12th Sep 2013

CR IP TI ON BS SU

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Argentina rout Paraguay for WCup ticket

9 die as suicide bombers hit Egypt military

NO: 15926

150 FILS

15 40 PAGES

www.kuwaittimes.net

THULQADA 6, 1434 AH

20

Kuwait accused of ‘stealing’ Iraq’s oil

Shiite MPs want controversial Islamist preacher expelled

Max 43º Min 26º High Tide 03:07 & 16:59 Low Tide 10:27 & 22:23

By A Saleh

War-weary US marks Sept/11 NEW YORK: War-weary Americans yesterday marked the 12th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, as President Barack Obama-for now holding fire on Syria-said force alone cannot “build the world we seek.” In New York, Washington and a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, relatives of the nearly 3,000 people killed in the plane attacks gathered for somber remembrance ceremonies.

“Our hearts still ache for the futures snatched away, the lives that might have been,” Obama said at the Pentagon, where 184 died when a hijacked airliner struck the building. “They left this Earth.

They slipped from our grasp.” US troops invaded Afghanistan shortly after the 9/11 attacks to oust the Taleban for giving refuge to Al-Qaeda, and Obama gave thanks to the American forces who served there-but noted the war was now coming to a close.

He said the United States would remain vigilant in the face of future terror threats but said military might alone could not bring peace and security. “Let us have the wisdom to know that while force is at times necessary, force alone cannot build the world we seek,” he said.

On Tuesday, Obama delivered an address to the nation in which he explained why he was for now holding off on punitive military strikes against Syria over its alleged chemical weapons use. “I will not put American boots on the ground in Syria. I will not pursue an open-ended action like Iraq or Afghanistan,” the president pledged Tuesday.

Polls show a majority of Americansweary of war after US interventions in Iraq and Afghanistan-oppose US action in Syria. Obama has asked for Congressional approval of his plan for limited strikes, but he has yet to garner the support needed on Capitol Hill.

Votes have been put off as US Secretary of State John Kerry heads to Geneva for talks with his Russian counterpart about a Moscow-led plan to neutralize the chemical arsenal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

In New York, 9/11-era mayor Rudolph Giuliani wiped away a tear at the Ground Zero event, which began with a moment of silence at 8:46 am, marking the time when the first plane smashed into the World Trade Center. Moments of silence Continued on Page 15

GHOUTA: This image provided by Shaam News Network shows the body of an infant victim of an attack on Ghouta, Syria. — AP (See Page 13)

MSAL approves 20 to 18 visa transfers KUWAIT: Minister of Social Affairs and Labor (MSAL) has approved a decision to allow domestic labor residency transfers for the private sector, said informed sources noting that the decision would be in effect for two

US forced to be world ‘police’ First Muslim Congressman expounds on Mideast

By Shakir Reshamwala WASHINGTON: The United States is accused of being the policeman of the world, but since no other nation has the appetite or power to resolve global conflicts, Washington has to step up to the plate. Rep Keith Ellison, the first Muslim to be elected to Congress, said he fully backs President Barack Obama on whatever action is needed to punish the Syrian regime after it used chemical weapons against its own people.

“It’s not a sure thing, but if we get this through Congress, it will be three days of Tomahawk strikes on certain arsenals and instruments that the regime used to deliver the gas. Not the chemical weapons itself, because it may create a plume,” revealed Ellison, adding that if Damascus cedes control of its chemical arms, a strike could be averted. “The world doesn’t need this (war). A negotiated settlement is superior to strikes,” he told Kuwait Times during a meeting with international journalists in his office on Capitol Hill.

The Minnesota Congressman warned that the world - and the Arab League in particular - also have an obligation to act to stop the slaughter. “We are an economic power; we have a higher degree of responsibility; but it Continued on Page 15

WASHINGTON: Rep Keith Ellison is seen next to a copy of the Holy Quran in his office on Capitol Hill on Tuesday.

months.

The transfer is only for domestic workers who have been working for the same sponsor or the next of kin for at least six months before the decision was issued. — Agencies

KUWAIT: A former Iraqi lawmaker has urged Kuwait to pay nearly $55 million to his country which he described as “dues” for allegedly extracting oil from oil fields in Al-Basra. “Kuwait have been taking oil for the past few years from the Sujail, Sefwan and Zubair fields and as such is required to pay $55 million to the Iraqi government”, said former MP and current judge Wa’el Abdullatif.

Abdullatif added in statements carried by several Iraqi media outlets yesterday that an agreement between Kuwait and Iraq to regulate navigation at joint territorial waters “was enforced by a UN Security Council Resolution while being outside of its jurisdiction”. He further blamed the Iraqi government and MPs for ‘rushing’ the agreement “despite opinions of Iraqi port experts who confirmed that the Mubarak Port is illegal”.

Kuwait is building a mega port called the ‘Mubarak Port’ at the eastern side of Boubyan Island, overlooking the Khor Abdullah strip of water that separates the island from mainland Iraq. The two countries reached an agreement last year to regulate navigation at the narrow strip of water after the port’s construction raised concerns that it might limit mobility at Iraqi territorial waters. “The agreement gives Kuwait the authority to control the Um Qasr navy base, the Um Qasr village, a border line that reaches over 50 kilometers in addition to three oil fields”, Abdullatif said.

According to Abdullatif, the agreement was not supposed to be signed “because Khor Abdullah’s waters belong to Iraq and should not be shared with Kuwait”.

He also denied statements in which some Iraqi politicians claimed that Iraqi ships had to raise Kuwait’s flag in order to be allowed into the waterway prior to the agreement. In another development, Kuwait lawmakers have urged the authorities to expel a controversial Continued on Page 15

Syrian Christians forced ‘to convert at gunpoint’ DAMASCUS: Jihadists who overran Syria’s ancient town of Maalula last week disparaged Christians as “Crusaders” and forced at least one person to convert to Islam at gunpoint, say residents who fled the town. Many of Maalula’s people left after a first rebel assault knocked out an army checkpoint at the entrance to the strategic town on September 4. Some went to a nearby village and others to Damascus, about 55 kilometers to the south.

One of them, Marie, was still frightened as she spoke of that day. “They arrived in our town at dawn... and shouted ‘We are from the Al-Nusra Front and have come to make lives miserable for the Crusaders,” an Islamist term for Christians, Marie said in Damascus, where she and hundreds of others attended the burial Tuesday of three Christian pro-regime militiamen killed in the fighting. Maalula is one of the most renowned Christian towns in Syria, and many of its inhabitants speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. Home to around 5,000 people, it is strategically important for rebels, who are trying to tighten their grip around the capital. It could also be used as a launching point for attacks on the highway between the capital and Homs, a key regime supply route.

The rebels have been in and out of the town since the first assault as they battle with government troops and militia. On Sunday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and residents said rebels, including jihadists linked to Al-Qaeda, had overrun Maalula. But on Tuesday night, the Free Syrian Army said rebels would withdraw to spare the town’s people and heritage, on the condition that the regime kept its forces out as well.

However, they were still in the town yesterday, a Syrian security source said. “The army has not yet retaken Maalula. The battles are raging on, but (the army) is making progress,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

Some rebel groups have accused the army of having deliberately pulled out of the town in the fighting, leaving it open to jihadist capture, as a propaganda ploy to gain sympathy for the Christians there.

A nun from the Mar Takla Greek Orthodox convent in Maalula told AFP by telephone that “there were fierce battles (on Tuesday) but the town was not shelled. We and the orphans we take care of are doing well, but we lack fuel.” Recalling the events of last week, 62-year-old Continued on Page 15

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

LOCAL

KUWAIT: The Ambassador of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Bui Quoc Trung hosted a reception at the Crowne Plaza hotel this week on the occasion of the 68th anniversary of his country’s National Day. A number of high-ranking officials , diplomats and media personnel attended the reception. — Photos by Joseph Shagra

Three dead in traffic accidents in Kuwait Teacher charged with molestation KUWAIT: A man died on the Seventh Ring Road Tuesday after his car was crushed under gravel following an accident with a truck. Firefighters arrived at the scene with paramedics and police shortly after an accident was reported involving a car and a truck loaded with gravel. It turned out that the truck turned sideways and toppled on the car which was trapped under it. The car’s driver, a Kuwaiti man in his twenties, was pronounced dead after firefighters removed his body from the wreck. The body was taken to the forensic department and a case was filed to investigate the circumstances behind the accident. Meanwhile, two people were killed and three others were critically wounded in an accident reported on Wafra Road. Paramedics and police rushed to the scene shortly after receiving an emergency call reporting an overturned car.

Two Kuwaiti men were pronounced dead on the scene while three others were rushed to the Adan Hospital in a critical condition. The bodies were taken to the forensic department after crime scene investigators examined the scene. A case was filed for investigations.

Body identified Crime scene investigators at the Criminal

Investigators Department managed to identify the person whose remains were found in Jahra recently, and also confirmed that the victim was murdered. A homicide investigation was underway after human remains were found by a shepherd at the Khuwaisat desert (north) on Monday.

A woman’s clothes found on the skeleton led detectives to believe that the victim was a woman, and they were able to identify her on Tuesday as a 24-year-old Ethiopian national who worked in Kuwait as a housemaid. Further investigations revealed that the woman last entered Kuwait on April 21, 2012 through the Salmi border checkpoint. Meanwhile, the autopsy report confirmed that the victim was strangled to death and buried more than a year ago.

Investigations are ongoing to reveal the circumstances behind the crime and identify the killer.

Girls molested Investigations are ongoing in a case involving two young girls who were subjected to molestation by their teacher, according to the girls’ father. The case was filed at the Abu Halifa police station on Tuesday where a stateless resident accused an Arab teacher of molesting his two daughters. The girls, aged 9 and 8, reportedly

told their father that the teacher molested them inside the classroom during special studies.

Police are looking to summon the teacher for questioning. Meanwhile, officers at the South Surra police station filed a case after a woman accused her husband’s second wife of molesting her two sons. Police were reportedly taken aback when the Kuwaiti woman said that her sons, aged 8 and 5, were molested at their father’s house by his second wife. A case was filed after officers had to call the Public Prosecutor for confirmation.

Shooting suspect Jahra police arrested a man who admitted that he fired warning shots at a person to make him leave his private property. Police rushed to the Salmi Road on Tuesday where a 44-year-old Kuwaiti man reported that a young man fired shots in his direction. Police arrested the shooter, a Kuwaiti in his twenties, who admitted that he fired a warning shot because he thought the man could be a thief when he spotted him approaching his private property. Police also found out that the rifle that the shooter used was not licensed. The two were referred to the Public Prosecution for further action.

KRCS team continues delivery of food aid to Sudan KHARTOUM: The field team of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) delivered yesterday food aid to hundreds of students from flood-stricken areas in east of the Nile in Khartoum state.

Team leader Ahmed Abdullah Al-Faqaan said that the team, which has been here for two weeks, is continuing delivery of the food supplies to the flood-stricken people in coordination with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society.

He added that the team has distributed food supplies to school students in the east of the Nile areas and to some 240 families in the various regions.

The aid comes in implementation of the directives of the political leadership headed by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and with follow-up by the Cabinet.

The floods have killed some 93 people and displaced some 78,569 families in 50 local regions, according to the health ministry.

The 10th Kuwaiti relief aid aircraft is scheduled to arrive today. —KUNA

Cairo hosts Arab economic, Social Council meeting CAIRO: The preparatory meeting of the 92nd session of the Arab Economic and Social Ministerial Council kicked off here yesterday, with participation of Undersecretary of Kuwait’s Ministry of Finance Sami Al-Saqaabi. Assistant Arab League Secretary General for Economic Affairs Mohammad Tuwaijri said the meeting tackled several key issues relevant to the economic and social development projects in the Arab countries.

The meeting also reviewed the execution of the resolutions of the previous 91st session. Among the issues discussed yesterday were the creation of Arab free trade zone, Arab customs union, Arab industrial and mining development zone, and the appointment of judges for the Arab investment court. The conferees mulled regular support to Palestinian economy and efforts to bolster pan-Arab trade exchange and investments. — KUNA

Kuwaiti youngsters visit Japan’s quake-hit areas TOKYO: Kuwaiti young people have paid a visit to Japan’s quake-hit areas to interact with the disaster victims which helped them learn reconstruction efforts.

The five Kuwaitis, who work for Kuwait Municipality or the Finance Ministry, also rode on Sanriku Railway’s train, which resumed operations with new railcars funded by Kuwait in April after a two-year hiatus.

The trip to the devastated region was a part of exchange program organized by “Japan Future Leaders School” and sponsored by AlSayer Group. According to the organizer, the tour was planned in order to demonstrate Japan’s gratitude to Kuwait for funding the new railcars and refurbishment of damaged station buildings.

The train line, which runs along the Pacific coast of Iwate Prefecture, had suspended after its train cars, rails, bridges and stations were wrecked by a magnitude 9.0-quake and ensuring tsunami on March 11, 2011. In grateful acknowledgment of Kuwait’s assistance, words of “We greatly appreciate the support from the

State of Kuwait” are inscribed on the side of the new cars in Japanese, English and Arabic languages, while the national emblem of Kuwait is drawn at its head and back.

The Kuwaiti youngsters also listened to earthquake experiences from Sanriku Railway employees and other disaster victims. At Ofunato High School, they explained to students that Kuwait’s assistance for the damaged railway was a token of appreciation to Japan for its support to Kuwait during the Iraqi 1990-1991 invasion.

The twin natural disaster left around 19,000 people dead or missing in the northeastern region. Quoted by a local Japanese newspaper, Sakina Al-Azmi from the Finance Ministry said, “I was deeply impressed when I learned that the Japanese people helped and encouraged each other, even total strangers.”

Nouf Al-Muzaini, who also works for the Finance Ministry, told local media, “I feel the strength of the disaster victims working towards reconstruction. I want to let the Kuwaiti people know what is happening in the disaster-

hit areas.” The five people, accompanied by the patrons, also visited the Kuwaiti Embassy in Tokyo to share their experiences in Japan, the embassy said in a statement yesterday.

During their meeting with Deputy Head of Mission Hamad Al-Mulla and Third Secretaries Abdulaziz Al-Dalah and Mohammad AlOthman, the five briefed them on their experiences in Iwate and Miyagi prefectures, the embassy said.

The youths offered their sorrow for the remains of the massive damage caused by the disaster, but at the same time, expressed pleasures of observing sound recovery of the region and gratefulness for warm welcome by the local people who showed their appreciation to Kuwait’s donation.

For their part, the Kuwaiti diplomats thanked them for sharing their precious experiences in Japan, saying, “ This step will contribute to strengthening the bond between the people of two countries.” Al-Mulla also expressed hope that this exchange program helps enrich the connections of the two countries. — KUNA

Commercial Bank present at ACK during registration week KUWAIT: The Commercial Bank of Kuwait was present at the Australian College of Kuwait during registration week to welcome new and returning students.

Staff from the Sales Unit were on hand to assist the students with banking services and especially advise them to open an @Tijari account, which is perfect account for any students joining the university and starting new phase in their lives.

Tijari is a savings account designed for customers aged 15 to 21 years old and

offers its holder countless benefits including discounts at over 12 retailers and a specially designed ATM card.

Students who transfer their monthly social allowance to the Commercial Bank of Kuwait receive an added benefit in the form of a pre-paid VISA card topped up with KD50. The Commercial Bank of Kuwait always promotes the significance of education in Kuwait and tries to support the youth as they enter university or college, being the keystone of Kuwait’s future.

Stolen Farwaniyah Hospital ambulance found KUWAIT: Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Minister of Health Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al-Mubarak AlSabah announced yesterday that the stolen ambulance from the Farwaniya Hospital has been found in Ardiya residential area yesterday.

The minister said that the ambulance was spotted by the intelligence personnel of the Interior Ministry in Ardiya residential area. The minister said that the ambulance was stolen at 12 noon yesterday as the ambulance crew were preoccupied rushing

a patient to the hospital.

He added that the thief got in the ambulance that carried the number 94 and fled the scene.

He added that the emergency medical operations room, in full coordination with the Interior Ministry’s intelligence department, dealt with the situation promptly.

