Asharq Al-Awsat
FILE PHOTO: Former British Army Officer Captain Tom Moore looks at a spitfire and hurricane from RAF Coningsby that fly over his house as part of celebration of his 100th birthday and a gesture of appreciation for his fundraising achievements for the NHS, in Bedfordshire, Britain, April 30, 2020. Emma Sohl/Capture the Light Photography/Handout via REUTERS
Tom Moore, the 100-year-old World War II veteran who captivated the British public in the early days of the coronavirus pandemic with his fundraising efforts for the health service, has been hospitalized with COVID-19. His daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, revealed in a statement posted on Twitter that her father, widely known as Captain Tom, has been admitted to Bedford Hospital because he needed “additional help” with his breathing. She said that over the past few weeks her father had been treated for pneumonia and that he had tested positive for the coronavirus last week. She said he is being treated in a ward, not in an intensive care unit. She added that he had been receiving "remarkable" medical care in the past few weeks. "We know that the wonderful staff at Bedford Hospital will do all they can to make him comfortable and hopefully return home as soon as possible,” she said. Moore became an emblem of hope in the early weeks of the pandemic in April when he walked 100 laps around his garden in England for the National Health Service to coincide with his 100th birthday. Instead of the 1,000 pounds ($1,370) aspiration, he raised around 33 million pounds ($45 million). Moore, who rose to the rank of captain while serving in India and Burma during the war, was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in July for his fundraising efforts. Best wishes came in from far and wide, including from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who said in a tweet that Moore had "inspired the whole nation, and I know we are all wishing you a full recovery.” Opposition Labour leader Keir Starmer also wished him well, saying: "The whole nation hopes you get well soon @captaintommoore. You've been an inspiration to us all throughout this crisis." Britain has vaccinated nearly 9 million people against the coronavirus, with the over-80s in one of the top priority groups. But Sky News quoted a family representative as saying Moore had not yet received a vaccine because he was being treated for pneumonia.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776806/britain%E2%80%99s-captain-tom-hospital-covid-19
Paris Saint-Germain suffered their first defeat under Mauricio Pochettino as lowly Lorient fought back to claim a dramatic 3-2 victory Sunday and prevent the defending champions from retaking top spot in Ligue 1. Neymar scored two penalties but the visitors collapsed late on at the Stade du Moustoir, as Nigerian Terem Moffi netted an injury-time winner. The loss saw PSG stay one point behind league leaders Lyon, although third-placed Lille could go two points clear when they host Dijon later Sunday. "We have to keep the positive aspects and move forward," said former Tottenham manager Pochettino. "Accidents happen in football. We have to keep working. It makes us realize that it can happen if we don't play at 100 percent." It was the first defeat in six games as PSG coach for Pochettino since he took over from the sacked Thomas Tuchel. The win takes struggling Lorient into the relegation play-off spot. "(Moffi's goal) was magical. Against PSG, it's even crazier," said Lorient's Laurent Abergel, who scored the opening goal. "For a Marseille fan like me, the first dream is perhaps to play for OM and the second to beat PSG." Lorient started brightly and had the first real shot in anger in the 30th minute, as Adrian Grbic's long-range strike had to be pushed away by PSG goalkeeper Sergio Rico. The hosts did take the lead six minutes later, though, as PSG failed several times to clear and Abergel picked out the top corner with the outside of his left boot. Neymar levelled on the stroke of halftime from the penalty spot with his fifth league goal of the season. PSG improved after the break and took the lead in the 57th minute as Houboulang Mendes, who also conceded the first penalty, brought down Mauro Icardi and Neymar again made no mistake. It was the first time since Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2015 that a PSG player had netted two spot-kicks in a Ligue 1 match. The visitors pressed for a third, but Lorient goalkeeper Matthieu Dreyer made an excellent stop to keep out an Icardi header. That proved to be crucial, as the stubborn home side equalized in the 80th minute. Substitute Yoane Wissa scored an excellent individual goal, his sixth of his first full campaign as a top-flight player. PSG went in search of a winner, but the closest they came saw full-back Layvin Kurzawa's drive fly narrowly wide. They over-committed in the second minute of added time, leaving no defenders within 60 yards of their own goal as Moffi was sent racing clean through. The 21-year-old, on as a sub, slotted the ball into the bottom corner to spark wild celebrations for the home team.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776801/psg-suffer-1st-defeat-under-pochettino
Queen Elizabeth to Host Biden Before G7 Summit in June
World
Asharq Al-Awsat
FILE PHOTO: Britain's Queen Elizabeth visits the new premises of the Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals in London, Britain February 19, 2020. Heathcliff O'Malley/Pool via REUTERS
Queen Elizabeth will host new US President Joe Biden and other world leaders at Buckingham Palace before a summit of the G7 big economies in June, the Sunday Times newspaper reported. Describing it as a "soft power" reception, the Sunday Times said the Queen would be joined by the Prince of Wales, the Duchess of Cornwall and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The palace declined to comment on the report. Britain has announced plans to hold the first in-person summit of the G7 for nearly two years in June in Cornwall, southwest England. Prime Minister Boris Johnson hopes the meeting will forge a consensus that the global economy must recover from the COVID-19 pandemic in a pro-free trade and sustainable way.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776771/queen-elizabeth-host-biden-g7-summit-june
Saudi Health Minister Urges Compliance as COVID-19 Cases Rise Again
Gulf
Asharq Al-Awsat
A Saudi family wearing protective face masks walk on Tahlia Street as nightlife kicks off, after the government loosened lockdown restrictions following the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia June 21, 2020. REUTERS/Ahmed Yosri
