candidates to reach out to voters. “These slogans, when used right, can have an unduly influence on the electorate,” he added. KU political science professor Dr Hanan Al-Hajeri said that campaign slogans have greater significance in Western societies than in this part of the world. “There have been a select few cases in Kuwait where a slogan helped propel a candidate to victory,” she noted. “Campaign slogans have been used all across the globe for years, and they often reflect the status quo,” Al-Hajeri said. “Not much effort is put into these slogans,” she added.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10, (KUNA): Kuwait’s Information Ministry has expressed its readiness to cover the upcoming parliamentary elections slated for Nov 26 with the latest sophisticated means in order to showcase the country’s true image to the world. Information Ministry’s Assistant Undersecretary for News and Political Programs Mohammad Bader Bin Naji told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that this year’s coverage of the upcoming elections would be unique and differ from previous coverage as the latest social media means would be highly used including YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. Bin Naji, also deputy head of the supreme committee for preparation for the parliamentary elections, added that the ministry has established a special website to cover the elections which include the usage of those social media means. Bin Naji pointed out that the logo of this year’s media campaign ‘My Vote Is For My Country’ aims at encouraging citizens to select the best for their homeland, in addition to instilling and substantiating loyalty and belonging to the homeland. He said that the logo of this year’s media campaign can also been seen as in posters on public buses, local daily newspapers, radio and television in addition to other social media outlets from outside the ministry. He also unveiled that the ministry was still going ahead with the dialogue programs, saying that each candidate would be given two minutes to promote his or her electoral message and one minute in the social media outlets. He pointed out that the ministry’s staffers would be ready to assist any candidate wishing to promote his or her program on the ministry’s various services. He also unveiled that there would be hundreds of the ministry’s delegates and reporters who would be scattered across the state’s polling centers, in addition to the allocation of a call center to receive the turnout till the results come out.

KUNA photo

Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah heads the meeting.

‘Youth leadership center to serve Kuwait’s future’ The Public Authority for Youth (PAY) said Thursday that it was planning on establishing a youth leadership center aimed at harnessing and developing the skills of young people in Kuwait. In a press release by PAY, Director General of the Authority Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi said that a meeting for the board, chaired by Minister of Information and Minister

of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, agreed on the proposal to establish the center. He added that PAY will work relentlessly to make this center a reality. Providing further input on the center, Dr Ma’souma Al-Mutairi said that PAY and other government bodies will work together for the

sake of youth in the country. The proposed center will have sort of a soft launch that would provide vital data which will be used for the official opening of the facility, said Al-Mutairi. The board meeting also touched on issues such as the organizing of monthly youth meetings as well as cooperation between PAY and other government and private bodies.

4 MPs served as govt ministers

63 MPs represented 5th Constituency since 1981 KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10, (KUNA): The Fifth Constituency has been represented by a total of 63 candidates in the last 12 parliamentary lineups, for the period spanning from 1981 to 2013. Marzouk Faleh Al-Hubaini and Fahad Dehisan Al-Lami have represented the Fifth Constituency for five legislative terms recording the highest representation in the district. Moreover, Khaled Al-Adwa, Hadi Hayef Al-Huwaila and Saadoun Hamad Al-Otaibi represented the Fifth Constituency for four legislative terms each, followed by Rashid Saif Al-Hejailan, Waleed Al-Jeri, Abdullah Faleh Al-Fahma’a, Ghanim Ali Al-Lamiand Mohammad Hadi Al-Huwailawith for three legislative terms. Furthermore, Khalid Agraan Al-Agraan, Mubarak Faleh Al-Fahma’a, Hadil Salem Al-Gilawi, Ayed Alosh AlAzmi, Saad Falah Al-Agmi, Khamis Oqab, Ayed Alosh Al-Muteiri, Jamaan Faleh Al-Azmi, Abdullah Rashed Al-Hajri, Abdullah Okash Al Abdaly, Ali Humoud Al-Hajri, Esam Sulaiman Al-Dabbous and Jaber Saad Al-Azmi have served two legislative terms in the Fifth Constituency. While the members who served one

term were Khalifa Talal Al-Jeri, Muraikhan Saad Al-Ajmi, Hezam Faleh Al-Maie, Mubarak Abdullah Al-Dabbous, Duaij Khalifa Al-Jeri, Mubarak Hamad Al-Zour, Sharaa Nasser Al-Agmi, Turki Mohammad Al-Agmi, Saad Al-Azmi, Musleh Al-Azmi, Mohammad Abdullah Aleem and Hussein Barrak Al-Dosari. In addition of, Mubarak Abdullah Al-Agmi, Fahad Mubarak Al-Hajri, Meshaan Al-Azmi, Jassim Ali Ahmad, Abdullah Mahdi Al-Agmi, Fallah Fahad Al-Hajri, Saad Raghyan Al-Sherai, Mohammad Faleh Al-Agmi, Falah Al-Azmi, Abdullah Al-Barghash, Salem Namlan Al-Azmi, Khaled Meshaan Al-Tahoos and Al-Seifi Mubarak Al-Seifi with also one participation. Moreover, with one participation Saad Al-Azmi, Saad Al-Hajri, Badi Al-Dosari, Abdullah Ibrahim Al-Tamimi, Madi Al-Hajri, Faisal Al-Kandari, Talal Al-Sahli, Hamdan Salem Al-Azmi,Seif Mutlak Al-Azmi, Humood Mohammad Al-Hamdan and Ahmad Mutea Al-Azmi in the fifth Constituency for one legislative term. In 2012, in an unprecedented turn of events, a parliamentary lineup elected in February was rendered null and void, subsequently, invali-

dating the memberships of MPs Bader Al-Dahoum Al-Azmi, Ahmad Mutea Al-Azmi, Nayef Al-Agmi, Khalid Al-Muteiri and Manawer Al-Azmi. In the same year, other MPs who had their memberships nullified include, Faisal Al-Kandari, Abdullah Al-Tamimi, Nasser Al-Meri, Hani Hussein Shams, Taher Al-Failakawi, Hammad Al-Dosari, Saad Fahad Al-Boos and Nasser Abdullah Al-Shamari. The Fifth Constituency had 4 MPs to serve as government ministers out of 31 since 1981. In 1992, Jamaan Faleh Al-Azmi was appointed Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Abdullah Rashed Al-Hajri as Minister of Commerce and Industry who also took the position of the Public Works and Minister of State for Housing Affairs in the cabinet 1996. In 2001, Fahad Dehisan Al-Lami served as Minister of Public Works and Minister of Housing Affairs and Falah Fahad Al-Hajri served as Minister of Commerce and Industry in the cabinet of 2006 and 2007. However, the Fifth Constituency held no ministerial positions in the governments of 1981, 1985, 1999, 2003, 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013.

Kuwait Today Prayer Timings Fajr ....................................................................04:47 Sunrise...............................................................06:08 Zohr....................................................................11:32 Asr......................................................................14:34 Maghrib .............................................................16:55 Isha ....................................................................18:15

Weather Expected weather for the next 24 hours: By Night: Cool with light to moderate north westerly wind, with speed of 10-32 km/h and some high clouds will appear. By Day: Mostly sunny with light to moderate north westerly wind, with speed of 12-32 km/h Station Max Min Exp Rec Kuwait City 30 20 Kuwait Airport 30 12 Abdaly 30 12 Bubyan 30 11 Jahra 31 14 Failaka Island 30 15 Salmiyah 29 20 Ahmadi 29 19 Nuwaisib 31 15 Wafra 31 13 Salmy 29 12

4 days forecast - Weather Friday, Nov 11 Expected weather.... Sunny + scattered clouds Max Temp ................................................. 31C Min Temp .................................................. 13C Wind Direction ............................................NW Wind Speed ....................................08-30 km/h Saturday, Nov 12 Expected weather...................................Sunny Max Temp ................................................. 32C Min Temp .................................................. 14C Wind Direction ............................................NW Wind Speed ....................................08-28 km/h Sunday, Nov 13 Expected weather...................................Sunny Max Temp ................................................. 32C Min Temp .................................................. 13C Wind Direction ............................................NW Wind Speed ....................................08-30 km/h Monday, Nov 14 Expected weather...................................Sunny Max Temp ................................................. 31C Min Temp .................................................. 14C Wind Direction ................................... NW-VRB Wind Speed ....................................06-26 km/h

4 days forecast - Marine Station

Max Min Sea Exp Rec Surf

Today’s Waves Ht Direction

South Dolphin Umm Mudayrah Beacon M28 Beacon N6 Qaruh Island

28 28 29 28

4 ft 4 ft 4 ft 4 ft 4 ft

18 22 18 24

23 26

SE SE SE SE SE

deaths Sameerah Abdul Ali Mubarak, 75 years old – widow of Mohammed Ahmad Al-Marzouq, buried. Condolences: (Men) Egaila, Block 3, Street 325, House No. 65, Tel: 99489777. (Women): Mubarak Al Kabeer, Block 6, Street 23, House No. 18, Tel: 99489777. Abbas Ali Marzouq, 81 years old, buried. Condolences: Bneid Al Gar, Hussainiya Ahmad Ashour, Tel: 99005335 / 99822467. Souad Abdul Mohsen Al Ammar, 65 years old – wife of Abdulaziz Abdulrahman Al Ammar, buried. Condolences: (Men) Adailiya, Block 3, Al Lualua St, House No. 8, Tel: 99407410 (Women) Qurtoba, Block 2, First St, Avenue 1, House No. 20, Tel: 99991614. Nasser Rashed Mufreh Al Zayed, 71 years old, to be buried on Friday after Jumah prayers. Condolences: Fahaheel, Block 9, Street 20, Avenue 1, House No. 13, Tel: 99482226 / 65176660, (Women) Ali Sabah Salem, Umm Al Haiman, Block 5, Street 21, House No. 2, Tel: 23283564. Aisha Ahmad Abdullah Al Jairan, 68 years old – wife of Khalil Mujn Al Najem, to be buried at Sabhan Cemetery Friday morning. Condolences: (Men) Khaldiya, Block 1, opp Supermarket Mosque, Tel: 99222332/25389289, (Women): Bayan, Block 9, First St, Avenue 7, House No. 1, Tel: 99758600. Abdulqader Khater Mullah Yacoub, 81 years old, to be buried on Friday after Asr prayers. Condolences: at the cemetery only. Hamda Hadi Falih Al Azmi, 64 years old – wife of Ali Mudakir Falih Al Azmi, buried. Condolences: Sabahiya, Block 4, Street 3 House No. 391, Tel: 97422554

Nov 10, 2016 Umm Al-Maradim Sea Island Buo Salmiyah

28 24 - 29 20

-

4 ft 4 ft

SE SE

Min Temp ...................................................14C Wind Direction ....................................NW-VRB Wind Speed .................................... 06-26 km/h

4 days forecast — Marine

Tide times at Shuwaikh Port

Friday, Nov 11 Expected weather.....Sunny + scattered clouds Sea state ............................. Slight to moderate Wave height ............................................. 1-4 ft Max Temp ..................................................31C Min Temp ...................................................13C Wind Direction ............................................ NW Wind Speed .................................... 08-30 km/h Saturday, Nov 12 Expected weather................................... Sunny Sea state ............................. Slight to moderate Wave height ............................................. 1-4 ft Max Temp ..................................................32C Min Temp ...................................................14C Wind Direction ............................................ NW Wind Speed .................................... 08-28 km/h Sunday, Nov 13 Expected weather................................... Sunny Sea state ............................. Slight to moderate Wave height ............................................. 1-4 ft Max Temp ..................................................32C Min Temp ...................................................13C Wind Direction ............................................ NW Wind Speed .................................... 08-30 km/h Monday, Nov 14 Expected weather................................... Sunny Sea state ............................. Slight to moderate Wave height ............................................. 1-3 ft Max Temp ..................................................31C

1st high tide: ............................................ 20:45 2nd high tide: ........................................... 08:30 1st low tide: ............................................. 14:00 2nd low tide: ............................................ 02:30 Sunrise: ................................................... 06:08 Sunset: .................................................... 16:56

Recorded yesterday at Kuwait Airport Max temp....................................................28C Min temp.....................................................09C Max Rh ...................................................... 43% Min Rh ....................................................... 12% Max Wind ..................................... NW 43 km/h Total Rainfall in 24 hrs ............................ 0 mm

Recorded yesterday at South Dolphin Min/Max/ Air Temp ................................18/26C Min/Max Rel Hum ................................. 29/57% Wind Direction/Wind Speed .............N/47 km/h Prev Wave Dir/Max Wave Ht ...................N/4 ft Min/Max Sea Surface Temp.................23/24 C Sea Current .......................... End of Downdraft

— Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Meteorological Dept.

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

LOCAL

3

Al-Shall Report Stock exchange weekly performance more active

Boursa Kuwait Oct liquidity up m-o-m the Kuwaiti dinar and the US dollar, vis-a-vis the end of June 2016, the bulletin stated that it declined on the KD deposits, but picked up its rise on the US dollar deposits. The difference in the average interest rates on customers’ deposits for a term is still in favor of the Kuwaiti dinar in the end of the two periods. It scored about 0.560 point for 1-month deposits, about 0.609 point for 3-month deposits, about 0.624 point for 6-month deposits, and about 0.569 point for 12-month deposits. The difference in the end of June 2016 was about 0.590 point for 1-month deposits, about 0.692 point for 3-month deposits, about 0.764 point for 6-month deposits, and about 0.715 point for 12-month deposits. The monthly average exchange rate for the Kuwaiti dinar against the US dollar in September 2016 was about 301.553 Kuwaiti fils for each one US dollar, a slight increase by 0.05% compared with the monthly average for June 2016 when it scored about 301.402 fils per one US dollar.

Trading Features at Boursa Kuwait — October 2016 uwait Clearing Company isK sued its report titled “Trading Volume According to Nationality” for the period of 01/01/2016 to 31/10/2016, which was published on Boursa Kuwait official website. The report indicated that individual investors are still the prevailing group though their share is declining; they captured 45.8% of total value of sold shares (49.8% for the first ten months of 2015) and 41.1% of total value of purchased shares (46.3% for the same period 2015). Individual investors sold shares worth KD 1.021 billion and purchased shares worth KD 914.648 million with a net trading, more selling, by KD 106.317 million, says Al-Shall Economic Report prepared by Al-Shall Consulting Co headed by Jassem AlSaadoun. Corporations and companies sector captured 33.8% of total value of purchased shares (29% for the same period 2015) and 27.2% of total value of sold shares (26.5% for the same period 2015). The sector purchased shares worth KD 753.405 million and sold shares worth KD 607.094 million with a net trading, more purchasing, by KD 146.312 million. The third contributor to market liquidity is the clients’ accounts sector (portfolios), which captured 17.8% of total value of sold shares (15.2% for the same period 2015) and 15.5% of total value of purchased shares (14.7% for the same period 2015). The sector sold shares worth KD 396.943 million and purchased shares worth KD 344.688 million, with a net trading, selling, by KD 52.256 million. The last contributor to liquidity is the investment funds sector which captured 9.6% of total value of purchased shares (9.9% for the same period 2015) and 9.1% of total value of sold shares (8.6% for the same period 2015). This sector purchased shares worth KD 215.315 million and sold shares worth KD 203.054 million, with a net trading, purchasing, by KD 12.261 million. Boursa Kuwait continues to be a domestic stock exchange with Kuwaiti traders forming the biggest trading group and purchased shares worth KD 1.919 billion capturing 86.1% of total value of purchased shares, (84.8% for the same period 2015), and sold shares worth KD 1.899 billion, capturing 85.2% of total value of sold shares (86.4% for the same period 2015). As such, their net trading, more purchasing, by KD 19.984 million. Other investors share, out of total value of sold shares scored 11.6%, (10% for the same period 2015), worth KD 259.010 million and they purchased shares worth KD 221.563 million, or by 9.9% of total value of purchased shares (11% for the same period 2015); thus, their net trading value, the only one selling, by KD 37.446 million. GCC Investors’ share, out of total value of purchased shares scored 3.9% (4.1% for the same period 2015), worth KD 87.962 million, while their total value of sold shares scored 3.2% (3.6% for the same period 2015), worth KD 70.499 million. Their net trading was, purchasing, by KD 17.463 million. Relative distribution among nationalities changed slightly from the previous period 85.7% for Kuwaitis, 10.8% for traders from other nationalities, and 3.6% for GCC traders versus 85.6% for Kuwaitis, 10.5% for other nationalities and 3.9% for GCC traders, for the same period of 2015. This means Boursa Kuwait remained domestic though with more trading by foreign and investors from outside the GCC than from the GCC with trading prevalence to individuals. Number of active accounts between the end of December 2015 and the end of October 2016 dropped by -40.2%, (dropped by -54% between the end of December 2014 and the end of October 2015). Number of active accounts in the end of October 2016 scored 15,458 or 4.2% of total accounts, versus 16,068 accounts in the end of September 2016, i.e. about 4.3% of total accounts for the same month, dropped by -3.8% during October 2016.

Boursa Kuwait Liquidity Features — October 2016 Boursa Kuwait liquidity during October 2016 (21 working days) achieved a daily trading average by about KD 12.3 million, a rise by 103.9% compared with the daily trading average in September 2016,

Gulf Bank Financial Results — 30 September 2016

Photo by Mohamed Morsi

File photo shows trading in progress. Boursa Kuwait ends Thursday’s trade in green. — See Page 35

which scored KD 6 million and rose by 1.3% vis-‡-vis October 2015. The market added liquidity in the amount of KD 257.9 million bringing the total liquidity in ten months to about KD 2.223 billion compared with KD 3.407 billion in the first ten months of 2015, i.e. a drop by -34.8%. The Kuwait 15 index rose by 1.5%, the weighted index rose about 0.6%, and the price index increased slightly by 0.05%. Adopting the same measurement tool, i.e. following up the share of the top 30 companies from trading value, we note that these companies captured about 74.4%, or KD 1.654 billion of market liquidity, representing about 66.3% of its total market capitalization. Number of speculation companies within the sample was 11 which captured 13.7% of total market trading value, i.e. KD 305 million, while their market value equaled 1.1% only of total value of market capitalization. Figures indicate a drop in speculation trend during last month by their reduced number compared with 12 speculation companies in the end of September 2016, which captured 15.6% of total market. They also decreased compared with October 2015 when 12 speculation companies captured 18.5% of total trading value. This means the relative activity for October was tilted towards operation companies. The turnover average index of all market companies may provide us with a different perspective to look at that speculation sharpness. The index measures the percentage of trading value of the company shares divided by its market value. While this turnover average of shares for all market companies continued weak at about 9.1% (10.9% on annual basis) and weak within the 30 companies sample with the highest liquidity at about 10.2% (12.2% on annual basis), it scored about 114.4% for the 11 companies (137.2% on annual

basis). For the highest company, it scored about 648.2%, 567.4% for the second highest company, and 243% for the third highest. Despite their high rise, if calculated on annual basis, they remain less than the turnover average of this sample of companies in 2015.

Financial and Monetary Statistics — September 2016 In its monthly statistical bulletin for the month of September 2016, published on its website, the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) stated that the balance of the total public debt instruments (tawarruq transactions are included) rose by KD 200 million to reach KD 2.767 billion in the end of September 2016, about 8.1%, of the nominal gross domestic product (GDP) for 2015 of about KD 34.315 billion. The average interest rate on treasury bonds for one year term was 1.250%, 1.500% for two years, 2.000% for three years, 2.500% for five years, 3.000% for seven years, 3.500% for ten years. Local banks capture 64.8% of the total public debt instruments (74% in the end of June 2016). The CBK bulletin stated that total credit facilities to residents offered by local banks in the end of September 2016 scored about KD 34.750 billion, about 57.3% of total local banks’ assets, a rise by about KD 432.4 million, above their value in the end of June 2016, a quarterly growth rate by about 1.3%, and increased about 7.2% compared with September 2015. Total personal facilities scored about KD 14.517 billion, or 41.8% of total credit facilities (about KD 14.369 billion in the end of June 2016), a quarterly growth rate of about 1%, and increased about 7.7% compared with September 2015. Total value of installed loans there from scored about KD 9.847 billion, or 67.8% of the total value of personal facilities. An amount of

KD 3.188 billion there from, about 22% of the total, went for the purchase of securities. Consumer loans amounted to about KD 1.160 billion. Credit facilities to the real estate sector amounted to about KD 7.954 billion, or 22.9% of the total, (about KD 7.985 billion in the end of June 2016), about two-thirds of the facilities go to personal and real estate facilities. KD 3.235 billion, 9.3%, went to trade sector (KD 3.184 billion in the end of June 2016). KD 2.190 billion, 63%, went to the industry sector (KD 2.150 billion in the end of June 2016). KD 2.141 billion, 6.2%, went to the contracting sector (KD 1.999 billion in the end of June 2016). KD 1.383 billion, 4%, went to the financial institutions -excluding banks- (KD 1.399 billion in the end of June 2016). The bulletin also indicated that total deposits at local banks scored about KD 40.946 billion, representing about 67.6% of total local banks liabilities, dropped by about KD 205 million below their value in the end of June 2016, a quarterly decline by 0.5%, and increased about 5.9% compared with September 2015. About KD 34.130 billion, 83.4%, belong to clients of the private sector in the comprehensive definition including major institutions like the Public Institution for Social Securities -does not include the government-. About KD 30.987 billion thereof in Kuwaiti dinars, 75.7%, went to private sector clients and the equivalent of KD 3.144 billion were in foreign currency to private sector clients, too. As for the average interest rates on customers time deposits, both in

The Gulf Bank announced its results for the first nine months of the current year which indicate that the bank achieved profits, after deducting due taxes, by about KD 32.8 million, up by KD 3.2 million, or by 10.7% (KD 29.6 million in September 2015). This rise in bank profits is due to a drop in total allocations by 14.8%. Despite the drop in operational profit prior to deducting allocations by about KD 4.7 million, or by 5.6%, scoring KD 80.6 million (KD 85.3 million), this was achieved due to the rise in operational expenses versus the decline in operational incomes. In details, total operational incomes scored KD 125.2 million, down by KD 3 million, or by 2.4%, (KD 128.3 million) due to the drop in the item of realized profits from selling investments in securities by KD 6.8 million to KD 125 thousand (0.1% of total incomes) vis-‡-vis KD 6.9 million (5.4% of the total). Item of net interests’ incomes decreased by KD 1.6 million and scored KD 88.1 million (KD 89.8 million). Item of distributions incomes rose by KD 2.7 million to KD 4.1 million (KD 1.4 million). Item of net fees and commissions rose by KD 2.2 million and scored KD 24 million (KD 21.8 million). On the other hand, total operational expenditures rose by KD 1.7 million, or by 4%, and scored KD 44.7 million (KD 43 million in nine months of 2015) due to the rise in all items of operational expenses. Percentage of total operational expenses to total operational incomes scored 35.7% (33.5%). Total allocations dropped by KD 8.1 million, or by 14.8%, and scored KD 46.2 million (KD 54.3 million). Resulting from declining allocations, (both the specific and general), by KD 35.2 million, or by 62.7%, to KD 21 million (KD 56.2 million in same period 2015) and the bank achieved loan recovery by KD 14.4 million on September 30, 2016. Therefore, the net profit margin of the bank rose to 24.4% (23.6% in the same period last year). The financial statements show that the bank’s total assets increased by KD 183.3 million, or by 3.4%, to KD 5.621 billion vis-‡-vis KD 5.438 billion in December 2015. Assets increased by KD 212 million, or by 3.9%, compared with the same period in 2015 when they were at KD 5.409 billion. Item of deposits at banks and financial institutions rose

Total Assets Total liabilities Total Equity attributable to the equity holders of the bank Total Operating Incomes Total Operating Expenses Provision Taxation Net income

The Weekly Performance of Boursa Kuwait The performance of Boursa Kuwait for last week was more active compared to the previous one, where all indexes showed an increase, the traded value index, the traded volume index, number of transactions index, and general index, AlShall Index (value weighted) closed at 346 points at the closing of last Thursday, showing an increase of about 10.1 points or about 3% compared with its level last week, while it decreased by 19.9 points or about 5.4% compared with the end of 2015. The following tables summarize last week’s performance of Boursa Kuwait Description

Week 44 10/11/16 Working days 5 AlShall index (38 Companies) 346 Boursa Kuwait index (price) 5,480.40 Value Trade (KD) 100,562,063 Daily average (KD) 20,112,413 Volume Trade (Shares) 886,610,927 Daily average (Shares) 177,322,185 Transactions 20,578 Daily average (Transactions) 4,116

Diff % 3.00% 1.30% 87.20% 79.20% 61.10%

Most Active Sectors & Companies Description Value Traded Sectors KD Kuwait Finance House 14,397,328 Warba Bank 10,837,617 Mobile Telecom Co. K.S.C (Zain) 9,810,913 Agility Public Warehousing Company 7,702,726 National Bank Of Kuwait 6,858,193 Total 49,606,776 Description Value Traded Sectors KD Banks Sector 40,496,421 Financial Services Sector 15,702,188 Telecommunications Sector 12,555,516 Real Estate Sector 11,880,206 Industrials Sector 10,477,050

% of Total Market 14.30% 10.80% 9.80% 7.70% 6.80% 49.30% % of Total Market 40.30% 15.60% 12.50% 11.80% 10.40%

Alshall Index

Week 43 3/11/2016 7 17 14 38

Week 44 10/11/2016 Increased Value (# of Companies) 15 Decreased Value (# of Companies) 8 Unchanged Value (# of Companies) 15 Total Companies 38

30/09/2016 30/09/2015 (Thousand KD) (Thousand KD) 5,621,042 5,409,025 5,059,985 4,879,651 561,057 125,224 44,670 46,215 1,538 32,801

Week 43 3/11/16 5 335.9 5,409.40 53,722,030 10,744,406 494,866,438 98,973,288 12,777 2,555

538,256 128,252 42,960 54,267 1,401 29,624

Change Value % 212,017 3.9% 180,334 3.7% 22,801 (3,028) 1,710 (8,052) 137 3,177

▲ ▲ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▼ ▲ ▲

4.2% -2.4% 4.0% -14.8% 9.8% 10.7%

Ratios ▲ **Return on Average Assets (ROA) 0.8% 0.7% **Return on Average Equity Relevant ▲ To The Bank Shareholder (ROE) 8.0% 7.6% **Return on Average Capital (ROC) 14.3% 13.3% ▲ Earnings per share (EPS) – (Fils) 11 10 1 10.0% ▲ Closing price – (Fils) 230 270 (40) -14.8% ▼ * Price to Earnings Per Share Multiplies (P/E) 15.7 20.3 Price to Book Value Multiplies (P/B) 1.2 1.6 * Indicators Ended September 30, 2016 on an annual basis ** Calculated based on the average rate of the financial data at the end of December 2015 and 30 September 2016

From Nov 03, 2016 to Nov 10, 2016

Al-Shall Index Thu Thu Company Name 10/11/2016 03/11/2016 1 The National Bank Of Kuwait 339.5 327.8 2 The Gulf Bank 191.8 188.5 3 Commercial Bank Of Kuwait 332.6 332.6 4 Al-Ahli Bank Of Kuwait 203.0 206.2 5 Kuwait International Bank 208.4 198.0 6 Ahli United Bank 347.8 347.8 7 Burgan Bank 297.7 297.7 8 Kuwait Finance House 1098.7 1037.5 Banking Sector 361.1 350.4 9 Commercial Facilities Co 116.9 119.8 10 International Financial Advisors 243.2 235.1 11 National Investments 130.9 135.9 12 Kuwait Investment Projects 1114.2 1103.1 13 Coast Investment & Development 54.0 54.7 Investment Sector 314.9 314.2 14 Kuwait Insurance Company 49.8 49.8 15 Gulf Insurance Company 353.6 359.3 16 Al-Ahleia Insurance Company 165.2 165.2 17 Warba Insurance Company 90.1 90.1 Insurance Sector 133.2 134.2 18 Kuwait Real Estate Company 88.6 83.7 19 United Realty Company 199.9 197.8 20 National Real Estate Company 194.9 185.7

by KD 64.8 million, or by 189.9% and scored KD 98.9 million (1.8% of total assets) vis-‡-vis KD 34.1 million (0.6% of total assets). When compared with the same period of 2015, the bank did not achieve any deposits. Item of advances and loans to clients rose by KD 51.5 million, or by 1.4%.and scored KD 3.685 billion (65.6% of total assets) versus KD 3.634 billion (66.8% of total assets) and rose by KD 56 million, or by 1.5%, versus KD 3.629 billion (67.1% of total assets) for the same period of 2015. Figures indicate that the Bank’s liabilities (without calculating total equity) increased by KD 160.5 million, or by 3.3%, to about KD 5.060 billion compared with the end of 2015. They also increased by KD 180.3 million, 3.7% when compared with the third quarter in 2015. Total liabilities percentage to total deposits and other balances scored 75.51% (75.46%). Percentage of total liabilities to total assets scored 90% (90.2%). Results of analyzing financial statements calculated on annual basis indicate that all bank profitability indexes increased compared with the same period of 2015. Return on average assets (ROA) rose to 0.8% (0.7%). Return on average capital (ROC) increased to 14.3% (13.3%). Return on average equity (ROE) rose to about 8% (7.6%). (EPS) rose to 11 fils (10 fils). (P/E) scored 15.7 times -improved- (20.3 times) as a result of increase EPS by 10% above its September 2015 level. The market price of the share dropped by 14.8% compared with its price on September 30, 2015. (P/B) scored 1.2 times (1.6 times for the same period of 2015).

Diff % 3.6 1.8 0.0 (1.6) 5.3 0.0 0.0 5.9 3.1 (2.4) 3.4 (3.7) 1.0 (1.3) 0.2 0.0 (1.6) 0.0 0.0 (0.7) 5.9 1.1 5.0

Close 2015 401.1 211.3 402.3 245.5 235.5 424.2 359.6 1052.0 409.7 125.6 235.1 110.7 1292.5 43.7 347.4 67.3 427.7 199.0 88.5 162.9 88.6 193.7 187.8

Diff % (15.4) (9.2) (17.3) (17.3) (11.5) (18.0) (17.2) 4.4 (11.9) (6.9) 3.4 18.2 (13.8) 23.6 (9.4) (26.0) (17.3) (17.0) 1.8 (18.2) 0.0 3.2 3.8

21 Salhiah Real Estate Company 1473.8 Real Estate Sector 186.1 22 The National Industries 101.9 23 Kuwait Cement Co 565.3 24 Refrigeration Industries Co 110.5 25 Gulf Cable & Electrical Industries 151.9 26 Contracting & Marine Services Co 48.9 Industrial Sector 163.2 27 Kuwait National Cinemas 602.6 28 Kuwait Hotels Company 165.0 29 The Public Warehousing Co 2095.7 30 Mobile Telecommunications Co - ZAIN 525.5 31 Safat Energy Co 9.8 Services Sector 742.7 32 Livestock Transport & Trading Co 186.7 33 Danah Aalsafat Foodstuff Company 93.1 34 Kuwait United Poultry Co 58.7 35 Kuwait Food Co 2581.6 Food Sector 893.8 36 Sharjah Cement Co 333.3 37 Gulf Cement Co 298.4 38 Umm Al-Qaiwain Cement Industries 515.0 Non Kuwaiti Companies 216.8 General Index 346.0

1453.6 181.3 101.9 565.3 112.2 151.9 53.2 163.7 596.3 165.0 1862.8 478.7 9.7 674.8 196.7 88.0 58.7 2581.6 895.6 333.3 298.4 515.0 216.8 335.9

1.4 2.6 0.0 0.0 (1.5) 0.0 (8.1) (0.3) 1.1 0.0 12.5 9.8 1.0 10.1 (5.1) 5.8 0.0 0.0 (0.2) 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 3.0

1494.0 184.3 112.6 595.5 104.9 149.9 64.8 172.4 577.5 115.5 1862.8 353.8 11.7 598.6 106.7 81.8 65.3 1970.7 681.5 362.5 322.6 588.6 228.6 365.9

(1.4) 1.0 (9.5) (5.1) 5.3 1.3 (24.5) (5.3) 4.3 42.9 12.5 48.5 (16.2) 24.1 75.0 13.8 (10.1) 31.0 31.2 (8.1) (7.5) (12.5) (5.2) (5.4)

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Photos by Rizalde Cayanan

Audience at the Dar Al Athar Al Islammiyah’s weekly music circle.

Balkan folk music’s rhythms more complex than Western counterpart

‘Bulgarian dreams’ enthralls audience at Dar Al Athar By Cinatra Fernandes Arab Times Staff

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: The audience at the Dar Al Athar Al Islammiyah’s weekly Music circle experienced an evening of ‘Bulgarian dreams’ with Anna Karadimitrova — soprano, Mariana Todorova — violin, Preslav Petkov — clarinet, Harriet Bushman — piano. The concert started with W.A. Mozart’s Alleluja from “Exultate Jubilate” in three parts and with the third movement Allegro re-arranged by Petkov for soprano, violin, clarinet and piano, was followed with Ludwig Van Beethoven — Violin Sonata No 2, Op 12 performed skillfully by Todorova and Bushman. Next up, W.A. Mozart — L’amero saro Costante from the opera “Il re pastore” the audience followed by Pablo de Sarasate — Habanera No. 2 from Spanish Dances. There was even room for some Shostakovich with the Three Duet pieces of Prelude, Waltz and Polka and the evening continued with Bulgarian songs for high voice and piano by some of the most well-known Bulgarian composers such as Vladigerov, Hadjiev, Pipkov, Goleminov, Stoyanov, Zlatev — Cherkin, rearranged by Petkov for soprano, violin, clarinet/bass clarinet and piano. Bulgarian natural folk music uses a wide range of instruments. Some folk instruments are variants of traditional Asian instruments such as the “Saz”, the Bulgarian tambura, or the kemençe, the Bulgarian gadulka. More modern style instruments are often used in the modern dance music that was an offshoot of traditional village music. One of the most distinctive features of Balkan folk music is the complexity of its rhythms in comparison to Western music. Anna Karadimitrova is a graduate of the National Music Acad-

Clockwise from top left: Anna Karadimitrova — soprano, Mariana Todorova — violin, Preslav Petkov — clarinet, Harriet Bushman — piano.

emy in Sofia, Bulgaria, and further specialized her training at the European Opera Centre in Manchester, UK. She has been featured soloist in countless oratorios and symphonic productions. Along with teaching voice classes at the American University of Kuwait, Ms Karadimitrova has appeared as a soloist in local concerts with Kuwait Chamber Philharmonia, in the Dar Al Athar concert series, and Ahmadi Music Group productions,

including The Pirates of Penzance, Carmina Burana, Westside Story, Semele, Dido and Aeneas, Acis and Galatea, Vivaldi’s Gloria and many more. Concertmaster of the Spanish Radio Television Orchestra since 1997. Mariana Todorova was born in 1974 in Varna, Bulgaria and began her violin studies at the age of five. She studied at Madrid’s Real Conservatorio Superior with Victor Martin

graduating in 1995 with Extraordinary Prize. Todorova has performed as a soloist with various European orchestras and her repertoire covers the period from baroque to contemporary music. She has made numerous recordings for the Spanish Television and Radio and has performed in concert the violin concerto “Ardor” by Jose Luis Greco, dedicated to her, with the Symphony Orchestra of Gran Canaria. She

also recorded this concert in CD for the ASV label. She continues to be active chamber musician as well. She has formed and being part of the string trio “Modus” for the past 10 years. Preslav Petkov graduated with a BA and MA in clarinet studies, both degrees obtained from the National Music Academy in Sofia — Bulgaria and in 1998 he was offered a contract with the Rousse Philharmonic Orchestra. During

this period Petkov was teaching clarinet in National School of ArtsRousse. Later in 2001 he joined the National Philharmonic Orchestra, Sofia as a clarinetist, also bass clarinet and saxophone player. In 2010 Preslav was awarded with distinction the Licentiate of The Royal School of Music (ABRSM — London performance diploma). Preslav is a laureate of International competitions in Bulgaria and abroad and has appeared as a soloist of the Sofia Philharmonic quintet, Rousse Philharmonic Orchestra, National Music Academy, Sofia. He also was a principal clarinet of Salzburg Festival Orchestra in 2000, and took part in “Porgy and Bess” touring production in 2004. He has has made a number of recordings as a soloist, chamber player and orchestral musician in Bulgaria. In 2004 Preslav joined the British School of Kuwait as a woodwind tutor, teaching a wide range of instruments: clarinet, flute, saxophone and recorder. Later in 2007 he was appointed as a Director of BSK Concert Orchestra where under his baton the orchestra was invited to perform at many prestigious venues across Kuwait. He also taught course of woodwind at the British Academy of International Arts, Kuwait. Harriet Petherick Bushman, pianist and composer is an honours graduate of the Royal Academy of Music, London and has an MA Diploma in performance from the Conservatoire de Lausanne. She has performed widely with international chamber musicians, worked as MD on shows and has written for film, television and the stage. Petherick Bushman teaches privately and accompanies various individuals in concerts including the Ahmadi Music Group in Kuwait. She is currently writing carols and revising her jazz oratorio, Gideon, for performance in 2015.

KUNA photos

Photos show the Al-Fordah port.

Al-Fordah port ... Kuwait’s oldest seaport, market Situated west of the Seif Palace, Al-Fordah port was considered one of the main seaports responsible for exporting and importing goods and other materials. The port also had an adjacent market also called Al-Fordah, “the old markets of Kuwait”, a book au-

thored by Mohammad Abdulhadi Jamal said. In the early hours of the morning, ships used to unload goods which were to be sold at the market. Most goods consisted of consumer products, home appliances, and poultry. The seaport

also acted as an export point for Kuwaiti products. Wind-powered wooden ships and boats continued to dock at the seaport until the era of the Amir Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah in which commercial steamboats began to appear on horizon.

After the signing of the protection treaty between Great Britain and Kuwait in 1899, steamboats coming from Bombay to the Gulf region began to dock in Kuwait -- specifically in Al-Fordah seaport -- once every two weeks. This transformed the seaport

into an integral location for business and commerce in Kuwait. From World War II onwards, AlFordah seaport was expanded on numerous occasions to accommodate the increase in Kuwait’s commercial and business activities.

With the rapid development of infrastructure in Kuwait, AlFordah seaport and its market began to lose prominence; however, the memories of the place still lives in the minds and hearts of the older generation of Kuwaitis. (KUNA)

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Al-Salmiya Group Company officially inaugurated the Boulevard Project inside Boulevard Complex Monday under the auspices of Minister of Electricity and Water, acting Minister of Public Works, Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, Engineer Ahmad Khalid Al-Jassar. The event was held in the presence of Director General of the Public Authority for Agricultural Affairs and Fish Resources (PAAAFR) Engineer Faisal Al-Hassawi with Board Chairman of the company Adwan Mohammad Al-Adwani. In a speech, Al-Adwani expressed gratitude and appreciation to Minister

Al-Jassar and Engineer Al-Hassawi for their physical presence at the auspicious event. He said the project is one of the largest recreational projects of the company and they are proud to inaugurate the unique multipurpose real estate, recreational and touristic project in Kuwait. He declared the project was designed in line with international standards to meet the demands of various age groups, amid outstanding services to ensure comfort of children with special needs.

More than 30 unlawful poll campaign bases dismantled Precautions in place: MoI KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10, (Agencies): More than 30 illicit election campaign bases have been found, head of a joint Ministry of Interior (MoI) and Municipal committee dealing with parliamentary elections, Ahmad Al-Manfouhi said on Thursday. In a statement to the press, AlManfouhi said that members of the committee have intensified their inspection campaigns of the nation’s six governorates, to ensure that all campaign bases are in line with municipal regulations. Moreover, he noted that special identification cards will be given to members of this committee, authorizing them to administer any violations committed by candidates. He also highlighted the fact that all precautions are in place to ensure a seamless election process on November 26th. Al-Manfouhi also warned against any forms of propaganda techniques on the part of candidates, saying that such measures will be dealt with sternly. In other news, candidate from the Third Constituency in the upcoming National Assembly election Jamal Al-Omar affirmed that government has been abortive in its bid to provide essential services to citizens, and only 50 percent of the projects listed for execution were accomplished. He made the observation at the opening of his campaign office recently. He stressed that projects executed were not up to standard and didn’t reflect constitutional spirit. He stated the dissolution of 2013 National Assembly was in order, considering the state of affairs in the region that could affect the country negatively in case of negligence by Arab and Islamic countries. He declared he was among those who called for the dissolution of 2013 National Assembly, because its continuity will not add value to national development — as it

KUNA photo

Tanzanian Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa with Kuwaiti Ambassador Jassem Al-Najem.

became clear that government could no longer manage the economy. He reasoned the government presented an economic reform document after the dwindling oil price, but the reform was far from reality. He cited the decision to increase fuel prices without taking painstaking study and its effect on citizens as overwhelming. He complained the allocation of 75 liters of fuel to each citizen having a vehicle every month is illogical and strange, adding the 17-point reform document of government raises electricity bill and puts additional burden on Kuwaiti families. He declared that Kuwaitis are always ready to sacrifice for the country and so citizens should not be treated in that manner. He considered the Kuwaiti people are in charge and they will vote for trusted people who stood by them. He faulted the government for appointing people into positions of

authority such as ministers, undersecretaries, assistant undersecretaries and directors without considering any factor. He also said none of the ministers has experience on economy except the Minister of Finance Anas Saleh who once worked for the bourse and now combining about 17 positions. He reiterated the assignments before the minister is daunting and beyond capacity. Meanwhile, Fourth Constituency candidate Dr Mohammed Alharass is of the view that society should preserve the faith, social values and dignity away from politics. He vowed to defend the vested rights and interests of Kuwaitis with respect and “there is no retreat from what he’s saying today”. Alharass pointed to the critical and dangerous situation the country has been experiencing, especially in the past three years. He said times have been hard but it is time for everyone to contribute to amending the situation”.

‘Vision 2030’

Sr official stresses importance of GCC development meeting

Photos from the ‘Live Debate’

‘Live Debate’ held The Higher Committee for Debates held the ‘Live Debate’ for the first time as a part of the efforts exerted by the Faculty of Students Affairs to develop the students’ skills for dialogue. According to a press release, the debate was held at the Faculty of Science on Wednesday, Nov 9 with the aim of

informing and encouraging students to participate in the sixth edition of Kuwait University’s debate series. Lawyer Fatima Hazazi supervised the debate, presented the instructions for the debate and explained the best way to convey ideas and convince the audience.

RIYADH, Nov 10, (KUNA): Kuwaiti Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah on Thursday stressed the importance of a GCC meeting on economy and development due later today in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who is also Acting Minister of Justice and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs, is attending the first meeting of the GCC commission for economic and development affairs, to be chaired by Saudi Deputy Crown Prince and Minister of Defense Mohammed bin Salman. GCC Secretary General Abdullatif Al-Zayani is taking part in the meeting. Establishing the commission is part of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud’s “Vision 2030” for enhancing the pan-GCC economic and developmen, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah told KUNA a head of the meeting. The commission was approved by the GCC

Supreme Council in it 16th Consultative Meeting held in Jeddah in May, 2016. It is entrusted with examining the policies, recommendations, studies and projects that aim to promote cooperation and integration among the GCC member states in economy and development, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, who is also Acting Minister of Justice and Minister of State for National Assembly said. In addition, the commission encourages and works on promoting existing activities, as well as following up the implementation of the GCC economic resolutions and agreements. Participants in today’s gathering will a review of the resolution by the GCC Supreme Council 16th Consultative Meeting to establish the commission, as well as the outcome of the ministerial preparatory meeting held at the GCC Secretariat in Riyadh on Nov 3, Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah said.

Meanwhile, Dr Jamaan Al Harbash, candidate from Second Constituency described citizenship as loyalty and sense of belongingness, stressing the need to reconcile rights and duties, because if rights are in disarray, loyalty, belongingness and sacrifice for the country becomes weak and overpowered. He said Kuwaitis throughout history have been a people supporting the leadership in difficult circumstances and tribulations but witnessed shortcomings in their rights over the past few years and retaliated with disobedience. Al Harbash called on concerned authorities to review the decision of withdrawing citizenship of people classified as political opponents of the government. He stressed the dangerous part of the situation was the last Parliament providing cover for such measures although the Constitution is clear that Kuwaiti citizenship is organized by law and it’s revocation is only allowed by law.

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Housing gets top priority by 2016 poll candidates ‘Distributed units insufficient’ KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10, (KUNA): The housing problem in Kuwait is always given top priority by candidates contesting the electoral race due to its economic and social significance on the Kuwaiti society. A number of candidates running for the upcoming parliamentary election due on Nov 26 emphasized that the housing problem should be solved as soon as possible by setting out fresh blueprints aiming at meeting growing housing demands and creating new cities. KUNA photo

Kuwait, Poland representatives signing the agreement

Kuwait, Poland sign visa exemption deal Deputy Foreign Minister Khaled Suleiman Al-Jarallah signed Thursday with Polish Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Joanna Wronecka, a reciprocal visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passports holders. This came on the sideline of AlJarallah’s visit to the Polish capital Warsaw for political consultations

on bilateral relations, Kuwait Embassy in Poland said in statement. The Kuwaiti delegation included Assistant Foreign Minister for Europe Waleed Al-Khubaizi, Deputy Director of the Minister Office Ambassador Ayham Al-Omar, Kuwait Ambassador to Poland Abdullah Al-Askar, and Foreign Ministry officials. (KUNA)

News in Brief Honorary doctorate: Kuwait University announced Wednesday that it has granted His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah an honorary doctorate on the occasion of its golden jubilee celebration. The announcement was made during KU’s Council third meeting for the academic year 2016/2017, which was presided by Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education Dr Bader Al-Essa and in presence of KU Director Dr Hussein Ahmad Al-Ansari and the Council’s members. It is the university’s honor to grant His Highness the Amir the honorary doctorate on its 50th anniversary celebration, KU Secretary General Mohammad Al-Faris said in a press statement.

Al-Faris recalled His Highness the Amir’s achievements, distinctive role, and impact on Kuwaiti, Arab, and Muslim people on all economic, political, social, and humanitarian levels, which earned him the UN’s honoring by naming him “Humanitarian Leader” and Kuwait as a “Humanitarian Center”. (KUNA) ❑ ❑ ❑

Oil field opens soon: Operations at the joint Khafji oil field will start soon following convergence of viewpoints between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia concerning the production from the field, the costs for maintenance of the sites and the share to be borne by Kuwait represented by Kuwait Gulf Oil Company, reports Al-Shahed daily quoting informed sources.

They opined that offering part of state-owned land to applicants would undoubtedly contribute to easing out the housing problem which actually bugs many Kuwaiti families owing to uncontrollably surging flat rentals. In this context, official Speaker for the Public Authority for Housing Welfare Ibrahim Al-Nashi said that the intensive distribution of lands over the last three years had contributed to cutting the waiting list of land applicants in the country. He mentioned that the current number of housing applicantions has reached 105,000, saying that more efforts and work are needed. He stated that in fiscal year 2015/2016, some 12,177 units have been distributed, adding that 11,338 more would be distributed during the coming year. For his part, Abbas Al-Shawaf, an expert on housing problems told KUNA that distributing some 12,000 units yearly is not enough to cover the increasing number of applications accumulated over the past years. Al-Shawaf urged the government and Parliament to work on distributing 20,000 units to solve the problem. He asserted that the housing problem in kuwait still tops citizens’ priorities and the upcoming Parliament should find ways to end this problem. The state, in fact, attaches much attention to the housing issue through close cooperation and coordination between the two executive and legislative authorities. This attention was reflected by His Highness the Amir’s intervention by giving orders and directives through making available more lands for housing applicants, pointing to his full support to this issue.

DIWANIYA A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION Pot calling the kettle black

‘West tilted towards extremism’ “THE entire world yesterday followed the result of the US presidential elections which ended in the victory of Republican candidate Donald Trump who defeated his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton,” columnist Zayed AlZaid wrote for Annahar daily Thursday. “This result confirms that the West is tilted towards extremism and racism and the testimony is the victory for the man whose statements during election campaigning were full of racism and extremism. “But the question is: what will happen to the world if the president remains true to his statements? And what will be the features of the political map? “What we have to do in the aftermath of the victory for Donald Trump as the president of the United States of America, is look back at the statements that have been issued by him and dot the i’s and cross the t’s and expect what the result can be. “In this context, we recall the pledge taken by Trump to expel the migrant workers from the US. Not just that, he had vehemently attacked the Gulf countries including the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “Apart from the above, we would like to refer to his attitudes which look in harmony with the attitudes of Russia and Iran when it comes to dealing with the Syrian crisis, for instance, and this means his attitudes do not agree with the beliefs of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) States although these nations have been firm allies of Washington over the past decades. “Given the above, we wonder if our region is grooming itself for an inappropriate development by setting up alternative strategic plans to deal with this new reality. In other words, have our countries in this part of the world set up substitute strategic political and economic plans to look for a new ally which is capable of dealing efficiently with the great Eastern power, or is our foreign policy still unchanged and committed to its old manner? “As a matter of fact, in reality the West is currently looking at Islam and Muslims through the eyes of extremism and racism and this is proved by the practices of the Western government and their dealings with the Muslims and accusing them of extremism. “These governments now allege that our schools curriculums and preachers call for supporting terrorism. This happens at a time when Europe actually holds the Muslims accountable for all terrorist operations that have been carried out in some European countries over the past few months. “Such being the case, we suggest this scenario has been completed Al-Zaid by the election of Donald Trump — the man who had accused the Muslims of being terrorists and extremists in all his speeches. “Given the above, we wonder what type of extremism and racism currently prevails in the West at the moment.”

Also: “I don’t know why most people are surprised at the victory of Donald Trump who has defeated the candidate of the Democratic Party Hillary Clinton. Surprisingly, the outcome has also shocked many Americans,” columnist, the Dean of the College of Technological Studies at the Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) and the Deputy Chairman of the Islamic Heritage Revival Society (IHRS) Dr Wael AlHassawi wrote for Al-Rai daily Thursday. “Anyone who is well versed with the political tendencies and moods of the Western countries will inevitably realize that the extremist rightists still dominate the political tendencies where hate and extremism has gained the upper hand. “As a matter of fact, Trump is no different from George W. Bush Jr since the latter at one time talked about a sacred Crusade against the opponents of the US. “In this regard we say he even ‘arranged the Sept 11, 2001 events’ based on which the Americans hated the Muslims and eventually went on to occupy Iraq and Afghanistan. Take for example, how Bush managed to destroy Iraq and sow seeds of enmity among various components in that nation. “Not only that, Bush actually attempted to ‘dismantle’ all charity organizations in Muslim countries by labeling them as extremists. He even attempted to change the schools (Islamic) curriculums in these countries in addition to drying up the charity work in the form of donations to prevent the Muslims from assisting their brothers in other countries. “In this context, we also hold the Bush administration responsible for pursuing the innocent people and sending them to the X-Ray Camp in Guantanamo in Cuba, because they could not be held without trial on US soil. “Although the US economy had incurred losses worth trillions of dollars because of the adventures of president (Bush) during his two terms the Americans elected another president to revive their economy to compensate what the country had lost during ‘losing’ wars and the incumbent US President Barack Obama did just this. “However, it is needless to say the stability which prevailed during the term of Obama provided an opportunity for the ‘new conservatives’ to complete their plans and dominate the decision-making process in the country in a prelude to rule the world and this was evident through the election of the Republican Bush, but he was more obvious in his racist tendency than the latter. “As a matter of fact, Donald Trump managed to convince the Americans about his viewpoints by referring to some events which occurred in some countries of the world such as the crimes committed by the Islamic State (IS) or the socalled ‘DAESH’ in Europe and America to cement their hatred for Islam and Muslims ignoring the fact that ‘DAESH’ is the creation of the West, created to destroy Islam and expel the Muslims from America and Europe. “Given this scenario, it is but logical to see the extremist rightists making a significant progress in many European countries. In France, of instance, Le Pen (Marine Le Pen is a French politician who is the president of the National Front, a national-conservative political party and one of its main political forces) is currently on the verge of winning the presidential office and the same is applicable to rightist parties in Germany which are currently working their way against the incumbent German Chancellor Angela Merkel. “In light of the above, we expect the Muslim world to face difficult ordeals and this means we have to review our attitudes and realize that the West does not bode us well.” ❑ ❑ ❑ “Where does reform start? This question is often repeated and during the season of statements — the election season — someone comes up and reads a honeycoated speech which has no taste or benefit. Experience taught us that such statements evaporate at the break of dawn,” columnist Dr Ibrahim Behbahani wrote for AlQabas daily. “Some are talking about fighting against corruption while hurling accusations on corruptors and corruption, but they quickly clear themselves from their statements. Instead, they engage in the circle of interests, gains and bribes. Others call for austerity measures due to the economic situation and fall of oil prices, but once they occupy the seat, the austerity measures are forgotten. “Perhaps, the voter is to be blamed. How can voters

expect reforms or seek reforms from a candidate who approaches them with money and bribes? As long as such person buys his way to the parliament, who will be there to hold him accountable for his actions and monitor his performance? If we maintain silence over our sicknesses, who do we expect to come and cure them?” ❑ ❑ ❑ “We are collectively proud of our security and customs officers who have been confiscating poisons and liquor and arresting the culprits. These achievements will be recorded in recognition of the efforts of those blessed heroes”, Khalid Al-Arrafah wrote for Al-Anba daily. “Few weeks ago, the officers confiscated large quantities of illicit drugs. Few days later, they caught some weak-minded individuals in possession of massive quantities of liquor which they were planning to sell in the country, but the officers managed to rescue people from their bad intentions. Thanks to the Ministry of Interior for standing firm against such activities and beating the unscrupulous elements in their game — either in terrorism acts or other aspects, regardless of the incidents within the surroundings. “The security activities were carried out under the supervision of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khalid Al-Sabah, who ensured those with bad plans against the country were rounded up in their hideouts. Abu Khalid, God bless your efforts! “The Undersecretary of Ministry of Interior Lieutenant General Sulaiman Fahad Al-Fahad is another man that we are proud of, considering the indelible mark he has left on the sand of history. He is an example of a successful leader who is always available at the scenes of incidents, unlike many others who stay within the comfort of their offices in various ministries behind insulated doors.” ❑ ❑ ❑ “We are now celebrating the 54th anniversary of the 1962 Constitution, which was regarded as a historic stage for national harmony with the hope for internal balance among socio-economic blocs,” Dr Bader AlDaihani wrote for Aljarida daily. “This is in addition to the external situation that mounted pressure during the post-World War II era. The after effects included new global power equation and external threats (specifically from Abdulkareem Qasim over intention to invade Kuwait). On top of that was the emergence of large-scale national liberation movement blocs across Asia, Africa and Latin America. “If the 1962 Constitution was supposed to bring about national harmony in terms of the rules and regulations governing democratic government for the nation to enjoy sovereignty, what then remains of the Constitution’s content when there is imbalance of powers? Citizens are supposed to be equal before the law. Freedom should be protected and preserved. Social justice should prevail.” ❑ ❑ ❑ “Political and financial scandals in affluent, civilized and democratic countries are dealt with quickly and such files are closed in a civilized manner. The latest of such scandals involved South Korean President Park Geunhye,” columnist Dr Hassan Abdullah Jowhar wrote for Al-Jaridah daily. “Her Excellency the President employed the son of her lifetime friend as head of a government department. This friend exploited her relationship with the president to illegally acquire huge amount of money to sponsor the sports activities for her daughter when the latter was in the national equestrian team. “The revelation of this scandal caused a huge quake and storm made by the public that thronged to the presidential palace where they expressed their condemnation of what happened and they continued with the protest throughout the night. “The next day, the president came out to address her people crying and apologizing, while announcing her readiness to appear in court or even leave her post if necessary. It was a glamorous image shown by the president as she admitted her mistake and expressed her readiness to pay the price for the exploitation done in her name. “This is the country where the dominant religion is Buddhism. None of the Buddhist monks persecute people day and night to threaten them with hell and advocate paradise. Securitymen did not use force to disperse the protestors. The government did not threaten to withdraw the nationality of those protesting against its corruption. Now, compare the South Korean image and that of the Arab world where corruption thrives and the corrupt continue to harm countries.” ❑ ❑ ❑ “We wish the religious candidates, whether from the Muslim Brotherhood Group or the Salafists, and the liberalists will win the elections and reach the green chairs. Their viewpoints must be expressed in public away from locked rooms,” Waleed Ibrahim Al-Ahmad wrote for AlRai daily. “We also wish the opposition members who had boycotted the previous elections and are participating in the 2016 elections will win. “To be honest, we are tired of MPs who do not have an independent vision. We want the strong and trustworthy ones who support Sharia law without any form of pretense and show of power to win. We want those who look forward to working in favor of the society and seeking reward only from Allah to win. We want those who seek the unity of the nation and hold on to the leadership without provoking crises with neighboring countries and without abiding by any external agendas to win. We want those who can represent all citizens of all families, tribes and sects to win. “On the other hand, those who call for allowing alcohol and bikinis in the country should not win. We do not want opportunists who serve only their parties and focus on only the transactions of the latter to win. We do not want thieves of public money and buyers of votes to win the elections. We wish failure for every thief, racist, liar and hypocrite. “We are expecting to see young, active and energetic faces in the 2016 parliament. We are expecting a change of at least 50 percent of the coming parliament. We are expecting the opposition to be about 40 percent and the rest to comprise of independent, sectarians and government supporters.” ❑ ❑ ❑ “Those who have been following the local arena especially in the past 10 years will notice an increase in the tone of sectarianism in the country and in neighboring countries,” Fadhl Al-Taleb wrote for Al-Qabas daily. “Parties are blaming each other with the aim of division, stirring up sedition and spreading the culture of hatred. They want to impose their filth and dirty intentions for achieving goals, which are known, through an ugly symphony with a discord tone. They do not wish for the peace and stability of the country. “Unfortunately, this discord, most of the time, comes from some personalities who claim to be Islamists. They clearly contradict what is advocated by Islam — harmony, unity and the need to avoid dissonance and division. They have been in slumber for the past three years and now they are back to contest in the upcoming parliamentary elections with suspicious agendas which have already been exposed such that they cannot fool the people of this country anymore.”

— Compiled by Zaki Taleb

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KUNA photo

Minister of Interior Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Sabah receives the new graduates.

490 new graduate officers take oath About 490 newly graduated officers took oath of allegiance in front of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Mohammad Khaled Al-Sabah on Thursday inside the Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Building, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The new officers include two graduates from Plymouth University who are specialized in cyber crimes, four graduates from Dubai Police Academy, 230 bachelor degree holders who passed the Warrant Officer course and are now promoted to the rank of ‘Lieutenant’, and 254 other

Warrant Officers promoted to the rank of ‘Lieutenant’. Senior officials at the event included Special Advisor to the minister Lieutenant General Engineer Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah, Assistant Undersecretary for Special Security Affairs Major General Mahmoud Al-Dousari, Assistant Undersecretary for Education and Training Affairs Major General Sheikh Faisal Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director General for Training Major General Anwar Al-Barges among others.

Some govt employees draw pay despite ‘long’ absence Sick leaves multiply during Eid, other holidays: report MANAMA, Nov 10: A Kuwaiti public sector employee has regularly received his salary for more than 10 years even though he did not report to work until the authorities discovered his case, reports Gulf News. He was one of the more than 900 employees whose salaries were suspended by the government as part of a campaign to combat absenteeism and failure of compliance with rules and regulations.

KFSD photo

Cars, sheds damaged by falling building.

Losses in mismanaged demolition By Munaif Nayef Al-Seyassah Staff Investigations have been launched over the mismanaged demolition of a building which resulted in the damage of several nearby vehicles and sheds, and caused panic among the bystanders particularly children. A video clip of the demolition went viral on social media recently. When the Operations Room of Ministry of Interior and the Control

Room of Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) received information about the incident, securitymen were dispatched to the location. Reportedly, an engineer was assigned to handle the demolition but the building was brought down in a wrong way that led to the damage of nearby vehicles and sheds. No casualties were reported. Necessary legal procedures will be taken against the contractor.

News in Brief Advisers replaced: Minister of Social Affairs and Labor and Minister of State for Planning and Development Hind Al-Subaih has ended the services of 3 Egyptian advisers and replaced them with Tunisians, reports Al-Shahed daily. Sources in the ministry revealed two of the advisers were working in the cooperative societies sector and the third at the social development sector. According to sources, the salaAl-Subaih ries of the Egyptian ranged between KD 750 and KD 850 dinars, while the salaries of the Tunisians is believed to be KD 1,500 each. ❑ ❑ ❑

Egyptian swindled: Police have arrested two men – a Bedoun and an Iranian – for swindling an Egyptian who runs a construction business, reports Al-Rai daily. According to security sources the

suspects promised to sell pebbles to the victim for a competitive price and asked for KD 30,750 advance and after receiving the money disappeared. ❑ ❑ ❑

2 held with drugs: Two Kuwaiti youths were arrested in Ardiya for possessing and using drugs, says Al-Seyassah. According to security sources, Farwaniya securitymen were patrolling Ardiya Industrial Area when they suspected a parked vehicle with two occupants. They approached the vehicle and checked the details of the youths to discover they are Kuwaiti citizens. Sensing their disoriented state, securitymen searched them to discover ‘Chemical’ drug and methamphetamine. The youths were arrested and referred with the drugs to the Drugs Control General Department for necessary legal action. Meanwhile, security operatives arrested a Bedoun youth in possession of 7 pills of illicit substance, says Al-Seyassah. The officers were on a round of Mahboula area when they spotted the suspect driving in a reckless manner in a disoriented state, so they ordered him to pull up for checking.

The employee is now upset that they are suspending his salary, Kuwaiti daily Al Rai reported on Thursday. In another case, an employee spent 18 months abroad without presenting any form of excuses or notification about his absence. When asked to explain his absence, he said that his boss did not ask about him throughout the year and a half he did not show up at work. According to a source, several employees whose salaries were frozen over their blatant absenteeism or irregular attendance have sought to have the decisions reversed, but the government is showing great resolve to combat the phenomenon plaguing public departments. There are several employees who do not have any commitment towards regular attendance or presenting excuses for their prolonged absences, the source said. In July last year, around 30,000 public employees applied for sick leaves for the three days following the official Eid holidays. The employees from various ministries and government establishments and institutions have secured the sick leave from public and private hospitals, allowing them not to report to work on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, a source at the Civil Service Commission (CSC) said. The sick leaves extend the Eid holidays that started on Friday by five days, including the two-day weekend. However, the CSC launched an investigation into all the sick leave cases to check whether they were genuine. An official report issued in 2011 sounded the alarm after it warned that absenteeism in Kuwait’s public sector reached shocking levels with only half of all employees showing up at work. Kuwait’s Annual Leave Report, covering the period between January and March 2011, reveals half of the state’s employees were absent from work under various excuses, costing the country’s treasury more than KD 10.5 million. The report, released by the Information System Centre, said statistics showed that 46 per cent of the total number of employees

KUNA photo

The talks in progress.

Interior minister, US officials in talks Deputy Premier and Minister of Interior Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah Thursday, Nov 10 received in his office the US Intelligence Chief James R. Clapper and the accompanying delegation along with the US Ambassador to the State of Kuwait Lawrence Robert Silverman in the presence of the Assistant Undersecretary for State Security

Affairs Major General Essam Al-Naham, reports Al-Seyassah daily. During the meeting, the officials discussed issues of mutual interest for both countries. Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khaled affirmed the need to continue the security cooperation and coordination between both sides. He highlighted the importance of the roles

played by both countries for establishing peace and stability in the region. On his part, the US Intelligence Chief said the security of the region is a joint responsibility aimed to achieve stability and development. He said caution and vigilance, as well as coordination among all parties is crucial for dealing with terrorism.

‘KD 500 pay allows father, mother visit’

Family visit visa, salary not less than KD 200 KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: Director General of Residency Affairs Department in the Interior Ministry Major General Talal Al-Ma’arafi has given additional powers to directors of departments and heads of citizen service centers in governorates, reports Al-Anba daily quoting sources. Sources disclosed that the new powers of the abovementioned officials include approval of family visit applications for wife and children provided the salary of the husband is not less than KD 200, as well as visit visa applications for the father,

who did not show up for work cited illness as the cause. The 532,132 sick leave days taken by the employees were worth KD 10,642,640. Schools are also deeply impacted by the level of absenteeism among students, prompting the authorities to consider using their class attendance to determine their grades. Under the decision, students who do not present valid excuses for missing classes will be punished by having their lack of attendance counted against their grades. The decision followed reports that

mother and siblings on the condition that salary of the applicant is not less than KD 500. Sources said the heads of public services sections have been given authority to approve commercial visit visa applications for Europeans and citizens of 52 countries that are allowed to obtain visa upon arrival, while such power lies in the hands of department directors and their deputies for citizens of other countries. Sources revealed Al-Ma’arafi recently met directors of residency affairs departments in governorates,

indicated that students tended not to show up for classes just before or after holidays and prolong their days off.

Agencies add: Pledge opens market: Deputy Director-General for Hawally and Al-Ahmadi governorates Fahd Al-Otaibi was quoted as saying the well-known hypermarket which was administratively closed by the Kuwait Municipality in Salmiya has been reopened after the owners signed as pledge to abide by health and safety conditions, reports Al-Shahed daily.

during which he granted heads of citizen service centers the authority to sign visit visa applications for Kuwaiti sponsors if the visitors are first and second-degree relatives of sponsors. For other relatives, such authority is in the hands of directors or their deputies. Sources added there will be security scrutiny for those of Syrian origin who hold Sudanese passports, and it is allowed to transfer children’s residency to the mother as sponsor in case the father is in jail or dead provided all the requirements are fulfilled.

The daily added, the hypermarket was shut down after the Municipality paid a surpise visit and found mice and cockroaches in the pastry kitchen. ❑

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Murder aide held: Personnel from the Jahra Security Directorate have arrested an unidentified Asian woman who had been sentenced in absentia for her complicity in murder, reports Al-Shahed daily. The suspect was caught on suspicion by a roaming patrol inside a market.

2 Kuwaitis acquitted, expat gets 15 years for drugs By Jaber Al-Hamoud Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: The Misdemeanor Court of First Instance refrained from pronouncing penalty against two Kuwaiti citizens who were caught in possession of heroin and “Avion” for consumption. However, their expatriate friend has been sentenced to 15 years in prison followed by deportation for possess-

ing “Avion” with the intention of selling it. According to the case file, the arresting officer was patrolling Salmiya area when he saw the second defendant driving recklessly and causing traffic jam. The first and third defendants were with him inside the car. When the officer approached them, he saw the first defendant

throw a sachet containing the narcotic to the other defendants and attempting to flee but the officer managed to catch him. The second and third defendants who were also in a disoriented state like the first defendant were unable to explain why the sachet was thrown at them. Laboratory test conducted on sample of the seized 710 gram items revealed that they were heroin and

two sachets of Avion. However, counsel to the second and third defendants Lawyer Mohammad Saqer faulted the procedures that led to search and arrest of his clients. He declared that the step was taken without official authorization, adding that the testimonies against them were inconsistent due to which he urged the court to set his clients free.

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Photos by Iehab Qurtal

The Embassy of Algeria in Kuwait organized a celebratory event at the Salwa Hall recently to mark the commemoration of the revolution against colonialism and the French occupation of Algeria. Minister of Electricity and Water Ahmad Al-Jassar attended the event. He congratulated the people of Algeria and described the relations between the two sisterly countries as deep in all aspects. The Algerian Ambassador to Kuwait Abdulhamid Abdawi affirmed that Kuwait occupies a remarkable place in the hearts of the people of Algeria for the continued support at all levels. He said, ‘We will continue working together to face challenges’.