He explained that the ministry’s ambulances are equipped with the latest technological systems, a matter that makes it easier for policemen to spot the vehicle’s movement wherever it is. —KUNA

KUWAIT: Interior Ministry Undersecretary Lt Gen Ghazi Al-Omar honored Al-Qusour Commander Col Ibrahim Al-Daei for his efforts in maintaining security in the area.

Assistant Undersecretary for General Security Affairs, Maj Gen Mahmoud Al-Dousary attended the honoring which took place at the undersecretary’s office in the ministry building.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

LOCAL

Crackdown leads to shortage in number of maids, drivers Sharp increase in taxi charges

By Nawara Fattahova KUWAIT: The recent crackdowns in Kuwait resulted in many illegal laborers being deported. This caused a shortage and many workers with valid residencies decided to make hay while the sun shines and have increased their fees.

Taxi drivers are an example of people who have begun to charge more money. “It’s very hard to find a taxi these days. I think that their number has reduced as many of the taxi drivers were deported. I feel like the taxis have disappeared and the remaining roaming taxis refuse to use the meter and they demand triple the price that I used to pay in the past, according to the meter. I used to take a roaming taxi from Maidan Hawally to Marina Mall which cost me about 500 fils by meter, but now I’m charged KD 2 for the same distances and he refuses to activate the meter. We can’t even bargain like earlier,” grumbled Juan, a 35year-old expat.

24-year-old Hussein noticed a substantial increase in the price of roaming taxis as well. “I don’t use taxis regularly but use it twice a month when I drop my car at the garage. I used to pay KD 1 from Shuwaikh to Salmiya earlier but last week, he demanded KD 2. I also noticed that the airport taxis have increased their price from KD 5 to KD 7.

Maids have also increased their fees. “We had a maid who stayed at our house all the time and we paid her KD 50 every month.

Now we have a maid who comes in three times a week and she works from morning till evening and charges KD 60” said 50-year-old Mohammed.

37-year-old Ibtisam also noticed the shortage of “freelancing” maids and a price rise.

“Last month I brought two maids and I paid them KD 25 to clean my small house consisting of two rooms and they worked for five hours only. They are so expensive and their work is bad. Earlier, maids charged lesser and I used to pay about KD 10 for almost a whole

day. Now it’s hard to find them and I do the work myself, which is better and cheaper,” she noted.

Even the maids from the agency have doubled their prices. “I see that the demand is still great in Kuwait. They increased the prices from KD 500-600 to KD 800 to bring in a maid from Kuwait and KD 1,000 for a maid who is here. These are more expensive because the clients can take her home immediately and not wait for a month or more for the other maid to come to Kuwait. A Filipina maid costs almost the same as a maid from Sri Lanka now,” said 28-year-old Fatma. Drivers have also increased their fees dramatically. “The Kuwaiti citizen is the greatest victim of the crackdowns. We can’t find laborers for our work and business. I used to pay the driver KD 60 earlier and now he demands at least KD 120 and he still thinks it’s less. Also the workers who used to take a salary of KD 100 earlier, now demand KD 200 and still want more,” said Sa’ad, a 30-year-old Kuwaiti.

Kuwaiti, Omani radio officials meet MUSCAT: Assistant Undersecretary of the Kuwaiti Ministry of Information for Radio Affairs, Yousef Mustafa met here yesterday with the Omani Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Radio and Televison Nasser bin Sulaiman bin Hamad Al-Sibani.

The talks dealt with ways to boost relations in various fields, especially radio.

Both officials stressed the importance of exchanging visits, expertise and media del-

egations. The Kuwaiti media delegation’s visit to Oman comes as part of exchanging GCC radio knowledge and to establish programs in foreign languages, Mustafa said a statement.

He added that he also discussed with the Omani radio officials ways to initiate cooperation between the two national radios ahead of Kuwait’s hosting of the GCC Summit later this year. —KUNA

Premier ‘optimistic’ about parliament cooperation

KUWAIT: Kuwait Times press manager Al Watheq Darwish presenting a book entitled ‘Kim Jong Il’ to the Ambassador of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea So Chan Sik during his visit to the newspaper this week. The book was printed in Kuwait Times press.

Traffic chief criticizes ‘non-cooperative’ departments KUWAIT: Maj Gen Abdulfattah Al-Ali has been credited for positive changes seen on roads around Kuwait ever since he assumed post as Undersecretary Assistant for Traffic Affairs at the Interior Ministry five months ago. The senior official recently said that he did not come up with anything new but merely made sure that the existing laws were enforced.

Al-Ali was interviewed by Al-Qabas as he spoke of efforts which have helped reduce traffic violations by 30 percent, cut road deaths and eased traffic jams. “We still have a long way to go because traffic awareness does not happen overnight”, he said, “and there is a lot of work to do before we can reach a level of contentment”.

During the interview Al-Ali criticized several state departments who he accused of being ‘non-cooperative’ with proposals to address the traffic jam problem. “There are ministries who remain unwilling to take simple decisions that can help reduce traffic congestions”, Al-Ali said.

He also criticized the Kuwait municipality for allowing contractors to build apartments with-

out allocating enough parking space. He also indicated that efforts to license parking lots with a capacity of 120 vehicles are often rejected.

On Tuesday Al-Qabas published figures that Al-Ali mentioned during the interview, including withdrawal of 4,000 driver’s licenses which were obtained through wasta, as well as reducing a monthly rate of issuing licenses from 7,000 to 1,200. The official credited extensive traffic campaigns for reducing the average road deaths from 50 to 19 per month. The General Traffic Department in the Interior Ministry launched extensive campaigns last April and these have resulted in thousands of traffic tickets, millions of Kuwaiti dinars collected in fines, and the deportation of thousands of expatriate drivers, in addition to firmer penalties against Kuwaiti offenders. No timetable is set for the end of campaigns and Major General Al-Ali has repeatedly indicated that crackdowns will continue as part of the department’s efforts to reduce traffic jams, curb the number of road fatalities and fight traffic offenses.

Al-Ali also spoke to Al-Rai daily who quoted his statements yesterday in which he reiterated that fines should be paid to avoid a travel ban and suspension of license. According to the senior official, the Interior Ministry has so far managed to collect KD 38 million out of KD 41 million it is owed, and withdrew more than 7,000 out of nearly 20,000 forged licenses issued since 2010.

Meanwhile, Al-Watan quoted an Interior Ministry source yesterday who blamed state departments for “failure of implementing the General Traffic Department’s plans to reduce traffic”. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, the source stated that unnamed state departments have been ignoring offers to change timings that the traffic departments have been proposing since 2005. Major General Al-Ali attended a meeting last week with officials from the Ministry of Education and the Civil Service Commission, but no consensus was reached to change schools timings ahead of the beginning of the academic year. — Al-Qabas, Al-Rai, Al-Watan

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Prime Minister HH Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah admitted that there are flaws in the government’s performance, and promised to take action and “hold the parties at fault accountable”.

The premier made these comments to Al-Qabas daily which further quoted him yesterday acknowledging the fact that the future challenges require a “new approach” to be adopted in “all fields, including the Cabinet as a whole and ministers as individual entities”.

Meanwhile, Al-Sabah identified “law enforcement, development plan and pushing projects forward” as the main priorities to pay attention to.

In addition to that, Al-Sabah insisted that the Cabinet needs to follow up with governmental work and focus on errors which

are “mostly identified”. “Accountability should include every person responsible for an error,” he said.

He further called for “cooperation between the executive and legislative authorities” as a requirement to achieve the government’s goals, expressing ‘optimism’ in the parliament’s cooperation in that regard. In other news, Al-Watan reported yesterday that the prime minister ordered ministers to answer MPs’ questions within two weeks to show a sign of cooperation, according to sources. The sources who spoke on the condition of anonymity further indicated that the Cabinet’s work schedule is being prepared and is set to be presented to the parliament when it resumes sessions on October 29.

— Al-Qabas, Al-Watan

IICO hosts humanitarian response conference KUWAIT: Kuwait’s International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) is hosting the Fourth Annual Conference for Effective Partnership and Information Sharing for Better Humanitarian Action, in cooperation with Kuwaiti Direct Aid charitable committee and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

In press remarks on the event, set for Sept 17-19, IICO Chairman Dr Abdullah Al-Matouq said the conference is held under the auspices of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The focus would be on topics including the role of youth and of the private sector in humanitarian action, as well as unconventional venues in the field of humanitarian response. The participants would also form working groups to tackle more private sector involvement in terms of opportunities, mechanisms, and challenges, he said. The sessions would review some innovative practices in the field by Arab institutions and modules of aid and services provided to Syrian refugees within and beyond Syrian territory. There would also be review of examples of the working mechanisms of donor countries and bodies in the Arab region and the policies regarding support provided to humanitarian action.

There would be particular focus on examples of how strategic partnerships could promote humanitarian response work. There would also be case studies on strategic partnerships in emergency situations and review of examples of successful partnerships of this kind in the Arab region, Al-Matouq remarked.

One important goal of the conference, he added, is to consider new means to bolster efficiency of cooperation among the private sector, NGOs, and international humanitarian and relief organizations.

The role of information technology in supporting action in this field is also a topic, he

said, and how it could increase volume of response and actual product of effort, and the participants would assess the state of affairs of humanitarian partnerships in the Arab region in this respect, compared to other parts of the world.

Amid the increase of volume of both victims and damage resulting from natural disasters, which register unprecedented levels day after day, effective partnerships are closer to the core of humanitarian response than ever before, Al-Matouq pointed out. This is further stressed by the constantly growing volume of humanitarian aid needed which means there is a growing need for mechanisms, information sharing protocols, and strategic planning if humanitarian response is to come close to target.

The conference would consider feasible coordination mechanisms and guarantees for transparency and accountability, and also consider Arab partnerships with leading international aid agencies and stress the need for new communication channels among local, regional, and international relief bodies.

The list of participants for the fourth conference includes Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Dr. Abdul Latif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and UN UnderSecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos.

Also taking part are the IICO Chairman, who also serves as Amiri Diwan Advisor and UN Secretary General Envoy for Humanitarian Affairs, the Board Chairman of Direct Aid Dr. Abdulrahman Al-Muhailan, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Assistant Secretary General Ambassador Atta AlMannan, along with Assistant Secretary General at Arab League for Humanitarian Affairs Ambassador Faeqa Al-Saleh. — KUNA

DOHA: Saad Al-Ali and other officials pictured during their visit to Qatar yesterday.

Kuwait, Qatar news agencies discuss cooperation DOHA: Kuwait News Agency’s Deputy Director General for Editorial Affairs Saad Al-Ali said yesterday that Gulf news agencies have made remarkable progress in developing their media role. During a meeting with Qatar News Agency’s (QNA) Director General Ahmed Saad Al-Buainain, he stressed that KUNA is keen on exchanging experiences with Gulf news agencies in order to promote integration among these nations.

Al-Ali had carried out a tour of the Qatari

news body’s departments and met with several of its leading employees, was presented with a brief explanation on the agency’s work.

The performance of GCC news agencies over the past few years has benefitted greatly from current technological developments, he said, calling for additional efforts in this area to meet the requirements of public and private sector media competitivity with the outside world, said Al-Ali. Meanwhile, he praised steps taken by QNA for cooperation and coordination among

agencies in the Gulf region, stressing the desire to increase this between the two agencies in order to achieve their objectives.

For his part, Al-Buainain praised the Kuwaiti delegation’s visit, which he said enhances cooperation and forms a step towards further developing various fields.

Al-Ali was accompanied by KUNA’s Deputy Chief Editor for Electronic Bulletin Essam AlGhanim and Director of KUNA’s Office in Doha Nawaf Al-Diqbasi. — KUNA

Kuwait attaches utmost importance to human rights CAIRO: Director of the legal department at the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Plenipotentiary, Ghanim Saqer Al-Ghanim said here yesterday that the state of Kuwait is among the first countries which attaches the human rights issue an “utmost importance”.

Al-Ghanim said on the sidelines of the second meeting of the high-level committee of legal experts tasked with preparing the Statute of the Arab Human Rights Court, that the State of Kuwait is keen to participate in all meetings and various events, especially those related to

human rights, noting that this was reflected clearly in Kuwait’s ratification of the Arab Charter on Human rights recently.

He stressed that the Arab states’ agreement on the establishment of the Arab Court for Human Rights reflects the evolution of interest in the concepts of human rights in Arab countries and the right of the Arab national for a dignified life.

He added that the second meeting of the Committee on Human Rights comes in implementation of the decision of the Arab League

Council at its 24th session, as well as an implementation of the resolutions of the Arab Summit that was held in Qatar last March to adopt the proposal to establish an Arab Human Rights Tribunal, in accordance with a proposal submitted by King of Bahrain Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.

Al-Ghanim pointed out that the meeting would consider the draft statute of the Arab Court for Human Rights, in addition to observations made by a number of countries, adding that it was agreed to name the project “The Statute of the Arab Court of Human Rights”.—KUNA

KUWAIT: The narcotics department arrested an Arab, an ex-convict, for trading in drugs. He had 2kg of hashish in his possession at the time of his arrest. He said that the drugs were for his own use and for sale. He was referred to concerned authorities. — Photo by Hanan Al-Saadoun

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

LOCAL

Kuwait ‘lead player’ on Arab labor scene Strong, unique standing CAIRO: On its 45th anniversary of joining the Arab Labor Organization (ALO), Kuwait is “showing the same enthusiasm and care as an active member as it did upon joining in September 1968,” shortly after the launch of the Arab League affiliate, said the ALO chief yesterday. ALO Director General of the Arab Labor Organization Ahmed Luqman noted the member state’s unique representation and participation in ALO constitutional and systemic bodies through chairing the board of directors and its efforts to bolster the ALO’s role on all issues falling within its competence.

Luqman pointed out ALO is the first Arab organization specialized in the affairs of and care for workers and laborers on regional level and is unique for its three-party representation system which means that governments, employers, and workers are all included in debates and involved in ALO functions and decision-making. Kuwait, he added, was always the most represented state, whether at the annual conference or meetings of sub-committees.

The annual conference, he stressed, is where all groups and sectors and circles meet and the representatives of these groups include ministers of labor, ministers of social affairs, heads of labor unions and professional associations, and heads of chambers of commerce and industry. Kuwait, he said, was always prominently represented and highly interactive and always keeping up with results and recommendations of meetings and workshops and keen on sharing experiences and expertise to best address the issues at hand. The focus and topics for discussion change from year to year, he said, in tune with

international political, social, and economic developments and state of affairs. The overall direction, however, stays within the ALO general objectives.

The official further praised Kuwaiti contributions and recalled that the Arab Economic, Social, and Development Summit the Gulf state hosted back in 2009 was the most important summit in recent history and a true water-shed moment for the region. The Kuwait summit, he elaborated, discussed and focused on the most pressing issue at present in the Arab region, and that was unemployment, which affects every Arab housel hold.

“The summit also fittingly stressed solutions for this problem include development and fine-tuning of scientific, technical, and vocational training and related programs. “Focus on such issue and addressing it in that manner reflects awareness and care on the part of the Kuwaiti leadership regarding the Arab region’s most pressing concern.”

The ALO chief further pointed out that this direction and focus was adopted by the subsequent Arab economic summits with the stress on reducing unemployment rates, development projects, new job markets for younger generations in particular, as well as stress on care for youth’s theoretical knowledge as well as their technological competence. Luqman also praised Kuwait’s “strong and unique standing in terms of union and syndicate action which he considered a natural by-product of the country’s long history of distinguished democratic practice.”

Kuwait is a pioneering state in terms of founding unions and professional syndicates, and the ALO board has much to gain at

present from membership of the head of National Union of Kuwait Workers Fayez Al-Mutairi who now serves as head of the unions and freedoms committee, Luqman remarked.

During a conference held in Baghdad for Arab ministers of labor, the decision was taken and approval secured for the establishment of the Arab Labor Organization, in the presence of representatives of Algeria, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Egypt, Morocco, and Yemen.