Saudi Arabia’s health minister said on Sunday that complacency around coronavirus restrictions had led to a notable increase in daily cases in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia recorded 261 new infections on Sunday. The Kingdom, the largest among the six Gulf Arab states, has recorded 368,074 cases and 6,375 deaths so far. It saw daily infections fall from a peak above 4,000 in June to dip below the 100 mark in early January. “We have unfortunately in recent days registered a noticeable increase and continued rise in infections. One of the main reasons is gatherings and complacency with precautionary measures,” said Health Minister Tawfiq al-Rabiah. “Lack of compliance will force us to take measures to protect society,” he said in televised remarks. “I ask you to help us preserve the gains we made in combating coronavirus ... This is a very difficult stage.” Neighboring United Arab Emirates, where the total has reached 303,609 cases so far, has seen daily infections triple in the past month following an influx of visitors to the tourism hub in December.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776721/saudi-health-minister-urges-compliance-covid-19-cases-rise-again
Oman Extends Land Border Closure by a Week Due to Pandemic
Arab World
Asharq Al-Awsat
General view of old Muscat, Oman, January 12, 2020. REUTERS/Christopher Pike/Files
Oman will extend the closure of its land borders for another week, until Feb. 8, to curb the spread of the coronavirus, state TV said on Sunday, citing a decision by the Gulf state’s coronavirus emergency committee. The borders were closed on Jan. 19 because of concerns about a new coronavirus variant, a measure that was extended last week. Meanwhile, Oman received on Sunday 100,000 doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, according to the country’s official Oman VS COVID19 Twitter account dedicated to the efforts of countering the coronavirus. The doses were “provided by the Republic of India, produced by the Serum Institute of India,” according to the statement. Over 27,000 people have received the first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and 7,992 received the second dose, the Times of Oman reported, citing Oman’s Ministry of Health. Oman’s Supreme Committee last week advised the country’s citizens and residents to avoid traveling abroad, except in cases of emergency.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776711/oman-extends-land-border-closure-week-due-pandemic
Thousands Join in Jerusalem Funeral, Flout Pandemic Rules
Arab World
Asharq Al-Awsat
Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews participate in funeral for prominent rabbi Meshulam Soloveitchik, in Jerusalem, Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021. The mass ceremony took place despite the country's health regulations banning large public gatherings, during a nationwide lockdown to curb the spread of the virus. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)
Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Israelis participated Sunday in the funeral of a prominent rabbi in Jerusalem, flouting the country's ban on large public gatherings amid the pandemic. The funeral procession for Rabbi Meshulam Soloveitchik, who died at age 99, wended its way through the streets of Jerusalem in the latest display of ultra-Orthodox Israelis' refusal to honor coronavirus restrictions. The phenomenon has undermined the country's aggressive vaccination campaign to bring a raging outbreak under control and threatened to hurt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in March elections. Densely packed throngs of people gathered outside the rabbi´s home in a public rejection of restrictions on outdoor gatherings of more than 10 people. Thousands of black-garbed ultra-Orthodox funeral-goers coursed past the city's main entrance toward the cemetery where Soloveitchik was to be buried. Police officers blocked intersections to traffic to allow participants to pass, but appeared to take no action to prevent the illegal assembly. Israeli media said Soloveitchik, a leading religious scholar who headed a number of well-known seminaries, had recently suffered from COVID-19. Israel´s Health Ministry has recorded over 640,000 confirmed cases of the coronavirus and at least 4,745 deaths since the start of the pandemic. At the same time, Israel has vaccinated over 3 million of its citizens, one of the highest rates per capita in the world. Health experts say it will take several weeks for the vaccination campaign to have an effect on infection and hospitalization rates. But large public funerals like that for Soloveitchik in Jerusalem, and for a prominent Arab sheikh killed in Jaffa last week, have confounded efforts to prevent the spread of the disease. A disproportionate number of Israel´s coronavirus cases are within the country´s ultra-Orthodox minority. The strictly religious community, which makes up around 11% of Israel´s 9.2 million people, has accounted for around one-third of the confirmed cases of the virus. Many ultra-Orthodox sects have kept schools, seminaries, and synagogues open, and held mass weddings and funerals in violation of the law. Recent weeks have seen violent clashes between members of the ultra-Orthodox community flouting the rules and police officers trying to enforce them. Ultra-Orthodox leaders say they have been unfairly singled out and argue the country's secular public does not understand the importance of public prayers and religious studies in their community. Gideon Saar, a right-wing Israeli politician challenging Netanyahu in upcoming parliamentary elections, criticized the prime minister on Twitter, saying "the pictures from Jerusalem prove that Netanyahu has given up on enforcing the law for political reasons. This won´t happen in a government headed by me. There will be one law for all and it will be enforced." Israel's Cabinet was set to extend the country's general lockdown for an additional week Sunday evening as the infection rate remained high. The government imposed the movement restrictions and closure of schools and non-essential businesses last month in an effort to clamp down on Israel's runaway pandemic.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776671/thousands-join-jerusalem-funeral-flout-pandemic-rules
Asharq Al-Awsat
Egypt received its first shipment of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines on Sunday