Nuqat launches 7th creative conference

News in Brief Sector faces challenges:

Day 1 focused on definition of creative economy By Cinatra Fernandes Arab Times Staff

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: Nuqat, a non-profit organisation for creative education in the Middle East, launched its 7th annual creative conference at Al Amricani Cultural Centre, Thursday morning under the theme of ‘The Seventh Sense — Powering the Creative Economy’. The 8 day conference will bring together theorists, academics, artists, writers, designers and innovative thinkers from diverse fields to discuss the seventh sense identified as the eureka moment of inspiration, as well as delve into the process of production of new ideas and how this potential can be harnessed to power innovation in Arab industries, and thus power the creative economy. The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth, Sheikha Al Zain Al-Sabah, inaugurated the conference. Commending the cultural event, she said, “We are very pleased and honored to be part of NUQAT’s cultural conference this year, with its definitive objectives that are conformant with the Ministry’s ambitions to cater for youth’s needs and aspirations. Our vision has always been to power a creative youth and a progressive generation, dedicated to innovation, and is an active partner in sustainable development. We strive to achieve this by supporting such initiatives, and we are pleased to represent Kuwait in a conference of such grand caliber.” Awareness Founder and Director of Nuqat, Wakim Zeidan, stated: “Every year, Nuqat hosts one of the largest cultural awareness events in the world, which adheres to highest standards of event management. We tend to focus on pressing cultural topics that were very methodically researched, and are relevant to the Arab audience. Accordingly, ‘The Seventh Sense’ this year will provide a unique platform for its attendees to exchange ideas, share skills and spark collaborations on how man’s inventive skillsets and intuitive capacity for creation can be an exceptionally valuable resource in sustaining national and global economies.” The first day of the conference focused on the definition of the creative economy. Educator, author and consultant, and founder of the Arab education Forum, Dr Munir Fasheh in the opening talk discussed how our duty to learn is greater than our duty to study. He supplied the example of a noted Palestinian educator who criticised formal education of being too humiliating for students and establishing a school without marks, rewards and punishments, and advocated a purer human dimension of learning. He stressed that creativity is not a value in itself but a tool which can lead to the acquisition of better values or even worse consequences. He shared that while the Arabic language had been the basis of all learning in the region in the past, English had become prioritised with the native language even being looked down upon today. He pointed

Photos by Mohamed Morsi

Photos from the event

out that research and inquiry today is often carried out under imposition and without understanding they ‘why of it all’, often insulated in scope by the promise of reward and leading the mind into a condition of slavery. In view of his own experience in academia, he stressed that as a professor, anyone teaching without knowing why must reconsider his stance and warned that university degrees can create conceit and a state of illusion. He urged students to actively seek wisdom instead of being restricted by curriculum, and prioritise meditation over methodology. When higher education divorces itself from the everyday reality and wisdom, Dr Fasheh stressed that we must go back to lower education that lives among the people. He warned that remnants of colonial interests still perpetuate in the current education system to undermine Arabs and students should not be judged by binaries of success and failure. Next, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, a well-known and highly regarded United Arab Emirates-based columnist and commentator on Arab affairs and founder of Barjeel Art Foundation in his talk defining the Gulf creative economy provided an overview of the

region’s significant cultural elements. He shared that the Gulf had a rich industry of culture starting with the Kuwaiti magazine, Al Arabi, which started in 1958 and was a source of cultural information for the GCC and the region, and the first to look outward and export culture. He named other significant cultural components from comic books and kids TV shows that educated a whole generation in standard Arabic language and presented the culture of the Gulf with characters that became icons. Exhibited He highlighted the Sharjah book fair that had first started in 1992 and the Kuwaiti theatre that formed the core of Kuwaiti television and the pulse of society, as important cultural proponents. TV serials like Masasalat, gave the audience an alternative to the cultural invasion from the outside. Artists from around the region formed the pillars of culture, being recognized and exhibited the world over. He stressed the importance of cultural diplomacy is important to the creative industry and the need for more support and funding for Arab culture from Arab sources. He commended the Dar Al Athar Al Islami-

yyah for taking Islamic art to the rest of the world through travelling exhibitions of the Al Sabah collection and changing perspectives on Arab culture. He highlighted the many museums that were coming up in the Arab word and noted Kuwait’s pioneering role in establishing museums. He noted that challenges to the creative economy lie with regard to intellectual property rights and censorship issues. He encouraged the Arab youth to defend their culture and correct misconceptions. Dr Hisham El Sherif speaking on the crossroads of Arab knowledge society, stressed that economic and social development that is not targeted towards the ultimate happiness of the individual is insufficient. “Any development without having a happy society is meaningless”, he remarked. He opined that the creative economy is the knowledge economy and without spirit, intellect and emotion working together for value to be added with social equity and justice. He affirmed that knowledge, culture, learning, technology, continuous innovation were required for accelerated growth. Other discussions on Day One of the conference included a discussion

panel on culture being the core of an economy, a video interview with Sulayman Al Bassam, and a couch session with Tamer Abu Ghazaleh on the music incubation business before ending the day with Dr Farah Al Nakib’s riveting talk on restoring and sustaining creativity in the urban landscape. Nuqat was founded in 2009 with the objective to develop Arab creativity on all levels, encompassing design, advertising, architecture, fashion, production and all other pertinent social and cultural fields. It has since hosted a yearly conference and a wide range of activities including workshops, exhibitions and design competitions. Over 20 nationalities from the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the United States have attended Nuqat’s events with attendance crossing over 4,500 last year. In addition to the creative talks, discussion panels, roundtables and the workshops, there will be a whole cultural program in place with the opening of art exhibitions and events of entertainment: Music, theatre, poetry, film screening, book signings and cultural tours. For more information on the cultural week, visit www. nuqat.me.

Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR) affirmed Thursday that the dates and palm sector in Kuwait is facing several challenges that require development of new methods to protect this sector. Director of Science and Technology Development, Environment and Life Sciences Research Centre in KISR Dr Sameer Al-Zenki said in a press statement that the Institute will take part in organizing the first forum of the challenges facing the date palm sector and new methods to combat the palm moths in Kuwait, scheduled to be held next Sunday for three days. Al-Zenki said that the forum which will be held in collaboration with the Palm Tree Friends Society and The Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) will discuss the impact of these challenges on the economy and food security, as well as developing new methods to protect the palm trees. For his part, Chairman of the Palm Tree Friends Society in Kuwait and Chairman of the organizing committee of the forum, Dr Adel Dashti said that the forum will tackle five axes in protecting and preserving the dates palm trees. (KUNA) ❑ ❑ ❑ AL names envoy: Arab League’s Secretary-General Ahmed Abul-Gheit named Thursday the Tunisian Ambassador Salahudeen Al-Jamali as a special envoy to Libya. According to a statement by the spokesperson for the Arab League’s Secretary-General Mahmoud Afif, the new envoy to Libya was announced in an extraordinary meeting for the Arab League’s member states. The Arab League members expressed hopes that the new envoy would continue to follow events in Libya closely and build relations with various key political players as well as international groups with interests in Libya’s development. Kuwait’s delegation to the extraordinary meeting was headed by Kuwait’s permanent representative at the Arab League Ambassador Ahmad Al-Bakr. (KUNA) ❑ ❑ ❑

OIC congratulates Trump: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) congratulates Donald Trump for his election as the 45th President of the United States of America. The OIC recalls its fruitful relations developed over the years with the USA and hopes that this constructive relationship will continue with the incoming administration on the basis of mutual interest and respect. The OIC expresses its readiness to engage closely with the new US authorities to further strengthen the existing OICUS bilateral ties and to jointly contribute in addressing global challenges with the aim of enhancing peaceful coexistence, understanding, and harmony in the world.

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KRCS intends to sign cooperation pact with Save the Children organization

Carolyn Miles lauds Kuwait’s support for displaced

Bahrain’s Prime Minister Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa greets Britain’s Prince Charles in Manama, Bahrain on Nov 10. The royal visit to Bahrain comes as unrest in the tiny island nation is far from over. Critics say the United Kingdom’s embrace of the country’s Sunni rulers allows them to wage a crackdown on dissent at a level unseen since the 2011 Arab Spring. (AP)

Prince Charles meets Bahrain royals In the small town of Diraz, just a few miles from where Prince Charles met with Bahrain’s royals, there is graffiti demanding the death of the Gulf island’s monarch, armored vehicles with chicken wire on their windows and a tense calm that could be shattered at any time. The police have laid siege to the town for months, a sign of the lingering standoff between Bahrain’s Shiite majority and its Sunni monarchy more than five years after Arab Spring protests were crushed. But there was no sign of the unrest as Prince Charles and his wife Camilla took in the sights as part of a three-nation tour of the Gulf. The Prince of Wales inaugurated a new naval base on Thursday, the first permanent British military presence since its withdrawal from Bahrain in 1971. The royal visit and the military base suggest Britain, which has long had influence with Bahrain’s own monarchy, may not be pressing it on human rights. Tensions continue to grow amid the crackdown, with some worried a larger crisis could loom in Bahrain, which is home to the US Navy’s 5th Fleet.

“You will reach the level where people realize they have nothing left to lose,” one local activist told The Associated Press. Bahrain, a small island off the coast of the Arabian Peninsula, has long drawn revelers to bars across the causeway from dry Saudi Arabia. Its history as a port town for pearl divers and shippers has drawn an eclectic mix of Sunnis, Shiites, Iraqi Jews, Christian missionaries and Hindus. The 2011 Arab Spring protests were backed by the Shiite majority and others, and were aimed at demanding more political freedoms from the ruling Al Khalifa family. The government put down the demonstrations with help from Saudi and Emirati troops, and later pledged to reform. On Thursday, Prince Charles traveled to the British Navy’s new Mina Salman Support Facility, which the British Defense Ministry estimates will cost the UK at least 6.4 million pounds ($7.9 million), with Bahrain covering the rest. While there, Prince Charles visited the HMS Middletown docked at the base. (AP)

The grandsons of Al-Habtoor on top of the Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

UAE flag raised at Africa’s highest point

Al Habtoor grandsons trek to top of Mount Kilimanjaro DUBAI, UAE, Nov 10: A grueling 19,341ft trek up Africa’s highest point and the world’s highest free standing mountain. Grandsons of Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founding Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group, Habtoor Mohammed Al Habtoor, Ahmed Mohammed Al Habtoor and Tariq Rashid Al Habtoor set their challenge to reach the top of Uhuru Peak of Mt Kilimanjaro. This was their first hiking venture and with thorough preparation and a lot of grit, the boys began their hike starting at Londorossi, trekking through Mt Mkubwa and the Lava tower reaching their final destination Uhuru Peak on Nov 4. Habtoor Mohammed Al Habtoor said, “We have prepared ourselves

weeks before our climb with rigorous exercise to reach high fitness levels. We used stairwells to practice endurance and push ourselves to the maximum. “Initially our programme was to achieve the climb in four days, however we lost a day due to temperatures and the altitude slowing down our bodies, we were acclimatizing, we reached the top in five days. “We were proud raising the UAE flag at the top of Uhuru on behalf of the Al Habtoor Group and our family.” Many have tried to reach the top of Uhuru peak, known as the rooftop of Africa, and many have failed. But for the Al Habtoor boys, it was an exhausting yet an inspiring experience both physically and mentally.

News in Brief Iraqis get Kuwaiti coupons: Kuwait General Consulate in Irbil dispatched on Thursday up to 1,000 coupons for displaced Iraqis in Kurdistan region. Kuwait is keen on providing humanitarian aid to Iraqis mainly the displaced and it will continue to cover up the needs of more than 10,000 families in the country, Consul General Dr Omar Al-Kanderi told KUNA. The aim of the campaign is to provide an opportunity to the displaced so as to meet their needs and ease their suffering especially with the onset of winter. (KUNA) ❑ ❑ ❑

MoE transactions delayed: The Ministry of Education has instructed accountants in its Finance Department to enter the companies’ data and overdue bills because the new system (Oracle) of the Finance Ministry is not yet ready, reports

Al-Rai daily. According to Education Ministry Undersecretary Dr Haitham Al-Athari, around 300 transactions were delayed while the total amount of unpaid bills ranged from KD 8-12 million as at April 1, 2016. He added two working teams have been formed — one is in charge of entering data of corporations and beneficiaries, and the other has been tasked to enter and review the bills. ❑ ❑ ❑

Mansour to act in drama: Mohammed Mansour, a well-known actor, has unveiled his plan to participate in a new drama which will shown next Ramadan, reports Al-Anba daily. Mansour disclosed the cast of the new drama include elite artistes such as Hayat Al-Fahad, Hussein Al-Mansour and a number of Kuwaiti stars.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: The President and Chief Executive Officer of Save the Children organization Carolyn Miles commended Kuwait for its efforts in supporting the families especially children that suffer from wars and natural disasters, reports Al-Qabas daily. She appreciated the children’s law passed by the Parliament last year, considering it as an important step that deserves to be praised. Regarding Save the Children organization, Miles explained that it is an organization that aims to give children worldwide a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. It is a nongovernmental organization that was established in 1919 in London and its headquarters is based in Britain.

The organization was founded by a teacher and her sister with the aim of supporting German children who suffered from starvation after World War I. The organization currently serves the children in more than 120 countries worldwide including 20 countries in the Middle East and West Europe. It served over 165 million children throughout the world last year and it was able to provide direct support to 15.4 million children who suffered from humanitarian crises globally. Regarding the services provided by the organization, she explained that it offers medical support including medicines and vaccines to millions of children who are on the verge of dying due to lack of

medical services. It arranges large quantities of food to provide to starving children particularly in isolated areas. It supports the building of schools and training of teachers as well as supports governments in implementing proper educational systems. Miles revealed that more than 60 million children around the world are unable to gain education. Regarding the role of Save the Children organization in the issue of Syrian refugees, she said the organization has been helping about 2.1 million Syrian children located in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq and Egypt. Miles stressed that poverty and natural disasters are the top dangers that affect children, revealing that

20 percent of children in the United States of America are living in poverty. Meanwhile, Head of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) Dr Hilal Al-Sayer revealed that KRCS intends to sign a cooperation agreement with the Save the Children organization with the aim of increasing the support offered to suffering children especially Syrian children. He praised the role played by the organization in supporting children. Dr Al-Sayer indicated that KRCS has been helping Syrian children in Jordan and Lebanon by offering them food, clothing, medicines and shelter but they have not been able to reach the children in Aleppo.

UN praises Kuwait’s stand in Iraq’s efforts to retrieve missing Kuwaitis Iraqi govt still continues search for missing persons, archives NEW YORK, Nov 10, (KUNA): The top UN envoy in Iraq highly acknowledged today Kuwait’s Government for its consistent support and understanding towards challenges faced by the Iraqi Government in its search for missing Kuwaiti persons and archives. This was at the briefing held at the Security Council briefing on the twelfth report of the Secretary-General on the issue of missing Kuwaiti and third-country nationals, and missing Kuwaiti property, including the National Archives. Special Representative of the Secretary General for Iraq Jan Kubis also commended the Iraqi Government and particularly its Ministry of Defense for bolstering activities geared towards finding missing persons, injecting much needed energy and momentum into the file. “Actions taken by the Iraqi counterparts, including following-up with witnesses in order to obtain more detailed information in support of the identification of potential burial sites, conducting numerous field visits, and internally reaching out to various departments and authorities to seek new leads, have demonstrated Iraq’s willingness and commitment to move this dossier forward,” he said. The UN official told the Council that Iraqi Ministries of Defense and Foreign Affairs had broadcasted on local and satellite television channels on Sept 18 for witnesses and all those with information pertaining to the missing Kuwaiti persons and property to come forward. The call has resulted in hundreds of phone calls from citizens claiming to know the whereabouts of both, he confirmed. “This information is currently being verified,” he said. However, the UN official urged once again the Government of Iraq to continue with its efforts, to employ a multidimensional and innovative approach in its search for the missing persons, to rely on the wisdom and advice of the tripartite members, and to use inventive and creative ways of finding information, particularly in regards to the invaluable National Archives, so it can achieve tangible progress. On behalf of Iraq, Ambassador Mohammad Al-Hakim lauded the strong bilateral relation his country has with Kuwait, thanking the efforts Kuwait’s Amir, Government and people in strengthening the relations. He affirmed to the Council his country’s commitment to work and to establish developed results in the missing Kuwaiti people, property, including the National Archives. Al-Hakim said they have recently participated in a joint technical workshop with a Kuwaiti delegation to issue new maps according to the recognized international borders between Iraq and Kuwait. Under the UN supervision, the Iraqi official said both parts have agreed to start an 18-month project to issue the new maps.

The Kuwait Science Club hosted the PADI Academy which organized an advanced training program for diving. The PADI Academy is an international diving organization that issues diving licenses and organizes internationally approved courses according to quality international standards. Regional training consultant Firas Jundi was in attendance along with 15 other diving trainers and guides.

The law includes regulating camping locations, protect plants, trees

EPA to execute vital protection measures KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10, (KUNA): Kuwait is set to take several important measures to protect the environment and its natural resources, aiming to achieve sustainable development, said the Environment Public Authority (EPA) Thursday. The recent meeting of EPA’s Supreme Council for the Environment came out with vital decisions regarding environmental issues, EPA’s Director

General Sheikh Abdullah Ahmad Al-Humoud Al-Sabah told KUNA. The meeting discussed tasks appointed to the Environmental Police, including monitoring the safe transfer and disposal of hazardous waste, said Sheikh Abdullah. Other tasks include regulating camping locations, preventing the destruction of plants and trees in streets and public utilities and

monitor cars with environmentpolluting emissions in accordance with an article pertinent to Kuwait’s environment protection law, he added. The EPA official also noted that the council approved the establishment of a new reserve for a large variety of plants and some endangered wild animals, stretching over 1.35 sq km southeastern Sabah Al-Ahmad residential city.

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

10

World News Roundup

A US national flag is seen in front of the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn, Michigan on Nov 9, 2016. This Detroit suburb is home to one of the biggest populations of Muslims and Arabs in the United States, and Musid was among many in her community trying to make sense of the brash Republican’s election. Across the country, Muslim Americans are now wondering what a Trump presidency might mean, said Hazem Bata, head of the Islamic Society of North America, a national advocacy group. (AFP)

Surveillance

Muslims

Tech cos alarmed

‘Hard times coming’

Trump win fuels fears over encryption policy

US Muslims react to Trump win

WASHINGTON/SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 10, (RTRS): Donald Trump’s surprise election victory has alarmed technology companies and civil libertarians fearful that a self-described ‘law and order’ president will attempt to expand surveillance programs and rejoin a long-running battle over government access to encrypted information. Trump’s campaign featured numerous broadsides against the tech sector, including calls for closing off parts of the internet to limit militant Islamist propaganda and urging a boycott of Apple Inc products over the company’s refusal to help the FBI unlock an iPhone associated with last year’s San BerTrump nardino, California shootings. Trump has also threatened antitrust action against Amazon.com Inc and demanded that tech companies such as Apple build their products in the United States. The battle over encryption, which dates to the 1990s, could heat up quickly with Trump’s win and the reelection of Republican Senator Richard Burr, the chairman of the Senate intelligence committee. Burr spearheaded a failed effort last year to pass legislation requiring that companies build ‘back doors’ into their products that would allow government agents to bypass encryption and other forms of data protection. Such requirements are fiercely opposed by the tech industry, which argues that back doors weaken security for everyone and that the government has no business mandating tech product design. “I imagine (Trump) is going to be a guy who is probably going to mandate back doors,” said Hank Thomas, chief operating officer at Strategic Cyber Ventures and a veteran of the National Security Agency. “I don’t think he’s ultimately going to be a friend to privacy, and the fearful side of me says he will get intelligence agencies more involved in domestic law enforcement.” Jan Koum, co-founder of the WhatsApp messaging service, owned by Facebook Inc, told Reuters that WhatsApp would be “extremely vocal” against any such effort, as it “would damage the reputation of American companies in the global arena.”

Messages WhatsApp rolled out encrypted messages and phone calls on the service earlier this year. Burr will likely reintroduce his encryption legislation next year, this time with White House support, according to a technology company staffer who works on policy issues and spoke on condition his company not be named. Trump will enjoy Republican majorities in both houses of Congress. That one-party dominance makes efforts to enact any legislation in Washington more likely, though a broad coalition of Democrats and libertarian-leaning Republicans in the House of Representatives has repeatedly acted as a bulwark against efforts to expand surveillance or undermine digital security. A Trump campaign spokeswoman did not respond to a request for comment about the President-elect’s encryption or surveillance policies. Little is known about who is advising Trump on technology policy, but he is expected to lean heavily on former Defense Intelligence Agency director Michael Flynn. He could be tapped as Director of National Intelligence or head of the NSA, said Thomas, who knows Flynn.

US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton makes a concession speech after being defeated by Republican presidential-elect Donald Trump, in New York on Nov 9. (AFP)

Alwaleed

Kerry

America Saudi prince sends ‘best wishes’: A billionaire Saudi prince has congratulated US president-elect Donald Trump after previously calling him a disgrace who should have pulled out of the race. “President elect @realDonaldTrump whatever the past differences, America has spoken, congratulations & best wishes for your presidency,” Prince Alwaleed bin Talal said on his official Twitter account, after US election results on Wednesday confirmed Trump’s unexpected victory over Hillary Clinton. Alwaleed is an unusually outspoken member of the Saudi royal family who chairs Kingdom Holding Co. The diversified firm’s interests include US-based giants Citigroup and Time Warner. Late last year Alwaleed took exception to what his office called Trump’s “anti-Islam statement”, a proposal that all Muslims should be temporarily barred from entering the United States. “You are a disgrace not only to the GOP but to all America,” Alwaleed tweeted to Trump, referring to the Republican Party. “Withdraw from the US presidential race as you will never win.” Trump hit back, also on Twitter. “Dopey Prince Alwaleed Talal wants to control our US politicians with daddy’s money. Can’t do it when I get elected,” he wrote at the time. Trump later modified his stance on Muslims to urge an immigration ban from countries with “a proven history of terrorism” and for “extreme vetting” of immigrants. (AFP) ❑ ❑ ❑

US reassures Japan: The US State Department sought on Wednesday to reassure Japan that US-Japanese ties are a cornerstone of the US presence in Asia

DEARBORN, United States, Nov 9, (Agencies): At a Starbucks cafe in Dearborn, Michigan, 25-year-old Mona Musid was glued to her laptop, watching a YouTube video of President-elect Donald Trump’s victory speech. This Detroit suburb is home to one of the biggest populations of Muslims and Arabs in the United States, and Musid was among many in her community on Wednesday trying to make sense of the brash Republican’s election. “I’m just interested in what he has to say, and where it’s going to go,” she said, listening for clues in the victory speech of what her immediate future might look like. Musid said many in her extended family, who are of Yemeni ancestry and trace their US roots back to the 1940s, are in a state of shock and worry. “They don’t know what’s going to go on. They came here for opportunity. They’re just worried if he takes it away from us,” she said. Trump’s campaign rhetoric included calls for a ban on Muslim immigrants entering the US, followed by promises of “extreme vetting” of immigrants from countries affected by terrorism. Across the country, Muslim Americans are now wondering what a Trump presidency might mean, said Hazem Bata, head of the Islamic Society of North America, a national advocacy group. “What I’m hearing is a mixture of fear and concern,” Bata said. “Many people feel vulnerable. Many Muslims here are not necessarily US citizens. They’re here legally, but they’re not and a core foreign policy interest to the United States. “My message would be one of reassurance to the Japanese people that that relationship is of ... core foreign policy interest to the United States,” department

US citizens. They’re concerned. Some are outright scared.” During his victory speech, Trump offered a conciliatory tone. “I pledge to every citizen of our land that I will be president for all of Americans,” Trump said. “All races, religions, backgrounds and beliefs.” But those words rang hollow for three sisters at The Lava Lounge, a popular lunch hangout in Dearborn. Television news blared in front of the three fifth-generation Americans of Lebanese descent. Alyse, one of the three, who didn’t want to give her full name, said Trump’s ascendancy exposed “how much hatred there is within our country.” “The damage is irreversible,” she said.

Wiped “I feel like hard times are gonna come,” added her sister Nadeen Hider, 24. “Within one night, 60 years of progression was wiped clean.” Trump’s victory was also as much a source of confusion as fear. At the Muslim American Youth Academy in Dearborn — an elementary and middle school — children in the morning were asking questions of each other and their parents. “How could they elect Trump over Hillary Clinton?,” asked one youngster to a group of peers and adults, who offered no answer. “Four years of nothingness,” a young girl exclaimed as she entered the school with her parents. For some, the consequences of Trump’s victory were direct and immediate. Hiba Nasser, 19, a sophomore at Wayne State University in Detroit, spokesman Mark Toner told reporters when asked how Donald Trump’s election might affect ties. “That relationship is going to remain, regardless of the administration, a cornerstone for the United States.”

US Ambassador to Iraq Douglas Silliman speaks to the press during the election results at the US ambassador’s residence in Baghadad, Iraq on Nov 9. (AP)

said she was afraid to leave her home Wednesday morning. Nasser wears a hijab, the traditional Muslim head covering, and was concerned that Trump’s victory would embolden those who might target her. She said she already endures occasional harassment. “People tell me I’m a terrorist, that my being in this country is wrong, that I should go,” Nasser said. However, there was also a counternarrative among Muslim Americans in Dearborn — many of whom have lived in the US for decades and are less concerned about immigration issues. Often not wishing to be identified by name, several told AFP that they were happy with Trump’s victory, because they did not trust Clinton. While buying breakfast at New Yasmeen’s Bakery, Hassan Elhassani, 33, said Trump was the lesser of two bad choices. “I am not concerned by (Trump’s) rhetoric,” said Elhassani, who emigrated from Lebanon 17 years ago and is a US citizen. “If you are a citizen, he can’t change nothing.” Meanwhile, the morning after Donald Trump was elected president of the United States on a campaign to deport illegal immigrants and limit Muslim refugees, New Jersey mom Yasmeen Shehab awoke to the sound of crying. Her 10-year-old, sobbing, jumped into her arms. “President Trump is going to ban us and gonna make us leave America,” Shehab’s daughter wailed, terrified that despite their American birth she and her Muslim family would be deported. “Where are we going to go?” (RTRS) ❑

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Kerry vows seamless transfer: US Secretary of State John Kerry congratulated President-elect Donald Trump Thursday and said he aimed to hand over power “without missing a beat” on important foreign policy issues. Kerry said the Republican had emerged victorious from a “momentous” election. “I want to offer my congratulations to President-elect Donald Trump and wish him well,” he told reporters in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, where he was due to travel to a base in Antarctica. Kerry, who has worked diligently on issues such as climate change for the Obama administration, said the policy challenges facing America had not altered because of the election. He said that meant it was important for the new administration to begin on the right footing when it takes over next year. “I have instructed our team, to work with the incoming administration as fully and openly as possible,” he said. “To be as helpful as possible, so that the transfer of power will be as smooth as it possibly can without missing a beat on the important issues before us.” (AFP)

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

11

Security Briefings to start

Republican veterans in quandary over Trump WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (RTRS): Some Republican foreign policy veterans who came out against Donald Trump during the presidential campaign said on Wednesday they were sticking to their guns following his election victory, but a few others signaled that objections to serving in his new administration were softening. Trump’s stunning upset over Democrat Hillary Clinton has created a new dilemma for the Republican national security establishment, much of which had publicly distanced itself from their own party’s candidate, declaring him unfit to lead. They must now decide whether to return to the fold. Some career diplomats, intelligence officials and military officers are also facing a choice of whether to quit their posts because of concern that a Trump presidency would violate their principles, or else stay and try to influence policy from the inside. However, State Department spokesman Mark Toner said, “I wouldn’t expect a mass exoToner dus.” About 150 of the Republican party’s most prominent national security specialists signed open letters in March and August in outright opposition to Trump’s candidacy. One said he was “utterly” unqualified for the White House. The other warned that he would be “the most reckless president in American history.” While neither letter said the former officials would never work for Trump, their scathing critique was clearly intended to discourage fellow Republicans from supporting him. Trump responded at the time by deriding them as members of “the failed Washington elite” who “deserve the blame for making the world such a dangerous place.” Unswayed A number of the signatories contacted by Reuters on Wednesday made clear that they were unswayed from their negative view of Trump and would not work for him. However, they stopped short of urging others to also shun the next administration, which is widely seen as having limited foreign policy expertise at a time when the next president will face the challenges of Syria’s civil war, the fight against Islamic State, a newly assertive Russia and the rise of China. “I don’t expect to be asked. I wouldn’t serve. But there are others who will. It will be a matter of individual conscience,” said Eliot Cohen, who served as counselor to former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and helped spearhead the March letter, which was posted on a blog called War on the Rocks and created a stir among Republicans. “I’m concerned about his ignorance, the belligerence, the misunderstanding of how the world works,” Cohen said of Trump, a wealthy real estate developer and former reality TV host who rode to victory on a wave of voter anger toward Washington insiders. Max Boot, a foreign policy adviser to Republican Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign and a supporter of the US-led Iraq invasion in 2003, said: “I won’t have anything to do with Trump, but I don’t know about others. I hope good people go into the government.” But others appeared to waver, with some saying decisions on whether to join the Trump administration could depend on how the president-elect behaves during the transition and who he appoints to senior posts. Also: WASHINGTON: US intelligence agencies will soon begin giving President-elect Donald Trump the same top secret national security briefings they give President Barack Obama, current and former intelligence officials said Wednesday. The briefings by veteran career intelligence analysts, which will begin in the next few days, will include some of the government’s most closelyguarded secrets, including details of undercover espionage operations and classified intelligence collection methods, including the National Security Agency’s controversial eavesdropping operations, the officials said. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), which will be in charge of Trump’s briefings, had no immediate comment. “I’m certain the intelligence agencies will approach these briefings with absolute professionalism,” said John McLaughlin, a former Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency who participated in presidential briefings. “Once the American people have chosen a president he or she is entitled to complete support from intelligence, and intelligence agencies have to assume that a president-elect will be equally professional,” McLaughlin said. He added: “I have seen the transformation that occurs when candidates become presidents and realize the awesome responsibility that rests on them. We can only hope it happens again.” “The president-elect has received the final anointing by the American people, and is the person the intelligence community knows it will be serving over the next four years,” said Paul Pillar, a former senior CIA analyst. “There is every reason to be as thorough and forthcoming briefing the president-elect as in briefing the incumbent president.” Not long after Trump was confirmed as the Republican presidential nominee, intelligence officials gave him and a small team of advisors two general briefings on threats and foreign policy issues facing the United States. Those pre-election briefings contained some classified information, but not anything about covert operations or intelligence-collection methods.

Preparations continue on Capitol Hill in Washington, on Nov 9, for the upcoming January inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump. (AP)

Transition Who’s in line for Trump cabinet spot?

Trump begins to play catch up

Protester Ciera Eis holds up signs in opposition of Donald Trump’s presidential election victory in San Francisco, on Nov 9. (AP)

Trump

Trudeau

America Some look to Canada, NZ: Canada’s main immigration website remained down on Wednesday and New Zealand reported increased traffic to its website for residency visas from US nationals as Donald Trump surged to victory in the US presidential election. Americans have often vowed to leave the country if their chosen candidate doesn’t win the election, but this time around some are actually preparing to do so after Trump stunningly won the Nov 8 election. A spokeswoman for Canada’s immigration department said the website crashed “as a result of a significant increase in the volume of traffic” as election results rolled in Tuesday night. Bonnie Quinn, a New Jersey insurance underwriter planning to move to Canada with her husband said she felt “just downright embarrassed” by the election results. “I’m not sure in what order we should do things — find jobs first or move,” said Quinn, 35, whose Irish grandparents once immigrated to Canada. In New Zealand, immigration officials said the New Zealand Now website, which deals with residency and student visas, had received 1,593 registrations from United States citizens since Nov 1 — more than 50 percent of a typical month’s registrations in just seven days. Rod Drury, the chief executive of NZ-based global accounting software firm Xero, said the statistics matched up with interest his company has been seeing from prospective US national employees concerned about a Trump win. Drury said what started as a joke was becoming a reality. (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑

WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (AP): The true test now begins for Donald Trump. The Republican president-elect paid little attention to transition planning leading up to his stunning victory. With 72 days before he takes control of the executive branch, Trump and his senior team on Wednesday immediately began the herculean task of picking a Cabinet and tapping hundreds of appointees to senior roles in key departments — State, Defense, Homeland Security, Commerce and Treasury among them — many requiring multiple security reviews or Senate confirmation. “They have a long way to go,” said Max Stier, president and CEO of the Partnership for Public Service, an outside group that was working with both campaigns on transition planning since the summer. “It’s imperative to have the right people brought in fast and they’re prepared.” Stier described the transition as “a point of maximum vulnerability” for the nation. As president-elect, Trump is entitled to get the same daily intelligence briefing as President Barack Obama — one that includes information on US covert operations, information gleaned about world leaders and other data gathered by America’s 17 intelligence agencies. Trump’s senior team huddled privately on Wednesday to begin a more focused period of transition planning. The group included the transition chairman, New Jersey Gov Chris Christie, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus, Alabama Sen Jeff Sessions, Vice President-elect Mike Pence and daughter Ivanka Trump’s husband, Jared Kushner, among others. The team is putting a premium on quickly filling key national security posts, according to people familiar with the conversations but not authorized to discuss them publicly. “We had a great meeting and I thought it was valuable. And lots of work has been done,” said Sessions. “So it’s the beginning, really a solid beginning. First phase of the beginning. “ Trump is eyeing a senior team drawing from a small group of high-profile supporters, including Priebus, Christie, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and retired Lt Gen Michael Flynn. Yet Bill Hagerty, Trump’s director of presidential appointments, “The Prime Minister and the Presidentelect reiterated the importance of the Canada-United States bilateral relationship, and discussed various areas of mutual inter-

declined to detail a timeline for Trump’s first personnel moves. A chief of staff is traditionally appointed in the initial weeks after an election. In related news, as his new administration takes shape, President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet choices will tell whether he intends to lean on a conventional Republican bench to govern or break out in a new direction. Trump gave shoutouts in his victory speech early Wednesday to the handful of Republican politicians who stood by him in the bruising White House race. They will almost certainly be rewarded with key posts. Other picks could come from the private sector. Here are some of the names being mentioned: Newt Gingrich Gingrich, 73, is tipped to be the next secretary of state. A mercurial former speaker of the House of Representatives, the former Georgia lawmaker was the architect of a 1994 Republican insurgency that ended four decades of Democratic control of the chamber. He was forced to resign the speakership four years later because of ethics violations. But he remained an influential Republican ideas man, writer and political consultant in his years out of office. He made an unsuccessful run for the Republican presidential nomination in 2011.

Potential An early Trump supporter, Gingrich reportedly made the New York billionaire’s shortlist of potential vice presidential running mates but was passed over in favor of Indiana Governor Mike Pence. Twice divorced with three children, he has been married to Calista Gingrich since 2000. Rudy Giuliani Giuliani, 72, a former mayor of New York and prosecutor, is seen as at the front of the line to be attorney general, having gone through the campaign’s highs and lows. He was the first to get a shoutout from Trump early Wednesday. “He’s unbelievable. Unbelievable. He traveled with us and he went through meetings, and Rudy never changes,” Trump enthused. Giuliani was celebrated as the determined face of New York after the est,” Trudeau’s office said. The Liberal prime minister has vowed to work “very closely” with Trump and said Canada has no closer ally and partner than

Canada open to talks with Trump: Canada’s ambassador to Washington said Wednesday that Canada is open to renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement if that’s what President-elect Donald Trump wants. Ambassador David MacNaughton, on a conference call with journalists, said free trade on lumber, long an irritant, would be one of the first things he’d like to see if there’s a new agreement. He noted that the US is Canada’s largest trading partner and Canada is the largest trading partner for the US “We’re ready to come to the table,” he said. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to Trump on Wednesday night to congratulate him and to invite him to Canada at the earliest opportunity. Trump also invited Trudeau to visit him.

Protesters gather for a vigil outside the White House in Washington, DC, following the victory by Donald Trump in the presidential election on Nov 9. (AFP)

Sept 11, 2001 attacks that toppled the World Trade Center. As mayor of the city from 1994 to 2001 he was credited with lowering the rate of violent crime and making major improvements in the quality of life in America’s biggest and most complex metropolis. As US attorney for the Southern District of New York he prosecuted major Mafia cases and Wall Street corruption. He ran for the Republican presidential nomination in 2008 but withdrew after learning he had prostate cancer. Twice divorced, he has been married to Judith Nathan since 2003. He has two children. Chris Christie The New Jersey governor swung his support behind Trump after his bid for the Republican nomination fizzled. Christie, 54, has been mentioned for various posts in a Trump administration, including attorney general or commerce secretary. The burly, blustery Christie is considered a large Republican political talent. But he comes with a major liability: a scandal over the closure of a major bridge linking New Jersey and New York, allegedly to punish a local mayor. Two former aides to Christie were convicted of all charges in the case on Nov 4. During the Republican primary debates, Christie helped Trump by damaging rival Marco Rubio with a scathing attack on the Florida senator’s scripted answers to questions. A former US attorney, Christie later headed Trump’s transition team and was reportedly on the shortlist for his vice presidential running mate. Christie is married to Mary Pat Foster. They have four children. Reince Preibus Priebus, 44, is said to be the inside favorite to be Trump’s White House chief of staff. The morning after Tuesday’s stunning victory, he was huddled with the president-elect at Trump Tower in New York. As chairman of the Republican National Committee, Priebus provided Trump with a crucial link to the party’s resources in getting out the vote as well as to a skittish Republican leadership. A lawyer with deep roots in Wisconsin’s Republican party, Priebus is close to House Speaker Paul Ryan, a fellow Wisconsinite who will be key to passage of the new administration’s legislative agenda. the United States. But Trudeau’s openness to trade, refugees and the environment stands in stark contrast to Trump. Of particular concern to Canada is Trump’s vow to renegotiate NAFTA but MacNaughton said any agreement can be improved. Trump has called NAFTA the “worst deal in history.” MacNaughton said if NAFTA was scrapped, the original Canada-US trade agreement that predated NAFTA would come back into force and he said he doubted the Americans would want to end that. A positive for Canada could be the eventual approval of TransCanada’s Keystone XL pipeline from Alberta to the US Gulf Coast. President Obama nixed it but Trump supports the pipeline though he has said he wants a share of the profits. TransCanada said it remains committed to building the pipeline. Brad Wall, premier of the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, noted Trump’s support for Keystone XL. “And with Republican majorities in both the House and Senate, I am hopeful that this important project will move ahead quickly,” Wall said in a statement. “On the other hand, I hope he reconsiders his plan to end the North American Free Trade Agreement.” (AP)

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

12

World News Roundup Congress Long-term questions loom

GOP vows action on Trump agenda WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (Agencies): Elated congressional Republicans pledged swift action Wednesday on President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda as they heralded an extraordinary new era of unified GOP control in Washington. “He just earned a mandate,” House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin declared of Trump. “We are going to hit the ground running.” Said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky: “We would like to see the country go in a different direction and intend to work with him to change the course for America.” Republicans saw their majorities in the House and Senate reduced, but not by much, as Democrats’ hopes of retaking Senate control vanished. And though Ryan and McConnell both had well-publicized reservations about Trump, both were quick to declare that the newly elected president deserved the credit. “Donald Trump pulled off an amazing political feat. He deserves tremendous credit for that,” said Ryan, who initially refused to endorse Trump and Ryan only last month declared he’d no longer defend him. “It helped us keep our majorities, but it also showed the country that people don’t like the direction we were going.” First up would be repealing President Barack Obama’s health care law, something Republicans have already shown they can get through Congress with just a narrow Senate majority. What they haven’t done is unite around a plan for ensuring that the 20 million who achieved health care coverage under the landmark law don’t lose it. Republicans also celebrated the opportunity to fill the existing Supreme Court vacancy, and potentially more to come, with “constitutional conservatives.” McConnell was being widely praised for his strategy, once seen as risky, of refusing to act on Obama’s nominee to replace Justice Antonin Scalia, who died last February.

Members of the Iraqi forces react as they watch Donald Trump giving a speech after he won the US president elections in the village of Arbid on the southern outskirts of Mosul on Nov 9, as they rest in a house during the ongoing military operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) group. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider alAbadi congratulated Donald Trump on his election as president and said he hoped for continued US and international support in the war against jihadists. (AFP)

Politics

Unwind And Republicans pledged to try to unwind any number of executive moves by Obama, including tougher clean air rules on power plants, looser restrictions on travel to Cuba, and tougher rules on sleep for long-haul truckers, among others — “Every single one that’s sucking the very life out of our economy,” GOP Sen. David Perdue of Georgia said in an interview. That threatened to wipe away key areas of progress highlighted by Democrats under the Obama administration. Some of Trump’s goals could be harder to achieve. A wall on the southern border is estimated to cost $10 billion to $20 billion, money that Congress may be unlikely to provide given that cooperation from Democrats would be necessary. Indeed the Senate Democratic minority stood as the only legislative barrier to Trump’s goals, since 60 votes are required for most consequential moves in the Senate. Meanwhile, Trump will have an early Capitol Hill honeymoon with Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress when he takes office in January, but a long-term romance may be more challenging. A president whose party controls both the Senate and House of Representatives can generally count on getting things done fairly quickly, and Trump likely will not be an exception, despite starting with unusual handicaps. Many Republicans in Congress only backed Trump after he became the candidate. Some never fell in line. He offended and attacked others while running as a Washington outsider, including House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan, who did not campaign with him. On top of that, the New York real estate businessman and former reality television celebrity, who will head the world’s most powerful government and largest economy, has no governing experience. On Wednesday, party leaders were quick to back the victor, and they are expected to find more common ground than differences once he takes office.

Promising “Trump will lead a unified Republican government,” Ryan told a news conference in his home state, Wisconsin, promising to “work hand in hand.” Ryan said his relationship with Trump “is fine,” the transition is under way, and he has already spoken to the president-elect twice, and to his running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, a former House member. “Most of the things he’s likely to advocate, we’re going to be enthusiastically for,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell told a news conference on Capitol Hill. Trump and Republican leaders in Congress agree on one major policy: They want to repeal Democratic President Barack Obama’s landmark Obamacare healthcare law, enacted in 2010. Ryan and McConnell both pledged to deal quickly with the law. Trump, a newcomer to Washington, will deal with an experienced quartet of Washington hands as the top leaders of Congress. Here’s a look at the gatekeepers to the Republican’s agenda on Capitol Hill. Congress holds leadership elections next week: Rep Paul Ryan of Wisconsin is barely a year into his tenure as speaker of the House, the most powerful post in Congress. Ryan has been a sometime critic of Trump and was slow to endorse him earlier this year, drawing Trump’s wrath. Ryan also angered some of his GOP colleagues last month when he said he would neither defend nor work for Trump in the campaign after his crude comments about groping women. Trump had harsh words for Ryan as well, though the two spoke on election night and have a mutual interest in burying the hatchet. Ryan, who was elected to his 10th term, sometimes appears to have a tenuous grip on the fractious House GOP conference and, like his predecessor John Boehner, sometimes has to turn to Democrats to win passage of must-do legislation. There’s grumbling among tea party conservatives that he doesn’t fight hard enough for conservative wins — and rumblings that members of the hard-right Freedom Caucus might actually topple him — but Tuesday night’s GOP sweep may quell the dissent. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell largely kept Trump at arm’s length for much of the year.

‘It’s Trump’s party now’

Fractured GOP comes together Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) arrives before speaking during a press conference discussing the election of Donald Trump as US President at the Capitol Building on Nov 9, 2016 in Washington, DC. McConnell spoke about President Barack Obama’s signature Pacific-rim trade deal and the election of Donald Trump as US President. (AFP)

America Somali American picked: Minnesota voters have elected the first Somali American Muslim woman legislator in a state where the uneasy assimilation of large numbers of Somali refugees became an issue in the US presidential campaign. Ilhan Omar, a 33-year-old former refugee who wears the hijab, ran uncontested for a seat in the legislature of the Midwestern state, home to a sizeable Somali population. Her victory is notable in a campaign season that saw Republican Donald Trump disparage Muslim immigrants and refugees before going on to win the White House. “Even though his message is supposed to function as a fear element in making sure that we don’t vote, so we don’t see ourselves as part of the American system, it’s had the opposite effect,” Omar told AFP about Trump. Trump ended up losing Minnesota to his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton 45 to 47 percent. But in the campaign’s final week the real estate magnate had blamed the Somali community for Minnesota’s travails. “Here in Minnesota, you’ve seen firsthand the problems caused with faulty refugee vetting, with very large numbers of Somali refugees coming into your state without your knowledge, without your support or approval,” Trump told a rally near Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. “Some of them (are) joining ISIS (the Islamic State group) and spreading their extremist views all over our country and all over the world.” (AFP) ❑

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Hassan wins in New Hampshire: New Hampshire Governor Maggie Hassan, a Democrat, has been elected to the US Senate, ousting incumbent Republican Kelly Ayotte, the New Hampshire secretary of state confirmed on Wednesday. Hassan won by a narrow margin, recording 354,640 votes to Ayotte’s 353,617, according to a final tally posted online on Wednesday. “It will be my job in the US Senate to make the best decisions for New Hampshire to work with President-elect Trump when it is in the best interest of New Hampshire and the country, and to stand up to him when it isn’t,” Hassan said. (RTRS)

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Ayotte loses Senate race: US Senator w conceded to her Democratic challenger on Wednesday, making her the third Republican to lose a Senate race in a battleground state after refusing to endorse

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK, Nov 10, (RTRS): One immediate consequence of Donald Trump’s stunning victory in the US presidential race is that the identity crisis that convulsed the Republican Party during his tumultuous candidacy has been resolved. It’s Trump’s party now, for better or worse. Although having never before held public office, the businessman and former reality TV star vanquished 16 other Republican candidates to win the nomination and go on to defeat Democrat Hillary Clinton, but established Republicans challenged his commitment to party tenets and organized against him. Trump’s political ascent encountered fierce opposition from some in the party’s establishment wing that includes former Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Ohio Governor John Kasich and from others in its social-conservative faction, such as US Senator Ted Cruz of Texas. All of them criticized Trump at times for straying from orthodox Republican positions on such issues as trade, his temperament or his lack of governing experience. But on Wednesday, all of that seemed forgotten and forgiven, at least for the moment, as Trump, the surprise winner in a 17-month-long election campaign, prepared to take power with the backing of Republican majorities in both chambers of Congress and the promise of an aggressive conservative agenda. “The American people have spoken and it’s time to come together,” Kasich tweeted on Wednesday after he scrapped plans for a speech in Washington later this week that was intended to pave a new direction for the party after an expected Trump loss. Bush said he would “pray” for Trump. Cruz termed Trump’s win “an amazing victory for the American worker.” Paul Ryan, speaker of the US House of Representatives who had drawn the ire of Trump supporters by refusing to campaign for him, praised Trump on Wednesday and said that voters had delivered Trump a “mandate” to pursue his agenda, having won the electoral vote that counts while Clinton likely won the popular vote. Had Trump lost, both Ryan and Reince Priebus, chairman of the Republican National Committee, were expected to face challenges to their jobs. Now, having protected his House majority, Ryan will be Trump’s top legislative ally. If, as many expect, Priebus is tapped by Trump to join his administration,

Donald Trump. Ayotte’s defeat to Governor Maggie Hassan in New Hampshire means another pick-up for the Democrats in the battle for control of the Senate. But Republicans outperformed expectations in Tuesday’s election and kept their grip on the chamber, with a likely final tally of 52 Republicans to 48 Democrats. The two New Hampshire rivals were separated by just 600 votes by mid-afternoon Wednesday, some 22 hours after

Few up-and-coming stars

Leaderless Dems in dire straits WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (AP): President Barack Obama hands over the White House to Republican Donald Trump in 70 days, leaving the Democratic Party leaderless and with few up-and-coming stars among its aging cast of stalwarts. In what appeared to be a wave election, Republicans also secured majorities they already enjoyed in the Senate and the House and in governor’s mansions and state legislatures across the country. Democrats were all but wiped out in places like Iowa and Kentucky. The defeat of Hillary Clinton, an experienced Washington politician who sought common ground with Republicans, could make it more likely that the party will turn to its liberal wing as it grapples with its future. That’s best represented by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, whom Clinton defeated in a long primary, and Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a pull-no-punches progressive darling. The Democratic Party should remold itself in the image of Warren and Sanders “and offer a systemic critique of the rigged economy” that appeals to the same voters who put Trump over the top, said Adam Green, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. Green said Democrats must make a “conscious decision to separate themselves from the corporate villains who are to a large extent funding their campaigns.” Trump’s open warfare with Republican leaders over the past

year and a half obscured the extent of the Democrats’ crisis, and they are only now beginning to contend with it. “This is painful, and it will be for a long time,” Clinton said in her concession speech Wednesday in New York. She implored those who want to fight for Democratic values — particularly young voters — to participate every day, not just every four years. Hawaii Sen Brian Schatz urged careful deliberation as the Democratic reckoning begins. He said the “rush to recalibrate” strategy and messaging concerns him. “Democrats need to take, not forever, but weeks and months to diagnose what just happened to us and why,” he said. Democratic leaders are already in touch with one another and party strategists, he said, but added that alone will not provide answers. “Obviously talking to just each other didn’t work. We need to open our minds and expand our Rolodexes beyond the people who live and breathe Washington politics. That’s what got us here.” But the outlook for Democrats may well get worse before it improves. In two years, they will be defending about two dozen Senate seats, including at least five in deep-red states. That election could hand Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell a filibuster-proof majority, further clearing the way for a conservative policy agenda.

Trump will be able to replace him with a hand-picked successor, thus cementing his grip on the party’s apparatus. Republican donors who did not support Trump, too, were coming around. “Nothing unifies like these decisive wins, and nothing unifies like the power of having the House, the Senate and the White House,” said an adviser to a leading donor. Representative Chris Collins, who was an early Trump supporter, said without the opposition of President Barack Obama, a Democrat, many divisions within the Republican Party would dissipate. “The big difference is we now have complete Republican control,” Collins

told Reuters. “We’re all on the same page give or take 10 percent, which is nuances more than anything.” Trump adopted much of the “Better Way” domestic policy agenda Ryan has painstakingly put together in over the last few years, notably revising his tax plan to bring it roughly in line with House Republicans’ proposal after initially floating much more drastic reform. Trump this year proposed cutting the top individual income tax rate to 33 percent from its current 39.6 percent. He had initially said he would drop that rate down to 25 percent but revised his proposal after tax experts said it would balloon government deficits.

Clinton

Ayotte

polls closed in the US election that saw Republican presidential nominee Trump deliver a stunning defeat of Democrat Hillary Clinton. Ayotte called Hassan on Wednesday and conceded the race, US media reported. Republican lawmakers had debated their strategy in recent months given the toxic rhetoric emanating from Trump, who had called Mexicans rapists, demeaned women and vowed to ban Muslims from entering the United States. (AFP)

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

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Europe Trump stokes NATO fears

Juncker seeks clarity from Trump on issues BERLIN, Nov 10, (Agencies): European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker called on Thursday for clarity from Donald Trump on issues such as global trade, climate policy and future relations with NATO allies following his US victory in the presidential election. During the election campaign, Trump, a billionaire businessman who has never held public office, strongly criticised free trade, NATO and policies designed to halt global warming, rattling Washington’s allies and trade partners. “We would like to know how things will proceed with global trade policy,” Juncker said at a business event in Berlin. “We would like to know what intentions he has regarding the (NATO) alliance. We must know what climate policies he intends to pursue. This must be cleared up in the next few months.” Juncker said he did not expect the trade deal between the United States and the European Union, currently being negotiated, to be finalised this year as previously planned. “The trade deal with the United States, I do not view that as something that would happen in the next two years,” he said. Juncker, speaking in the German capital, also said on Thursday the EU’s Stability and Growth Pact which sets Juncker rules on reducing public debt and budget deficits had to be flexible. “Flexibility does not mean a departure for stability but an intelligent application of our common system of rules,” he said. Juncker said he understood Italy’s position after the Commission forecast on Wednesday that Rome would break EU rules on budget deficit and public debt reduction this year and next. Rome says the higher structural deficit is due to extraordinary spending on migration and post-earthquake reconstruction. Juncker had said on Wednesday that the Commission must judge a country according to its problems and that in this situation the EU’s place was “at Italy’s side and not against it”. Juncker urged restraint in criticism of the European Central Bank’s monetary policy and accused German politicians — many of whom frequently make verbal attacks on the bank’s ultra-loose monetary policy — of applying double standards. ❑ ❑ ❑ Trump stokes NATO defence fears: Trump’s “America first” approach has Europe worried he may cut US commitments to NATO just as it mounts its biggest military buildup since the end of the Cold War to counter a more assertive Russia. Trump caused uproar during the campaign when he suggested Washington would think twice about coming to the aid of an endangered NATO ally if it had not paid its dues. The fear is that Trump embodies an isolationist tradition — “avoid entangling alliances” — which will add to uncertainties as Europe faces challenges new and old from the east, the Middle East and North Africa. “A Trump administration will increase US isolationist tendencies, which is a further blow to (its global) leadership role,” said Fabian Zuleeg, chief executive at the European Policy Centre in Brussels. The United States set up NATO to protect post-war Europe from the Soviet Union and its “all for one, one for all” collective defence guarantee has stood the test of time. But for many years Washington, which accounts for nearly two-thirds of combined NATO defence spending, has demanded that its 27 allies do more to share the burden. Trump’s harking on this issue during the campaign caused such fears in the Baltic states and former Soviet-ruled eastern European NATO members that US Vice-President Joe Biden was sent on a reassurance mission. “Don’t listen to that other fellow — he knows not of what he speaks. America will never fail to defend our allies,” Biden told them. Now that “other fellow” is set to be the 45th President of the United States of America. ❑ ❑ ❑ Trump’s boosts Kremlin hopes: In careful phrasing befitting the spy he once was, Vladimir Putin has made it clear he expects a great deal from President-elect Donald Trump. And, the billionaire businessman may expect a transactional relationship with Putin. Although the Kremlin clearly detested Hillary Clinton, Putin’s public statements on Trump’s victory steered clear of gloating. Other Russians were less fastidious, suggesting that Putin in private could be delighted — and perhaps harboring unreasonable expectations. Trump’s rise to the White House puts two men into seats of global power who are paradoxically both remarkably similar and wildly different. Trump’s praise of the Russian president as a strong leader, his suggestion that the US could abandon its NATO commitments and his vehement complaints about allegedly biased news media all appear to parallel Putin’s view of the world. A top Russian diplomat says Moscow had contacts with Trump’s campaign ahead of his election as president. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as telling the Interfax news agency Thursday that “there were contacts” with influential people in Trump’s circle. “I don’t say that all of them, but a whole array of them supported contacts with Russian representatives.” The report did not give further details. ❑ ❑ ❑ Trump effect warned: German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble and other conservatives warned on Thursday that populists would pose a problem for Europe unless mainstream politicians responded after Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election. Trump’s win has shaken many European lawmakers ahead of elections next year, including in France and Germany, where right-wing parties are expected to notch up big gains. “Demagogic populism is not only a problem in America,” Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble told Bild daily. “Elsewhere in the West, too, the political debate is in an alarming state.” Chancellor Angela Merkel is widely expected to stand for a fourth term in an election in September and her conservatives are roughly 10 points ahead of their nearest rivals, the Social Democrats who currently share power with her. However, her open-door migrant policy has angered voters. The right-wing Alternative for Germany (AfD), which has embraced tough anti-immigrant rhetoric, is swaying supporters from the bigger parties. Founded less than four years ago, it now has seats in more than half of Germany’s state assemblies. Schaeuble said politicians had to respond by being more inclusive. His words were echoed by Hans-Peter Friedrich, of Bavaria’s CSU — sister party to Merkel’s CDU — who said he feared that there could be a Trump effect in Germany. ❑ ❑ ❑ Hollande seeks talks with Trump: French President Francois Hollande told Donald Trump he wanted them to hold discussions as soon as possible. “I would like to have talks as soon as possible with you in light of the values and interests we share,” Hollande said in a letter to the US president-elect released by the French presidency. “The friendship between our people and our shared history will help us.” Hollande was critical of Trump during the US election campaign.

A demonstrator holds a placard showing a picture of US President-elect Donald Trump modified to add a swastika and an Adolf Hitler-style moustache during a protest outside the US Embassy in London on Nov 9 against Trump after he was declared the winner of the US presidential election. Political novice and former reality TV star Donald Trump has defeated Hillary Clinton to take the US presidency, stunning America and the world in an explosive upset fueled by a wave of grassroots anger. (AFP)

Britain Clarify single market access: Scotland

Lineker post-Brexit outrage voice

Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh (right), reacts as he visits the Field of Remembrance at Westminster Abbey in central London on Nov 10. Britain’s Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, and his grandson, Prince Harry, laid a Cross of Remembrance in front of two wooden crosses from the Graves of Unknown British Soldiers from the First and Second World Wars. Each year, Remembrance Tributes carring a personal message to someone who lost his or her life in military service, are laid in the Field of Remembrance. (AFP)

Britain Women ‘work for free’: Women in Britain will effectively work for free from Thursday until the end of the year because of the disparity in earnings with their male colleagues, a leading women’s rights group said. Overall, women in Britain were paid 13.9 percent less than men in 2016, a slight improvement on the previous year when the average full time gender pay gap was 14.1 percent, according to the Fawcett Society. As a result, Equal Pay Day, which marks the date after which women “work for free” due to the pay gap fell on Nov 10, one day later this year than in 2015, it said. At the current rate, it will take another 62 years before women’s work is valued as much as that of men, the group calculated using data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). “We won’t finally close the gender pay gap until we end pay discrimination, address the unequal impact of caring roles, tackle occupational segregation and routinely open up senior roles to women,” Fawcett Society’s chief executive, Sam Smethers, said in a statement. (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑

Spotlight on Harry’s girlfriend: Meghan Markle has been an actress for more than a dozen years, yet most people heard her name for the first time when Prince Harry announced that she’s his girlfriend. Harry confirmed he was dating the 35-year-old American when he released a statement Tuesday decrying the media’s treatment of Markle, saying reporters have tried to break into her home and photographers have prevented her mother from reaching her front door. The confirmation thrust Markle into a fishbowl of international media scrutiny, but it could also boost her career. “The truth is she’s not a household name,” said E! News correspondent Marc Malkin. “She’s going to be one because of Prince Harry.” Markle parlayed small parts on such TV series as “Fringe,” ‘’Without a Trace” and “CSI: Miami” into a starring role on the USA Network drama “Suits .” She has played paralegal and aspiring lawyer Rachel Zane on the show, now in its sixth season, since 2011. The actress appears to be as ambitious and hardworking as her character. Besides “Suits,” she starred in the show’s five-part web series about New York restaurants, “Power Lunch with Meghan Markle.” And a higher profile could bring more professional opportunities. “Now that she’s dating Prince Harry, I’m not saying that all of a sudden she’s going to be working with every Oscar winner and legend in Hollywood, but a lot

LONDON, Nov 10, (Agencies): Having spent his football career at centreforward, Gary Lineker’s outspoken stance in the aftermath of Britain’s Brexit referendum has seen him proclaimed as the country’s most prominent left-winger. Lineker, renowned as English football’s Mr Nice during his playing days, said he was “ashamed of my generation” after Britain voted to leave the European Union on June 23. He has called people questioning the age of child migrants “hideously racist”, ridiculed Nigel Farage, leader of the pro-Brexit UK Independence Party, and branded America’s new president-elect Donald Trump “a joke”. Lineker’s Twitter posts have been attacked by centre-right tabloid The Sun, which has labelled him a “leftie luvvie” and called for him to lose his high-profile BBC presenting job for not being impartial. But people have rallied to the former England striker’s defence on social media, with some mischievously dubbing him “the Leader of the Opposition”. “I didn’t do this to start some sort of campaign, although it’s turned out that way,” Lineker told AFP. Lineker, who has 5.38 million Twitter followers, describes his politics as “humanitarian”, rather than left-wing, but it has not stopped him becoming an unlikely poster boy for Britain’s centre-left. The actual leader of the opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, is fighting to appease rival factions in the Labour Party and has been criticised for not being more vocal in his attacks on the Conservative government. “We tend to assume footballers are a bit on the conservative side, or they’re completely stupid and apolitical, and here’s Gary Lineker saying all this,” says Steven Fielding, Professor of Political History at the University of Nottingham. “You would expect the Labour Party to be taking a lead on that, but no-one’s really paying attention to what the Labour Party’s saying about anything.”

Carrer Lineker, 55, was renowned for his squeaky-clean image during a distinguished playing career in which he scored 48 goals for England and did not receive a single booking. Since retiring in 1994, he has been best known for advertising a popular brand of crisps and fronting the BBC’s long-running ‘Match of the Day’ football highlights programme. But in Britain’s polarised postBrexit political climate, his confrontational comments have attracted the ire of the right-wing media, which has begun to publish critical stories about his private life. The former Leicester City, Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur player has described the support he has received on social media as “overwhelming”. Lineker’s pronouncements are unusual, as British footballers tend to be reluctant to discuss political matters.

of doors open,” Malkin said. “The benefit here is in Hollywood, it’s about name recognition. You want people to think of you when they’re casting something. You want people to think of you when they’re throwing a big red carpet event. A lot of it is about exposure, and you can’t ask for more exposure than dating Prince Harry.” That exposure could benefit Markle’s various off-screen efforts as well, including the clothing collection she helped create for Canadian retailer Reitmans and her work

Time limit on detention urged

‘Stop locking up stateless people’ LONDON, Nov 10, (RTRS): Britain is locking up stateless people for long periods even though there is nowhere they can be deported to, campaigners, lawyers and academics said on Thursday as they called for a strict time limit on detention. Stateless people, sometimes referred to as “legal ghosts”, are not recognised as nationals by any country. As such they are deprived of the basic rights most people take for granted. The European Network on Statelessness (ENS) estimates several hundred stateless people are living in “hidden misery” in Britain, at risk of destitution and exploitation. Many are subject to “prolonged and pointless detention” as Britain tries to remove them even though no country will accept them, ENS director Chris Nash said. An ENS report published on Thursday said Britain was the only EU country without a set time limit on immigration detention and called for the introduction of a 28-day limit. One Sahrawi man told ENS researchers he had spent a total of nearly four years locked up, having been detained eight times in 18 years. “I am very frustrated,” said Muhammed, who came to Britain as a minor. “I believe that the Home Office does not know how to handle cases like mine. It is total chaos. Clearly my removal is not imminent.” Sahrawis originate from the disputed region of Western Sahara, which was annexed by Morocco in 1975. Many members of the Sahrawi people, who say Western Sahara belongs to them, live in refugee camps in Algeria. Figures show 108 stateless people were detained in Britain last year - up from 17 in 2009, the report said. But it added that the true number was higher as some stateless people are

recorded as being of “unknown nationality” or from countries which do not recognise them. The Home Office (interior ministry) could not comment on individual cases but said no one was held indefinitely. “People are detained for the shortest period necessary and all detention is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure it remains justified and reasonable,” a spokesman added. In 2013, Britain introduced a procedure allowing stateless people to apply for recognition as stateless, providing a route to legal residency and a chance to rebuild their lives. However, ENS said that as of April there was a backlog of more than 800 applications, with some applicants not having heard anything for more than three years. Nash said many stateless people were “falling through the cracks”. “Failure by the Home Office to put in place effective systems to identify stateless persons leaves some of the most vulnerable individuals exposed to repeated and lengthy detention,” he added. The Home Office said the backlog had significantly reduced in recent months, but did not give a figure. The U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) has launched an ambitious campaign to end the plight of some 10 million stateless people worldwide by 2024. Gonzalo Vargas Llosa, the UNHCR’s representative in Britain, said the government must protect stateless people from arbitrary detention. One man told ENS how he had been detained for several months this year even though he has always lived in Britain. “My mother was British and so I think was my dad,” Okeke said. “I do not know where the (Home Office) wants to deport me. On my papers they wrote ‘nationality unknown’.”

Meanwhile, Scotland called for more clarity on Britain’s Brexit strategy on Wednesday, offering a critical response to the British government’s efforts to hold together a fraying United Kingdom as it prepares to leave the European Union. The London-based British government began a series of meetings with Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish devolved administrations designed to reassure them that they will have a say in shaping the country’s future ties with the EU. Although 52 percent of Britons voted to leave the EU in June, a 62-percent majority in Scotland voted to remain, straining the three-centuries old union between London and Edinburgh. Wales, like England, voted to leave and Northern Ireland voted to stay. Speaking after the meeting, at which Britain pledged to swap information and analysis on key issues relating to the EU withdrawal, Scotland’s Brexit minister was critical of the approach so far. “There was a discussion over EU market access but we do not know

whether UK ministers want to remain inside the Single Market or the Customs Union,” said Michael Russell, the Scottish government’s Brexit negotiator. Prime Minister Theresa May has said she wants to win the best possible access to the EU’s hundreds of millions of consumers, but has resisted setting out exactly what kind of deal she wants for fear of undermining her negotiating hand. “This will remain a considerable problem as we continue to promote the interests of Scotland,” Russell said. May wants to start a two-year exit negotiation by the end of March, setting in motion an unprecedented withdrawal that will redefine Britain’s relationship with its biggest trading partner. Brexit minister David Davis said the meeting was an “important step” in formulating the best deal for Britain. “Naturally, there are different standpoints around the table, but the meeting was constructive and amicable,” Davis said in a statement after the meeting.

Harry

Marke

with UN Women and the World Vision. Markle continues to contribute to her lifestyle website, TheTig.com , which she established in 2014 as a place to “integrate social consciousness and subjects of higher value than, let’s say ... selfies” with beauty and fitness advice. Her most recent post detailed how she balances her humanitarian work with her Hollywood career. She has also written for Elle magazine about being biracial and finding her identity beyond her ethnicity. (AP)

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INTERNATIONAL

14

World News Roundup Conflict Trump’s win effect

Palestinian ‘state’ seen out of reach JERUSALEM, Nov 10, (Agencies): Donald Trump’s shock election as president will likely result in a US tilt towards Israel that puts a Palestinian state even further out of reach, his own campaign team and analysts say. While so much about Trump’s thinking on the Middle East remains unknown, he and his advisers have spoken of overturning decades of precedent by recognising Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and relocating the US embassy from Tel Aviv. Trump said in March that “there’s nobody more pro-Israel than I am,” adding that he would oppose any attempt to force Israel into an agreement it opposes. The president-elect’s adviser on Israel, David Friedman, told AFP last month that he does not believe Trump sees Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank as illegal, as nearly all the rest of the international community does. Asked whether he believed in the two-state solution, the basis of more than two decades of peace Netanyahu negotiations, Friedman said Trump was “tremendously sceptical”. “A Trump administration will never pressure Israel into a two-state solution or any other solution that is against the wishes of the Israeli people,” Friedman told a Trump rally in Jerusalem in October. The Israeli right has welcomed such statements and seized on Trump’s victory to promote its cause – including, for some, a call to bury the two-state solution once and for all.

Abandon Hardline lawmakers, including some from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party, said Trump’s win represented a “historic opportunity” to abandon ideas of Palestinian statehood and move towards annexing the West Bank. Education Minister Naftali Bennett, who heads the religious nationalist Jewish Home party and is seen as having ambitions to be prime minister, said “the era of a Palestinian state is over.” Netanyahu, whose government is considered the most right-wing in Israeli history, has so far been more cautious. Analysts say that may be because he is wary of Trump’s notorious unpredictability. As an example, they cite a statement by Trump earlier in the campaign in which, to the alarm of Israelis, he described himself as neutral in the Middle East conflict. While Netanyahu and Hillary Clinton may have ideological differences, he at least knows where she stands and what to expect, they say. Netanyahu congratulated Trump and pledged to work with him, and the two men spoke by telephone on Wednesday. “The two leaders, who have known each other for many years, had a warm and heartfelt conversation,” a statement from Netanyahu’s office said. “They also discussed regional issues. Presidentelect Trump invited Prime Minister Netanyahu to a meeting in the United States at the first opportunity.” While Trump’s unpredictability is a concern for Israelis, Netanyahu may be relieved to have a Republican in the White House after facing mounting criticism from President Barack Obama over Israeli settlement building in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israel is concerned Obama may seek a UN Security Council resolution on the issue before he leaves office on Jan 20. “There are many signs that the Trump administration could be very accommodating when it comes to getting along with the current Israeli government,” said Shmuel Rosner, a senior fellow at the Jewish People Policy Institute. “This will be the time for right-wing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to have a counterpart in Washington that is not instinctively against him and against his policies.”