ALO objectives include, “Coordination of efforts in the field of employment in Arab and international conferences; Development and maintenance of the rights and freedoms of association; the unification of labor legislation and working conditions in the Arab countries as possible, including the preparation of a manual classification of professionals; to undertake studies and research in the area of manpower planning and employment of women, juveniles, and problems related to industry, trade and services, agriculture, industrial, and security industries and micro-culture and classification of labor, cooperatives and professional productivity.

They also include providing “technical assistance in the field of employment, and a plan for the social security system, vocational training, and the preparation of the dictionary of the Arab action; Development of Arab human resources through programs and activities of manpower planning and the fight against unemployment, and to create employment opportunities for women, and to facilitate the movement of Arab labor and attention to the situation of Arab workers, migrants.”— KUNA

Zain opens four new outlets to reach 80 across Kuwait KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications company in Kuwait, reinforced its leading position in the market by opening four new branches in Bnaid Al-Gar, Salmiya, Mahboola, and Adaliya. These latest store openings bring the total number of outlets operated by Zain to 80, the highest number of locations run by a mobile operator in Kuwait, supporting the company’s credentials in serving the largest customer base in the country.

The newly opened branches are set to reinforce Zain’s high level of customer service and convenience, together with offering the latest in devices, accessories, packages, promotions, and advice.

Ahmad Al-Kandari, Zain Kuwait’s Sales Director said: “Zain consistently looks at ways to improve its wonderful retail experience for its large customer base, and this includes convenience. The opening of these additional four stores is further evidence of our commit-

ment to giving customers what they want right where they need it.”

Through Zain’s expansive branch network, customers can benefit from easy and convenient access to the variety of services and products offered, fulfilling the company’s expansion strategy focusing on developing branches in densely populated residential and commercial areas.

Furthermore Al-Kandari said: “Our customer base now exceeds 2.4 million customers, and we take our responsibility to stay close and in tune with them very seriously.

Zain’s successful distribution channel through our own branches as well as authorized dealers, allows us to process customers’ requests and concerns swiftly and efficiently.”

Al-Kandari concluded by emphasizing how proud Zain is of being the market leader in Kuwait and how the company will continue to exceed the expectations of its customer base in appreciation of their loyalty.

News

in brief

Awqaf ministry strategy KUWAIT: Undersecretary of Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Dr Adel Al-Falah said yesterday the ministry succeeded in achieving its objectives through a scientific-based strategy and planning coupled with team-work spirit. AlFalah made the remarks during a ceremony to honor his former assistant for coordination, foreign relations and Hajj Dr. Mutlaq Al-Qarawi on the occasion of his retirement. Al-Falah paid tribute to Al-Qarawi’s relentless efforts to the development of administrative work, wishing him the best of luck in his personal life. AlQarawi thanked everyone in the ministry for their support throughout his career with the objective of serving the country and soceity.

KPTC to examine new payments KUWAIT: Kuwait Public Transport Company affirmed yesterday it was awaiting new proposals regarding the workers’ pay scale at the upcoming board meeting. The company said in a statement the administration was devising a three-year strategy that envisages a new organizational structure for securing its progress, but indicated that the issue required some procedural paper work. According to the strategy, national cadres will be subject to training, it said, denying any disputes between the company labor union and the management. The labor federation had declared plans for a phased strike starting Sept 22, protesting low payments and poor work environment. The management reacted in a statement charging that the union publicized misleading information, but affirmed support for all the workers’ rights according to standing laws and rules, indicating that the Civil Service Commission had turned down requests to approve a new pay scale.

China-Arab States Expo TOKYO: Ambassador to China Mohammad AlThuwaikh hailed Kuwait’s participation in the 2013 China-Arab States Expo in China’s Ningxia this September, adding it will act as a platform to enhance international cooperation between the two regions accross key areas. Kuwait, greatly supported by its wise leadership, is keen on boosting cooperation with China in various fields, especially on trade, the economy, development and culture, said the ambassador. The Kuwaiti delegation to the expo will be headed by the Minister of Commerce and Industry Anas Khalid Al-Saleh, with the participation of both government and private sector representatives.

Al-Shimali arrives in Seoul for Asian energy meeting SEOUL: Kuwaiti Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Oil Mustafa Al-Shimali arrived in Seoul yesterday to attend a ministerial meeting of Asia’s major oil-producing and consuming economies. Ministers and high-ranking officials in charge of energy resources from 21 countries and three international organizations are set to gather on Thursday as part of their efforts to build sustainable energy cooperation between energy producers and consumers in the Asian continent, which would account for around 75 percent of the world’s incremental demand growth for energy over the next 20 years.

Al-Shimali is scheduled to deliver a speech at the regional meeting, and hold a series of talks with other Asian energy leaders on the sidelines. High on the agenda at the Fifth Asian Ministerial Energy Roundtable Meeting is energy demand and supply outlooks in Asia, strategic petroleum reserve in Asia and its impact on the global oil market, and enhanced cooperation in the Asian oil trade market.

The energy leaders are also expected to discuss gas pricing mechanism and renewable energy and energy efficiency in the region, as well as the ways to promote technological cooperation and joint research and exchange of skilled professionals.—KUNA

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

LOCAL Flydubai relocates to Saad Al-Abdullah Terminal KUWAIT: Dubai-based low cost airline, Flydubai, will be shifting its flight operations in Kuwait to the Saad Al-Abdullah Airport Terminal as of Saturday. The move was approved by both the airline and the body administering the terminal building, said head of operations at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Essam Al-Zamil.

The airline will be operating eight flights a day to Dubai from the terminal on its Airbus A320 aircraft - with the first arriving from Dubai on Sunday at 3:10am and departing 40 minutes later. Al-Zamil welcomed travellers on the airline to head to the terminal instead of the main Kuwait International Airport building. DGCA is looking to ease procedures and improve services at the newly reopened building - a move which comes amidst Kuwait International Airport’s vast expansion plans as the number of travellers in the country increases, he added.—KUNA KUWAIT: Indian Navy’s Rear Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla (left) addresses a press conference on board INS Mysore yesterday as Indian Ambassador Satish C Mehta looks on.

(Right) The ambassador on board INS Mysore with Admiral Chawla. — Photos by Sajeev K Peter

Indian Navy looks to boost relations with Kuwait Navy Bilateral maritime heritage in focus

By Sajeev K Peter KUWAIT: The Indian Navy seeks to bolster its relations with Kuwait Navy by taking defense cooperation between the two countries to a new level, said a visiting naval official here yesterday. Addressing a press conference on board INS Mysore, one of the two Indian ships arrived in Kuwait on a goodwill visit, Rear Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla, NM, VSM, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Fleet, said the visit, part of Indian Navy’s normal overseas deployment, aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties and cooperation between the two countries.

Two Indian ships-INS Mysore, an indigenously designed destroyer class of ship and INS Tarkash, the second of the Teg class frigates, arrived in Kuwait on Tuesday.

Two other ships on a similar mission are currently stationed in Qatar. As the two ships sail off tomorrow after the three-day visit, they will hold joint naval exercises with the Kuwait Navy.

“India has a very ancient maritime tradition. India’s interactions with our friends in the Gulf region go back more than three-and-half millennia. We like to see ourselves as part of this continuing tradition of maritime interaction between India and the Gulf countries, particularly Kuwait with whom India has very warm relations, especially in the years after the independence of both countries,” Admiral Chawla told a group of journalists who were invited to visit the Indian ships anchored at Shuwaikh port.

“During this visit, we will hold high-level discussions with the Kuwaiti defense establishment in addition to talks on issues of mutual interest that will take the relations between the countries to a new level. I hope this will also open up more avenues of cooperation,” he said.

Indian Ambassador Satish C Mehta, while introducing the naval officers, said the visit of the two Indian ships takes place after a gap of six years. It may be recalled that Indian ships INS Rajput and INS Betwa had visited Kuwait in 2007.

“Traditionally, Indian Navy enjoys very good relations with Kuwaiti armed forces. These relations have witnessed a spurt in the recent times following the exchange of highlevel visits. We hope that the visit of these ships will further strengthen the relations between the two countries. It can also create opportunities of training for both navies,” Admiral Chawla said. He also expressed the navy’s willingness to build ships for Kuwait Navy or the government.

India and Kuwait are also members of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS), a voluntary and co-operative initiative between 35 countries of the Indian Ocean Region, which has served as an ideal forum for sharing of information and cooperation on maritime issues.

“We are the largest regional resident navy present in the Indian Ocean. We call it a six-dimensional navy because it has ships, aircraft, aircraft carriers, submarines and marine commandos in addition to capabilities that span the cyber and space arenas as well,” Admiral Chawla

said. The visiting ships form part of the Indian Navy’s western fleet under the Western Naval Command and are based in Mumbai. The group is headed by Admiral Chawla, who is flying his flag INS Mysore. INS Tarkash is commanded by Captain Antony George NM VSM, an anti-submarine warfare specialist. Indian Navy has a fleet of 131 ships and 200 aircraft of different types.

“Indian Navy sees itself as a force for peace in the region for the last 60 odd years after independence. Its main mission is to ensure peace and stability in the region. We are ready to offer assistance to our friends as required by them,” he added.

Talking about the indigenization plan of the Indian Navy, Admiral Chawla said 46 ships are currently being built in India . “INS Mysore is designed and built in India as we have our own design bureau. One of our primary objectives is to indigenize aircraft carriers,” he informed.

Answering a question regarding the involvement of Indian Naval ships in combating piracy off the coast of Somalia since October 2008, he said, “Piracy has been largely contained and rolled back close to the coasts of Somalia. A large number of ships from many countries are deployed here. Two Indian ships are also in the troubled waters. Over the last one year, the region has been largely incident-free barring a few piracy attempts. It is a continuing effort and the issues will not completely be resolved until the disputes over the land are settled,” he pointed out.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

LOCAL kuwait digest

In my view

Blame it on the expat

L

No time to waste

By Mohammad Al-Awadhi

et us talk more about facts... According to official statistics, there are more than 2.5 million expatriates in Kuwait where the population is nearly 4 million. 55 percent of foreigners are of Asian nationalities whereas 40 percent are Arabs. If we try to classify the expatriate community based on their jobs, why can divide it into three categories: Domestic workers who include housemaids, drivers, and keepers (of private properties), who mostly are of Asian nationalities. Low-wage workers including construction workers, cleaning workers, farmers, etc. Most of these jobs have gradually shifted in the past few years to be dominated by Asian nationalities as well.

Medium- and high-wage workers including teachers and imams all the way to managers, doctors and university professors. Arab residents of Kuwait are mostly found in these jobs including those who used their living to start a family and raise kids who grew up to start their own families here. And while it is safe to say that Kuwaitis would never consider accepting jobs in the first two categories, we can say that the government’s ‘Kuwaitization’ plans or replacement of foreign workers with national labor forces are focused in the third categories. This resulted in a series of laws and restrictions in the past few decades that increased the burden of living on Arab expatriates who feel that their livelihoods are being limited, their savings are being drained, and as if they are being asked ‘politely’ to leave the country.

Non-guaranteed contracts, the sponsorship system, visa renewal fees, medical insurance, private school tuitions, extremely high rents for cell-like apartments, restrictions on obtaining driver’s licenses and enrolling children in local colleges. All these add to the financial burden and responsibility on the shoulders of the majority of expatriates the moment they are born or arrive to Kuwait, and without any glimmer of hope that the weight could be eased any time before they die.

Obtaining a Kuwaiti nationality remains a dream even for stateless residents who meet requirements for naturalization as well as children of Kuwaiti women. I would say from my own knowledge that the Kuwaiti citizenship could be the hardest to get in the whole world. I understand that there are ‘matters of sovereignty’ that make any discussion on that regard seem useless, and I am not interested in making comparisons between Kuwait and the West where in some countries a person can obtain full citizenship rights after living there for five years. But there is a question in my mind which I hope decision-makers and national security experts could provide an answer for: What is the ‘reward’ or advantage that an Arab expatriate gets after working for decades in Kuwait during which they live a decent life for the majority of their lives without creating any problems? Why is it that an expatriate who lives a noble life never finds any form of appreciation for honoring the law and regulations during the 10, 20, 30 or sometimes even 40 or 50 years of their stay in Kuwait?

Appreciation and reward still take a backseat behind ‘arrogant’ regulations and restrictions that continue to enslave expatriates regardless of age under the so-called sponsorship system.—Al-Rai

F

kuwait digest

Reforms in education field

By Dr Shamlan Y Al-Essa

I

may be wrong but I believe that some members of parliament are responsible for sabotaging issues in the country because of their popular ambitions. We mention this after statements were made by new MP Osama Al-Tahoos following the meeting of the parliamentary education committee with the education minister.

Accusations against the education minister are not justified, because he is a minister trying to reform public education in general and private education in particular. Members of parliament are politicians who do not understand anything about education, its impor tance or necessity.

International tests in the educational field have proven that education in Kuwait is deteriorating, especially in the fields of science, math and foreign languages. Other countries are making it harder nowadays to admit students in universities, and our MPs are trying to reduce the admission percentage to appease laidback students who do not want to be educated in the first place.

I say to our MPs, that we at the college of social sciences, political science department, have stu-

dents who got 75-80 percent, and despite that they cannot write a few lines in Arabic or English to express their views on issues discussed.

I hoped that MPs in the education committee could take responsibility and really care about education and enquire about what our kids should be learning, the books and curricula, the educational standard and culture involved.

Experience tells us that Asian countries, particularly South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, China and India are outstanding in education because they want to compete with others in the field of globalization.

The world is demanding a multi-skilled workforce which means that we do not want ordinary degrees and graduates who can only be employees of a revenue state. We hope the education committee will ask the minister how education can be developed and modernized. We do not exaggerate when we say that the main reason for extremism and religious zealousness is because education has been politicized and has deteriorated further. — Al-Watan

kuwait digest

Kuwaiti vs US lawmakers

U

By Terki Al-Azmi

pon reading news about congressmen in the United States turning to their voters in order to determine their stance on a strike on Syria, I tried comparing that with members of the Kuwaiti parliament who mostly claim to follow the West’s democratic practices. In America, the people have a voice that their representatives always listen to and based on that, take decisions. And while the US parliament is different from Kuwait’s, I believe that the major difference is found in cultural reasons.

First of all, our distinguished MPs visit voters restlessly during election campaigns, but are rarely seen once they make it to the parliament. Second, many MPs claim to be in love with the West’s democratic practices yet fail to apply them locally, and this is where culture and social composition play a role in increasing the gap between MPs and voters.

Despite that, you find candidates succeed in getting elected regardless of having a history of unfulfilled promises. Third, many decision-makers try to apply practices of institutions in Western countries in Kuwait without paying attention to the differences between the local society and Western ones.

Without going through those topics in detail, I would like our distinguished MPs to understand democratic practices and respect voters consulting them before taking decisions. Without voters, they would have never reached the parliament and ignoring voters would therefore be a mistake if MPs truly wanted to practice true democracy.

Speaking of which, where is the opposition? There cannot be a true democratic practice without the presence of an opposition that prevents unilateralism in decisionmaking. Therefore, MPs are urged to respect different opinions expressed in a very logical and mature approach, because claiming that you do not need to consult people with experience before taking a decision that pertains to their field is definitely a disorderedly approach. Meanwhile, attempting to force Western concepts on the Kuwaiti society contributes to the destruction of the local culture. The news about American congressm e n c o n s u l t i n g w i t h t h e i r vo t e r s h a s grabbed my attention at a time when we cannot even find our lawmakers to discuss issues pertaining to critical decisions they are about to take. What kind of democratic practice do we have then? —Al-Rai

By Amina Semlali

rom the exhilaration of popular revolution to the tragedy of on-going conflict, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has occupied a prominent place in the headlines. Yet there is another, often silent, drama that is not receiving the attention it deserves.

It is playing out in both rich and poor countries, albeit in different forms. A series of alarming statistics reveal a deterioration in the overall health of the people of the region.

This trend is aggravated by underfunded public health systems that provide limited and low quality care.

MENA governments commit on average only eight percent of their national budgets to healthcare. This compares with an average of 17 percent in OECD countries. One significant consequence of this low spending is that individuals are made to shoulder the majority of the costs for care.