Egypt on Sunday received its first shipment of AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccines, airport officials said. The 50,000-dose shipment arrived at Cairo international airport on a flight from Dubai, said the officials. Dr. Mohammed Awad Tag el-Din, Egypt’s presidential health advisor, said the AstraZeneca shipment originated in the company’s factory in India. It was the second shipment of COVID-19 vaccines received by Egypt. The first was 50,000-doses of the Chinese-made Sinopharm vaccine that was delivered last month. Egypt, a county of more than 100 million people, has reported more than 165,400 confirmed cases, including 9,263 deaths.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776661/egypt-receives-more-covid-19-vaccines
Two Car Bombs Kill at Least 11 in Syria's Northern Aleppo
Arab World
Asharq Al-Awsat
Civilians carry victims at the scene of an explosion in Azaz, northern Syria, on January 31, 2021. The town is in a rural, rebel-controlled part of Aleppo governorate. | Photo: AFP
A car bomb exploded leaving at least five people dead and more than 25 injured in Northern Aleppo, Syria's al-Watan newspaper reported on Sunday. State news agency SANA reported the bombing in the city of Azaz but did not say how many people had been killed or injured. Turkey, which is allied with some rebel groups opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, is in control of the area where the explosion occurred. A separate suicide car bombing at a checkpoint manned by the Turkish-backed Free Syrian Army (FSA) in the Bezaa area, also in Northern Aleppo, killed six FSA members and injured four, FSA sources said. Turkish forces and their Syrian insurgent allies seized territory in the region in an offensive in 2019 against the Kurdish YPG militia which holds swathes of north and east Syria. Turkey regards the YPG as a terrorist group tied to the PKK inside its own borders. Turkish state-owned Anadolu agency said 10 people had died and 24 were injured in two attacks in Northern Syria on Sunday, adding that a car bomb had exploded in the center of Azaz.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776656/two-car-bombs-kill-least-11-syrias-northern-aleppo
Tunisia to Issue up to $3bln Debt, Push Reforms This Year, Finance Minister Says
Business
Asharq Al-Awsat
Tunisia's Finance Minister Ali Kooli attends an interview with Reuters in Tunis, Tunisia January 29, 2021. REUTERS/Tarek Amara
Tunisia will issue debt worth up to $3 billion this year and aims to roll over some existing credit arrangements while setting in train wider economic reforms, Finance Minister Ali Kooli told Reuters in an interview. With a deficit estimated at 11.5% of gross domestic product last year and public debt at 90% of GDP, Tunisia plans reforms to cut its high public wage bill and subsidies and restructure poorly performing state-owned companies, Kooli said. The COVID-19 pandemic, political infighting, and ongoing protests over inequality have added to the pressure on the government, while foreign lenders and the powerful labor union have often made competing demands on reform. "Our situation is tough, but it doesn't mean that we aren't in a position to pay salaries or reimburse our debt", said Kooli, adding that Tunisia could comfortably meet repayments due in the first half of 2021. Tunisia's 2021 budget forecasts borrowing needs at 19.5 billion Tunisian dinars ($7.2 billion), including about $5 billion in foreign loans. It puts debt repayments due this year at 16 billion dinars, up from 11 billion dinars in 2020. Kooli said Tunisia wants a new $1 billion loan guarantee arrangement from the United States, which he said could help it secure the $3 billion in bond issuance, the first time he has given that figure. The government also hopes to reach agreement with the International Monetary Fund on a new financing program, and he said recent Article IV consultations were a step towards that. However, Kooli said Tunisia had not yet decided how much new international debt to seek and that it was taking steps to improve its credit rating and gain IMF blessing for the move. "I believe there is a real possibility to go to the markets for at least $1 billion during 2021," he said, adding that the higher sum of $3 billion would also be possible. Tunisia is looking at various instruments including a Sukuk for the first time, a club deal, a specific action for the Asian market, or a dollar-denominated bond issue, Kooli said, without elaborating. The government may also issue, separately, a Sukuk for the domestic market before July, he said, adding that it could be in the region of around 300 million dinars. REFORMS Tunisia will switch to targeted subsidies in coming months, he said, and will announce restructuring plans for state-owned companies after Ramadan, which this year ends in mid-May. However, the pandemic may delay some reforms both to avoid increasing the economic pain for ordinary Tunisians and because it is not a good time to attract potential investment in state companies. Targeted subsidies will involve distributing digital cards for lower-income Tunisians as well as other measures, he said. However, the government is still assessing how many people require help, what price different products should be and how to avoid a big rise in inflation, he said. Although Prime Minister Hichem Mechichi has already announced a new unit to take over state-owned companies from direct control by government ministries, the details of reforms will not be announced until they are finalized, Kooli said. He confirmed the government would sell its share in some firms but did not identify them. He questioned whether the state needed to hold minority shares in companies, whether it needed to own stock in 12 banks, as now, or in gambling. Any revenues raised by privatization would be pumped back into other state-owned companies that the government wants to restructure, he said. Tunisia's main labor union, the UGTT, has previously resisted any privatization, but Kooli said he expected no trouble there, adding the government was "not looking for a fight". On the public sector wage bill, Kooli said the government was looking at different ways to reduce it, for example by offering slightly lower pay for greatly reduced hours. "The possibility to work half time and be paid a little bit more than half salary is an avenue we are considering," he said. ($1 = 2.7014 Tunisian dinars)
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776516/tunisia-issue-3bln-debt-push-reforms-year-finance-minister-says
Israel to Give Some Coronavirus Vaccines to Palestinians
Arab World
Asharq Al-Awsat