Approach The Palestinians, too, have publicly taken a cautious approach despite reasons for concern. President Mahmud Abbas congratulated Trump and said he hoped peace could be achieved during his term based on the borders of 1967, the year Israel occupied the West Bank. A top adviser to Trump says his boss doesn’t think Israeli settlements should be condemned and they don’t pose an “obstacle to peace.” Jason Greenblatt’s comments to Israel’s Army Radio Thursday would mark a stark departure from the long-time American stance that Israeli construction in areas captured in the 1967 war makes it more difficult to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians. Greenblatt is the chief legal officer and executive vice president at the Trump Organization. He has been tapped by Trump as his top adviser on Israel. Israel and the U.S. are close allies but relations were often tense between President Barack Obama and Netanyahu, mainly over Israel’s policies toward the Palestinians. Netanyahu and Trump are friendly and ties are expected to improve.

Also: HEBRON, PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES: Israeli forces have sealed off the West Bank home of a Palestinian accused of helping plan an attack in Tel Aviv that left four Israelis dead, the Israeli army and residents said Thursday. The army said the home of Younes Zein, 22, in Yatta, south of the flashpoint city of Hebron, was sealed off overnight. Zein “assisted in the planning and supplied the weapons for the lethal attack at the Sarona market on June 8, 2016,” a spokeswoman said. The attack saw two cousins, Mohammad Makhamrah and Khaled Makhamrah, walk into a popular Tel Aviv cafe wearing black suits and open fire on customers at random. Three people were shot dead, while a fourth died of a heart attack and 15 others were wounded. According to the Shin Bet domestic security agency, Zein was supposed to have taken part in the attack but did not participate, confessing however to providing the other two with weapons. The Makhamrah cousins as well as Zein are facing charges at the Tel Aviv district court of murder, conspiracy to murder and attempted murder. Palestinian witnesses said the army poured concrete into Zein’s single-room block adjacent to the family home. Minor clashes broke out, with the army using tear gas to disperse Palestinians. No casualties were re-

A general view shows a building bearing anti-US graffiti in the Iranian capital Tehran on Nov 9. Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani said there was no possibility’ of its nuclear deal with world powers being overturned by US president-elect Donald Trump despite his threat to rip it up. (AFP)

Iran Global isolation could discourage investors

Trump win to empower hardliners

A Palestinian man reads Al-Resalah, a Palestinian pro Hamas newspaper on Nov 10 in Gaza City, about the US president-elect Donald Trump. (AFP)

Mideast Trump urged to protect civilians: Syria’s main opposition group has urged US president-elect Donald Trump to protect civilians and help end the bloodshed in the country, devastated by five years of war. Riad Hijab, head of the opposition High Negotiations Committee (HNC), said Syrian civilians were in urgent need of protection from President Bashar alAssad’s regime, in a statement released on Wednesday night. He called for American support to “establish peace in our region and to find fair and swift solutions for the threat of terrorism ... especially the state terrorism practiced by the Syrian regime against the Syrian people,” Hijab said. The United States leads an international coalition conducting air strikes in Syria against the Islamic State jihadist group. Washington also supports certain rebel groups fighting the Russian-backed Assad regime. Hijab congratulated Trump on his election victory and urged him to provide “the fastest and most efficient means to protect civilians”. The conflict in Syria has left some 300,000 people dead since anti-regime protests in 2011 triggered a brutal government crackdown that has prompted accusations of war crimes. Syrian rebels have criticised President Barack Obama for not intervening militarily against the regime. In an interview with the New York Times on March 26, Trump said he thought “the approach of fighting Assad and ISIS (IS) simultaneously was madness, and idiocy”. (AFP) ❑ ❑ ❑

Palestinian supporter killed: Hamasrun police in Gaza say gunmen killed a Palestinian activist known for supporting Shiite Islamism. They say Mithqal al-Salmi, 35, was killed Wednesday near his home, and that they are investigating. The Sunni Islamic militant group Hamas, which rules Gaza, has tense relations with Shiite Iran and the Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah stemming from the conflict in Syria. Hamas broke with Iran, a longtime patron, when the group sided with the rebellion against Syrian President Bashar Assad in 2012. Iran and Hezbollah are key allies of Assad. In February, Hamas arrested al-Salmi after a series of Facebook posts glorifying Iran and Hezbollah, and casting doubt on some Sunni scholars. Hamas has ruled Gaza since 2007, but more extreme Sunni militant groups also have a presence there. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑

Jihadist group head killed: A leader of a jihadist group that shot dead a soldier at his home has been hunted down and killed in a central region of Tunisia, the

ANKARA, Nov 10, (RTRS): Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election is likely to empower hardliners in Iran who are pushing for global isolation and discourage already wary foreign investors. Republican Trump said during the election campaign that he would abandon the nuclear deal reached between Tehran and six world powers in 2015 that curbed Iran’s nuclear programme in return for the removal of international sanctions. His tough stance, in contrast to President Barack Obama’s offer of an olive branch to Tehran, could serve the interests of hardliners in Iran. “If Trump adopts hostile policies towards Iran, this will empower hardliners in Iran,” a senior Iranian official told Reuters on condition of anonymity because of the political sensitivity of his comments. A second senior Iranian official said: “Trump’s victory will unite Iran’s hardliners and their supporters ... It means more political pressure at home and an aggressive regional policy.” During the election campaign, Trump described Iran as the world’s largest state sponsor of terrorism and dismissed the nuclear accord as “one of the worst deals I’ve ever seen negotiated.”

Policy But Trump has frequently made contradictory statements so foreign governments are unsure how much of his rhetoric will be translated into US policy. Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif urged him to stay committed to the Iran deal. President Hassan Rouhani said the election result would not effect Iran’s policies and the nuclear accord could not be dismissed by one government. But hardliners loyal to Iran’s most powerful authority, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei -- the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), powerful clerics and influential politicians -- had signalled their support for Trump in the past few weeks. They are wary of any detente with the West which could imperil the Islamic Revolution, and hold influential positions in the judiciary, security forces and intelligence services. Khamenei, whose hostility towards Washington is the glue that holds together Iran’s faction-ridden leadership, has ruled out normalisation of ties with the United States, which the hardliners refer to as the Great Satan. The nuclear deal heightened hardliners’ anger over the rise to power of pragmatist Rouhani, elected president in 2013 on a pledge to improve foreign relations and revive the economy. Tension eased when Khamenei approved the deal, fearing economic hardship might cause the collapse of the es-

defence ministry said Wednesday. “After giving chase to an armed group on the night of Nov 8 in the Mount Salloum area, military units gunned down the terrorist Talal Saidi,” a leader of the Jund al-Khilafa group, on Mount Mghilla, it said. The Islamic State jihadist group claimed responsibility for the killing of the soldier at his home in the central region that is a major hideout for Sunni Muslim militants. The ministry said Saidi, from the restive region of Sidi Bouzid, was the leader of the

US under Trump may pull out of pact

Nuclear deal on shaky ground WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (RTRS): Donald Trump’s election as president raises the prospect the United States will pull out of the nuclear pact it signed last year with Iran, alienating Washington from its allies and potentially freeing Iran to act on its ambitions. Outgoing President Barack Obama’s administration touted the deal, a legacy foreign policy achievement, as a way to suspend Tehran’s suspected drive to develop atomic weapons. In return Obama, a Democrat, agreed to a lifting of most sanctions. The deal, harshly opposed by Republicans in Congress, was reached as a political commitment rather than a treaty ratified by lawmakers, making it vulnerable to a new US president, such as Trump, who might disagree with its terms. A Republican, Trump ran for the White House opposing the deal but contradictory statements made it unclear how he would act. In an upset over Democrat Hillary Clinton, Trump won on Tuesday and will succeed Obama on Jan 20. A businessman-turned-politician who has never held public office, Trump called the nuclear pact a “disaster” and “the worst deal ever negotiated” during his campaign and said it could lead to a “nuclear holocaust.” In a speech to the pro-Israel lob-

by group AIPAC in March, Trump declared that his “Number-One priority” would be to “dismantle the disastrous deal with Iran.” He said he would have negotiated a better deal, with longer restrictions, but somewhat paradoxically, he criticized remaining US sanctions that prevent American companies from dealing with Iran. By contrast, he has conceded it would be hard to destroy a deal enshrined in a United Nations resolution. In August 2015, he said he would not “rip up” the nuclear deal, but that he would “police that contract so tough they don’t have a chance.” Iran denies ever having considered developing atomic weapons. But experts said any US violation of the deal would allow Iran also to pull back from its commitments to curb nuclear development. Those commitments include reducing the number of its centrifuges by two-thirds, capping its level of uranium enrichment well below the level needed for bomb-grade material, reducing its enriched uranium stockpile from around 10,000 kg to 300 kg for 15 years, and submitting to international inspections to verify its compliance. “Say goodbye to the Iran deal,” said Richard Nephew, a former US negotiator with Iran now at Columbia University.

tablishment. “Many Iranians and the government see the nuclear deal as the only way to get Iran out of economic isolation,” said the first Iranian official. “I don’t think Trump will tear up the nuclear deal.”

the credibility of Rouhani and his economic plans.” Iran, which has a population of 80 million, was the biggest economy to rejoin the global trading and financial system since the Soviet Union broke up in 1991. But many foreign investors are put off by obstacles to doing business in Iran such as the poor state of banks that were long outside the international financial system, the state’s big role in the economy and a lack of clarity about the legal system. Europe’s largest banks have been reluctant to finance deals because they fear they could run incur financial penalties by violating US sanctions that remain in force. “With Trump’s victory, major and even medium-size foreign companies, banks and other investors will be more cautious ... to invest in Iran,” said Tehran-based businessman Reza Sardari.

Failure Rouhani’s failure to improve the economy despite the lifting of most sanctions in January has opened him to criticism from hardline rivals and powerful clerics. Some Western companies had been hoping Democrat Hillary Clinton would defeat Trump in the election because of concern over the fate of the nuclear deal. “Now with Trump’s victory, even the European companies will be reluctant to invest in Iran ... in the best-case scenario they will adopt the policy of wait and see,” said a senior Economy Ministry official. The official said this would “harm

Hijab

Al-Assad

group which killed the soldier on Nov 5. Since Tunisia’s 2011 revolution, security forces have been battling a jihadist movement responsible for the deaths of dozens of soldiers and police officers as well as civilians. A total of 59 tourists have also been killed. The country has been under a state of emergency for almost a year following a string of deadly attacks in 2015, claimed by groups affiliated with IS and al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. (AFP)

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

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Asia Trump vows commitment: S. Korea

Japan’s PM Abe to meet Trump next week: official TOKYO, Nov 10, (Agencies): Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is to meet US president-elect Donald Trump next week in New York, officials said Thursday, after phone talks between the two following the billionaire’s shock election win. Abe and Trump spoke for about 20 minutes and tentatively set a date of November 17 for the meeting, just before Abe goes to Peru for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation ( A P E C ) summit, a Japanese foreign ministry official told AFP. During his Trump election campaign, Trump raised eyebrows in Japan by calling on the country to pay more to support the cost of stationing US forces. He even suggested that Japan might want to become a nuclear power to counter unpredictable neighbour North Korea, which has repeatedly conducted nuclear and ballistic missile tests to international condemnations and prompting UN sanctions. That statement shocked many in Japan, the only country in the world to have been attacked with nuclear weapons. Trump has also rejected the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade deal pushed by President Barack Obama and which Abe hopes his parliament will ratify soon. Abe congratulated Trump soon after his victory on Wednesday, vowing that the countries would maintain their close relationship, calling them “unshakeable allies”. During their phone talks, Abe “talked about the importance of the bilateral relationship and the Japan-US alliance”, which he stressed underpins the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region, the foreign ministry official said. In response, Trump said he hoped to strengthen the US-Japan relationship further, the official said. Trump also said he appreciated Abe’s economic policy and looked forward to working with him, she said. She declined to elaborate on what else they discussed. ❑

❑

❑

Trump commits: US President-elect Donald Trump pledged his commitment to defending South Korea under an existing security alliance during a phone call with South Korean President Park Geunhye on Thursday, her office said. Trump had said during the election campaign he would be willing to withdraw US military stationed in South Korea unless Seoul paid a greater share of the cost of the deployment. There are about 28,500 US troops based in South Korea in combined defence against North Korea. Park said the alliance between the two countries had grown as they faced various challenges over the past six decades, adding she hoped the ties would develop further. She asked Trump to join in the effort to help minimise the threat from the North, which has carried out a series of nuclear and missile tests in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions and sanctions. Trump agreed with Park and said: “We will be steadfast and strong with respect to working with you to protect against the instability in North Korea,” the presidential Blue House said. The official newspaper of the North’s ruling Workers’ Party said on Thursday the US wish for North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons programme “is only a fantasy of a bygone era” and the policy of pressure and sanctions had failed. “The only accomplishment of the Obama administration is that it is leaving behind for the

new administration coming next year the burden of having to deal with a strong nuclear power,” Rodong Sinmun said in a commentary. North Korea on Thursday warned the incoming Donald Trump administration will have to acknowledge it as a nuclear state, as the South said the maverick billionaire had pledged to protect it. The United States maintains it cannot accept North Korea as a nuclear power, despite it conducting five nuclear tests -- including two in 2016 -- and has pushed harsh international sanctions against the Pyongyang regime. “If there is anything the Obama administration has done... it has put the security of the US mainland in the greatest danger,” said an editorial carried by North Korea’s ruling party newspaper Rodong Sinmun. “It has burdened the new administration with the difficulty of facing the Juche nuclear state,” it said, referring to the North Korean ideology usually translated as “self-reliance”. The editorial, which did not mention Trump by name, follows growing calls for the United States to change tack on North Korea, with US Director of National Intelligence James Clapper last month labelling attempts to denuclearise the North a lost cause. ❑

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Supporters of US Republican candidate Donald Trump celebrate as they watch results at the United States Studies Center at the University of Sydney on Nov 9. Australia said Nov 9 it was crucial for Washington to stay focused on Asia if Donald Trump wins the presidential election, with Canberra keen to see more US involvement in the region, not less. (AFP)

India Indian PM visits Tokyo

Modi to seal Japan N-deal

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Trump warned: Chinese state media has warned the US president-elect against isolationism and interventionism, calling instead for the United States to actively work with China to maintain the international status quo. President-elect Donald Trump threatened to tear up trade deals and pursue a more unilateral foreign policy under his “America First” principle during a tempestuous election campaign. But China and other foreign governments are uncertain how much of Trump’s rhetoric will be translated into policy because he has at times made contradictory statements and provided few details of how he would deal with the world. Trump often targeted China in the campaign, blaming Beijing for US job losses and vowing to impose 45 percent tariffs on Chinese imports. The Republican also promised to call China a currency manipulator on his first day in office. US isolationist policies had “accelerated the country’s economic crisis” during the Great Depression, warned a commentary by China’s official Xinhua News Agency, though it added that “election talk is just election talk”. The commentary also cautioned against any tilt towards intervention. The Chinese media in the past have criticised the United States and other Western powers for intervening in Afghanistan and Iraq and meddling in international hot spots such as Ukraine. “History has proven that US overseas military interventionism causes them to pay disastrous political and economic costs,” the commentary said. Hillary Clinton was widely seen in China as the more hawkish of the two candidates, while some Chinese commentators saw Trump as a potential pragmatist on foreign policy. But Beijing fears the unpredictability of a Trump presidency as it seeks to maintain an equilibrium in Sino-US relations while dealing with the daunting tasks of a reform agenda to combat a slowing economy at home. A second Xinhua commentary published on Thursday morning said the new US president and China should “jointly build a new model of major power relations”. That echoes the position of Chinese President Xi Jinping that says global powers should work to accommodate, not contain, a rising China in the international system.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shinzo Abe answers questions at his official residence in Tokyo on Nov 9. Abe congratulated Donald Trump on Nov 9 on his election as US president and vowed that the countries will maintain their close relationship. (AFP)

Asia ‘Trump committed’: Presidentelect Donald Trump is committed to enhancing US military power and maintaining its presence in Asia, Australia’s prime minister said Thursday after “warm and frank” talks with the maverick tycoon. Under President Barack Obama, the United States has pursued a foreign policy “pivot” towards the AsiaPacific, including stationing marines in Australia, against the background of Beijing’s increasing assertiveness. But there has been concern about what direction bombastic Republican Trump will take in foreign policy after he trash-talked US alliances during his acrimonious election campaign against Hillary Clinton. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, who like Trump has a business background, said the billionaire was “a deal maker and he will, I have no doubt, view the world in a very practical and pragmatic way”. “Nations have enduring national interests and I have absolutely no doubt the commitment of the United States to the alliance, its presence in the region, its commitment to its allies and our neighbours will continue,” Turnbull said. “We agreed that that presence has been an absolutely essential foundation of the peace and stability that has enabled the remarkable growth and prosperity, the remarkable economic growth we have seen over the last 40 years.” Turnbull added that Trump, who will take control of the world’s sole superpower in 10 weeks, was committed to expanding the US military as he faces up to security threats around the world. “He is proposing a very substantial investment in the United States navy,” he said. While the two allies found common ground on security matters, it seems the sweeping Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade pact, which Australia supports, is doomed. The deal between 12 Asia-Pacific countries has been signed but not yet ratified by lawmakers in the US and with Trump running his campaign on an anti-free trade message, Turnbull admitted it did not look good. (AFP) ❑ ❑ ❑ Allegations denied: A Japanese journalist deported from Iraq denied on Thursday allegations by Kurdish officials that he is a sympathizer of the Islamic State extremist group. Kosuke Tsuneoka told reporters in Tokyo that he was in Mosul only to report as a journalist on the battle to retake the IS-held city. Iraqi and

NEW DELHI/TOKYO, Nov 10, (RTRS): Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi headed to Japan on Thursday to seal a landmark nuclear energy pact and strengthen ties, as China’s regional influence grows and Donald Trump’s election throws US policies across Asia into doubt. India, Japan and the United States have been building security ties and holding three-way naval exercises, but Trump’s “America First” campaign promise has stirred concern about a reduced US engagement in the region. Such an approach by Washington could draw Modi and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe even closer, said foreign policy commentator and former Indian ambassador M.K. Bhadrakumar. Officials in New Delhi and Tokyo said a deal that will allow Japan to supply nuclear reactors, fuel and technology is ready for signing after six years of negotiations to find a way around Tokyo’s reservations about such an agreement with a country that has not signed the nuclear NonProliferation Treaty (NPT). India says the NPT is discriminatory and it has concerns about nuclear-armed China as well as its long-time rival Pakistan. Japan, the only country to have suffered a nuclear attack, has been seeking assurances from New Delhi that it would not conduct nuclear tests any more.

Agreement Indian foreign ministry spokesman Vikas Swarup said the two sides had reached a broad agreement on nuclear collaboration as early as last December and had since been trying to finalise the document. A “legal, technical scrub” of the agreed text has now been done, he said, but added that he could not pre-judge the outcome of Modi’s summit talks with Abe over Friday and Saturday. A Japanese ruling party lawmaker said the two sides will sign an agreement during Modi’s visit. A Japanese foreign ministry spokesman declined to comment. The nuclear agreement with Japan follows a similar one with the United States in 2008 which gave India access to nuclear technology after decades of isolation. Kurdish troops are currently fighting to expel the militant group out of Mosul. “Let me remind you that I’m not an IS member, not even a supporter,” said the Muslim convert who also goes by Shamil Tsuneoka. “I’m fundamentally against the belief of the Islamic State group ... That is not the Islam that I believe in.” Tsuneoka, a journalist who has covered militant groups in the Middle East, was arrested Oct 27 after he was going through a security check and found to be carrying a key chain with an IS logo. He said it was given to him by a bus passenger on an earlier reporting trip. He said he kept it hoping to trace its origin. He said it was merely his “stupidity” to have kept the key chain in a pocket of his backpack that he handed in for a security check. He was handcuffed at the spot and taken into custody for interrogation by Kurdish intelligence officials, Tsuneoka said. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑ Lyrical on Trump: Myanmar’s antiMuslim hardliners cheered Donald Trump’s election as US president in prose and poetry on Thursday, hailing the divisive billionaire’s triumph as a victory in the fight against “Islamic terrorism”. Trump’s shock ascent to the White

That step was seen as the first big move to build India into a regional counterweight to China. India hopes to lift ties with the United States to a new height, Modi said in a message to US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday. A final deal with Japan could also benefit US firms. India is in advanced negotiations with US-based Westinghouse Electric, owned by Japan’s Toshiba, to build six nuclear reactors in southern India, part of New Delhi’s plan to ramp up nuclear capacity more than ten times by 2032.

Principles “Japan is keen to put aside it’s staunch nonproliferation principles and engage with the lucrative Indian programme,” said Manpreet Sethi, nuclear affairs expert at the Centre for Air Power Studies, a New Delhi think-tank. But the agreement will still have to be ratified by the Japanese parliament, she said. Japan’s Yomiuri newspaper said the main accord will likely be accompanied by a separate document stipulating that Tokyo will suspend nuclear cooperation if India conducts a nuclear test. Initially, Japan wanted that inserted into the agreement itself, but India resisted, it said. India has declared a moratorium on such testing since its last explosions in 1998. The two countries have also been trying to close a deal on the supply of amphibious rescue aircraft US-2 to the Indian navy, which would be one of Japan’s first sales of military equipment since Abe lifted a 50-year ban on arms exports. India’s Defence Acquisitions Council met earlier this week to consider the purchase of 12 of the planes made by ShinMaywa Industries, but failed to reach a decision. An Indian government source said opinion within the military was divided over whether to buy the aircraft when it was struggling to find resources to replace ageing and accident-prone submarines and address a shortage of helicopters. A Japanese defence source said Japan was considering a cost reduction, which would mean a price cut for India as well as for the Japanese navy which it supplies. A US-2 currently costs about 13 billion yen ($123 million).

House topped a vitriolic campaign in which he promised to ban Muslims from entering the US and pledged to establish a database of those living in the country. Muslims around the world were left reeling from his surprise win on Tuesday, with many fearing he would bring in anti-Islam policies that could help bolster extremist groups like Islamic State. But in Buddhist-majority Myanmar, a country simmering with religious tensions, hardline anti-Muslim groups waxed lyrical about his victory. Firebrand monk Wirathu, once dubbed the “face of Buddhist terror” for his anti-Muslim sermons, celebrated with a four-line poem on Facebook. “Public security is the most impor-

Tsuneoka

Turnbull

tant consideration/Donald Trump is the real leader/People love him so much/Nationalism is the priority,” he wrote. “May US citizens be free from jihad. May the world be free of bloodshed,” he added in a statement underneath. Anti-Muslim sentiment has billowed in Myanmar in recent years, erupting into bouts of bloodshed and leaving a stain on the country’s recent democratic transition. More than a million of Myanmar’s Muslims are Rohingya, a stateless ethnic group reviled by many Buddhists who insist they are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Myanmar’s president has accused Islamist Rohingya militants of attacking police border posts in western Rakhine state last month, an incident that sparked a deadly military crackdown in the border region. Independent investigators have been prevented from carrying out enquiries into the allegations that Rohingya extremists carried out the deadly raids. But ethnic Rakhine Buddhist nationalists, who have long railed against the Rohingya, have seized on the attacks as evidence the oppressed minority is launching a new front for terrorism. (AFP)

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

16

World News Roundup India 1-way ticket to debt bondage

Labour agents thrive on migration express KANTABANJI, India, Nov 10, (RTRS): Nijam Khan was on a recruiting spree. All through the autumn, he drove to villages around the town of Kantabanji in India’s eastern Odisha state looking for labour. He zeroed in on poor families, jobless men and desperate couples. He gave them cash to buy food and clothes ahead of the local harvest festival. In return, they gave him their freedom. “There are no jobs here,” Khan said, sitting in the office of his self-styled transport company in Kantabanji, a railway town in the drought-prone district. “The people will starve if we don’t give them these loans and jobs.” What Khan describes as “loans and jobs”, rights groups call debt bondage — the most prevalent form of forced labour in a country where an estimated 18 million people live in some form of modern slavery, according to the latest Global Slavery Index by Walk Free Foundation. In Kantabanji, population 22,000, it’s so prevalent that every second person seems to be a “sardar”, or labour agent. “The booming economy of Kantabanji is like an oasis in the otherwise desolate, poor Daniel landscape of Balangir district,” said Umi Daniel, a migrant rights activist with Aide et Action in Odisha. “The railhead thrives on the labour of migrant workers who are sent with the promise of better wages. But the only people making profits are the labour agents sending them out.” Agents prey on the tens of thousands of families who leave their villages in western Odisha each autumn to seek work across India in a mass movement of people called the “annual migration”, which lasts until the spring planting season. Most are duped into offering themselves for work as security against a loan they have taken or debt inherited from a relative, rights activists say. They then spend the next six months — or more — working to pay it back. In 90 percent of cases, they are trafficked by labour agents to brick kilns to feed India’s construction industry. The agents, most in their 30s or early 40s, have found ways to bypass the law, pay off officials and keep up the steady supply of cheap labour. Illegal recruitment is an industry worth $150 billion a year, campaigners say.

Exile Tibetans and tourists form long queues at a bank to exchange or deposit discontinued currency notes in Dharmsala, India on Nov 10. (AP)

India People rush to ditch old banknotes

Indian banks call in police

Settle Alongside the sardars are the so-called muscle men who settle scores with defaulters and bribe officials. These enforcers sneak bonded labourers past authorities by disguising them as marriage parties or splitting families into smaller groups, senior police officer Ashish Kumar Singh told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Around 230 agents received licences in 2015 to recruit workers legitimately in Balangir district under legislation on the inter-state movement of labour, government data shows. They registered and sent out 17,998 workers to brick kilns nationwide. This year, 170 agents have been granted licences and more than 13,000 labourers have been registered, all scheduled to leave their homes in November. Those figures are dwarfed by the actual number of migrants who leave the district every year — around 500,000, according to activists and agents in Kantabanji. “They are going illegally, which means they are being trafficked,” district labour officer Madan Mohan Paik said. “But we don’t have ways and means to check this effectively. It has been like this for a very long time.” The exploitation begins with an “advance” of 20,000 rupees ($300) - a welcome sum in a region where poverty is dire. The workers have to pay back the loan after six months. Kilns typically pay 300-400 rupees ($4-6) per 10,000 bricks, which means workers need to make almost 700,000 bricks to pay off the debt. In addition to getting back their advance, agents receive a commission for every worker they send out. They also get 20 rupees (30 cents) for every 1,000 bricks the workers make. Rescued workers say there is often no documentation of loans taken or how much debt has been cleared. “Even before I left my village, I had worked up a debt of nearly 30,000 rupees,” Umesh Mahanand, 17, said. “But I thought I would work hard and repay it quickly. I didn’t realise that the amount can technically never be repaid.” It’s all said to have started in the 1970s with a man named Dashrath Suna, known as a champion brick maker. He was one of the first men to migrate from Balangir, one of the poorest districts in western Odisha. “I was very good and could make 6,000 bricks a day,” Suna told the Thomson Reuters Foundation at his home in Belpada village, 50 kilometres (30 miles) from the Kantabanji. “The brick kiln owner was happy and asked me to bring in friends to work the next time. I did and slowly it became a business.” Suna would cycle to far-flung villages, offering small loans around the festive time of Nuakhai in September, when farmers celebrate the rice harvest. “Everyone needs a little extra cash around Nuakhai, to buy clothes, cook a good meal, drink a little and celebrate,” he said. So he convinced families to migrate out of the drought-prone region, where reliable employment is rare.

Convince “I was able to convince them and the labour market was built on the trust between the brick kiln owner, the agent and the labourer,” the octogenarian said. As the labour market grew, so did Suna’s fortunes. Over the years, he built a two-storey house in Belpada, where he lives with his children and grandchildren. His success spurred others to become labour agents. “Everyone in this village has profited from migration,” said his son, Ruku Sona, a popular singer in the region. “Even the labourers have benefited. Every home will have a motorcycle now. It wouldn’t have been possible if labour wasn’t sent out. Nobody should really be complaining.” In the bylanes of Kantabanji, Suna’s name is whispered with reverence. But Bablu Khan’s is uttered with fear. One of Suna’s men in the early days, his job was to pay off labour inspectors and railway police and fight other agents to ensure the workers Suna had picked made it onto the “migration express”. Once he’d learnt the ropes, he started out on his own.

In this photograph taken on July 26, 2016 Anila Ansari, a programme manager at Islamabad-based Power 99 FM radio, presents an on air ‘antiogling campaign’ at the station in Islamabad. For many women in Pakistan, the simple act of leaving the house can be uncomfortable, even intimidating — the probing gaze of the opposite sex is never far away. So fed-up with the constant unwanted attention, broadcaster Anila Ansari decided to bring the touchy subjects of harassment to the airwaves, by launching an ‘anti-ogling campaign’ on her national radio show. (AFP)

Philippines ‘Stop quarrel with US’: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte congratulated Donald Trump on his election win and said on Wednesday he now wishes to stop quarrelling with the United States, recalling his anger at the Obama administration for criticising him. The maverick leader, dubbed “Trump of the East” for his unrestrained rants and occasional lewd remarks, has repeatedly hit out at Washington in recent months, threatening to cut defence pacts and end military joint drills. “I would like to congratulate Mr Donald Trump. Long live,” Duterte said in a speech to the Filipino community during a visit to Malaysia. “We are both making curses. Even with trivial matters we curse. I was supposed to stop because Trump is there. I don’t want to quarrel anymore, because Trump has won.” Duterte won a May election by a huge margin and is often compared with Trump, having himself been the alternative candidate from outside of national politics. He campaigned on a populist, antiestablishment platform and struck a chord among ordinary Filipinos with his promises to fix what he called a broken country. (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑ NBI files graft against sen: A Philippine law enforcement agency filed bribery, graft and drug-related complaints against a senator and former minister on Thursday, in the first step towards prosecuting the biggest critic of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. The cases were lodged by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), the Philippine equivalent of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation, against Senator Leila de Lima, two former prison officials and a dozen inmates for involvement in the illegal drug trade at a national jail. “It is evident from the revelations of numerous witnesses as detailed in their sworn affidavits that ... de Lima was fully aware of the unlawfulness of their actions,” said the NBI complaint. De Lima, a former justice secretary, has been trying for years to link Duterte to involvement in large numbers of drug killings when he was mayor of Davao, long before he became president and launched a similar crackdown on a national scale. (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑ Manila to end assault drills: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the continuation of joint military

NEW DELHI/MUMBAI, Nov 10, (Agencies): Indian banks called in thousands of police on Thursday to manage huge queues outside branches, as people tried to exchange bank notes abruptly pulled out of circulation by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in a crackdown on “black money”. Modi announced the shock move on Tuesday night to ditch 500 and 1,000 rupee notes – worth a combined $256 billion – that he said were fuelling corruption, being forged and even paying for attacks by Islamist militants against India. Lines formed before banks reopened after being shut on Wednesday to prepare for the change, as people tried to swap the worthless cash for smaller bills or new 2,000 rupee notes being rushed into circulation and made to be harder to counterfeit. Some people frustrated by the long wait got into arguments at Canara Bank near the parliament building in New Delhi, as people barged into queues that wound through the branch and on to the street outside. “Why is there no-one here to manage anything?” shouted one man, as he jostled with others in the line. Branch manager S.K. Verma, unable to get through to the local police station, called an emergency hotline for help. “I want two policemen deputed outside my branch!” he said. Twenty police stood outside a nearby outlet of the Reserve Bank of India, the central bank, letting in customers a few at a time.

Payments Economists and some businesses, especially those involved in cashless payments, have welcomed the “demonetisation” scheme as a vital step towards broadening the formal economy and improving tax compliance. But it has disrupted the daily lives of hundreds of millions of Indians who live in the cash economy that is estimated to account for a fifth of India’s $2 trillion gross domestic product and who have low confidence in banks or plastic cards. Fresh produce prices dropped sharply in food markets as people ran out of cash, or vendors were unable to give change, while the government ordered hospitals and filling stations to accept the old money for a few days longer. Although a few people were able to exchange their old money for new notes, there were strict caps on account withdrawals and most came away with bundles of lower-denomination bills. People were allowed to make a onetime exchange of 4,000 rupees in cash and one-time account withdrawals of 10,000 rupees, capped at 20,000 rupees per week. Cash dispensers remained closed and were due to reopen on Friday. It was the same story for senior bureaucrats in the capital’s government district and daily labourers in Old Delhi, where youths reserved

exercises with US forces, but the number of drills will be reduced and will exclude mock assaults, defense officials said Wednesday. Philippine Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Duterte also allowed the government to proceed with a 2014 defense accord with Washington permitting US forces to be stationed temporarily at five designated Philippine military camps, along with their warships and planes.

Bold rupee shake-up

How did Modi pull off plan? MUMBAI, Nov 10, (AFP): Months of planning by a select few sworn to secrecy and then cash-laden trucks on the streets. But this was no bank robbery -- rather an audacious plan to issue new notes across India. There are 1.25 billion people in India but only a handful were aware that on Tuesday night Prime Minister Narendra Modi would announce the shock withdrawal of 500 and 1,000 rupee notes ($7.50, $15) from circulation. The assault on “black money”, which stunned the country and saw large queues form outside ATMs and banks, was carefully planned over six months by a coterie of Modi advisors. The prime minister had become convinced in the spring that he needed a headline-stealing move to underline his determination to check rampant tax evasion and settled on scrapping the two highest denomination bills. Only Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, the Reserve Bank of India governor and a few close officials were in the know until the very last minute, according to India newspaper reports. “If secrecy had failed people would have invested most of their cash in Hawala rackets, gold or

real estate before the announcement, worsening the black money issue,” Paras Savla of Mumbaibased investment management firm KPB & Associates told AFP. The move is part of Modi’s crackdown on so-called black money financial transactions in which cash is used to avoid tax. After closing for a day banks started reissuing new 500 notes and a new denomination of 2,000 rupees on Thursday. The Times of India reported that many of Modi’s ministers were only briefed on the plan at a cabinet meeting in New Delhi just before he addressed the nation. They were then not allowed to leave until he had finished his speech to prevent any unwanted leak, the paper said. Meanwhile, over 1,000 kilometres away at a meeting in India’s commercial capital of Mumbai the RBI was briefing bank heads about the plan. They had been called to the RBI in the morning to receive a locked currency chest which they were told contained notes of the new 2,000 rupee denomination. They were under strict instructions not to open the chest or speak about it until later that night, according to the Mint newspaper.

places in lines to earn some cash. Trading of farm commodities around the country was disrupted for the second day on Thursday and in many markets farmers were struggling to sell their produce. Prices of perishable fruit and vegetables have fallen by up to a quarter as traders were unable to sell them to vendors, who pay in cash. “Most transactions of farm commodities are conducted in cash and since cash is not available we are not able to sell,” said Rohan Ursal, a trader based in Pune in the western state of Maharashtra. In television interviews, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley defended the switch, saying India was moving to a “cleaner system”, and rebutting criticism that the government was resorting to arbitrary and authoritarian methods of running the economy. But he said it would take two or three weeks for new 500 and 2,000 rupee notes to be put into circulation, replacing old notes worth 17 trillion rupees ($256 billion) that can be exchanged until Dec. 30. The old 500 and 1,000 rupee notes – until now India’s highest denomination bills worth $7.50 and $15 respectively – accounted for 86 percent of all cash in circulation, analysts at Citi have estimated.

One economist said that Modi, by fixating on black money in the form of physical cash, had failed to recognise how tax evasion and financial crime works – for example by under-invoicing to create illicit wealth, using informal hawala networks to move offshore or buying gold and real estate. “This very conception of ‘black money’ is absurd,” left-leaning economist Prabhat Patnaik wrote in The Citizen, an online daily. Only those holding huge stashes of untaxed “black money” need worry, Modi said. But in India, many are deeply worried. Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi has welcomed India’s overnight move to withdraw 500 and 1,000 rupee notes from circulation to crack down on corruption and counterfeit currency, saying it would also to help curb human trafficking and child slavery. The shock currency move, announced late on Tuesday by Modi, aims to bring billions of dollars worth of unaccounted wealth which people are hoarding, or “black money”, into the mainstream economy and curb corruption. From midnight on Tuesday, the highest denomination bank notes ceased to be legal tender for transactions other than exchanging them at banks for smaller notes.

Duterte

De Lima

Duterte had previously threatened to end military exercises with the US and the presence of American forces in the country in about two years, saying the Philippines’ still ill-equipped troops have not benefited from America’s superior military. Lorenzana said he and other security officials explained to the president at a Cabinet meeting on Monday how the Philippines benefits from the annual maneuvers. (AP)

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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Lat/Am Nieto, Trump agree to meet: Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto said Wednesday that he and US president-elect Donald Trump, whose anti-immigrant rhetoric has angered Mexicans, had agreed to meet to discuss the future of bilateral relations. Pena Nieto, who rejected Trump’s demand that Mexico pay for a border wall during the campaign, said the pair had a “cordial, friendly and respectful” phone conversation during Nieto which he congratulated Trump on his victory. (AFP) ❑

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Avoid trade barriers: Brazil’s govern-

A Border Patrol vehicle drives by the border fence in Tecate, California (left), along the metal barrier that lines the border on Nov 9, seen from Tecate, Mexico. As a candidate, president-elect Trump has suggested slapping a 35 percent tax on automobiles and auto parts made by US companies in Mexico, and financial analysts

have predicted that the Trump win will threaten billions of dollars in cross-border trade. (Inset): A supporter of US Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton cries on a street as results of the US election arrive in Mexico City early Nov 9. (AP/AFP)

Cuba

India ‘Report child abuse’

Fear rises after Trump elected

Mobile app unveiled in India to rein in ‘crimes’

Army drills announced

MUMBAI, Nov 10, (RTRS): A state in western India has launched a mobile app for people to report child abuse, in an effort to protect children after a series of abuses came to light. The Maharashtra State Child Rights Protection Commission on Wednesday launched the Child Helpline for Information on Rights and Address Grievances (Chirag), a mobile application for Android phones that also provides information on children’s rights, including legislation. “Nowadays, every other person uses a smartphone and downloads applications,” Pankaja Munde, Maharashtra state minister for women and child welfare, told reporters. “Chirag will enable people to reach out to the commission and save children from abuse.” Registering a complaint on the app will send an email to Munde the commission, which will direct it to police or a child-rights charity. A statewide campaign is being rolled out to create awareness in schools, offices and elsewhere, Munde said. Officials in Maharashtra, one of India’s wealthiest states, said earlier this week they had set up a special investigation team to look into allegations of sexual abuse of at least 12 girls at a boarding school for tribal children. That came on the heels of an inquiry by the National Human Rights Commission into the deaths of more than 700 indigenous children in the past decade in state-run schools in Maharashtra. India is the world’s second biggest market for mobile phones, with more than 1 billion users. Use of smartphones is increasing on the back of rising incomes. Earlier this year, India’s only toll-free emergency helpline for street children and children in distress unveiled kiosks with touch-screen technology to replace disappearing public telephone booths. A total of 94,172 crimes against children were recorded last year, according to official data, marginally higher than the previous year. Many more crimes go unreported, activists say.

People line up outside the United States embassy in Havana, Cuba, the day after Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump defeated Democrat Hillary Clinton in the US general election on Nov 9. (AP)

Subcontinent ‘5 Indian diplomats leave’: Pakistani security officials say five more Indian diplomats have returned to their country amid a deepening diplomatic row. The two officials said Wednesday the five were among eight diplomats whose names were publicized by Pakistan, which said they were spies. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. A diplomatic row between Pakistan and India has deepened since Oct 27, when they each expelled an embassy staffer for spying. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑

Pak wants to work with Trump: Pakistani foreign affairs adviser Sartaj Aziz says his country would like to work with US Presidentelect Donald Trump on the common interest of combatting terrorism. In an interview with Pakistan’s Geo News channel Thursday, he says that helping negotiate a political settlement in Afghanistan is another area where the two countries could work together. The US president-elect has publicly criticized Pakistan in the past for battling some Islamic militant groups while tolerating others. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑ 3 Indian troops killed: The Indian army on

HAVANA, Nov 10, (Agencies): Cuba on Wednesday announced a week of pre-scheduled nationwide military exercises to prepare for “enemy actions,” the day after the United States elected Donald Trump, who has threatened to unravel the USCuban detente, as president. The Communist-ruled island did not directly link the exercises, which will include troop movements and explosions from Nov 16 to Nov 20, to Trump’s victory. The government has not issued any official reaction to the US election outcome. Cuba has held what it calls the “Bastion Strategic Exercise” every few years since 1980, often in response to moments of tension with its northern neighbor. “The aim is to ... raise the country’s ability for defense and the troops’ and people’s preparation to confront different enemy actions,” according to the announcement in the ruling Communist Party newspaper Granma. Trump has threatened to reverse outgoing US President Barack Obama’s moves to open relations with Cuba and end decades of hostility that began soon after the island’s 1959 revolution that overthrew a USbacked dictator. In the last two years, Obama has restored diplomatic rela-

tions with Cuba and eased trade and travel restrictions. In Havana, many Cubans said their hopes for the detente to continue, bringing their country out of isolation, had been extinguished with Trump’s victory. “Brace for what’s coming,” said Tomas Gonzalez, a 39-year-old engineer on his way to work. “With Trump, I reckon we are headed back to the era of George Bush.” Cafe waitress Adriana Perez, 30, said she saw no end in sight to the US embargo that inflicted so much suffering on the Cuban people. “The embargo continues and our lives go from bad to worse,” she said. Cubans are weary of what some describe as relations with the United States taking two steps forward and one step back. US-Cuban relations deteriorated sharply during the Bush administration, which tightened the US embargo on the island. “With both the White House and Congress in Republican hands, there is nothing to stop Trump from keeping his pledge to resurrect the Cold War-era policy of hostility, despite opinion polls showing broad public support for engagement,” said William LeoGrande, a professor of government at American University.

ment on Wednesday congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on his victory but called on him not to resort to protectionism as the South American nation strives to boost trade to overcome a severe recession. “I hope that does not happen,” Foreign Minister Jose Serra told reporters when asked about concerns that Trump could hinder freer trade between the two largest economies in the Americas. Serra, who earlier this year called the prospect of a Trump presidency a “nightmare,” said he expected the incoming president to abandon campaign rhetoric when he takes office. “One thing is training for the game; another is actually playing it,” he said. (RTRS) ❑

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‘Good luck, America’: Venezuela’s main opposition spokesman on Wednesday wished the United States “all the luck in the world” after Donald Trump won the presidency, and suggested America could find itself facing problems that currently beset the South American nation. Trump’s campaign style of picking fights and lobbing insults has drawn comparisons to late socialist leader Hugo Chavez, who won repeated elections but faced criticism for stifling dissent and creating a state-led economy now mired in crisis. “We come from this disaster — the fantasy of politics driven by a single leader, these hegemonic and totalitarian projects,” Jesus Torrealba, spokesman for the opposition’s Democratic Unity coalition, said in a statement. “(Now) others appear to be heading toward that cliff,” he said, adding that US institutions “will be put to the test.” (RTRS)

Africa 5 DRC students shot: Five students were shot and seriously hurt and 18 others injured Wednesday during clashes with police in DR Congo’s capital Kinshasa during protests over tuition fees, a doctor said. The protests at the Higher Institute of Applied Technology (ISTA) university came after administrators decided to alter the exchange rate applied to student fee payments, significantly increasing costs — a decision that was swiftly reversed. “We received 23 injured students of whom five had serious gunshot wounds and were transferred to the Kokolo military hospital,” said a doctor at the university’s medical centre. An AFP correspondent saw seven students — including a woman who had lost consciousness — under observation at the university medical centre. Kinshasa police chief told reporters later that “the police only used non-lethal weapons”. (AFP) ❑

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Militants blow up pipeline: Nigerian

Trump

Aziz

Wednesday said that three of its soldiers have been killed in cross border firing in disputed Kashmir, the latest skirmish between the nuclear-armed neighbours. Tensions between the two countries have soared since September when militants attacked an Indian army base in Kashmir, leaving 19 soldiers dead. Since then the two sides have engaged in cross-border fire almost daily leading to deaths of soldiers and civilians on both sides. (AFP)

militants say they have again blown up an oil pipeline carrying crude for export from Shell’s Forcados terminal in the country’s south. It’s the third attack in eight days on the Trans Forcados pipeline network. The first came just hours after President Muhammadu Buhari held inconclusive talks with stakeholders aimed at halting the sabotage. Militants and community leaders want development and a bigger share of revenues from oil that has massively polluted the southern Niger Delta. (AP)

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

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World News Roundup Health HIV test on USB

Paralysis cure hope in device LONDON, Nov 10, (RTRS): Swiss scientists have helped monkeys with spinal cord injuries regain control of non-functioning limbs in research which might one day lead to paralysed people being able to walk again. The scientists, who treated the monkeys with a neuroprosthetic interface that acted as a wireless bridge between the brain and spine, say they have started small feasibility studies in humans to trial some components. “The link between the decoding of the brain and the stimulation of the spinal cord – to make this communication Bloch exist – is completely new,” said Jocelyne Bloch, a neurosurgeon at the Lausanne University Hospital who surgically placed the brain and spinal cord implants in the monkey experiments. “For the first time, I can imagine a completely paralysed patient able to move their legs through this brain-spine interface.”

Cautioned

This handout image released on Sept 13, 2016 by Airbus Safran Launchers Holding 2016 shows an artist view of the future Ariane 6. On Nov 9 the European Space Agency (ESA) and Airbus Safran Launchers signed an ambitious programme to provide Europe with a more competitive space rocket than Ariane 5, starting from 2020. (AFP)

Climate Environmentalists must work harder

Australia ratifies climate pact

This handout picture released by Federal Polytechnic School of Lausanne (EPFL) and taken on Oct 27 in Lausanne shows lead scientist Gregoire Courtine holding a silicon model of a primate’s brain, a microelectrode array and a pulse generator. (AFP)

Astronomy Closest to Earth in 68 yrs

There is an extra-super, bright Moon on the rise PARIS, Nov 10, (AFP): An unusually large and bright Moon will adorn the night sky next Monday – the closest “supermoon” to Earth in 68 years and a chance for dramatic photos and spectacular surf. Weather permitting, the phenomenon should appear at its most impressive at 1352 GMT, when it will be at its fullest just as night falls over Asia, astronomers said. Provided there are no clouds and not too much light pollution, people should be able to see Earth’s satellite loom unusually large over the horizon shortly after sunset, irrespective of where in the world they are. This happens when the Moon is full at the same time as, or very near, perigee – its closest point to Earth on an elliptical, monthly orbit. “On November 14, it becomes full within about two hours of perigee – arguably making it an extra-super Moon,” NASA says on its website. The orbit itself is changeable, meaning the distance from Earth differs from perigee Descamps to perigee – this time it will be the closest since 1948 at a distance of 356,509 kilometres (221,524 miles). The average is 384,400km.

SYDNEY, Nov 10, (Agencies): Australia ratified the Paris climate agreement on Thursday, amid fears US president-elect Donald Trump could follow through on his pledge to “cancel” the landmark pact aimed at tackling global warming. More than 100 nations representing 70 percent of greenhouse gas emissions have inked the historic Paris Agreement, the world’s first universal climate pact, which came into force in early November. Australia’s approval of the binding deal was delayed by national elections in July and its announcement Thursday came ahead of the departure of the country’s foreign and environment ministers for UN climate talks in Marrakesh. “Ratification of the agreement confirms Australia’s ambitious and responsible target to reduce emissions by 26 to 28 percent below 2005 levels by 2030,” Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said in a joint statement with the two ministers. “We are on track to meet and indeed beat our 2020 targets... and are committed to meeting our 2030 targets under the agreement.” With its heavy use of coal-fired power and relatively small population of 24 million, Australia is considered one of the world’s worst per capita greenhouse gas polluters.

Watershed When asked if Canberra would follow the United States if it exited the treaty, the prime minister stressed Australia’s commitment to the “watershed” agreement. “We have ratified the agreement. It will — it takes four years to withdraw — if a country sought to withdraw from the agreement it takes four years,” he told reporters. “Secondly, this is a global agreement. When Australia makes a commitment to a global agreement, we follow through and that is exactly what we are doing.” Environmental groups welcomed the ratification but said Australia needed to do more. “There’s no way Australia can con-

tinue to approve new fossil fuel projects and keep the commitments it has just made,” Greenpeace Australia’s Pacific climate and energy campaigner Shani Tager said in a statement. “As the world’s largest exporter of coal, the world’s most dangerous fossil fuel, Australia’s first step to meeting this promise must be a ban on new coal mines.” Climate change denier Trump, who has made no secret of his disregard for the United Nations, pledged earlier this year to withdraw from the Paris climate deal. In contrast, current US President Barack Obama has been a champion of the pact. The US is the world’s secondlargest greenhouse gas polluter after China, producing 13 percent of global emissions. France’s environment minister and outgoing head of the UN climate forum Segolene Royal said Wednesday that Trump “cannot prevent the implementation” of the pact. “He cannot — contrary to his assertions — undo the Paris Agreement,” she told French radio station RTL.

Delayed Chancellor Angela Merkel’s government will hammer out the final details of a delayed climate plan in the coming days so it can be presented at global climate talks in Morocco next week, her spokesman said on Wednesday. Economy Minister Sigmar Gabriel, leader of the Social Democrats (SPD) who share power with Merkel’s conservatives, blocked a deal late on Tuesday on the plan that aims to reduce the country’s CO2 emissions by 55 percent by 2030. “It was jointly agreed that in the next few days a deal should be reached,” said Merkel’s spokesman Steffen Seibert. The plan sets out how Europe’s biggest economy expects to move away from fossil fuels and meet its objective of cutting CO2 emissions by 95 percent by 2050. It would implement pledges made by Germany as part of a global climate treaty agreed in Paris in September. Gabriel’s unexpected veto came after concerns were raised about the

planned exit from brown coal in Europe’s biggest economy expressed by a mining union. An economy ministry spokeswoman said it was important to Gabriel to achieve ambitious climate and energy policies that also took into account modernisation, economic growth and job security. Environment Minister Barbara Hendricks is due to take part in global climate talks in Marrakesh next week. German trade union IG BCE, with the support of the large BDI industry group, raised concerns about a commission included in the plans that was to focus on Germany’s exit from brown coal. Calls have grown for Germany to set out a timetable for a withdrawal from coal in power production. A draft seen by Reuters did not include a timetable for phasing out the production of brown coal but Gabriel has said he expects it to remain in use through 2040.

Also: HONG KONG: British primatologist and renowned environmentalist Jane Goodall said Thursday that those who care for the planet would have to work harder in response to Donald Trump’s shock US presidential election victory. The maverick billionaire, who defied polls on Tuesday with a win that has triggered protests in major cities across the country, has long worried environmentalists with his stance on climate change. “The people who say climate change doesn’t exist, which Donald Trump says, this is so frightening,” the 82-year-old Goodall told AFP when asked about Trump’s victory at an event in Hong Kong. “Those of us who care, one, must never give up and, two, we have to work even harder,” she said. “What’s going to happen to all the progress we’ve made in the United States? I don’t know.” Goodall, who has studied chimpanzees for over 50 years, is best known for rolling with the primates in the African wild and revealing the apes’ true nature as never before.

Bigger On Monday, the full Moon’s relative proximity should make it appear about 14 percent bigger and 30 percent brighter than at its furthest orbit point, according to the Irish Astronomical Association (IAA). “Because the Earth/Moon system will be getting quite close to the time of year when it is closest to the Sun (January 4, 2017), the Moon will be receiving more sunlight than average, also boosting its apparent brightness.” Furthermore, the Moon’s position in the sky will mean its southern hemisphere, the brighter of the two, will be turned towards Earth, said the IAA. Without foreknowledge, one might barely notice that the Moon appears brighter than usual, astronomers say. Once it is high in the sky, it would be hard to tell that the Moon is larger. But on the horizon, it could be quite spectacular. Lying low, as a backdrop to trees or buildings for context, our satellite appears larger to the human eye despite being the same size the whole night. Supermoons are actually quite common – there is one every 14 months on average. “But some supermoons are more super than others,” said Pascal Descamps of the Paris Observatory – the closer the Earth the more so.

Discovery Farmers look to science: Under the scorching Zimbabwean sun, cattle seek shade among stunted thorn bushes in the drought-prone district of Zaka, where crops wither due toincreasing temperatures and changing weather patterns. Severe lack of rain across southern Africa has hit the country hard, with government officials saying a quarter of the population faces starvation. Many villagers are forced to survive on wild fruit. Maize, the country’s traditional staple crop, has suffered a series of poor harvests. Late rains this year again wrecked the planting season, and the little that is growing has often been destroyed by heat. It may not help the immediate crisis, but science is providing a glimmer of hope for smallholder maize farmers in Zimbabwe. The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center – known by its Spanish acronym CIMMYT under its director general Martin Kropff – is conducting trials in Zaka on hybrid maize seeds adapted

to tackle drought and high temperatures. The seeds are developed to survive dry conditions with 60 percent less water than normal and in temperatures of up to 35 degrees C (95 degrees F), according to CIMMYT researchers. Like many farmers in the region who rely on maize produce, Chavizha has been forced to survive on food handouts as his crops have been reduced to dried husks.

Magorokosho

Kropff

Maize meal crops are ground and turned into mealie meal, used to make porridge and other food, but the El Nino-induced drought has wrecked arable fields, grazing pastures and water sources. The drought scourge is high on the agenda at UN COP22 climate talks in Morocco, where world leaders and experts are discussing how to implement the landmark Paris Agreement that was signed last year. The pact aims to cap global warming at below two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees F), compared with pre-industrial levels. Once referred to as the breadbasket of Africa, Zimbabwe used to be an exporter of maize, but now aid organisations say the country requires about two million metric tonnes a year to feed itself. Cosmos Magorokosho, a senior scientist and maize breeder at CIMMYT, said the ultimate goal of hybrids was to help farmers develop long-term sustainable agriculture. (AFP)

Gregoire Courtine, a neuroscientist at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (EPFL) which led the work, cautioned that there are major challenges ahead and “it may take several years before this intervention can become a therapy for humans.” Publishing their results in the journal Nature on Wednesday, the team said the interface works by decoding brain activity linked to walking movements and relaying that to the spinal cord – below the injury – through electrodes that stimulate neural pathways and activate leg muscles. In bypassing the injury and restoring communication between the brain and the relevant part of the spinal cord, the scientists successful treated two rhesus monkeys each with one leg paralysed by a partial spinal cord lesion. One of the monkeys regained some use of its paralysed leg within the first week after injury, without training, both on a treadmill and on the ground, while the other took around two weeks to recover to the same point.

Encode “We developed an implantable, wireless system that operates in realtime and enabled a primate to behave freely, without the constraint of tethered electronics,” said Courtine. “We understood how to extract brain signals that encode flexion and extension movements of the leg with a mathematical algorithm. We then linked the decoded signals to the stimulation of specific hotspots in the spinal cord that induced the walking movement.” The brain and spinal cord can adapt and recover from small injuries, but until now that ability has been far too limited to overcome severe damage. Other attempts to repair spinal cords have focused on stem cell therapy and on combinations of electrical and chemical stimulation of the cord. Independent experts not directly involved in this work said it was an important step towards a potential future where paralysed people may be able to walk again. Simone Di Giovanni, a specialist in restorative neuroscience at Imperial College London, said EPFL’s results were “solid, very promising and exciting” but would need to be tested further in more animals and in larger numbers. “In principle this is reproducible in human patients,” he said. “The issue will be how much this approach will contribute to functional recovery that impacts on the quality of life. This is still very uncertain.” ❑

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Scientists in Britain have developed a type of HIV test using a USB stick that can give a fast and highly accurate reading of how much virus is in a patient’s blood. The device, created by scientists at Imperial College London and the privately-held US firm DNA Electronics, uses a drop of blood to detect HIV, then creates an electrical signal that can be read by a computer, laptop or handheld device. The researchers say the technology, although still in the early stages, could allow patients to regularly monitor their virus levels in a similar way to diabetes patients checking their blood sugar levels. It could be particularly useful in remote settings to help HIV patients manage their treatment more effectively, since current tests to detect virus levels take at least three days and involve sending a blood sample to a laboratory. “Monitoring viral load is crucial to the success of HIV treatment. At the moment, testing often requires costly and complex equipment that can take a couple of days to produce a result,” said Graham Cooke, who co-led the research from the Imperial’s department of medicine.

Lat/Am films go easy on the edgy

Film

‘Erdmann’, ‘Elle’ join war-themed entries from Europe LOS ANGELES, Nov 10, (RTRS): Trying to identify thematic patterns in the submissions for the foreign-language Oscars is harder than detecting “notes of loam, peach and toast” in a bottle of Chardonnay — you tend to wonder whether any of it is real or if it’s all about showing off. Usually there’s one exception to the rule for European entries, and 2016’s choices don’t buck the trend: World War II. Not just the Holocaust, that perennial monstrous evergreen whose unfathomable horrors are somehow thought to be perfect big-screen fodder, usually by diehard sentimentalists with no grasp of a genocide’s profundity (although both “Ida” and “Son of Saul” blew that axiom out of the water). This year basically only Andrei Konchalovsky’s “Paradise” deals full on with the Holocaust, making it a probable candidate for at least the short list, but the World War II still features aplenty in the nominees. In general though, the 2016 titles most likely to make it to the home stretch defy easy categorization, especially when two of the top contenders have been summarized respectively, but not respectfully, as a German comedy (“Toni Erdmann”) and a “rape-comedy” (“Elle”). Given that the last two years have seen WWII-themed films win the top prize (the aforementioned “Ida” and “Son of Saul”), it’s not surprising that the conflict should continue to figure large in the nominations. Besides “Paradise”, which received a mixed critical reception in Venice, there’s Denmark’s “Land of Mine”, Martin Zandvliet’s well-received drama that opened Toronto’s new competition “Platform” section. Scandinavia as a whole seems to be on a 1940s kick (at least when it comes to Oscar submissions), with Norway’s entry “The King’s Choice”, directed by Erik Poppe, focusing on the nation’s wartime monarch Haakon VII and his resistance to the Nazi occupa-

tion. Less likely to make it beyond the longlist is Macedonia’s “The Liberation of Skopje”, directed by father-son duo Rade and Danilo Serbedzija, and Austria’s handsome but narratively messy “Stefan Zweig: Farewell to Europe”, with Maria Schrader at the helm. Lest anyone be lulled into thinking the war is a largely European concern, let’s not forget that 2016 US productions didn’t neglect the global conflagration either, most notably Mel Gibson’s “Hacksaw Ridge” and Robert Zemeckis’ likely Oscar contender “Allied”, which opens Nov 23.

Navigate When it comes to war though, it’s not all about the World War II, especially in East European cinema, which continues to examine more recent, local battle scars. Unsurprisingly, this is especially true for countries part of or the former Yugoslavia: Croatia has submitted “On the Other Side”, directed by Zrinko Ogresta, and Kosovo has debuting helmer Faton Bajraktari’s “Home Sweet Home”. Far more likely to make it at least through the first cut is Danis Tanovic’s finely lensed, narratively dense “Death in Sarajevo”, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina. In many ways a summation of the director’s thoughts on his country’s unhealed wounds, the film relies on a well-informed audience’s ability to navigate through the complex currents of 20th century Yugoslav history (while recognizing the satirical dig at media darling Bernard-Henri Levy), and as such may be seen as too localized for the average Academy voter. Also focused on regional conflict is Georgia’s entry “House of Others”, by debuting director Rusudan Glurjidze, and we could add to the list Portugal’s “Letters From War”, directed by Ivo M. Ferreira, which deals with the nation’s colonial wars in Africa.

The year 2016 isn’t exactly overflowing with unmissable movies from Latin America. This despite producing, on a steady and annual basis, some of the most interesting cinema anywhere. So it might be wise to tamp down expectations that this year’s roster of films (14 total) submitted for consideration for the foreign-language Oscar will produce some kind of world-beater. There’s always the tricky consideration that what might be terrific cinema isn’t the right strategic pick for a given country’s industry reps to submit to the Academy. Take, for example, three strong, uncompromising, sometimes even brilliant films: two from Argentina, Eduardo Williams’ “The Human Surge” and Nele Wohlatz’s “The Future Perfect” and one from Mexico, Amat Escalante’s “Untamed”. These films may have dazzled crowds, juries, and critics at major festivals, but none were submitted, and it’s possible these movies’ wild, and wildly experimental strokes wouldn’t play well with the Academy’s foreign-language committee’s still-conservative tastes. Two films are in the contenders conversation: Pablo Larrain’s “Neruda” from Chile and Jonas Cuaron’s Mexican border thriller, “Desierto”, both starring Gael Garcia Bernal. Larrain’s account of how poetpolitician Pablo Neruda eluded a manhunt foisted by his right-wing foes is ambiguous to the end about whether its poet hero just may be a scoundrel (or that its fascist cop, played by Bernal, may be a good guy after all). Cuaron’s movie is essentially an elaborate chase sequence stretched to feature length. More exciting is rising Venezuelan filmmaker Lorenzo Vigas’ “From Afar”, Venice’s 2015 Golden Lion winner.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

Features

Variety

Hailee Steinfeld (right), a cast member in ‘Edge of Seventeen’, turns back for photographers at a special screening of the film at the Regal LA LIVE theaters on Nov 9, in Los Angeles. (AP)

Film ‘Salesman’, ‘Idol’ strong contenders in foreign Oscar race LOS ANGELES: Marvel-Disney’s “Doctor Strange” will again dominate the post-election box office with at least $40 million, easily topping openings by Paramount’s sci-fi film “Arrival” and Universal’s comedy “Almost Christmas”. The new titles are expected to battle for third place with as much as $15 million each while EuropaCorp’s Naomi Watts thriller “Shut In” is pegged for an opening of about $7 million. DreamWorks Animation’s second weekend of “Trolls” should come in second with about $20 million. “Doctor Strange” opened above expectations last weekend in the US with $85 million, then added on $6.2 million on Monday and $7.7 million on Tuesday. The Benedict Cumberbatch vehicle has also performed impressively internationally with more than $240 million in two weeks. “Trolls”, handled by Fox, generated a solid opening weekend with $46.6 million domestically and tacked on $2.5 million on Monday. The cartoon comedy has gone past $100 million internationally after a mid-October launch. Alien-arrival saga “Arrival”, directed by Denis Villenueve (“Sicario”) and starring Amy Adams as a linguistics expert, will be playing at approximately 2,200 locations. Paramount is forecasting a launch in the low-to-mid teens — comparable to last fall’s $15 million opening of Steven Spielberg’s “Bridge of Spies”, which wound up with $72 million by the end of its run. (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑ LOS ANGELES: Gillian Jacobs is set to star opposite Adam DeVine and Jeffrey Tambor in Disney’s family comedy “Magic Camp”. “Mean Girls” helmer Mark Waters is attached to direct. The story follows DeVine’s character, who is pulled out of retirement by his former mentor, and returns as a counselor to the magic camp of his youth, hoping to reignite his career. Instead, he finds inspiration in his ragtag group of rookie magicians. Tambor will play Roy Preston, the mentor and owner of the magic camp. Jacobs plays Devine’s former partner. Suzanne Todd is attached to

Mideast grows more competitive LOS ANGELES, Nov 10, (RTRS): With submissions helmed by a former foreign-language Oscar winner (Iran’s Asghar Farhadi) and a two-time nominee (Palestine’s Hany Abu-Assad), Middle Eastern titles look to be more competitive than ever in the foreignlanguage film category. While the lineup includes some films that premiered at major events such as Sundance and Cannes, all the 11 regional entries have screened in multiple smaller festivals and have nabbed many awards. The list also includes the first-ever submission from Yemen, the stark, fact-based drama, “I Am Nojoom, Age 10 and Divorced”, from the country’s first female helmer, Khadija Al-Salami, who is the press and cultural attache at Yemen’s French Embassy. Even discounting any alumni effect, the two strongest contenders are Farhadi’s “The Salesman” and AbuAssad’s “The Idol”. “The Salesman” commands attention for shining a revealing light on the complexities and contradictions of contemporary Iranian society while taking on issues of gender, class, justice, and personal honor. Although not as audacious or fresh as Farhadi’s 2012 Oscar winner, “A Separation”, which “Salesman” resembles in many ways, the constantly evolving storyline takes advantage of situational suspense to ratchet up tension from scene to scene as new details emerge that change the tale’s moral perspective and viewers’ sympathies. Will the third time be a charm for Abu-Assad, whose pics “Paradise Now” (2005) and “Omar” (2013), were both shortlisted? “The Idol” couldn’t be more different from those two serious dramas about the Israeli- Palestinian conflict. Both tear-jerker and crowd-pleaser, it hits “Slumdog Millionaire” buttons as it follows the true-life trajectory of spunky Mohamad Assaf from pint-sized Gaza wedding singer to “Arab Idol” winner.

Bets While “The Salesman” and “The Idol” represent the region’s best bets for an Oscar nomination, there are a number of dark horse titles that could nab a spot on the shortlist of nine. Among them is Mohamed Diab’s harrowing sophomore feature “Clash”. The action takes place in July 2013, in the midst of riots pitting Egypt’s pro-military supporters against the then-ruling Muslim Brotherhood and unfolds almost entirely within the

produce, with production scheduled to begin in early December in and around Los Angeles. Gabe Sachs and Jeff Judah are exec producing. Dan Gregor and Doug Mand wrote the most recent draft of the screenplay. Steve Martin had penned a previous draft when he was attached to play the mentor role, but he is no longer involved

claustrophobic confines of a police van packed to bursting with detainees supporting opposite sides, including activists, journalists, and mere bystanders. This clever construct allows Diab to explore his country’s divided, post-revolution society in a non-judgmental way by highlighting the characters’ common humanity. This year’s submission “Sand Storm”, helmed by feature debutant Elite Zexer, represents the country’s first entry that has nothing to do with Israel’s Jewish population. Powerfully shot and performed, the poignant story centers on a mother and daughter in a Bedouin village who are trapped by patriarchy and tradition. Saudi Arabia’s second-ever submission, the independently financed “Barakah Meets Barakah” is a smart, charming, and bittersweet tale about the kingdom’s millennial generation and its take on the social and political restrictions that stand in the way of meeting and mingling with the opposite sex. It uses acerbic humor to provide an insightful look at a time and place where traditions and laws clash with the modern world of smartphones and social media. The relative lack of comedies in the foreign-language film category and the exoticism of a film from a country where public cinema-going barely exists could provide an extra edge for director Mahmoud Sabbagh’s scrappy debut. Even more unique is Iraq’s great-looking “El Clasico”, a touching tale about dreaming big from Norway-based Kurdish helmer Halkawt Mustafa. It’s a road movie that follows two brothers who travel from their remote Kurdistan village to Madrid in order to present a pair of handmade shoes to Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo. Although less competitive as Oscar fare, the remaining Middle Eastern titles make for strong festival fodder as they provide social issues commentary or provocatively treat traumatic historical events. From Jordan, Mai Masri’s “3000 Nights” is a gripping drama of injustice centering on Palestinian political prisoners in Israel. Lebanon’s cynical, blackly comic thriller “Very Big Shot”, helmed by Mir-Jean Bou Chaaya, follows three criminally inclined brothers as they progress from drug-dealing to movie producing to politics. “A Mile in My Shoes”, from Morocco’s Said Khallaf, examines the background of a Casablanca street criminal, while Algeria’s tense “The Well”, from longtime producer-

with the project. Jacobs received rave reviews for her role in the Netflix series “Love”, which recently wrapped production on its second season. She also recently given glowing reviews her indie pic “Don’t Think Twice.” (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑ Watts

Jacobs

NEW YORK: Legendary actor

turned-helmer Lotfi Bouchouchi, unfolds in a remote village during the Algerian war of independence.