It often forces households, poorer ones especially, into making the difficult choice between spending on health or other necessities, such as food and education.

In Yemen, the statistics for malnutrition and stunting have reached harrowing proportions. Close to 60 percent of children are stunted and are at an increased risk of death due to malnutrition. The region is currently paying a high social cost for the lack of attention paid to public health, and these costs will grow ever more severe in the absence of concerted action. Obesity is nearing epidemic proportions in MENA, with some of the highest rates in the world.

In Egypt, half of all women are obese and one fifth of all men - landing them in the global top 20 for obesity.

Among women, Kuwait ranks second globally with 55.2 percent of its female population considered obese. Other Middle Eastern countries which made it to the Global Top 20 for female obesity include the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (42.0 percent), Bahrain (37.9 percent), and Jordan (37.9 percent).

The obesity rates are not much better for men. Within the top 20 countries globally, 29.6 percent of Kuwaiti men are obese followed closely by UAE (24.5 percent), Saudi Arabia (23.0 percent), and Bahrain (21.2 percent). Obesity is closely linked to chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death and disability in the Arab world, while high blood pressure is the second leading cause (and has been for the past 20 years).

At the same time, alongside obesity, there are high levels of child under/malnutrition and stunting across the region. In Egypt, 30 percent of children below five years of age are stunted, while 20 percent of children within the same age category are obese. The statistics also reveal significant regional inequalities, with children in rural areas experiencing higher rates of stunting compared to urban areas. In Yemen, the statistics for malnutrition and stunting have reached emergency proportions. Close to 60 percent of children are stunted and are at an increased risk of death due to malnutrition. Other countries that have a high burden of child under/malnutrition include Morocco, Iraq, Libya and Syria.

While under-nutrition can threaten the lives of young children, it also has long-term effects such as impaired cognitive development. This can affect everything from school performance to productivity and earnings in later adult life.

Undernourished children may be particularly sensitive to weight gain as adults, with an increased risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Turning to young people in the region, and young men specifically, their main cause of death currently is road traffic accidents. In one year 35,900 young men died due to traffic injuries (2010). Although death due to traffic accidents is the third largest killer in the Arab world - for people of all ages - (a total of 73,500 people of all ages perished in 2010) young people are disproportionally affected.

Also a large killer of children after their first year of life, with the 3,950 casualties in 2010, road traffic accidents are robbing the region of its future generations!

The region is at a critical historical juncture and with it comes also a window of opportunity to transform its health systems - an opportunity to move from only treating sickness to instead focus on preserving and promoting health Depression is the leading cause of illness for women in MENA. It is especially women between the ages of 15 and 49 that are affected. In fact, the prevalence of depression among women in MENA is ranked higher than any other region. While men in MENA are also more prone to depression, the percentage gap between men and women is higher in MENA than all other regions, with the exception of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Despite all of these daunting health challenges governments are not focusing on preventive interventions.

Prevention could result in tremendous future savings - but most importantly it could improve long-term health and protect people from future suffering. There are several factors that impact health, many of which lie outside the health sector itself, such as education, sanitation, roads, environment, etc. Preventive care can be achieved through policies aimed at behavioural risk factors.

The Arab world presents a good environment for successful prevention. The region has high literacy rates and relatively good media coverage; critical elements for effective, mass scale public information campaigns. In addition, school enrolment rates are high so targeted school-based interventions on road safety, diet and nutrition etc. could work well. The challenges, therefore, are more about leadership, which is essential to establish the vision and strategies for effective public policies that advocate for better public health.

With low government spending on healthcare, households in the middle-income countries must cover almost 40 percent of all health care costs themselves. Patients in the low income countries have to cover a full 55 percent of healthcare costs out of their own pockets. Unfortunately, many cannot afford these medical expenses so people either chose to forgo much needed medical care or face impoverishment as a result.

The low public financing for health compromises both access and quality of care. Patient experiences at health facilities across the region are characterized by long waiting lines, absent providers, lack of privacy and informal payments. Satisfaction with existing health services is very low region-wide. As one Egyptian woman expressed it: “A public hospital is where you lose your life... a private one is where you lose your money”.

In order to address the daunting challenges fair and accountable health systems have to be developed, according to a new World Bank strategy for engaging in health in MENA. Fairness - the absence of systematic disparities could be achieved through prevention and care and the just distribution of the burden of costs according to people’s ability to pay. Accountability - responsibility and answerability- would require that services are effective, safe, cost-conscious, and patient-centred.

The region is at a critical historical juncture and with it comes also a window of opportunity to transform its health systems - an opportunity to move from only treating sickness to instead focus on preserving and promoting health. There is no time to waste.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Cape Town gang wars put children in the firing line

Western oilmen in Iraq brace for Syria backlash Page 8

Page 9

Islamists slay 12 Alawites in Syria village Rise of hardline Islamists unnerves Western powers

BEIRUT: Fighters from an Al-Qaeda-linked rebel group killed 12 members of the minority Alawite sect in central Syria after seizing their village, an opposition monitoring group said yesterday. Alawites are an offshoot sect of Shiite Islam and have been increasingly targeted by radical fighters among the Sunni Muslimdominated opposition in the 2-1/2 year revolt against President Bashar AlAssad, himself an Alawite.

Under four decades of Assad family rule, Alawites have made up most of the political and military elite in Syria. The rise of hardline Islamists in the rebellion and the possibility of major attacks on minorities like Alawites have contributed to a Western hesitancy to intervene directly in the conflict. The latest killings occurred after rebels of the Nusra Front, which is affiliated with Al-Qaeda, stormed the village of Maksar Al-Hesan east of the city of Homs on Tuesday, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The Observatory, which has a network of sources across Syria, cited residents and medics in its report.

Nusra Front fighters then shot dead at least 12 Alawite civilians in the village, the Observatory’s director Rami Abdelrahman said, including some women and elderly. He said the reason behind the killings was unclear, but they may have been executions. Waleed Al-Fares, an activist in Homs, denied rebels had killed civilians in the area and said that Alawites who died on Tuesday were killed while fighting on the government’s side.

Al-Qaeda-associated groups in the opposition have pledged to avenge an apparent chemical weapons attack outside Damascus that killed between 500 and 1,400 people on Aug 21, according to activist reports. The opposition and Western powers say Assad’s forces were behind the attack. His government denies it. The Islamist insurgents’ “Eye for an Eye” campaign has targeted Alawite areas in particular.

Within hours after Nusra fighters swept into Maksar Al-Hesan, government forces retook the village in clashes that killed at least two government fighters and a number of rebels, the Observatory said. US President Barack Obama had been pushing for a military strike on Syria to punish Assad for the chemical weapons attack, but has been held up by domestic and international political wrangling. On Tuesday Obama pledged to explore a Russian proposal for Syria to place its chemical weapons under international control but pledged to keep military forces ready to strike if it failed.

Ground fighting and air strikes have continued in nearly every province of Syria, often killing more than 1,000 people a week.

Some 3,000 people - around a third of them civilians have been killed in Syria since Aug. 22, the day after the alleged chemical attack, according to the Observatory. In a separate incident on Tuesday, unknown gunmen killed a family of four from AlMatras, a village of minority Turkmen in the coastal Tartous province, the Observatory said. — Reuters

Syria’s chemical weapons; decades to build, years to destroy AMSTERDAM: If Saddam Hussein’s Iraq is anything to go by, destroying Syria’s massive chemical weapons arsenal will mean checking dozens of far-flung sites in a war zone while the government employs delaying tactics to hide the banned munitions, an expert involved in past UN disarmament missions said. Bashar Al-Assad’s chemical weapons network comprises remote underground bunkers where hundreds of tons of nerve agents are stored, scud missiles and artillery shells, possibly armed with cyanide, and factories deep inside hostile territory used to produce mustard or VX gas, experts believe.

“It’s big. He has one of the biggest chemical weapons programs in the region and even in the world,” said Dieter Rothbacher, a former UN weapons inspector in Iraq who trained members of the team that just returned from Syria. “There are calculations that to secure them up to 75,000 ground troops are needed,” he said in a Reuters interview. “It took us three years to destroy that stuff under UN supervision in Iraq.”

First there needs to be an iron-clad agreement, either by Syria joining the Chemical Weapons Convention, but more likely in the form of a UN Security Council agreement, in

which Damascus relinquishes control of the weapons. It could be similar to Iraq, where a UN Security Council resolution forcing Iraq to declare and destroy its chemical weapons.

Certain militaries are already preparing for that scenario, Rothbacher said.

Russia proposed on Monday that Damascus could avoid U.S. military action to punish it for allegedly using chemical weapons in an attack in Damascus last month by agreeing to put its stockpiles under international control.

The Syrian chemical weapons program, set up in the 1970s, reportedly with assistance from Iran and Russia and supplies of raw chemicals from Western companies, was designed to counter Israel.

Its stockpile is believed by Western intelligence to be spread over dozens of sites and includes research and development centers and multiple production sites, some of them underground.

Along with Egypt and Israel, Syria is one of just seven countries that is not a member of the 1993 Chemical Weapons Convention, overseen by the Hague-based Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons.

Even if Syria follows through with the Russian

plan drafted this week to let inspectors in, history also shows there is no guarantee of smooth sailing.

CAT-AND-MOUSE TACTICS Syria’s civil war, now in its third year, has already cost 100,000 lives, excluding as many as 1,400 believed to have been killed in the gas attack in Damascus on Aug 21, and security will be a major concern. “Cruise missiles were coming in when we were stationed in Baghdad and we were flying out every day for the destruction,” said Rothbacher, who now co-owns a weapons training consultancy, Hotzone Solutions.

Inspectors would begin by mapping out suspected locations and visiting them, then assemble chemicals and munitions at a purpose-built destruction facility. “The Iraqis had moved all their munitions. They moved the bulk (chemicals). They spread it out, which made our work much more difficult,” Rothbacher said, describing how Saddam’s forces tried to undermine their efforts.

US officials believe Syria has been moving its chemical stocks, which will make it harder to account for them. Assad spent decades building an arsenal to deter the militarily

superior Israel, which reportedly has both conventional and non-conventional weapons.

Elements of the Syrian military and intelligence apparatus consider destroying the chemical weapons a huge sacrifice that will compromise Syria’s regional strategic position and possibly weaken them domestically.

Some exper ts believe the chemical weapons destruction cannot go ahead during war and warned that Assad may apply the delaying tactics used by Saddam to throw off inspectors.

“He knows that the inspectors must have the cooperation of the inspected state and he cer tainly saw in chapter and verse how Saddam Hussein’s Iraq repeatedly did everything to hinder the inspectors,” said Amy Smithson, an expert in chemical warfare at the Monterey Institute of International Studies.

Another priority will be ensuring the weapons don’t fall into the hands of militant groups seeking to further destabilize the region.

“It’s a tricky business to keep iron-clad control of multiple chemical sites that are located in urban settings that are themselves engulfed in an urban war,” Smithson said. —Reuters

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Memories flood back in Halabja after Syria gas attack HALABJA: Mired in a years-long war, a strongman uses chemical weapons against his own people-the story is one the people of Halabja know all too well.

As accusations are leveled against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad over the alleged use of chemical weapons on the outskirts of Damascus last month, memories come flooding back for residents of this small Kurdish town in north Iraq. And despite sharp differences between dictator Saddam Hussein’s 1988 gassing of thousands of Kurds and the allegations being made against Assad, many in Halabja see only parallels.

“I heard the news on the radio that there were chemical attacks in a village near Damascus,” said Mohammed Amin Hussein, sitting in a cafe in Halabja, which lies near the Iranian border in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region. “I am very, very sad-it reminds me of that day in the spring of 1988, when Iraqi aircraft attacked Halabja.” In March 1988, near the end of the 1980-1988 Iran-Iraq war, the Iraqi army bombed the farming community of Halabja after Iranian-backed Kurdish rebels took it over, before Iraqi jets swooped over it for five hours and sprayed it with nerve agents.

An estimated 5,000 people were killed-mostly women and children-in what is now thought to have been the worst ever gas attack targeting civilians. “That day, in a few minutes, all of the people of Halabja became afraid,” Hussein recalled. Turning his attention to the suspected chemical attack in Syria, the elderly man, who lost his 10-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter in 1988, said simply: “It’s the same as Halabja.”

Western powers have pointed the finger at Assad’s regime for the August 21 chemical weapons attacks near Damascus that killed hundreds and prompted the threat of punitive military strikes by

US President Barack Obama. The Syrian regime and its international allies, however, have denied the charges and blamed rebel forces. By contrast, the United States steadfastly backed Saddam through his eight-year war with Iran, with recently-declassified documents showing Washington was aware of

his use of chemical weapons, according to Foreign Policy magazine.

The initial reporting of both incidents also differ markedly. In 1988, the Halabja massacre was brought to international attention thanks initially to Iranian journalists, followed by a British television

HALABJA: Security guards sit at the entrance of a memorial in the memory of the victims of a gas attack by the Iraqi army in 1988 in Halabja near the Iranian border in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish region. — AFP

crew. The Damascus attack, however, has already been extensively documented thanks to a swathe of photos, videos and first-hand accounts posted on the Internet. Both the US government and New York-based rights group Human Rights Watch have cited videos posted online in their arguments blaming Assad. “The fact I’m able to ... see these munitions in the videos, I’ve been piecing it together with that,” said Eliot Higgins, who posts detailed analyses of weapons used in the two-and-a-halfyear-old Syrian conflict on his Brown Moses blog.

“Not only that, I can talk to activists on Skype.”

Higgins has gained notoriety over the course of the Syrian conflict by documenting arms employed on both sides by spending hours every day sifting through online videos and photos from his home just outside Leicester, in England.

“That, in and of itself, is hugely different from what happened in Iraq-it’s night and day.” Whatever the differences, though, for the residents of Halabja, the chemical attack in Ghouta raises nothing but bad memories and associations. “I saw the news about the chemical attacks on various Arab TV channels,” said Rustum Karim, a 60-year-old farmer sitting in the same cafe as Hussein. “I told my sons to change the channel right away-it reminds me of the tragedy that happened in our city.”

Others drew larger parallels, between two Baathist regimes-although Saddam’s branch of the Baath Party and Assad’s split in the 1960s, their historic origins are linked-fighting a long-running battle. “The Syrian regime is also a Baathist regime, just like the Iraqi regime” (of Saddam), said Maryam Hawari, who lost two of her brothers in the 1988 gassing when she was just 10. “They are both dictatorial regimes, and to keep their power, they used the most dangerous weapons.” — AFP

Western oilmen in Iraq brace for Syria backlash Shiite militia threat rises against Western targets

OSLO: A file picture shows US President Bill Clinton (center) standing between PLO leader Yasser Arafat (right) as he shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Yitzahk Rabin after signing a historic agreement on Palestinian autonomy in the occupied territories. — AFP

20 years on, historic Oslo accords seen as false dawn RAMALLAH: Twenty years after the historic Oslo accords, seen then as the cornerstone of an imminent peace settlement, Israelis and Palestinians had to be dragged back to the negotiating table following conflicts and political deadlock. With Palestinian officials admitting the latest US-brokered talks are “doomed to failure” and Israel stepping up settlement construction, analysts see outside pressure as the only way to reach an agreement.

“Both sides will have to... restrain the extremists. The enemies of peace are within both camps,” Yossi Beilin, a mastermind of the Oslo accords, wrote in Israel’s Haaretz newspaper. Pro-settlement ministers in Israel’s ruling coalition, including Housing Minister Uri Ariel, oppose any withdrawal from occupied Palestinian territory and even the creation of a state for the Palestinians.

Success in the talks is “so dependent on the players,” agreed Palestinian negotiator Nabil Shaath, speaking to journalists this week.

“I thought when Oslo started that it had a strong opportunity for success.

“There were two leaders who were dedicated to make it work,” he said of then Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, who sealed the accords with a handshake on the White House lawn on September 13, 1993. But given the current climate, “it should not be just bilateral negotiations and just bilateral agreements because the balance of power (firmly in Israel’s favor) makes it impossible to implement,” Shaath said.