In this Jan. 12, 2021 file photo, a health care professional prepares a Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at Sheba Tel Hashomer Hospital in Ramat Gan, Israel. Israel Defense Minister Benny Gantz's office said Sunday, Jan. 31, 2021, that Israel has agreed to transfer 5,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine to the Palestinians to immunize front-line medical workers. It is the first time that Israel has confirmed the transfer of vaccines to the Palestinians. (AP Photo/Oded Balilty, File)
Israel has agreed to transfer 5,000 doses of the coronavirus vaccine to the Palestinians to immunize front-line medical workers, Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz's office announced Sunday. It was the first time that Israel has confirmed the transfer of vaccines to the Palestinians, who lag far behind Israel's aggressive vaccination campaign and have not yet received any vaccines. The World Health Organization has raised concerns about the disparity between Israel and Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, and international human rights groups and UN experts have said Israel is responsible for the well being of Palestinians in these areas. Israel says that under interim peace agreements reached in the 1990s it is not responsible for the Palestinians and in any case has not received requests for help. Gantz's office said early Sunday the transfer had been approved. It had no further details on when that would happen. Israel is one of the world's leaders in vaccinating its population after striking procurement deals with international drug giants Pfizer and Moderna. The Health Ministry says nearly one-third of Israel's 9.3 million people have received the first dose of the vaccine, while about 1.7 million people have received both doses. The campaign includes Israel's Arab citizens and Palestinians living in annexed east Jerusalem. But Palestinians living in the West Bank under the autonomy government of the Palestinian Authority and those living under Hamas rule in Gaza are not included. The Palestinian Authority has been trying to acquire doses through a WHO program known as COVAX. But the program, which aims to procure vaccines for needed countries, has been slow to get off the ground. The dispute reflects global inequality in access to vaccines, as wealthy countries vacuum up the lion´s share of doses, leaving poorer countries even farther behind in combating the public health and economic effects of the pandemic. It has also emerged as another flashpoint in the decades-old Mideast conflict, even as the virus has wreaked havoc on both sides.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776471/israel-give-some-coronavirus-vaccines-palestinians
UAE Announces 2,948 New COVID-19 Cases, 4,189 Recoveries
Gulf
Asharq Al-Awsat
Emiratis wearing face masks during the coronavirus pandemic. AFP file photo
The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced that it conducted 184,260 additional COVID-19 tests over the past 24 hours. In a statement on Sunday, the Ministry stressed its aim to continue expanding the scope of testing nationwide to facilitate the early detection of coronavirus cases and carry out the necessary treatment. As part of its intensified testing campaign, MoHAP reported 2,948 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total number of recorded cases to 303,609. According to the Ministry, the infected individuals are from various nationalities, are in a stable condition, and receiving the necessary care. MoHAP also announced 12 deaths due to COVID-19 complications, bringing the total number of deaths in the country to 850, state news agency WAM reported. The Ministry called on all members of the society to cooperate with health authorities, adhere to the instructions and physical distance to ensure the health and safety of all. It also noted that 4,189 individuals had fully recovered from COVID-19, bringing the total number of recoveries to 276,958.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776406/uae-announces-2948-new-covid-19-cases-4189-recoveries
Riyadh Chamber of Commerce Highlights Importance of Unified Platform for Accommodation Sector Procedures
Business
Riyadh- Asharq Al-Awsat
Polish tourists in front of the King Abdulaziz Museum in Riyadh (AFP)
The Riyadh Chamber of Commerce has spotted 13 challenges that face Saudi Arabia’s accommodations sector and double the costs of kickstarting new activities. According to the Chamber, the array of fees and requirements demanded by government agencies related to the sector presents one of the most prominent challenges. It also highlighted the importance of establishing a unified platform that brings together all competent authorities to facilitate procedures. Last Wednesday, the Chamber’s vice president and head of the tourism committee, Nayef Al-Rajhi, discussed a number of obstacles hindering the growth of the Kingdom’s accommodation sector and means of overcoming them. The Chamber is currently preparing a host of recommendations and solutions to present to concerned authorities. It is worth noting that the accommodation sector is also vital for the tourism industry in the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia is working to develop its tourism industry through a package of programs and initiatives. The Kingdom is seeking to raise the sector’s revenues and contribution GDP. On the latest developments in the Saudi tourism sector, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) launched the Cruise Saudi Company. The new company aims to establish and develop the cruise industry in Saudi Arabia, enhance the Kingdom's efforts to become a tourist destination on the international cruise map and develop the tourism sector in line with Saudi Vision 2030. Headquartered in Jeddah on the Red Sea coast, Cruise Saudi will form a strategic bridge between sea and land operations, through developing cruise ports and terminals in several Saudi cities, to deliver an integrated experience in line with the goals of the tourism sector in the Kingdom. It is also working in partnership with the relevant authorities on developing tourist destinations, with the aim of introducing cruise itineraries, providing an exceptional experience for guests, and creating opportunities to explore Saudi heritage and culture while ensuring the preservation of the environment and the protection of natural resources.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776386/riyadh-chamber-commerce-highlights-importance-unified-platform-accommodation
Riyadh - Fatehelrahman Yousif
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development is committed to implementing radical reforms in the labor market in both the public and private sectors (Asharq Al-Awsat).