Identify Heavily English-speaking regions can be wild cards in the foreign-language Oscar race, entering films one might not immediately identify as being from the region at all. The United Kingdom is among the least predictable entrants: Following last year’s thoroughly indigenous Welsh-language submission of “Under Milk Wood”, the British selectors looked further afield, entering Brit-Iranian helmer Babak Anvari’s Persianlanguage, Tehran-set horror film “Under the Shadow”, which caused a critical stir at Sundance this year. Mixing traditional white-knuckler tropes with sharp political subtext, this auspicious debut feature is a fresh, adventurous choice — though it’ll have to overcome the branch’s usual aversion to its genre. Also venturing far from home with a Middle-Eastern outlook, New Zealand selectors took a chance by opting for Pietra Brettkelly’s documentary “A Flickering Truth”, which examines film archivist Ibrahim Arify’s restorative work in Afghanistan following the culturally destructive influence of the Taleban. Though it was warmly received in Venice, it’s nonetheless a niche item that faces an additional hurdle: voters have only once nominated a doc in the category before. New Zealand’s neighbor Australia went beyond borders by picking festival hit “Tanna”, the first film shot entirely in the language of small South Pacific nation Vanuatu. A gorgeously lensed “Romeo and Juliet”style tale of two young lovers eloping against their tribal elders’ wishes, it could impress voters with its mix of universal and culturally unfamiliar elements. Even Canada’s submission, “It’s Only the End of the World”, though in the second national language of French, avoids a domestic milieu. A third bite at the Oscar cherry for divisive 27-year-old enfant terrible Xavier Dolan, this high-pitched dysfunctional family drama sets its ensemble of major Gallic stars — including Marion Cotillard and Vincent Cassel — in a geographically indeterminate area of France. Critics at Cannes were largely unimpressed, but Dolan had the last laugh when he scooped the Grand Jury Prize.

and producer Kirk Douglas has received an early 100th birthday present — an award from the World Jewish Congress for his strong support for Israel including starring in the first Hollywood feature film shot in the newly established nation. Ronald Lauder, the organization’s president, said Douglas, who was born Issur Danielovitch

on Dec 9, 1916, was “always proud of his Jewish roots.” He pointed to Douglas’ starring roles as a Holocaust survivor in the 1953 movie “Juggler” which was filmed in Israel and as Jewish US Army Col David “Mickey” Marcus, who helped save the Jewish state in 1948, in the 1966 movie “Cast A Giant Shadow.” (AP)

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

NEWS/FEATURES

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People & Places Film ‘Sea’ crew had specific moods

‘Arrival’ lumbers, and that’s not just aliens By Mark Kennedy t turns out that when space aliens do eventually arItraveled rive on Earth — and, wouldn’t you know it, they all that way without bothering to learn any of our languages beforehand? — we won’t need any fancy high-tech gizmos with LED screens to communicate. All we’ll need is a simple whiteboard and a black marker to break the intergalactic ice and say “hi.” That’s among some of the hard-to-swallow premises of “Arrival”, a sluggish, naturalistic meditation on loss and time that also happens to have lumbering spidery, squid-like aliens who arrive in a spacecraft that resemble massive watermelon seeds. The film tries to straddle the line between serious sci-fi that examines Big Ideas (like “Solaris”) and the kind of popcorn-munching, go-getthose-slimy-critters summer blockbusters (hello, “Independence Day”). It doesn’t always succeed and ends on such a muddled philosophical note that you may need the whiteboard back for a quick explanation to be mapped out. Amy Adams stars as linguist Dr Louise Banks — “the top of Adams everyone’s list when it comes to translations” — who is enlisted by the military to help communicate with one of 12 alien ships that suddenly appear on Earth, silent and eerie. (Wait, they’re shy?) She’s aided by an admirable Jeremy Renner, a theoretical physicist, who nicely doesn’t end up being smarmy and condescending. Forest Whitaker plays a grim military leader trying to protect the pair’s work despite pressure from upstairs to bomb the aliens into calamari.

Los Angeles police officers stand by the Hollywood star for Donald Trump on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, on Nov 9, in Los Angeles. Officials hope to unveil Trump’s repaired star as soon possible now that he’s elected president. The star remains blocked off and covered in plywood two weeks after a protester was arrested for taking a sledgehammer to it. The man was charged with felony vandalism. (AP)

Film

Turmoil Adams, whose character is reeling from personal turmoil, delivers a heart-wrenchingly beautiful performance using her ability to communicate a half-dozen emotions just standing still. Wonder, sorrow and anguish are written all over her face. But director Denis Villeneuve (“Sicario”) sometimes gets lost in repetition and blind alleys, causing the inherent tautness of the story to go slack. Why do we spend so much time in a shaft inside the alien’s ship? How many times must we watch Adams trudge off to be decontaminated? The plot is based on Ted Chiang’s “Story of Your Life” and adapted by Eric Heisserer. The leap to the screen has been benefited by the slow reveal of the aliens, a gorgeous sequence in which we follow a helicopter to a landing site and the nifty way the filmmakers show the aliens’ visual language, which resembles stains on a coffee table made by a perspiring beer pint. (It brings new meaning to Banks’ statement, “Language is messy.”) Once communication has been made — actually, that whiteboard seems less impressive when we learn the aliens had telepathic powers all along — the real bad guys end up being that old faceless movie punching bag: The military. The film virtually goes off the rails at this point as tanks and guns pointed from by-the-book soldiers threaten to undo the good will. Whether the aliens are peaceful or malevolent — are they offering a tool or a weapon? — turns this tale into another run-of-the-mill alien invasion yarn. The ghostly music by Johann Johannsson — with an assist by Max Richter — is truly a thoughtful soundscape, and the film’s inherent stillness is nicely broken by the military’s engines of war, which threaten communication in more ways than one. But perhaps the biggest problem with “Arrival” is that first contact has already clearly been made — to Steven Spielberg and his masterful “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” Whether subconsciously or as an overt nod to the master, Villeneuve echoes Spielberg’s use of edgy soldiers and his heroes sleeplessly obsessing about alien communication, right down to using clay models and kids’ drawings. Both films even share the image of backlit aliens speaking to humans while in a cloud of fog. So, with all due respect to “Arrival,” rent that 1977 film instead.

Also: LOS ANGELES: For editor Jennifer Lame, reading Kenneth Lonergan’s “Manchester by the Sea” met her high expectations. “I’ve been a fan of his for a long time and went in with such high hopes, which always leads to some amount of disappointment, but after reading it, it met them and more. I loved it.” After receiving news that his older brother Joe (Kyle Chandler) has died, Lee (Casey Affleck) takes leave from his job as a janitor in Boston to return to his home town of Manchester-by-the-Sea where he finds out he’s become the sole guardian of his nephew Patrick (Lucas Hedges) and is forced to confront the past that separated him from his wife, Randi (Michelle Williams), and the town he left behind. When we first meet Lee it’s not clear why his demeanor is rather stoic, unapologetic, and somewhat poignant. His personal tragedy is revealed through a parallel story of chronological flashbacks that informs viewers about his reluctance to return to the community where he was born and raised. “The structure is interesting because you don’t find out what happens to Lee until halfway through the film,” says the editor. “The flashbacks made this story so unique and different I was nervous how they would translate on screen because they were so beautifully written.” Instead of using a visual device to cue the audience when the narrative was weaving from past to present, they moved in and out without notice. “The whole idea that everything has to be explained ad nauseam can wreck your material,” says Lonergan, who also directed the film. “I’m not interested in creating mystery or confusion for its own sake, but you have to follow your instincts on what has resonance and assume the audience is going to go along with you.” Lame played scenes typically longer than normal to create uneasiness around Lee. It rooted a subtle authenticity to his character. “As an editor you want to move things along so the audience doesn’t get bored, but the unorthodox pacing in the beginning of this movie serves the second half so well. We were finetuning and carefully crafting each scene so that every moment would impact the story. Showing Lee in these spaces like this allows the audience to see him interacting in a slightly off way.” To create the dynamics between Lee and Randi, the editor used a less-is-more approach. “Everything to them is extremely painful,” Lame says.

Trump victory stuns Hollywood

Celebs express dismay, hope

Indian Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan poses during the launch of ‘SRK 25 Years Of A Life’ by Samar Khan, in Mumbai on Nov 9. (AFP)

Variety LOS ANGELES: Brad Pitt took to the red carpet at a fan event for his latest film “Allied” in Los Angeles on Wednesday, hours after he was cleared of child abuse allegations and applied for shared custody of his children with Angelina Jolie. Pitt, 52, had kept a low profile after the Hollywood power couple, dubbed Brangelina, split suddenly in September following an incident on a private plane in which Pitt was reported to have lost his temper in front of one or more of the children. But Pitt resumed press obligations this week for espionage war thriller “Allied”. On Wednesday he attended a fan event alongside his co-star Marion Cotillard and director Robert Zemeckis, answering a few questions during a Facebook live stream hosted by movie studio Paramount Pictures. “I don’t know much about the espionage world and what it took to get behind enemy lines and to plant your characters, so that was really interesting,” Pitt said of the film, which will be in theaters on Nov 23. The actor plays Canadian army officer Max Vartan, who goes undercover in Casablanca during World War Two, paired up with Cotillard’s lively French spy Marianne Beausejour, to assassinate a German Nazi ambassador. While the pair flawlessly play a happily wedded couple during their undercover stint, they soon find themselves falling in love for real. But Marianne’s alliances are called into question. Parts of “Allied” echo Pitt’s 2005 spy action movie “Mr & Mrs Smith” in which he and Jolie teamed up on screen to play a married couple that keep their espionage lives secret from each other until they’re ordered to assassinate one another. Jolie and Pitt started dating shortly after filming the movie. On Wednesday a source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Pitt fully cooperated in a comprehensive inquiry in a child welfare case by the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services, which found no wrongdoing on his part. Pitt was only asked questions related to the film during the live stream interview, from his favorite Zemeckis movie to his grasp of the French language, which he was required to speak in parts of “Allied.” (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑

NEW YORK: The impending presidency of Donald Trump is already helping his books sell. Trump’s breakthrough best-seller from the 1980s, “The Art of the Deal,” and his campaign work “Great Again” were on Amazon.com’s “Movers & Shakers” list Wednesday of books making the biggest jumps on the best-seller list. “The Art of the Deal” soared from No. 1,107 to No. 24 and “Great Again” from 5,340 to 172. J.D. Vance’s “Hillbilly Elegy” also was attracting strong interest after Trump’s upset victory Tuesday over Hillary Clinton. Vance’s memoir about his white workingclass family in rural Ohio, a key part of Trump’s winning coalition, was No. 2 as of midday Wednesday. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑

LOS ANGELES, Nov 10, (AP): Donald Trump’s election stunned many, including celebrities who overwhelmingly supported Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton. Here’s how some of them reacted to his victory: ■ “Canada has just started building a wall.” — Comedian Ricky Gervais. ■ “Great faith in God works. Mr @ realDonaldTrump I’m proud to call you President of the United States of America. And First Lady @melaniatrump.” — Actor Scott Baio. ■ “Never before have so many Americans been asked to accept a President who specifically targeted them with hate and suspicion” — Singer-songwriter John Legend. ■ “Just was watching the news... maybe they’ll ask me to sing ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ at the inauguration, ha!” — Mick Jagger. ■ “I will never give up on this. I will spend my life fighting for girls to be seen, heard, & valued. Beware a redhead #nastywomenkeepfighting” — Actress Jessica Chastain. ■ “We are staring into the face of our darkest self America. Why does it have to have a dyed combover??” — Actress Connie Britton. ■ “Anyone else wanna puke?” — Actress Kristen Bell. ■ “I need to wake up early and buy tons of stock in a wall building company! And logs! And metal! And levelers!” — Writer-director Judd Apatow. ■ “Our President-elect gave a gracious acceptance speech this AM, making clear what a great leader he will be. It is morning in America again!” — Actor James Woods. ■ “I can’t stop thinking about the millions of Mexicans that live and work in the US and are awaking today in a country where Trump is president” — Actor-director Diego Luna. ■ “I am scared. I will fight. Trump will not crush my spirit. Hope fuels the fire in my belly to seek the change I want to see in this country.” — Actress Gabrielle Union. ■ “Happy hippies, we adjust, and we accept everyone for who they are. So, Donald Trump, I accept you. And this hurts to say, but I even accept you as a President of the United States. And that’s fine. That’s fine, because now I want to be a hopeful hippie.” — Singer Miley Cyrus in a tearful two-minute video. ■ “This new president has a lot of work ahead of himself to heal the divide, I wish him well. For the sake of our beautiful country. Not the blue states. Not the red states, but for The United States of America.” — Actressproducer Eva Longoria. ■ “It’s a tough time. It’s a real sobering moment, I think, for the country. It was really disheartening to see, all of a sudden, the pride that people have for this country just sort of dwindle down to a deep, deep sadness. But there’s still so much to be done. There’s so much pain and things that need to be fixed.” — Singer and stage actress Deborah Cox, in an interview.

H’wood liberals big losers

Entertainment lost power to unite? nicator and even a mass leveler. Whether or not Hollywood is always producing “art” is, of course, up for spirited and constant debate. But it’s a given that we have to believe in entertainment’s power to communicate, unite, and produce joy, whether it’s through a punch line or a fade to black. Today, that power seems rather diminished. Despite the entertainment industry’s almost unanimous repudiation of both the candidate’s character and his policies, Donald Trump is now president-elect of the United States. The news is shocking, not just because polls largely didn’t predict it or because Trump is such a divisive and controversial figure. Nearly everyone with a mouthpiece, from newspapers to late-night comedians, came out either against Trump’s politics or in support of Hillary Clinton’s. Shows like “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” and “Last Week With John Oliver” practically revolved around excoriating Trump; on “Saturday Night Live”, “The Late Show With Stephen Colbert” and even “The View”, Trump and his wife, Melania, were impersonated ruthlessly. The casts of current shows like “Scandal” and long-gone shows like “Will & Grace” came together to endorse the Democratic nominee; stars like Jennifer Lopez did ad spots in battleground states; and celebrities used their Twitter accounts to vocally engage in a campaign against Trump. Even aging rock stars Bruce Springsteen

and Jon Bon Jovi came together to play a concert for Clinton, as did Beyonce and Jay Z. Unless, as a voter, you were a Jon Voight superfan or a die-hard Scott Baio devotee, it is highly unlikely that anyone whose pop culture you appreciate endorsed, supported, or even tolerated Trump. Because Trump was a reality television star — and because Trump manipulates the media, to this day, with the skills and logic of a reality television star — much has been made, in this election cycle, about how television paved the way for Trump’s rise to success and facilitated his ability to win so much without a significant organized ground game. There’s an interesting conversation to be had there, one that considers the standards and practices of cable news as traditional print media diminishes in power and the peculiar weaknesses of 24hour news. At the same time, though, if television had more power, we probably would be seeing a Clinton presidency. In addition to the outpouring of celebrity support for Clinton, Hollywood has been fascinated with the Clintons for decades — dissecting the political power couple in shows like “The Good Wife” and movies like “The American President,” while imagining a female president in shows like “Veep” and movies like “The Contender.” Among the big losers in Tuesday night’s election are the selfimportant Hollywood liberals who unsuccessfully tried to push their values and their candidate, Clinton, down the throats of average Americans, Greg Gutfeld declared in a Fox News commentary Wednesday.

■ “Dear God Please let Ruth Bader Ginsburg live to be 120.” — Actorcomedian Albert Brooks. ■ “Bullying can’t be allowed. Sexism can’t be allowed. Racism can’t be allowed. Homophobia can’t be tolerated. Become activists. Prepare for the next cycle. If senators and congressmen stay the obstructionist they’ve become vote them out. This is our country.” — Actress Octavia Spencer. ■ “Has SNL just thrown all their money at Alec Baldwin yet? This is gonna be a long 4 years.” — Model Chrissy Teigen. ■ “We survived 8 years of Bush. We can survive 2-1/2 years of Trump. Laugh at the darkness and go easy on yourselves, okay?” — Comedian Patton Oswalt. ■ “At least pot’s legal.” — Actorproducer Seth MacFarlane, reacting to voters legalizing recreational mari-

juana use in California, Massachusetts and Nevada. In Washington and Los Angeles, entertainment industry donors and lobbyists were trying to grasp the reality of a Donald Trump presidency. The industry, from studio chiefs to A-list stars to some union reps, had placed its bet on Hillary Clinton defeating Trump. “I was with Al Gore the night the Supreme Court took the presidency away from him. Never thought I could be more devastated. Until now,” Rob Reiner, who endorsed Clinton and raised money for her, tweeted. One campaign bundler, who did not want to be identified, described the mood in one word: “fear.” “The question is who did we elect? What is he going to do? What was the rhetoric and what was real?” the bundler said. “We’re going to find out.”

By Sonia Saraiya n the entertainment industry, one Ibeliefs of our core and usually unspoken is that art is a great commu-

LOS ANGELES: Abhijit Guha and Sudeshna Roy’s Bengali-language “The Song of Life” (“Beche thakar gaan”) will open the 22nd edition of the Kolkata international film festival. Kolkata is home to India’s largest Chinese population and this year the country in focus is China. Films screening as part of the focus include Peter Chan’s “American Dreams in China,” Diao Yinan’s “Black Coal, Thin Ice,” Raman Hui’s “Monster Hunt,” Dante Lam’s “To the Fore,” Jean-

Pitt

Jolie

Jacques Annaud’s “Wolf Totem,”, Jianqi Huo’s “Xuan Zang” and Han Yan’s “Go Away Mr Tumour”. The festival has an international competition for films directed by women, the jury for which is headed by Belgian director-producer Marion Hansel. The festival also has an international competition for Innovations in Moving Images. The jury is headed by Israeli filmmaker Dan Wolman (“From Israel with Love”). (RTRS)

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

NEWS/FEATURES

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TV German cult show still a hit

‘Mars’ series brings both drama & docu NEW YORK, Nov 10, (Agencies): The brave Daedalus crew of six is traveling to Mars. Their trip will take months. But once they land, their plan isn’t to grab some rocks and hurry back to Earth. They aim to make Mars home. Such is the saga of “Mars,” an innovative hybrid of drama and documentary premiering Monday at 9 pm EST on the National Geographic channel (with the first of its six weekly hours now available for free streaming ). The voyage takes place in 2033, but don’t take this saga as futuristic pie-in-the-sky. It’s worth noting that 2033 is just 17 years away and that, for many viewers, 1999 — just 17 years ago — seems pretty recent. Besides, this sci-fi odyssey is grounded in hard facts and scientific rigor, as reflected in the unscripted documentary sections clearly labeled “2016.” “Getting to Mars will be risky, dangerous, uncomfortable, but it’ll be the greatest adventure ever in human history,” says SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, among many farsighted “big thinkers” Musk heard from in the series who thinks there’s money as well as glory to be found in Mars colonization. But this is more than manifest destiny. Andy Weir, whose novel “The Martian” inspired the 2015 film of the same name, voices an even more compelling motivation: hedging earthly bets. “We need to go to Mars because it protects us from extinction,” he declares. “Mars” has brought together a number of collaborators. Besides its scientific consultants, the series claims director Everardo Gout, Justin Wilkes as showrunner and, among his fellow executive producers, Oscar-winning Ron Howard and Brian Grazer.

Actor Tom Cruise (left), and director Edward Zwick laugh at each other as they arrive for the Japan premiere of their latest film ‘Jack Reacher: Never Go Back’ in Tokyo, on Nov 9. (AP)

Music Drug mogul reveals Wu-Tang music to celebrate Trump

Highs, lows in Wayne’s memoir

Implies How in the world did the project come together? Initially, from conversations between various parties who each proposed “Let’s do Mars,” according to Grazer, “though at first we didn’t really know what we were doing. ‘Mars’ implies so much: It ignited some dream in each of us.” “The series was a balancing act,” says Howard. “It had a documentary component, which is always a question mark at the beginning. Then came fully scripting and shooting the drama, which was meant to take the ideas we were learning and personalizing them. We wanted to be as cinematic and propulsive as we could be, but verisimilitude was a grounding principle and an obligation.” “It’s in the zeitgeist right now,” says Wilkes. “There’s a lot of people thinking about Mars, and a lot of engineering and science being put into it, both on the private industry side and the public side.” Cut to 2033. “Some of us, if not all of us, will almost certainly die on this mission,” Ben Sawyer, Daedalus mission commander, reminds his crew. This may sound gloomy, but Ben Cotton, who plays Sawyer, hails astronauts as inherently upbeat. “It was interesting to jump into that perspective,” he says, “because as an actor you get trained to go toward the turmoil, the darker end of things. It was cool to be in that positive space.” “Astronauts are passionate, but they’re not crazy,” adds series consultant Mae C. Jemison, a former NASA astronaut who flew on the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992. “They’re dreamers and have great imaginations, but at the same time they’re very practical.” Jemison (to whom the producers paid homage by christening the Daedalus computer system the Mars Analytic Executor, or MAE) worked with producers, writers and cast to share her out-of-this-world experience. One tip: In the heat of the moment, don’t get hot and bothered. “When you’re working an emergency, that’s when you get calmer,” she advises. “If you shout over each other you’re dead, because you don’t know what’s going on.” As scripted, the mission (with Moroccan desert portraying Mars’ surface) is jammed with emergencies and casualties. “But in the series we are taking an overall optimistic view that this is something that humanity can do, should do, is doing and will do,” says Wilkes. “It’s the equivalent of the first Jamestown colony. History is repeating itself. It might not be easy and it might not be pretty, but we’re not giving up.” Wilkes reiterates a series message: Mother Earth won’t support us forever.

Find “In terms of the long game,” Wilkes says, “it seems like a pretty good bet that we should try to become interplanetary. But in the process maybe we’ll also find a way to get along with each other to do what we need to do on this planet.” Cynics might say that humans, well on our way to trashing Earth, simply mean to ditch it for a new world to waste. This series begs to differ. “It’s not that we’re just trying to escape our problems here,” says Wilkes. “We’re trying to use a Mars mission as a way of fixing our interrelationships on Earth.” Once upon a time, putting a man on the moon galvanized the nation. But when the “space race” was “won,” Americans lost interest. Today, an entrepreneurial spirit and boundless vision could revive a worldwide appetite for space travel. “I think popular opinion may be shifting,” says Howard. “I hope our show can help.” ❑ ❑ ❑ Cult crime show “Tatort” may be almost unknown outside Germany but the popular and realistic police series is about to celebrate its 1,000th episode. The programme has kept millions of German viewers engrossed since 1970 with families breaking off from dinner at 8:15 pm every Sunday and meeting friends at the pub to catch the latest episode of Germany’s most popular detective show. At a time when Netflix and Amazon Prime are eroding the business of traditional television broadcasters, viewership for “Tatort” (Crime Scene) peaked at 13.7 million last November. And 50 million Germans say they watch at least one episode a year, making it as much of a German TV staple as Bundesliga football matches. But unlike many modern cop shows, “Tatort” largely avoids gun battles, car chases and skirt-chasing super cops.

This cover image released by Plume shows, ‘Gone Til November’, a memoir by rapper Lil Wayne about his time in prison for gun possession. (AP)

Lee

Philippe

Variety LOS ANGELES: The director and star of the documentary “Why I’m Not on Facebook,” INvelop Entertainment CEO Brant Pinvidic, is set to release “Why I’m Not on Pokemon Go” on digital platforms on Nov 30. The short will be produced by Josh Klein and Garret Greco, and focuses on the smash hit app Pokemon Go, which this year became the most downloaded app in history. The film expands the “Why I’m Not On...” title and format, which INvelop and STX Entertainment are developing as a documentary series for 2017. Pinvidic sets out once again to understand a new phenomenon that has taken the world by storm, Pokemon Go. In the short, Pinvidic travels across the country, asking the big question to family members, diehard Pokemon trainers, and even celebrities — all in the name of better connecting with his own 13-year-old daughter. Pinvidic formed INvelop Entertainment earlier this year with an overall production deal with STX Entertainment. He previously served as president and CEO of 3 Ball Entertainment, where he exec produced such shows as “Bar Rescue” and “Extreme Weight Loss.” (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑

NEW YORK, Nov 10, (Agencies): As soon as Lil Wayne knew he was going to jail for gun possession, he mapped out his plan to survive. “There was, ‘OK, let’s get a plan together ... from when you go in ... and when you get out,’” the rapper said of his eight-month stint in New York City’s Rikers Island in 2010. What wasn’t intended was his book detailing his experience. The recently released “Gone ‘Til November” is based on his diary from his time inside prison. He writes about disillusionment, disputes between inmates and even a time when he officiated at a gay marriage. The 34-year-old was skeptical that people would be interested in his diaries. Then “my best friend Cortez (Bryant) told me: ‘You know, people want to know what you did every single day.’” Lil Wayne sat down with The Associated Press recently to talk about his experience. AP: Sean “Diddy” Combs and Kanye West visited you in jail. What did that mean to you? Lil Wayne: When I was there, actually talking to them during the visitation, they made it so real. ... They threw all the ‘Who’s in this room’ out of there. That was thrown out the window. They were like, ‘How you feeling? What are you going through? Do you need anything, like do you really need anything? Do your parents need anything?’ And then, I said the moment it hit me was going back up to the cell. AP: How did you get through it? Lil Wayne: It was due to the people around (me). When I say the people around me, I mean the prisoners, the guards. ... They took all the cliche (out) of whatever I thought it was gonna be, they took that and threw it right out the window. They made me feel like, for lack of a better word, to say like I was at home. And it was everybody. ... Nobody wants to be there, not even the guards. So when you come through there, for everybody to treat you the same. ... Whatever it was, it worked. AP: How did you keep your seizures under control? (He suffers from

epilepsy.) Lil Wayne: I was on my medicine. I had to take my medicine every single day, not that I don’t take my medicine. I guess I was just praying, and I guess God was with me, I don’t know. AP: What did it feel like to perform again after you were released? Lil Wayne: I’d say it was like, uh, being in an accident and losing ... feeling in your legs and they’re telling you (that) you’ll never walk again. And coming back eight months and running up. ... That’s how that felt. ❑ ❑ ❑ Donald Trump’s shock election victory has an unexpected beneficiary — curious fans of hip-hop greats the Wu-Tang Clan. Martin Shkreli, the brash pharmaceutical mogul who won wide opprobrium for massively hiking the price of a drug for HIV patients, made good — partially — on a promise to air his unique copy of a Wu-Tang Clan album if Trump won Tuesday’s election. Shkreli had bought “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin,” of which the New York rap ensemble made only one record, for $2 million. He promised last month to release the album and other artists’ unreleased music for free if Trump won, then considered a longshot by pollsters. The 33-year-old entrepreneur early Wednesday posted on Periscope videos of himself gloating about Trump’s victory as he walked into his Manhattan apartment and then played parts of the first two tracks of “Once Upon a Time in Shaolin.” The album, in line with the WuTang Clan’s work, opens with a dramatic introduction driven by strings, which Shkreli played with relish as he drank a can of Cherry Coke. Shkreli indicated that he could not play more for the moment. While he did not explain the reason, he has had a rocky relationship with the Wu-Tang Clan which said the sale was completed before Shkreli’s 5,000-percent rise in the price of the drug Daraprim last year. Shkreli, who is free as he faces allegations of securities fraud, also claimed on Twitter to have unreleased music by other top artists — The Bea-

LOS ANGELES: Ki Hong Lee, who stars in “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “The Maze Runner” movies, has joined Joey King and Ryan Phillippe in Broad Green’s horror thriller “Wish Upon.” Principal photography started on Nov 5 in Toronto. Elisabeth Rohm, Sherilyn Fenn, Alice Lee (“Son Of Zorn”) and newcomers Mitchell Slaggert and Josephine Langford have also been cast. King stars as a 17-year-old who, 12 years after discovering her mother’s suicide, is being bullied in high school, embarrassed by her manic, hoarder father (Ryan Phillippe) and ignored by her longtime crush. All that changes when her father comes home with an old music box whose inscription promises to grant its owner seven wishes — which seems perfect until the people closest to her begin dying in violent and elaborate ways after each wish. John Leonetti (“Annabelle”) is directing from a script by Barbara Marshall. Busted Shark’s Sherryl Clark (“Cloverfield”) is producing. Broad Green Pictures’ Gabriel Hammond and Daniel Hammond are executive producers. Phillippe and Rohm joined the cast on Nov 1. Mister Smith Entertainment is selling “Wish Upon” to buyers for the first time at this year’s American Film Market. (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑

to a rep for his son. He was 91. Kinberg was a Brooklyn native who attended the University of North Carolina. He served with the US Army in World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart and a Silver Star.

LOS ANGELES: Jud Kinberg, father of

American film director, producer, and screenwriter, Francis Ford Coppola speaks to the media during a press conference before receiving the Stockholm Lifetime Achievement Award during the Stockholm Film Festival on Nov 9, in Stockholm. (AFP)

Simon Kinberg and a producer of “Lust for Life” and “The Collector,” died on Nov 2 at his home in New York City, according

Kinberg began working in Hollywood under John Houseman, collaborating with him on films for MGM including “Julius Caesar” starring Marlon Brando; “Executive Suite” starring William Holden; “Her Twelve Men”, with Greer Garson and

tles, Radiohead, The Smiths, Elliott Smith, Jimi Hendrix, The Ramones and slain rap legend Tupac Shakur. The businessman voiced hatred for Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton who had sharply criticized him over the drug price hike, although Trump had also voiced concern about the move. Shkreli sat in front of an amplifier bearing a sticker of Clinton’s leftist primary rival Bernie Sanders, who had rejected a donation from the entrepreneur.

Also: NASHVILLE, Tenn: Rocker Gregg Allman has cancelled or rescheduled his shows for the rest of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 after a vocal cord injury. The 68-year-old musician said in a statement posted on his website Tuesday he’s taking several months off from touring so he can “focus on his health.” The statement said he’s been on the road for 45 years, but “it’s time for me to take some real time off to heal.” He also cancelled shows earlier this year due to a serious health issue and was scheduled to play several days this month in New York City, but those dates have been rescheduled for next summer. Allman has faced multiple health issues, including contracting hepatitis C and having a 2010 liver transplant. ❑ ❑ ❑ LOS ANGELES: Warner Bros has set Sept 28, 2018, as the release date for “A Star Is Born,” with Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper starring. Cooper will also helm the film, which will mark his directing debut. He will produce through his 22 and Green production company along with Jon Peters, Bill Gerber and Basil Iwanyk. The project, based on William Wellman’s 1937 film starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March, centers on a fading movie star who helps an aspiring actress while his own career spirals downward. James Mason and Judy Garland starred in a 1954 version and Barbra Streisand and Kris Kristofferson toplined the 1976 version. Robert Ryan; Vincente Minnelli’s “The Cobweb”, with Richard Widmark and Lauren Bacall; and “Lust for Life” starring Kirk Douglas as Vincent Van Gogh. Kinberg also produced the British psychological thriller “The Collector”, directed by William Wyler, and “The Magus,” starring Michael Caine. Kinberg also worked for ABC, Embassy, Michael Grade Productions, and Universal as a television executive and received an Emmy nomination for outstanding drama series for producing NBC’s “Quincy M.E.,” starring Jack Klugman. Kinberg wrote and produced the TV movie “To Catch a Killer.” (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑

LOS ANGELES: Film editor Anne V. Coates didn’t know much about erotic bondage before working on “Fifty Shades”, but even at nearly 90 years old, she felt the film should be sexier. “I fought strongly to get it more sexy,” Coates said in her enthusiastic lilt during a recent interview. “I had some great ideas. I wanted her wrapped up like a suitcase and hoisted up to the ceiling.” That adventurous spirit and love of film led Coates to become a sought-after editor for more than 60 years. An Oscar winner for editing 1962’s “Lawrence of Arabia,” Coates will receive a second statuette Saturday — an honorary Oscar for lifetime achievement — alongside actor Jackie Chan, casting director Lynn Stalmaster and documentarian Frederick Wiseman at the film academy’s eighth annual Governors Awards. (AP)

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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Both sides on display in new cookbook

Fieri, vegetable fan? Sure, Food Network star says NEW YORK, Nov 10, (AP): Of all the celebrity chefs out there, there’s one you’d least expect to sing the praises of spinach, kale and Brussels sprouts. That would be Guy Fieri. The spiky-haired champion of American comfort food is more associated with greasy chili dogs than salad, the fryer over the fig. But are you sure you know all the sides of this guy? “I’m a big greens fan. I’m a big vegetable fan. I’m a big whole grains fan. And I exercise a lot. That’s how I keep this petit dancer’s figure,” he said, laughing. “A lot of people misinterpret what I do.”

Restaurant

eats a burger maybe once a month, considers culinary innovator Jose Andres a hero, and says things like “I cannot get enough farro.” Both sides are on display in his new cookbook, “Guy Fieri Family Food “ (William Morrow), with recipes that range from Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza to Quick Cracked Bulgur Wheat Salad. It’s what his family eats, with tips on how to stretch leftovers into several meals. “It kind of moves all over the board,” said Fieri, who started with 200 recipes and whittled them down to 125. “It was a fullblown family project with everyone involved and picking what they liked and didn’t like.”

Fieri has built a food career on a certain amount of flash — a rock star image complete with tattoos and jewelry, a fleet of yellow muscle cars and high-octane dishes including Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese Burgers. But he’s also raised a family in the same Northern California house for the last 20 years,

Fieri broke into the mainstream after winning “The Next Food Network Star.” He went on to put his name on more than 30 restaurants across America and Mexico. His best-known Food Network show is “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives ,” where he celebrates small eateries that

Restaurants

make dishes from scratch. “I pick the restaurants and I pick the menu and I try to pick what they do best and I try to pick what is creative and exciting for people to see. But the last thing I really want to do is the 10-pound chili cheese fry overload,” he said. The show has created what’s called the Fieri Effect, a boost in restaurant revenues after he shows up. “I feel like the guy that gets to bring the Publisher’s Clearing House check to the door, you know?” he says. “It changes their lives. It’s not just giving them money. It’s giving them recognition.” But as much as Fieri is cheered by fans for his down-home approach to unfussy fare, he’s also dismissed by foody elites who find his manner brash and culinary skills lacking. The New York Times in 2012 had a scathing takedown of his Times Square restaurant, asking: “Is the entire restaurant a very expensive piece of conceptual art?” “I have to take the high road,” responds Fieri. “Everybody has their role in the food world

and what they choose to appreciate. I’m not a fine dining chef. I appreciate it. I think Thomas Keller is amazing,” he says. “But I really like where I’m at, I like what I do. I like how it makes people feel.” Fellow Food Network chef Alton Brown sees professional jealousy as Fieri the fuel of the anti-Fieri fire: “There are people who have plied their trade for a long time in the culinary world that might see a guy that won a food competition show and, all of a sudden, is a superstar. They resent that. They want to guard the turf and the purity of the turf.” Fieri embraces a laid-back, communal approach to cooking. He’s not exactly hunting for the next food trend. “I try to keep my eyes and ears open. I don’t feel that I have to be the

first one to the dance,” he said. He also encourages cooks to take liberty with his recipes, saying, “There’s not one way to play the song.” But he has embraced glutenfree options and organic foods, especially after the death of his younger sister. Morgan Fieri died of skin cancer in 2011 — she is memorialized with a color tattoo on his left arm — and she pushed him to come up with delicious meals while juggling severe dietary restrictions. “It really opened my mind. I think it was the last gift she gave me. It changed me as a chef,” he says. With the holidays coming up, Fieri hopes to spend time with his family — wife Lori and their two sons — and he had this advice about big meals: slow down, put the phones away and have lots of courses. “I say to folks all the time, ‘Watch what you’re eating. You don’t have to eat it all. Make conscious choices. It doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself and eat carrots all day,’” he said. “Have an awareness.”

Food click Alcoholics Anonymous: If you know someone who can’t stop drinking and would like to help them please check us out and we promise to try to help at www.aaarabia.org There are no fees. This is a genuine public service. ❑ ❑ ❑ Drinking problem?: Friends of Bill W. are available to help. Totally confidential. Email: [email protected] ❑ ❑ ❑ Narcotics Anonymous: NA can help with addiction problems. Totally confidential: 94087800 English/Arabic. ❑ ❑ ❑ Cancer online support group: If you are Cancer patient or family member fighting with this deadly disease, come join our online support group. Best way of dealing with this disease is providing support and share our experience with each other. There are lot of things which even doctors can’t tell so be member of this website and start sharing your experiences which may help others. October is recognized as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month (NBCAM). The primary purpose is to promote self examination and screening mammography as the most effective way to save lives by detecting breast cancer at early stage. For more information visit: http://fightingwithcancer.webs.com/

Latest Share your story with Amricani: Do you or any of your family members, acquaintances or friends happen to have a story with the American Missionary hospital in Kuwait (Mustashfa Lemraicani) during the years from 1914-1967, the official period of offering medical services in Kuwait? Please share with us your story or your memory during those old days by writing the event and sending it to the following email address: [email protected] Notes: 1. Please send your story only to the above mentioned email. Story shared in Instagram, Facebook or Twitter will not be considered. 2. Please write your story or memory and sign it with your full name, and your contact number. 3. It will be great if you send us your personal photos or those of the place related to the story (optional). Your story will be part of a new book to be published by DAI. I am confident that your contributions will be an essential part of the history of Amricani. Share with us! Nov 17

Power of Positive Thinking: Positive thinking is a mental and emotional attitude that focuses on the bright side of life. A positive person anticipates happiness, health, success — among others — and believes that they not only can overcome any obstacle or difficulty, but can also transform those obstacles into opportunities. Come and learn how to visualize and achieve your dreams. Nov 17 and Nov 28 @ 7pm; Villa No 67, Street 413, Block 4, Shuhada Area, Kuwait; Phone: +(965) 25231015; Email: info@ tiescenter.net ❑ ❑ ❑

Melbandhan evening: Melbandhan Socio Cultural Evening organised by Melbandhan Cultural Group. Participation: Saikat Chattopadhyay from Kolkata; European folk dances; Rhythm Dance Group; Kids of Bangladesh Morning Glory School; Local dancers and singers and Lot more surprises. Venue: Indian Embassy Auditorium Kuwait Date: Nov 17 (Thursday), Time: Gate opens: 5:30 pm, Event starts: 6:00 pm Nov 19

FOCC CRYchess 2016: Friends of CRY Club (FOCC) invites participation in the children’s chess tournament, ‘CRYchess 2016’ on Nov 25, at the Gulf Indian School, Fahaheel, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Students of 12th standard or younger are eligible to participate. The last date for registration is Nov 19. The players will be placed into groups, allocated by their age, to play in the Swiss pairing format. The top three winners in each group and the youngest participant will be awarded with a trophy and certificate. All participants will receive a medal and a certificate. For more details, registration forms, Rules of CRYchess 2016, please visit http://www.focckwt.org. Go to www.focckwt.org, download and fill in the registration form, attach civil-id copy and hand over to one of the FOCC members, whose contact details are mentioned here: Salmiya: 25618471, 97990162, 66810338, Abu Halifa: 99364073, Ahmadi : 99578073, Hawally: 99300257 Abbasiya: 97226589. Nov 24

Indian Embassy notice: All Indian nationals in Kuwait holding hand written passports are advised once again to apply for urgent re-issuance of new passports, in lieu of handwritten passports, under the following circumstances:

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This September 2016 photo shows fresh citrus, cranberry and arugula salad in New York. This dish is from a recipe by Katie Workman. (AP)

Thanksgiving salad with aruguala, citrus

Make chocolate biscotti for snack or gift By Melissa D’arabian the first party I ever hosted. I was Itenremember 5 and my mom invited all of my kindergargirlfriends and their moms for a holiday singing gathering. We knoshed on homemade cookies dunked in hot cocoa made from packets of powder dissolved in boiling water. Standing there around our piano, surrounded by tiny off-key singers with crumby, smiling mouths and steamy chocolate breath, I fell in love with hospitality. I felt in my heart the joy of feeding people, especially around the holidays. Joy to the world, indeed. As the days grow colder and shorter, and cookie-baking season is ushered in, the calorie-counter in me steps aside just enough to strike that balance of reasonable, but small, indulgence. A perfect example of smart cookie indulgence is the biscotti. Biscotti are firm, dry Italian cookies that are typically served alongside an espresso or coffee for dunking. Biscotti are dryer and harder than your average cookie, due to a double-baking process (which is easy, so don’t be intimidated) and relatively lower amounts of fat and sugar. But the harder texture has a huge tactical advantage: biscotti take longer to nibble your way through, so the chances of me accidentally downing seven or eight are pretty small. One or two of these little guys, especially with a little espresso, and I feel like I’ve participated in the joy of holiday dessert. Plus, biscotti feel a little fancy. Fancy enough, in fact, to double as a holiday gift – wrap some up in cellophane and take as a hostess or neighbor gift, or even send home with your guests as a little party favor. Today’s recipe is flavored with dark chocolate and rosemary because they are classic winter flavors that I love together, but feel free to play with zests, spices, herbs and chocolate types to make a combo you love. Bonus points if you eat them with friends singing around the piano.

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon finely-grated orange zest 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary, finely minced 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips, finely chopped 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Combine the flours, salt and baking powder in a small bowl and set aside. In a medium bowl, cream the butter and sugar together with a hand or standmixer until light in color, fluffy and creamy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs in, one at a time, mixing well after each one. Add the vanilla, zest and rosemary and mix until incorporated. Add the flour, half at a time, mixing until incorporated after each half. Use a rubber spatula to fold in the dark chocolate and the almonds. Place the dough on a lightly-floured surface and divide into two. Shape into two logs, about 14 inches each, and place on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly press each log flatter, to make a rounded strip,

about 15 inches long by 2-1/2 inches wide. Remove excess flour with a clean pastry brush. Bake the logs until golden, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, reduce the oven temperature to 300 degrees. Carefully transfer each flattened log to a cutting board and cut each log on the bias into 8 slices (16 slices total). Place the slices cut side down on the parchment-lined baking sheet and continue baking until the cookies are golden and crisp, about 30 more minutes. Once baked, let cool completely. Can be stored in airtight container for several days. Nutrition information per serving: 133 calories; 59 calories from fat; 7 g fat (4 g saturated; 1 g trans fats); 35 mg cholesterol; 41 mg sodium; 18 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 9 g sugar; 3 g protein. ❑ ❑ ❑ Almost any big meal could use a green salad to round things out (and balance the heavier items on the table). But not just any old pile of lettuce. This salad is simply gorgeous, and a great way to bring color, flavor and oomph to a

Arugula, red onion, orange and pomegranate seed salad with lemon vinaigrette Start to finish: 20 minutes Servings: 6 Lemon vinaigrette: 1 large shallot, thinly sliced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons olive oil.

Kosher or coarse salt and freshly ground pepper to taste Salad: 8 cups baby arugula; 1 small red onion, halved and very thinly sliced; 2 cara cara or blood oranges; Seeds from one pomegranate (about 3/4 cup).

Dark chocolate rosemary biscotti Start to finish: 1 hour, 15 minutes Servings: 16 biscotti 1 cup white whole wheat flour 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt 1 teaspoon baking powder

holiday meal. The combination of tartness from the citrus, sweetness from the pomegranate seeds, sharpness from the onion, and a bit of herby bitterness from the arugula plus a bright vinaigrette makes this a salad that isnt just a placeholder on a plate. And the colors are amazing. You can buy pre-shelled pomegranate seeds in little containers in the produce section of the supermarket, or if youre feeling industrious, buy a whole pomegranate, split it apart and remove the seeds yourself. Its messy but slightly therapeutic work. If you have kids, lay out lots of paper on the table, put them in big T-shirts that can get messy and let them take on this project.

This Nov 1, 2016 photo shows dark chocolate and rosemary biscotti in Coronado, California. (AP)

Make the vinaigrette. In a small container, combine the shallots, lemon juice, rice vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper. Shake to blend. Place the arugula in a large serving bowl with the onion. Peel the oranges, and use a paring knife to remove all the white pith from the outside of the fruit. Cut the oranges crosswise into slices, and cut those slices into 4 pieces. Add these to the bowl. Pour the dressing on the salad, and toss to combine. Scatter the pomegranate seeds over the top and serve. Nutritional information per serving: Lemon Vinaigrette: 63 calories; 60 calories from fat; 7 g fat (1 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 161 mg sodium; 1 g carbohydrate; 0 g fiber; 0 g sugar; 0 g protein. Salad: 37 calories; 5 calories from fat; 1 g fat (0 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 0 mg cholesterol; 12 mg sodium; 7 g carbohydrate; 2 g fiber; 6 g sugar; 1 g protein.

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Registration open for ‘Q8 Open Quiz’

IIT-IIM Alumni Association brings grand quiz event KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: As the winter slowly sets in Kuwait in November, the cold northerly winds get warmer by the hottest quiz show in Kuwait as the most ardent quiz lovers in their quest to keep their mind active away from the chores of their daily routines of work, grapple with others for the prestigious title of being the best quizzers in Kuwait. Razor sharp brains answering tough, out of the blues questions in femtoseconds before anyone could even get a feel of the question. The Quiz enthusiasts of all ages and diverse fields and talents living in Kuwait, will be contending for the top place in The-Quiz Competition of Kuwait, titled “Q8 Open Quiz 2016”. It is the toughest, best, entertaining and above all very fiercely fought annual signature quiz event of the prestigious IIT-IIM Alumni Association, Kuwait. The Quiz Contest is scheduled on Friday, the 18th November, 2016 at the majestic Indian Embassy Auditorium. It is being hosted by the highly acclaimed, very entertaining, and world renowned master quizzer, Giri Balasubramaniam, popularly knows as “Pickbrain”. Giri is known for his distinctive techno savvy style of quizzing, sense of humor coupled with

great flair and approachable easy nature, which has earned him several accolades. He holds seven Limca records for quizzing achievements and has hosted more than 1,250 shows in 65 destinations across India. He has also hosted many quiz shows in USA, Srilanka, Singapore, London and in the Middle East Region. Tata Crucible Business Quiz for Colleges & Corporates, TCS IT WIZ quiz for Schools, Reserve Bank of India IQ quiz, Times of Oman Quiz are some of the most popular shows hosted by Giri. This third annual quiz, a very popular and unique event, is open for all, irrespective of age, nationality, profession and educational qualifications. This year, it has surpassed all the expectations of competition, as more than 200 teams from over 20 schools and many other individual groups of quizzers from all walks of life including corporates, organizations, associations and individual groups are contending for the coveted honor of being the best among the finest. Several schools have already gone through preliminary selections. Auditorium is expected to be jampacked. Come early and take a comfy seat to view from a vantage point. The event will be inaugurated by the Ambas-

A flyer of the event

sador of India, His Excellency Sunil Jain, who is the Chief Guest. Kuwait College of Science and Technology (KCST), is associated with IIT-IIM Alumni as the Event Partner for the third Year in a row. KCST, a private college, has a mission to Providing Science and Technology Education with a socially responsibility and entrepreneurial mind while promoting educational talent related pursuits, of which QOQ-2014, 2015 & 2016 are the fine examples. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) are globally renowned premier Indian institutions of higher education in the fields of Engineering Technology and Management, respectively. The association can be reached at contact@iitiimkuwait. com or the official website www.iitiimkuwait. com. Registration: Please visit www.iitiimkuwait.com and for any further clarifications, contact by email at: [email protected]. IIT-IIM Alumni Association, Kuwait invites all the passionate quizzers and non-competing quiz enthusiasts, as beside the prizes for top three placed teams, several other interesting categories of prizes are up for grabs, including plenty of audience rewards.

Photos from the event

FAIPS (DPS) hosts award ceremony Fahaheel Al Watanieh Indian Private School celebrated its Twentieth Founder’s Day and Scholar Badge Function with gusto and pride on Oct 27, 2016. The occasion was graced by Mohammad Al Shuaibi, CEO, Hemant Agarwal, CFO, Mrs Anju Dheman, Principal and the members of the staff. It was indeed a proud moment when nearly 200 students were presented with scholar badges and a certificate, acknowledging their meritorious academic perfor-

mance. Some of the students were presented with a Blue Tie, a mark of veneration for consistent academic prowess for over five years. About 20 outgoing students, both from the CBSE and IGCSE curricula were awarded cash prizes as a recognition of their mettle. The Principal took the opportunity to revere the mentors as well, with cash awards for bringing forth outstanding results in Kuwait — both subject toppers and gaining the highest subject average percentage. Not only is academics of prime im-

portance in FAIPS, but also the co-scholastics. Deserving pupils received Honours in the field of sports and Fine Arts. Employees with over fifteen years of service and contribution to the institution also received accolades and recognition. The auditorium reverberated with the presence of proud parents as they were treated to a medley of dance, song and music, showcasing the treasure trove of FAIPS. To commemorate Founder’s Day, the spectators were taken down memory lane where the school’s

performance and achievements of the last twenty years was encapsulated in a virtual time capsule, of the era that was, the existing present and the promising future. The live demonstration of the latest Sand Art form was the icing on the cake which left the audience spellbound. The morning celebrations concluded with encouraging and congratulatory words from the Chief Guest and Principal, and as the curtain descended every parent surely felt special to be part of such an elite congregation.

Photos from the event

AASBCO announces Berchmans 20th Extempore Speech competition winners The Alumni Association of St Berchmans College (AASBCO), Kuwait Chapter, held the Annual Extempore Speech Competition for the 20th consecutive year in the United Indian School, Jaleeb Al Shuyoukh. AASBCO lauds all the 127 participants and their parents for the genuine interest that they have evinced in the event. The registration process started at 1.30 pm. General Secretary Thomas Scaria commenced the programme at 2:30 pm with a silent prayer. President Shibu Pallickal welcomed the gathering and delivered the Presidential Address. Former president Kurien Varghese conducted the Judges Selection and Topic Selection of each category of competition. The former president

click Latest Continued from Page 23 ■ The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) had set a deadline of Nov 24, 2015 for globally phasing out of all nonMachine Readable Passports. From Nov 25,

and current Vice-President Thomas Varghese explained the rules of the extempore speech competition to the participants. General Secretary Thomas Scaria proposed the vote of thanks. The competition was conducted in 5 categories. The performance of each category was simply superb. After an incredibly exciting competition, Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan enjoyed sweet victory having bagged the Championship Trophy for the fifth consecutive year. FAIPS — DPS Ahmadi emerged runner-up following the champions most narrowly by just one point. Here are the winners: Senior category: Sudharsan Rathna Kumar (Indian

2015 onwards, foreign Governments may deny Visa or entry to any person travelling on a nonMachine Readable Passport. ■ The Government of India has been issuing Machine Readable Passports since 2001. The Passports, however, issued before 2001 and particularly those issued during mid 1990s with a validity of 20 years will fall in the category of non-MRPs. All handwritten passports with pasted photographs are also considered non-MRPs. ■ Indians living in Kuwait holding handwritten passports as explained in Para (b) above, are advised to apply urgently for re-issue of their passports well before the deadline in

Central School Abbassiya), Shifa Nanda (Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan), and Ketan Maheshwari (Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan), secured I, II, III prizes respectively. Junior B category: Aishwarya Shaji (FAIPS-DPS Ahmadi), Diya Arun Davidson (Carmel School Khaitan) and Elizabeth Jiji Vetticad (Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan), secured I, II, III prizes respectively. Junior A category: Sandra Thachirickal Prathap (Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan), Sarah Elza Thomas (Indian Learners Own Accademy), Manya Manikandan (India International School Mangaf) secured I, II, III prizes respectively. Sub Junior B category: Jennifer Mathew Vincent

order to avoid any inconvenience in obtaining valid visa for international travel. ■ For more details related to passport services, visit the website – http://www.indembkwt. org/Pages/Passport.aspx – or call Tribhuvan Kumar, Assistant Consular Officer at Tel:. 22530600, Extn-261 or Shri. K.K. Pahel, First Secretary (Consular) on Mob: 97229948. Nov 25

Wayanad Free Medical Camp: Kuwait Wayanad Association (KWA) in collaboration with Metro Medical Care Group is organsing free medical checkup camp at Farwaniya

(IEAS-Don Bosco Salmiya), Dwiti Ponda (FAIPS-DPS Ahmadi), Yusra Asad Khan (Indian Learners Own Accademy) and Shreesh Anantharaj (FAIPS-DPS Ahmadi), secured I, II, II, III prizes respectively. Sub Junior A category: Daran Velmurugan (FAIPSDPS Ahmadi), Milan Abraham Mathew (ICSK Khaitan), Parth Kumar (Bharathiya Vidya Bhavan) and Shaina Evanka Dcunha (IEAS-Don Bosco Salmiya), secured I, II, II, III prizes respectively. Participation certificate for all participants will be sent to their schools. Trophies and certificates will be awarded to the winners during AASBCO’s Annual Day celebration.

Metro clinic on Nov 25, 2016 from 7:30 am to 11:30 am. Organisers are requesting KWA members and expatriate public to utilise this opportunity and spread the word among fellow needy public. For convenient functioning of the entire event, pre-registration is required. Those who would like to register may contact KWA Zonal coordinators as detailed below. You may inform your name, location in Kuwait, Civil ID number, district, phone number via Whatsapp or by calling to the concerned zonal team. Zonal Coordinators: Mangaf- Fahaheel: Saidalavi — 67040215, Shaji — 65552795; Farwaniya, Joseph Chacko

— 97391020; Abbasiya: Shibu — 51254242, Manoj — 50048486; Salmiya: Shinu Mattathil — 67775616. For more information, please contact Secretary KWA, Mubarack Kambrath — 66387619 / 51133482 Program Convenor: Roy Mathew — 50422442. E-mail: q8wayanadassociation@ gmail.com. Dec 7

Pravasi Bharatiya Divas 2017: 14th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is

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ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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Photos from the event.

BSK hosts Remembrance Commemoration Remembrance Day — also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day (the event it commemorates) or Veterans Day — is a day to commemorate the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and of civilians in times of war, but specifically since the First World War, 1914-1918. It is observed on Nov 11 to recall the end of World War I on that date in 1918. Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice. The British School of Kuwait (BSK) held

its annual Remembrance Commemoration with Guest of Honour Group Captain Finlay McLean, Defence Attache at the British Embassy, and attended by Secondary students and their teachers at morning assembly. The VIP party included BSK Senior Management Team members Madame Vera Al Mutawa MBE, Kefah Al Mutawa, Paul Shropshire, Mark Brisbane, Mike O Sullivan, Ms Heather Holsgrove, Ms Emma Bowie and Lucian Anisia who placed wreaths and poppies on the cenotaph which had been specially constructed by Mr

Steven Hart of the Design Technology team. The ceremony included readings from Mr Ian Masters and the BSK History Club led by Head Boy, Alex White. A representative from each tutor group placed a poppy on the montage designed by Ms Priya Kishore. The Exhortation and Dedication was delivered by Group Captain McLean while the BSK Concert Orchestra, under the baton of Ms Elizabeth Lomas, provided the music which included, the Last Post and Reveille. The ceremony brought to a conclusion a series of

General photo of the contestants

BSK events held to support the British Legion including a Poppy Appeal and a visit to the British Embassy gardens for a group of history students to participate in a ceremony for children. The wearing of the poppy represents the support and empathy that is felt for all those who have made any sacrifice in past or present conflicts in order that future generations might not need to experience the same horrors of war. Today’s event was all the more poignant as it took place exactly 100 years after the Battle of the Somme, France.

Group photo for the winning team

Two AUK teams qualify for Arab Collegiate Programming Contest AUK participated in the 4th Kuwait Collegiate Programming Contest (ACM-KCPC 2016), which was held at Arab Open University (AOU) — Kuwait, on Oct 13 and 15 2016. The contest provides an excellent opportunity for students to demonstrate their skills in programming and problem solving, in addition to meet fellow students from other academic institutions. The contest fosters creativity, teamwork and enables students to test their ability to perform under pressure. This year, 24 teams, coming from the American University of Kuwait, Australian College of Kuwait, Gulf University for Science & Technology, Arab Open University and Kuwait University, participated in the contest. Two teams from the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at AUK won the fourth and fifth places, which qualifies them to go for the next regional round for the Arab Collegiate Programming Contest (ACM-ACPC 2016) that will be hosted by the Arab Academy for Science and Technology (AAST), and will be held at Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, from Nov 11 to 14,

click Latest Continued from Page 24 being organized from Jan 7-9, 2017 at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) Karnataka. Highlights of PBD 2017 are: (i) PBD 2017 will focus on the theme “Redefining the engagement with the Indian Diaspora”. (ii) To strengthen Diaspora engagement and provide a platform for networking with the Diaspora. (iii) To recognize the Diaspora’s contribution to India and know their expectations and concerns. (iv) To deepen engagement with young Diasporas, to help them know more about their roots. The PBD Convention features Plenary Sessions; an Exhibition; Cultural programmes and provides an opportunity to interact with other Overseas Indians, Policy makers, Political leadership and others. The highlight of the PBD convention is the inaugural address by the Prime Minister. Chief Ministers of several states also participate and address the delegates on opportunities available in their respective states. The last day of PBD features the valedictory address by the Hon’ble President of India, who will also confer the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Awards on Overseas Indian for their achievements and contribution both in India and abroad.

2016. “Innovation” team, the fourth place winner, consisted of the engineering students; Omar Khalil, Marwa Kandil, and Shahad Al-Mousa, while “Syndicate” team the 5th place winner team consisted of the engineering students Ali Kelkawi, Batool Hasan, and Yara AlQuorashy. AUK will sponsor the two teams during the ACM-ACPC. The teams were supervised and coached by AUK Electrical and Computer Engineering professors Mounib Khanafer and Mohammed El-Abd, who were also chosen to be members of the Steering Committee for future KCPCs. The American University of Kuwait (AUK) is an independent, private, equal opportunity, and co-educational liberal arts institution of higher education. The educational, cultural and administrative structure, methods and standards of AUK are based on the American model of higher learning. The language of instruction is English. More information on the American University of Kuwait can be found at www.auk.edu.kw

The Youth PBD is a new feature which has been introduced recently. It is a special day long programme which provides a platform to connect with Young Overseas Indians and discuss subjects of relevance to them. The Young PBD delegates will also have the opportunity to interact with other Young PIOs and Young Indians of their own age group. The highlight of the Youth PBD is the inaugural address by the Minister of External Affairs and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, followed by a ple-

nary session, cultural programme and dinner. There will also be a PBD Exhibition from Jan 7-9, 2017 on following five themes: (i) Flagship programmes of Government of India (Digital India, Start-up India, Skill India, Swachh Bharat etc) (ii) Scheme and Programmes for NRIs & PIOs; (iii) Opportunities in States: Investment potential Business Opportunities Tourism etc. (iv) Indian Handicraft & Culture Mela (sale & demo) (v) Corporate Sector, PSUs etc. All Non-resident IndiansPIOs/NRIs are strongly encouraged to participate and register online at pbdindia.gov.in at the earliest. The deadline for registration is 7 December 2016. There is a special registration fees for young overseas Indians, groups registrations and GOPIO members. Registration fee includes transportation, Lunch, Dinner and cultural programmes. For further details please contact: [email protected] or log on to Facebook page: Pravasi Bhartiya Divas 2017. Jan 12, 2017

Famous Kuwaiti actor Dawood Hussein has been selected as a member of the arbitration committee for the comic festival ‘Arab Al-Restaq’ launched in the Sultanate of Oman under the auspices of the National Committee for Youths with support of several government and private institutions, reports Al-Rai daily. In a telephone interview, Dawood Hussein expressed joy on his membership in the arbitration committee. He extended appreciation to the department of festivals for the hospitality and grand reception.

Sastra Prathibha Contest: Science International Forum SIF-Kuwait announced the commencement of registration for the Sastra Prathibha Contest, Season III. Sastra Prathibha is a pan India and GCC talent hunt initiative by VIBHA in association with NCERT (HRD Ministry, Government of India) and Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. It is the biggest and prestigious contest of its kind in Kuwait, with the participation of more than 4,000 students from the Indian schools in Kuwait. Registration forms are available at the science department / SPC coordinator of the respective schools. Registration

A flyer of the event is strictly through the participating schools. Categories: Junior (Class 5, 6, 7), Senior (Class 8,9,10) Exam Date: Jan 12, 2017. Exam Type: Objective type, 100 questions, one hour exam Question Pattern: 50% from the given syllabus, 40% from the existing academic curriculum and 10% general knowledge questions. All

general knowledge questions will come from previous issues of Discover e-magazine which is available at www.sifkuwait.com Two winners will be announced from each class and the distinction certificates will be awarded to the best performing students in each class. The school with maximum points

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ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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First-ever ballet, musical performance in the sky

Bolshoi Ballet dancers, Jenkins perform on-board BA flight KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: Dancers from the internationally renowned Bolshoi Ballet and classical superstar Katherine Jenkins staged the world’s first ballet and musical performance in the air, to celebrate the launch of British Airways’ Dreamliner flights from London Heathrow to Moscow, Russia. Lucky passengers on the inaugural flight of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner were taken to new heights with an incredible, surprise performance by Artemy Belyakov and Olga Marchenkova, stars from the legendary Bolshoi Theatre of Russia. The dancers were accompanied by one of Britain’s favourite singers, Welsh Mezzo soprano Katherine Jenkins OBE, who gave a spine-tingling rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Artemy Belyakov, the leading soloist from the Bolshoi Theatre, said: “We are honoured to be a part of this very first flight to Moscow and unite the heart and soul of classical Russian culture with an iconic British brand such as British Airways in this performance on board.

A photo from the event

We loved the creative challenge of using the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner as our stage, and the experience was as memorable for us as it was for the audience”. “Being a part of the oldest ballet theatre in the world, dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet have performed in some incredible places over the past 240 years – but ballet in the sky takes it to a whole new level! I enjoyed that experience!” – adds Olga Marchenkova, ballet dancer from The Bolshoi. Speaking after the performance, Katherine Jenkins said: “Such fun to be invited to perform for the first time at 41,000 feet ‘Somewhere over the Rainbow’ en route to Moscow on board BA’s new Dreamliner! I have always been excited to sing in Russia due to its deep and rich history in the arts, and performing alongside dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet was a very special experience for me.” Dancers from The Bolshoi Ballet and Katherine Jenkins were joined by Galina Karzova, British Airways’ Commercial Manager for Russia. Galina Karzova commented: “This

launch is a huge step for British Airways, and reinforces our continued commitment to our London to Moscow service. The introduction of the new First cabin on the route means customers can travel in unrivalled luxury and style.” The new First cabin is a first for British Airways’ B787 fleet, with just eight seats in comparison to the 14 seats available on other British Airways long-haul aircraft, offering customers even greater exclusivity and privacy. The 787-9 flight into Moscow operates weekly from Nov 1, 2016, increasing to twiceweekly from Jan 3, 2017. To celebrate the launch, a return fare in World Traveller starts from £168.00 per person, for bookings made before Nov 10, 2016. British Airways’ first 787-9s started flying in October 2015. There are currently 14 787-9s in service, on routes between London Heathrow and Austin, Boston, San Jose (California), Shanghai and Narita (Japan), amongst others. For further information on British Airways, please visit www.britishairways.com

Staying fit helps cut breast cancer risk

‘Curves’ promotes exercise for women

A photo from the event

Over 50 people support the cause

Malabar organises blood donation drive KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: Malabar Gold & Diamonds, one of the leading jewellery group with 159 retail outlets globally intends to bring a significant difference to the society by spreading the importance of blood donation. As a part of this initiative their CSR team organized a blood donation drive in association with Kuwait Blood Bank on Nov 6 at Lulu Hypermarket, Dajeej, Kuwait. The main objective of this initiative is to raise awareness among the residents in Kuwait about the importance of blood donation and to encourage maximum people to donate blood, with the support of Kuwait Blood Bank. Malabar Gold & Diamonds encouraged their staff to be a part of this humanitarian effort for the wellbeing of the community. The program drew very good response from the public and 50 donors, including 15 staff from Malabar Gold & Diamonds participated in the blood donation drive to support this cause. Commenting on this latest initiative, Mr Afsal Khan, Zonal Head, Malabar Gold & Diamonds — Kuwait said, “We strive for the betterment of lives of the people in the areas of our operation. We are proud to be a part of this initiative and with the support of like-minded organizations like Kuwait Blood Bank, we would like to remind the residents of the country the role individuals can play in saving and improving human lives”. Eid Abdul Nabi Al Indhal, Head of Health Department, Salmiya along with Dr. Ahmed Abdul Gaffar from Kuwait Central Blood Bank who was present for the blood donation drive congratulated Malabar Gold & Diamonds for this initiative to raise the awareness among the public. The CSR team of Malabar Gold & Diamonds organizes blood donation drive periodically in different parts of Middle East & Far East with support of authorized blood banks as a part of its ongoing CSR activities. They associate with likeminded organizations and undertake several welfare activities in different parts of the world for the poor and downtrodden section of the society. The group supports many philanthropic activities and is always ready to take initiatives to help the deprived section in the society. The key focus areas of the CSR initiatives of Malabar Group are in the areas of Health, Education, Women Empowerment, Housing and Environment. The group, which currently has showrooms across GCC, India, Malaysia and Singapore undertakes several welfare activities with the association of like-minded organizations in the respective regions. The organization ensures that a fixed percentage of its net profit is used for CSR activities every year and the charity projects of Malabar Gold & Diamonds have touched the lives of thousands of people. Malabar Gold & Diamonds is the flagship company of Malabar Group, a leading diversified Indian business conglomerate. Established in 1993 in the Indian state of Kerala, Malabar Gold & Diamonds today has a strong retail network of 159 outlets spread across nine countries, 10 wholesale units in addition to offices, design centers and factories spread across India, Middle East & Far East. With an annual turnover of $4.3 billion, the company currently ranks among the world’s top five jewellery retailers in terms of annual turnover. With 11 cluster manufacturing units in India and GCC — the company currently has 9 jewellery brands to cater to the discerning needs of customers. With headquarters in Kerala and branches across India, Middle East & Far East, Malabar Group is best known for its activities in the field of gold, diamonds, silver and lifestyle articles.

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, health and fitness brand “Curves For Women” of Ali Abdulwahab Al Mutawa Commercial Co (AAW) has teamed up with the Ministry of Health’s Kuwait National Mammography Screening Program to host a Zumba masterclass, sponsored by Roche, aimed at encouraging women in Kuwait to exercise and stay fit to help reduce the risk of breast cancer. Hosted at The Girls’ Sports Club of Kuwait in Khaldiya on Oct 26, over 230 women participated at the Zumba masterclass led by coach Rana Alomani alongside renowned Zumba instructors Fatma Al Othman, Heba Tahnoun, Mariam Mubarak, Muthawi Al Mesbah and Rawya Al Roumi. With an object to generate interest among women to exercise and experience the health and fun benefits of exercise, the masterclass was launched with Aisha and her team through hiphop exercise sessions and included the teaching of various exercises to reduce the chances of developing breast cancer and educate women on how to lead a healthy and athletic lifestyle before presenting the participants with nominal gifts and a free booked mammogram at the nearest MOH hospital. Helping thousands of women better their lifestyle on a daily basis, Curves For Women reached their objective through the hosted event. Speaking to the masterclass, eleven cancer survivors utilized their experience to educate the participants at the event alongside the First Step Committee presented by Laila Jamal. The women were acknowledged for their bravery on the fight against cancer by Curves For Women and the Ministry of Health’s Kuwait National Mammography Screening Program representative, Dr. Hanaa Khawari. Additional participants included Meraki, Rana Fitness Shop, Diet Center, and NLA, while event sponsors included the Ministry of Health, Roche, and Rana Fitness.

The promotion flyer

KFH launches new Baiti Club season KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) has opened the new season of Baiti Club dedicated for Baiti account holders at AlFayhaa branch. The club serves in educating kids on conducting some basic banking transactions, such as depositing, withdrawing, account statements etc. The club includes several activities under the supervision of a number of KFH female staff. Baiti Club targets schools and Baiti Account customers up to 14 years old. The club educates the children on the importance of saving, the economic cycle, the banks’ role in the economy, in addition to some training on how to browse KFH website. KFH strive to build a brighter future full of opportunities and success for children. It is noteworthy that KFH successfully had concluded the activities of Baiti Reading” Club held at “That Al-Salasel” Library — Avenues mall where the event encompassed 250 children aged 4-7 years old.