“There has to be international involvement ... and there has to be a commitment ... to monitor implementation and take steps needed if any party violates” tacit agreements.” Settlement building, to which the Palestinians had long demanded a halt before negotiating, was stepped up with Israel’s announcement before talks on August 14 of more than 2,000 new settler homes, infuriating Palestinian negotiators.

The last round of talks in 2010 broke down within weeks over the settlements issue. “The presence of a third party is vital in a situation where the two sides themselves are not initiating anything,” Beilin said. “When the leaders of the two sides believe that the status quo is tolerable, there is the need for a third party to wake them up to reality.” Palestinians complain that Israel has deliberately kept the United States, which brought the two sides back to the table after months of persuasion by US Secretary of State John Kerry, away from any meetings

since August.

Ahead of the Oslo anniversary, observers can reflect on its achievements, such as the creation of the Palestinian Authority (PA). But the goals of ending the decades-old conflict and paving the way for Palestinian statehood appear as distant as ever. Beilin said the PA, dominated by the Palestine Liberation Organization and headed by Arafat’s successor as Palestinian president, Mahmud Abbas, was crucial for the success of any dialogue.

“Israel has a definite Palestinian entity that it can address... Today Israel and the Palestinians coordinate operations in all spheres... especially the security field.

This is the major change that the Oslo accords have brought about,” he wrote.

But “the fact that, 20 years after the signing of the Oslo accords, we are standing in front of scaffolding instead of a finished structure is disappointing,” he said.

He warned that should the current talks fail, “the Palestinians might decide to dismantle the PA” altogether.

OSLO A STARTING POINT PLO executive committee member Hanan Ashrawi agreed the PA’s creation had been a starting point. “We have achieved the return of the Palestinian leadership to Palestinian territories as well as about 300,000 families, and the building of Palestinian institutions and an administration,” she said. But “we have lost a lot-land, resources, capabilities-and Israel has imposed an infrastructure (on us), splitting us up into isolated areas through settlements.

It’s as if the settlements have always been there and the Palestinian presence is what’s new.” Adnan Abu Amer, professor of politics at Gaza’s Umma University, said there was “no doubt that the Oslo accords were a necessary stage for both sides.” But they “did not give the Israelis the security they wanted in Gaza and the West Bank, and did not grant the Palestinians the land they wanted based on the 1967 lines” The Palestinians want the borders of their future state to be based on borders which existed before Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War. That would involve the evacuation of settlements. Political analyst Hani Al-Masri slammed the Palestinians’ willingness to talk at all, given Israeli settlement activity on the West Bank.

“Twenty years after Oslo... the occupation (Israel) is entrenching itself, settlements are expanding, and the worst thing about it is that the Palestinians have returned to negotiations,” he said.— AFP

ARBIL: Sheltering in a bomb-proof safe room in a heavily-fortified office in Baghdad is the new reality for a senior Western oil executive who runs one of Iraq’s oilfield mega-projects.

Intensifying violence and car bombs have already forced him to restrict his movements and now, security experts say, he is under even closer watch from Shiite militias that may hit out at Western targets if Washington attacks neighboring Syria.

“Every time there’s a car bomb, we go into lock down mode,” he said. The Shiite groups, closely linked to Iran, are also tracking his colleagues working 500 km away in the giant southern oilfields clustered near Basra - a Shiitedominated city that Iraqi officials say is a no-go zone for Western oilmen. “The risk is of being in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said a senior oil industry source.

So far, turmoil in Iraq has not hit the operations of international oil companies, or deterred them from boosting output and turning Iraq into OPEC’s second-biggest producer. But Baghdad’s oil revival has stalled due to bottlenecks at ports, pipelines and the customs office.

“Baghdad will make every effort to contain the fallout, but if we were to lose anyone, there would be huge pressure to withdraw - and we don’t want to do that.”

An Iraqi Shiite militia group has threatened to attack US interests in Iraq and the region if Washington strikes Syria, whose President Bashar Al-Assad is backed by Tehran. Long accustomed to hostile environments, foreign executives from BP, ExxonMobil, Eni, Total and Royal Dutch Shell do not scare easily. But Iraqi security sources say Exxon, particularly at risk because as an American firm, is taking no chances, re-basing most of its workforce from the southern West Qurna-1 oilfield project to Dubai until tensions ease.

“Exxon has zero-tolerance,” said a source at a security company operating in Iraq. “Exxon has pulled out just about everyone.” The company declined to comment. Despite the possibility of military action against Syria still alive, top executives visit Iraq. Paolo Scaroni, CEO of Italy’s Eni, was in Baghdad at the start of the month - and senior management is staying put in the Iraqi capital. “The others are reviewing measures and emergency response plans, but there are no plans to evacuate,” said a Western diplomat.

ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS Foreign oil companies are likely to take their cue from diplomatic staff, say security experts.

ARBIL: Photo shows a bridge in front of houses at the Halgurd-Sakran National Park, 170km northeast of the Iraqi city of Arbil. — AFP Several hundred Western oilmen are estimated run by ENI. Other mega-projects in the predomito be rotating in and out of the country, with nantly Shiite and relatively peaceful south are most at the southern oilfields and only a handful Iraq’s biggest producer Rumaila - run by BP; in Baghdad, say industry sources. While Majnoon - led by Shell; Halfaya - operated by Washington is not actively removing people China National Petroleum Corp; and West from its embassy, it is not allowing those away Qurna-2, run by Russia’s Lukoil.

But the proximity of these fields to Iran make on annual leave to return. It has also issued staff them vulnerable in the event of a retaliatory with respirators and gas masks.

“We’ve told our clients to take additional pre- attack, security analysts say. Security experts do cautions: limit your activities, don’t take people not expect militants to inflict any lasting damin and out of the country, keep them off the age on Iraq’s oil infrastructure, which has helped roads and do everything you can to limit your generate nearly $60 billion this year. And the exposure,” said the security company source. remote desert camps at the tightly-guarded oilSince 2010, international oil companies have fields offer expatriates a relatively high level of been tapping the southern oilfields, raising out- protection.

Most of the bases have areas with hardened put by 600,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 3 million roofs to guard against missile attacks. bpd.

Infrastructure and logistical snags, rather Nonetheless, Western executives in the area than security issues, have frustrated their have been warned by Iraq’s South Oil Co (SOC), progress this year. US oil firms have a fairly small which oversees operations around Basra, to footprint in southern Iraq compared with restrict their movements. “They’ll throw rockets, Chinese, Russian and British firms. Exxon is in they’ll throw mortars - a few bombs,” said the charge at West Qurna-1, and Occidental has a security source. “It’s going to be more of a symsmall stake in the neighboring Zubair oilfield, bolic attack.”— Reuters

In Syrian strike debate, jihadists remain silent BAGHDAD: As the US has fought a media battle with Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad and his backers over the prospect of military strikes, one group has remained noticeably silent: jihadists. The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) and Al-Nusra Front, both Al-Qaeda-linked groups that have joined the fight against Assad’s regime, have largely avoided commenting on the potential strikes because, experts say, they are reluctant to acknowledge the help of a public foe.

And some fighters in their ranks, according to posts on jihadist forums, also fear the strikes could degrade their own capabilities. “Interests between the United States and what we call jihadist groups are unified-the fall of the (Syrian) regime,” said Tareq Al-Maamuri, a prominent Iraqi analyst and lawyer.

“It is natural that these groups will remain silent because their public position is to oppose the West, especially the United States, so they will not dare show their consent towards the strike. “So in this regard, silence is considered acceptable.” The lack of statements on the subject marks a departure, particularly for ISIS, which in the past month alone has posted multiple statements claiming responsibility for a swathe of attacks across Iraq. The group has even posted an audio file, purportedly recorded by its spokesman, calling for an uprising against the Egyptian army.

But on the prospect of punitive US-led strikes against Syria in response to chemical weapons attacks carried out near Damascus last month, allegedly by Assad’s regime, they have remained silent. “We always hear them (jihadist groups) bragging about their hatred of the West, but we see they are silent on the subject of a strike against an Arab country,” said an Iraqi official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The official said the groups had been silent because “the strikes will benefit them, and strengthen them.”

Ihsan Al-Shammari, a politics professor at Baghdad University, echoed those remarks arguing that “weakening Assad will allow them to control more territory, which is what makes them silent regarding the strikes.” “Those groups, especially AlNusra and ISIS, will be the beneficiaries.” Assad’s government denies having carried out the attacks and has instead blamed the rebels. And a surprise initiative proposed by Russia, in which Syria would hand over its chemical weapons stockpile to international control, appears to have put the American strikes on hold at the 11th hour.

It came after the Los Angeles Times reported on Sunday that the Pentagon was readying more intense and longer attacks on Syria than originally planned, set to last three days. Debate raged, however, on jihadist forums, between users on both

sides of the debate over the strikes. One poster on the Honein forum, who identified himself as Abu Musab Al-Iraqi, wrote that Western intervention in Iraq in 2003 and in Libya in 2011 “was not a request from Muslims or jihadists, but in the end, it turned out to be beneficial for jihadists.”

“I believe the military strike against Syria will be beneficial for Sunnis in the whole region, but they have to ... exploit what would happen,” he wrote, alluding to the composition of the mostly-Sunni rebels fighting Assad, who hails from a sect that is an offshoot of Shiite Islam. Not all were convinced, however, with another forum member, who identified himself as Abu Karam, warning: “There is no good that will come from the Americans, as we had experiences with them in Iraq and other places in the world.” “They come only with evil.”

Others, meanwhile, voiced caution that American military strikes could hurt the capabilities of jihadist groups fighting Assad. “Jihadis in the Levant should take care, and be prepared to drop all assumptions ahead of the anticipated crusader strike,” said a poster who gave his name as Abu Saad Al-Ameli. “They have to act as if all the crusaders’ strikes are going to target them, and not the Nusairi regime forces,” Ameli said, using a pejorative term for Assad’s Alawite sect. “Enemies will try to hit two targets in one attack.” — AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Catalonians press independence with human chain Economic grudge fuels Catalan independence fight BARCELONA: Thousands of Catalan separatists were gathering yesterday to try to form a 400 Km human chain across the region and renew pressure for a referendum on breaking away from Spain.

A deep recession and cuts in public spending in Catalonia, a wealthy industrial region in northeastern Spain that accounts for a fifth of the country’s economic output, have stirred discontent with the central government in Madrid.

Polls show backing for secession has risen steadily in Catalonia, with some registering support as high as 50 percent. An large majority of Catalans want the right to hold a referendum on the issue, the polls show. Catalans, who speak their own language, plan to join hands in a line stretching from the Pyrenees in the north to the border with Valencia in the south, inspired by a 1989 demonstration that helped the Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania win independence from the Soviet Union.

Catalan separatism has become a major headache for Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy, who is mired in a corruption scandal and trying to pull Spain out of recession while also pushing through unpopular spending cuts. The demonstration, which if successful would involve hundreds of thousands of Catalans, day

comes after Rajoy and Catalan President Artur Mas recently signaled they were open to talks after a yearlong standoff over finances and a referendum.

“Today we want to confirm that people still support independence. We want a date for a referendum,” said Montse Espina, who will join the chain in the Catalan capital Barcelona later in the day. Catalan separatists are watching closely a planned September 2014 Scottish referendum on independence from the United Kingdom, hoping it will promote the idea of self-determination for regions within countries that belong to the European Union.

Although Catalans have nurtured a separate identity for centuries, an independence movement surged recently as Catalans became disillusioned with limitations on the autonomy they gained in the late 1970s after the Francisco Franco dictatorship, which had suppressed Catalan nationalism. Walking through Barcelona at midday as they geared up for the protest, Espina and her husband carried the separatist banner: a white star on a blue triangle, against a background of the official Catalan regional flag of yellow and red stripes.

“It used to be frowned on to talk about independence, it would have been impossible to take this flag

out on the street,” said Espina’s husband Rafael de la Torre, who said he was won over to the independence cause about 10 years ago. Thousands of Catalan National Assembly volunteers were organizing protesters, who drove in the rain to remote areas of the region to make sure the chain is unbroken. Hundreds of photographers have been asked to document the link-up just after 5 pm local time and thousands of police will direct traffic to alternative routes, away from the chain.

PUSHING THE PRIME MINISTER Rajoy says such a secession vote would be unconstitutional. Opponents of independence argue the region has never been an entirely separate state. The Medieval Principality of Catalonia came under the Crown of Aragon, though it was allowed to run its own affairs through an institution known as the Generalitat.

Protesters on Wednesday plan to complete the human chain at 17:14, symbolizing the year 1714 when King Philip V abolished the Generalitat after the War of the Spanish Succession. Separatists argue Catalonia - population 7.5 million - has always had a separate cultural and linguistic identity and that they are tired of negotiating with Madrid. “Today will show

that we’ve reached a point of no return,” Carme Forcadell, the head of the Catalan National Assembly, the body coordinating the human chain, told Reuters.

Catalan President Mas has threatened to call an early election and use it as a plebiscite on secession if Rajoy uses the courts to block a referendum. However, this is seen as a risky move as his political alliance has lost ground while a more leftist separatist party has won support in the past year. Mas is in a delicate position because the Catalan budget hole is so big that the central government had to bail out the region last year.

“We are talking with the Spanish government but I have a lot of doubts over whether it will be fruitful,” Mas told foreign journalists yesterday morning. Rajoy also has limited room for maneuver as any offer to Catalonia of better fiscal treatment or more political autonomy could spur protests in other Spanish autonomous regions, such as Basque Country.

The Basques have long fought for more autonomy from Spain, but the nationalist movement there has muted in recent years, as the region recovers from decades of separatist violence and also because the Basques already have more tax powers than Catalans. — Reuters

Massacre survivor becomes MP at 23

MAGDEBURG: Panorama picture created from several frames shows the eastern German city of Magdeburg. — AFP

Germany’s ex-communist east finally start to bloom MAGDEBURG: Magdeburg was once the go-to city for tales of former communist east Germany’s woes, a bastion of joblessness, neo-Nazis and despair that belied the joyful hopes of the country’s 1990 reunification. Fast-forward to 2013 amid a campaign for September 22 elections and a robust economic upswing under Chancellor Angela Merkel, who grew up in the east, and the picture looks very different.

Magdeburg, a 1,200-year-old city founded by Charlemagne, has made a remarkable comeback underlining a raft of eastern success stories. Business magazine Wirtschaftswoche named Magdeburg the most dynamic city in Germany, Europe’s top economy, last November, citing heavy investment in infrastructure and education. Its development points to a recovery of the east that goes deeper than standouts such as Dresden and Leipzig, bolstering a sense of optimism that has given Merkel a strong lead in the polls. “If you look at the raw numbers, then we’re not nearly as well-placed as big (western) cities like Duesseldorf or Munich that have been going strong for 40 or 50 years,” Mayor Lutz Truemper said.

“But things have moved in the right direction and we’re very happy about that.” The city of 230,000 saw unemployment fall by more than seven points between 2006 and 2011 to 10.4 percent, with a particularly steep drop among the young. While still far higher than the national rate of 6.8 percent, the decline has changed the face of Magdeburg in countless ways. “Things are growing and blossoming in Magdeburg,” said doctor Annika Grundfeld, 32, as she decorated her small garden with balloons for a party. A mother of six-month-old twins Anna and Amalia and four-year-old Jonathan, Grundfeld said the east still had better child care options than the west-a big advantage left over from communism.

“The mood here has also really improved as the job market’s gotten better there are a few cool cafes and more cultural events.” She lives in a new development of neat, sunflower-studded plots in a former industrial area, as relatively cheap property prices give more

Magdeburgers a shot at the dream of home ownership.

BLOOMING LANDSCAPES Former chancellor Helmut Kohl, the father of reunification, prematurely promised the east “blooming landscapes” after the Berlin Wall fell in 1989. But it has taken two decades to reverse the effects of central planning and citizen repression in the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Mayor Truemper, from Merkel’s main rivals the Social Democrats, says he worked closely with the conservative-led state and federal governments as well as the EU, investing 30 to 40 million euros ($40 to 53 million) in subsidies over three years to link up to major autobahn and rail lines and make the most of Magdeburg’s location on the mighty Elbe River.