The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development underlined its commitment to implement radical reforms in the labor market in both the public and private sectors. Those reforms, according to the ministry, include a set of initiatives that would increase economic participation, raise skills and productivity and improve market efficiency, in line with the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. In comments to Asharq Al-Awsat, the ministry said that the reforms aim to support the development of existing systems and regulations, thus contributing to reforming the labor market and providing the appropriate legislative environment for the private sector, increasing its growth and creating an appropriate work environment that motivates the workers. “The Saudi labor market has witnessed in recent years an escalating and continuous development, which reflects the leadership’s determination to support this sector as the backbone of the economy. Moreover, the Kingdom is witnessing an influx of huge investments, which requires keeping pace with the development by benefiting from the experiences of other countries, to reach the aspired goals under the leadership of the Saudi Crown Prince,” a former member of the Council of Saudi Chambers, Abdullah Al-Meleihi, told Asharq Al-Awsat. Al-Meleihi added that the proposed amendments aim to improve the work environment, raise efficiency and maximize competitiveness to meet the requirements of the new leading projects, including The Line and NEOM. Consultant and professor of law at the Institute of Public Administration in Riyadh, Dr. Osama Al-Obaidi, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the draft amendment of the labor system aims to improve the business environment, reform the labor market, and provide an appropriate legal and regulatory framework for the development of the private sector, as well as supporting women’s participation. Al-Obaidi stated that reducing the percentage of required nationalization for companies would help curb the costs and increase profits, thus boost economic growth. The amendments will also lead to an increase in the localization of jobs by reducing the weekly working hours to 40 hours instead of 48 hours and adjusting the working hours in Ramadan to 30 hours per week instead of 36 hours, according to Al-Obaidi. For his part, Economist Dr. Khalil Khoja told Asharq Al-Awsat that the package of amendments, proposals, procedures and initiatives recently launched by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development would enhance the digital economy “The amendments cannot be separated from the Kingdom’s plan to provide decent job opportunities for citizens by intensifying rehabilitation and training programs that aim to produce qualified and professional cadres,” he emphasized.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776336/saudi-labor-market-witness-radical-reforms
Damascus, Daraa, Hasakah- Kamal Sheikho, Asharq Al-Awsat, and Riad al-Zayn
Syrian schoolchildren walk as US troops patrol near Turkish border in Hassakeh, Syria Nov. 4, 2018. REUTERS/Rodi Said/File Photo
Markets in Damascus registered a decrease in the exchange rate of the Syrian pound against the US dollar, a few hours after the explosion of one of the branch gas lines in Al-Sukhnah in the desert of Homs, on the administrative borders of Deir Ezzor governorate. The USD exchange rate in Damascus hit SYP 3040 on Saturday, while in Aleppo it reached SYP 3030, amid the exacerbation of the fuel and bread crises in the regime-controlled areas. In parallel, the Syrian Jazira region saw the eruption of chaos. A video broadcast by Kurdish activists in the city of Hassakeh showed the police chasing a number of civilian demonstrators, who were protesting against a security siege imposed on the neighborhoods of the city center, which is controlled by the Syrian regime. On the other hand, the imam and preacher of the Great Mosque in Hassakeh, Ahmed Ismail, called on the “international community and humanitarian organizations” to convey the voice of the people to the world, and to shed light on the “harsh siege” imposed by the Syrian Democratic Forces on the people of the cities of Hassakeh and Qamishli. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reported that the Syrian regime forces and their security apparatus continue to impose a blockade on areas controlled by the Kurdish forces within the towns and villages of the northern countryside of Aleppo, “where the Fourth Division checkpoints prevent the entry of flour, fuel, and medicine.” The neighborhoods of Hassakeh are witnessing an unprecedented military mobilization on both sides, with military skirmishes recorded despite Moscow’s efforts to reduce the escalation.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776291/syria-economic-crisis-exhausts-damascus-regime-blames-autonomous-administration
Will Robert Malley Revive Obama's Policies on Dealing with Tehran?
Features
Washington - Heba El-Koudsy
Robert Malley, AFP
The new US government has named Rob Malley, an architect of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, as its special envoy to Tehran, but policy hawks say he's too soft on the Islamic republic. Malley, a childhood friend of Secretary of State Antony Blinken, has been serving as head of the International Crisis Group, an independent non-governmental organization focused on conflict resolution. Before that, he was one of the chief negotiators on the 2015 nuclear deal reached by Iran and world powers, under which Tehran was promised economic relief for major curbs in its contested nuclear program. Malley “brings to the position a track record of success negotiating constraints on Iran's nuclear program,” a State Department official said. “The Secretary is confident he and his team will be able to do that once again,” they added. While many of Malley's friends have praised his experience, integrity and political goodwill, he has faced stinging criticism from other Republican hawks. “Malley is an extremely knowledgeable expert with great experience in promoting US security through diplomacy,” Senator Bernie Sanders said. Before he was even named to the post, rumors of Malley's nomination prompted sharp criticism from anti-Iran hawks on the political right. “It's deeply troubling that President Biden would consider appointing Rob Malley to direct Iran policy,” Republican Senator Tom Cotton tweeted last week. “Malley has a long track record of sympathy for the Iranian regime and animus towards Israel. The Ayatollahs wouldn't believe their luck if he is selected,” he added. One of the more stinging criticisms of Malley came from Xiyue Wang, an American academic arrested and effectively taken hostage by the Iranian government for three years while doing doctoral research in the country during the final months of the Obama administration. He was released in late 2019, under a prisoner exchange deal negotiated by the Trump administration. “During my imprisonment Mr. Malley was a senior White House official. He played no positive role in facilitating my release,” Wang tweeted. “If he is appointed, it’d suggest releasing US hostages from Iran won’t be a priority.” Wang also said, “Malley has long opposed pressure against Iran and its regional proxies and apathy about Iran’s human rights abuse.”