Strength

A photo from the event

A photo from the event

Mowasat Hospital sponsors Sports Festival of British School of Kuwait KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: Mowasat Hospital shared out of its social responsibility in the Sports festival of British School and provided free medical investigations, pediatric and neonatology consultations by Dr Al Jabbar Farhan and he did educational lecture on how to prevent hypersensitivity. Aliaa Al-Sayed Marketing and Business Development Manager, confirmed the role of the hospital to spread patient education between individuals. She noted that promoting this event and participating with lecture will provide education, investigations and consultations. Also implied to some events hosted by the hospital in co-operation with governmental and private authorities to confirm our care and support from hospital administration to raise the level of patient education. She also confirmed out the role of early disease detection which contributes to the high

rate of cure and lastly she thanked the medical team who attend the event and the organizer of the event which is British School. Pediatric and Neonatology Consultations Dr Al Jabbar Farhan talked about children hypersensitivity and how to prevent it and its complications and how to diagnose. He also talked about how serious it can affect children lives up to death and he answered all questions and provided tips to avoid the risks. Medical and nurses team shared with the administration the event and they expressed their happiness and they confirmed their goal to raise health education which raises all levels of life. The school administration thanked Mowasat Hospital for their great efforts by its medical team which answered all questions and they were impressed by the high level of the team and positive results.

Every week Curves hosts Zumba® In The Circuit, a class that combines strength training with cardio and dancing for a varied workout that never gets boring. It gives participants energy and increases their muscle strength in just 30 minutes all in the same work-out. The Curves 30 minutes workout, three times a week, exercises every major muscle group and burns up to 500 calories through a proven program of strength training, cardio and stretching, with a safe and effective Hydraulic resistance mechanism. Curves also helps women achieve their weight loss objectives and improve their aerobic capacity, muscular strength and raise metabolism rate - a method proven by science to end the need for perpetual dieting. Founders of Curves For Women Club, Gary and Diane Heavin, are also the innovators of the the new express fitness concept, who made exercise available to over 4 million women around the world, many of whom are in the gym for the first time. Curves is the world’s largest fitness franchise and the tenth largest of all franchise companies in the world. Curves For Women worldwide is most popular for its slogan “No men, no make-up, no mirrors”, to guarantee a comfortable, supportive environment designed to motivate women to exercise and accomplish their weight and fitness goals. Curves combines the new, 30-minute fitness concept with strength training and sustained cardiovascular activity through safe and effective hydraulic resistance, to achieve ultimate results. Each training session at Curves focuses on exercising the entire body muscles, enabling women to lose a rate of 1.5-4 kg a month, or 10-14 cm off their waist. With 10,000 locations worldwide, Curves provides women with a new exercising and training experience through proper fitness programs.

‘More’ draw

VIVA announces 3rd week winners KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: VIVA, Kuwait’s fastest-growing and most developed telecom operator, announced 3rd week draw’s winners of KD 100, of “more” prizes campaign for postpaid customers. The names of daily prize winners, KD 100, from Nov 1 until Nov 7, were as follows: Richard De Leon Evalle, Ahmad Fahad Abdulhaleem Awadhah, Alia Aladin Ezzat Abdelsamiaa, Jason James Hubal, Emran Hossain Monir Uddin, Ali Hidayat Shaik Shaik, Alaa Ali Albitar. VIVA gives the customers a wonderful opportunity to win amazing cash prizes, KD 100 daily and KD 1000 at the end of each month, once they pay their VIVA bills through Direct Debit, VIVA website, VIVA’s Kiosks, VIVA App or by calling 102. Customers earn one chance for each KD 1. To find out more about VIVA’s new campaign, visit one of the 72 VIVA branches, or the VIVA website at www.viva.com.kw , or call VIVA’s 24-hour call center on 102.

KIB takes Get Half Your Salary Cash campaign to the Avenues KUWAIT, CITY, Nov 10: As part of its “Get Half Your Salary Cash” campaign, Kuwait International Bank (KIB) will be having a booth at the Avenues Mall on Nov 11 and 12. The new promotion from KIB offers Kuwaiti salary account customers the opportunity to receive half their salaries in cash upon transfer, up to KD 500 and without any draw. The booth at the Avenues this weekend comes on the heels of the success of a similar booth last week. The booth featured a number of activities, including special draws with valuable prizes and the presence of a number of social media influencers and celebrities. “KIB is always lookGalligan ing to provide its customers with added value and great benefits, by creating innovative new promotional campaigns that offer a lot of special rewards,” said Eugene Galligan, Acting General Manager of the Retail Banking Department at

KIB. “Our new “Get Half Your Salary Cash” campaign enables customers to enjoy half a salary in cash, without the hassle of a draw.” Galligan also pointed that through these kinds of promotional activities and events, KIB aims to interact directly with both current and potential customers, showcasing all of the Bank’s latest products and promotions. He further added that the new promotion gives customers a host of great benefits, including the ability to apply for Qard Hassan up to five times their salaries, and up to KD 5,000 in value. Customers will also be able to choose between receiving a free credit card for the first year or gas card worth KD 50. KIB is committed to providing customers with tailored banking solutions which offer an array of added value benefits. KIB’s salary account is loaded with special benefits and great features, including: a free debit card which can be used in over a million ATMs worldwide, no minimum deposit and no minimum balance requirements, as well as Murabaha financing facilities. The “Get Half Your Salary Cash” campaign is set to continue for two months, until Dec 31, 2016 starting from the beginning of November.

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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By Jacqueline Bigar Happy birthday for Friday, Nov. 11, 2016: This year you will be more vibrant, as long as you don’t try to prevent change from happening. Greet transformation with a smile, even if it is uncomfortable for you. Know that you are calibrating your life and your priorities. If you are single, count on an active love life. You’ll meet potential suitors easily in your day-to-day travels. If you are attached, the two of you have several common interests that allow you to enjoy each other even more. Set aside more time to relax with your significant other. ARIES knows how to get you going. The Stars Show the Kind of Day You’ll Have: 5-Dynamic; 4-Positive; 3-Average; 2-So-so; 1-Difficult

Capricorn - (Dec 22 - Jan 19) **** Be more sensitive when dealing with a

r

o

family member or loved one. Though part of the discussion could be rather uncomfortable, the results will give you a lot to consider. You will feel much better when everything is said and done. Tonight: Invite friends over.

Aquarius - (Jan

20 - Feb 18)

***** You might make the first move, but you still will need to allow the other party to share and perhaps even dominate the conversation. Do your best to understand what is going on with this person. Don’t try to dodge a call right now; it could be important! Tonight: Stay local.

Pisces - (Feb 19 - Mar 20) *** You might want to change your schedule as more invitations come in. You’ll want to get to the bottom of a problem as soon as you can, so that you can free yourself up for the impending weekend. Enjoy the moment. Tonight: Weigh the

home decor

s

pros and cons before making a purchase.

Aries - (Mar 21 - Apr 19) **** You could be surprised by what is happening around you, especially with several people who have played an active role in your life. Power plays are likely when dealing with a boss or higher-up. Reach out to someone at a distance. Tonight: Enjoy praise and recognition.

Taurus - (Apr 20 - May 20) *** Take time to enjoy the little things in life. You could be worn out by the process of being in the here and now. You might need a break, or a power nap. Understand what is expected of you, then follow through. Make this day yours. Tonight: Read between the lines. Keep it private.

Gemini - (May 21 - June 20)

indoor gardening

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o

***** Zero in on your priorities. You might want to eliminate some juggling on your part when handling an issue that involves a loved one. Be more vulnerable when dealing with a key person in your life; you will be happier as a result. Tonight: Only where people can be found.

Cancer - (June 21 - July 22) **** Listen to what is happening with a parent, relative or friend. You could find that by resisting change, you are more likely to cause yourself a problem. Try to be more open-minded. Honor a lack of energy when adjusting your plans. Tonight: A must appearance.

Leo - (July 23 - Aug 22) **** If you relax, detach and empathize with a key person in your life, you will gain a new perspective. Put 100 percent into whatever you do, and you’ll be delighted with the results. Your

p

caring is likely to be more appreciated than you realize. Tonight: Consider taking a trip.

Virgo - (Aug 23 - Sept 22): **** One-on-one relating is emphasized. You’ll like what comes up for you if you choose to work with a friend. You will experience more closeness as well as more clarity. Too much might be going on for you to indulge a family member right now. Tonight: Be with the one you love.

Libra - (Sept 23 - Oct 22) **** Others seek you out, as they might feel as if they can’t get enough of your time. You might be spreading yourself too thin. Be aware of others’ needs, and adjust your schedule. Your sensitivity is likely to emerge. Be honest with yourself. Tonight: Say “yes” to an offer.

Scorpio - (Oct 23 - Nov 21)

beauty tips

e

*** You will want to understand what is happening at work. You will be much more upbeat if you stay present in a discussion. Others sense your intensity. A neighbor might want you to agree with him or her. Don’t make any financial decisions today. Tonight: Know when to call it.

Sagittarius - (Nov 22 - Dec

21)

**** You might want to work on repairing your relationship with someone. Expect the unexpected as a result of this effort. A friend is likely to be lucky for you. Share how much you appreciate this person’s magic! Tonight: Remind others of how much fun you can be.

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Born today: Actor Leonardo DiCaprio (1974), actress Calista Flockhart (1964), U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer (1940)

taste buds

silhouettes table art

dianthus barbatus

benefits of spa massage

roasted herbed turkey

Supplies: Side table; bamboo designed wall paper; large flower templates; A3 sized paper. Instructions: Trace the outline of the flower on the A3 papers, then cut it out. Make as many as you need. Tape the flower to the table to visualize your pattern and decide the size of your next flower. Lay the flower pattern on the wallpaper and using a pencil outline the flower. Cut out the flowers with a scissors. Use a craft knife cut out each center. Apply a thin layer of glue on the back of one piece at a time. Cover the entire surface. Turn it over and place the piece on your table. Press down.

Dianthus barbatus (Sweet William) is a species of Dianthus native to the mountains of southern Europe from the Pyrenees east to the Carpathians and the Balkans. The flowers are produced in a dense cluster of up to 30 at the top of the stems and have a spicy, clove-like scent; each flower is 2–3 cm diameter with five petals with serrated edges; in wild plants the petals are red with a white base. Site: Prefers partial to full sun and medium humidity. Temperature: 40-65°F. Water: Weekly watering (about one inch) is sufficient.

Spa massage helps in total body relaxation and apart from providing mental peace. Improving your body circulation by paving way for flushing of toxins is also deemed as one of the prime benefits of spa massage. Muscle toning: Massage increases the blood circulation bringing more oxygen and nutrients into the muscle, thereby reducing muscle fatigue and soreness completely. Massage tones the muscles of the body and reduces any types of stress caused both on the bones and joints. Relieves Stress: It is known to have positive effects on the parasympathetic nervous system. Spa massages help in promoting relaxation and the reducing stress. Massage dramatically improves the psychological state of a person. It reduces stress and anxiety and creates a feeling of well-being and enhanced self-esteem.

Ingredients: 1 (12 pound) whole turkey; 3/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons dried basil; 1 teaspoon ground sage; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups water Method: Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Clean turkey (discard giblets and organs), and place in a roasting pan with a lid. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, ground sage, salt, and black pepper. Using a basting brush, apply the mixture to the outside of the uncooked turkey. Pour water into the bottom of the roasting pan, and cover. Bake for 3 to 3-1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh measures 180°F (82°C). Remove bird from oven, and allow to stand for about 30 minutes before carving.

Dear Abby

what’s on today

Man seeks to end his drug addiction

Site for checking travel ban www.kuwaitcourts.gov.kw/mojweb/NGeneral/Main.jsp

By Abigail Van Buren Dear Abby: I am a 46-year-old drug user. I have been addicted for more than 20 years. I know it’s wrong. I know I can be a better person. I got hooked when a supposed friend introduced me to crack in 1992. If I could only go back to that day, I’d kick the you-know-what out of him. I was all set to make something of my life. In 2010, my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. It only got worse. I have hurt the people I care about the most. I have stolen from my mom. I have written checks on her bank account and pawned her jewelry. I don’t know what to do. I know I’m depressed since Dad died. I’m also disabled and on disability. I pretty much kept everything in check until 2001 when I lost the job I’d held for 17 years. I have drifted from job to job ever since. So there it is. I have developed Abigail Van Buren COPD. I’m on oxygen full time and can’t work. I ask myself why I’m suddenly doing three and four times more than I’ve ever done. Do you think I’m that depressed? That I’m trying to speed my own death? I’m at a loss and need some guidance. I contemplate suicide daily, but I guess I’m too much of a coward. Can you help me? — End Of My Rope in Florida Dear End Of Your Rope: At this point, the only person who can help you is yourself. The problem with using drugs is that after a period of time, the body builds up a tolerance, and it takes more and more of them to achieve a high. This may be why your use has increased the way it has. Because programs to help people break their drug habit usually cost money — which you don’t have — go to www.na.org to find the location of the nearest Narcotics Anonymous meeting. As you may already know, NA is a fellowship in which addicts help each other to get off and stay off drugs. Please give it a try because it could save your life. ❑ ❑ ❑ Dear Abby: My friend Bryan and I were at a sports bar watching a football game. We had ordered a large pizza, but had time for only one slice before we had to leave. I wanted to offer the remaining pizza to a group of college-age students sitting at a nearby table. Bryan was horrified and insisted we just leave. He said to offer the pizza would be insulting. When I pointed out that another couple had once given us a half-filled bottle of champagne (they were heading to the theater), we accepted and appreciated it. He said that was different. What do you think? — Trying To Be Nice in L.A. Dear Trying To Be Nice: I think you’re a nicer person than your friend Bryan. If the crowd at the next table was insulted, they could have refused your generous offer. Bryan may have nixed the idea because he didn’t think of it first. ❑ ❑ ❑ Dear Veterans: I salute you for your service to this country. My thanks to each of you, as well as to the brave men and women who are still on active duty. You are the personification of patriotism and selfsacrifice for your dedication to our country. — Abby ❑ ❑ ❑ Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069. (Source: Universal Uclick)

■ St Paul’s Church activities: English Worship Services on Fridays at 10.30 am and on Sundays at 6.30 pm at St Paul’s Church in Ahmadi. The Friday English Service has got separate sessions for Children and Youth. Chinese Worship Services on Fridays at 10.30 am at House No 16, Street 9, Block 11, Salwa. Urdu Worship services on Thursdays at 5.35 pm at St. Paul’s Church, Ahmadi and on Fridays at 5.45 pm at Diwaniya of NECK Campus, Kuwait City. Please contact Fr Harrison Chinnakumar for English and Urdu Congregations and his phone numbers are 66396539 or 239859292 and email address: [email protected]. For Chinese congregation, please contact Zhu Peijin and her number is 99551783 and email address is: greenolivettc@ hotmail.com ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Toastmasters outdoor event: In this competitive world where we struggle everyday to do something different. Toastmasters gives you an opportunity to do just that. Want to be a leader? Want to be better Communicator? Want to talk to your peers with confidence? Come visit a Toastmasters Club near you. Toastmasters has organised an outdoor event where you can experience first hand knowledge how different Toastmasters meet and socialize-improving their communication and leadership skills. Where: Salwa Park When: Nov 11, 2016 Time: 1:30 to 4:30 pm For further information contact Madonna Judy David (Mobile-97718295) and Suhaan Abdul Munaaf (Mobile-98818700). ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ ‘Harvest Fest 2016’: Kuwait St. Thomas Indian Orthodox Pazhayapally Ahmadi conducting “Harvest Fest 2016” on Nov 11 (8:00 am to 7:00 pm) at Pakistan Academy School Ahmadi. Full day event will be filled with lot of entertainment and fun programs including renowned singers Jyotsna, Vidyashankar, Noufel Rahman, Kalabhavan Satheesh musical extravaganza (ganamela), comedy skit, dance etc. Attractive stalls including Traditional Nadan Food stalls, Games village, Friday Market etc. make a colorful event. Raffele coupon offering valuable prize is another attraction of this event. Public meeting will be attended by eminent personalities from India and Kuwait. Function inauguration by H.G. Dr Thomas Mar Athanasius Metropolitan, Presidential speech delivering by H.G. Dr Zachariah Mar Theophilos Metropolitan. ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ KALA (Art) Niram 2016: KALA (Art) Kuwait, a leading Progressive Art and Socio Cultural Organization among the Indian Community in Kuwait has scheduled to conduct their prestigious program titled as “Niram 2016” Painting Competition, on the occasion of Children’s Day celebration by marking

emergency number 112

Civil ID info: 1889988

Items for the What’s On page can be sent directly to the Arab Times, P.O. Box 2270, 13023, Safat or faxed to 24818267 or e-mail to arabtimes@ arabtimesonline.com. All items on this page are published as a courtesy to the public. These announcements can include birthday greetings, weddings, social functions or any other non-commercial events. Photographs of all events are welcome. Church from 7.30 to 9.30 pm. ❑ ❑ ❑

A photo from the event

Writers’ Forum holds monthly meeting It was at the residence of the Hindi poet Aamir Diwan that the Writers’ Forum met for its monthly meeting on Oct 28, 2016. One of its senior members Syed Qamar Minto was the Chief Guest on the occasion, whereas one of the relatively new entrants- Nazneen Ali presided over the evening’s meeting. In the absence of Umesh Sharma--the President of the Forum, the meeting was conducted by senior poet and literary critic — Mrs Maimuna Ali Chougle. The first session comprised the story narration session, wherein Rajesh Verlekar read a short story in English, titled The Soft Hand of Maid Mafia. Two literary stalwarts of India were also fondly and respectfully remembered: Sahir Ludhianvi and Amrita Pritam — October being the month of passing away of the two legends. Senior members— Maimuna Ali Chougle and Sunil Sonsi

reminisced about the powerful ways in which the two doyens of Urdu and Punjabi literature respectively, ruled the hearts and minds of millions. The poets were invited to present their poetry in the second session. Dr Navniit Gandhi, Sunil Sonsi and Aamir Diwan recited in Hindi; Ibrahim Sangeraja, Kamaal Ansari, Ameeruddin Ameer, and Shabih Ahmed in Urdu, while Rajesh Verlekar recited in English. The Chief Guest — Syed Qamar Minto shared his observations on the soul-stirring recitations of the evening, and also recited his own poem in Urdu. Nazneen Ali also expressed her deep appreciation of how the various poets, in their unique styles, regaled everyone with a brilliant weaving of words. She recited her own poem in Urdu. The hosts were profusely thanked and the members left enriched with yet another evening etched on their memories.

the birth day of the First Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, on Friday, Nov 11, 2016 at Indian Community School, Khaitan, at 2:00 pm. Students can register their names through websites www.kalakuwait.net. For further details can contact by e-mail [email protected] and the following telephone numbers 97959072, 97219833, 97219439, 66015466, 67042514, according to Jaison Joseph, President KALA (Art) Kuwait and Rakesh P.D., General Secretary, KALA (Art) Kuwait. ❑ ❑ ❑

tary memories experienced in everyday mental functioning, comprising the most common occurrences. They are characterized by their element of surprise, as they appear to come into conscious awareness spontaneously. They are the products of common every-day experiences involving our senses of sight, hearing, touch and taste; one experience using that sense brings to mind a past experience of that sense. This exhibition held at CAP Kuwait will open on Nov 9 and continue through Dec 13. ❑ ❑ ❑

■ ‘Precious Fragments’ expo at CAP: Contemporary Art Platform (CAP) is pleased to announce the opening night of Precious Fragments taking place on Wednesday Nov 9. The exhibition brings together the work of seven artists from Iran working in different media. The title of the exhibition is a scientific term used to describe involun-

■ PGMK service: Praise God Ministry of Kuwait (PGMK) holds services in Telugu and English in the NECK Compound, Lighthouse Church. Fridays and Saturdays — 11.30 to 1:00 pm in English / 1:15 to 3:00 pm in Telugu. Sundays services in the Hall of Hope from 3.30 to 5 pm and then in Lighthouse

■ Tagalog Khutba for Filipinos: The Ministry of Awqaf, Islam Presentation Committee, & Kuwait Philippine Cultural Center (KPC Center) invites all Filipino Muslim & Muslima to hear Khutba (Sermon) in Tagalog every Friday at Marzouq Al-Badr Mosque, Abu Bakr Al-Siddeeq St (at the back of Ambassador Supermarket and SM Supermarket, near Salhiya Police Station & Kuwait Airways Bldg) in Kuwait City. There will be a community started and lunch after Friday prayers at KPC Center in Farwaniya. For further information, please call KPC Center, Tel 4712574. ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Redeemed Christian Church: The Redeemed Christian Church of God (HOD Parish) worship in English. Celebration Service: Friday 9 am – 11 am; Divine encounter: Sunday, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm; Digging Deep (Bible studies): Tuesday, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm; Night vigil every last Friday of the month from 10 pm. Venue: New Mishref. For more information and direction please call 99276603, 6557-7482. Email: [email protected] ❑ ❑ ❑ ■ Father’s Love Int’l Ministries: Have you had a challenging week? Want to hear something different for a change? Something positive and energizing? At FLIM, you will find all this and much more ... Love, laugher, life and liberty. You will find a community of God-loving believers, who come every Friday, Saturday, Monday and Wednesday to praise and worship together. There always a word of blessing and edification for everyone who comes to the Father’s House. So, don’t be left out! Come join the family! You will be restored, received, renewed and greatly rewarded! Father’s Love Encounter Service on Friday at 11:00 am to 2:00 pm African service on Saturday at 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Empowerment Services on Monday at 6:30 pm 8:30 pm Tamil Service on Wednesday at 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Please call 66020972, 99874730, 51003531

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

28

Couch slouch ‘Simpsons’ predicted Trump presidency

Is ‘President Trump’ funny? ‘Late Night’ TV reconsiders LOS ANGELES, Nov 10, (RTRS): Stephen Colbert had packed a veritable arsenal of Donald Trump jokes for a live special broadcast of his program on Showtime on Election Night. A cartoon poked fun at the candidate’s thin skin and questionable temperament. And actress Laura Berlanti, who has won acclaim for her hilarious, note-perfect impression of Trump’s wife, Melania, took up the role again, suggesting she may have voted for another candidate. A few nights ago, that material would have killed. But as election results continued to pour in late Tuesday evening, one thing became clear: Colbert was lampooning America’s next President — and the next First Lady. The nation’s late-night hosts have for months let loose with a steady barrage of one-liners, sketches and bits, all poking fun at Donald Trump. As it turns out, a good portion of the audience wasn’t in on the jokes. Now that Trump has won the race for the White House, there’s a growing sense that many of the comedians who won notice for tackling his foibles as a candidate need to consider the fact that a significant percentage of the populace supports his campaign initiatives. “I imagine we’re going to see some soulsearching among elite, left-leaning comics,” said Danna Young, an associate professor at the University of Delaware’s Center for Political Communication who has studied TV’s late-night shows for more than 15 years. “They are going to have to deal with the fact that half of the country felt heard by this man.” A good portion of the late-night crowd has used Trump to full effect. NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” has seen some of its best ratings in years, thanks in part to Alec Baldwin’s depiction of Trump in recent weeks as a Ku Klux Klan-kissing egomaniac (It’s not clear if Baldwin signed on to do the impression for the entire season, and an NBC spokeswoman for the program declined to discuss the status of Baldwin’s ties to the show). Likewise, NBC’s Seth Meyers has seen his profile rise by offering smart political commentary on the election — and Trump — with its signature “A Closer Look” segments. Meyers even not-so-jokingly banned Trump from his program, “Late Night” after he made efforts to block the Washington Post from covering his campaign. Trevor Noah has examined the implications of a Trump presidency on Comedy Central’s “Daily Show,” going so far in a recent episode to report from the not-so-distant future, after Trump had taken office. On TV and Twitter, Colbert has made no secret of his dislike for

Trump’s positions and personality. And TBS’ Samantha Bee has used her relatively young “Full Frontal” to express outrage at a candidate she has referred to as everything from “America’s burst appendix” to a “melting hunk of uninformed apricot Jell-O.” John Oliver has spent an ever-increasing amount of time analyzing the candidate on HBO’s “Last Week Tonight.” Even Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel and Conan O’Brien, three hosts not known for getting overtly political, have made Trump a mainstay of their opening monologues. Johnny Carson rarely wore his politics on his sleeve, and with good reason. Such stuff can divide the audience a late-night host wants to watch. “It’s one thing to use humor to point out the ridiculousness of politics but another to use humor to shame people. The humor in this election cycle became an occasion to preach to people and persuade them of the wrongness of their political opinions,” said Steven Benko, an assistant professor of religious and ethical studies at Meredith College. “What we saw with this election is that there were a large number of people who were being missed and they seemed to take it very personally about how they were not being included in culture.” “My guess is the people who voted for Trump don’t enjoy these people and see their material as elite condescension and have tuned them out.” said Jeffrey Jones, author of “Entertaining Politics: Satiric Television and Political Engagement,” and the director of director of the George Foster Peabody Awards at the University of Georgia. “I’m sure industry executives are going to think about this.”

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click Latest Continued from Page 25 on the basis of Sastra Pratibha and Distinc-

Flyer of the event tions will be honored with the most prestigious ‘Acharya J.C. Bose Sastra Puraskar’. Students enrolled will get their life time opportunity to meet and interact with top scientists from India. In the past, SPC Winners in Kuwait got opportunity to interact with the legends, Padmabhoosan Dr Vijay Bhatkar and Padmavibhooshan Dr M.S. Valliathan. Those interested are requested to contact

Also: LOS ANGELES: Don’t have a cow man, “The Simpsons” saw President Trump coming a long time ago. In an unnervingly prescient episode of the iconic Fox show from March 19, 2000, Bart was transported to the future when Donald Trump’s presidency had just come to an end. In the episode “Bart to the Future” from Season 11 of the show, a Native American oracle gives Bart visions of the future when he is an adult wearing flip flops, a Hawaiian shirt and sporting a pony tail. It turns out that his sister Lisa has become “the first straight female president” who has inherited “quite a budget crunch from President Trump,” and Bart visits her at the White House. Lisa’s aide, Secretary Milhouse Van Houten, explains that Trump has left the country “broke.”

the science department HOD of respective schools. For further updates on SPC Season III, please follow www.facebook.com/sifkuwait, or email at [email protected].

General DAI schedule of events: It’s not to late to register for: ■ CAW and CAW Jrs for children ages 6 – 12, Saturday mornings at 9:30 am Oct 8 – May 13, Amricani Cultural Centre. ■ Green Thumbs Club for children ages 6 – 9, Saturday afternoons at 2:30 pm Oct 8 – Dec 10, Yarmouk Cultural Centre. ■ Experience Science for children ages 10 – 13, Saturday afternoons at 3:30 pm, Oct 22 – Nov 26, Yarmouk Cultural Centre. ■ Experience Science (Adults!) for grown ups, Saturday mornings at 10 am, Oct 22 – Nov 19, Yarmouk Cultural Centre. For more information, contact: education@ darmuseum.org.kw ❑ ❑ ❑

NYF offers free yoga classes: NYF Kuwait offers free yoga, breathing, meditation and reiki classes by a well-experienced female yoga teacher for all age groups. Classes are given on the basis of different health problems, stress and other problems by different techniques. Contact: 99315825.

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tv highlights Cinema Cinema programme from Thursday 10/11/2016 to Wednesday 16/11/2016 14:00, 16:15, 18:45, 23:45 12:30 (No Fri) 15:00, 17:30, 20:00, 22:30, 01:00 11:30 (No Fri) 23:45 12:30 (No Fri) 15:00, 20:00, 22:30, 01:00 11:30 (No Fri) 14:00, 16:30, 19:00, 21:30, 00:05 12:00 (No Fri) 14:30, 17:00, 19:30, 22:00, 00:30 12:30 (No Fri) 21:30, 00:05 19:00 (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed) 18:00 (No Sat) 22:45

Saber Google (Arabic Film) Sharqia 1

Muhalab 1 Fanar 2 Marina 2 Avenues 4 Avenues 5 Avenues 9 360° 7 360° 9 360° 11 Al-Kout 3 Bairaq 2 Laila

11:30 (No Fri) 14:00 (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu) 18:30, 21:00, 23:30 12:00 (No Fri) 14:30, 20:00, 22:30 11:30 (No Fri) 14:00, 16:30, 19:00, 21:30, 00:05 11:30 (No Fri) 17:00, 19:30, 22:00 21:00 12:15 (No Fri) 12:00 (No Fri) 14:30, 17:00, 19:30, 22:00, 00:30 11:45 (No Fri) 13:15 (No Fri) 13:30 (Fri) 22:00 13:30, 16:00, 18:30, 21:00, 23:30 13:30, 16:00, 18:30, 21:00, 23:30 13:00 (No Fri) 15:30, 18:00, 20:30, 23:00 15:30 20:15 (No Sat)

Trolls Sharqia 1 Muhalab 2 Fanar 5 Marina 1 Marina 3 Avenues 2 Avenues 7 Avenues 11 360° 4 360° 5 360° 10 360° 15 Al-Kout 2 Bairaq 1 Grand Hamra 4 Grand Gate 5

14:30 (Fri, Sat) 16:30 13:30 (Fri) 16:45 (No Fri) 18:45 (Thu, Fri, Sat) 14:30 (Fri) 16:30, 18:30 15:15 (Fri, Sat, Mon) 17:15 11:30 (Sat) 18:00 15:00, 17:15, 19:30 11:45 (No Fri) 14:00 16:30 13:30 (Fri, Sat) 15:30, 17:45 14:15, 19:00 17:30 15:30, 17:45 16:15, 18:15 15:00, 17:00 19:00 (Thu, Fri, Sat) 14:00, 16:00, 18:00, 20:00 14:15, 16:15, 18:15, 20:15, 22:15

Operation Chromite Sharqia 2 Muhalab 1 Muhalab 3 Fanar 4 Marina 3 Avenues 4

13:00 (No Fri) 15:30, 17:45, 20:00, 22:15, 00:30 01:00 (No Thu) 11:30 (No Fri) 14:00, 16:30, 19:00, 21:30, 00:05 12:45 (No Fri) 15:00, 17:15, 19:30, 21:45, 00:15 13:30, 15:45, 20:00, 22:15, 00:45 11:45 (No Fri)

Avenues 6 Avenues 11 360° 10 360° 12 Al-Kout 1 Bairaq 1

Laila

360° 9 360° 13 360° 15 Al-Kout 4 Grand Hamra 1 Grand Hamra 5 Grand Gate 7

Sahasam Swasaga Sagipo (Telugu Film) Muhalab 1 Muhalab 2 Ajial 3

Shut In Sharqia 3

12:45 (No Fri) 14:45, 16:45, 00:15 12:30, 14:30 (No Fri) 20:30, 22:30, 00:30 11:30 (No Fri) 13:30, 15:30, 17:30, 19:30, 21:30, 23:30 12:45, 01:00 (No Thu) 12:30 (No Fri) 14:30, 16:30, 18:30, 20:30, 22:30, 00:30 12:15 (No Fri) 14:15, 20:15, 22:15, 00:15 11:45 (No Fri) 13:45, 21:45, 23:45

Fanar 5 Avenues 3 Avenues 10 360° 2 Al-Kout 2 Bairaq 3

Deepwater Horizon Grand Hamra 4

Grand Gate 2

Fanar 3 Marina 2 Avenues 1 Avenues 5 360° 7 360° 8 360° 9 Bairaq 3 Plaza

Doctor Strange Sharqia 3 Muhalab 2 Fanar 1 Marina 1 Avenues 2 Avenues 5 Avenues 11 360° 1

21:45 21:00 13:45 (Fri) 16:15, 22:00, 00:30 21:15 12:30 (No Fri) 21:45, 00:15 18:00 (No Thu) 14:00, 18:45, 21:15 12:00 (No Fri)

14:15, 16:15, 18:15, 20:15, 22:15 00:15 (Thu, Fri) 14:30, 16:45, 19:00, 21:30 23:30 (Thu, Fri)

Muhalab 1 Marina 1 Avenues 1 360° 6 Grand Hamra 7

01:00 (Thu) 13:00 (No Fri) 12:30 (No Fri) 00:30 12:45 (No Fri) 15:15, 17:45, 23:15 14:00, 16:30, 19:30, 22:00

14:45, 17:15, 20:00, 22:30 Grand Gate 1

Kill Kane Muhalab 2

12:45, 14:45 (No Fri) 23:30 18:45 (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed) 15:30 (Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun) 19:15, 23:45 18:15, 22:15 15:15, 19:15, 23:15 01:15 (Thu) 20:45

Marina 1 Avenues 7 360° 3 360° 8 Al-Kout 4

Grand Gate GC

Grand Gate 8

15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00 23:00 (Thu, Fri) 15:00, 17:00, 19:00, 21:00 23:00 (Thu, Fri)

Rock On 2 (Hindi Film) Fanar 1

13:15 (No Fri) 18:45 18:15 20:15 16:00 (No Fri) 19:00 (Thu) 22:00 (Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun)

Avenues 1 360° 6 Ajial 3

Hacksaw Ridge 16:30, 19:00, 21:30 00:00 (Thu, Fri) Grand Hamra 6 14:30, 17:15, 20:00, 22:30 01:00 (Thu, Fri) Grand Hamra GC 15:00, 17:30, 20:00,

00:30 00:15 11:30 (No Fri) 20:30 13:15 (Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu) 20:00, 22:15, 00:30

360° 4

Under The Shadow Avenues 7 Avenues 10 360° 3

16:15, 20:15 12:45, 01:00 (Thu) 13:15 (No Fri) 17:15, 21:15, 01:15

Miss Peregrine’s Home For Peculiar Children Grand Gate 6

13:45, 18:30, 22:45, 00:45 01:15 (No Thu) 13:30 (Fri, Sat) 15:45, 17:45 (No Mon) 19:45, 21:45, 23:45 13:00 (No Fri) 17:15, 19:00, 01:00

360° 8 360° 14

Al-Kout 4

The Accountant Avenues 8 360° 5

1. 360°

Zahra’a Area, South Surra, 6th Ring Road, corner of King Faisal Highway 2. Ajial Ajial Complex, Fahaheel 3. Al Bairaq Between Jaber Al Ali East & Al Agalia West 4. Al Fanar Al Fanar Complex, Salem Al Mubarak Street, near Sultan Center, Salmiya 5. Al Kout Al-Kout Complex, at the end of the Coastal Road, Fahaheel 6. Al Muhalab Al Muhalab Complex, Behind Hawally Clinic, Hawally 7. Al Sharqiya Arabian Gulf Street, Souq Sharq, near the Amiri Hospital 8. Laila Gallery Salem Al Mubarak Street, near Sultan Center, Salmiya 9. Marina Marina Mall, Between Salem Al Mubarak Street & Arabian Gulf Street, Salmiya 10. Metro Metro Complex, Farwaniya, near Crowne Plaza Hotel & Farwaniya Garden 11. Plaza Salem Al Mubarak Street, near Sultan Center, Salmiya 12. The Avenues The Avenues Mall, Al Reggai near Al Rai, 5th Ring Road & Ghazali Road Intersection NB: Friday no show before 1:30 pm Regular show KD3:000; 3D-Digital — KD3.500; VIP show — KD6.000. ‘On Monday, price is KD1.500 except Digital movies.

Cinescape cinema movies inquiries and Fax Back hotline 1803456

13. The Scientific Center – IMAX Opp Holiday Inn, Salmiya, Gulf Road 14. Grand Al-Hamra Grand Al-Hamra, tel: 22270333, www.grand cinemas.com 15. Grand Gate Grand Gate, tel: 22056464, www.grandcinemas.com

14:00, 16:30, 19:00, 21:30

Scare Campaign Avenues 8

Grand Hamra 5

How to find us

22:30 01:00 (Thu, Fri) 14:00, 16:45, 19:30, 22:15 00:45 (Thu, Fri) 15:00, 17:30, 20:00, 22:30 01:00 (Thu, Fri)

Laf Wa Dawaran (Arabic Film) Marina 2 Avenues 7 Avenues 8

Ouija: Origin of Evil Grand Hamra 8

Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

21:45

18:45 17:00 (Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun) 11:30 (No Fri) 14:30, 17:30, 20:30, 23:30 14:00 15:00, 21:15 14:45, 20:30, 23:30 14:15, 17:30, 20:45, 00:15 12:15 (No Fri) 15:45, 19:00 15:45, 18:45 15:30 (Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun)

17:00 (Fri, Mon) 15:30 (Fri) 16:00 (Fri) 19:00 (No Thu) 22:00 (Fri, Mon)

Grand Gate 4

A Street Cat Named Bob Grand Hamra 2

Ae Dil Hai Mushkil (Hindi Film) Sharqia 3 Muhalab 1

14:45, 17:15, 19:45, 22:15, 00:45 00:30 11:30 (No Fri) 13:45, 16:15, 18:45, 21:15, 23:45 13:00 (No Fri) 20:00, 22:30 14:45, 22:30 14:30, 17:30, 19:45, 22:15 00:45 (Thu, Fri) 14:00 14:15, 16:45, 19:15, 22:00 00:30 (Thu, Fri)

Grand Hamra 3 Grand Gate 3

15:45 11:30 (No Fri) 16:15, 21:00, 23:45 14:15, 16:15, 19:15, 22:30 14:30, 17:00, 19:30, 22:00

Puli Murugan (Malayalam Film) Avenues 10 360° 8 Plaza Ajial 1 Ajial 2 Ajial 4

15:15, 18:30, 21:45 15:30, 18:45, 22:00 15:30 (Fri, Sat, Mon) 18:30, 21:45 15:30, 18:45, 22:00 18:00, 21:15 (Thu) 15:15, 18:30, 21:45

Achcham Yenbadhu Madamaiyada (Tamil Film) Ajial 2

15:30, 21:30 (No Thu)

Kadavul Irukaan Kumaru (Tamil Film) Ajial 2

18:30 (No Thu)

IMAX Imax film programme at The Scientific Center

Sunday Humpback Whales 3D

10:30 am, 07:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 11:30 am, 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 12:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 05:30 pm Secret Ocean 3D 08:30 pm

Monday Humpback Whales 3D

12:30 pm, 06:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 10:30 am, 05:30 pm, 08:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 09:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 11:30 pm, 07:30 pm

Tuesday Humpback Whales 3D

11:30 am 09:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 12:30 pm, 05:30 pm, 08:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 10:30 am Journey to Space 3D 06:30 pm Mysteries of the Unseen World 07:30 pm

Wednesday Humpback Whales 3D Flying Monsters 3D

05:30 am 11:30 am 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 08:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 12:30 pm Mysteries of the Unseen World 10:30 am Secret Ocean 3D 07:30 pm

Thursday Humpback Whales 3D

11:30 am 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 10:30 am 07:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 05:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 08:30 pm Secret Ocean 3D 12:30 pm

Friday Humpback Whales 3D Flying Monsters 3D

08:30 pm 02:30 pm, 06:30 pm, 09:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 03:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 04:30 pm Secret Ocean 3D 07:30 pm Mysteries of the Unseen World 05:30 am

Saturday Showtime Available for Groups Humpback Whales 3D

09:30 am 10:30 am 07:30 pm Flying Monsters 3D 11:30 am, 02:30 pm, 05:30 pm, 08:30 pm Kenya: Animal Kingdom 3D 04:30 pm, 09:30 pm Journey to Space 3D 01:30 pm, 06:30 pm Secret Ocean 3D 03:30 pm Mysteries of the Unseen World 12:30 pm Notes: All films are in Arabic. For English, headsets are available upon request. Film schedule is subject to changes without notice. For information call 1 848 888 or visit www.tsck.org.kw

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

HEALTH

29

Novartis, Pfizer cut prices to win UK approval for cancer drugs

Vitamin D deficiency widely overestimated, docs warn NEW YORK, Nov 10, (Agencies): Doctors are warning about vitamin D again, and it’s not the “we need more” news you might expect. Instead, they say there’s too much needless testing and too many people taking too many pills for a problem that few people truly have. The nutrient is crucial for strong bones and may play a role in other health conditions, though that is far less certain. Misunderstandings about the recommended amount of vitamin D have led to misinterpretation of blood tests and many people thinking they need more than they really do, some experts who helped set the levels write in Thursday’s New England Journal of Medicine. Correctly interpreted, less than 6 percent of Americans ages 1 to 70 are deficient and only 13 percent are in danger of not getting enough. That’s concerning, “but these levels of deficiency do not constitute a pandemic,” the authors write. Yet people may think there is one. Blood tests for vitamin D levels — not advised unless a problem like bone loss is suspected — are soaring. Under Medicare, there was an 83-fold increase from 2000 to 2010, to 8.7 million tests last year, at $40 apiece. It’s Medicare’s fifth most common test, just after cholesterol levels and ahead of blood sugar, urinary tract infections and prostate cancer screening. “I’m not sure when it got popular to check everybody for vitamin D deficiency,” but patients often ask for it, especially baby boomers, said Dr. Kenny Lin, a Georgetown University family physician and preventive medicine expert. Vitamin D pill use also grew, from 5 percent of Americans in 1999 to 19 percent in 2012. That may be due to many reports suggesting harm from too little of “the sunshine vitamin,” called that because our skin makes vitamin D from sun exposure. It’s tough to get enough in winter or from dietary sources like milk and

Surprising possible trigger

Study finds ‘culprit’ in preterm births

Vitamin D tablets are displayed, on Nov 9, in New York. Doctors are warning about vitamin D again, and it isn’t the “we need more” news you might expect. (AP)

oily fish, though many foods and drinks are fortified with vitamin D and labels soon will have to carry that information. Too much vitamin D can lead to high levels of calcium in the blood, which can cause nausea, constipation, kidney stones, an abnormal heart rhythm and other problems. “We’re not saying that moderate-dose supplements are risky, but more is not necessarily better,” said Dr. JoAnn Manson of Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. She and several other advisers to the Institute of Medicine, which set the RDA, or recommended dietary allowance, wrote the journal article. People vary, biologically, in how much of any vitamin they need. The institute estimated

this by comparing various intake and blood levels with measures of bone health. They estimated that, on average, people need about 400 international units of vitamin D per day, and 600 for people over 70. To be safe and ensure that everyone gets enough, they set the RDA at the high end of the spectrum of the population’s needs — 600 to 800 units, depending on age. So by definition, nearly everyone’s true requirement is below that.

Also: LONDON: Novartis and Pfizer have won approval for two cancer drugs to be used routinely on Britain’s National Health Service after of-

WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (AP): Researchers have uncovered a surprising possible trigger for some preterm births: calcium buildup in the womb, similar to the kind that stiffens older people’s arteries or causes kidney stones. Ohio researchers studying more than 100 pregnant women found that when a mom-to-be’s water breaks too early, the culprit seems to be abnormal calcium deposits that make the normally elastic amniotic sac prone to rupture. It’s a small study and more research is needed to prove if calcification really is behind this baffling kind of prematurity and if so, what to do about it. But the research, reported Wednesday in Science Translational Medicine, raises the possibility of investigating interventions. “To have a new potential mechanism for one significant form of preterm birth is quite exciting,” said Dr Edward McCabe, chief medical officer of the March of Dimes, who wasn’t involved in the study. Premature birth — being born before 37 weeks of pregnancy — can cause lifelong health problems, and babies who are very premature can die. Sometimes there’s an obvious cause for prematurity, such as

an infection. Yet most of the time, doctors can’t explain what triggers preterm birth in an otherwise healthy pregnant woman. Dr Irina Buhimschi of Nationwide Children’s Hospital took a closer look at a curiosity: Calcified plaques have often been spotted in placentas after birth — both preterm and full term — and no one knows why. But abnormal calcification is well-known to play a role in a number of disorders. Clusters of minerals, known as calciprotein particles, that float in the blood may be deposited in soft tissue instead of the skeleton, leading to such problems as arterystiffening atherosclerosis or kidney stones. Could that process go awry in preterm birth, too? Buhimschi’s team found higher concentrations of the calcium-containing deposits in the amniotic sac when a mom’s water broke prematurely than with full-term births or other types of preterm births. Amniotic fluid can produce calciprotein particles, the team found — and with preemies, that fluid also contains lower levels of a protein named fetuin-A that’s supposed to keep those deposits from being dumped in the wrong place, like the amniotic sac. Lab experiments found those deposits led to less flexible fetal membranes.

fering bigger price discounts. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) said on Thursday its draft guidance now recommended Novartis’ Afinitor for certain breast cancer patients and Pfizer’s Xalkori in lung cancer following the undisclosed “larger” discounts.

The move comes as NICE reappraises all drugs covered by the Cancer Drugs Fund, which was overhauled earlier this year. Japan’s Eisai last week won a similar green light for its breast cancer drug Halaven after cutting the price for Britain’s state health service.

dollar rises as Trump victory raises inflation expectations The dollar climbed to a 3-1/2-month high against the yen on Thursday as markets weighed the election of businessman Donald Trump for US president and how his policies could affect economic growth. The greenback rose by more than 1 percent on the day to 106.94 yen for the first time since July. The dollar also rose substantially against a basket of major world currencies, touching its highest level in more than two weeks and hovering just below levels last seen

A currency trader watches monitors near the screens showing the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) (left), and the foreign exchange rate between US dollar and South Korean won at the foreign exchange dealing room in Seoul, South Korea, on Nov 18. (AP)

Market Movements INDIA AUSTRALIA JAPAN HONG KONG S. KOREA PHILIPPINES

-

Sensex All Ordinaries Nikkei Hang Seng KRX 100 All Shares

Change Closing pts +265.15 27,517.68 +170.66 5,408.90 +1,092.88 17,344.42 +423.92 22,839.11 +80.19 4,027.51 +39.91 4,322.26

10-11-2016 GERMANY FRANCE EUROPE

- DAX - CAC 40 - Euro Stoxx 50

Change Closing pts -15.89 10,630.12 -12.53 4,530.95 -9.70 3,046.59

in early February. “It’s a continuation of the post-election response,” said Ian Gordon, FX strategist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch. “For us, the clean sweep of both the White House and the Congress by the Republicans is a clear signal that we are going to get a pretty significant fiscal stimulus in 2017 and that is going to be bullish for (interest) rates.” Expectations that Trump’s policies would boost spending and inflation helped US long-dated Treasury yields

rise to their highest levels in more than 10 months. Yields on benchmark 10-year notes and 30-year bonds had their largest one-day rise in years on Wednesday and added to gains on Thursday ahead of a 30-year bond auction. Higher interest rates for US Treasuries raise the value of the dollar by making dollar-denominated assets more attractive to investors. Analysts also pointed to Trump’s tone of unity during his presidential acceptance speech as helping spur confidence in the dollar. (RTRS)

Business

Trump win challenges Fed policy, independence Wall Street hopeful, anxious after Republican sweep

Analysts fret

Trump’s economic message resonates WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (AFP): Donald Trump won the White House race arguing that the US economy is in dismal shape -- despite it growing better than other advanced economies. Now economists worry about how his views will impact growth going ahead, from the trade protectionism he espouses to criticism of Federal Reserve monetary policy. Despite four years of solid economic growth, with unemployment falling to 4.9 percent, Trump’s opponent Democrat Hillary Clinton could not capitalize on the stronger economy left by President Barack Obama. Trump gained more traction with his message to those who may not have felt the impact of the growing economy in their daily lives. He said he would fight back against unfair trade, restore US manufacturing jobs, and create jobs through spending on infrastructure. “We’re going to rebuild our infrastructure, which will become, by the way, second to none. And we will put millions of our people to work as we rebuild it,” Trump said in his victory speech early Wednesday.

WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (AFP): Donald Trump’s surprise victory in the US presidential race raises new questions over Federal Reserve policy in the short run and the central bank’s vital operational independence over the longer term. How his proposed, dramatic policy shifts impact the economy could influence Fed plans to resume raising interest rates after a year’s hiatus, which was widely expected to begin in December. Meanwhile, Trump’s sharp attacks on the Fed and especially Chair Janet Yellen during the cam-

paign, some worry, could lead to greater political interference in monetary policy. “We are in a big, fat, ugly bubble. And we have a Fed that’s doing political things, this Janet Yellen of the Fed,” Trump charged during the campaign. “The day (President Barack) Obama goes out ... to the golf course for the rest of his life to play golf, when they raise interest rates, you are going to see some very bad things happen,” he said. In fact, the Fed has been hinting at raising rates for months and prior to the election most expectations were that it would do so in its December policy meeting. But that was when Democrat Hillary Clinton, who espoused continuity in economic policy, was expected to win Tuesday. With the Trump victory, some analysts say a rate increase could again be off the table. “As of right now, the chance of a December hike probably is no more than one in three,” said Ian Shepherdson of Pantheon Macroeconomics. Paul Ashworth, of Capitol Economics, however said it depends on how the markets generally respond to Trump’s election. If the markets turn negative and stay there, he said, “the Fed will hold off in December.” Yellen has steadfastly insisted that monetary policy moves are not influenced by politics, and she bristled at Trump’s accusations. Some say the combination of continued economic momentum, and the need to show independence from Trump, could in fact support a rate increase at the Dec 13-14 policy meeting. “We still think the Fed hikes in December,”said David Kotok, chairman of Cumberland Advisors.

Plan

Announced

“We have a great economic plan. We will double our growth and have the strongest economy anywhere in the world. At the same time, we will get along with all other nations willing to get along with us.” In a statement congratulating Trump, the Alliance for American Manufacturing, which represents manufacturers and steelworkers, said the election was about the economic pain felt by voters. “Communities across America felt left behind as manufacturing jobs disappeared, and no single election cycle can erase that,” it said. “Factory workers were more than a prop in this election. Now’s the time to deliver for them.” Economists agree an infrastructure program could provide a boost to the economy and jobs if properly executed over time, and some sectors stand to benefit as well from the tax cuts and deregulation Trump has promised. But they also warn that other Trump policies could reverse economic gains, especially his threats to impose import tariffs on key US trading partners, like Mexico and China, which he has said will protect jobs. Pantheon Macroeconomics economist Ian Shepherdson cautioned that “Trade wars can spiral quickly, and when that happens, no one wins. “Jobs are lost and prices rise, hitting the poorest, least-educated people hardest. Trump voters, in other words,” he said in an analysis. Nobel-prize winning economist Paul Krugman said Trump’s inexperience on economic policy and unpredictability risks further damaging the weak global economy. “What makes it especially bad right now, however, is the fundamentally fragile state much of the world is still in, eight years after the great financial crisis,” he said in a blog post. “So we are very probably looking at a global recession, with no end in sight.” Economists also worry that a surge in infrastructure spending, coupled with Trump’s promised tax cuts, will balloon the government deficit and force up the debt. Trump’s criticism of the Fed also spread worry. During the campaign he criticized Fed Chair Janet Yellen for keeping interest rates too low for too long, to help Obama and Clinton. Analysts fear that criticism could lead to Trump and the Republican Congress pushing through legislation that would undermine the independence of the central bank. Some think Yellen may resign but likely will not be reappointed. “Trump may criticize the Fed and Chair Janet Yellen, but Yellen is expected to remain as Chair through the end of her term in February 2018,” Berenberg Capital Markets economist Mickey Levy said in a research note. Simon Johnson, former International Monetary Fund chief economist, summed up his fears about Trump policies with a comparison to Argentina. “The classic populism of Latin America is exactly, you do a lot of giveaways, do a lot of infrastructure spending, you finance that by issuing debt, you run the economy too hot, you keep monetary policy too loose -in part because the central bank is under political control. So which part of this does not fit our current situation?”

Trump’s announced economic policies, including spending big on infrastructure projects, tax cuts, and protectionist moves on trade, could add to inflationary pressure that would further support a Fed hike, according to Fed specialist Tim Duy. “There is going to be some concern that this next presidency will have a powerful fiscal stimulus,” he said. “A forward-looking central bank should be considering that and considering raising interest rates.” Even so, Trump’s populist, interventionist declarations have shaken the market’s confidence in the Fed’s ability to protect its independence. For two years Republicans in Congress have repeatedly attacked Yellen for not following their policy guidance, their views on bank regulations, and for not being transparent over the inner workings of the central bank. “Republicans in Congress have been wanting to change rules and bring the Fed under greater political control for a long time,” said Simon Johnson, an economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “And I think that is what Trump is going to want to do also.” Yellen will have just over one year left in her four-year term as Fed Chair when Trump takes office in late January. The president can renew the term of the Fed chair, but Trump might want to replace her. Joseph Gagnon, a former Fed official now at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, said he doubts Yellen would just resign once Trump takes office. Instead, she would finish her official term. Trump’s shock election to the presidency ensures Republican leadership of the executive and legislative branches, ending a period of split government that Wall Street has generally favored. Markets had been expecting an extension of this divided dynamic in Washington, rallying Monday and Tuesday after the FBI cleared Democrat Hillary Clinton in a probe into emails inked to her server, as the market priced the probability of a Democratic president coupled with a Republican Congress. But Wall Street’s reaction Wednesday suggested it has hope for a Republican-dominated era as well. Near 1800 GMT, the S&P 500 was up 0.7 percent to 2,154.95. “People are always more comfortable with a split government, but again an all-Republican government theoretically could be long-run good for business, depending on once they get in what the regulatory environment looks like,” said JJ Kinahan, chief market strategist at TD Ameritrade. A split with one party controlling the White House and the other party running Congress, frequently has resulted in policy gridlock. That infuriated Main Street but offered Wall Street a predictable range of outcomes, whether the issue was foreign trade, oversight of the Federal Reserve, taxes and spending or various social policies. Throughout the periods of Barack Obama’s presidency when he dealt with a Republican Congress, Wall Street stocks generally pushed higher. The market was also strong during periods of the presidencies of Bill Clinton and George W Bush when Congress was held by the opposing party.

Ruling coalition lawmakers stand to approve the passage of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade deal in the lower house of the parliament in Tokyo on Nov 10. Japan’s lower house of parliament on Nov 10 passed the contentious Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade deal, a move largely viewed as an empty gesture due to opposition by US president-elect Donald Trump. (AFP)

China pushes Asia-Pacific trade deals

Japan lawmakers OK TPP despite Trump victory TOKYO, Nov 10, (Agencies): Japan’s lower house of parliament on Thursday passed the contentious Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) free trade deal, a move largely viewed as an empty gesture due to opposition by US president-elect Donald Trump. US President Barack Obama championed the 12-nation deal saying it would enable the United States to set the global trade agenda in the face of China’s increasing economic clout. But Trump has strongly opposed the deal, casting a huge shadow over its future. Besides Japan and the US, the TPP includes 10 other countries: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam. If it came into full force it would account for an enormous 40 percent of the global economy. The TPP is seen as a counterweight to China, as Beijing expands its sphere of influence and promotes its own way of doing business — seen as often running counter to largely Western-set global standards that emphasise transparency and respect for human rights and the environment. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made the TPP a pillar of his economic platform to revive the na-

tion’s key exports sector. But experts say that with Trump’s election the deal is a non-starter. “Japan’s hopes for the TPP (are) dead and buried,” Marcel Thieliant, economist at Capital Economics, said in a note. “The upshot is that the long-term losses for Japan from the TPP not coming into force are substantial.”

Favour Trump says he is in favour of free trade but that existing deals, such as the North American Free Trade Agreement between the US, Canada and Mexico, have not been fairly negotiated and don’t serve US interests. The White House has warned that failure to approve TPP would put billions of dollars in US exports at risk to competition from China. China will seek support for a Beijingled Asia-Pacific free trade area at a regional summit in Peru later this month, Chinese officials said on Thursday, after Donald Trump’s US election win dashed hopes for a US-led free trade pact. During his election campaign Trump took a protectionist stance on trade issues and labelled the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) championed by President Barack Obama a “disaster”.

There is now little chance of it coming up for vote in Washington before his inauguration in January. Obama had framed TPP, which excluded China, as an effort to write Asia’s trade rules before Beijing could, establishing US economic leadership in the region as part of his “pivot to Asia”. Briefing journalists ahead of President Xi Jinping’s departure for the AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru from Nov 19-20, China’s Vice-Foreign Minister Li Baodong warned of the rise of protectionism and said the region needed a free trade agreement as soon as possible. “Trade and investment protectionism is rearing its head, and Asia-Pacific faces insufficient momentum for internal growth, and difficulties in advancing reforms,” Li said. “China believes we should set a new and very practical working plan, to positively respond to the expectations of industry, and sustain momentum and establish a free trade area in AsiaPacific at an early date,” Li said. US Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Wednesday dashed any remaining hopes that US President Barack Obama’s signature PacificRim trade deal would come up for a vote before President-elect Donald

Trump takes office in January. “It’s certainly not going to be brought up this year,” McConnell said of the 12-country Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) at a news briefing in Washington. McConnell said any decisions on TPP or other future trade agreements would be up to Trump, who would still have the authority for four more years to negotiate “better deals” with expedited approval procedures in Congress. Trump excoriated TPP on the campaign trail as a “disaster” and “a rape of our country,” tapping into populist anger at globalization, trade and manufacturing job losses that helped propel his candidacy. In an opinion piece published on Monday, Trump advisers Peter Navarro and Alexander Gray reiterated his opposition to major trade deals. “Trump will never again sacrifice the US economy on the altar of foreign policy by entering into bad trade deals like the North American Free Trade Agreement, allowing China into the World Trade Organization (WTO), and passing the proposed TPP,” Navarro and Gray wrote in Foreign Policy magazine. “These deals only weaken our manufacturing base and ability to defend ourselves and our allies.”

Elections historically had minimal impact over long term

Voters jolt status quo; don’t do the same to your 401(k) NEW YORK, Nov 10, (AP): Voters chose to shake up Washington and bring big change to the White House. Resist doing the same with your 401(k), analysts and fund managers say. The first reaction for many investors around the world was to sell — nearly everything — late Tuesday as it became clear that Donald Trump would win the presidency. Stock markets tanked from Asia to Europe, and a similarly steep drop seemed likely when US markets opened. But stocks proved resilient Wednesday morning, benefiting those who sat on their hands instead of selling immediately. The market likely won’t stay this calm in the next few days and weeks. Analysts are forecasting big swings as investors digest the surprising election result, but their advice for investors remains: Stay the course. Elections can mean big short-term swings for stocks and other investments, but they historically have had minimal impact over the long term. Here’s a look at what experts

say to expect: What’s going to happen to the market?

The answer is that no one knows. Not even the market knows. Late Tuesday, the futures market — where investors place bets on where stock indexes will end up — was calling for a drop of at least 5 percent for the widely followed Standard & Poor’s 500 index. By Wednesday afternoon, the S&P 500 was up more than 1 percent. History has shown that a presidential election doesn’t singlehandedly alter the stock market over the long term. Other factors, such as how expensive stocks are relative to their earnings and what the Federal Reserve is doing with interest rates, are more important factors than who sits in the White House. Dating back to 1853, the average annual return for stocks under Republican presidents has been 11 percent — precisely the same as for Democratic administrations, according to the investment strategy group at Vanguard. The US president may be the leader of the free world, but

even that much power doesn’t allow for singlehanded control of the economy or interest rates. Why so much concern about a Trump presidency?

Because no one knows what kinds of policies a President Trump would enact. One worry is that his election could lead to a global trade war, which would drag down profits for big US companies that increasingly depend on customers in China, Europe and elsewhere. He also represents uncertainty, one of the biggest bugaboos for markets. Will he convince Congress to overturn the North American Free Trade Agreement? Will there be a mass deportation of immigrants, one that would leave employers with a big hole to fill? How much will the US debt rise if President Trump increases infrastructure spending and cuts taxes? Wall Street doesn’t have a good read on these questions, among others, and uncertainty often leads to anxiety for markets. Are other people freaking out?

More customers than usual at Fi-

delity are calling in to ask what they should do, but only a few more. The call volume is about the same as a typical Tuesday after a three-day weekend, Fidelity says. One measure of investor fear — an index that measures how much traders are paying to buy insurance against future drops in the S&P 500 — actually dropped 20 percent Wednesday. What should I be preparing for?

More swings in the market. Don’t be surprised to see stocks follow up their gains on Wednesday with losses on Thursday or thereafter, as investors further digest the ramifications of a Trump presidency. And don’t be surprised if they just turn around and climb higher again the next day. Because of how much uncertainty exists about what a President Trump would do, investors have a lot of room to overreact. “Volatility is the result of people getting excited about news and reacting emotionally, getting nervous and reacting negatively, and then around again,” says Colin Moore, global chief investment officer at Columbia Threedneedle Investments.

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private prison stocks surge on Trump win Shares of private prison companies saw prices surge Wednesday on expectations President-elect Donald Trump will reverse the Obama administration’s move to scale back use of these firms at federal facilities. Shares of Corrections Corporation of America and the GEO Group soared 48.1 percent and 20.8 percent, respectively, in afternoon trading after the surprise victory by Republican can-

didate Trump, who has said he favors the use of private prisons. The gains are a reversal from August, when shares of the companies plummeted after the Justice Department announced it would stop renewing contracts with the private prison companies. The goal was “reducing -- and ultimately ending -- our use of privately owned prisons,” Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates

Ukraine’s eurobonds plunge on Trump jitters

said in a memo. The department had found that private prisons were costly and more dangerous than those in public hands. The decision was expected to affect 13 privately run prisons housing just over 22,000 people, or about 11 percent of the federal prison population. Most of those inmates are foreign nationals, mainly Mexicans incarcerated for immigration violations. (AFP)

Ukraine’s eurobonds dropped sharply in value Thursday on fears that US president-elect Donald Trump may drop Washington’s support for the war-torn nation in favour of closer relations with Russia. Trump’s shock election victory Tuesday has been met with trepidation in Kiev because of the outspoken reality TV star and land tycoon’s praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin and

show of a degree of ignorance about the situation in Ukraine. Eurobonds are long-term debt denominated in a currency other than that of the issuer country, in Ukraine’s case typically dollars and euros. They are often seen as a safer alternatives to the stock market, commodities or debt issued in Ukraine’s own currency, the Hryvnia. Their prices fall and yields paid by the issuer rise on uncer-

tainty over whether that money will be paid back in time. The former Soviet republic accuses Russia of starting a proMoscow separatist revolt in its east shortly after annexing its Crimea peninsula in March 2014. The 30-month insurgency has claimed nearly 10,000 lives and been blamed by the United States and the European Union on direct Russian support — a charge Moscow denies. (AFP)

US economic watch

Trump victory poses greater policy uncertainty he outcome of the election has differential impacts in the short T and long run. In the short-run, it creates elevated uncertainty about the policy outlook, which threatens despair in the financial markets. This is already reflected in sharp drop in global markets overnight. It is also reflected in a surge in the VIX index of stock market volatility. In our view, these market gauges are reasonable proxies for the increased uncertainty in the economy, which we expect will serve as a near-term drag to GDP growth. Accordingly we have penciled in 0.5% lower growth in both 1Q and 2Q next year. In particular, we are assuming even weaker capital spending and have lowered job and consumption growth modestly. Given the risk-off trade in markets and the likely slower growth profile, we now only see a 1-in-3 probability of a December Fed hike. The longer-term impact of Trump’s victory is much more complicated, in

our opinion. The Trump campaign has suggested a number of possible policy changes: 1. Arguably the centerpiece of Trump’s economic platform is reversing free trade. This includes declaring some countries currency manipulators, putting tariffs on Mexico (35%) and China (45%), renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and exiting from the World Trade Organization (WTO). 2. A second stated priority is immigration. This includes building a wall with Mexico and deporting some or all undocumented workers. According to Pew Research, there are 11.3 million undocumented immigrants, including about 8.1 million workers. 3. Trump advocates across-theboard tax cuts. The Committee for a Responsible Budget estimates that his policies would lower tax revenues by $4.5tr over a 10 year period. 4. His campaign pledge includes

Tech investor backed Trump

Investor Thiel wins with bet against Silicon Valley peers SAN FRANCISCO, Nov 10, (AFP): The improbable triumph of Donald Trump is a victory for tech sector investor Peter Thiel, who unabashedly backed the Republican candidate despite overwhelming opposition from his Silicon Valley peers. The 49-year-old Thiel, an early investor in Facebook and active tech sector figure, was a contrarian in a land of entrepreneurs and internet stars that saw Trump as looking to the past instead of the future. A co-founder of online payments firm PayPal and big-data analytics company Palantir known for secretive work with counterintelligence agencies, Thiel is a board member of Facebook and has a fortune estimated at $2.7 billion. Thiel bucked the trend in Silicon Valley by donating $1.25 million to Trump’s campaign, and became the first openly gay speaker at a Republican convention. He received applause for his speech, in which he said was proud to be gay, Republican, and American. While Silicon Valley has seen some Republican support, Thiel appeared an oddity in a race where Hewlett Packard Enterprise chief executive Meg Whitman, who once ran as a Republican for governor of California, endorsed Democrat Hillary Clinton. Thiel said during his speech that he didn’t “agree with every plank” of a party platform that has long been at odds with rights and issues important to the gay and transgender community that is important in California. After reports about Trump’s alleged sexual misconduct to women, Thiel referred to them as “clearly offensive and inappropriate.” Still, his support for the candidate was unwavering. “I think a lot of voters who vote for Trump take him seriously but not literally,” Thiel said at a Washington news conference in October.

“What Trump represents isn’t crazy, and it isn’t going away,” he contended. “We are voting for Trump because we judge the leadership of our country to have failed.” Thiel funded conservative political candidates in the past, but backing a candidate seen as anathema to Silicon Valley values went too far for some. Former Reddit chief Ellen Pao severed ties between Project Include, which is devoted to promoting diversity in the tech industry, and Y Combinator, a startup incubator Thiel is involved with. Some called, unsuccessfully, for entrepreneurs to shun Y Combinator and for him to be booted from the Facebook board. Thiel, like Trump, has portrayed the media as villainous. In May, Thiel acknowledged funding a legal battle against the gossip website Gawker that outed him as a homosexual. “It’s less about revenge and more about specific deterrence,” Thiel said in an interview at the time. Thiel backed former professional wrestler Hulk Hogan, who agreed this month to accept at least $31 million from Gawker Media to settle his lawsuit over publication of a sex tape. While Gawker made enemies for its no-holds-barred approach to celebrity coverage, the case raised questions about whether powerful interests can use their resources to silence media for unfavorable coverage. Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Thiel was a year old when his parents brought him to the United States. The chess enthusiast and fan of author JRR Tolkien (even taking inspiration for fund names from Lord of the Rings books) studied at Stanford University in Silicon Valley. His first tech startup win came with PayPal, which he co-founded in 1998 and was bought four years later by eBay.

Bracing for Trump, some in Canada see ‘nothing good’ OTTAWA, Nov 10, (AFP): Canada is one of America’s closest allies and its largest trading partner but observers there worried Wednesday that a Donald Trump presidency might change that. The real estate mogul, reality TV star and now US president-elect campaigned on isolationist and protectionist policies that horrified many Canadians. But a lack of detail in his plans has made it hard to pin down the nature of the monster under the bed. There is “nothing good” for Canada in any of it, according to Louis Belanger, a political science professor at Laval University in Quebec. “The overall impact is likely to be negative,” agreed Charles St-Arnaud, an analyst with Nomura Global Economics. “But it depends on the policies that will be put in place.” Canada sends about 75 percent of everything it produces south, amount-

ing to a huge $1.8 billion in daily trade with the United States. So Trump’s call to renegotiate, or if that fails, to nix the 1994 North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) that binds 530 million consumers in Canada, the United States and Mexico, has caused alarm among many Canadians. The unfettered flow of goods and people across the 49th parallel that separates the two nations “is vital for bilateral trade” and “critical to our economic health,” said Perrin Beatty, president of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Canada’s exports to the US account for 20 percent of its gross domestic product. Most analysts predict a drop in trade if Trump follows through with protectionist measures, with Desjardins Bank in Montreal last week predicting a recession in Canada if the US withdraws from NAFTA.

greater spending with “at least double” Clinton’s proposed $275bn 5-year infrastructure plan. The Mexico wall estimates range from $10bn and up. Ramping up immigrant deportations could also be quite expensive1. 5. Trump favors legislation that would allow Congress to audit Fed decisions and, given his criticism of Chair Yellen, it seems unlikely he would reappoint her when her term expires in 2018. If fully implemented, we believe these policies could have dramatic impacts on the US economy. Let’s focus on the two that we see as most likely: trade policy and fiscal policy. According to the Peterson Institute for International Economics report, if Trump pursues his trade agenda, “foreign countries will soon retaliate” causing “enormous economic damage to US firms, workers, and communities could ensue from a trade war” before any court challenges clear2. On the other hand, the proposed

changes in fiscal policy could have the opposite impact on economic growth. The CRFB estimates that Trump would cut taxes by $4.5tr and increase spending by $0.1tr over a 10-year period. Infrastructure spending of about $550bn over five years would have a similar impact on aggregate demand. Even under conservative assumptions, we calculate these tax and spending policies would add more than a percentage point to aggregate demand. Could Congress derail these plans? Of course, the President does not control all of the policy levers. Most important, with a continued Republican Congress, major fiscal stimulus is unlikely regardless of who is the President. In recent years, any attempt to increase the budget deficit has met with major brinkmanship battles, including the 2011 debt ceiling battle, the “fiscal cliff” and the “shutdown.” Under Paul Ryan’s

speakership, the House has allowed a small increase in the deficit. Looking ahead, in our view, small tax cuts in the context of tax reform are likely, but it seems unlikely that they could be paired with spending increases as well. The Fed will also remain important, in our opinion. The economy is now back to full employment, and wage and price inflation are slowly normalizing. Given its dual mandate, the Fed appears comfortable with the current trajectory of the economy and plans to hike twice per year. However, policy shocks — either a negative trade shock or a positive fiscal shock — will change that calculus. Up to now, the Fed has responded very slowly to the pick-up in inflation, but a sharp fiscal stimulus will likely trigger a much faster Fed rate hike cycle to avoid a serious overheating of the economy. Contrawise, a major trade shock would likely force the Fed to cut rates back to zero and restart

Quantitative Easing. Two things matter: uncertainty and uncertainty The bottom-line is that uncertainty also dominates both our short- and long-run forecasts. This is evident from the extreme “risk off” trade in the markets. After all, there is a wide range of growth impacts for the various policy proposals on the table. There is also high uncertainty about exactly what will be enacted post-election. Hence, in our view, now is not the right time to pencil in a big change in our medium term growth call. Rather, we would highlight that downside risk (from trade) to growth exceeds upside risk (from fiscal policy). We will be watching the news flow carefully before making a more substantial forecast change. We believe it will be easier to revisethe outlook once we know more about which advisors are being put into key positions and as more specific legislative and executive proposals are vetted.