One of Germany’s oldest industrial centres, Magdeburg employed 46,000 in the machine-tools sector under communism. That number plummeted to 2,000 after 1990, devastating the city. Abandoned brick factories with smashed windows still mar the landscape, recalling the rust belt cities of the western Ruhr Valley or even faraway Detroit. But as just one example, Magdeburg has transformed the old conglomerate SKET into a 21st century engineering hub, also capitalizing on the renewable energy boom. Arriving for his shift building wind turbines, Sven-Eric Adamietz, 21, says he and his friends had had several jobs to choose from. “The companies here are desperately looking for apprentices and almost all of them will be taken on afterwards,” he said. “A lot of our grandparents and parents worked at SKET and now it’s our turn.” Magdeburg also has one of Germany’s youngest universities, founded in 1993 with a national reputation in neuroscience research, and now draws more than 10 percent of its students from abroad. “It may not be as big and exciting as Berlin but people are friendly and the education level is excellent,” said Azis Abdul Aziz, 35, from West Java in Indonesia who is on a six-month fellowship to study climate change. —AFP

Cape Town gang wars put kids in firing line MANENBERG: In her years of witnessing Cape Town’s gang wars up close, primary school principal Brenda Manuel has witnessed an execution-style killing and lost a pupil in the crossfire. But the violence has never been this bad. “It’s been going on for so long and it seems there’s no end to what is happening,” said Manuel, who has worked at Rio Grande Primary School in the city’s notorious Manenberg region for 38 years.

The latest episode in the turf war saw 16 schools temporarily shut down, keeping 12,000 children at home for two days. In less than 11 weeks, 10 people were murdered here, with seven killed in July alone. “In June we had an average of about four to five shootings a week. And in July, it spiked to 24 with one week showing 31 shootings,” said Superintendent Chris Bauermeester of Cape Town’s metro police special operations unit. A massive police presence and a peace agreement between the two rival gangs the Americans and the Hard Livings-has brought a lull with shootings back to pre-July levels. But Manenberg is still on edge. The authorities deployed more than 100 police officers in a two-week blitz. Uniformed personnel, official cars, flashing lights and sirens have become the backdrop to its streets. Patrols have created safety corridors for children to walk to school and police officers will be stationed at the hardest-hit schools, such as Rio Grande, until the end of the year.

The shootings are mostly random, as captured by a cellphone video clip which shows a gangster walking in daylight brazenly firing a gun down a street. The children here are veterans at knowing how to survive. “You must go lay on the

MANENBERG: A member of Cape Town’s metro police special operations unit stands guard at the gate of a school in Manenburg as school children exit in Manenberg, about 15 kms from the center of Cape Town. — AFP

ground in the house under the bed, if you heard the shot outside, you must run,” summed up one young boy on the street.

At Rio Grande, teacher Magdalene Paulse’s classroom faces a corner where bullets recently flew across the street as a battle raged during school hours.

“They must be very used to gunshots but I think they are scared. It’s like they hear them every night and then they have to duck and dive,” Paulse said about her pupils. In a class of 40 children, aged 12 to 13, all of whom had heard a gunshot in their short lives, 13-year-old Kerishney Adams said the pupils go under their desks when they hear gunfire. “I never feel safe,” she said, saying she sometimes covers her ears when she hears shots as she “can’t take it”. But the police have brought some sense of security. “With the police around, I feel safe,” she said.

“For me it feels like a relief, because the police are here and the police are here to protect us.” ‘A lot of my ex-pupils are running with guns’-Manenberg was built by the apartheid state as a segregated suburb for people of mixed race, and graffitistrewn buildings and shanties in yards are a common sight in the rundown district. Search operations take place daily, with police hunting Manenberg’s 1,000 most wanted criminals, those suspected of offences ranging from murder to drug possession. Scoring heroin or crystal meth, known as “tik”, costs as little as two to three dollars here, marijuana less than 50 US cents, and a sedative known as “button” just shy of five dollars (3.8 euros). But with one out of every three people in Manenberg estimated to be using drugs, murder is seen as worth it to gain control of the captive audience of local addicts.

“Basically, your turf will overlap all the time so that is what the constant fighting is about,” said Constable Emile Gelderbloem of the metro police drug unit.

“The whole of Manenberg is nine kilometers squared, so its a very, very small area to sell your drugs, so you’ve got to make the best of it.” For many of the youngsters, gang affiliation is already part of life. In Adams’ class at Rio Grande, only five of the 40 pupils said they did not have a relative who was a member of a gang. Several were already members of child gangs.

“Unfortunately I have to say that I see a lot of my boys becoming gangsters,” said principal Manuel. “A lot of my ex-pupils are running with guns out there and it’s very sad.”

Between 2007 and 2011, 532 murders took place in five gang hotspots in Cape Town and the provincial government has repeatedly demanded that the army should be sent in, calls which have fallen on deaf ears. The police are skeptical about Manenberg’s current peace, which has allowed children and residents to return to the streets. So is Manuel, whose school’s front door has been barred shut since she watched three bullets being fired into a man’s head on the street outside. “It’s much more peaceful although I feel that it’s not the end yet,” she said. “It will definitely flare up.”— AFP

OSLO: Two years ago, he ran for his life to escape Anders Behring Breivik’s bullets. Never one to be intimidated, Fredric Holen Bjoerdal is now one of Norway’s youngest ever members of parliament. “A lot of people quit politics after the Utoeya massacre. Me, I chose to continue to fight for all those who died and who can’t do it themselves anymore,” 23-yearold Bjoerdal said after winning a seat in Monday’s general election. “If everyone had quit, that would have signaled Breivik’s victory and our defeat.” On July 22, 2011, Breivik, a right-wing extremist armed with a semi-automatic rifle and a handgun, spent more than an hour shooting at hundreds of youths gathered on Utoeya island for the summer camp of the Labour Party’s youth wing.

Breivik later explained that he wanted to wipe out the nascent leaders of the party, Norway’s dominant political force, which he blames for the rise of multiculturalism.

Trapped on a small island measuring just 0.12 square kilometers, 69 people lost their lives, most of them teenagers. “I escaped by running back and forth, up and down the island to hide from him and his bullets,” Bjoerdal recalled. “It was close. I was very lucky. When you see the bullets tearing into the water right close to you, you know it’s a question of centimeters.” The party’s future was not wiped out.

In Monday’s election, Bjoerdal, who until now worked with social services helping youths in trouble, won a seat for the Labour Party in a constituency in western Norway. The Labor-led coalition lost the election to the centre-right. “I don’t think Utoeya had anything to do with my nomination

on the (electoral) list,” Bjoerdal said. “I was careful not to portray myself as an Utoeya survivor. That’s not the political profile I want.” A total of 33 Utoeya survivors were candidates for the Labour Party, three of whom were elected, though Breivik’s massacre was not an issue in the election campaign.

“It hurts to talk about it. We would quickly be accused of trying to exploit July 22 for political gains,” he said. “It’s all too fresh, too painful.” Among the winners in the election was the Progress Party, a populist anti-immigration formation of which Breivik was a member until 2006, though it has harshly criticized and distanced itself from him. While it saw its voter support drop, the party looks set to enter government for the first time in its 40-year history, as part of a Conservative-led coalition. “Since July 22, we’ve talked about everything that didn’t work on that day: the police, the emergency response...

But we haven’t talked about Breivik’s extremist values and points of view,” said Bjoerdal. “One would have thought that... support for a multicultural society would have been even stronger (after the attacks). But everything returned to normal.” Bjoerdal said he didn’t relish the prospect of the Progress Party taking a seat in government. “I don’t want to draw any parallels between the Progress Party and Breivik.

Breivik was much more of an extremist,” he said. “But it’s clear that if a party like that comes to power and is given a say on immigration issues and other areas, we will find that difficult.” At just 23, Bjoerdal will make his debut in parliament when it reconvenes next month after the summer break. “I’m going to have to work hard, prove that I’m there

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Obama strikes Syria chord, lawmakers stay on fence ‘Use-of-force’ plan congealed in Congress

NSA’s Utah Data Center in Bluffdale, Utah. Newly declassified documents released Tuesday tell a story of a surveillance apparatus so unwieldy and complex that nobody fully comprehended it, even as the government pointed it at the American people in the name of protecting them. — AP

The NSA machine: Too big for anyone to understand WASHINGTON: The surveillance machine grew too big for anyone to understand. The National Security Agency set it in motion in 2006 and the vast network of supercomputers, switches and wiretaps began gathering Americans’ phone and Internet records by the millions, looking for signs of terrorism. Every day, NSA analysts snooped on more American phone records than they were allowed to.

Some officials searched databases of phone records without even realizing it. Others shared the results of their searches with people who weren’t authorized to see them.

It took nearly three years before the government figured out that so much had gone wrong. It took even longer to figure out why.

Newly declassified documents released Tuesday tell a story of a surveillance apparatus so unwieldy and complex that nobody fully comprehended it, even as the government pointed it at the American people in the name of protecting them.

“There was no single person who had a complete technical understanding,” government lawyers explained to a federal judge in 2009. During a summer in which former NSA systems analyst Edward Snowden released America’s surveillance secrets to the world, the Obama administration has repeatedly tried to reassure people that the NSA’s powers were kept in check by Congress and the courts. The mistakes discovered in 2009 have been fixed, the president said.

But the documents from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court show that, in developing the world’s most sophisticated surveillance network, even senior lawyers and officials weren’t sure how the system worked and didn’t understand what they were told.

“It appears there was never a complete understanding among the key personnel . regarding what each individual meant by the terminology,” lawyers wrote in March 2009 as the scope of the problems came into focus.

As a result, the judges on the surveillance court, who rely on the NSA to explain the surveillance program, approved a program that was far more intrusive than they believed.

“Given the executive branch’s responsibility for and expertise in determining how best to protect our national security, and in light of the scale of this bulk collection program, the court must rely heavily on the government to monitor this program,” Judge Reggie B. Walton wrote in a 2009 order that found the NSA had repeatedly misrepresented its programs. In Congress, only some lawmakers fully understand the programs they have repeatedly authorized and are supposed to be overseeing. For instance, Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, one of the sponsors of the USA Patriot Act, has said he never intended it to be used to collect and store the phone records of every American.

And when Director of National Intelligence James Clapper was asked whether the government was doing that, he testified, “No.” Yet Snowden’s revelations, published in Britain’s Guardian newspaper, show that is what happened. There is no evidence in the new documents suggesting the NSA used its surveillance powers to spy on Americans for political purposes, a fear of many critics who recall the FBI’s intrusive monitoring of civil rights leaders and anti-war protesters in the 1960s. Instead, the documents blame technical mistakes, misunderstandings and lack of training.—AP

WASHINGTON: War-weary US lawmakers opposing military intervention in Syria appeared unswayed by President Barack Obama’s speech Tuesday but hopeful that a diplomatic initiative might rid the Assad regime of chemical weapons. While members of Congress both for and against a military strike said the president made a compelling moral case for intervention, potentially insurmountable bipartisan opposition against Obama’s use-of-force plan has congealed in Congress over the past week.

“President Obama’s speech didn’t convince me,” Republican Senator Rand Paul, one of the lawmakers most stridently opposed to Obama’s Syria plan, said on twitter. “My whole point is that the president’s moral message about this being a horrific thing, which it is, you still leave the same guy in place,” Paul added on CNN, speaking of Syria’s strongman Bashar Al-Assad. “If we destabilize the Assad regime there’ll be more chaos and we will essentially be the allies of Al-Qaeda,” some of whose militants are among the rebels fighting the regime in Syria. Elijah Cummings, a House Democrat and loyal Obama backer, said he remains undecided on Syria even though the president made “a great moral argument” that America must not let a dictator unleash poi-

T

religious symbols in schools.

Protests erupted in 2011 after France banned full face Islamic veils in public, alienating many of its 5 million Muslims. Bernard Drainville, the Quebec minister of democratic institutions, said that if the state is neutral, then those who work for it must be neutral too.

“That’s why the government of Quebec is proposing to ban public employees from wearing ostentatious religious symbols during work hours,” he said at a news conference on Tuesday.

“We’re talking about very obvious symbols ... which send a clear message: ‘I am a believer and this is my religion.’”

Quebec’s drive toward a secular society contrasts with a multicultural approach elsewhere in Canada, which encourages different communities to keep their faiths and traditions. Salam Elmenyawi, president of the Muslim Council of Montreal, said the PQ was trying to pit Quebecers against each other and start a fight with the federal government. “ They are not really concerned at all about the well-being of the very large number of men and women who may lose their jobs or leave the province,” he told Reuters.

A large number of the 350,000 Muslims in Quebec work in day-care centers or as teachers or nurses, he added.

“They’re trying to remove religious freedoms. They’re trying to impose rules on religious values,” said Harvey Levine, president of the Quebec branch of the Jewish organ-

LAKE MARY, Florida: Police investigating a domestic dispute between George Zimmerman and his estranged wife said Tuesday that video from her broken iPad may be crucial evidence in determining whether any charges are filed.

Police believe the mobile device captured video of Monday’s dispute at the Lake Mary house where Zimmerman was living, but the former neighborhood watch volunteer smashed it to pieces and it needs to be examined in a crime lab. Without the video or some other piece of independent evidence, legal experts said it will be hard to build a case because Shellie Zimmerman changed her story about her husband threatening her with a gun and decided not to press charges.

“I think it’s severely limited if they can’t get anything from an eyewitness or video,” said Randy McCLean, a former prosecutor who now practices criminal defense and family law in central Florida.

Shellie Zimmerman, 26, had moved out of the house last month but stopped by with her father

ization B’nai Brith.

Until the early 1960s, Quebec was heavily dominated by a Roman Catholic Church that ran the health care and education systems and wielded huge influence over public and private life.

Over the next decade, a new generation of politicians, frustrated by what they saw as the stifling influence of the church, pushed through reforms shrinking its role.

Yet as Catholicism’s influence waned, tensions grew over other religions. More than 10 percent of Quebec’s population is foreignborn, prompting a debate over how tolerant the province should be toward outsiders. Drainville said institutions could apply for a fiveyear exemption from the charter, but gave few details. The government will unveil formal draft legislation later this year after a period of public comment. The political changes of the 1960s helped create the separatist Parti Quebecois, which wants Quebec to break away from the rest of Canada. Separatist governments have held two referendums on independence, in 1980 and 1995. Both failed. In Ottawa, the federal Conservative government said it would ask the justice ministry to study the charter and would challenge any law it deemed to be unconstitutional.

“Obviously the separatist government in Quebec would like to pick a fight with the federal government any time on any issue,” said Jason Kenney, the minister in charge of multiculturalism. —Reuters

American held in Iran writes letter to Kerry

This undated file photo released by his family via FreeAmir.org shows Amir Hekmati. —AP

members tweeted their firm opposition.

“My stance hasn’t changed,” Republican congressman Alan Nunnelee posted on Twitter. “Heart goes out to victims of war but his plan for Syria is weak & not in national interest.” Veteran Democrat Charlie Rangel is opposed to military intervention but said he was pleased Obama was exploring diplomatic means to resolving the crisis. “I am optimistic that the international community can come together to urge Assad to do the right thing and surrender his chemical weapons,” Rangel said. “Military action should be an absolute last resort, used only when the entire nation is fully committed to sending our sons and daughters to fight.”

Obama recognized the tough sell of striking Syria now, “after the terrible toll of Iraq and Afghanistan,” but he called on lawmakers to overcome their reluctance to consider the use of force in a situation crying out for a firm hand. Representative Jason Chaffetz, among a cadre of conservatives striking a non-interventionist position, said he got a call from the White House chief of staff shortly after Obama’s speech, but to no avail.

“Still no explanation of steps 2, 3, 4, etc and consequences of going to war in Syria. I am still a NO,” he tweeted.—AFP

iPad video could be key in Zimmerman case

Quebec seeks to ban workers from wearing religious symbols he Canadian province of Quebec will not allow public servants to wear Muslim headscarves, Jewish skullcaps or other obvious religious symbols under a new charter unveiled on Tuesday that is designed to cement a secular society. The pro-independence government of the predominantly French-speaking province says its Charter of Quebec Values will help create a distinct identity for its 8 million people. Opponents say it infringes on civil liberties in a part of Canada that has already seen years of tension over accommodation for religious minorities, particularly those from immigrant communities.