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776276/will-robert-malley-revive-obamas-policies-dealing-tehran
King of Jordan Reiterates Importance of 'Two-State Solution'
Arab World
Amman- Asharq Al-Awsat
King Abdullah II speaks during the interview with Jordan News Agency, Petra (Jordan’s Royal Court)
King of Jordan Abdallah II reiterated the need to reach a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause, that meets all the “legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people.” During an interview with Petra News Agency, King Abdallah said that the region and world as a whole cannot achieve security, stability, and peace without reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause that meets all the legitimate rights of the brotherly Palestinian people, based on the two-state solution. The monarch asserted that the two-state solution guarantees the establishment of an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state on 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. He noted that this ensures living in peace and security alongside Israel, in accordance with international law, recognized terms of reference, and the Arab Peace Initiative. The King asserted that the Palestinian cause is central to Jordan, saying: “We continue to stand alongside our Palestinian brethren with all our power and capabilities as they seek to gain their just and legitimate rights.” Jordan is constantly communicating and coordinating with Palestinian officials in this regard. “Our martyrs have given their lives to defend Palestinian soil and our ongoing efforts to reactivate the peace process will continue,” said the King, reiterating that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve just, lasting, and comprehensive peace.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2776271/king-jordan-reiterates-importance-two-state-solution
Marseille Game off after Angry Fans March to Training Ground
Sports
Asharq Al-Awsat
A banner attacks the president of Olympique de Marseille, Jacques-Henry Eyraud, in the city center, Saturday, January 30. (AFP)
The French league postponed Marseille's home game against Rennes just three hours before kickoff on Saturday after angry Marseille fans marched to the club's training complex to protest poor results. The LFP added in a statement that no new date has been set for the match. But seventh-place Marseille's next home game will fall under close scrutiny since it is against bitter rival Paris Saint-Germain next weekend. A video posted by local newspaper La Provence earlier Saturday showed a tree burning outside the entrance to La Commanderie, amid reports that fans were throwing flares and trying to force their way in. Sports daily L'Equipe's website reported that Marseille's players were present at the time, and that defender Alvaro Gonzalez was hit on the back by a projectile when he went to speak with supporters. No further details were given. The website carried a photo of a tag just by the entrance aimed at unpopular club president club president Jacques-Henri Eyraud, saying “Eyraud Dehors” (Eyraud Out). The latest incident comes nine days after fans turned on the players at Stade Velodrome — around 13 kilometers (8.5 miles) from the training complex — before a home game against Lens, which Marseille lost 1-0. One of Marseille’s several supporters’ groups managed to write “Vous Etes Degueulasses” (“You Are Disgusting”) in big letters on the seats in what is usually their section of the stadium. Another banner read “Vous Nous Faites Honte” (“You Bring Shame On Us”), and there were also posters displayed outside the stadium calling Eyraud a “crook” and urging him to “get lost.” Marseille is the only French side to have won the Champions League, in 1993, but the southern seaport club arguably has the most volatile and demanding fans in France. The team has lost its last four games in all competitions, and on Friday coach Andre Villas-Boas said he expects to leave at the end of the season. Scheduling games could get tricky for Marseille, given it will have played two games fewer than most other teams in the league. In a separate incident Saturday, local newspaper Le Progres showed a video of Saint-Etienne fans interrupting a training session. The paper said more than 200 fans walked onto the grounds and talks were held with players in a calm atmosphere. Saint-Etienne is languishing in 16th place ahead of Sunday's lunchtime trip to Nice.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2775051/marseille-game-after-angry-fans-march-training-ground
New Book Sees a 'New Possible' Emerging from 2020's Tumult
Book Reviews
Asharq Al-Awsat
This undated image provided by Wipf and Stock Publishers shows the book cover of "The New Possible". (Wipf and Stock Publishers via AP)
In pop culture, 2020 has been understandably reviled as the “hell year.” It tormented us with a lethal pandemic spiraling out of control, thousands of shuttered businesses, violent protests over racial injustice, raging wildfires and political extremism and lies that underpinned January's harrowing coup attempt at the US Capitol. But what if all that tumult actually laid the foundation for societal revival? That's the premise offered by an eclectic group of writers, academics, scientists, environmentalists, and technology engineers in “The New Possible,” a collection of essays that explore what and how the world might rebuild from the rubble of the past year. The group behind the book doesn't lack for ambition. People from science fiction novelist Kim Stanley Robinson to Buddhist monk Jack Kornfield suggest ways to reshape technology, the economy, the environment, the food supply, government and community in hopes that people can eventually look back at 2020 as a reawakening and not a death rattle. “People can tell our systems are broken, and not just in a subtle way, not just like we need to tweak a few things or throw a few bad apples out,” said Justin Rosenstein, a former Google and Facebook engineer who contributed an essay on building a “democratic economy.” “The rules of the system are rigged against us. They are not designed to serve the interests of humanity, they are not designed to serve the interests of nature.” Rosenstein was one of the driving forces behind the book, which was released last week. Some critics may see him as part of the problem, given that he invented the Facebook “Like” button that helped propel the success of a social network that has become a massive funnel of misinformation that has become a source of consternation and regret for him and other one-time Facebook backers like investor Roger McNamee. “It is very tempting to hate the players rather than look at the game and realize it’s the problem,” Rosenstein said. “We have new technology that can enable us to harness our collective intelligence in ways that has never