Tough reality check for Trump’s pledge for better jobs & wages Angst over economy helps flip Great Lakes states CHARLOTTE, North Carolina, Nov 10, (Agencies): Donald Trump’s promise to revive small town America faces a tough challenge in an economy that for decades has been wired to direct income and opportunities towards urban hubs and the better educated. Little in the president-elect’s so far sketchy economic plans indicates the trend can be reversed any time soon, according to interviews with experts on income inequality and recent occupational trends.

The manufacturing jobs Trump pledges to bring back have disappeared as much because of automation as the trade deals he has promised to rewrite, and that process will only continue. A promised infrastructure revamp would boost middle wage jobs but for only as long as the programs last, economists point out. During President Barack Obama’s eight years in office incomes for the best off continued to diverge, despite nearly 10 million new jobs and recent strength in those paying middle-tier wages. On a pre-tax basis, the share of income to the top fifth of households increased from 50.4 percent to 51.4 percent between 2008 and 2015 at the expense of all the others, according to census estimates. Without the sort of tax and redistribution policies Republicans have traditionally opposed, Trump may struggle to make good on his promise to help those left behind in the global economy, economists who study inequality trends say. “We have 30 to 40 years to catch up on... Lots of money has gone to the top and to change that is going to be a long and slow process,” said David Madland, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a think tank with close ties to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton’s campaign. Trump campaigned promising to shake up a Washington establishment he argued was responsible for destroying middle class jobs with bad trade deals. The message hit home across rural America and mid-sized cities, where voters felt they missed out on the fruits of the seven-year economic recovery that big cities may have enjoyed. Charlotte has been growing fast as a financial hub that attracts college educated talent from around the country, and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton did better there than Obama did in 2012, handily beating Trump by 137,000 votes.

Promise A vendor picks up a 100 yuan note above a newspaper featuring a photo of US president-elect Donald Trump, at a news stand in Beijing on Nov 10. The world’s second-largest economy is US president-elect Donald Trump’s designated bogeyman, threatening it on the campaign trail with tariffs for stealing American jobs, but analysts say US protectionism could create opportunities for Beijing. (AFP)

Markets still pricing Dec Fed hike

Trump may bode well for dollar LONDON, Nov 10, (RTRS): It took just over eight hours on Wednesday for currency markets to abandon the prevailing logic of the past month — that a Donald Trump presidency would be bad for the dollar against its major peers. As forecast by dozens of bank and fund strategists, the greenback sank against the yen on the first signs, deep in the US night, of a victory that they worry carries huge risks for global growth, security and trade. Trading volumes against the euro reached 10 times the average for what is normally a high point of trading in Japan and Hong Kong, and Tokyo felt the need to caution speculators with the promise of an emergency meeting of officials to consider intervention. But by the time daylight returned in New York, investors had pushed the dollar back to a loss of just half a percent on the day against the Japanese currency, and it was up against the euro and the franc. A number of major banks including HSBC issued notes in London highlighting the immediate risks to the currency, yet none went as far as alter-

ing their longer-term forecasts. French bank Credit Agricole recommended buying the US currency at 103 yen with a target of 110. Some bigger financial houses including Citi said they should have more to say over the next 24 hours. The reticence spoke to far greater doubt over whether Trump’s promised anti-establishment policy mix will do anything other than support the greenback, broadly by drawing capital back into the United States and administering economic pain elsewhere. “Medium to long-term implications are extremely difficult to assess because there is plenty of uncertainty about the extent to which Donald’s Trump program and pre-election announcements can be implemented,” analysts from Unicredit said in a note. “(But) we are currently looking closely at developments and will likely put a number of our forecasts under revision.” Predictions the dollar would fall were based largely on the premise that the shock to global markets of a Trump victory would worry Federal Reserve policymakers next month enough to stay their hand on a long promised rise

in interest rates. As stock markets recovered, those thoughts were quickly evaporating, the priced likelihood of a move next month back above 70 percent — a level at which the Fed has been comfortable delivering in the past. “The Fed rate hike is back on, even with Trump in the White House,” said Kathleen Brooks, head of research with brokers City Index in London. “Perhaps Trump’s conciliatory tone in his victory speech has eased concerns, or perhaps markets have no idea how to price in his victory as we have no precedent. Either way, a mere 24 hours ago no one would have predicted such a calm market reaction.” George Saravelos, Deutsche Bank’s main strategist in London, saw no reason to back off forecasts that have consistently been among the most bullish on the dollar of the big global banks who have dominated currency trading in the past decade. Like a number of others, he points to the potential for repatriation of corporate funds under a new tax holiday and Trump’s promises of a boost to US public spending.

But in the state’s textile and furniture belt just northwest from here, Trump’s promise of economic renewal and anxieties of a shrinking white majority more than offset Clinton’s urban victory, giving him 76 out of 100 North Carolina’s counties. The Catawaba County region, one of the nation’s hardest-hit by cheap imports from China, now has a more diverse economy and even the furniture industry has begun adding jobs. But many still live in poverty and rely on disability and social services for support. A fractured, discontented electorate handed Donald Trump the presidency, allowing him to breach a region that Democrat Hillary Clinton was banking on in her bid for the presidency. Key battleground states Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin had voted for the Democratic candidate in every presidential election for a generation. Ohio, Minnesota and Iowa have been part of winning Democratic maps, as well. Trump outperformed expectations in all of them, moving most into the Republican column after President Barack Obama twice swept the region. Exit polls and unofficial returns reflected deep racial, gender, economic and cultural divides nationally and across the Midwest and Great Lakes region, helping drive Trump’s success. His soaring popularity among white voters without a college degree was essential to his capturing the Rust Belt and holding off Clinton in battlegrounds elsewhere, with voters describing themselves as “fed up” and ready for a different, even if unpredictable, direction.

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massive cyberattack hit five top Russian banks: Kaspersky A massive cyberattack has hit at least five of Russia’s largest banks, Moscow-based internet security giant Kaspersky said Thursday. The country’s largest lender, state-controlled Sberbank, said it had been hacked into on Tuesday but managed to neutralise the attack automatically without disturbing its operations. Kaspersky said in a statement that the distribution of denial attacks (DDoS) began Tuesday at 1300

GMT and targeted “the websites of at least five well-known financial institutions in the top 10” in Russia. The attacks were still continuing on Thursday. Most lasted around one hour but the longest lasted almost 12 hours, Kaspersky said. DDoS attacks involve flooding websites with more traffic than they can handle, making them difficult to access or taking them offline entirely. These attacks saw as many as

660,000 requests being sent per second using a network of more than 24,000 hijacked devices located in 30 countries. More than half the devices were in the United States, India, Taiwan and Israel, Kaspersky said. Contacted by AFP, Russia’s central bank confirmed that it had identified “attacks on a number of large banks,” describing their intensity as “medium” and saying they did not disrupt access to

banking services. It said the attacks used botnets made up of the “Internet of things” — electronic devices such as CCTV cameras or digital video recorders plugged in to offices and homes worldwide. A senior executive at Sberbank, Stanislav Kuznetsov, told Interfax news agency that the bank had suffered 68 such attacks this year and that the latest was among the biggest. (AFP)

Puma confident for 2016 German sporting goods maker Puma said Thursday it almost doubled net profits in the third quarter thanks to strong growth in sales driven by sponsorships of top Olympic athletes in Rio. The Bavaria-based firm made 39.5 million euros ($43 million) in net profit between July and September, 98 percent higher than the same period last year. Its statement trumpeted the “great performance of Puma

athletes at the Rio Olympics,” including sprint icon Usain Bolt, who won three gold medals for the third time in a row. Sales at the group increased in all of its business regions, with a double-digit increase in the Americas — although weak currencies in Latin America limited its impact on the bottom line — as well as in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region. (AFP)

Agility records KD 15.17 mln net profit for Q3 Company posts revenue of KD 312 mln; EPS clocks 13.19 fils KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: Agility today announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2016, reporting a net profit of KD 15.17 million, an increase of 11% compared to the third quarter of 2015. Earnings-pershare stood at 13.19 fils, and EBITDA stood at KD 28.90 million, a 19% increase compared to the same period in 2015. Revenues are at KD 312.00 million for the quarter, a 7% decrease over Q3 last year. “We have now been seeing continuous underlying increase in the profitability of the business. This is driven by steady progress in turning around our Global Integrated Logistics business, as well as by continued financial performance and growth in our Infrastructure group of companies,” said Tarek Sultan, Agility’s CEO. “We continue to make gains in the face of a challenging business context: from sluggish economic and trade growth in key regions to political uncertainty in others. I attribute Agility’s gains to sharper strategic focus and ongoing commitment to financial dis-

cipline, even as we invest in the markets, products, and technologies that will transform our business and help us continue to lead in the future.” Agility’s Global Integrated Logistics Revenue for Agility Global Integrated Logistics (GIL) stands at KD 228.65 million in Q3 2016, an 8% decline from Q3 of 2015. Net revenues were marginally lower in this quarter relative to the same period in 2015 with margins expanding from 25% to 26% in Q3 2016.

In this quarter, GIL continued to see growth in demand for contract logistics in emerging markets, as well as strong performance in ocean freight, both in terms of volume and yield, whereas in air freight the business grew considerably in terms of volume with a tougher yield compared to the prior year quarter, resulting in flat net revenue. The main impact to net revenue shortfall remains in the general slowdown in our Project Logistics business as a result of the slowdown in the Oil and Gas market,” said Sultan.

GIL’s road map remains consistent. First, continue to drive commercial improvement through a tradelane management approach and focus on high growth markets and industries. Second, continue transforming the underlying business through ongoing technology, process and management improvements. Third, maintain financial discipline and a lean and agile structure that is in-line with business needs. Agility’s Infrastructure Group Agility’s Infrastructure companies contributed KD 85.91 million to third

quarter 2016 revenues. Agility Infrastructure’s group of companies continues to be the largest contributor’s to Agility’s profitability. Agility Real Estate, the largest contributor in the group, grew its revenues by 7% in Q3 2016, compared to the same period in 2015. Agility opened its first logistics distribution park in Ghana this quarter, the first of a series of planned distribution parks connecting African countries to each other and to the world. Other Infrastructure companies have also reported a healthy growth in this quarter and are making progress in new customer acquisition and geographic expansion. Tristar, Agility’s fuel logistics business, won a three-year, $165 million contract to support the United Nations. Agility’s subsidiary NAS, the fastest growing ground-handling and aviation services company in emerging markets, won a 10-year concession to operate lounges in 9 airports in Morocco. Recap of Financial Performance for Q3 2016 ■ Agility’s net profit stands at KD 15.17 million, an 11% increase from KD 13.70 million in Q3 2015. EPS stands at 13.19 fils, compared to 11.91 fils in Q3 2015. ■ EBITDA stands at KD 28.90 million, a 19% increase from the same period last year. ■ Agility’s revenues for Q3 2016

were KD 312.00 million, a decrease of 7% compared to the same period in 2015. ■ Agility’s net revenues increased by 6% in this quarter compared to the same quarter last year. ■ GIL’s revenue stands at KD 228.65 million. This represents a decrease of 8% compared to the same period in 2015 (6.00% decrease on a constant currency basis). ■ Infrastructure’s revenue stands at KD 85.91 million compared with KD 88.64 million in Q3 2015. ■ Agility enjoys a healthy balance sheet, with a net debt position of KD 50.63 million and KD 4.60 million of free cash flow at the close of the quarter.

Summary “The world around us will continue to pose challenges. Trade forecasts are gloomy and geopolitical uncertainty prevails in key geographies for our business. While we cannot control the external environment, we can make strategic choices in order to continue to grow our business and maximize shareholder value even in the face of these challenges. Our choices over the last few years to strengthen our operating platform, aggressively manage our cost structure, and invest in high-growth markets, products and verticals, are driving our positive results,” said Sultan.

Revenue at KD 5.6 mln; EPS 3.74 fils

Group named ‘Best Overall Operator of the Year’

KAMCO posts net profit of KD 890,000 for 9 months

Zain wins CommsMEA award for 2016

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: KAMCO Investment Company reported its financial results for the third quarter ended Sept 30, 2016. The Company recorded a net profit of KD 890 thousand, with earnings-per-share (EPS) of 3.74 fils for the first nine months of 2016, compared to a loss of KD (736) thousand with EPS of (3.09) fils during the same period in 2015. Revenue stood at KD 5.6 million against KD 3.5 million during the same period in 2015. Fee Income reached KD 4.9 million, an increase of 36 percent from KD 3.6 million achieved in nine months of 2015. Operationally, KAMCO’s assets under management stood at approximately KD 3.4 billion with new money raised in funds and client portfolios. KAMCO Real Estate Yield Fund, KAMCO’s flagship product in the real estate space, increased its AUM by 34 percent, distributing 3 percent during nine months. Commenting on the results, Faisal Mansour Sarkhou, CEO of KAMCO, said, “So far, 2016 had been a year of uncertainties with Brexit, US elections and demanding investment environment in the region. Despite these challenges, we at KAMCO were able

Faisal Mansour Sarkhou, CEO of KAMCO

to grow operationally with our commitment to provide our clients with prudent and innovative products and services, emerging as one of the preferred Asset Management and Investment Banking providers locally and in the region.”

After initial panic, mkts fall in love with Trump By Hussein Sayed, Chief Market Strategist at FXTM

rump being elected the 45th T US president was not the only shock yesterday; the markets’ reaction was even more surprising. The immediate response looked like Brexit version 2.0, but as we headed into the European session stocks took a U-turn, recovering from heavy losses into sharp gains. Treasury bonds, currencies and commodities all reacted in the same way. US equity benchmarks approached their record highs after falling by more than 5 percent in the futures market, meanwhile yields on 10-year treasury bonds rose 22 basis points to trade above 2 percent from an initial 14 basis point dip. Gold was no exception, the yellow metal lost $60 an ounce from its high, and Asian equities are skyrocketing from yesterday’s initial selloff. I have probably never seen such a day like this in my 14-year career in the financial markets! My only explanation to the markets’ super-fast reversal is that investors started looking at the fiscal side. More than eight years into the crisis, central banks were the major driver of financial markets and when their monetary policies started looking ineffective, stock markets remained stuck in narrow ranges. Now with

Trump’s promises of big US fiscal spending on the horizon, including massive cut in taxes and less regulation, investors believe that US profit growth will rise sharply, inflation will return, and bonds’ yield curves will steepen. The financial sector, healthcare, and industrials were the main beneficiaries yesterday, while high yielding stocks, like utilities and real estate, had a tough day. The US dollar also rose from an earlier steep selloff on the prospect that the Fed will go ahead with its plans and raise rates in December. I believe that the trajectory of rate hikes will be even faster if Trump decides to deliver on his promises, which will spur inflation expectations. However, there are many doubts and questions which remained unanswered. Will Trump deliver on his trade agreement promises, foreign policies, and immigration plans? Or was it only adverts for his campaign, and will the businessman be a different person after he becomes the president? One thing for certain is we’re going to see more volatility ahead, so better keep your seat belts on. ❑ ❑ ❑ For more information, please visit: ForexTime

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: Zain Group, a leading mobile telecom innovator in eight markets across the Middle East and Africa was awarded the highly coveted Best Overall Operator of the Year award at the 2016 edition of the CommsMEA Awards ceremony. Zain Iraq was also awarded the best Marketing Campaign of the Year accolade for its ‘Hassa Eliya’ (Now for Me) multifaceted campaign that focused on inspiring and empowering young Iraqi talent. At a gala event held at the Conrad hotel in Dubai on Nov 9, Zain Group was identified as the region’s best performing mobile operator having devised a clear strategy that it is implementing over the next five years, which is based on taking advantage of the operator’s competencies including its people, networks, leading brand and geographic coverage. The CommsMEA awards judging panel acknowledged Zain Group’s six strategic initiatives aimed at making the company future-ready and capture the enormous potential of the regional and global digital arena as being particularly insightful. These plans extend to 1) Customer Experience; 2) Cost Optimization; 3) Talent Development; 4) Zain Digital Frontier and Innovation; 5) Customer Value Management and 6) Enterprise, all of which are based on supporting Zain Group’s effort to capture a significant market share of smart city and digital revolution developments.

Great Zain Group is currently placing a great deal of emphasis on implementing data revenue optimization initiatives and enhancing its customer experience, to positive effect. The operator’s efforts to place the customer at the heart of everything it does has successfully built brand and loyalty, which has led it to maintain market leadership by customer numbers in the majority of markets in which it operates. Commenting on Zain Group’s honor, Scott Gegenheimer, Group CEO said, “We operate in a highly competitive industry, where the margin between success and failure is very thin, and being identified as the Best Overall Operator for 2016 is some accolade. We would like to thank the judging panel for also recognizing Zain Iraq’s marketing efforts, and let our customers know that we shall continue to innovate and work tirelessly to give them an exceptional mobile experience.” In March 2016, Zain’s operation in Iraq launched a multi-faceted marketing campaign dubbed “Hassa Eliya”, (Now for Me). The ground-breaking marketing initiative focused on inspiring and empowering young Iraqi talent by encouraging them to explore their potential and skills, and equipping them with the necessary tools to help achieve their goals. The first initiative utilized in the program was a specially created “Hassa Eliya” Facebook page that served as a platform for young Iraqis to voice their ambitions and which showcased a newly produced television commercial, which garnered an impressive five million views in its first 72 hours of release. Some six months later, this viewership number had increased to 16 million with 70 million impressions, with a total engagement that exceeded 550,000 young Iraqis inside the country and from around the globe. The program’s focus was particularly compelling given the state of

socio-economic turmoil that exists in Iraq, where the youth in particular may feel as though their future prospects are bleak and that they do not have a great deal to contribute to society. “Hassa Eliya” managed to transcend being just an enormously successful marketing campaign for Zain, and ultimately made a real impact on people’s lives in the country and throughout Iraqi community at large and deservedly the effort was recognized as the best marketing campaign of 2016. Zain’s efforts to constantly expand and improve its services are welldocumented, with the operator having tied up with leading technology and content companies including UBER , Booking.com and global games developer, Zeptolab, to bring to market a number of popular applications, in many cases under some pretty unique and pioneering circumstances. Zain also made strategic investments in smart city consulting firm, neXgen and mobility solutions developer and consultancy firm FOO to fast-track its digital lifestyle offerings.

Offering Additionally, Zain entered several service agreements to enhance its offerings for the provision of an end-toend mobile money solution that saw the launch of mobile money services for the unbanked in Jordan and Iraq, and which is in the process of being deployed across other operations. Zain also introduced direct operator billing (carrier billing), making several Zain operations among the first in the region to enable customers to safely and seamlessly pay for goods from a third-party content or service provider digitally, by charging the transaction to their monthly mobile phone bill or through their prepaid mobile credit. Sustainability, transparency and thought-leadership are at the very core of Zain’s business and this is reflected in every aspect of the company’s dayto-day operational activities. Zain annual Sustainability Report highlights the company’s continued hold of its regional leadership position in pursuing its sustainability agenda and supporting its communities through outreach activities such as capacity-building, education, socio-economic development, and environmental stewardship. In addition, with a focus on supporting the entrepreneurial start-up ecosystem, Zain partnered with the MIT Pan Arab Start Up Competition for the past two years and most recently supported the global MIT Innovate for Refugees competition.

Zain Group CEO Scott Gegenheimer receiving the award

A flyer of Ooredoo Fantasy Premier League campaign

Great prizes to be won

Ooredoo names third winner of ‘Fantasy Premier League’ KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: Ooredoo, Kuwait’s fastest network for 2016, announced Omar Al-Kandery as the third winner of the Fantasy Premier League. Ooredoo announced the start of registration through its social media channels, which includes the company’s Instagram account @OoredooKuwait, offering all interested participants the opportunity to win great prizes throughout the duration of the league. Participation in the Fantasy Premier League is simple, Ooredoo created the following code for interested participants and football fans 1105539285050. The code enables participants to collect the most points possible to compete for a monthly smart phone, and win the grand prize which is a trip for two including accommodation and tickets to attend one of the games of the English Premier League 2017/2018. Ooredoo emphasized that the foot-

ball season is one of the most common interests among its customers, and by providing them with the opportunity to register in the Fantasy Premier League, the company aims to add to their excitement and entertainment while simultaneously viewing these games during the season. The company hopes that the participants get the opportunity to win the great prizes offered by Ooredoo. Fantasy Football is a game in which participants assemble an imaginary team of real life players and score points based on those players’ actual statistical performance. The participant with the highest scoring team is announced as the winner of the Fantasy Football League. For more information and updates on the Fantasy Premier League, please follow Ooredoo Kuwait’s social media channels, through which the names of the winners will be announced.

World food prices edge up ROME, Nov 10, (RTRS): World food prices edged up in October to continue an upward trend since January, the United Nations food agency said on Thursday, adding that prospects for global cereal output had improved. Barring a slight dip in July, the Food and Agriculture Organization’s (FAO) food price index has steadily increased from a seven-year low hit in the first month of this year. The index, which measures monthly changes for a basket of cereals, oilseeds, dairy products, meat and sugar, averaged 172.6 points in October, 0.7 percent above the month before and 9.1 percent above October last year. Sustained demand for cheese and butter in the European Union pushed up dairy prices 3.9 percent on the month, while sugar rose on reports of

production shortfalls in Brazil and India. Conversely, sluggish import demand globally for palm oil pushed oil and fats prices down, and weaker appetite for European pigmeat from importers in China weighed on meat prices. FAO senior economist Abdolreza Abbassian said high production prospects for basic foods such as cereals meant any future price rises would probably be muted. But he added that currency volatility and uncertainty unleashed by the US presidential election this week hampered predictions about changes in dollar terms. “It’s not an election in just any country, it’s the very country whose currency is the common denominator for all international trade,” Abbassian said.

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESS

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Egypt’s newly floated pound strengthens Egypt’s newly floated pound strengthened on Thursday after the central bank announced a $2 billion financing deal with global banks and the International Monetary Fund indicated it would approve the country’s three-year loan programme. The pound was trading at 16.3 to 16.8 against the dollar at 1412 (1212 GMT). Bankers said dollar liquidity was improving and activity pick up after a slow start ear-

lier this week. It traded at 16.5 to 17.25 on Wednesday. “The US dollar is dropping like a rock,” one banker said. “Now we have the volumes and might close below 16 per dollar.” Egypt’s central bank floated the pound a week ago, in a dramatic move that was welcomed by the business community. It began to recover on Wednesday, after the IMF managing director, Christine

Lagarde, said she would recommend that the executive board of the lender approve Egypt’s $12 billion loan agreement when it meets on Friday. Egypt’s dollar peg had drained the central bank’s foreign reserves, forcing it to impose capital controls and ration dollars, and prompting desperate importers to turn to the black market for their needs. (RTRS)

Mubadala may invest in Russian veg oil, rice firms Abu Dhabi state investment vehicle Mubadala Development Co may invest in a vegetable oil producer and a rice producer in Russia, a Russian state-backed fund said, in a rare Gulf investment into the country’s commodities sector. Russia’s agriculture and food production sector has been growing due to Moscow’s decision to ban most Western food imports in 2014 in retaliation for

sanctions over Ukraine, which are keeping many Western investors away from Russian assets. “Russian agriculture ... is attractive to foreign investors due to the high growth rate in the domestic market and exports,” Kirill Dmitriev, the chief executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), said in a statement on Thursday.

The RDIF, Mubadala and other investors will consider a co-investment of about 10 billion roubles ($158 million) into EFKO Group, a major vegetable oil and fat products maker in Russia. The consortium may also invest up to 9 billion roubles in AFG National, a Russian rice producer which is also developing fruit and vegetables projects. (RTRS)

IEA sees global market awash with oil in 2017 if no cut

OPEC pumping oil at record levels ahead of crunch meeting PARIS, France, Nov 10, (AFP): Output by OPEC oil producers has reached record levels, the International Energy Agency said Thursday, raising fears a global oil glut will continue to weigh on markets unless the cartel agrees on a cut. Production by the 14 members of OPEC rose to a record 33.83 million barrels a day in October, the IEA said, just weeks ahead of talks aimed at hammering out a deal to curb production. In a surprise move, OPEC (the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries) members, led by oil kingpin Saudi Arabia, agreed in Algiers in September on a deal to trim production, sending crude prices surging. The accord aims to stabilise prices that have dramatically fallen since 2014, deeply hurting producers across the board, but its details are to be determined at OPEC’s meeting on November 30 in Vienna. The Paris-based IEA, which advises oil consuming nations on energy issues, said OPEC had hiked its output for five months running, led by Iraq and Saudi Arabia. “October proved to be another

record-breaking month for OPEC, with crude oil output rising 230,000 barrels a day to 33.83 million barrels a day,” it said in its monthly report on the oil market. Its October level was “well in excess of the high end of the proposed output range” of between 32.5 mb/d and 33.0 mb/d agreed by OPEC in Algiers, the agency said. “This means that OPEC must agree to significant cuts in Vienna to turn its Algiers commitment into reality,” it added. Production has outpaced demand over the past two years, with the resulting supply glut hammering prices from highs of more than $100 a barrel in June 2014 to near 13-year lows below $30 in February this year. Prices are currently hovering above $45 a barrel. The IEA said that if OPEC implemented its production ceiling, the market would “move from surplus to deficit very quickly in 2017”, although the stock overhang would take time to run down. But it added that “if no agreement is reached and some individual members continue to expand their produc-

Bid to boost forex reserve

Egypt cbank in $2 bln deal with global banks CAIRO, Nov 10, (RTRS): Egypt’s central bank said on Thursday it had reached a $2 billion financing agreement with a consortium of international banks, in a deal aimed at boosting foreign reserves as the government pushes ahead with economic reforms. Egypt has been negotiating billions of dollars in aid from various lenders to help revive its economy, battered by political and economic upheaval since a 2011 uprising. It expects this week to clinch final approval for a $12 billion three-year loan from the International Monetary Fund. That agreement would support an ambitious reform programme that saw the central bank take the dramatic step last week of floating its currency, the pound. The central bank said the repurchase agreement announced on Thursday had a maturity of one year, with the banks providing funds against international bonds newly issued by the finance ministry and listed on the Irish Stock Exchange. “The transaction bolsters the liquidity and size of the international reserves of the central bank,” the central bank statement said. “This transaction complements a series of measures taken recently in order to unleash the vast potential of the Egyptian economy and instil confidence by normalising local market conditions and bolstering economic activity.” Egypt’s foreign reserves have plummeted from about $36 billion on the eve of the 2011 revolt to about $19 billion in October as it has struggled to bring back tourists and foreign investors put off by years of turbulence. With its deficit widening and a currency black market booming, Egypt has embarked on a series of reforms to restore investor confidence, including major subsidy cuts and the introduction of a value-added tax. “This deal signals a positive

monetary-fiscal cooperation and less reliance on foreign support and more on international markets. This is positive for sentiment,” said Hany Farahat, senior economist at CI Capital. The finance ministry said it had issued $4 billion of international bonds as a private placement for the central bank on Wednesday. The placement includes a $1.360 billion bond with 4.62 percent interest maturing in December 2017, a $1.320 billion bond with 6.75 percent interest maturing in November 2024, and $1.320 billion bond with 7 percent interest maturing in November 2028. It said the placement would not affect its plans to issue a $2 billion to $2.5 billion Eurobond by the end of the year, although the exact timing would depend on global market conditions and the fallout of Donald Trump’s victory in the US election. Egypt had planned to start a roadshow for its international bond sale in late November. “This is just bridge financing until we get the Eurobond by January,” said Hany Genena, head of research at Cairo-based Beltone Financial. “The $4 billion is like collateral.” Coming two days after the IMF signalled it would approve Egypt’s $12 billion loan programme, news of the financing deal helped buoy Egypt’s newly floated pound on Thursday. Egypt devalued the pound by about a third last week from its former peg of 8.8 against the dollar and has since allowed it to drift lower. A shortage of dollar liquidity resulted in low volumes and saw the pound weaken to 18 versus the dollar when markets opened on Sunday for the first time since the float. The IMF deal and the central bank’s repurchasing agreement have raised hopes that fresh inflows would be arriving sooner rather than later to stabilise the currency.

Growing LNG supply glut redefining global flows: PIRA SINGAPORE, Nov 10, (RTRS): Global flows of liquefied natural gas (LNG) are set to change as the growth in a supply glut will peak in 2018 because of new production from Australia and the United States, energy consultancy PIRA Energy Group said. The growth in Australian and US LNG supplies means traditional trade flows such as Qatari exports to Asia could end up being diverted to other destinations, PIRA Energy’s head of global gas and power, Ira Joseph said in an interview. Mega projects such as Inpex’s 8.9 million tonnes a year (mtpa) Ichthys LNG plant in Australia will directly add to regional supplies.

The project is scheduled to commence first production next September. Following the expansion in Australian production, a second phase of growth in 2018 will come from new US LNG production that totals around 27 mtpa. “The Asian market is going to be long relative to the Atlantic basin market in 2017 and 2018,” Joseph said. “Australian volumes are going to increase and the region itself will need less net imports from other regions.” Asia remains a key market for Qatar as the region accounted for around two-thirds of Qatari exports of 66.9 million tonnes in the first 10

months of this year, Thomson Reuters Eikon data shows. Qatar, the world’s largest LNG exporter, will be faced with the major decision about where to sell its cargoes after new Australian supplies enter the Asian market, Joseph said. “(Qatar will have to decide) whether it is going to divert to other markets in order to defend prices in Asia to make sure prices don’t fall,” Joseph said, adding the cargoes bound for Asia could be sold to Europe, the Middle East and South America. The deepening supply glut is also casting doubt on the fate of traditional long-term contracts as buyers

who are now faced with ample supply options see little value in committing to such volumes. Japan’s Jera, the world’s biggest LNG importer, has plans to cut the amount of gas it buys under longterm contracts by 42 percent by 2030, while Osaka Gas may not sign new long-term contracts for the next few years as the market shifts towards more active spot trade. “The industry needs long-term contracts to grow. The size of these contracts is really the issue,” Joseph said, adding that by 2020, new contracts signed will become more flexible and have smaller volumes than before.

tion, then the market will remain in surplus throughout the year, with little prospect of oil prices rising significantly higher”. Production by countries outside of OPEC, meanwhile, is set to fall this year but is expected to rise in 2017 more than previously expected, led by Russia, the IEA said.

Supply growth by non-OPEC countries will increase by 500,000 barrels a day next year, an increase of 110,000 barrels a day from the IEA’s previous forecast. As well as Russia, Brazil, Canada and Kazakhstan are set to drive nonOPEC supply growth in 2017. “This means that 2017 could be

another year of relentless global supply growth similar to that seen in 2016,” the report said. Analysts said Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election could also increase pressure on OPEC to cut production. Jeffrey Halley, senior market analyst at OANDA, said the president-

elect’s campaign pledges, if implemented, may lead to higher oil production in the United States. “Less red tape and taxes should theoretically lead to higher oil production in the United States. “Not good news for OPEC and non-OPEC members trying to thrash out a production cut.

Saudi ‘very optimistic’ on 2016 budget gap: finmin Govt working to pay billions owed to private firms RIYADH, Nov 10, (Agencies): Saudi Arabian Finance Minister Mohammed al-Jadaan said on Thursday that he was optimistic about efforts to cut a huge state budget deficit caused by low oil prices. Asked by reporters if the deficit for this year, which is expected to be announced late next month along with the 2017 budget plan, would be lower than originally planned, Jadaan said it was too early to say but he was personally very optimistic. “I have just been appointed a week ago and am now looking into many files - the budget, contractor payments and other files ... I am very optimistic,” said Jadaan, who took over the finance ministry at the end of

last month. The original budget plan for 2016 envisaged a deficit of 326 billion riyals ($87 billion), after a deficit of 367 billion riyals in 2015. But some local analysts now expect this year’s deficit to come in well below that projection, because of drastic cuts in state spending and delays by the government in paying debts that it owes to the private sector, particularly construction firms. Jadaan, speaking on the sidelines of an economic conference, reiterated that the government intended to make all delayed payments to the private sector “as soon as possible”. Jadaan also said he would work on making the finance ministry’s handling of the state budget more clear and transparent. He was speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural meeting of a new committee formed by the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council, which groups

Saudi Deputy Crown Prince, Defence Minister and Chairman of the Council for Economic and Development Affairs Mohammed bin Salman (right), addresses the first meeting of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Economic and Development Affairs Authority in Riyadh on Nov 10. (AFP)

cant increase in industry capital levels,” he said at the Risk USA Conference in New York. How to right-size capital rules has become a contentious question for banking regulators, with European Union officials warning that those standards could needlessly crimp credit. EU officials have threatened not to apply the new bank capital rules if they lead to big hikes in capital requirements, fearing it could lead to banks restricting the flow of lending. Also on Wednesday, EU regulators said they were certain that the Basel Committee will indeed ease the impact of new bank capital rules. Euro zone banks like Deutsche Bank, which is already facing questions over its capital, are likely to be hit hardest unless changes are made.

US jobless benefits applications decline WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (AP): Fewer Americans sought unemployment aid last week, the latest sign that companies are holding onto their workers. The Labor Department said Thursday that weekly applications for jobless benefits fell 11,000 to a seasonally adjusted 254,000. That’s down from a three-month high in the previous week. The four-week average, a less volatile measure, ticked up 1,750 to 259,750. Just over 2 million people are receiving unemployment aid, up 18,000 from the previous week. Applications, which are a proxy for layoffs, have remained below 300,000 for 88 straight weeks, the longest streak since 1970. Businesses appear to be confident enough in their future prospects to maintain their staffs. And when layoffs are so low, companies typically step up hiring. A separate report earlier this week showed layoffs near recordlow levels.

Growth Economic growth quickened to a 2.9 percent annual pace in the JulySeptember quarter after a sluggish start to the year of just 1.1 percent growth in the first half. Hiring has slowed from last year but remains solid enough to lower the unemployment rate over time. Employers added 161,000 jobs in October, and the unemployment rate fell to 4.9 percent, the government said last week. Many companies are struggling to fill their open jobs, suggesting that they cannot find the qualified workers they need. That makes them less likely to cut loose their current employees. Americans’ willingness to spend on big-ticket items such as cars and homes is helping fuel growth. Sales of both are at healthy levels, though they appear to be leveling off. Businesses, meanwhile, have cut back on their investments in new machinery and equipment, dragging down factory output and weighing on growth. Those cutbacks may have been partly driven by uncertainty over the outcome of the presidential election. With the election over, some companies may be willing to step up spending.

Core inflation jumps

Iraq oil ministry defers Egypt consumer inflation upstream bidding round

Basel ‘banking rules’ should eases for second month stand firm on capital: official WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (RTRS): Global banking regulators would make a grave mistake if they eased capital rules for the world’s largest lenders, a senior US banking official said on Wednesday. The head of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision said last month that he did not intend coming rules to demand higher capital. A requirement that banks issue more capital - such as common stock - is one way to build an industry cushion against market swings. Tom Hoenig, the vice chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, said higher capital levels may be needed to protect banks from a repeat of turmoil like that seen during the 2008 financial crisis. “The Basel Committee should not promise that there will be no signifi-

the region’s wealthy Arab oil-exporting states. The Committee for Economic and Development Affairs discussed ways to cooperate in diversifying economies and developing non-oil industries, said an official statement from the meeting, which was attended by economic and energy officials from GCC countries. Saudi Arabia is working to pay billions of dollars owed to private firms after oil revenues collapsed, the kingdom’s new finance minister said on Thursday. The arrears have left tens of thousands of foreign workers, chiefly in the construction sector, struggling for months while they await back wages. “I don’t recall the exact amount now but its billions of dollars,” Mohammed Aljadaan told reporters. “The ministry is now every day seeking to make thousands of payment orders,” he said. On Monday the Council of Economic Affairs and Development, headed by powerful Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, said the kingdom will pay the outstanding amount by next month. Payments were delayed because of “the sharp decline in oil revenue and the measures taken by the kingdom to reduce spending on a number of projects,” the official Saudi Press Agency reported. Aljadaan spoke after Prince Mohammed chaired the first meeting of another economic body, which aims to tighten economic cooperation in the six-nation GCC grappling with lower oil revenues. Aljadaan, who led the Capital Market Authority regulating the stock market, was appointed on Nov 1 to replace Ibrahim al-Assaf who oversaw a series of austerity measures including subsidy cuts, reductions in cabinet ministers’ salaries and delays in major projects.

Fall by 11,000

CAIRO, Nov 10, (RTRS): Egypt’s core inflation jumped but urban consumer price inflation eased for the second consecutive month in October, the central bank said, a week after it floated the pound and the government hiked interest rates and fuel prices. October’s decline in urban consumer price inflation was the second since inflation figures hit a near eightyear high of 15.5 percent in August. Core inflation, which strips out the price of volatile items such as fruit and vegetables, rose from 13.93 percent to 15.72 percent. Prices have been rising in Egypt as the country embarks on economic reforms and seeks to secure a $12 billion International Monetary Fund loan programme. Last week, the central bank floated the pound and hiked interest rates by 300 basis points. It also raised fuel

prices. The government’s reform programme, on the basis of which it applied for the IMF loan, also includes the introduction of a value-added tax which came into effect in September. “The core inflation figures better reflect inflationary pressures emanating from the VAT and higher FX rates,” Reham ElDesoki, senior economist at Arqaam Capital, said in a note. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is under rising pressure to revive the economy and curb inflation that has affected living standards to avoid a public backlash. The pound depreciated to 16.4 in the first week of trading from the central bank’s peg of 8.8 per US dollar a week before the flotation. Egypt expects to receive the first $2.75 billion instalment from the IMF as early as next week, bringing fresh dollar inflows into the economy.

LONDON, Nov 10, (RTRS): Iraq’s oil ministry is postponing a bidding round for 12 small and mediumsized oil fields across three provinces from Nov. 30 to the middle of next year, the ministry said on its website on Thursday. The ministry’s statement said there are “essential changes” to the previous announcement, including plans for the oil ministry to develop some of the fields itself and adding other fields to the tender. The ministry announced the tender last month, pre-qualifying 19 bidders including six Japanese firms, the UAE’s Dragon Oil, Mubadala Oil and Crescent Petroleum as well as Glencore Exploration Ltd and companies from China, Russia, Italy, Kuwait, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Romania.

The ministry said at the time it would allow companies interested in developing the fields to negotiate contract terms as it seeks to move away from the service contract models it has with large oil firms developing its giant fields in the south. The oil price rout of the past two years has forced the ministry to reconsider those service contracts as it found itself having to repay hefty development costs to oil companies at a time of far lower revenue from oil sales. Under the service contracts the ministry pays companies a fixed dollar-denominated fee for every barrel of crude produced. Iraq’s new oil minister Jabar Ali al-Luaibi has been on a drive to boost crude output as quickly as possible to mitigate the impact of lower prices.

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESS

34

India’s Tata dumps Mistry

Name: Kuwait Sharia Compatible Indices

Indian conglomerate Tata removed Cyrus Mistry as chairman of IT giant Tata Consultancy Services on Thursday, weeks after dumping him as group chief in a move that stunned the country’s business world. Mistry was unceremoniously sacked last month as chairman of Tata Sons, the holding company of India’s most famous family conglomerate — the $103 billion steel-to-salt Tata Group. He continues to hold several chairmanships on boards of Tata companies however, including car behemoth Tata Motors, which owns Britain’s Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Steel, Tata Power and its luxury hotel unit. (AFP)

Providers: Al Madar Finance & Investment Co.

Description: Index of Sharia compatible companies traded on the KSE

Website: www.almadar-fi.com

Index name Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Composite Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Kuwait Only Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Active Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Banking Sector Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Investment Sector Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Insurance Sector Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Real Estate Sector Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Industrial Sector Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Services Sector Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Food Sector Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Islamic Sector Kuwait Sharia Compatible Index - Non Kuwaiti Sector Kuwait Stock Exchange Index - Price S&P 500 DJ Islamic Index.

Bloomberg ticker AMIC AMIC AMIC AMIC AMIC AMIC AMIC AMIC AMIC AMIC AMIC AMIC KWSEIDX SPX DJIM

Today’s value as of November 10, 2016 November 10, 2016 November 10, 2016 November 10, 2016 November 10, 2016 November 10, 2016 November 10, 2016 November 10, 2016 November 10, 2016 November 10, 2016 November 10, 2016 November 10, 2016 November 10, 2016 November 9, 2016 November 9, 2016

Today’s closing value 158.95 152.99 74.26 256.12 43.21 15.23 46.67 114.47 186.70 382.52 121.44 379.17 5,455.91 2,163.26 2,904.85

Prev closing value 156.62 151.02 73.73 250.52 42.78 15.12 46.20 114.08 184.60 382.72 118.73 358.63 5,403.39 2,139.56 2,881.35

% change 1.49% 1.31% 0.71% 2.24% 1.00% 0.69% 1.01% 0.34% 1.14% -0.05% 2.29% 5.73% 0.97% 1.11% 0.82%

1-week change 3.27% 2.92% 3.64% 3.65% 2.39% 2.04% 2.14% 1.61% 3.61% 0.13% 4.33% 11.76% 0.86% 3.11% 1.55%

3-month change 6.21% 5.31% 2.32% 7.96% -9.27% 3.74% 0.84% -1.68% 7.03% 5.31% 7.63% 30.51% -0.80% -1.03% -2.60%

YTD change 0.78% -0.56% 2.13% -9.15% -8.14% -20.64% -8.00% -9.09% 8.73% 27.05% -4.95% 42.76% -2.84% 4.84% 2.98%

12-month change -3.10% -4.38% -11.52% -14.14% -21.67% -26.38% -7.99% -12.15% 7.33% 12.53% -10.67% 36.81% -5.37% 3.92% 1.93%

24-month change -22.52% -23.68% -25.70% -25.33% -47.72% -49.53% -21.42% -29.47% -24.28% -7.44% -22.23% 25.14% 376.03% 6.46% 1.33%

Growth propelled by surging demand for sport utility vehicles

China auto sales surge by 20.3 pct in Oct: industry group

US infrastructure spending hopes trigger EM ‘bounce’ Peso extends losses, falls 0.45 pct against dollar LONDON, Nov 10, (RTRS): Emerging market stocks bounced over 1 percent on Thursday off threemonth lows hit in the wake of Donald Trump’s US presidential win, but the Mexican peso continued to sell off after its worst oneday slide since the 1994 Tequila Crisis. Trump’s shock win triggered a stampede out of riskier assets on Wednesday, as investors switched to safe-haven assets such as gold and developed market government bonds, though some equity and emerging market selling eased towards session-end. But in his victory speech, Trump promised spending on roads, bridges, schools and hospitals, boosting copper prices to 16-month highs and lending support to commodity producers. “His speech was taken as more positive than what was feared by the market,” said Murat Toprak, a strategist at HSBC. “The stock market is being driven by expectations of more fiscal spending in the US, which would be supportive for US growth.” But uncertainty over emerging markets remains as it is unclear which policies would be implemented, Toprak added. That is especially the case with Mexican assets because of Trump’s threats to dump the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) agreement

with Mexico and Canada, and to tax money sent home by Mexican migrants to pay for a controversial wall on the border. The peso extended losses to fall 0.45 percent against the dollar. On Wednesday it had posted its biggest one-day fall the Tequila Crisis 22 years ago, before paring some losses to end down 8.7 percent. The yield premium paid by Mexican sovereign bonds over US Treasuries on the JPMorgan EMBI Global Diversified index widened 7 basis points (bps) to 296 bps on Thursday, the highest since Nov 3. Tactical UBS Wealth Management advised against taking tactical peso positions just yet, warning of further losses and adding: “The higher uncertainty around global trade dynamics is unlikely to bode well for some of the most trade-oriented and US-exposed emerging countries such as Mexico, Colombia, South Korea, and Taiwan.” MSCI’s benchmark emerging equities index was up 1.2 percent, helped by a rebound in Asian manufacturing markets. Chinese mainland stocks rose over 1 percent to 10-month highs and Hong Kong firmed 1.9 percent as local traders reported bargain hunting from the mainland. The big export-oriented bourses of Korea and Taiwan, also recovered, both up over 2.2 percent. But Asian currencies continued to sell off, with the Chinese yuan slipping to fresh six-year lows

and the Malaysian ringgit at ninemonth lows. The equity rally extended into Europe, with most indices making gains of over 1 percent. The biggest gainers included Poland, up around 1.9 percent, helped by higher-than-expected third quarter profits from Polish insurer PZU and Bank Pekao, and South Africa which was lifted 1.3 percent by rallies on mining stocks. Russian dollar-denominated stocks surged 2.8 percent to their highest since May 2015 on expectations of a better relationship between Moscow and Washington. The rouble firmed 0.6 percent, also supported by higher oil prices, which helped lift neighbouring oil producer’s Kazakhstan’s tenge 0.8 percent. Toprak said HSBC considered the rouble a bit too strong at the moment, estimating it should be around 65 to the dollar rather than its current level of around 63. The rand also steadied, firming 0.3 percent after recording its largest single session fall since Brexit on Wednesday. On bond markets, Egypt said it had issued $4 billion in bonds via private placement which could allow it to postpone a planned Eurobond issue. The average yield premium over US Treasuries on the JPMorgan EMBI Global Diversified index widened 4 bps to 335 bps. It had blown out on Wednesday before snapping to close 4 bps narrower on the day.

BEIJING, Nov 10, (AP): China’s auto sales rose 20.3 percent in October from a year earlier, propelled by surging demand for sport utility vehicles, an industry group reported Thursday. Dealers sold 2.3 million cars, minivans and SUVs in the world’s biggest auto market, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. Total vehicle sales including trucks and buses climbed 18.6 percent to 2.6 million units. Sales growth plunged last year, slamming global brands that look to China to drive revenue. They rebounded after Beijing suspended a sales tax, though growth is expected to drop back to single digits after the tax cut expires at the end of the year. Strong demand in lower-priced market segments has helped Chinese automakers recover market share from bigger, richer global rivals. October’s SUV sales rose 43.3 percent over a year earlier to 896,000 units. Sales of Chinese-brand SUVs increased 60.4 percent to 557,000, expanding the Chinese share of that market by 6.6 percentage points to 62.2 percent. Sales of sedans rose 10.1 percent to 1.2 million, while those of Chinese-branded sedans expanded 8.3 percent to 243,000. Total auto sales for the first 10 months of the year rose 15.4 percent over the same time last year to 19.1 million. General Motors Co said sales of GM-brand cars by the company and its Chinese manufacturing partners rose 5.7 percent in October to 345,733. This year’s sales to date rose to just over 3 million units. Ford Motor Co said sales rose 14 percent from a year earlier to 107,618. Year-to-date sales rose 10 percent to 966,000. Nissan Motor Co said October sales rose 16.1 percent to 127,200. Toyota Motor Co said sales rose 9.6 percent to 99,200. Toyota’s year-to-date sales were up 11 percent to 989,300.

NZ slashes interest rate to a record low WELLINGTON, Nov 10, (AFP): New Zealand’s central bank cut its benchmark interest rate to a record low of 1.75 percent on Thursday, citing global uncertainty caused in part by Donald Trump’s shock US election victory. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand said it planned to trim its Official Cash Rate (OCR) by 0.25 points anyway but reaffirmed the decision in the wake of Trump’s win. “Political uncertainty remains heightened and market volatility is elevated,” Governor Graeme Wheeler said. Asked if he was referring to the US election result, Wheeler replied: “It’s one of the risks. “There’s uncertainty about a lot of things ... we’ve seen a result overnight that has clearly surprised the market,” he added. But he said other political factors were also worrying the markets, including Brexit and Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping’s consolidation of power in Beijing. Wheeler said another reason for the rate cut was New Zealand’s stubbornly low inflation, which has been below the bank’s 1.0-3.0 percent target for the past two years. He said projections indicated this would soon change, meaning Thursday’s downward move may be the last in the current easing cycle. “At this stage, we think that we won’t need another cut but if circumstances justified it, we’d look very closely at the data,” he told reporters. New Zealand’s economic growth has remained strong at 3.6 percent in 2015/16, despite an international downturn in dairy, one of its major exports. The New Zealand dollar has also defied expectations and remained buoyant, frustrating the central bank, which wants to bring it down to help exports. The currency rose 0.64 US cents to 73.59 US cents after Thursday’s announcement. Analysts were expecting the rate cut, which had been flagged several times by the central bank. Westpac economist Imre Speizer said it appeared the bank was taking a neutral stance on further reductions after the current round of cuts began in July 2014, when the benchmark rate was 3.50 percent.

‘Indonesia to sell stakes in ports, airports’ JAKARTA, Nov 10, (AFP): Indonesia plans to sell minority stakes in some airports and ports to private investors, a report said Thursday, as Southeast Asia’s top economy seeks extra funding for an infrastructure drive. Holdings of up to 45 percent will be sold in 10 airports and 20 ports, although the state will retain control of the sites, Transport Minister Budi Karya Sumadi said. “Airports and ports that generate profits will be given to the private sectors to be managed professionally,” Sumadi told Bloomberg News. Sales would start in 2017, with stakes in one airport on Sumatra island and one on the Indonesian part of Borneo to be offloaded, he added.

Airports in particular are seen as a sound investment in Indonesia as passenger numbers soar on the back of years of strong economic growth. A key part of President Joko Widodo’s drive to boost Indonesia’s economy is through overhauling the vast archipelago’s creaking infrastructure, which has long put off foreign investors. The government is also seeking extra cash to rein in a budget deficit. Widodo won office two years ago on a pledge to boost economic expansion to seven percent but growth rates have languished at multi-year lows, coming in at 5.02 percent in the third quarter of this year.

investment funds Funds

Fund Manager

Valuation

Valued date

Currency

Net Asset Prev NAV Prev NAV Dated Value (NAV) ————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

National Bank of Kuwait Money Market Funds

Watani KD Money Market Fund NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 KD 1.408 1.407 Sept 27, 2016 Watani KD Money Market Fund II NBK Capital Weekly Oct 18, 2016 KD 1.019 1.019 Oct 4, 2016 Watani KD Money Market Fund (Islamic) NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 KD 1.184 1.184 Sept 27, 2016 Watani Foreign Currency Money Mkt Fund NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 USD 1.314 1.314 Sept 27, 2016 Watani Foreign Currency Money Mkt Fund (Euro) NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 Euro 1.246 1.246 Sept 27, 2016 Watani USD Money Market Fund (Acc to Islamic Shariah principles) NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 USD 1.102 1.101 Sept 27, 2016 Watani USD Money Market Fund (Acc to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 4, 2016 USD 10.041 10.041 Sept 27, 2016 Watani USD Money Market Fund NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 18, 2016 USD 10.160 10.159 Oct 4, 2016 Watani KD Money Market Fund (Acc to Islamic Shariah principles) II NBK Global Asset Management Co. Ltd. Weekly Oct 18, 2016 KD 1.018 1.018 Oct 4, 2016 Equity Funds NBK Gulf Equity Fund NBK Capital Weekly Oct 13, 2016 USD 1.193 1.189 Oct 6, 2016 NBK Kuwait Equity Fund NBK Capital Weekly Oct 16, 2016 KD 0.566 0.566 Oct 13, 2016 NBK Qatar Equity Fund NBK Capital Weekly Oct 13, 2016 USD 1.641 1.636 Oct 6, 2016 Gulf Equity Investment Fund NBK Capital Weekly April 7, 2016 USD 9.995 Ijara Fund Thahabi Ijara Fund VI Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly April 30, 2016 USD 10.000 10.000 Feb 29, 2016 Thahabi Ijara Fund VII Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly April 30, 2016 USD 10.000 10.000 Feb 29, 2016 Islamic KD Ijara Fund II Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly May 31, 2016 KD 10.000 10.000 March 31, 2016 Islamic KD Ijara Fund III Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly May 31, 2016 KD 10.000 10.000 Feb 29, 2016 Islamic KD Ijara Fund IV Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly May 31, 2016 KD 10.000 10.000 March 31, 2016 Islamic KD Ijara Fund V Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly May 31, 2016 USD 10.000 10.000 March 31, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund I Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly June 30, 2016 USD 10.000 10.000 April 30, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund II Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly June 30, 2016 USD 10.000 10.000 April 30, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund III Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly July 31, 2016 USD 10.000 10.000 May 31, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund IV Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly June 30, 2016 USD 10.000 10.000 May 31, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund V Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly July 31, 2016 USD 10.000 10.000 May 31, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund VI Wafra Capital Partners L.P Cayman Islands Monthly July 31, 2016 USD 10.000 10.000 May 31, 2016 Islamic Equipment Leasing Fund I Ltd Wafra Capital Partners L.P. Cayman Islands Monthly June 30, 2016 USD 10.000 10.000 May 31, 2016 Multi Asset Funds Thahabi Multi Asset Fund – Con Portfolio Frontier Capital Management (Jersey) Ltd Monthly June 30, 2016 USD 96.164 95.710 April 30, 2016 Thahabi Multi Asset Fund – Mo Portfolio Frontier Capital Management (Jersey) Ltd Monthly June 30, 2016 USD 88.490 87.790 April 30, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Gulf Bank

Funds

Fund Manager

Valuation

Valued date

Currency

Net Asset Prev NAV Prev NAV Dated Value (NAV) ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————— FORSA Financial Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.835 0.833 Sept 30, 2016 Real Estate Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD 1.438 1.438 Sept 30, 2016 Markaz Fixed Income Fund Kuwait Financial Center Monthly Oct 31, 2016 USD 11.460 11.460 Oct 27, 2016 Mawazeen International Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Oct 31, 2016 USD 8.870 8.850 Oct 27, 2016 Markaz MENA Islamic Fund Kuwait Financial Center Weekly Oct 31, 2016 USD 9.920 9.840 Oct 13, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Kuwait & Middle East Financial & Inv. Co. Al Rou’yah Fund KMEFIC Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD 1.232 1.229 Sept 30, 2016 Gulf Gate Fund KMEFIC Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.944 0.918 Sept 30, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Global Investment House Index Funds Equity Funds

GCC Large Cap Index Fund Global Weekly Nov 1, 2016 KD 1.016 1.030 Oct 27, 2016 Al-Mamoun Fund A Global Weekly Nov 4, 2016 KD 0.544 0.548 Oct 27, 2016 Al-Mamoun Fund B Global Weekly Nov 4, 2016 KD 0.544 0.548 Oct 27, 2016 GCC Large Cap Fund Global Bi-weekly Nov 1, 2016 USD 130.140 129.120 Oct 25, 2016 Al-Noor Fund Global Bi-weekly Nov 1, 2016 SAR 177.460 175.900 Oct 25, 2016 Global Saudi Equity Fund Global Bi-weekly Nov 1, 2016 SAR 180.530 176.920 Oct 25, 2016 Money Market Funds Global KD Money Market Fund Global Weekly March 31, 2016 KD 1.050 1.083 Feb 29, 2016 Sectoral Funds EPADI Fund Global Weekly Nov 1, 2016 USD 87.970 88.940 Oct 25, 2016 Islamic Funds Global GCC Islamic Fund Global Weekly Nov 1, 2016 USD 88.930 88.690 Oct 25, 2016 Al-Durra Islamic Fund Global Monthly Nov 3, 2016 KD 1.067 1.071 Oct 27, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Kuwait Finance & Investment Co (KFIC) Al Wasm Fund KFIC Weekly Oct 12, 2016 KD 0.341 0.344 Oct 5, 2016 Al Basha’er GCC Equity Fund KFIC Monthly Sept 30, 2016 USD 6.160 6.459 July 31, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

KAMCO KAMCO Investment Fund KAMCO Monthly Sept 30, 2016 KD 0.852 0.841 Feb 29, 2016 KAMCO GCC Opportunities Fund KAMCO Monthly Feb 29, 2016 USD 114.380 127.960 Dec 31, 2015 KAMCO MENA Plus Fixed Income Fund KAMCO Sept 30, 2016 USD 9.960 9.860 Feb 29, 2016 KAMCO Real Estate Yield Fund KAMCO Sept 30, 2016 USD 10.220 10.170 June 30, 2016 Kuwait Education Fund KAMCO Quartely Sept 30, 2016 KD 1.457 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Al Basha’er GCC Equity Fund Kwt. Fin. & Inv. Co. & Gulf Fin. House Monthly Oct 30, 2016 USD 6.206 6.164 Sept 30, 2016 Coast Fund Coast Investment & Dev. Co. Monthly Oct 30, 2016 KD 0.592 0.590 Sept 30, 2016 Sanaya Dow Jones Kuwait Index Fund Industrial & Financial Investment Co. Weekly Oct 27, 2016 KD 0.562 0.566 Sept 30, 2016 Markaz Capital Preservation Program 1 Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.916 0.917 Sept 30, 2016 Markaz Capital Preservation Program 2 Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.937 0.938 Sept 30, 2016 Markaz Gulf Real Estate Fund Bi-annual Oct 31, 2016 KD 1.438 1.438 Sept 30, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Wafra International Investment Co.

Al Ahli Bank

Emirates Gateway Fund Shuaa Capital Weekly Nov 1, 2016 AED 13.770 13.740 Oct 25, 2016 The Arab Gateway Fund Shuaa Capital Weekly Nov 1, 2016 USD 28.100 28.050 Oct 25, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Al Ahli Gulf Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.843 0.824 Sept 29, 2016 Al Ahli Kuwaiti Fund Al Ahli Bank Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.741 0.740 Sept 29, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Burgan Bank Burgan Equity Fund Burgan Bank Monthly Oct 23, 2016 KD 1.578 1.592 Sept 30, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Boubyan Bank Boubyan KD Money Market Fund Boubyan Bank Weekly Nov 1, 2016 KD 1.058 1.056 Aug 23, 2016 Boubyan KD Money Market Fund II Boubyan Bank Weekly Nov 1, 2016 KD 1.002 1.000 Aug 23, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Boubyan Capital Investment Co.

Wafra Equity Fund Wafra Co. Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.747 0.745 Sept 30, 2016 Wafra Bond Fund Wafra Co. Monthly Sept 30, 2016 KD 1.021 1.019 Aug 31, 2016 Masaref Investment Fund ISKAN Weekly Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.722 0.681 Sept 30, 2016 Fajir Islamic Fund Wafra Co. Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.542 0.537 Sept 30, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Shuaa Capital Co.

Al Aman Investment Al Aman Islamic Fund Al Aman Investment Weekly July 31, 2016 KD 0.337 0.340 June 30, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Tharwa Investment Co. Tharwa Investment Fund Tharwa Investment Co Weekly Oct 31, 2016 KD 1.361 1.377 Sept 30, 2016 Tharwa Arab Investment Fund Tharwa Investment Co Bi-weekly July 31, 2016 USD 1.977 2.251 June 30, 2016 Tharwa World Fund Tharwa Investment Co Monthly March 31, 2016 USD 1.024 0.986 March 15, 2016 Tharwa Islamic Fund Tharwa Investment Co Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.585 0.598 Sept 30, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Boubyan USD Liquidity Fund Boubyan Capital Investment Co Nov 1, 2016 USD 10.160 10.140 Aug 23, 2016 Boubyan Kuwait Real Estate Fund Boubyan Capital Investment Co Dec 31, 2016 KD 1.020 1.020 Sept 30, 2015 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Bank Al-Bilad

Kuwait Investment Co.

Commercial International Bank

Local Fund

CIB Money Market Fund (Osoul) CI Asset Management Weekly Nov 7, 2016 EGP 273.530 273.130 Nov 1, 2016 CIB II Equity (Isthethmar) CI Asset Management Weekly Nov 7, 2016 EGP 98.530 92.370 Nov 1, 2016 CIB and Faisal Islamic Al Aman CI Asset Management Weekly Nov 7, 2016 EGP 55.070 52.960 Nov 1, 2016 Hemaya CI Asset Management Weekly Nov 1, 2016 EGP 159.900 158.670 Oct 3, 2016 Thabat CI Asset Management Weekly Nov 7, 2016 EGP 168.850 169.100 Nov 1, 2016 Takamol CI Asset Management Weekly Nov 7, 2016 EGP 107.440 102.740 Nov 1, 2016 Misr El Mostakbel CI Asset Management Weekly Nov 7, 2016 EGP 18.890 18.100 Oct 30, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Al Raed Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Nov 3, 2016 KD 0.871 0.871 Oct 31, 2016 Kuwait Investment Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Sept 30, 2016 KD 0.575 0.568 Aug 31, 2016 Al Hilal Fund Kuwait Investment Co Monthly Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.581 0.542 Oct 25, 2016 Al Atheer Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Oct 31, 2016 KD 1.064 1.040 Sept 30, 2016 International Global Bond Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Oct 26, 2016 USD 24.300 24.260 Oct 19, 2016 Diversified Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Oct 26, 2016 USD 17.200 17.860 Oct 19, 2016 European Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Sept 30, 2016 Euro 19.450 19.490 Aug 31, 2016 Pacific Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Weekly Oct 26, 2016 USD 28.460 28.680 Oct 19, 2016 North American Equity Fund Kuwait Investment Co Tw. Monthly Sept 30, 2016 USD 17.060 17.060 Sept 5, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

National Investment Co. (NIC) Al-Wataniya Fund NIC Monthly Sept 30, 2016 KD 0.527 0.521 Aug 31, 2016 Al-Darij Fund NIC Monthly Sept 30, 2016 KD 0.312 0.314 Aug 31, 2016 Mawarid Fund NIC Monthly Sept 30, 2016 KD 0.487 0.505 Aug 31, 2016 Zajil Fund NIC Monthly Sept 30, 2016 KD 0.688 0.712 Aug 31, 2016 Al Mada Investment Fund NIC Weekly Sept 30, 2016 USD 0.666 0.688 Aug 31, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Kuwait Financial Centre (Markaz) Mumtaz Fund MIDAF Islamic Fund Markaz Arabian Fund

Kuwait Financial Center Kuwait Financial Center Kuwait Financial Center Kuwait Financial Center

Weekly Weekly Weekly Weekly

Oct 31, 2016 Oct 31, 2016 Oct 31, 2016 Oct 31, 2016

KD KD KD KD

3.572 2.681 1.328 2.940

3.584 2.702 1.325 2.930

Oct 27, 2016 Oct 27, 2016 Oct 27, 2016 Oct 27, 2016

Al Seef Fund Bank Al-Bilad Daily Nov 2, 2016 KD 0.355 0.353 Oct 26, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Noor Financial Investment Co. Noor Islamic Fund Noor Financial Investment Co Monthly Feb 29, 2016 KD 0.613 0.645 Dec 31, 2015 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Al Zumorroda Investment Co. Zumorroda GCC Fund Al Zumorroda Investment Co Monthly Jan 31, 2016 KD 0.481 0.543 Dec 31, 2015 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

KFH Capital Investment Co. Muthanna Islamic Index Fund (MUDX) KFH Capital Investment Company Daily Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.296 0.290 Sept 30, 2016 Muthanna GCC Islamic Banks Fund KFH Capital Investment Company Daily Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.606 0.589 Sept 30, 2016 Baitak GCC Fund KFH Capital Investment Company Weekly Oct 31, 2016 KD 0.856 0.859 Sept 30, 2016 ——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

CapCorp Investment Co. CapCorp Local Fund

CapCorp Investment Company

Weekly

Sept 29, 2016

KD

0.713

0.720

July 31, 2016

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESS

35

Sri Lanka lifts ban on foreigners buying property Sri Lanka announced Thursday it would lift a ban on foreigners owning property as the cashstrapped country sought to attract foreign capital to rebuild its war-ravaged economy. Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake told parliament of the potential to attract much-needed foreign investment in the construction sector, which is experiencing a boom following the end of the island’s ethnic war in 2009.

“To further incentivise such investment, we will remove freehold right restrictions from the ground floor,” the minister said, referring to a 2014 ban on foreigners purchasing real estate. In a bid to encourage more foreign exchange inflows, the minister said the government will also allow individuals to bring up to $45,000 into the country without declaring the source, up from a previous limit of $15,000.

Unveiling the annual budget for the 2017 calendar year, the minister slapped a new carbon tax on cars and sharply raised traffic fines in an effort to shore up revenues. The government is targeting a budget deficit of 4.6 percent of GDP next year, down from 5.4 percent of GDP this year, with foreign borrowings of $3.1 billion and $1.2 billion in domestic loans helping to bridge the gap, Karunanayake said. (AFP)

Kuwait winds up week with 24.8 pts upswing KFH rallies 15 fils; Zain flat

The KSX 15 gauge rallied 10.08 pts to 854.82 points taking the month’s gains to 28 points while weighted index added 3.24 points. The volume turnover meanwhile surged past the 200 million mark to hit a fresh multi-month high. 217 million shares changed hands — a 19.9 pct increase from Wednesday.

Top gainer of the day, Gulf Finance House rallied 8.47 pct to 128 fils while Agility stood next with 8 pct jump. KPPC tumbled 10.2 pct, the steepest decliner of the day and Ithmaar Bank topped the volume with 13.9 million shares. Reflecting the day’s upswing, the market spread was skewed towards the winners. 69 stocks advanced whereas 23 closed lower. Of the 131 counters active on Thursday, 39 closed flat. 4,732 deals worth KD 20.9 million were transacted — almost unchanged in value from the day before. National Industries Group was flat at 114 fils off slight early highs and Gulf Cable gave up 5 fils to settle at 380 fils. Kuwait Cement Co stood pat at 375 fils and Kuwait Portland Cement Co climbed 20 fils to 960 with razor thin trading. Kuwait Food Co (Americana) was unchanged at KD 2.620 and whereas Kuwait Foundry Co added 4fils before settling at 178 fils. ACICO Industries Co stagnated at 280 fils and Boubyan Petrochemical Co was up 5 fils at 475 fils.

The sectors closed mostly in the green turf. Telecommunications outshone the rest with 1.46 pct gain whereas consumer goods shed 0.91 percent, the biggest loser of the day. Volume wise, financial services penciled the highest market share of 32 percent while real estate stood next with 31 pct contribution Among the prime movers, Kuwait Finance House rallied 15 fils on back of 4.9 million shares to end at KD 0.510 while Burgan Bank was up 5 fils at 320 fils. Jazeera Airways gained 20 fils more than recouping the Wednesday’s losses. Zain was unchanged at 405 fils with a volume of 2.3 million and Wataniya Telecom (Ooredoo) too did not budge from its earlier close of KD 1.100. Kuwait Telecommunications Co ( VIVA) paused at KD 0.860 and Agility climbed 40 fils on back of KD 0.540. National Investment Co was unchanged at 104 fils and KIPCO followed suit. The company has logged a net profit of KD 40.02 million and earnings per share of 24.62 fils in the January —Sept period , up from net profit of KD 36.93 million and earnings per share of 22.11 fils. The market opened on a strong note and stalled briefly in early trading. The price index rose further in a wavy course to peak at 5,487.64 points amid broad buying and retreated thereafter. It moved sideways in the second half before closing with modest gains.