Religious groups and many political leaders oppose the charter, which will face legal challenges at the Supreme Court of Canada, assuming the provincial legislature approves it. Quebec’s governing Parti Quebecois (PQ) is trailing in the polls and, with only a minority of seats in the legislature, needs support from other parties to pass bills, casting doubt on whether the charter will survive in its current form. The ban on prominent crucifixes, hijabs, niqabs, burqas, turbans and the Jewish yarmulkes would apply to groups such as teachers, police officers, civil servants, hospital staff, judges and prison workers.

Official documents give the nod to discreet religious symbols, such as a small crucifix or a ring with the Star of David, but not to veils, large crucifixes or turbans. On paper at least, the charter is more sweeping than a 2004 French law banning

son gas without repercussions.

“He’s got to make it clear to me... that this is not going to mushroom into something else,” Cummings said. “My constituents are tired of war.” Obama has called for a “limited” military strike on the regime, but Congress has not jumped on board. The president trooped up to Capitol Hill for meetings with senators Tuesday, “but he’s found out the support is not there. It’s just not there,” said Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat who remains opposed to a military strike.

But diplomatic developments within the last 24 hours have upended the strict nature of Obama’s military argument. He essentially postponed his call for a congressional vote on authorization of use of force after Damascus welcomed a Russian plan to gather and destroy the Assad regime’s chemical arsenalan initiative many lawmakers appeared to back. “The diplomatic door has opened ever so slightly and while I have doubts about this 11th hour offer, it would be wrong to slam the door shut without due consideration,” Senator Robert Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said in a statement.

While congressional leaders have largely backed the president, many rank-and-file

DETROIT: A former US Marine held in Iran describes the miserable prison conditions he has endured in a new letter to the US secretary of state.

Amir Hekmati also says Tehran is holding him hostage for use in a possible prisoner exchange, according to the letter addressed to John Kerry and published by Britain’s Guardian newspaper yesterday. Family spokesman Greg Romano told The Associated Press on Wednesday that Hekmati’s sister, Sarah (SAR’-uh), authenticated the letter. She says the handwriting is her brother’s as is the letter’s tone. Romano says Amir Hekmati gave the letter to an unnamed person who then provided it to the Guardian. Hekmati has been detained on what the US says are false espionage charges. He grew up in Michigan. —AP

Monday to gather some remaining items. Shellie Zimmerman’s father owns the house with his wife. Shellie Zimmerman called 911, saying her estranged husband was in his truck and threatening her and her father with a gun. She also said her husband punched her father in the nose.

Hours later, she told police she hadn’t seen a gun. Police said no gun was ever found and the former couple blamed each other for being the aggressor. “The iPad video is going to be paramount in this case,” Zach Hudson, a spokesman for the Lake Mary Police Department.

Hudson said as many as seven people - mostly friends of the Zimmermans - were at the house and they all have been questioned by investigators. Authorities are also looking at surveillance video from cameras outside the house, but Hudson said he believed those mostly captured what happened after the dispute.

Shellie Zimmerman said on the 911 call that a city worker witnessed the dispute, and if so, that eyewitness and any others could help authorities decide whether to file charges. Florida law allows

police officers to arrest someone for domestic violence without the consent of the victim.

Shellie Zimmerman’s father and Zimmerman “put hands on each other” but there were no injuries and the father doesn’t want to press charges either, Hudson said Tuesday.

When asked if George or Shellie Zimmerman could be charged, Hudson said: “As of right now, it could be either one or it could be no one. It depends what that iPad has on it, what that footage shows.”

Also Tuesday, police released a dash cam video showing George Zimmerman being handcuffed after the dispute. In the video, officers ordered Zimmerman out of his truck and tell him to put his hands up and drop to his knees. As one officer approaches with his gun drawn another handcuffs Zimmerman. His attorney, Mark O’Mara, said on Monday his client did nothing wrong and the dispute was typical for a couple going through a divorce. On Tuesday, O’Mara said he was not going to represent George Zimmerman in this matter.—AP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Prosecution seeks death for Delhi gang rapists ‘They planned and killed her mercilessly’

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s adviser to the national security and foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz (left) meets Robin Raphel, US Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan to discuss regional issues in Islamabad yesterday. Aziz said that the government has agreed to release Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taleban’s former deputy leader to help the peace process but has not yet set a date. — AP

Pakistan Taleban, army exchange prisoners DERA ISMAIL KHAN, Pakistan: The Pakistani Taleban and the army have exchanged prisoners as a confidence building measure ahead of possible peace talks. Two Pakistani intelligence officials and a Taleban commander said the exchange included six militants and two paramilitary Frontier Corps soldiers.

They say the exchange occurred in the Shawal area of the South Waziristan tribal region. The militants were subsequently taken to neighboring North Waziristan, the country’s main Taleban sanctuary. The intelligence officials say militants fired in the air with joy when their colleagues were released.

The Taleban commander says the exchange was aimed at building confidence ahead of formal peace talks. The intelligence officials and the commander spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. Pakistan’s major political parties endorsed peace talks Monday.

The Afghan government has long demanded that Pakistan release Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban’s former deputy leader. He was arrested in a joint raid with the CIA in the southern Pakistani city of Karachi in 2010.

Sartaj Aziz, adviser to the Pakistani prime minister on national security and foreign affairs, said Tuesday that the government has agreed to release Baradar to help the peace process but has not yet set a date. “He could be released this month or very soon,” said Aziz. “It is part of confidence building measures, and we are hopeful he can play a role.”

Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Janan Mosazai welcomed Pakistan’s decision to set Baradar free, saying “we believe his release will help the Afghan peace process.”

But he said Baradar must be “accessible, secure and with a known address” if he remains in Pakistan.

The Afghan government has urged Pakistan in the past to release Taleban prisoners into its custody. But they have instead been set free in Pakistan, and it is expected the same will happen with Baradar.

“He must be accessible for peace talks and in the service of the peace process,” said Mosazai. The circumstances surrounding Baradar’s arrest in Karachi were murky.

Afghan officials said at the time that he was holding secret peace talks with the Afghan government and accused Pakistan of arresting him to sabotage the process or gain control of the talks.

Mohammad Ismail Qasimyar, secretary of the Afghan High Peace Council, which repre-

sents the government in peace talks, also welcomed the news of Baradar’s planned release.

“In the past, Abdul Ghani Baradar has been willing to help bring peace to Afghanistan.

Because of that, they put him in jail,” said Qasimyar. “I believe it is good for both Afghanistan and Pakistan to build trust, and this release is important.” Pakistan has strong historical ties to the Taliban since it helped the group seize control of Afghanistan in 1996. Pakistan is widely believed to have maintained these ties and provided the insurgents sanctuary, despite official denials.

But there is also significant distrust between the two, and Pakistan has arrested dozens of Taliban militants in the years following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 - possibly to hold as bargaining chips.

Pakistan has released at least 33 Taliban prisoners over the last year at the Afghan government’s request in an attempt to jumpstart peace negotiations between the insurgents and Kabul. Pakistan has increasingly pushed for a peace settlement because it is worried that chaos in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of most US combat troops by the end of 2014 could make it more difficult to fight its own domestic Taleban militants. It could also send a flood of new refugees into Pakistan.

Pakistan’s most recent release of Taleban prisoners came on Saturday when it set seven free. That was less than two weeks after Afghan President Hamid Karzai visited Islamabad and pushed for Pakistan’s help in the peace process. But there is no sign that the previous releases have helped peace talks, and some of the prisoners are believed to have returned to the fight against the Afghan government. The US is reluctant to see Baradar released, believing he would also return to the battlefield, and has asked Pakistan to give notice if he is to be set free.

The most recent attempt to push forward peace negotiations foundered in June in the Qatari capital of Doha. The Afghan president pulled the plug on the talks even before they began because he was angered that the group marked the opening of its Doha political office with the flag, anthem and symbols of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan - the group’s name when they ruled the country.

The Taleban have held secret talks with Karzai’s representatives to try to restart the peace process, Afghan officials and a senior Taleban representative recently told The Associated Press. But it’s unclear if they have made any headway. — AP

Temple reopens in flood-hit Himalayas KEDARNATH, India: A Hindu temple at the centre of a devastated area of the Indian Himalayas hit by floods in June reopened for prayers yesterday as reconstruction efforts continued across the region.

More than 5,500 people are believed to have died in the floods that swept the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand in June caused by heavy monsoonal downpours that washed away homes, hotels, highways and cars. The temple in Kedarnath, a popular Hindu pilgrimage site, was badly damaged by the raging waters and the surrounding valley was

left littered with corpses. Despite evidence of the floods-debris including broken doors surrounds the temple and huge rocks carried by the waters remain strewn around-prayers were held there for the first time yesterday.

Rescuers reported finding another 75 bodies last week in the mountains of Uttarakhand. The bodies “seem to be of devotees who climbed up the ridges out of fear after the mid-June calamity to save themselves and perished due to extreme cold conditions there”, police official RS Meena told the Press Trust of India. — AFP

NEW DELHI: Prosecutors sought the death sentence yesterday for four men convicted over the “diabolical” gang rape and murder of a student on a New Delhi bus as the judge set sentencing for later this week. Judge Yogesh Khanna heard three hours of arguments from prosecution and defense lawyers in his court in the south of India’s capital before announcing he would reserve his judgement until Friday afternoon.

He faces widespread calls from the public, the victim’s family and politicians to hand down the death sentence, which can be given for “the rarest of rare” crimes but is seldom carried out in practice.

“The court should give the maximum sentence otherwise the message will go to society that deviance of this nature will be tolerated,” special public prosecutor Dayan Krishnan told the packed court.

“The test is, was the collective conscience shocked? There can be no better example than this case,” he said, calling the crime “diabolical” in which “no element of sympathy” had been shown to the victim.

“The sentence which is appropriate is nothing short of death,” he added. The 23-year-old victim, a physiotherapy student who cannot be named for legal reasons, died of internal injuries on December 29 after being lured onto the private bus following a cinema trip with a male companion.

After beating up the friend, the gang brutally assaulted her behind tinted windows for 45 minutes before flinging the bloodied, naked and barely conscious couple onto a road leading to the international airport. The four convictsAkshay Thakur, Pawan Gupta, Vinay Sharma and Mukesh Singh-were led into court by armed police and stood and occasionally sat at the back of the court wearing T-shirts and displaying little emotion.

The mother of the victim could be seen seated next to her husband a few metres in front of the men as she listened intently to proceedings while dressed in a green sari. “We raised our daughter with great love and care,” she told reporters at the end of the hearing. “We beg the court that justice should be given to our daughter. It was not merely a mistake, they planned and killed her mercilessly.”

The defense lawyers acting for the men argued that there was political pressure for an execution while urging the judge to show

NEW DELHI: Defense lawyer A P Singh (center in white) reacts to protesters heckling him for defending a convict in the fatal gang rape of a young woman on a moving New Delhi bus last year, outside a court in New Delhi yesterday. — AP

leniency in awarding life imprisonment. The court must bear in mind that life imprisonment is the rule and the death sentence is the exception,” Vivek Sharma, a lawyer for Gupta, who was 19 at the time of the crime, argued. He said Sharma’s “tender age” meant that he could be reformed-an argument also taken up by A P Singh who said his client, 20-year-old gym assistant Vinay Sharma, had dreams of joining the air force. V K Anand, acting for Mukesh Singh, said the part-time laborer and bus driver had shown good conduct throughout the trial and was drunk at the time of the crime. Half a dozen protesters shouted insults at the lawyer as he left the court and tried to grab him. The case brought simmering public anger over rape and harassment to the boil, sparking unprecedented protests and introspection about India’s treatment of women.

Policemen with batons stood guard outside the court yesterday morning, warning they would not tolerate a repeat of the chaotic scenes of Tuesday when a fight broke out

between journalists. The judge convicted the men on 11 charges on Tuesday including gang rape, murder, theft and “unnatural offences.”

Krishnan urged him to consider a precedent for executing a murderer and rapist in the case of Dhananjoy Chatterjee, a 39-year-old watchman who was hanged in 2004 over the death of a 14year-old girl in Kolkata.The government, stung by the mass protests that followed the attack, has introduced tough new anti-rape laws but they will not apply in this case.

One of the leaders of the main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Sushma Swaraj, said the hanging of the four would send out a clear signal of India’s determination to tackle violence against women. There was outrage last month when a juvenile who was also convicted of taking part in the attack was sentenced to three years in a remedial home-the maximum punishment allowed by law.

A fifth adult defendant, bus driver Ram Singh, was found hanging in his prison cell in March while awaiting trial. — AFP

Afghans summon US envoy over ‘civil war’ remark KABUL: Afghan President Hamid Karzai summoned Washington’s ambassador in Kabul to protest a fellow American diplomat’s remarks that Afghanistan is experiencing a civil war, the US Embassy confirmed yesterday.

The comments by James Dobbins, the US special representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan, struck a nerve among Afghan leaders because they are trying to ease growing fears about what will happen once US-led foreign troops complete their withdrawal from this country next year.

Already, as foreign troops have reduced their presence, Taliban militants have stepped up attacks, and some fear that the years after the 2014 withdrawal could see a return to the bloody civil war of the early 1990s, when ethnic-based factions fought one another for control of the country. The Afghan Taleban are dominated by ethnic Pashtuns, who have long had a rivalry with Tajiks and other ethnic groups in Afghanistan.

In a recent interview with Voice of America’s Deewa news service, Dobbins said, “there already is, of course, a civil war in Afghanistan.” That has drawn rebukes from Karzai spokesman Aimal Faizi, who argued that if Dobbins’ assertion was true, then the US was an actor in a civil war instead of fighting terrorism. In a news conference with local media on Tuesday that was later posted to YouTube, Faizi also noted that Dobbins’ comments come at a sensitive time as the US and Afghanistan are aiming to sign a deal that could leave some foreign troops in place after 2014. US Ambassador James Cunningham was summoned to the presidency on Tuesday over the matter, the embassy confirmed.

US Embassy spokesman Robert Hilton declined to characterize the meeting, but the mission has issued multiple statements downplaying Dobbins’ remarks. Its latest says the envoy was merely using “a standard academic term in the context of describing the need for Afghans to speak to Afghans to achieve peace.”

“Ambassador Dobbins was not attempting to define the conflict in Afghanistan, nor to suggest that the United States is involved in a civil war,” the statement also says.

“The United States is in Afghanistan to fight terrorism and to support the stability of Afghanistan.” — AP

JALALABAD: Afghan female children study at an outside classroom on the outskirts of Jalalabad yesterday. Afghanistan has had only rare moments of peace over the past 30 years, its education system being undermined by the Soviet invasion of 1979, a civil war in the 1990s and five years of Taleban rule. — AFP

Toxic liquor kills 12 in Pakistan: Officials MULTAN: Toxic liquor has killed at least 12 people in central Pakistan, police and health officials said yesterday. The deaths occurred near the farming town of Rahim Yar Khan, where the men were drinking locally made liquor at a party.

Eight of them died on Monday while four more succumbed on Tuesday. “At least 12 people have died after drinking toxic liquor,” local police station chief Mohammad Yasin Gujjar told AFP. Most of the deaths occurred because relatives did not take the victims to hospital immediately, to avoid getting in trouble

with police. When their conditions deteriorated and they were taken to hospital, it was too late to save them. Hospital officials confirmed the death toll.

Gujjar said that police had raided several illegal liquor factories and arrested two suspects for supplying the deadly drinks.

The public sale of alcohol is banned in Islamic Pakistan and many people prepare cheap liquor at home. In July at least 18 people died and 18 others suffered serious complications after drinking toxic liquor at two parties in the eastern city of Faisalabad. — AFP

Rent hikes push Myanmar’s poor into homelessness YANGON: Soaring rents in Myanmar’s commercial capital Yangon have pushed hundreds of poor families out of their homes forcing them to turn to charity as their last buffer from life on the streets.