been possible before.” The book is backed by One Project, a nonprofit group Rosenstein started as part of his effort to improve the way we live and work. He also was a protagonist in “The Social Dilemma,” a Netflix documentary about the dark side of social media released four months before the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol. Another “Social Dilemma” standout, former Google engineer Tristan Harris, founded the Center for Humane Technology in 2018r to nudge the industry away from building services and devices designed to attract and hold onto our attention. His considers his essay a kind of sequel to the Netflix documentary and its warning about how Facebook and Twitter can tear people apart instead of bringing them together. “We have been screaming at the top of our lungs about this train running off the cliff for a long time and then it culminated in Jan. 6,” Harris told the AP, referring to the insurrection at the US Capitol incited by former President Donald Trump. “We have trapped the entire global psyche inside this Vegas-style dopamine machine that has become the host of our democratic conversations.” “The New Possible” aims to spur change through 28 essays divided into 10 categories — Earth, Us, Change, Wealth, Work, Food, Education, Love, Community and Tomorrow. The contributors the gamut from best-selling author Michael Pollan to high school teen activist Anisa Nanavati. The contributors quickly embraced idea last spring, said Philip Clayton, one of the book's editors and president of the Institute for Ecological Civilization. In the eight months since work on the essays began, Clayton believes the sequence of events that bookended the Nov. 3 election have turned “The New Possible” into a Kairos book, referring to the ancient Greek word for an opportune time in history. “This is the one of the few moments in life,” Clayton said, “when the world points to you and says, ‘Are you going to make that inner change or are you not going to transform?'“
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2775046/new-book-sees-new-possible-emerging-2020s-tumult
Russia Warn Navalny Supporters Not to Attend Sunday Protests
World
Asharq Al-Awsat
Russian Rosguardia (National Guard) soldiers stand toward the Palace Square a day before of Sunday's protest in St. Petersburg, Russia, Saturday, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP)
Russian police have issued a strong warning against participating in protests planned for Sunday to call for the release of jailed opposition leader Alexei Navalny, the Kremlin's most prominent foe. The warning comes amid detentions of Navalny associates and opposition journalists and a police plan to restrict movement in the center of Moscow on Sunday. Navalny was arrested on Jan. 17 after flying back to Russia from Germany, where he had spent five months recovering from nerve-agent poisoning. His detention sparked nationwide protests one week ago in about 100 cities; nearly 4,000 people were reported arrested. The next demonstration in Moscow is planned for Lubyanka Square. The Federal Security Service, which Navalny claims arrange to have him poisoned with a Soviet-era nerve agent on behalf of the Kremlin, is headquartered in the square. The Russian government has denied a role in the 44-year-old's poisoning. The city police department said much of central Moscow from Red Square to Lubyanka would have pedestrian restrictions and that seven subway stations in the vicinity would be closed on Sunday. Restaurants in the area also are to be closed, and the iconic GUM department store on Red Square said it would open only in the evening. Russian Interior Ministry spokeswoman Irina Volk cited the coronavirus pandemic in a Saturday warning against protests. She said participants found in violation of epidemiological regulations could face criminal charges. The Jan. 23 protests in support of Navalny were the largest and most widespread seen in Russia in many years, and authorities sought to prevent a repeat. Police conducted a series of raids this week at apartments and offices of Navalny’s family, associates and anti-corruption organization. His brother Oleg, top aide Lyubov Sobol and three other people were put under two-month house arrest on Friday, as part of a criminal probe into alleged violations of coronavirus regulations during last weekend’s protests. Sergei Smirnov, editor of the Mediazona news site that was founded by members of the Pussy Riot punk collective, was detained by police upon leaving his home on Saturday. No charges against him were announced. Navalny fell into a coma on Aug. 20 while on a domestic flight from Siberia to Moscow. He was transferred to a Berlin hospital two days later. Labs in Germany, France and Sweden, and tests by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, established that he was exposed to the Novichok nerve agent. Russian authorities have refused to open a full-fledged criminal inquiry, citing a lack of evidence that he was poisoned. Navalny was arrested when he returned to Russia on the grounds that his months recovering in Germany violated terms of a suspended sentence he received in a 2014 conviction for fraud and money-laundering, a case that he says was political revenge. Just after the arrest, Navalny's team released a two-hour video on his YouTube channel about a lavish Black Sea residence purportedly built for Russian President Vladimir Putin. The property features amenities like an “aqua-discotheque,” a hookah lounge and a casino. The video has been viewed over 100 million times and inspired a stream of sarcastic jokes on the internet. Putin has said that neither he nor any of his close relatives own the property, and the Kremlin has insisted it has no relation to the president even though it’s protected by the federal bodyguard agency FSO, which provides security for top government officials. Russian state television later aired a report from the compound that showed it under construction and included an interview with an engineer who claimed the building would be a luxury hotel. On Saturday, construction magnate Arkady Rotenberg, a close Putin associate and his occasional judo sparring partner, claimed he owned the property.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2775041/russia-warn-navalny-supporters-not-attend-sunday-protests
Edgar Wright Explores ‘Glam Rock Anomaly’ Sparks in Doc
Entertainment
Asharq Al-Awsat
This image released by the Sundance Institute shows a scene from the Edgar Wright film The Sparks Brothers. (Sundance Institute via AP)