Humansoft Holding tumbled 80 fils to KD 1.780 and Alrai Media Group gained 4 fils. Mezzan Holding Co paused at KD 0.980 and Zimah Holding clipped 2 fils. NAPESCO rose 10 fils to KD 0.790 and Qurain Petrochemical Industries Co took in 2 fils. The company has registered a net profit of KD 10.48 mln and earnings per share of 10.08 fils in the January-Sept period. Kuwait Gulf Link Transport Co inched 0.5 fil higher and KGL Logistics closed 1 fil in green. Equipment Holding was unchanged 45.5 fils and NICBM pulled 6 fils into red. ALAFCO fell 2 fils to 214 fils and Yiaco Medical Co gained 10 fils. The company has logged a nine-month net loss of KD 2,40 million and loss per share of 13.24 fils as compared to net profit of KD 751,920 and earnings per of 4.13 fils in 9M of 2015. In the banking sector, National Bank of Kuwait was flat at KD 0.610 and Gulf Bank took in 2 fils to settle at 236 fils. Commercial Bank of Kuwait stood pat at KD 0.390 and Al Ahli Bank of Kuwait was not traded during the day. Kuwait International bank rose 4 fils on back of 1.3 million shares to 395 fils. Boubyan Bank was up 4 fils at 395 fils and Ahli United bank gained 5 fils before settling at 395 fils. Warba Bank was unchanged at 226 fils.

By John Mathews Arab Times Staff

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: Kuwait stocks headed north on Thursday to wind up the week on a firm note. The bourse, after weathering the aftershocks of US election results in the previous session, climbed 24.8 pts to 5,480.42 points helped by renewed buying across the board.

Paused

Kuwait Investment Co eased 1 fil to 84 fils and Commercial Facilities Co stalled at 192 fils. International Financial Advisors inched 0.5 fil up on back of 2.3 million shares while Securities House Co and KMEFIC closed flat at 41 fils and 23 fils respectively. Bayan Investment Co gave up 1 fil to end at 33 fils and KAMCO closed 2 fils in red. Noor Financial Investment Co was up 2.5 fils and Al Deera Holding fell 2 fils to 34 fils. Sokouk Holding Co inched 0.5 fil higher and Al Madina closed 1 fil up at 43 fils. Ektittab Holding took in 1 fil and Warba Insurance Co closed 2 fils higher. Kuwait Real Estate Co and National Real Estate Co dialed up 2 fils each and United Real Estate closed 1 fil in green. Mabanee Co stalled at KD 0.820 and Mazaya Holding clipped 2 fils. The market was largely upbeat during the week. The main index closed in four of the five sessions and has rallied 71 points week-on-week. The price index has climbed 79 points so far during the month but is down 2.4 pct yearto-date. KSE, with 208 listed companies, is the second largest bourse in the region. In the bourse related news, Shuaiba Industrial Co has recorded a net profit of KD 1.66 million and earnings per share of 20.94 fils in 2016, 9M up from net profit of KD 1.33 mln and earnings per share of 16.83 fils in same period of 2015. Aqar Real Estate Investments Co has registered a net profit of KD 923,223 and earnings per share of 4.34 fils in the January-September period down from net profit of KD 1.72 million and EPS of 7.63 fils in the 9M of 2015. Jeeran Holding Co has logged a net profit of KD 431,750 and earnings per share of 3.17 fils in the first ninemonth of 2016 up sharply from net profit of KD 177,518 and earnings per share of 1.30 fils in the 9M of 2015. Kuwait Building Materials Mfg has registered a net profit of KD 159,204 and earnings per share of 5.3 fils in the January-September period as against net profit of KD 363,059 and earnings per share of 12 fils in the same period last year. Hilal Cement Company has logged a net loss of KD 3,709 and loss per share of 0.04 fil in the JanuarySeptember period of 2016 narrowing from a net loss of KD 117,151 and LPS of 1.39 fils in same period in 2015.

Mideast Stocks Saudi closes above technical resistance

Egypt surges in record volume DUBAI, Nov 10, (RTRS): Egyptian stocks jumped in record volumes on Thursday, driven by signs that hard currency was flowing into the country after last week’s pound devaluation, while Saudi Arabia’s index extended recent gains. Egypt’s blue chip index surged 4.5 percent, bringing its gains since the currency was floated last Thursday to 25 percent. The broader EGX 100 index was up by its 5 percent limit two minutes before the close, causing trade to be suspended. Exchange data showed foreign investors were again heavy net buyers of Egyptian stocks and, after sliding earlier this week, the pound strengthened against the dollar after the central bank announced a $2 billion financing deal with global banks. Bankers said dollar liquidity in the currency market was improving. “Today foreign funds were aggressive buyers — the volumes are soaring. The markets will continue to be supported higher for the next week, although profit-taking cannot be ruled out,” said a Cairobased equities trader. Commercial International Bank (CIB), the country’s largest listed lender, jumped 4.4 percent to 67.22 Egyptian pounds, after reporting 28 percent jump in third-quarter net income, beating forecasts from Beltone Financial and Naeem Brokerage. Naeem said CIB was expected to be a major beneficiary from growth in banking activities after the currency float. Telecom Egypt added 2.2 percent

after reporting a 27.8 percent fall in net profit attributable to owners. “We expect Telecom Egypt to use an aggressive pricing strategy as its main tool to compete with the current mobile network operators — taking advantage of its existing network and infrastructure,” Naeem said. Beltone said in research note that in 2017, Egypt’s corporate environment would undergo radical change as the government took tough fiscal and monetary measures, while the price discount offered to foreign funds by the devaluation would help to unlock companies’ value. Saudi Arabia’s index added 2.3 percent to 6,528 points in heavy trade, closing well above technical resistance at its August peak of 6,396 points. Domestic economy-oriented shares were among top gainers, with apparel and mall operator Fawaz Alhokair jumping 6.0 percent to 28.30 riyals, its highest close in six weeks. The stock is still below the median fair value of 10 analysts polled by Reuters of 36.53 riyals. Banking shares, which have been surging over the last three weeks following a huge international sovereign bond sale, continued to rally. The sale “brought down the cost of funding, and long-term investors are reassured that the worst of the liquidity crunch is now behind them,” said Mohammad Al Shammasi, chief investment officer of Riyadh’s Derayah Financial. He added that a Donald Trump presidency in the United States presented no threat to Gulf markets for

the time being. “Only time will tell how he affects oil prices and foreign policy.” The Saudi market’s strength continued to suck funds from other Gulf bourses. Dubai’s index initially rose, rebounding with other global bourses as the shock of Trump’s election faded, but it then reversed course to close 0.2 percent down. In Qatar, the index gave up early gains and slipped 0.1 percent with Qatar National Bank falling 1.9 percent.

Saudi Arabia ■ The index rose 2.3 percent to 6,528 points.

Dubai ■ The index fell 0.2 percent to 3,274 points.

Abu Dhabi ■ The index dropped 1.0 percent to 4,282 points.

Egypt ■ The index soared 4.5 percent to 10,688 points.

Qatar ■ The index slipped 0.1 percent to 9,961 points.

Kuwait ■ The index added 0.5 percent to 5,480 points.

Oman ■ The index rose 0.2 percent to 5,418 points.

Bahrain ■ The index gained 1.4 percent to 1,161 points.

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

BUSINESS

36

GM laying off over 2,000 at 2 car plants Shifting demand from cars to trucks and SUVS is forcing General Motors to lay off more than 2,000 workers indefinitely at two assembly plants in Ohio and Michigan starting in January. The company said Wednesday it will suspend the third shifts at factories in Lordstown, Ohio, and in Lansing, Michigan, because of the market change, which is growing and shows no sign of abating.

the

About 1,250 workers will be furloughed at the Lordstown plant, which makes the Chevrolet Cruze compact car, starting Jan 23. Another 840 will be idled at the Lansing Grand River factory, which makes the Chevrolet Camaro muscle car and the Cadillac ATS and CTS luxury cars, when their shifts end Jan 16. “It’s supply and demand, and right now the demand is not

bottomline

TRENTON: Drugmaker Mylan Inc swung to a third-quarter loss, mainly due to a big settlement for overcharging the federal government for its controversial EpiPen, the emergency allergy injector whose price Mylan has repeatedly jacked up. The results missed Wall Street expectations, and Mylan reduced its 2016 profit forecast. That charge, other litigation costs and higher spending on marketing, administration and research doubled Mylan’s operating expenses in the latest quarter. On Wednesday, Mylan reported a third-quarter loss of $119.8 million, or 23 cents per share, after reporting a $428.6 million profit in the same period a year earlier. Earnings, adjusted for non-recurring costs, came to $1.38 per share, well below the $1.50 per share analysts expected. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑

NEW YORK: Wendy’s Co. reported a boost in profit as it dramatically cut costs while it continues to sell company-owned restaurants and shift to a more franchise-heavy operation. Profit surged more than five-fold to $48.9 million, or 18 cents per share, despite a 22 percent drop in overall revenue. The drop in revenue was more than offset by an 89.8 percent rise in operating profit as it sells back restaurants. The Dublin, Ohio-based company said it’s still on track with plans to lower its company-run restaurant ownership to about 5 percent of the total system by year’s end. It plans on selling 315 restaurants to franchisees during 2016. Meanwhile, sales rose 1.4 percent at stores open at least a year in North America. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑

CLEVELAND: Athersys Inc (ATHX) on Wednesday reported a loss of $6 million in its third quarter. The Cleveland-based company said it had a loss of 7 cents per share. The biopharmaceutical company posted revenue of $311,000 in the period. In the final minutes of trading on Wednesday, the company’s shares hit $1.66. A year ago, they were trading at $1.04. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑

LOS ANGELES: Adobe Systems has agreed to acquire TubeMogul, a video-advertising platform provider and one of the industry’s largest pureplay ad tech companies, for $540 million net of debt and cash. TubeMogul lets advertisers and agencies plan and buy video advertising across desktops, mobile, streaming devices and TVs. Adobe said the acquisition of TubeMogul will create “the first end-to-end independent advertising and data management solution” spanning TV and digital platforms. (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑ LONDON: Anglo-Swedish drugmaker AstraZeneca said Thursday that its third-quarter earnings fell 12 percent as its blockbuster cholesterol drug Crestor faced its first full quarter of competition in the United States from generic alternatives. Operating profit declined to $1.03 billion from $1.17 billion in the same period a year earlier. Net income, which includes finance expenses and a one-time tax benefit of $319 million, rose 32 percent to $1.01 billion. AstraZeneca has been cutting costs so it can devote more resources to can-

cer drugs. Sales of cancer treatments rose 19 percent to $867 million, driven by the introduction of the lung cancer drug Tagrisso and the ovarian cancer drug Lynparza. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑

LONDON: Aldermore Group Plc said it had seen no change in customer demand since Britain voted to leave the European Union, as it posted higher nine-month lending citing strong demand from small- and medium-sized businesses, homeowners and landlords. The bank had seen appetite among SMEs hold up strongly despite tempered expectations for growth in the UK economy this year and most businesses were still planning for economic growth next year, founder and chief executive Philip Monks said. (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑ LONDON: Britain’s Dairy Crest Group Plc said a sharp increase in input costs is expected to impact the volumes and profitability of its butter business in the second half of the financial year. ■ The company’s group revenue fell 7 percent to 190 million pounds ($236.1 million) for the six months ended Sept 30, it said on Thursday. ■ Prices for dairy products have significantly increased since June, and cream prices, in particular, have more than doubled, the company said in the statement. ■ UK’s average farmgate milk price jumped 5.2 percent to 22.58 pence per litre in September from the previous month, according to data from UK’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑ MILAN: Italy’s largest bank, UniCredit, says its third-quarter profits dropped by 12 percent due to a reduction in core revenues amid persistent low interest rates. UniCredit said Thursday that net profit in the period ending Sept. 30 was 447 million euros ($493 million), compared with 507 million euros in the same period last year. The results take into account the sale of a stake in the internet banking business FinecoBank. Revenues were up slightly at 5.5 billion euros, with higher trading income, which doubled to 510 million euros, partially offsetting lower net interest income and fees and commissions. Net interest income was down 2.6 percent 2.9 billion euros, and fees and commissions slipped 2.3 percent at 1.9 billion euros. (AP) ❑ ❑ ❑ PARIS: French supermarket giant Carrefour will be brought before a commercial court to answer charges of “abusive trade practices”, the economic ministry announced Wednesday. The charges relate to annual negotiations with suppliers and follow a search of Carrefour’s headquarters in March as part of an investigation by the General Directorate for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF). (AFP) ❑ ❑ ❑

SEOUL: South Korea’s ailing Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering will receive 2.8 trillion won ($2.4 billion) in financial aid from two state-run banks, one of the lenders said Thursday. The Korea Development Bank (KDB) — the shipbuilder’s biggest shareholder — said in a statement that it will cancel 60 million of its Daewoo shares to reduce the company’s share capital. (AFP)

Audi hit with fresh emissions cheating lawsuit

there for what we have,” said Glenn Johnson, president of a United Auto Workers union local at the Lordstown plant east of Cleveland. Last month, 61.6 percent of US new vehicle sales were trucks and SUVs, according to Autodata Corp That’s a record that is likely to be broken said Jeff Schuster, senior vice president for forecasting at the consulting firm LMC Automotive. (AP)

Embattled Volkswagen is facing a new lawsuit in US courts over devices used to cheat emissions standards, this one against luxury brand Audi, according to court documents. The new case filed Tuesday in Illinois court, cites a media report Audi installed the cheating devices on gasolinepowered cars to hide the true emissions of climate-warming gas carbon dioxide, court papers say. The latest suit follows last

month’s $14.7 billion class action settlement in Volkswagen’s diesel emissions cheating scandal, which has rocked the company and exposed it to a sprawling set of legal claims and investigations. Volkswagen last year admitted to equipping millions of dieselpowered cars sold around the world with so-called “defeat devices” that reduced nitrogen oxide during emissions testing but allowed it to rise to as much as

40 times permissible levels in normal driving conditions. Germany’s Bild am Sonntag newspaper reported Saturday that California regulators had found evidence of the latest alleged software manipulation scheme on certain 3.0-liter, gasoline-powered Audi models with automatic transmissions, which the newspaper said could detect testing and lower carbon dioxide emissions accordingly. (AFP)

Global stocks off early highs as dollar strengthens versus peers Oil slips as focus moves to OPEC plans NEW YORK, Nov 10, (Agencies): A rally in major world stock markets stalled on Thursday as investors reassessed positions after Tuesday’s US presidential election, while US bond yields continued to climb on fears of a revival in inflation resulting from potential expansionary fiscal policy under Presidentelect Donald Trump. Investors have quickly shifted to a focus on Trump’s priorities, including tax cuts, an increase in defense and infrastructure spending, along with bank deregulation. Stocks in Europe and the US reversed course and turned negative, with utilities down more than 4 percent in Europe. Wall Street was pulled lower by a drop in the technology sector, which was on track for its biggest decline since June 24. “In a higher rate environment, growth stock valuations aren’t what they were in a lower rate environment, that’s just plain and simple,” said Stephen Massocca, chief investment officer, Wedbush Equity Management LLC in San Francisco. Banking shares in the US continued to rally and were up more than 2 percent on the session, and more than 9 percent over the past four sessions. Stocks on Wall Street had rallied on Wednesday following Trump’s stunning win, with companies expected to benefit from his reflationary policies seeing the biggest climb, while bond proxy sectors like utilities and real estate slumped. The Dow Jones industrial average rose 145.15 points, or 0.78 percent, to 18,734.84, the S&P 500 lost 0.34 points, or 0.02 percent, to 2,162.92 and the Nasdaq Composite dropped 57.32 points, or 1.09 percent, to 5,193.75. The benchmark S&P index retreated after rising as much as 0.9 percent earlier in the session. Europe’s index of leading 300 shares was down 0.3 percent after earlier touching a two-week high. MSCI’s all-country world index edged up 0.05 percent after rising as much as 0.9 percent. The dollar also continued to strengthen and was last up 0.46 percent at 98.959 against a basket of major currencies. The greenback was on track for its fourth session of gains. The strength in the dollar weighed on gold which fell 1 percent to $1,264.86 per ounce, on track for its third decline in four days. The dollar rise also was a drag on oil prices, with both Brent and US crude down more than 1 percent. But copper touched a 16-month high of $5,714 a tonne and was last up 3.7 percent at $5611.50 on expectations of a jump in infrastructure spending under a Trump presidency.

US The Nasdaq lost ground sharply in late morning trade on Thursday, dragged down by market heavyweights Apple and Amazon, as investors poured money into others sectors that may benefit from Donald Trump’s victory in the US election. The S&P 500 reversed course to trade slightly lower, while the Dow pared gains after hitting a record intraday high earlier in the session. Some parts of the market, such as health, industrials and banks are likely to benefit from Trump’s policies of tax cuts, higher fiscal spending and simplifying regulations. But the possibility of Trump slapping punitive tariffs on Chinese and Mexican exports, risking a global trade war, have worried investors. “Tech stocks aren’t really in the handbook,” said Art Hogan, chief market strategist at Wunderlich Securities in New York. “They aren’t really going to benefit from Trump’s stimulus spending on infrastructure and are sort of sitting in the middle. They aren’t part of the oversold sectors such as banks and health nor are they high dividend paying stocks that getting sold off.” Apple was down 3.2 percent at $107.30, while Amazon was off 5 percent. The S&P 500 technology index plunged 2.5 percent and was on track for its worst day since the Brexit vote in June. High-dividend sectors utilities, telecom services and consumer staples sold off as bond yields rose due to expectations of higher interest rates. Financial and healthcare stocks rose, continuing to hold their positions as the top performers in the post-Trump victory rally. At 10:42 am ET (1442 GMT), the Dow Jones industrial average was up 106.49 points, or 0.57 percent, at 18,696.18. The S&P 500 was down 5.38 points, or 0.25 percent, at 2,157.88 and the Nasdaq Composite was down 85.20 points, or 1.62 percent, at 5,165.87. Macy’s rose 6.7 percent to $41.01 after the department store operator raised its full-year sales forecast and announced a partnership to monetize some of its real-estate assets. IBM provided the biggest boost to the Dow, rising 2.7 percent to $159.02, after Bank of America Merrill Lynch upgraded the stock and raised its price target. Walt Disney and Nordstrom are expected to report earnings after market closes. Declining issues outnumbered advancing ones on the NYSE by 1,688 to 1,267. On the Nasdaq, 1,417 issues rose and 1,267 fell. The S&P 500 index showed 79 new 52-week highs and six new lows, while the Nasdaq recorded 258 new highs and 32 new lows.

Europe Wall Street retreated from fresh record highs and other stock markets went negative Thursday as a 24-hour

rally following Donald Trump’s shock election win fizzled out. London underperformed its European peers, losing over one percent, as investors fled high-dividend stocks “which are looking less attractive after the pickup in US bond yields”, suggested Chris Beauchamp, Chief Market Analyst at IG. Frankfurt and Paris posted slight losses at the end of the day. Initially European bourses mostly built on Wednesday’s upturn as they embraced the Trump win “with bullish gusto,” as Mike van Dulken, head of research at Accendo Markets, put it. But then came the profit-taking. Analysts at Aurel BGC said that Trump’s presumed pro-business stance must now stand the test of reality. In Paris, Vivendi shares were up nine percent at the close after the French media conglomerate returned to profit in the third quarter. But Renault shares reversed 3.6 percent after a government inquiry into emissions cheating entered a new stage, possibly opening the door to criminal proceedings against the carmaker. ■ Key figures around 17:00 GMT New York — Dow: Up 0.7 percent at 18,720.27 New York — S&P 500: Down 0.2 percent at 2,163.09 London — FTSE 100: Down 1.2 percent at 6,827.98 (close) Frankfurt — DAX 30: Down 0.2 percent at 10,630.12 (close) Paris — CAC 40: Down 0.3 percent at 4,530.95 (close) EURO STOXX 50: Down 0.4 percent at 3,067.76

Asia Asian equities rallied Thursday, joining a goldrush across world markets as the initial shock of Donald Trump’s election win was replaced by hopes his plan to kickstart the US economy will succeed. Trading screens were awash with red Wednesday as the region’s investors were the first to react to news that the firebrand tycoon had defeated market favourite Hillary Clinton, upending expectations. Most markets in Asia either entirely reversed or clawed back most of the previous day’s losses, while the dollar pushed higher. Tokyo closed up 6.7 percent, with a plunging yen providing support. The dollar dallied with 106 yen before easing slightly, well up from Wednesday’s low of 101.20 yen. Hong Kong gained 1.9 percent and Shanghai closed 1.4 percent up. Sydney closed 3.3 percent higher, Seoul jumped two percent and Taipei put on 2.4 percent. There were also gains of more than one percent in Wellington, Singapore and Manila. The pharma and financial sectors were among the biggest winners regionally on hopes Trump will move to loosen US regulations affecting their industries.

■ Key figures around 0800 GMT

Tokyo — Nikkei 225: Up 6.7 percent at 17,344.42 (close) Hong Kong — Hang Seng: Up 1.9 percent at 22,839.11 (close) Shanghai — Composite: Up 1.4 percent at 3,171.28 (close)

Oil Oil prices slipped on Thursday as markets recovered from shock at US President-elect Donald Trump’s surprise victory and focused on global oversupply as well whether OPEC will decide to cut production later this month. Most markets shook off post-election losses and bounced back on Thursday, but oil still faces a glut that has kept prices under pressure for much of the past two years. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) meets in Vienna on Nov 30 for talks on output cuts. It has sought cooperation from non-members, including Russia, but doubts remain over whether they can come to an agreement. Prices were down even as stockpiles at the US delivery hub for crude futures in Cushing, Oklahoma, dropped by 663,916 barrels for the week, according to traders, citing energy monitoring service Genscape. Brent crude fell 26 cents at $46.10 a barrel by 10:36 am (1036 GMT). US West Texas Intermediate crude was down 37 cents at $44.90. But prices will likely rebound, at least temporarily, in the coming days and may even go above $50 a barrel as traders cling to the hope of an OPEC deal, said Fawad Razaqzada, analyst at Forex.com. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said on Thursday he saw higher chances of reaching a deal than before, and that global crude oil output could be frozen at November levels if an agreement is reached on Nov. 30. The market was dampened by a 2.4-million-barrel rise in US crude inventories to 485 million barrels last week, reported by the Energy Information Administration on Wednesday.

Gold Gold fell 1 percent on Thursday after the dollar rose to a 3-1/2 month high against the yen, as markets weighed the election of Donald Trump as US president and how his policies could affect economic growth. Trump’s plans call for infrastructure building and massive tax cuts which could increase the US budget deficit and help support gold. His victory has also called into question the expected US interest rate increase in December. But the Republican president-elect has also vowed to boost growth in the US economy which could boost the dollar and in turn hurt gold, which is priced in the US currency. Spot gold was down 0.85 at $1,266.99 per ounce at 1611 GMT, after touching $1,262.96, its lowest since Oct 28. US gold futures fell 0.5 percent to $1,267.00 per ounce.

exchange rates – Nov 10 US dollar Buy Sell Sell Muzaini Sell Dollarco Commercial Bank Buy Sell Buy Gulf Bank Sell Buy NBK Sell Buy Burgan Bank Sell Buy ABK Sell Buy KFH Sell Sell KBE

Cash .299950 .304650 .302850 .303500 .299000 .305000 .302650 .304750 — — — — .300150 .306250 .300940 .306470 —

Buy Sell Sell Muzaini Sell Dollarco Commercial Bank Buy Sell Buy Gulf Bank Sell Buy NBK Sell Buy Burgan Bank Sell Buy ABK Sell Buy KFH Sell Sell KBE

Cash .040557 .045557 — — — — .044190 .045080 — — — — — — — — —

BEC

Draft .301700 .304050 .304050 .303700 .302650 .304750 .302650 .304750 .302650 .304750 .302650 .304750 .302650 .304750 .302400 .304750 .303950

Transfer .301700 .304050 .304050 .303700 .302650 .304750 .302650 .304750 .302650 .304750 .302650 .304750 .302650 .304750 .302400 .304750 .303950

Danish krone BEC

Draft .040556 .045556 — — .044431 .044739 .044190 .045080 .044370 .044780 .044445 .044773 .045630 .046850 .044761 .045318 —

Transfer .040556 .045556 — — .044431 .044739 .044190 .045080 .044370 .044780 .044445 .044773 .045630 .046850 .044761 .045318 —

Cyprus pound BEC Muzaini Dollarco Gulf Bank ABK KFH KBE

Buy Sell Sell Sell Buy Sell Buy Sell Buy Sell Sell

Cash Draft Transfer — — — — — — — — — .695000 .160380 .160380 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

travellers cheques BEC Commercial Bank Gulf Bank Al-Ahli Bank

Sterling pound Cash .370518 .380518 — .381500 .375000 .379000 .373530 .381180 — — — — .371590 .382050 .372172 .383455 —

Draft .369518 .379116 .379150 .378550 .375649 .378256 .373530 .381180 .375470 .379440 .376723 .379489 .374920 .379860 .374432 .380541 .384200

Transfer .369518 .379116 .379150 .378550 .375649 .378256 .373530 .381180 .375470 .379440 .376723 .379489 .374920 .379860 .374432 .380541 .384200

Euro Cash .326713 .335713 — .339000 .330000 .339000 .328870 .335620 — — — — .327010 .336420 .326941 .337301 —

Indian rupee Cash .000029 .004518 — .004750 .004000 .006500 — .004650 — — — — — — — — —

Draft .004514 .004590 .004587 .004576 — .004599 — .004650 .004490 .004590 .004516 .004575 .004518 .004624 .004493 .004597 .004594 Draft .001162 .001262 .001221 — — — — — .001199 .001229 .001550

US dollar .3040500 .3047500 .3047500 .3047500

Japanese yen Transfer .326713 .333813 .334150 .334115 .329692 .331979 .328870 .335620 .330520 .334190 .330735 .333183 .329950 .334490 .328981 .334646 .334300

Pakistani rupee

Transfer .004514 .004590 .004587 .004576 — .004599 — .004650 .004490 .004590 .004516 .004575 .004518 .004624 .004493 .004597 .004594

Cash .002697 .002987 — .003100 — — — .002950 — — — — — — — — —

Yemeni riyal Cash .001374 .001454 — — — — — — — — —

Draft .326713 .333813 .334150 .334115 .329692 .331979 .328870 .335620 .330520 .334190 .330735 .333183 .329950 .334490 .328981 .334646 .334300

Draft .002869 .002901 .002902 .002901 — .002917 — .002950 — .002910 .002882 .002921 — .002986 .002871 .002923 .002901

Transfer .002869 .002901 .002902 .002901 — .002917 — .002950 — .002910 .002882 .002921 — .002986 .002871 .002923 .002901

Thai baht

Transfer .001162 .001262 .001221 — — — — — .001199 .001229 .001550

Cash .008336 .008886 — .009000 — — — — — — —

Sterling .3791180 .3782560 .3811800 .3798600

Draft .008249 .008664 .008693 .009650 — — – — .008559 .008752 —

Transfer .008249 .008664 .008693 .009650 — — — – .008559 .008752 —

Euro .3336132 .3319790 .3356200 .3344900

Cash .002793 .002973 — .003500 — — .002850 .002910 — — — — — — — — —

Draft .002792 .002972 .002889 .003875 .002851 .002871 .002850 .002910 .002863 .002895 .002859 .002880 .002860 .002899 .002848 .002899 —

Transfer .002792 .002972 .002889 .003875 .002851 .002871 .002850 .002910 .002863 .002895 .002859 .002880 .002860 .002899 .002848 .002899 —

Sri Lanka rupee Cash .001651 .002231 — .002300 .002000 .003500 — .002090 — — — — — — — — —

Draft .002020 .002062 .002062 .002060 — .002065 — .002090 .002010 .002080 .002044 .002066 — .002180 .002032 .002070 .002057

Transfer .002020 .002062 .002062 .002060 — .002065 — .002090 .002010 .002080 .002044 .002066 — .002180 .002032 .002070 .002057

Swiss franc Cash .302439 .313439 — .311000 .306000 .315000 .308020 .317690 — — — — — — — — —

Transfer .303439 .310439 .310890 .300230 .306109 .308233 .308020 .317690 .307200 .310750 .307446 .309736 .306680 .311660 .305609 .311255 —

Bangladesh taka Cash .003383 .003967 — .003950 — — — .003940 — — — — — — — — —

Draft .003827 .003871 .003862 .003868 — .003897 — .003940 — — .003838 .003894 — — .003802 .003914 .003873

Transfer .003827 .003871 .003862 .003868 — .003897 — .003940 — — .003838 .003894 — — .003802 .003914 .003873

Korean won

South African rand Cash Draft Transfer .016426 — — .024926 — — — — — — — — — — — .022920 .022920 .022920 — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

Draft .303439 .310439 .310890 .300230 .306109 .308233 .308020 .317690 .307200 .310750 .307446 .309736 .306680 .311660 .305609 .311255 —

Cash .000255 .000270 — — — — — — — — —

local gold BEC Muzaini Exchange

Draft — — — — — — — — — — —

Transfer — — — — — — — — — — —

Gold 999 kg — 12,945.400

Canadian dollar Cash .221161 .230161 — .229000 .224000 .235000 .222680 .229520 — — — — — — — — —

Draft .219161 .229161 .227580 .227010 .225454 .227019 .222680 .229520 .225290 .227610 .225799 .227450 .225080 .227830 .224967 .228483 —

Transfer .219161 .229161 .227580 .227010 .225454 .227019 .222680 .229520 .225290 .227610 .225799 .227450 .225080 .227830 .224967 .228483 —

Philippine peso Cash .006142 .006442 — .006750 .005000 .007900 — .006370 — — — — — — — — —

Draft .005800 .006267 .006262 .006271 — .006315 — .006370 .006090 .006260 .006239 .006321 — .007013 .006148 .006328 .006211

Transfer .005800 .006267 .006262 .006271 — .006315 — .006370 .006090 .006260 .006239 .006321 .007013 .006148 .006328 .006211

Swedish krona Cash .029458 .034458 — — — — .033320 .034340 — — — — — — — — —

Draft .001285 .001505 .002168 .002425 — — — — — — —

Gold 999 10 tola — 1,529.620

Transfer .001285 .001505 .002168 .002425 — — — — — — —

Transfer .029458 .034458 — — .033372 .033603 .033320 .034340 .033320 .033630 .033837 .034084 .337600 .344900 .033368 .033799 —

Australian dollar Cash .224322 .236322 — — .229000 .235000 .230110 .234790 — — — — — — — — —

Syrian pound Cash .001286 .001506 — .000980 — — — — — — —

Draft .029458 .034458 — — .033372 .033603 .033320 .034340 .033320 .033630 .033837 .034084 .337600 .344900 .033368 .033799 —

Draft .222322 .235322 — — .228750 .231477 .230110 .234790 .232450 .235440 .228040 .229778 .227640 .230680 .231898 .235376 —

Transfer .222322 .235322 — — .228750 .231477 .230110 .234790 .232450 .235440 .228040 .229778 .227640 .230680 .231898 .235376 —

Iranian Riyal Cash .000084 .000085 — — — — — — — — —

Gold ounce — 413.095

Draft — — — — — — — — — — —

Transfer — — — — — — — — — — —

Gold gm 22k — 11.880

Saudi riyal Cash .079993 .081293 — .081500 .077000 .083000 .080170 .081890 — — — — .079260 .081770 .080090 .081861 —

Draft .080493 .081133 .081134 .081870 .080741 .081301 .080170 .081890 .080610 .081310 .080340 .081115 .079970 .081290 .080518 .081369

Transfer .080493 .081133 .081134 .081870 .080741 .081301 .080170 .081890 .080610 .081310 .080340 .081115 .079970 .081290 .080518 .081369

Hong Kong dollar Cash .037033 .039783 — — — — .038790 .039570 — — — — — — — — —

Draft .036532 .039632 .039207 — .038936 .039400 .038790 .039570 — — — — .038840 .039300 — — —

Transfer .036532 .039632 .039207 — .038936 .039400 .038790 .039570 — — — — .038840 .039300 — — —

Lebanese pound Cash .000147 .000247 — — — — — — — — —

Draft .000181 .000201 .002027 — — — — — .000197 .000206 —

Gold gm 21k — 11.340

Transfer .000181 .000201 .002027 — — — — — .000197 .000206 —

UAE dirham Cash .081357 .083057 — .083500 .082149 .082975 .081890 .083600 — — — — .081824 .082646 .081786 .083591 —

Draft .081300 .082750 .082825 .083080 .082421 .082993 .081890 .083600 .082340 .083030 .082054 .082850 .081700 .083070 .082223 .083088 .082810

Transfer .081300 .082750 .082825 .083080 .082421 .082993 .081890 .083600 .082340 .083030 .082054 .082850 .081700 .083070 .082223 .083088 .082810

Singapore dollar Cash .213951 .223951 — — — — .214770 .221340 — — — — — — — — —

Draft .214951 .220951 .218430 — .216649 .219232 .214770 .221340 .216640 .219340 .218767 .220417 .218470 .221070 .216405 .219743 —

Transfer .214951 .220951 .218430 — .216649 .219232 .214770 .221340 .216640 .219340 .218767 .220417 .218470 .221070 .216405 .219743 —

Malaysian ringgit Cash .068677 .074677 — .076000 — — — — — — —

Gold gm 18k — 9.720

Draft .067416 .074416 .075074 .073170 — — — — .070853 .071672 —

Transfer .067416 .074416 .075074 .073170 — — — — .070853 .071672 —

100 gm 999 — —

Bahraini dinar Cash .799929 .808429 — .806000 .800355 .808399 .797750 .814380 — — — — — — .794037 .816600 —

Draft .799428 .807928 .807890 .804445 .803169 .808742 .797750 .814380 .801620 .808570 .799406 .807107 .793620 .810850 .801697 .808785 .806500

Transfer .799428 .807928 .807890 .804445 .803169 .808742 .797750 .814380 .801620 .808570 .799406 .807107 .793620 .810850 .801697 .808785 .806500

Jordanian dinar Cash .423775 .432775 — .428000 .420000 .434000 — .435960 — — — — — — — — —

Draft .422147 .429647 .428510 .428505 — .432199 — .435960 .424370 .431750 .424741 .428904 .424750 .431970 .424743 .429924 —

Transfer .422147 .429647 .428510 .428505 — .432199 — .435960 .424370 .431750 .424741 .428904 .424750 .431970 .424743 .429924 —

Indonesian rupiah Cash .000019 .000025 — — — .000020 — — — — —

Draft .000018 .000025 — — — .000020 — — — — .002377

10 gm 999 — 136.280

Transfer .000018 .000025 — — — .000020 — — — — .002377

Omani riyal Cash .783320 .789000 — — .784615 .792501 .781220 .797480 — — — — — — .777623 .799556 —

Draft .777819 .788819 .790151 — .786308 .791764 .781220 .797480 .785390 .791970 .782777 .790274 .780080 .792930 .785047 .791970 —

Transfer .777819 .788819 .790151 — .786308 .791764 .781220 .797480 .785390 .791970 .782777 .790274 .780080 .792930 .785047 .791970 —

Egyptian pound Cash .017442 .024695 .026000 .027000 .016000 .024000 — .034920 — — — — — — — — —

Draft .021482 .022251 .017691 .034148 — .034598 — .034920 .033890 .034430 .033796 .034417 — .035740 .017393 .017702 .017995

Transfer .021482 .022251 .017691 .034148 — .034598 — .034920 .033890 .034430 .033796 .034417 — .035740 .017393 .017702 .017995

New Zealand dollar Cash .215304 .224804 — — .215310 .219690 — — — — —

Draft .213304 .224304 — — .215310 .219690 .219260 .226540 — — —

Transfer .213304 .224304 — — .215310 .219690 .219260 .226540 — — —

All rates in KD per unit of foreign currency

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

INTERNATIONAL

37

‘We’re fighting to keep our mothers and sisters safe’

Syria Kurd women fighters out for revenge against jihadists MAZRAAT KHALED, Syria, Nov 10, (AFP): Headed for the front line near Syria’s Raqa, 23-year-old Kurdish fighter Kaziwar has just one thought on her mind: to make her jihadist foes pay for their treatment of women. “Our taking part in the Women’s Protection Units (YPJ) is revenge for the women who were kidnapped in Sinjar (in Iraq) and sold (as sex slaves) in markets,” said the brownhaired woman riding a four-wheeldrive. The YPJ has been fighting alongside male comrades in an offensive launched last Saturday to recapture the

Four pull out Continued from Page 1 Second Constituency candidate Mahmoud Al-Failakawi while it rejected the government’s petition against the candidacy of Sheikh Malik Hammud Al-Sabah. Speaking to the press after the announcement of the decision, Sheikh Malik said, “Thank God as the Administrative Court ruled in my favor by cancelling the decision on my disqualification.” In the meantime, Third Constituency candidate Sana Al-Osfour pointed out the Health Ministry is one of the vital sectors that the government should focus on. She stressed the need for the government to quickly address any crisis which impedes development, indicating the health services offered to citizens neither meet global standards nor match the funds allocated for this purpose. She said this happened due to a number of reasons — such as politicization of the health sector, reluctance to develop the sector and lack of investment in professional medical staff. Furthermore, First Constituency candidate and former MP Saleh Ashour asserted that the previous legislature took a remarkable step when it passed the Financial Controllers Agency Law which is necessary in protecting public money. However, he alleged the agency does not serve the purpose of its establishment because the government issued unconstitutional regulations whose contents are deemed useless. “This only shows that the government is not really keen on applying the law as it seems hesitant in giving protection to financial controllers,” he added. He explained the financial controllers must be impartial and independent; hence, the need to protect them especially when they disregard the influence of senior officials in or outside the agency while performing their duties. He also unveiled his plan to push for transfer of the agency from the Finance Ministry to the National Assembly in case he wins a parliamentary seat. He clarified this will ensure that the authority exercises its authority freely, away from government pressure.

Pause in Continued from Page 1 the government to investigate and stop cases of arbitrary detention, forced disappearances and ill-treatment of prisoners. The London-based rights organization said it visited villages near the Shura and Qayara areas outside Mosul, where it says up to six people were “extrajudicially executed” in late October over suspected ties to IS. “Men in Federal Police uniform have carried out multiple unlawful killings, apprehending and then deliberately killing in cold blood residents in villages south of Mosul,” said Amnesty’s Lynn Maalouf. “In some cases the residents were tortured before they were shot dead execution-style.” The battle front in that area has moved further north toward Mosul. Forces there are at the town of Hamam al-Alil, said Brig Firas Bashar, the spokesman for Nineveh operations command. To the northeast, about 13 kms (8 miles) from the city, peshmerga continued to take territory in the town of Bashiqa, believed to be largely deserted except for dozens of IS fighters. They’ve have had the town surrounded for weeks, and have assaulted it with mortar and artillery fire. At an area church in territory freshly freed from the militants’ grip, priests rang bells for the first time in two years on Wednesday as the Peshmerga worked to secure the town. “We are so happy at the liberation,” said the Rev Elkhoury Alfaran Elkhoury at the Mart Shoomy Church in Bahzani, a village near Bashiqa. “They want to give a message to the world, and that message is damage, their message is destruction, their message is death,” he said, highlighting damage to the church made by the jihadis while they occupied the area. In New York, the UN said the progress meant that the days were numbered for the self-styled caliphate declared by IS from Mosul in 2014. “This liberation operation marks the beginning of the end of the so-called ‘DA’ESH caliphate’ in Iraq,” the UN envoy for the country told the Security Council on Wednesday, using the group’s Arabic acronym. Jan Kubis said that the UN’s humanitarian agencies were preparing to shelter even more of the tens of thousands of displaced people as winter approaches. He also warned that reconciliation and restoration of confidence in the government was necessary if the victories against IS are to be lasting. In Baghdad, meanwhile, bombings killed at least ten people and wounded 38 others, according to police and medical officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief reporters.

city of Raqa which the Islamic State (IS) jihadist group has made its de facto capital. Kaziwar, who was clad in trainers and a tracksuit over military fatigues because of the cold, took up arms five years ago and has since fought in several battles against Sunni Muslim extremists. She lost her “sister-in-arms” in one such confrontation and has since kept Bahareen Jia’s picture attached to the vehicle’s rear-view mirror wherever she goes. Hundreds of Kurdish women are taking part in a showdown with the ji-

hadists imposing a reign of terror over territories they seized in Syria and neighbouring Iraq, where IS has since 2014 enslaved women of the minority Yazidi community. According to UN experts, around 3,200 Yazidis are still being held by IS, the majority of them in Syria. The young woman who goes by the nom-de-guerre of Kaziwar drove into Mazraat Khaled, a village one kilometre (less than a mile) from the front line between IS and the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of Kurdish and Arab fighters. On the top floor of a building

perched on a hill and overlooking a river, she reported to a local commander, Rojda Felat, 38, in the village of Mazraat Khaled, around 30 kilometres (19 miles) from Raqa. As the two women went over battle plans, shells crashed down nearby and warplanes of the US-led coalition struck jihadist positions from where the firing originated, sending up black plumes of smoke. IS fighters “feel shame at the idea of being killed by a woman, something which they regard as ‘haram’”, or forbidden under Islam, Kaziwar said with scorn in her voice.

“When they hear our voices, they get very scared, whereas we at the front, we break out into ‘youyous’ (ululate) every time we advance,” she said. Rojda, wearing a black-and-white keffiyeh Arab headscarf and with the yellow badge of the YPJ on the left shoulder of her uniform, used two walkie-talkies to send out orders to the fighters in the field. Pickups mounted with Dushkas, Russian-made heavy machineguns, were parked outside, as men and women fighters took a respite from the battle on the ground floor of the building used

as a command post. Rojda gave orders for villagers who had fled to Mazraat Khaled from nearby Al-Heisha to be escorted to a safe area away from the shelling. It was in IS-held Al-Heisha that 20 civilians were killed and 32 wounded on Tuesday night in an air strike by the international coalition, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Rojda said the YPJ’s mission is straightforward. “We’re fighting to keep our mothers and sisters safe. Our victories are making history,” said the commander clad in a navy-blue parka.

Russian military to continue humanitarian pauses in Syria

paign finance chairman Steve Mnuchin for Treasury secretary. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich and Tennessee Sen Bob Corker were also expected to be under consideration for foreign policy posts. As president-elect, Trump is entitled to get the same daily intelligence briefing as Obama — one that includes information on US covert operations, information gleaned about world leaders and other data gathered by America’s 17 intelligence agencies. The White House said it would organize two exercises involving multiple agencies to help Trump’s team learn how to respond to major domestic incidents. A day after Trump’s election to the presidency, campaign divisions appeared to widen as many thousands of demonstrators — some with signs declaring “NOT MY PRESIDENT” — flooded streets across the country to protest his surprise triumph. From New England to heartland cities like Kansas City and along the West Coast, demonstrators bore flags and effigies of the president-elect, disrupting traffic and declaring that they refused to accept Trump’s victory. Flames lit up the night sky in California cities Wednesday as thousands of protesters burned a giant papier-mache Trump head in Los Angeles and started fires in Oakland intersections. Los Angeles demonstrators also beat a Trump piñata and sprayed the Los Angeles Times building and news vans with anti-Trump profanity. One protester outside LA City Hall read a sign that simply said “this is very bad.” Vishal Singh, 23, said he was disappointed with voters who supported a man he sees as anti-immigrant and anti-LGBT. “I expected better of my electorate,” he told the Los Angeles Times. “I thought this country was different.” Late in the evening several hundred people blocked one of the city’s busiest freeways, US 101 between downtown and Hollywood. More than a dozen people were arrested as officers in full riot gear walked the protesters off the freeway. In Orange County, about 10 people were arrested after three police cars were damaged during rallies in Santa Ana. To the north in Oakland, several thousand people clogged intersections and freeway on-ramps. Nearby in Berkeley, more than 1,000 students walked out of high school classes Wednesday, brandishing anti-Trump signs and Mexican flags. The students tweeted #NotMyPresident and vowed to unify.

UN says rations run out in east Aleppo, hopes for aid deal MOSCOW, Nov 10, (Agencies): Russia’s military will continue the existing practice of arranging ceasefires, or socalled “humanitarian pauses” in Syria, Interfax news agency quoted Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov as saying on Thursday. Spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Thursday that the ministry had received a request from U.N. official Jan Egeland to extend the “humanitarian pause” in Aleppo. Konashenkov criticized the U.N. for failing to make use of the 10-hour pause to deliver aid, despite being given advance notice. “The humanitarian pauses are undoubtedly needed,” Konashenkov said. “But we believe that simply extending their duration without offering real assistance to civilians, and allow the terrorists to restore their capabilities, would be unproductive and defy common sense.” Russia has repeatedly introduced such dawn-to-dusk breaks to allow both fighters and civilians to leave Aleppo’s rebel-held eastern part. But militants have refused to leave, and during the last such halt on Friday they fired at one of humanitarian corridors, wounding two Russian servicemen. Moscow said that Russian and Syrian warplanes haven’t been conducting any airstrikes on the city of Aleppo since Oct. 18. The halt on strikes didn’t apply to the wider Aleppo province.

Iraqi forces drive their vehicle near the village of Arbid on the southern outskirts of Mosul on Nov 9, during the ongoing military operation to retake Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) group. (AFP)

Figure far lower than casualty estimates by groups

US strikes may have killed 119 civilians in Iraq, Syria

Meanwhile, aid workers in eastern Aleppo were distributing the last available food rations on Thursday as the quarter of a million people besieged in the Syrian city entered what is expected to be a cruel winter, U.N. humanitarian adviser Jan Egeland said. Speaking in Geneva, Egeland said he was hopeful of a deal on a four-part humanitarian plan the United Nations sent to all parties to the conflict several days ago. The plan covers delivery of food and medical supplies, medical evacuations and access for health workers. “I do believe we will be able to avert mass hunger this winter,” Egeland told reporters in Geneva, noting that east Aleppo last received relief supplies in early July. “I don’t think anybody wants a quarter of a million people to be starving in east Aleppo,” he said. Some families in the rebel-held area have not had food distributions for several weeks and food prices are skyrocketing, he said. Around 300 sick and wounded require medical evacuation, he added. A Syrian Kurdish-led force fighting the Islamic State group north of the country are on the verge of surround-

WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (Agencies): The Pentagon said Wednesday that US air strikes in Iraq and Syria against the Islamic State group may have killed 119 civilians since 2014, a figure far lower than casualty estimates by monitoring groups. The figures released by Centcom, the US military command in the Middle East, came from a months-long review of reports and databases, it said, adding that the deaths and injuries stemmed from 24 air strikes. London-based NGO Airways estimates coalition bombing has killed 1,787 civilians since the air campaign to destroy the Islamic State group began in August 2014. “We have teams who work full time to prevent unintended civilian casualties,” Colonel John Thomas was quot-

ed as saying in the Centcom statement. “We do all we can to minimize those occurrences even at the cost of sometimes missing the chance to strike valid targets in real time.” The Pentagon’s investigation found that “in each of these strikes the right processes were followed; each complied with Law of Armed Conflict and significant precautions were taken, despite the unfortunate outcome,” Thomas said. The United States, which carries out 80 percent of the coalition bombing, says it uses precision-guided munitions that limit civilian casualties. Meanwhile Russia is accused of using conventional bombs that are much more deadly to civilian populations. Amnesty International estimates that there have been at least 300 civilian

victims in Syria alone from coalition strikes. The number of casualties has risen sharply since the start of the coalition’s campaign in late 2015 to lay the groundwork to take back IS strongholds in Mosul, Iraq and Raqa, Syria. Sixty-four civilians were killed and eight injured in 24 US air strikes against Islamic State targets in Iraq and Syria between Nov. 20, 2015, and Sept 10, 2016, the US military said in a statement on Wednesday. “In each of the cases released today, the assessment determined that although all feasible precautions were taken and strikes complied with laws of armed conflict, civilian casualties unfortunately did occur,” Colonel John Thomas, a spokesman for US Central Command, said in a statement.

ing a wide area north of the IS stronghold of Raqqa, according to a spokeswoman for group. Cihan Ehmed of the US-backed Syria Democratic Forces told The Associated Press on Thursday that its fighters are advancing on two fronts north of Raqqa, the de facto capital of IS’ selfdeclared caliphate. The push from Ein Issa and Suluk north of Raqqa has been ongoing for days under the cover of airstrikes by the US-led coalition. The US-backed SDF, which includes Kurdish, Arab, Syriac and Turkmen fighters, say they have committed 30,000 fighters to the offensive aiming to eventual recapture the city of Raqqa,

which was announced on Sunday. Iraq is meanwhile waging a major offensive to drive IS from the northern city of Mosul. Ehmed said once the forces coming from the two directions meet north of Raqqa, they will surround 550 square kilometers (212 square miles) of territory controlled by the extremists. “The operations are ongoing according to the plan,” she said. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said many people are fleeing areas of fighting north of Raqqa. It added that SDF fighters have advanced north of Raqqa, capturing new areas and raising to 17 the num-

ber of villages and farms taken from IS since the offensive began. A US-backed militia advance on the Islamic State group’s Syria stronghold Raqa was being hampered by a sandstorm on Thursday, a commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) said. “The situation is dangerous today because there is no visibility due to a desert sandstorm,” the commander told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We fear that Daesh will take advantage of this to move in and launch a counter-attack,” he said, using an Arabic acronym for IS.

The capital has seen near-daily bombings since the Mosul operation began, but no large-scale attacks. IS frequently targets Iraq’s security forces and Shiite majority as part of its campaign to destabilize the country. A week after his tank division punched through Islamic State defences on the southeast edge of Mosul, an Iraqi army colonel says the fight to drive the militants out of their urban stronghold is turning into a nightmare. Against a well-drilled, mobile and brutally effective enemy, exploiting the cover of built-up neighbourhoods and the city’s civilian population, his tanks were useless, he said, and his men untrained for the urban warfare they face. His Ninth Armoured Division and elite counter terrorism units fighting nearby seized six of some 60 neighbourhoods last week, the first gains inside Mosul since the Oct 17 start of a campaign to crush Islamic State in its Iraqi fortress. Even that small foothold is proving hard to maintain, however, with waves of counter attacks by jihadist units including snipers and suicide bombers who use a network of tunnels stretching for miles (km) under the city. They appear able to strike at will, often at night, denying the troops rest and rattling frayed nerves. “We’re an armoured brigade, and fighting without being able to use tanks and with soldiers unused to urban warfare is putting troops in a tough situation,” the officer told Reuters. He asked not to be named because he was not authorised to talk to the media. A year ago, when his forces took

part in an operation to drive Islamic State from the much smaller city of Ramadi west of Baghdad, they were tasked with holding territory outside while the counter terrorism forces entered the city. Mosul, whose capture is a crucial step towards dismantling the caliphate Islamic State declared two years ago across large areas of Iraq and Syria, is too big for specialist forces alone. “In Mosul, we have to advance inside residential areas, comb streets, clear houses from terrorists and deal with civilians. I’m afraid this job is too tough for us to handle”. He said it was impossible to differentiate between civilians and fighters who melt in amongst them. Islamic State has forced its dress code on the population during the two years it has controlled the city. Men are required to have long beards, something the militants are still policing. “Our soldiers can’t recognise them until it’s too late, when the attacker either detonates his explosive vest or throws a grenade,” the colonel said, adding that he lost two T-72 tanks and an armoured vehicle in a single day’s fighting on Tuesday. “It’s becoming a nightmare and it’s nerve-wracking for the soldiers,” he said. Even for the Counter Terrorism Service, or special forces, trained more specifically for the challenges in Mosul, the last week of fighting has been unprecedented. “We are carrying out the toughest urban warfare that any force in the world could undertake”, CTS spokesman Sabah al-Numani said on Sunday.

Obama, Trump

ary Clinton, giving the GOP control of the White House and both chambers of Congress. “He just earned a mandate,” Ryan said. In an emotional concession speech, Clinton said her crushing loss was “painful and it will be for a long time” and acknowledged that the nation was “more divided than we thought.” Still, Clinton was gracious in defeat, declaring: “Donald Trump is going to be our president. We owe him an open mind and the chance to lead.” In Washington, Trump’s scant transition team sprang into action, culling through personnel lists for top jobs and working through handover plans for government agencies. A person familiar with the transition operations said the personnel process was still in its early stages, but Trump’s team was putting a premium on quickly filling key national security posts. The person was not authorized to discuss details by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. According to an organizational chart for the transition obtained by The Associated Press, Trump was relying on experienced hands to help form his administration. National security planning was being led by former Michigan Rep. Mike Rogers, who previously worked for the FBI. Domestic issues were being handled by Ken Blackwell, a former Cincinnati mayor and Ohio secretary of state. Trump was expected to consider several loyal supporters for top jobs, including former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani for attorney general or national security adviser and cam-

Besieged

Continued from Page 1 document his historic visit to the White House. Trump was harshly critical of the media during his campaign and for a time banned news organizations whose coverage he disliked from his events. From the White House, Trump headed to Capitol Hill for meetings with House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky to discuss the GOP legislative agenda. Ryan, who holds the most powerful post in Congress, was a sometime critic of Trump, was slow to endorse him and did not campaign with the nominee. Pence intended to join both meetings. As scores of journalists waited to be admitted to the Oval Office to see Obama and Trump together, they saw White House chief of staff Denis McDonough walking along the South Lawn driveway with Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law. A handful of Trump aides trailed them. The show of civility at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue contrasted with postelection scenes of protests across a politically divided country. Demonstrators from New England to the heartland and the West Coast vented against the election winner on Wednesday, chanting “Not my president,” burning a papier-mache Trump head, beating a Trump pinata and carrying signs that said “Impeach Trump.” Republicans were emboldened by Trump’s stunning victory over Hill-

Newswatch Continued from Page 1 the next two quarters”. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals. Zain Saudi, which has not made a quarterly profit since it started operations in 2008, plans to use the proceeds of the sale of part or all of its 7,776 towers to pay down its debt and for datafocused investments, Gegenheimer said. (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑

DUBAI: Fourteen civilians were injured on Thursday by projectiles fired by Yemen’s Houthi group into Saudi Arabia, Saudi civil defence reported, the latest in a series of cross-border attacks by the Iran-allied group. State news agency SPA quoted a civil defence spokesman as saying that 13 Saudi citizens and an expatriate from Bangladesh were injured in the attack in Dhahran al-Janoub province in the Asir region, near the border with Yemen. (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑ BRATISLAVA: Iran wants all parties to stay committed to an international nuclear deal signed last year, but has options if that does not happen, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said on Thursday. He spoke after the US presidential election victory of Donald Trump, who had said he was opposed to the nuclear pact during campaigning. (RTRS) ❑ ❑ ❑

WASHINGTON: The Obama administration remains committed to implementing the Paris agreement on climate change and the Iran nuclear deal through its final months, the White House said on Wednesday after the presidential election victory of Republican Donald Trump. “This administration will be committed to implementing those policies through Jan 20, and we will live up to the commitments that we have made in each of those areas as we do so,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said at a news briefing. (AFP)

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

LEISURE

38

C 2012 The New York Times, distributed by The New York Times Syndicate

Scratch pad

odds ’n’ ends ROME: A row over the future of

Pheasants take flight in snowfall near Hamsterley Forest, north east England, on Nov 9. Snowfall overnight covered northern parts of Britain. (AP)

Conceptis Sudoku

Challenger

The grid must be so completed that every row, column and 3x3 box has every digit from 1 to 9 inclusive

By Steve Becker

DIRECTIONS: Fill each square with a number, one through nine. ■ Horizontal squares should add to totals on right. ■ Vertical squares should add to totals on bottom. ■ Diagonal squares through center should add to total in upper and lower right.

Yesterday’s solution

THERE MAY BE MORE THAN ONE SOLUTION.

Answer to yesterday’s puzzle

contract bridge

Today’s Challenge Time 6 Minutes 30 Seconds Your Working Time __ Minutes __ Seconds

Word by Word

Success

Najaah

The secret to success is to walk forward. Sirrun najaah ala al-dawaam huwa antaseer ila al amaan.

Numbers thousand three hundred 7392 Seven ninety-two Sabat alaaf wa thalathu mia wa ithnein wa tis’uoon

Rome’s metro is threatening to delay urgent work to stabilise the Colosseum, adding to fears for the ancient amphitheatre after Italy’s recent earthquakes caused troubling cracks in its exterior walls. The 2,000-year-old, partlyruined structure was allocated four million euros in 2014 to carry out reinforcements deemed necessary to offset the impact of tunneling for a new underground train line which will pass close by. But the money was never released and guardians of the city’s architectural heritage now fear it never will be after new mayor Virginia Raggi announced she plans to dissolve the underground company, Roma Metropolitana. “By liquidating Roma Metropolitana, the mayor has left us without anyone to deal with regarding the financing needed for the urgent strengthening of the Colosseum,” a spokesman for the superintendent of the city’s archaelogical treasures told AFP. The superintendent himself, Francesco Prosperetti, has warned that he will seek to block any further work on the still-unfinished metro extension if the funds are not released. “The Colosseum cannot wait any longer,” Prosperetti told Italian media. “As a citizen I would not like to delay the metro but as the defender of this monument I may not have any choice.” Raggi has said work on the metro project will continue with new management progressively replacing Roma Metropolitana, an organisation she has accused of overseeing the “shameful squandering of public funds.” The new line is supposed to run from the city centre to the eastern suburbs. Most of it opened last year but the final section, which will bring it into the Colosseum area and connect with the capital’s two other metro lines, remains unfinished. (AFP) ❑ ❑ ❑

TOKYO: A plucky ostrich was living life in the fast lane in Japan earlier this week after making a bold dash for freedom along a stretch of motorway, local media reported. The 1.80-metre (6-feet) ‘Roadrunner’ brought traffic to a halt at Takasaki, north of Tokyo, after breaking out of its cage atop a speeding truck, according to Japan’s public broadcaster NHK. It took nine police and highway patrol officers over an hour to capture the intrepid creature, which was being transported to a zoo in northerly Ibaraki prefecture, following a frantic onekilometre (half-mile) chase. Police said no injuries were reported during the incident on Monday in which the bird – one of 15 being moved by a specialist breeder – executed its daring breakout. Highway patrol officer Takahashi Fujimoto told NHK: “Two police officers had captured the ostrich by the time I arrived. They tied rope to its neck and body and moved it to a safe location. “The ostrich was really calm,” added Fujimoto. “I couldn’t believe that an ostrich was on the highway so I was shocked when I actually saw it.” Several passing drivers uploaded photos and video clips to social media showing the ostrich brazenly strolling along the hard shoulder. It is not the first time unruly ostriches have run riot on a Japanese motorway, although in 2007 it ended less happily when one of two birds which escaped its cage was killed after being hit by a car. (AFP)

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

SPORTS

39

Howard restored as starting keeper

US, Mexico meet on heels of Trump victory WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (RTRS): The United States will renew their rivalry with Mexico in a World Cup qualifier on Friday, three days after the US presidential election brought the relationship between the two nations to the forefront in a bitterly divisive campaign. While US goalkeeper Tim Howard sought to downplay the significance of the election of Donald Trump, the match will be played in a swing state, Ohio, that helped vault the Republican candidate to the White House.

During the campaign, Trump said many Mexican immigrants to the US were “bringing drugs, bringing crime, they’re rapists” before adding that some, he assumed, were good people. He also promised to build a wall along the border between the two countries. “That’s politics, and this is football,” Howard told reporters when asked whether the election result would ratchet up the rivalry. “Mexico is going to try to kick our (backsides) and we’re going to try and kick theirs.

It’s got nothing to do with politics.” But US captain Michael Bradley offered a slightly different take: “Given the way everything has gone

SOCCER the last few months, I think there is an added layer to this game,” he said. The match will be held in the Ohio capital of Columbus, which has become

the traditional home of the CONCACAF rivals. It has hosted four consecutive US v Mexico World Cup qualifiers, with the US winning each 2-0. “I would hope that our fans do what they always do, which is support our team in the best, most passionate way possible,” Bradley continued. “I would hope that they give every person in that stadium the respect that they deserve, whether they’re American, Mexican, neutral, men, women, children.”

Friday marks the kick-off of the final CONCACAF World Cup qualifying stage, widely known as the “Hexagonal” because it brings together six teams vying for three automatic spots at the Russia finals in 2018. The six teams play each other home and away, and while the US and Mexico should both qualify with ease, nothing can be taken for granted. Howard has been restored as the starting US keeper, more than two years after taking a sabbatical follow-

ing the 2014 World Cup. The former Everton man, now playing for Colorado Rapids in Major League Soccer, has displaced Brad Guzan, who has also lost his starting role for his English club Middlesbrough. Also making his Hexagonal debut for the US will be Christian Pulisic, the Pennsylvania-born 18-year-old who is already starring in the German Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund.

Algeria play resurgent Nigeria

Poppies, pride as England Ghana face ‘daunting’ WC task against Egypt and Scotland renew rivalry

JOHANNESBURG, Nov 10, (AFP): African football giants Algeria and Ghana could have hopes of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia irreparably damaged if they lose difficult away matches this weekend. Algeria, ranked third in the continent behind the Ivory Coast and Senegal, face resurgent Group B pacesetters Nigeria in Uyo Saturday. Fifth-ranked Ghana tackle Group E leaders Egypt a day later in Alexandria with the hosts lifting a security-induced ban on spectators to permit a 50,000 crowd. Should 2014 World Cup qualifiers Algeria and Ghana lose, they will trail Nigeria and Egypt by five points in their groups with a third of the six-matchday schedule completed. Ghana are seeking a fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, which would equal the African record held by Cameroon, and Algeria a third in a row. While Algeria could not hold an early lead in a surprise 1-1 home draw with Cameroon last month, Nigeria made a perfect start by winning 2-1 in Zambia. English Premier League pair Alex Iwobi of Arsenal and Kelechi Iheanacho of Manchester City scored the Nigerian goals before the visitors survived a second-half Zambian onslaught. Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel of Chelsea says a young, hungry ‘Super Eagles’ squad are desperate to compensate for failing to make the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations finals. “It is nice to play with young footballers who are hungry and want to establish themselves as first choices,” he told the Nigerian media. “I am reminded of my early days in the national team, playing beside stars like Jay-Jay Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu. It was a great pleasure playing with them. “It is the same with guys like Alex and Kelechi. We enjoy representing our country, creating scoring opportunities and following the instructions of the coach.” Recently appointed Germany-born coach Gernot Rohr hopes to complete a hat-trick Mikel against Algeria after wins over Tanzania in the Cup of Nations and Zambia. He believes the Africa Cup failure can be turned to the advantage

Rooney set to return to starting line-up LONDON, Nov 10, (AFP): England and Scotland renew the oldest rivalry in international football on Friday in a 2018 World Cup qualifier that has been dogged by a pre-match row about commemorative poppies. The football associations of both countries have pledged to defy a FIFA ban on political, religious or commercial symbols by wearing black armbands with red poppy emblems. It leaves both teams at risk of sanctions from FIFA, but England and Scotland are determined to observe the custom, by which people in Britain pay respect to the country’s war dead on Nov 11. “As head coach, I was keen for us to wear poppies,” interim England manager Gareth Southgate said this week. “It’s important we represent the nation and wearing the poppy is the right thing to do.” Players on both Southgate sides have backed the stance taken by their national associations. But the risk of punishment by world governing body FIFA has led Northern Ireland to decide to wear plain black armbands without poppies on for their home game with Azerbaijan on the same day. On the sporting front, Friday’s game at Wembley represents Southgate’s penultimate opportunity to show his Football Association bosses he deserves to be awarded the manager’s job full-time. Southgate was promoted from his role as England Under-21 coach when Sam Allardyce was brought down by a newspaper sting after just one match at

Armenia vs Montenegro AD Sports 3HD 20:00 local

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the helm. His four-game tenure has been underwhelming so far, with a laboured 2-0 win over Malta followed by a 0-0 draw away to Slovenia in which England were indebted to the reflexes of goalkeeper Joe Hart. But England remain top of UEFA qualifying Group F, two points clear of Lithuania and Slovenia, and the Daily Telegraph has reported the job will be Southgate’s barring a disastrous result against Scotland. England host Spain at Wembley on Tuesday in their final game of 2016. England and Scotland’s first meeting, a 0-0 draw in Nov 1872, was the first recognised fixture in international football and they will be facing off for the 113th time. Their rivalry has produced some iconic images, from Scotland’s fans storming the Wembley pitch after a British Home Championship win in 1977 to Paul Gascoigne’s memorable volley for England at Euro 96. This will be their first competitive meeting since a two-legged Euro 2000 qualifying play-off in November 1999, which England won 2-1 on aggregate. Southgate has been educating his players on the history of the rivalry with the aid of video footage. “Of course there will be tackles flying in and a lot of battles and duels, but that’s what it’s all about,” said England striker Harry Kane, who could start after seven weeks out with ankle ligament damage.

Libya vs Tunisia beIN SPORTS 2HD 22:00 local

Uganda vs Congo beIN SPORTS 3HD 16:00 local (Saturday)

Cameroon vs Zambia beIN SPORTS 3HD 18:00 local (Saturday)

Mali vs Gabon beIN SPORTS 4HD Belgium’s defender Thomas Meunier (left), and Netherlands’ defender Virgil van Dijk vie for the ball during a friendly football match between The Netherlands and Belgium at the Amsterdam Arena in Amsterdam on Nov 9. The match ended 1-1. (AFP)

A true David vs Goliath match-up

Germany set to steamroll San Marino SERRAVALLE, San Marino, Nov 10, (AFP): World champions Germany face minnows San Marino in a 2018 World Cup qualifier with a true David verses Goliath match-up on Friday. Germany take on fellow European powerhouses Italy in Milan next Tuesday in a friendly, their last international of the year, but before the Azzurri, the Germans look destined to clinch three more qualifying points against tiny San Marino. The landlocked mountainous microstate in North Italy has a population of just 33,400 and it’s football team is ranked 199 places below second-placed Germany by football’s governing body FIFA. Despite a mounting injury list, anything less than a convincing win would be unacceptable to the four-time World Cup winners. Germany top Group C with a perfect record of nine points from three wins, eight goals scored and zero conceded. At the bottom of the table, San Marino’s part-timers have lost all three games, conceding nine goals and scoring just once,

when Mattia Stefanelli netted in last month’s 4-1 defeat in Norway to be nicknamed ‘The Legend’. “It was a great feeling to score a goal for my national team, I dreamed about doing it since I was a kid,” said the 23-year-old, who netted San Marino’s first goal in a World Cup qualifier since 2001. The qualifier will be played at Stefanelli Serravalle’s Stadio Olimpico, which has a capacity of just 7,000, where Germany beat San Marino 13-0 in 2006 — an away record for die Mannschaft — and Stefanelli can expect few chances. “Nothing is impossible,” he said. “We will have to fight until the last minute to hope for an opportunity. “It’s something unique and a great opportunity to face the world champions,

we have to enjoy it.” Previous results suggest a tough night for the hosts. Germany romped to a 6-0 home win in 2007, when the teams last met, a year after that 13-0 rout when Lukas Podolski scored four goals. German bookmakers Bwin are offering the lowest possible odds for a Germany win, as well as 4-1 for die Mannschaft

San Marino vs Germany AD Sports 5 HD 22:45 local

scoring ten goals or more, with 51-1 for a San Marino win and 16-1 for a draw. The Germans want to preserve their perfect record on the road to Russia already beaten Norway, the Czech Republic and Northern Ireland. “The last qualifying match of the year is just as serious as the three previous games, so we do not want to be arrogant in San Marino,” said Loew before boarding Wednesday’s flight to Rimini.

21:30 local (Saturday)

of the five-time World Cup qualifiers. “Missing out on the 2017 Cup of Nations in Gabon means there is an extra motivation to win our group and go to Russia,” he said. “Everybody knows Algeria have great players, but we also have really good footballers and a family-like atmosphere within the squad.” The Uyo showdown marks the debut of Belgian coach Georges Leekens, the third handler of Algeria this year after Frenchman Christian Gourcoff and Serb Milovan Rajevac. Gourcoff quit while Rajevac lasted just two matches after players complained about his training methods, team selections and inability to speak French or Arabic. Ghana coach and former Chelsea manager Avram Grant seems unperturbed by a poor start in Group E last month as bottom seeds Uganda forced a 0-0 away draw. “We have five matches to go and there is no need for panic,” he told reporters. “After losing our opening game at the 2015 Cup of Nations, we went on to reach the final.” Grant welcomes back fit-again Andre ‘Dede’ Ayew, but injuries sideline fellow midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah and veteran striker Asamoah Gyan. Egypt pulled off a 2-1 comeback win in Congo Brazzaville and will be fired up to avenge a humiliating 6-1 away thrashing by the Black Stars in a 2014 World Cup play-off. “I know what Ghana did to us, but that is history,” said Argentinaborn Egypt coach Hector Cuper. “We fear no team and our target is qualification for Russia.” Morocco coach Herve Renard comes up against a former team when reigning African champions and Group C leaders the Ivory Coast play in Marrakech Saturday. The Frenchman guided the Ivorians to a long-awaited Cup of Nations title in 2015 and has had a positive impact on sleeping giants Morocco since taking charge last March. Under-pressure South Africa coach Ephraim ‘Shakes’ Mashaba knows that anything less than a win against Group D pacesetters Senegal in Polokwane Saturday could see him axed.

Costa latest to be dropped

Spain defend W Cup qualifying group lead with depleted squad MADRID, Nov 10, (AP): Sergio Ramos’ only contribution to Spain in a World Cup qualifier this weekend will be a pep talk to his teammates. Ramos visited the team’s training camp this week ahead of Saturday’s match against Macedonia, but the captain won’t be on the field in the southern city of Granada because of an injury — one of the many players missing as Spain try to defend its Group G lead in European qualifying. Spain coach Julen Lopetegui also won’t be able to count on playmaker Andres Iniesta, striker Diego Costa, defender Gerard Pique, left back Jordi Alba and defensive midfielder Javi Martinez. Costa was the latest to be dropped from the squad on Thursday, being released because of a thigh injury that had kept him from practicing with the rest of the squad during the week. Celta Vigo forward Iago Aspas was named as his replacement, joining the national team for the first time. “We are going to try to turn difficulties into opportunities,” Lopetegui

said. “We can’t lament anything. I’m happy with the players that we called up, and they are going to help us achieve victory in both matches.” Three days after hosting Macedonia, Spain will play a friendly against England at Wembley Stadium. Lopetegui will have to work extra hard to set up his defense, which is not used to being without veteran central

the position in the past. Other options for Lopetegui include Real Madrid’s Nacho Fernandez, Real Sociedad’s Inigo Martinez, Sevilla’s

Sergio Escudero and Borussia Dortmund’s Marc Bartra. With Costa not playing up front, Alvaro Morata and Aritz Aduriz

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defenders Ramos and Pique at the same time. Ramos is nursing a left knee injury, while Pique is recovering from sprained ligaments in his right ankle. “We’ve had to restructure the defense the best way possible,” Lopetegui said, not dismissing the possibility of having to improvise with right back Cesar Azpilicueta at center back. The Chelsea player has played in

Chelsea’s Brazilian-born Spanish striker Diego Costa (left), vies with Everton’s English defender Phil Jagielka during the English Premier League football match between Chelsea and Everton at Stamford Bridge in London on Nov 5. (AFP)

should get a chance to perform alongside each other in the lineup. Other forwards in the squad include Lucas Vazquez, Manuel “Nolito” Agudo, Jose Callejon and Victor “Vitolo” Machin. “It’s great to have so many options,” said Aduriz, who was called up after scoring five goals in an Athletic Bilbao win in the Europa League last week. “We are all here to help.” At midfield, it will be difficult to substitute for Iniesta, who has been sidelined because of right knee injury. Among the options available for Lopetegui are Juan Mata, Thiago Alcantara and Jorge “Koke” Resurreccion. “Some important players couldn’t come because of injuries, but that creates an opportunity to those who are here,” reserve goalkeeper Sergio Asenjo said. Spain and Italy have seven points each after three games in Group G, with the Spaniards ahead on goal difference. Albania and Israel are one point behind, while Macedonia and Liechtenstein have yet to earn points.

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

SPORTS

40

Swedish star Nordqvist looks to bolster her 2016 campaign

Golf’s greats to take on future stars at first Qatar Ladies Open ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Nov 10: The fairways of Doha Golf Club are set for a spectacle of talent from Nov 23-26, as golf’s young stars Nanna Koerstz Madsen, Carly Booth and Aditi Ashok confirm their place in this month’s inaugural Qatar Ladies Open (QLO), alongside famed players Trish Johnson, Dame Laura Davies and Anna Nordqvist. A full field of players will compete in Qatar’s first women’s professional golf tournament from Nov 23-26 for a chance to climb the 2016 Order of Merit rankings before the year is out. The Ladies European Tour (LET) tournament, held in Qatar for the first time, is thanks to the Qatar Golf Association. Swedish star Anna Nordqvist has committed herself to the (QLO), sparking excitement amongst golf fans across the region, as the LPGA player and world number 13 looks to bolster her 2016 campaign. She said: “My 2016 season has been very good and I look to cap it off with a win at the Qatar Ladies Open. I am very excited A photo taken during the 2016 Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Amateur Series closing ceremony in Belek, Antalya, Turkey.

GOLF to play as it’s my first time in Qatar.” Fan favourite Carly Booth, who already has two LET wins under her belt, will no doubt be planning to make it a hat-trick as she competes in Doha for the first time, joined by her Scottish compatriot Kylie Walker who’s competed in 14 competitions this year. The Qatar Ladies Open will also welcome the much-talked about Aditi Ashok from India this November. At age 17, Ashok became the youngest lady winner of LET’s Lalla Aicha Tour School last year, and was awarded the LET’s Rookie of the Year 2016. Now at 18 years old, she’s looking to make her mark on the LET in the Middle East. Aditi commented: “Being part of this event in my rookie year and having the opportunity to compete against some of the best is great for me and I’m looking forward to it. It will be my first time to Qatar and I’ve heard great things about the course at Doha Golf Club so I can’t wait to compete there. I’m also hoping I have the chance between practice to check out Qatar’s attractions and culture – I hear the waterfront is beautiful.” Dutch talent Anne Van Dam will be aiming to maintain top form after winning last month’s Xiamen International Ladies Open – her first LET title – after a tough battle with Yuting Shi. Spain’s 20-year-old rookie Nuria Iturrios, who came fourth at Lalla Ai-

Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup series ends in positive note KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10: The 2016 Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Amateur Series came to a spectacular close with a showpiece Grand Final in Belek, Antalya, Turkey. The Grand Final, which featured 98 players from 60 countries around the world was hosted by the Titanic Deluxe Belek and contested over the attached Titanic Golf Club. Washington DC’s Thomas Buckley was crowned Champion as the 2016 Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Amateur Series. Buckley was the only player to break par

over the two round Grand Final, with windy conditions and fast greens proving too much of a test for many of the international field. A first round of 38 stableford points was good enough for a share of the overnight lead for the American player. 35 points in Round Two saw him post 73 points and claim victory over playing partner Thomas Muldoon (Dublin, 72 points) by a single shot. Third place went to Denny Staroske from Frankfurt who combined rounds of 36 and 35 points for a 71-point total.

Oslo’s Matthew Corney produced some fine golf throughout both rounds to win the Best Gross prize by a resounding nine strokes with a two over par 70 points. Pervaiz Ahmed (Karachi) and Uzma Mir (Doha) won the men’s and ladies nearest to the pin competitions. In addition to the two-round Grand Final, all guests experienced eight nights of all-inclusive luxury accommodation in the five-star Titanic Deluxe resort and also enjoyed watching all four days play of the Turkish Airlines Open from the com-

fort of the luxury hospitality suite as VIP guests of Turkish Airlines. Ms Seda Kalyoncu, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications of Turkish Airlines said “We are proud to have concluded our fourth staging of the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Amateur Series, which, this year, became the widest-reaching tournament in world corporate golf. Congratulations to all of our winners and we look forward to an even more successful series in 2017.” The Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup Amateur Series, which is also

backed by global sponsors the Financial Times and Conte of Florence — the series’ Official Clothing and Fashion partner — offers key clients and industry experts the opportunity to network with like-minded business executives at the same time as enjoying and competing at some of the world’s most prestigious courses. It forms part of a wider commitment to golf by Turkish Airlines, who, in addition to the Turkish Airlines Open, also sponsor events on the Ladies European Tour and Challenge Tour.

cha Tour School, will also be looking to build on the impressive start to her professional career, following her first win at Morocco’s 2016 Lalla Meryem Cup. She’ll be joined by Spanish sister duo, Marta Sanz Barrio and Patricia Sanz Barrio, both looking to impress at this LET. LET pro Maha Haddioui and amateur Lina Belmati with both be flying the flag for Morocco and Arabic women in golf, as the pair are set to feature at the QLO. Haddioui said: “It’s always so meaningful to represent my country on the world-stage and I’m particularly excited to be a part of another LET event here in the Middle East,” explained the 30 year old. “Hopefully our involvement will encourage other Arabic women to pick up the game.”

The European talent continues with Denmark’s Nanna Koerstz Madsen, 21, who completed her first LET Rookie season in 2015 with six top-ten finishes in 16 tournaments, before claiming her first professional victory at Tipsport Golf Masters in the Czech Republic this year. Koerstz’s 20-year-old Danish compatriot Emily Kristine Pedersen, is another rising star who spectators should keep an eye out for. Isabelle Boineau of France, who recently claimed her first title at the Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open, will bolster the French constituency as she joins Gwladys Nocera. Tour legend Nocera will be hunting for her milestone 15th LET title, but will face stiff competition from two greats of the game in Dame Laura

Davis and Trish Johnson, who pipped Nocera to win the 2014 Aberdeen Asset Management Ladies Scottish Open. Dame Laura Davies has amassed 80 international titles, including four major championships which saw her inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame. The ultimate new event to be-seen at, this latest addition to Doha’s calendar promises a unique four days of entertainment, both on and off the golf course, including delicious cuisine, golf and sports activities, family fun, exciting competitions, and more. Commenting on the headlining field and world-class entertainment, MHassan Nasser Al Naimi, President of the Qatar Golf Association said: “We are tremendously excited to bring the Qatar

Ladies Open to the residents of Qatar in what is teeing up to be the capital’s ultimate new event to see and be-seen at. Promising a combination of inspiring young up-and-coming athletes and legends of the game, as well as supreme golfing facilities, off-course entertainment and delicious cuisine, the Qatar Ladies Open will provide the perfect day out for families and friends.” Al Naimi added: “We also hope that bringing this incredible field of worldclass athletes, many of whom competed in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, will inspire Qatar’s youth to get out on the golf course and give our incredible game a try.” Ivan Khodabakhsh, the LET CEO also stated that: “The Ladies European Tour is extremely excited to be coming

to Qatar for the country’s first women’s golf tournament. Qatar boasts a fantastic portfolio of top sporting events and we are honoured to bring a new female Olympic sport to the country. Our players really enjoy playing in the Middle East and have heard so many great things about Doha Golf Club that they cannot wait to share their inspiring skills and talents with the local community. This is an historic event, both for Qatar and our organisation, so we encourage everyone, particularly women and children, to come along for a terrific experience and to be part of history.” The full player field is now available on www.qatarladiesopen.com, and more news can be found on the event’s official Instagram and Twitter accounts (@qatarladiesopen), and on Facebook.

‘Scotland a microcosm’

5-way tie opens Manila Masters

Trump broken promises ‘anger’ Scottish village

Solheim Cup to be played at Inverness MANILA, Nov 10, (AFP): Golfers from Thailand, India, Taiwan and the United States were in a five-way tie in the opening round at the Manila Masters golf tournament on Thursday. Thailand’s Danthai Boonma and Rattanon Wannasrichan, India’s Jyoti Randhawa, Taiwan’s Lin Wen-tang and Johannes Veerman of the United States all had matching eight-under-par 64s at the top of the leaderboard at the par-72 Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club. Lin, 42, had a lucky eagle on his closing 18th hole that sent him

GOLF into the tie for the lead after hitting four birdies in his opening five holes. “It was a good day and I came into this round feeling very good about my game. There was not much wind in the morning and that really helped,” the six-time Asian Tour winner said. The other leaders also credited the benign conditions for their remarkable performances. “There was no wind today so it can get fairly easy on this golf course when there’s no wind. This golf

course seems to set itself up nicely for my style of play so that helps a bit,” said Randhawa, 44, who was Asia’s number one in 2002. 64 — Danthai Boonma (THA), Lin Wen-tang (TPE), Rattanon Wannasrichan (THA), Johannes Veerman (USA), Jyoti Randhawa (IND) 65 — Hung Chien-yao (TPE), Steve Lewton (ENG), Tirawat Kaewsiribandit (THA), Sutijet Kooratanapisan (THA), Adam Groom (AUS). 66 — Lionel Weber (FRA), Rufino Bayron (PHI), Scott Vincent (ZIM), Nicholas Fung (MAS), Clyde Mondilla (PHI), Terry Pilkadaris (AUS), Giwhan Kim (KOR). ❑

❑

Anna Nordqvist

❑

The 2021 Solheim Cup will be played at the fabled Inverness Club in Toledo, Ohio, the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) announced on Wednesday. Inverness is a Donald Ross-designed layout which has hosted four US Opens (in 1920, 1931, 1957 and 1979) and two PGA Championships (1986 and 1993) along with other high-profile tournaments. “Inverness is one of the premier venues in golf and will serve as a great test for a match-play competition,” LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan said in a statement. The Solheim Cup is a Ryder Cupstyle biennial team competition that pits the United States against Europe. The US lead Europe 9-5 alltime Cup competition, having won the most recent edition in Germany in 2015 by 14-1/2 points to 13-1/2.

Aditi Ashok

LPGA tunes up for the final in Mexico, where PGA plays too MEXICO City, Nov 10, (AFP): Canadian teen star Brooke Henderson tries to bounce back from her worst showing of the LPGA season at this week’s Lorena Ochoa Invitational, the last event before the Tour Championship. The 19-year-old seeks her third title of the year at the 6,804-yard Club de Golf Mexico layout, having won her first major title at the Women’s PGA Championship last June and added her second consecutive Portland Classic crown three weeks later.

GOLF

This handout photograph taken and released by the Asian Tour on Nov 10, shows Johannes Veerman of the US hitting a shot during round one of the Resorts World Manila Masters golf tournament at the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club in Manila. (AFP)

Gwladys Nocera

The world number seven suffered her worst finish of the year two weeks ago in Malaysia, sharing 63rd, and skipped last week’s event in Japan, only her second missed tournament of the year, to prepare for her Mexico trip. Also in the 36-player field is 14thranked Anna Nordqvist of Sweden, who shared third in Malaysia. She shared second at the Ochoa Invitational in 2011. This is the last qualifying event for the Tour Championship next week at Naples, Florida. While 72 players will qualify for the tournament, only the top three in the Race to the Globe can claim the season points crown outright with a victory and only the top nine in the race will have a chance for that crown depending on how all players finish.

Henderson is set for the third and final spot on the Race for the Globe, trailing only Thailand’s world number two Ariya Jutanugarn, the leader on 4,491 points, and New Zealand’s world number one Lydia Ko with 4,365. The next four spots are set with players who, like Ariya and Ko, are idle this week. They will go to South Koreans Jang Ha-Na and Kim SeiYoung, Australia’s Minjee Lee and China’s Feng Shanshan. Next are South Korea’s Chun InGee and Japan’s Haru Nomura with Nordqvist 10th and needing a top-20 finish to crack the top nine and give herself a chance at the Globe next week. South Korea’s Park In-Bee, last year’s Ochoa winner, will not defend her crown due to a left thumb injury. “For the past couple months after the 2016 Rio Olympics, I have been focusing on recovering,” Park said in a statement. “I had to put on a cast for about four weeks. So far, I’m seeing some positive improvements on my rehab and I’ve started to hit some balls. However, my injury is still not fully recovered. I will focus on getting fully recovered from the injury and put all efforts to be back on the golf course as soon as possible.” The PGA Tour, meanwhile, goes to Mexico as well this week for the sixth event of the 2016-17 campaign, the Mayakoba Classic, where Northern Ireland’s Graeme McDowell will defend his title at El Camaleon Golf Club.

BALMEDIE, United Kingdom, Nov 10, (AFP): In a Scottish village on the shores of the North Sea, US president-elect Donald Trump is nothing but a nuisance neighbour for many local residents. The golf resort he owns in Balmedie has congratulated the tycoon on his stunning election win, but members of the community said he broke promises on creating jobs and rode roughshod over concerns about construction. Locals also complain about the six-foot (1.8 metre) wall the billionaire developer had built around Trump International Golf Links, drawing an analogy with the barrier he is planning for the Mexican border. “This local area here was promised 1,400 jobs, a five-star hotel, two golf courses, an equestrian centre and God knows what else and we’ve got nothing,” said Michael Foote, whose property overlooks the course. His advice for the American people? “Good luck.”

GOLF The resort actually employs around 95 people and made an annual loss of £1 million (1.1 million euros, $1.2 million) in 2014 and 2015, according to company records. As he worked in his toolshed, fellow resident Finlay Munro pointed to Trump’s wall on the border of his own property and grumbled about the businessman. “He’s not a very nice neighbour. We’ve had a lot of issues with him over the past 10 years,” Munro told AFP following Trump’s election triumph on Tuesday. The announcement that Trump, whose mother was Scottish, intended to build a luxury golf course in was initially greeted with great fanfare in 2006. He was appointed a Global Scot, a business ambassador scheme for executives with Scottish links, and the regional government overruled objections from residents about the impact on the environment. The Scottish government has since withdrawn the post following Trump’s remarks about banning Muslims from entering the US and he was stripped of his honorary degree by the nearby Robert Gordon University. “Mr Trump’s recent remarks have shown that he is no longer fit to be a business ambassador for

Scotland,” a government spokesman said in December. Trump International Golf Links, one of the tycoon’s two golf courses in Scotland, gained the support of the Scottish government after promising thousands of jobs and a £1.0-billion investment. But relations quickly turned sour when Trump began intervening in local politics and the scale of the project turned out smaller than originally planned. Trump lodged an objection in 2013 to a wind farm off the coast of his development, and went to the Scottish parliament to warn it would destroy Scottish tourism. However, he was unable to provide any evidence to bemused lawmakers other than: “I am the evidence,” and he later lost the legal action against the wind farm. Anthony Baxter, a filmmaker from Montrose, a town near the golf course, has documented Trump’s activities in Scotland for the last decade. His first film “You’ve B e e n Trumped”, was followed by the sequel “You’ve Trump B e e n Trumped Too” to coincide with the US election. “Scotland is a microcosm of what is about to be unleashed on the world through Donald Trump’s presidency,” he said. “He says of course that he’s going to build a great wall between Mexico and the United States and we know here in Scotland he has form on walls. “He built walls around the homes of the local residents so that they couldn’t be seen by people playing on his golf course,” he said. Trump was greeted by angry protests when he visited his golf courses as Britain was voting in a referendum on EU membership in June, in his first foreign trip since he became the Republican nominee. He has at least one vocal local supporter, however. Sarah Malone, executive vice president at Trump International, hailed the reality star’s election victory in a statement “on behalf of the entire team”. Trump and his family “have fought an incredible campaign that has engaged the world and will define history”, she said.

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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Team executives, agents discussing deals watched election coverage in shock

Trump should not impact MLB international plans: Manfred SCOTTSDALE, Arizona, Nov 10, (AP): Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred does not think Donald Trump’s election as president will slow the sport’s plans to stage more events in Latin America. Expanding international play has been one of Manfred’s goals since succeeding Bud Selig as commissioner in January 2015. San Diego and Houston played a two-game spring training series this year in Mexico City, where the sport opened an office last March and which Manfred has mentioned as a possible expansion site. Tampa Bay met Cuba’s national team in Havana on March 22, the first visit to the island by a big league baseball club since 1999. MLB hopes to establish a process that would allow Cuban residents to sign big league contracts.

BASEBALL “Haven’t heard anything with respect to the Cuba issue that would suggest that there’s going to be any change, and I think we’re all familiar with things he said about Mexico,” Manfred said Wednesday at the annual general managers meeting. “I think we need to wait and see what actually happens.” Team executives and agents discussing deals watched election coverage in shock Tuesday night in the Mbar off the central courtyard at the Omni Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Montelucia, some with looks of anguish on their faces. Manfred opened his news conference by stating: “It’s been an interesting couple of weeks. Cubs won the World Series for the first time in 108 years. Donald Trump got elected president. Pretty interesting all the way around. So here we are.” He then laughed.

Baseball union fires arbitrator

Fernandez earns NL comeback award from peers NEW YORK, Nov 10, (AP): Miami Marlins pitcher Jose Fernandez, who died in a boating accident in September, was voted the National League comeback player of the year by his peers in the annual Players Choice Awards of the Major League Baseball Players Association. Fernandez was the 2013 NL Rookie of the Year, had Tommy John surgery the following year, returned in July 2015 and was 16-8 with a 2.86 ERA this season, earning his second All-Star selection. He died at age 24 on Sept 25, and autopsy reports released by the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s Office said he had cocaine and alcohol in his system when his boat crashed into a Miami Beach jetty. Baltimore slugger Mark Trumbo, who led the major leagues with 47 home runs after hitting 13 for Seattle in 2015, was voted the American League comeback award. New York Mets outfielder Curtis Granderson earned his second Marvin Miller Man of the Year award, given to the player who most inspires his fellow players through his on-field performances and contributions to his community. Granderson also won in 2009.

On other topics: Collective Bargaining Dan Halem, baseball’s chief legal

person familiar with the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the firing was not publicly announced. Dan Halem, Major League Baseball’s chief legal officer, informed general managers at their meeting this week. The players’ association made the decision after Horowitz ruled against it in an injury assignment case involving Los Angeles Dodgers infielder Charlie Culberson. ❑ ❑ ❑

This Oct 30, 2016 file photo shows Chicago Cubs’ starting pitcher Jon Lester throwing during the first inning of Game 5 of the Major League Baseball World Series against the Cleveland Indians in Chicago. (AP)

Fresh off a World Series championship, free-agent-to-be Aroldis Chapman is seeking a new deal worth $100 million. The Chicago Cubs would like to re-sign the closer, whom they acquired midseason for their World Series run, but not at the price Chapman is asking. ❑ ❑ ❑

Houston second baseman Jose Altuve was voted player of the year and the AL’s outstanding player. Second baseman Daniel Murphy was selected the NL’s outstanding player in his first season with Washington. Major league ERA leader Kyle Hendricks of the Chicago Cubs was the NL’s outstanding pitcher, and Rick Porcello won the AL award in his second season with

Boston. Detroit pitcher Michael Fulmer was the AL’s top rookie, and Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager the top NL rookie. Balloting among big league players took place in mid-September and results were announced Wednesday. ❑ ❑ ❑ The baseball players’ union has fired arbitrator Fredric Horowitz, a

The Los Angeles Angels resigned right-handed reliever Andrew Bailey to a one-year deal. Bailey, 32, posted a 2.38 ERA with six saves in 12 appearances for the Angels in 2016 after struggling with the Philadelphia Phillies and being released in August. He became the Angels’ closer after Huston Street’s season-ending injury.

officer, updated GMs on talks for a labor contract to replace the five-year deal that expires Dec. 1. Manfred had hoped for an agreement before the end

of the World Series last week. Teams with high payrolls would like to know the level of the luxury-tax threshold, which was $189 million this year.

“There’s a couple of natural deadlines,” Manfred said. “One is the beginning of free agency and the other one’s obviously the expiration date.

Well, we missed deadline one, so we’re looking at deadline two now.” Jeurys Familia Manfred said he anticipated it would take time for MLB to investigate New York Mets closer Jeurys Familia under its domestic violence policy. A complaint in municipal court in Fort Lee, New Jersey, dated Oct. 31 alleged the All-Star pitcher caused “bodily injury to another.” A hearing is scheduled for Nov. 14. “I think that it is usually difficult for us to complete our investigation before the criminal process has run its course,” Manfred said. “We have the luxury of not being on the field right now, and we’re going to take advantage of that.” 2020 Tokyo Olympics MLB has not yet spoken with the World Baseball Softball Confederation about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Japanese baseball and Olympic officials would like major leaguers to participate, but MLB and its players are reluctant because the Olympics will be held from July 24 to Aug 9. “We’ve had an exchange of letters, We’ve asked them to come in and explain exactly what the program is going to look like in order to put us in a position to make a firm evaluation,” Manfred said. Astros/Cardinals Investigation Former Cardinals scouting director Christopher Correa was sentenced in July to 46 months in prison and ordered to pay $279,038 in restitution after pleading guilty to five counts of unauthorized access of a protected computer from 2013 to at least 2014. When he pleaded guilty in January, Correa maintained he found proprietary Cardinals’ information in the Astros’ database. Cardinals Chairman Bill DeWitt Jr had blamed the hack on “roguish behavior” by a handful of individuals.

Panarin scores early in OT, Blackhawks edge Blues 2-1 Ryan leads Senators over Sabres in shootout Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred speaks at news conference during baseball’s annual general managers meeting on Nov 9, in Scottsdale, Arizona. (AP)

Crawford stopped 27 shots and Artemi Panarin scored 25 seconds into overtime, leading the Blackhawks over the St Louis Blues 2-1 on Wednesday night for their seventh straight win.

NFL Roundup Voters reject Chargers’ plan

Belichick’s letter to Trump ‘not politically motivated’ NEW YORK, Nov 10, (Agencies): New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Wednesday that the letter he wrote to US Presidentelect Donald Trump ahead of the election was “not politically motivated.” Trump read parts of the letter on Monday night during a campaign appearance in New Hampshire in which he told supporters that he had the support of both Belichick and Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. Both are popular in N e w Hampshire, where the Patriots are the nearest NFL team and a regional darling after four Super Bowl Belichick crowns with Brady as quarterback and Belichick as coach, most recently to conclude the 2014 season. “I’ve received a number of inquiries relative to a note I wrote to Donald on Monday,” Belichick said. “Our friendship goes back many years. And I think anybody that spends more than five minutes with me knows I’m not a political person. My comments are not politically motivated. It’s friendship and loyalty to Donald. “A couple weeks ago we had Secretary of State (John) Kerry in the locker room, another friend of mine. I can’t imagine two people with more different political views than those two. But to me friendship and loyalty is just about that, it’s not about political or religious views.” Trump told his rally in New Hampshire a portion of what Belichick wrote. “Congratulations on a tremendous campaign,” Trump said Monday in reading from the letter. “You have dealt with an unbelievable slanted and negative media and have come out beautifully -beautifully. You’ve proved to be the ultimate competitor and fighter. “Your leadership is amazing. I have always had tremendous respect

ST. LOUIS, Nov 10, (AP): Corey Crawford has the Chicago Blackhawks on an early season roll.

for you, but the toughness and perseverance you have displayed over the past year is remarkable. Hopefully tomorrow’s election results will give the opportunity to make America great again. Best wishes for great results.” Hours after Trump was elected, Belichick explained his take on why he wrote the letter. “I write hundreds of letters and notes every month,” said Belichick. “It doesn’t mean I agree with every single thing a person thinks about politics, religion and other subjects. I have multiple friendships that are important to me. That’s what that was about. It’s not about politics.” Belichick then refused to answer questions about politics, repeatedly uttering only the word “Seattle,” a nod to New England’s Sunday game against the Seahawks. Brady, who served a four-game ban to start the season over the “Deflategate” ball inflation level scandal, told reporters that “I’m just going to talk about football.” Brady, a long-time Trump pal who said previously it would be “great” if Trump were elected, brought his wife, supermodel Gisele Bundchen, into the matter. ❑ ❑ ❑ Voters have called the San Diego Chargers’ bluff, leaving the NFL team to decide whether to try one more time to get a new stadium built or move to Los Angeles. Measure C, which would have raised $1.15 billion from increased hotel occupancy taxes to help pay for a $1.8 billion stadium and convention center annex downtown, was defeated 57 percent to 43 percent. It needed 66.7 percent yes to pass. The 110-page plan was written by the Chargers without input from City Hall, the powerful tourism industry, their would-be neighbors the Padres or other stakeholders. Team chairman Dean Spanos, who angered fans last year with a failed attempt to join with the rival Oakland Raiders to build a stadium in the Los Angeles suburb of Carson, conceded defeat early Wednesday morning with half of the votes still to be counted.

Crawford won his sixth consecutive game while improving to 15-5-5 against the Blues. Chicago has earned a point in nine straight games, thanks in part to Crawford, who has given up just six goals in his last six contests. ‘’He’s been phenomenal,’’ Chicago defenseman Brent Seabrook said. ‘’He’s been the backbone.’’ Crawford made 11 stops in the third period, including a sliding kick save on Vladimir Tarasenko while nursing a 1-0 lead. ‘’I’m in a good spot right now,’’ Crawford said. ‘’I feel good. I’m read-

ICE HOCKEY ing plays (well). I’m patient when I have to be and aggressive when it’s time.’’ Crawford is 7-3-1 this season. ‘’He has been outstanding, instrumental in winning most of these games,’’ Chicago coach Joel Quenneville said. ‘’Again tonight, a couple of big saves.’’ Panarin whipped a wrist shot from the slot past Jake Allen for his sixth goal of the season. The tally came just 1 second after St. Louis’ Alex Pietrangelo left the penalty box. Allen said he never saw the shot. ‘’I just heard it hit the net,’’ Allen said. ‘’It was a tough way to go.’’ Panarin, a Russian-born winger, does not speak English. His usual interpreter, center Artem Anisimov, left the game in the second period with an upper-body injury. ‘’He’s day-to-day,’’ Quenneville said. ‘’He’ll be all right.’’ Pietrangelo tied the game with 2:11 left in the third on a drive from the point that squeezed past Crawford, who got a piece of the shot. Marian Hossa pounced on the

Chicago Blackhawks’ Niklas Hjalmarsson (center), of Sweden, clears the puck alongside St Louis Blues’ Paul Stastny (right), and Blackhawks goalie Corey Crawford (left), during the second period of an NHL hockey game on Nov 9 in St Louis. (AP)

NHL Results/Standings WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (RTRS): Results and standings from Ottawa 2 Buffalo (SO) the NHL games on Wednesday. Chicago 2 St Louis (OT) Columbus 3 Anaheim (OT) 2 Western Conference Eastern Conference Atlantic Division Central Division W L OTL GF GA W L OTL GF GA Pts Montreal 11 1 1 42 30 Chicago 10 3 1 49 34 21 Ottawa 8 5 0 32 32 St Louis 7 4 3 32 36 17 Tampa Bay 7 5 1 41 38 Minnesota 6 4 1 33 22 13 Detroit 7 6 1 38 37 Winnipeg 6 7 1 42 43 13 Boston 7 6 0 32 35 Nashville 4 5 3 31 36 11 Florida 6 6 1 35 33 Dallas 4 6 3 33 46 11 Buffalo 5 5 3 26 31 Colorado 5 7 0 24 37 10 Toronto 5 5 3 37 48 Metropolitan Division Pacific Division W L OTL GF GA W L OTL GF GA Pts Pittsburgh 9 2 2 41 34 Edmonton 9 4 1 43 35 19 NY Rangers 10 4 0 58 34 Anaheim 6 5 3 37 33 15 Washington 8 3 1 33 27 San Jose 7 6 0 30 32 14 New Jersey 6 3 3 29 27 Los Angeles 7 6 0 35 32 14 Columbus 6 3 2 35 23 Vancouver 5 8 1 27 41 11 Philadelphia 6 6 2 49 51 Calgary 5 8 1 36 51 11 NY Islanders 5 6 2 37 40 Arizona 5 7 0 35 44 10 Carolina 3 5 4 31 41 Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L).

rebound of a shot by Gustav Forsling and followed it in for a 1-0 lead early in the second period. It was his seventh

Buffalo Sabres’ Marcus Foligno (82) gets around Ottawa Senators’ Erik Karlsson (65) during the first period of an NHL hockey game on Nov 9, in Buffalo, New York. (AP)

goal of the season and sixth in the last seven games. ‘’We’ve been in a lot of those games, close the whole way,’’ Quenneville said. ‘’We seem to always find a way to get two points at the end of the night.’’ Chicago has outscored opponents 30-15 during this nine-game run. ‘’It feels nice to have a streak like this,’’ Seabrook said. ‘’We keep getting it done. Every game is big and all the points are big.’’ Allen made 28 saves for the Blues. He played well but has lost three of his last four and fell to 5-4-2. This is the Blackhawks longest winning streak since they won 12 in a row from Dec 29, 2015 to Jan. 19, 2016. St Louis is struggling after starting the season with three successive wins. Blue Jackets 3, Ducks 2, OT In Columbus, Ohio, Zach Werenski scored 1:21 into overtime after Columbus blew a two-goal lead before escaping with a victory over Anaheim.

1 1

Pts 23 16 15 15 14 13 13 13 Pts 20 20 17 15 14 14 12 10

Brandon Saad had a goal and an assist and Boone Jenner got his first score this season for Columbus, which won its fourth straight at home and stretched its point streak to five (4-0-1). Sergei Bobrovsky made 30 saves. Anaheim’s Nick Ritchie tied it at 2 early in the third period after Rickard Rakell scored late in the second. John Gibson made 15 stops. Senators 2, Sabres 1, SO In Buffalo, New York, Bobby Ryan and Kyle Turris scored during a shootout, helping Ottawa beat Buffalo. Turris scored in the first round to match Sam Reinhart’s tally, and then Ryan put Ottawa ahead in the second round. Mike Condon stopped Brian Gionta on Buffalo’s final attempt and finished with 31 saves. Ryan Dzingel got a tying goal for Ottawa 7:15 into the second period. Nicholas Baptiste scored for Buffalo and Robin Lehner made 28 saves while the Sabres lost their second in a row.

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

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Bid committee looks to president-elect as a unifier

Olympic voters weigh Trump effect on LA 2024 bid LAUSANNE, Switzerland, Nov 10, (Agencies): Donald Trump’s election as US president has the potential to influence Los Angeles’ chances of hosting the 2024 Olympics. For better or worse. Some International Olympic Committee members — who will choose among Los Angeles, Paris and Budapest, Hungary, in a vote next September — cited possible pros and cons on Wednesday of Trump’s role in the American bid. As a polarizing presidential candidate, Trump’s words on Muslims, Mexicans and other issues could have offended some of the 98 IOC members from around the world who will select the host city. “It may have,” the IOC’s longestserving member, Dick Pound of Canada, told The Associated Press. At the same time, Pound did not rule out the possibility that Trump could help win votes if he travels to Lima, Peru, in September to pitch the Los Angeles bid in person to the IOC ahead of the secret ballot. “If he is there, and evidently he is someone who feeds off his audience, there is no reason to think he can’t work this audience as well,” Pound said. South African IOC member Sam Ramsamy, whose country has been described by Trump as a “very dangerous

OLYMPICS mess,” dismissed any lingering effect with 10 months left before the 2024 Olympic vote. “He has been rude to everybody,” Ramsamy told the AP. “I don’t believe it will affect bidding in any way.” In a statement Wednesday congratulating Trump, the Los Angeles 2024 bid committee said the Olympics can “transcend politics and can help unify our diverse communities and our world.” Citing 88 percent support for its bid, the committee pointed to strong bipartisan support at all levels of government. “We look forward to working closely with President-elect Trump and his administration across the federal government” to deliver a successful Olympics, the statement said. IOC President Thomas Bach offered a brief statement to the AP on Trump’s

Olympic Roundup 2018 Games feel heat of S. Korea political scandal

Paris mayor, Riner showcase Oly bid in Doha

In this Aug 12, 2016 file photo, Helen Glover (left), and Heather Stanning, of Britain, celebrate their gold medal in the women’s rowing pair final during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. One of rowing’s great modern-day partnerships has ended after double Olympic champion Heather Stanning announced on Nov 8, her retirement from the sport. (AP)

election. “Let me congratulate President-elect Trump on his victory and wish him all the best for his term in office for all the people of the United States and of the world,” he said. Swiss IOC member Rene Fasel suggested that if Trump spoke offensively during the presidential race, it was a tactic to woo voters that worked. “You saw his speech today and it’s already a different man,” Fasel said, citing Trump’s first public address as president-elect which sought to be more inclusive. While Trump has little track record with the Olympic movement, his opponent, Hillary Clinton, was a supporter of New York’s failed bid for the 2012 Games and has attended several Olympics. She was First Lady when the US last hosted the Summer Games — in Atlanta in 1996. President Barack Obama went to the IOC vote in Copenhagen in 2009 to support Chicago’s bid for the 2016 Olympics. Chicago was still eliminated in the first round, with the games awarded to Rio de Janeiro. Clinton’s presidential campaign has some close ties to Los Angeles bid leaders. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti is a Democrat who spoke at the Democratic Party convention in July which

formally nominated Clinton. Bid chairman Casey Wasserman was also a prominent Clinton backer. Garcetti acknowledged in an AP interview in August during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics that some IOC members could be turned off by a Trump victory. “I think for some of the IOC members they would say, ‘Wait a second, can we go to a country like that, where we’ve heard things that we take offense to?” Garcetti said then. Garcetti remains more important to the bid than Trump, according to American IOC executive board member Anita DeFrantz. “It’s the city that hosts the games, and it’s the mayor that signs the documents. It is not the president,” DeFrantz told The AP in Lausanne on Wednesday. Pound believes Los Angeles leaders will urgently want to meet with Trump to see if he is “an enthusiastic supporter of this venture or not.” “Your most important campaign is at home,” Pound said, suggesting that IOC voters and Olympic sports leaders can be swayed closer to election day. “The roadshow only happens in the last few months.” Before that final stretch of campaigning, the city’s biggest rival — Paris — could have its own domestic politics to explain.

PARIS, Nov 10, (Agencies): Twotime Olympic judo champion Teddy Riner and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo will travel to Qatar to showcase the city’s 2024 hosting bid at an upcoming general assembly for The Association of National Olympic Committees. The ANOC meeting will be held in Doha on Tuesday and Wednesday, drawing about 1,000 delegates from all 206 national Olympic committees. The 2024 bid cities will also give presentations to the NOCs for the first time. Paris will exhibit its bid in a 20-minute presentation on Tuesday afternoon, the bid committee said. “Our vision for the 2024 Games — which is completely aligned to the city’s long-term sports, economic, social and environmental strategies — is advancing very well, but it is important that we work with all Olympic stakeholders,” Hidalgo said Thursday in a statement. “Paris is a vibrant, open and sharing city famous for sport, culture and a love of life. We are ready to welcome the world in 2024.” Rome pulled out of the bidding last month, with its city council withdrawing support of the bid on the recommendation of Mayor Virginia Raggi. That left only Los Angeles, Paris, and Budapest, Hungary, in the running. The International Olympic Committee will select the host city next September. “Our bid has 100 percent crossparty political support across all levels of government from the president down,” Hidalgo said. “A Paris Games will be a guaranteed success for the IOC: the Olympic flame will shine stronger after Paris 2024.” The bid delegation is eager to gain “valuable insight” about how a Paris Games can best serve NOCs and the Olympic family.

“The bid will also present its unique vision to deliver a thrilling and memorable games that places Olympism and Olympic and Paralympic sport firmly at the heart of everyday life in Paris and across France,” the bid committee said. The delegation includes three-time Olympic championTony Estanguet and Bernard Lapasset — the bid’s co-chairRiner men — and French Olympic committee president Denis Masseglia. ❑ ❑ ❑ The snowballing corruption scandal engulfing South Korean President Park Geun-Hye is affecting preparations for the 2018 Winter Olympics, with sponsors wary the event might be tainted by the fallout, officials said Thursday. The scandal has focused on Choi Soon-Sil, a long-time friend of the president, who has been charged with fraud and abuse of power. Prosecutors are investigating allegations that Choi leveraged her personal ties with Park to coerce donations from large companies like Samsung to non-profit foundations which she set up and used for personal gain. In recent days, other reports have emerged linking Choi to companies that bid for lucrative contracts for the 2018 Games to be held in the South Korean ski resort of Pyeongchang. The reports have spooked some sponsors, who fear the criminal investigation will be widened to in-

clude the Pyeongchang preparations. “We initially planned to sign memoranda of understanding with three sponsor companies this week and the next,” Sung Baik-Yu, spokesman for the Pyeongchang Organising Committee, told AFP. ❑ ❑ ❑ Two-time Olympic pole vault champion Yelena Isinbayeva is among four candidates to register for an election to choose a new president of the All-Russian Athletics Federation (ARAF), the organisation said on its official website. Isinbayeva, 34, was among 67 Russian athletes ruled out of this year’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) after a World Anti-Doping Agency report uncovered systematic state-sponsored doping in Russia. ❑ ❑ ❑ Kenya’s two-time world and Olympic 800 metres champion David Rudisha has been appointed to chair the African Athletics Confederation (AAC) Athletes’ Commission, replacing former Namibian sprinter Frank Fredericks. Rudisha’s appointment was made by AAC president Ahmad Kalkaba Maboum who also appointed four other new members to the body. They include former Nigerian sprint queen Mary Onyali, who will serves as Rudisha’s deputy, Hakim Toumi of Algeria and Ivorian Amandine Affoue Allou. “The president of the African Athletics Confederation has chosen you for many objective reasons to lead the destiny of this important commission,” CAA secretary Lamine Faty, said in a letter to Rudisha seen by AFP.

Ex-Venezuela official pleads guilty in bribery case

FIFA ‘respects’ Qatar over alcohol issue, says Samoura DOHA, Nov 10, (Agencies): FIFA general secretary Fatma Samoura said on Thursday that football’s ruling body “respects” Qatari culture over the sensitive issue of selling alcohol in stadiums at the 2022 World Cup. However, Samoura, speaking in Doha, said FIFA has not yet discussed with World Cup officials in the Gulf about what would be sold in stadiums during the tournament and was a long way off making a final decision. Her comments were the first by FIFA following remarks this week by Qatar’s most senior World Cup official, Hassan Al-Thawadi, who said in an interview that 2022 organisers were against alcohol being made available in stadiums. “We do respect the customs and cul-

ture of the country,” said Samoura, following a meeting between FIFA and Qatari officials. “The last thing FIFA would like to be accused of is that it does not pay attention to these kind of customs.” The issue of alcohol threatens to be the latest controversial issue surrounding the Qatar tournament. In his interview Al-Thawadi, secretary-general of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, said: “We are against the provision of alcohol in stadiums and their surroundings.” He also ruled out drinking in “streets, squares and public places”. There would not be a total alcohol ban, but drinking would be permitted only in “far-away places”.

Drinking is not illegal in Qatar and alcohol is available in hotels, while expats who live in the Gulf emirate can buy drink after applying for a licence. Public drinking however is prohibited and bringing alcohol into the country is also forbidden. However, Qatar’s position could potentially lead to problems for FIFA and one its major sponsors, including beer giant Budweiser. In the run-up to the tournament in Brazil in 2014, it was widely reported that FIFA demanded alcohol be served at stadiums, which was against Brazilian law at the time. The South American hosts finally relented. Asked if Budweiser might eventually be provided with compensation if there

was an alcohol ban in stadiums, Samoura said there had been no decision taken as yet. As well as meeting officials, Samoura was due to meet some of the proposed venues for the 2022 tournament and

SOCCER watch a friendly match between Qatar and 2018 hosts Russia on Thursday night. Meanwhile, a former president of Venezuela’s soccer federation pleaded guilty on Thursday to US charges stemming from a wide-ranging bribery investigation involving FIFA, the sport’s world governing body. Rafael Esquivel, who was also vice

president of South American soccer governing body CONMEBOL, entered his plea in federal court in Brooklyn to charges that he received bribes to award contracts for the media and marketing rights to international tournaments. Esquivel, 70, pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy, three counts of wire fraud conspiracy, and three counts of money laundering conspiracy and also agreed to forfeit more than $16 million. “Esquivel used his influence as a soccer official to obtain millions of dollars in bribe payments from co-conspirators who sent the payments from overseas banks accounts into accounts Esquivel controlled,” US prosecutors said in a statement. Lawyers for Esquivel, a former presi-

dent of the Federacion Venezuelan de Futbol, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison for each count. His sentencing hearing will be set at a later date, according to the court docket. Esquivel is one of 42 individuals and entities charged as part of a US investigation that upended Zurich-based FIFA and the soccer world. To date, 19 people and two companies have pleaded guilty in connection with the probe. Prosecutors said the defendants engaged in more than $200 million in bribes and kickbacks that were sought and received by soccer officials for marketing and broadcasting rights to tournaments and matches.

ARAB TIMES, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2016

SPORTS

43

India trailing by 474 runs with all wickets intact

Stokes, Ali star as England post commanding total RAJKOT, India, Nov 10, (AFP): Centurion Moeen Ali said patience was the key to run-scoring as England posted the highest score by a visiting team in nearly five years in the first Test against India on Thursday. England’s first innings score of 537 was built around Ali’s 117 and an impressive 128 runs by Ben Stokes, who managed to banish memories of three ducks against India in his three previous innings. India’s openers Gautam Gambhir (28 not out) and Murali Vijay (25 not out) responded with an unbeaten stand of 63 in the final session on the second day, the hosts trailing by 474 runs with all their wickets intact.

CRICKET The stylish Joe Root (124) had notched up a century on the opening day to lay a solid foundation for England’s middle-order batsmen at Rajkot’s Saurashtra Cricket Association ground. The day belonged to England’s batsmen who made India pay for their sloppiness in the field that saw them drop at least five catches. “Patience is something Saqi (spin coach Saqlain Mushtaq) talks about a lot, we knew we needed to be patient,” said Ali, 29, after the day’s play. “It’s a very good pitch. We didn’t plod much against the spinners and tried to be attacking in our approach,” said Ali. The spinning all-rounder also insisted he slept well despite going to bed at 99 not out Wednesday. “I slept really well. I was pretty normal, I was fine.” India’s bowlers struggled in the heat and grime, with top-ranked spinner

England’s Ben Stokes plays a shot during the second day of the first Test match between India and England at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Rajkot on Nov 10. (AFP)

Ravichandran Ashwin conceding 167 runs while taking just two wickets. But left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja was quick to spring to Ashwin’s defence, saying any bowler can have an off-day. “It’s part of the game. We were playing five bowlers. It is the responsibility of every bowler and not just Ashwin to take wickets,” said Jadeja. “Sometimes half-chances get converted and on some days easy chances are dropped.” Although England lost a succession of tailenders in the period immediately after lunch, Stokes stayed put to help

England post their third highest total on Indian soil. Stokes hit 13 fours and two sixes en route to his fourth ton in the longest format of the game. England were on the attack in the morning session, hammering 139 runs while losing two wickets including that of Ali who was bowled by Mohammed Shami (2-65). Jonny Bairstow, the highest Test run-scorer this year, made 46 and shared a brisk 99-run partnership for the sixth wicket with Stokes before also falling to Shami. Stokes was dropped twice in his sixties by wicketkeeper Wriddhiman Saha with Umesh Yadav (2-112) being the unlucky bowler on both occasions. The Indians took the new ball in the morning after England who had won the toss resumed at 311 for 4, but failed to get an immediate breakthrough. Ali reached his century off the third ball of the day from Shami who seemed to have recovered from the cramps he suffered on the opening day. The spinning all-rounder singled out Yadav for special punishment, taking three fours in four balls off the paceman. Stokes chipped in before Shami broke their 62-run stand with the wicket of Ali, who saw his off-stump cartwheel away after misjudging the line and not playing a shot. England’s total was the highest by a visiting team in India since the West Indies made 590 at Mumbai in November 2011. And the last time three visiting batsmen scored centuries in the same innings in India was in 2008-09 when Sri Lanka toured the country. Top-ranked India have won 12 and drawn one of their last 13 Tests at home since England sealed a historic 2-1 victory in Kolkata in 2012.

India vs England Scoreboard RAJKOT, India, Nov 10, (AFP): Scoreboard at stumps on the second day of the first Test between India and England at Rajkot’s Saurashtra Cricket Association ground on Thursday: ENGLAND 1st innings: A. Cook lbw b Jadeja .................................................... 21 H. Hameed lbw b Ashwin .............................................. 31 J. Root c and b Yadav................................................. 124 B. Duckett c Rahane b Ashwin ..................................... 13 M. Ali b Shami ............................................................. 117 B. Stokes c Saha b Yadav .......................................... 128 J. Bairstow c Saha b Shami .......................................... 46 C. Woakes c Saha b Jadeja............................................ 4 A. Rashid c Yadav b Jadeja ............................................ 5 Z. Ansari lbw b Mishra................................................... 32 S. Broad not out .............................................................. 6 Extras (b5, lb4, nb1) ...................................................... 10 Total (all out, 159.3 overs) .......................................... 537 Fall of wickets: 1-47 (Cook), 2-76 (Hameed), 3-102 (Duckett), 4-281 (Root), 5-343 (Ali), 6-442 (Bairstow), 7-451

(Woakes), 8-465 (Rashid), 9-517 (Stokes), 10-537 (Ansari) Bowling: Shami 28.1-5-65-2, Yadav 31.5-3-112-2, Ashwin 46-3-167-2, Jadeja 30-4-86-3 (1nb), Mishra 23.33-98-1 Note: Shami could not complete his 10th over due to an injury. Yadav completed the over INDIA 1st innings M. Vijay not out ............................................................. 25 G. Gambhir not out........................................................ 28 Extras (b8, lb1, w1) ....................................................... 10 Total (0 wickets; 23 overs) ............................................ 63 Bowling: Broad 5-1-20-0, Woakes 7-2-17-0 (1w), Ali 6-2-6-0, Ansari 3-0-3-0, Rashid 2-0-8-0 To bat: C. Pujara, V. Kohli, A. Rahane, W. Saha, R. Ashwin, R. Jadeja, M. Shami, U. Yadav, A. Mishra Toss: England Umpires: Kumar Dharmasena (SRI) and Chris Gaffaney (NZL) TV umpire: Rod Tucker (AUS) Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (SRI)

Kuwaiti shooters Saud Habib, Nasser Al-Daihani and Zaid Al-Mutairi display their gold medals with other medalists on the podium after the awarding ceremony in the 6th Asian Shooting Championship in Abu Dhabi.

Public Authority for Sport dissolves KBA, KJTF KUWAIT CITY, Nov 10, (KUNA): The Board of Directors of the Public Authority for Sport (PAS) decided on Wednesday to dissolve the Kuwait Basketball Association (KBA), and Kuwait Judo and Taekwondo Federation (KJTF) due to “irregularities and non-cooperation.” During its 11th meeting, chaired by Minister of Information and Minister of State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Salem Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, the PAS Board of Directors appointed two temporary committees to oversee the affairs of the two unions. The two committees are empowered to make whatever decisions necessary to correct the irregularities and enforce today’s PAS decision, PAS Deputy Director General Dr Humoud Fleitah said in a press release following the meeting.

“The two committees are tasked with adopting the legal measures they deem appropriate to protect the public funds and ensure proper representation of Kuwait at regional and international sports events,” he disclosed. “The decision to dissolve the two associations falls in the framework of the PAS jurisdiction over the sports unions as per the provisions Act No. 97 for 2015, which founded the PAS, and Act No. 42 for 1978 which regulates the affairs of the sports unions and was amended by Act No. 34 for 2016, Fleitah added. The PAS meeting also approved the basic statutes of the Olympic Committee, sports unions and clubs, he said, urging that sports entities to comply with the relevant regulations and laws with a view to promoting the status of the Kuwaiti sports.

Herath 13-wkt haul as Sri Lanka sweep series

‘Every aspect of our game needs improvement’

Aussies under pressure from SA HOBART, Australia, Nov 10: Skipper Steve Smith and his Australia team are under big pressure from South Africa and their own selectors as they try to bounce back from one of their worst losing streaks in the second Test at Hobart on Saturday. The Australians sunk to a comprehensive 177-run loss to the Proteas in the series opener in Perth with the team coming under heavy criticism over their capitulation. South Africa were missing their influential skipper AB de Villiers and lost pace spearhead Dale Steyn with a series-ending shoulder injury yet still outplayed the home team. It was Australias first loss in an opening Test of their home season in 28 years and they have now slumped to four straight defeats after crashing in all three Tests on their July-August tour of Sri Lanka.

CRICKET “I would say every spot is under pressure,” Australian coach Darren Lehmann admitted, with Smith adding: “Every aspect of our game needs improvement.” The last time Australia lost four Tests in a row in India three years ago, then coach Mickey Arthur was sacked. Lehmann is not seen as under the same pressure as Arthur but Smiths captaincy has come under close scrutiny with former South Africa captain Graeme Smith this week saying that he looked “a bit lost”. While there could be up to three enforced team changes for Hobart with injuries to Shaun Marsh, Adam Voges and Peter Siddle, the entire Australian team is under the gun for their positions ahead of the third day-night Test in Adelaide later this month. South Africa, although ranked five in Tests to Australias three, were bowled to victory in Perth by electric young paceman Kagiso Rabada, who stepped up when Steyn broke down with the shoulder injury on the second day. “I am incredibly proud of him and I have a lot of respect for anyone who puts their hands up and does the hard yards,” Proteas captain Faf du Plessis said of Rabadas staunch 31-over effort in Australias second innings. South Africa recovered from a shaky first innings total of 242 to turn the Perth Test around, triggering a first-innings collapse as Australia lost 10 wickets for 86 and then taking control through centuries from JP Duminy and Dean Elgar. Australia, who have only lost once in 12 Tests at Hobarts Bellerive Oval, are likely to bring back Joe Burns for injured opener Marsh, while speedster Joe Mennie is expected to make his Test debut for the sidelined Siddle.

Who is the best?

Fischer and the 2 ‘K’s: a history of modern chess PARIS, Nov 10, (AFP): US chess champion Bobby Fischer and the two ‘K’s -- Garry Kasparov and Anatoli Karpov -- have co-written the modern history of the game, with a chapter devoted to EastWest confrontation. In the 1970s and 80s, the un-telegenic, cerebral game came alive to capture headlines and become an instrument of Cold War diplomacy. Fischer, who died in 2008 at the age of 64, was an aggressive player said to have an IQ higher than that of Albert Einstein. He shot to fame in 1972 when he defeated Boris Spassky for the World Chess Championship in Iceland, ending a 24-year reign by grandmasters from the Soviet Union. US national security advisor Henry Kissinger encouraged the Fischer quirky young prodigy, and American media hailed his success. But after a disagreement over match conditions, in 1975 Fischer withdrew from public view, became briefly involved with a religious sect and lived with very modest means. In 1992 he emerged from reclusion to win an unofficial rematch against Spassky in what was then the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia -- earning a purse of more than three million dollars -- in violation of UN sanctions against the the regime of Slobodan Milosevic. Pursued by US justice officials, Fischer returned to a life of obscurity and exile. In 2001, he applauded the 9/11 attacks, expressing contempt for the United States. Following a brief stint in jail in Japan, Fischer moved to Iceland, where he died. Soviet grandmaster Anatoly Karpov took over the vacant title of world champion in 1975 and defended it twice against Soviet dissident Viktor Korchnoi.

After reigning for a decade, Karpov, born in 1951 in the Urals region, was narrowly defeated in 1985 by Kasparov, who became the youngest world champion at the age of 22. Kasparov was the undisputed king of chess for the next 15 years. Born in Azerbaijan, Kasparov has been described as “a monster with 100 eyes, who sees all”. He quickly understood the interest in combining computers with chess and agreed to play against IBM’s “Deep Blue” supercomputer. Kasparov won the first match in 1996 but lost the second a year later. Kasparov and Karpov competed five times in a row for the world title, and according to Kasparov, they played a total of 144 matches,

CHESS of which 104 were draws, 21 wins for himself and 19 for Karpov. In his memoirs, Kasparov describes the “K vs K” matches as “the most intense in the history of sports”. Kasparov’s impulsive, energised and attacking style contrasts sharply with the prudent, position-based defence of his “best enemy” and they have been described respectively as an eagle and a python. They are political opposites as well. Kasparov defended the policies of former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, while Karpov was backed by the regime of Leonid Brezhnev. Kasparov considered the International Chess Federation to be a mafia, while Karpov maintains excellent relations with it. Kasparov now lives in the United States after trying to run against Vladimir Putin in the 2008 Russian presidential election. Karpov is a member of the Russian parliament close to the Kremlin. Many specialists point to Fischer as the best of them all, including Kasparov, who has called Fischer “the greatest chess player of all time”.

Sri Lanka’s players pose with the trophy after winning the Test series between Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club on Nov 10. (AFP)

Zimbabwe lose both games by large margins HARARE, Nov 10, (AFP): Rangana Herath recorded the best figures by a bowler in a Test in Zimbabwe as Sri Lanka completed a 257-run victory in the second Test at Harare Sports Club on Thursday to sweep the series 2-0. Sri Lanka went into the final day needing just three wickets to wrap up the match, and Herath required less than an hour to claim them as he finished with eight wickets in the second innings, bowling Zimbabwe out for 233. The left-arm spinner’s 8 for 63 were the best figures in an in-

CRICKET nings by a player in Zimbabwe, while his 13 for 152 were the best figures in a match. “I am always trying to improve,” said the 38-year-old. “I don’t think about records and will take each series as it comes.” Zimbabwe’s only real hope of pushing Sri Lanka on day five rested with Craig Ervine, who resumed on 65 not out with Zimbabwe on 180 for seven in pursuit of 491 for victory. But the left-hander was the first batsman to fall as Herath had him

Zimbabwe vs Sri Lanka Scoreboard HARARE, Nov 10, (AFP): Scoreboard at the end of the second Test between Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka on Thursday: SRI LANKA first innings 504 all out (D. de Silva 127, A. Gunaratne 116, Tiripano 3-91, Cremer 3-136) ZIMBABWE first innings 272 all out (B. Chari 80, C. Ervine 64, R. Herath 5-89, D. Perera 3-51) SRI LANKA second innings 258/9 dec (D. Karunaratne 88, K. Perera 62, G. Cremer 4-91, C. Mumba 3-67) ZIMBABWE second innings T. Mawoyo c de Silva b Herath ..... 15 B. Chari b Herath ............................ 8 H. Masakadza lbw b Herath .......... 10 C. Ervine c de Silva b Herath ........ 72 S. Williams c Mendis b Kumara .... 45 M. Waller c K. Perera b de Silva ..... 0 P. Moor c Mendis b Herath ........... 20 G. Cremer b Herath......................... 5

well caught by Dhananjaya de Silva at slip for 72. Carl Mumba was next to go, trapped lbw by the left-arm spinner, and although last man Chris Mpofu provided some entertainment as he lofted two huge sixes, he fell to Herath in the same fashion to bring the game to a close. “His control was exceptional,” Zimbabwe captain Graeme Cremer said of Herath. “He doesn’t look like he’s doing a lot, but he’s got subtle variations that as a batsman you don’t pick up. “Only when you watch the replays afterwards do you realise what he was trying to do.” Opening batsman Dimuth Karunaratne was named man of

D. Tiripano not out......................... 16 C. Mumba lbw b Herath .................. 1 C. Mpofu lbw b Herath .................. 20 Extras (12b, 6lb, 3w) ..................... 21 Total (all out, 58 overs) ............... 233 Fall of wickets: 1-16 (Chari), 2-32 (Masakadza), 3-39 (Mawoyo), 4-113 (Williams), 5-114 (Waller), 6-166 (Moor), 7-176 (Cremer), 8-195 (Ervine), 9-201 (Mumba), 10-233 (Mpofu) Bowling: Lakmal 15-2-58-0, Herath 23-6-63-8, D. Perera 8-1-42-0, Kumara 9-0-42-1, de Silva 3-0-10-1 Toss: Zimbabwe Umpires: Ian Gould (ENG) and Simon Fry (AUS) TV umpire: Marais Erasmus (SA) Match referee: Chris Broad (ENG) Result: Sri Lanka won by 257 runs Series: Sri Lanka won two-match series 2-0

the series for his 280 runs in four innings. Zimbabwe lost both games by large margins, but took both Tests into the final day and nearly secured a draw in the first match. “We’re happy they’ve gone five days, and there were a lot of positives for us,” said Cremer. “But a lot of the mistakes we made at crucial times, like dropping silly catches, changed the games in a huge way. We need to improve on that.” The two teams will play each other in a one-day international on Monday, when a triangular series also involving the West Indies gets underway at the same venue.

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Rockets end 4-game ‘skid’ in San Antonio

NBA Results/Standings WASHINGTON, Nov 10, (RTRS): Results and standings from

the NBA games on Wednesday.

NY Knicks Washington Charlotte Minnesota Indiana

Atlanta Toronto Phoenix Houston LA Clippers

110 Brooklyn 118 Boston 104 Utah 123 Orlando 122 Philadelphia (OT) Eastern Conference

96 93 98 107 115

Atlantic Division Toronto Boston NY Knicks Brooklyn Philadelphia

Cleveland Milwaukee Chicago Indiana Detroit

Charlotte Atlanta Orlando Miami Washington

PCT .714 .429 .429 .375 0

GB 2 2 2-1/2 5

Oklahoma City Portland Utah Denver Minnesota

W L 6 1 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 Southeast Division

PCT .857 .571 .500 .500 .500

GB 2 2-1/2 2-1/2 2-1/2

LA Clippers Golden State LA Lakers Sacramento Phoenix

PCT .857 .750 .375 .333 .286

GB 0-1/2 3-1/2 3-1/2 4

Houston San Antonio Memphis Dallas New Orleans

L 1 2 5 4 5

107 102 100 99 80

Northwest Division

W L 5 2 3 4 3 4 3 5 0 7 Central Division

W 6 6 3 2 2

115 Chicago 112 Oklahoma City 107 Detroit 101 San Antonio 111 Portland Western Conference

W L 6 2 5 4 5 4 3 4 2 5 Pacific Division

PCT .750 .556 .556 .429 .286

GB 1-1/2 1-1/2 2-1/2 3-1/2

W L 7 1 6 2 4 4 4 5 3 6 Southwest Division

PCT .875 .750 .500 .444 .333

GB 1 3 3-1/2 4-1/2

PCT .625 .625 .500 .250 0

GB 1 3 5

W 5 5 4 2 0

L 3 3 4 6 8

Mid-table Inter have CL dream: Pioli

Indiana Pacers guard Jeff Teague (44) drives around Philadelphia 76ers guard Gerald Henderson (12) during overtime of an NBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Nov 9. The Pacers defeated the 76ers 122-115. (AP)

DeRozan’s Raptors burst through Thunder defense OKLAHOMA CITY, Nov 10, (AP): DeMar DeRozan scored 37 points to help the Toronto Raptors beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-102 on Wednesday night. DeRozan, the NBA’s leading scorer, made 13 of 22 field goals and 11 of 15 free throws. Kyle Lowry added 19 points, 13 assists and nine rebounds and Patrick Patterson had 13 points for the Raptors. The Thunder entered the night with the NBA’s best record, but they couldn’t get their offense going. Russell Westbrook led the way with 36 points, seven rebounds and seven assists, but made just 9 of 26 shots and committed eight turnovers. Victor Oladipo scored 18 points and Steven Adams had 14 points and 12 rebounds for Oklahoma City. Rockets 101, Spurs 99 In San Antonio, James Harden had 24 points, 15 assists and 12 rebounds as Houston held off San Antonio to

outside shooting to build a 19-point lead in the first quarter and never looked back. Clippers 111, Trail Blazers 80 In Los Angeles, Blake Griffin had 22 points and 13 rebounds and Chris Paul added 19 points as Los Angeles rolled past Portland to improve to an NBAbest 7-1 with its fourth straight win. The Clippers stunned Portland from the opening tip, shooting 59 percent in the first quarter. They built a 32-point lead in the first half when Griffin had 17 points. Pacers 122, 76ers 115, OT In Indianapolis, Paul George scored seven of Indiana’s 13 points in overtime as the Pacers beat winless Philadelphia. George finished with 28 points and eight rebounds. Gerald Henderson hit a 3-pointer with

BASKETBALL hand the Spurs their third straight home loss. Ryan Anderson was 4 for 6 on 3-pointers in scoring 20 points as Houston snapped a four-game skid in San Antonio. Eric Gordon had 15 points and fellow reserve Sam Dekker added 12. Warriors 116, Mavericks 95 In Oakland, California, Klay Thompson hit his first seven shots and scored 18 of his 20 points in the first quarter as Golden State cruised past undermanned Dallas. Kevin Durant led Golden State with 28 points, Stephen Curry added 24 and Draymond Green had 16 points and 10 rebounds as the Warriors used their

Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (center), shoots as Portland Trail Blazers guard Evan Turner (right), defends along with guard Damian Lillard during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Nov 9, in Los Angeles. The Clippers won 111-80. (AP)

6 seconds remaining in regulation to give Philadelphia a two-point lead. But on the ensuing Pacers’ possession, George hit a jumper with 3 seconds left to tie it. Knicks 110, Nets 96 In New York, Carmelo Anthony scored 14 of his 22 points in the third quarter and Kristaps Porzingis added 21 in New York’s victory over Brooklyn. Rookie center Willy Hernangomez had a season-best 14 points, Derrick Rose also had 14 and the Knicks climbed out of a 14-point hole to take the first meeting of the season between the New York rivals. Suns 107, Pistons 100 In Phoenix, Eric Bledsoe scored 14 of his 21 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Phoenix Suns rally to beat Detroit Pistons. Bledsoe added 11 rebounds and eight assists for the Suns. Jared Dudley added a season-high 19 pointsm and Alex Len had 16 points and 14 rebounds. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope led the Pistons with a season-high 27 points and Andre Drummond had 18 points and 14 rebounds. Wizards 118, Celtics 93 In Washington, Otto Porter scored a career-high 34 points as Washington beat Boston for its second victory of the season. Porter shot 15 of 19, had 14 rebounds and sparked the fast start with 20 points in the first half. John Wall had 19 points before being ejected for a flagrant foul in the final minutes. Isaiah Thomas led the Celtics with 23 points and Avery Bradley had 21. Hawks 115, Bulls 107 In Atlanta, Thabo Sefolosha scored 20 points, Dwight Howard added 18 and Atlanta beat Chicago for its third consecutive victory. Paul Millsap added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Hawks while Jimmy Butler led the Bills with 39 points and Dwyane Wade had 25.

MILAN, Nov 10, (RTRS): New coach Stefano Pioli believes there is enough time for Inter Milan to turn their fortunes around and challenge for a spot in next season’s Champions League. The 51-year-old Italian replaced sacked Dutchman Frank de Boer on Tuesday with the club ninth in Serie A having lost five of their 12 matches. “The objective is to return to the Champions League and we have plenty of time to do that,” Pioli told a news conference on Thursday. “The owners and president deserve that. We know it’s not going

to be easy and that we’ll need to work hard every day.” Inter have won three European Cups, the last time under Jose Mourinho in 2010, but have not

SOCCER qualified for the Champions League in the last five years. They need to finish in the top two this season to claim an automatic berth. Third place earns a position in the Champions League preliminary round.

Inter are also staring at elimination from the Europa League, occupying last place in Group K with three points from four matches. Pioli said the squad would have to start matching the intensity of their fans. “We will need to play with great passion, the passion that our supporters have,” he explained. Pioli’s first match in charge is on Nov 20 against local rivals AC Milan who are third in the table. Chinese electronics retailer Suning bought almost 70 percent of Inter for 270 million euros ($298 million) in June.

Galaxy hope Keane and Gerrard ‘stay’ CARSON, US, Nov 10, (AFP): Los Angeles Galaxy coach Bruce Arena said Wednesday he hopes Steven Gerrard can be persuaded to prolong his career in Major League Soccer amid reports the former England captain is seeking a coaching or playing role in Britain. Gerrard is out of contract with the Galaxy following the completion of the Los Angeles club’s season last weekend in the MLS playoffs. The 36-year-old has been linked to a return to Liverpool in a coaching role while other reports in Britain have suggested he could be tempted into extending his playing career with Celtic.

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