Ever heard of the band Sparks? If you haven’t, you’re not alone. If you have, it’s not unlikely that they’re one of your favorite bands. The pop rock duo formed by brothers Ron and Russell Mael has in their five-decade run gained a cult following of some seriously creative people, from Beck and Weird Al to Mike Myers and Amy Sherman-Palladino. And they are the subject of “The Sparks Brothers,” a new documentary from filmmaker Edgar Wright that explores the question of how a band can be “successful, underrated, hugely influential and overlooked all at the same time.” The film premieres at the Sundance Film Festival Saturday night. Wright has been a fan since he first saw them on Top of the Pops in 1979 at age five and said they “kept coming back into his life” in the pre-Internet age of music fandom. Over the years it grew into a bit of an obsession. “At some point when you’re a fan of a band like Sparks you become a sort of evangelist for them,” Wright said. He kept toying with the idea of a documentary, thinking that perhaps an overview was the thing that was holding them back from wider fame. Then in 2017 at a Sparks gig, director Phil Lord just told him to do it. That night he asked them if they would be open to the idea. People had approached the Maels in the past about doing a documentary and they’d always had the same answer: No. “We’d always been hesitant about the idea of having a documentary for Sparks,” said Russell Mael. “We tend to feel that what we do via our music and the image you have of the band, the album cover artwork and seeing the band, the videos on television, that that speaks better than any document could speak about us.” Part of the allure of the band is the mystery surrounding them. They worried that a documentary would lessen that. A running misconception is that they’re British. And their Wikipedia page is terrifically confusing. Jason Schwartzman in the documentary even says (mostly in jest) that he’s not sure that he’ll ever watch it because he doesn’t want to learn too much about them. But the Maels were already fans of Wright’s films, which include “Hot Fuzz” and “Shaun of the Dead.” “It just seemed like it was meant to be,” said Ron Mael. They knew that they were on the same wavelength and had similar sensibilities. “I’m such a big fan of these guys, I couldn’t let them down,” Wright said. Wright endeavored to make not just a documentary about Sparks, but to make it feel like a Sparks project as well. It is both utterly sincere and has a sense of humor. “I’m very passionate about the subject matter and also can kind of make fun of the music documentary at the same time,” Wright said. “(It’s) the sort of thing that Ron and Russell do brilliantly is like write these kind of very profound songs that are also kind of like sometimes seeming to sort of make fun of the art form at the same time.” Finding famous fans, like Flea, Patton Oswalt, Neil Gaiman and Fred Armisen, to be the talking heads in the documentary wasn’t all that hard either. Some had already said they loved Sparks in the press and some Wright just assumed were fans. “I was very rarely wrong,” Wright laughed. “People were very willing to talk about it.” The documentary even provided an opportunity for a reunion. Todd Rundgren, who produced their first album, had not seen the brothers since 1972. When Rundgren came in to do his interview, Wright didn’t tell him that the Maels were also there and did a full “This Is Your Life.” He said if there’s ever a DVD, he’ll put it in the bonus materials. “Most bands have a golden period and then there’s like a slow, sometimes embarrassing trail off but Sparks were sort of like pushing it further and further and being more ambitious,” Wright said. “They just seem to kind of fly against the trajectory of every other band that have been going that long.” The film does not yet have distribution, but is expected to sell Sundance which is currently underway virtually through Feb. 3.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2775036/edgar-wright-explores-%E2%80%98glam-rock-anomaly%E2%80%99-sparks-doc
Madrid Loses 2-1 to Levante in Another Slip in Title Race
Sports
Asharq Al-Awsat
Real Madrid's goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, background, stops a penalty kick by Levante's Roger Marti during the match at the Alfredo Di Stefano stadium in Madrid, Spain, Jan. 30, 2021. (AP)
Tunisia Registers Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine, Says RDIF
Arab World
Asharq Al-Awsat
People wearing face masks are seen in Tunis on January 12, 2021. (AP)
Tunisia has become the third country in Africa to register Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against COVID-19, the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) said on Saturday. Tunisian health ministry said the registration would be valid for one year. To date Sputnik V has been registered in Russia, Belarus, Algeria, Argentina, Bolivia, Serbia, Palestine, Venezuela, Paraguay, Turkmenistan, Hungary, the UAE, Iran and the Republic of Guinea.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2775021/tunisia-registers-russias-sputnik-v-vaccine-says-rdif
ASOS Close to Deal to Buy Topshop, Miss Selfridge for $411 Million
Fashion
Asharq Al-Awsat
Topshop's parent company Arcadia was placed into administration in November last year, putting more than 13,000 jobs at risk. (Getty Images)
British online fashion retailer ASOS is on the verge of a deal to buy Topshop and Miss Selfridge from the administrators of British tycoon Philip Green’s Arcadia Group for almost 300 million pounds ($411 million), Sky News reported. ASOS could announce a deal as early as Monday, Sky said. Arcadia went into administration in November, putting more than 13,000 jobs at risk and becoming Britain’s biggest corporate casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. ASOS and the administrators of Arcadia were not immediately available for comment.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2775006/asos-close-deal-buy-topshop-miss-selfridge-411-million
Iran Rejects New Participants, Any Talks on Nuclear Deal
Iran
Asharq Al-Awsat
Participants of the Iran nuclear talks that culminated in the signing of the pact are pictured during a meeting at the United Nations building in Vienna, Austria, July 14, 2015. (Reuters)
Iran’s foreign ministry on Saturday rejected any new negotiations or changes to the participants of Tehran’s nuclear deal with world powers, after French President Emmanuel Macron said any new talks should include Saudi Arabia. “The nuclear accord is a multilateral international agreement ratified by UN Security Council Resolution 2231, which is non-negotiable and parties to it are clear and unchangeable,” Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh was quoted by state media as saying. Macron said on Friday negotiations on the Iran nuclear deal would be very strict and should include Saudi Arabia. He stressed the need to avoid the mistake of the 2015 international nuclear pact with Iran that excluded other countries in the region.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2774996/iran-rejects-new-participants-any-talks-nuclear-deal