Political transformation, which has swept the country since the quasi-civilian government took power in 2011, has seen sanctions lifted from the former pariah state and fuelled investment in the frontier market. But the changes have also resulted in pushing the poorest into homelessness.

“Whole families came saying they had no place to live, nothing to eat, begging for help,” said 61-year-old Khin San Oo, manager at a makeshift centre for the displaced in a Buddhist monastery in a scruffy suburb of the former capital. Abbott Ottamasara offered free plots on 30-acres of land at the Thabarwa-or ‘nature’-compound 16 months ago and word has spread fast, drawing penniless families from Yangon and surrounding districts.

More than 2,400 families have now built small shanties in the grounds an hour’s drive from downtown

Yangon. Hundreds of others, who cannot afford construction costs, are sheltering in a communal bamboo dormitory at the site, which is home to a meditation centre.

Surging demand for property as Myanmar undergoes rapid change since shedding the isolation of junta rule has threatened to push more people from their homes, with rent hikes compounding low wages in and around the country’s most populous city. Figures from estate agents show rents have risen by 25 percent this year for a small Yangon apartment, while sales prices have doubled or even trebled over the past two years in some neighborhoods. Tin Tin Win, 57, says she was forced to move to the compound with her daughter, son, two grandchildren and husband, after the family were asked to pay six months in advance-around $300 (225 euros) — to renew the lease on their property. “Our rent went up several times... we couldn’t afford to stay in our house. That’s why we had to move here,” she said, adding that she was secure, if uncomfortable, in the cramped new lodgings.

“My daughter said she will keep us here for a while,

because she can’t afford anywhere else,” she said wiping tears from her eyes. President Thein Sein has made slashing poverty rates a pillar of reforms in Myanmar, where the former military rulers neglected to build a state safety net during their corrupt, decades-long rule.

But that goal appears far off. To buy land in prime areas of Yangon-a city with poor transport links, few modern condominiums and irregular electricity and Internet access-now costs up to $700 (530 euros) per square foot, several times higher than glitzy Bangkok.

But while some-including major international organizations and companies are willing to cough up, many fear the high costs are putting off investors and creating a dangerous property bubble.

“The whole world now knows that the land price here (in Yangon) is very expensive,” Than Oo, 64, managing director of Mandaing real estate company told AFP. Families have been forced out to satellite towns because of the high rents, he said, urging the “stabilisation of the real estate market”. In an effort to cool the

market, the government has raised land taxes and has built some low-cost housing in the city suburbs-but critics say the apartments still cost around $20,000 (15,000 euros), well out of reach of most people. Monks at the monastery have been unable to turn away the cascade of new arrivals. But staff say the land is now full, leaving the abbot scratching around for donors with space to spare for the needy. Myint Nwe, who lives in the monastery’s stable-like dormitory with her nine-strong family, is grateful for the lifeline offered by the abbot.

“My husband had a stroke two years ago. After that we had nothing to eat,” said the mother-of-five, explaining how they came to the monastery, as her husband sat expressionless next to her. While she is able to sell fruit to buy occasional snacks for her children or medicine for her husband, Myint Nwe like many others in the monastery housing, can see no way back to independence.

“I want to live in my own house and run my own business,” she said. “But I have no savings and my husband is sick.” — AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

I N T E R N AT I O N A L

Filipino captors call for international mediation Civilians hostage held as human shields ZAMBOANGA: Muslim rebels holding scores of hostages in the southern Philippines are demanding international mediation, an official said yesterday, as sporadic exchanges of gunfire with government troops broke out, wounding two people and igniting fire on the third day of the standoff.

The Moro National Liberation Front rebels, enraged by a broken peace deal with the government, have been holding the civilian hostages as human shields since Monday in four coastal communities in the port city of Zamboanga. Troops backed by tanks, assault helicopters and navy gunboats have surrounded the estimated 200 rebels and their dozens of hostages.

At least nine combatants and villagers have been killed since the standoff began, officials said. President Benigno Aquino III has sent top Cabinet officials and his military chief of staff to oversee the security crisis in the country’s restive south, the scene of decades-long Muslim unrest in this predominantly Roman Catholic nation. Top priority was the safety of the hostages and residents of the city, he said.

In Zamboanga city’s Canelar village, police wounded two suspected rebels in a mid-afternoon clash, officials said. Almost simultaneously, the rebels opened fire on the troops in another village called Sta. Barbara, where the rebels have been holding some of their hostages, prompting marines and elite army forces to retaliate, military spokesman Brig Gen Domingo Tutaan said.

The fierce exchange of gunfire set on fire Sta. Barbara’s village hall near a mosque compound that troops managed to retake, witnesses said. A gunbattle also erupted at rebelheld Sta. Catalina village, where an AP photographer saw from a distance about 30 villagers, believed to be hostages, who waved white

Residents affected by the stand-off between government troops and Muslim gunmen board a vehicle in a sports complex used as a temporary evacuation center in Zamboanga City yesterday. (Right) A Government trooper responds to taunting from the rebels.—AFP/AP Last month, Misuari’s group issued new cloths in front of a house and yelled, “Don’t Troops were under orders to prevent the signed a peace accord with the government in rebels from straying beyond the communities 1996, but hundreds of its fighters held on to threats to secede by establishing its own fire, don’t fire.”

The two-day crisis has virtually paralyzed they have seized or getting reinforcements, their arms, split into factions and faded in the republic. Misuari has not appeared in public or Zamboanga, a lively trading city of nearly a Interior Secretary Mar Roxas said. Zamboanga background. A major faction led by Nur issued any statement since his followers million people, with most flights and ferry City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco said the Misuari has accused officials of reneging on a barged into Zamboanga city’s coast early services suspended. Communities near the rebels were demanding international media- promise to develop an autonomous region for Monday and clashed with soldiers and police. clashes resembled a war zone, with armored tion, adding that the rebels have so far refused minority Muslims in the southern Mindanao Misuari’s armed followers, who arrived on region. Misuari’s group felt left out in ongoing board motorboats from outlying islands, had troop carriers lining streets, troops massing at to talk with provincial officials.

“They say that it’s an international problem, peace talks brokered by Malaysia between planned to march into Zamboanga and hoist a school and snipers taking positions atop buildings. A mosque and its minaret were and no less than the international community, Aquino’s administration and the currently- their flag at city hall, but government forces the U.N., should come in,” she told ABS-CBN TV dominant Moro Islamic Liberation Front, discovered the plan. The ensuing clashes pockmarked with bullet holes.

Nearly 10,000 villagers have fled from the network. Shots rang out from a distance as she which have steadily progressed toward a new sparked the hostage crisis and standoff, the military said. —AP fighting and took shelter at a sports complex. spoke at city hall. The MNLF rebel group and potentially larger Muslim autonomy deal.

8 massacres by Syrian regime, one by rebels GENEVA: UN rights investigators have established that Syrian government forces were almost certainly responsible for two massacres last May in which up to 450 civilians were killed, a report published yesterday said. The report documented eight mass killings in all, attributing all but one to government forces, but said both government and rebel fighters had committed war crimes including murder, hostage-taking and shelling of civilians in their battle for territory.

The killings in Baida and Ras Al-Nabaa, two pockets of rebel sympathizers surrounded by villages loyal to President Bashar Al-Assad on the outskirts of the coastal town of Banias, sent a chilling message of the price to be paid for backing the rebels. The UN commission of inquiry has not been allowed into Syria, but its 20 investigators carried out 258 interviews with refugees, defectors and others, in the region and in Geneva, including via Skype, for their 11th report in two years. In Baida, it said between 150 and 250 civilians had allegedly been killed, including 30 women, apparently executed, who were found in one house. It said armed rebels were not active in the area at the time.

“Testimonies were consistent that members of the National Defence Forces were actively involved in the raids and in many cases leading them,” the report said.

“Accordingly, there are reasonable grounds to believe that government forces and affiliated militias including the National Defense Forces are the perpetrators of the Al-Bayda (Baida) massacre.”

The next day, as word spread that militia fighters were advancing with army support, hundreds of civilians tried to flee the neighboring village of Ras Al-Nabaa, but were pushed back at checkpoints.

Government forces proceeded to shell the village and then militia fighters moved in.

“As they raided the village, civilians were captured and executed,” the report said, adding: “The operation did not occur in the context of a military confrontation.

Government forces were in full control of the area.” It gave a figure of 150-200 dead in Ras Al-Nabaa.

At least 100,000 people have been killed and millions driven from their homes in the conflict, which began in March 2011 as an uprising against Assad

and descended into a civil war where mostly Sunni Muslim rebels are pitted against Assad’s forces, who are backed by Shi’ite Muslim Iran and Hezbollah. The only deliberate slaughter of civilians attributed to rebel forces in the period of investigation was in June, when rebels captured Hatla in the eastern province of Deir al-Zor. “During the takeover, anti-government armed group fighters conducted home invasions, killing and summarily executing (by shooting at close range) many Shia including at least 30 civilians, among them children, women and elderly,” it said.

The 42-page report, which largely covered incidents between May and July, also accused forces loyal to President Bashar Al-Assad of bombing schools and hospitals, and the rebels of carrying out summary executions after sentencing by Islamic Sharia courts lacking due process.

“The perpetrators of these violations and crimes, on all sides, act in defiance of international law,” said the report. The commission, led by Paulo Pinheiro of Brazil, urged the UN Security Council to hold perpetrators accountable for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The investigators, who include former UN war crimes prosecutor Carla del Ponte, analysed photographs, video and satellite imagery, as well as forensic and medical records, to draw up their report.

The team also verified the killing of 450 people during an offensive by Syrian government forces and Lebanese Hezbollah fighters to retake the strategic town of Qusair. Food and water were cut off during a siege, and the town was heavily shelled.

“Approximately half were civilian casualties, killed primarily in the shelling and aerial bombardment of the town in the early days of the offensive,” the report said. US President Barack Obama asked Congress on Tuesday to delay a vote on authorizing a military strike against Syria in retaliation for its use of chemical weapons, to give time to a Russian plan to take away Syria’s chemical weapons. The experts said they had received allegations of chemical weapons use, “predominantly by government forces”, but could not give details of the incidents, some of which have been investigated by UN weapons inspectors in the last few weeks. — Reuters

Najib to announce steps to help ethnic Malays KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak will announce measures this weekend to boost the economic role of majority ethnic Malays, signalling a reversal of earlier pledges to roll back race-based policies that have stunted the country’s competitiveness.

The announcement, due on Saturday, comes as Najib faces a possible ruling party leadership contest next month. It also follows an election in May in which his coalition, in power since independence from Britain in 1957, was overwhelmingly rejected by minority ethnic Chinese voters.

“I will soon announce a comprehensive policy to encourage Bumiputera participation in the economy,” Najib said on his official Twitter page yesterday. The initiatives will cover equity ownership, business, “human capital” and social and economic development, the state-controlled New Straits Times cited senior officials as saying. He will also announce steps, the report said, to strengthen state institutions that promote the economic role of Malays, also known as Bumiputeras, or “sons of the soil”.

Abdul Wahid Omar, a minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, was quoted as saying there could also be steps to create more opportunities for Malays in the private sector and to boost their ownership of commercial property.

“A recurring issue is the lack of employment opportunities for Bumiputeras in the private sector, especially at the executive level,” he said.

Affirmative action privileges were put in place in the early 1970s to improve the lot of Malays, who make up around 60 percent of the 28 million population, are historically poorer and traditionally live in rural areas.

Minority ethnic Chinese, about a quarter of the population, are wealthier and still dominate business and the economy. After he took the country’s top job in 2009, Najib cast himself as a modernizer who would roll back the privileges that have deterred investment and alienated minority Chinese and ethnic Indians. He has also pledged to base government assistance more strongly on needs than on race. But those plans have largely failed to advance due to stiff resistance from within the ruling, ethnic Malay United Malays National Organization (UMNO).

Najib was further weakened by May’s election, in which the ruling coalition lost the popular vote and saw its parliamentary majority shrink.

The result, contested by the opposition, exposed a deepening divide between Malays and ethnic Chinese and was seen as leaving Najib more dependent on support from UMNO traditionalists, such as influential former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad. —Reuters

Japan on high alert on islands anniversary TOKYO: Japan’s coastguard said it was “on high alert” yesterday, a year to the day since Tokyo nationalized islands that China says it has owned for centuries. Often-testy ties have soured dramatically over the last 12 months, with frequent confrontations between official ships from Asia’s two largest powers.

On Tuesday, Tokyo said it had not ruled out stationing officials there, provoking an ominous warning from Beijing that Japan “must be prepared to bear the consequences of this provocation”. “We are on high alert as today marks the first anniversary of the nationalization of the Senkaku islands,” coastguard official Yuma Miyako told AFP, referring to the Tokyo-controlled islands claimed by China as the Diaoyus.

Since last September, official Chinese vessels have regularly traversed the waters-China said Tuesday it had carried out 59 such “patrols”-each time being warned off by Japanese ships, and the two nations’ militaries have shadow-boxed in international waters and international skies.

Tokyo says it nationalized the islands as a way to take the sting out of a potentially explosive attempt to buy them by nationalists, who talked of developing them for tourism. It was somewhat wrong-footed by the vehemence of Beijing’s response, which sawviolent protests erupt across China and diplomatic ties frozen, badly affecting a huge trade relationship on which both countries depend.

A change of government in Tokyo that made

hawkish nationalist Shinzo Abe prime minister did little to soothe matters. Xinhua Tuesday accused him of turning a blind eye to the nation’s “beautifying of atrocious wartime crime”, the latest in a long line of tongue-lashings Chinese state media has delivered. Eight Chinese ships spent several hours in the islands’ territorial waters on Tuesday and four remained in the contiguous zone on Wednesday, Japanese officials said. Contiguous waters are maritime areas adjacent to territorial sea where a coastal state has certain limited rights.

“We are preventing Chinese official ships from entering our territorial waters, with our ships sailing very close to the Chinese ships,” coastguard official Miyako said. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, a nation can evict foreign military ships that enter its territorial waters. However, Miyako said, the rules regarding official ships, such as coastguards, are unclear.

“Therefore we are working in line with the Japanese government’s policy of demanding they stay out of our territory,” he said. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga on Wednesday repeated Tokyo’s mantra that the islands “are an integral part of Japanese territory”, but stressed Japan cherishes ties with China as “one of its most important bilateral relations” and was keeping the “door open” for dialogue.

Analysts say the row is unlikely to fade given China’s rising power and an uncompromising

approach from both sides. “I suspect the dispute won’t ever be resolved as long as they keep their current positions,” said Yoshinobu Yamamoto, professor of international politics at the University of Niigata. “It is wise and practical for the two countries to put it aside and shift their focus to other areas such as economic and regional issues,” Yamamoto said.

On Tuesday, Suga said the government was “considering it as an option”, when asked if Japan would station officials on the islands, but did not elaborate. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Beijing was “gravely concerned” by the remarks. “China’s resolve to defend the sovereignty of the Diaoyu islands is firm, and we will not tolerate the Japanese side taking action to infringe China’s sovereignty,” he said. “The Japanese side must be prepared to bear the consequences of this provocation.”

Japan annexed what it says were unclaimed islands in 1895. It says China’s assertion of ownership only came after the discovery of resources in the seabed at the close of the 1960s.

Beijing maintains that the islands have been its territory for hundreds of years and were illegally snatched by Tokyo at the start of an acquisitive romp across Asia that culminated in World War II. Analysts have warned the presence of so many vessels and airplanes increases the likelihood that a slip by one side could lead to a military confrontation, with serious regional, and possibly global, ramifications. — AFP

Taiwan speaker fired as scandal deepens TAIPEI: Taiwan’s ruling party expelled the parliamentary speaker yesterday after he was accused of meddling in a lawmaker’s court case, deepening a political scandal that has rocked the island.

President Ma Ying-jeou, chairman of the the Kuomintang (KMT) party, said Wang Jin-pyng was “unfit” to head the legislature after he was accused of influencing prosecutors not to appeal in a breach of trust case involving lawmaker Ker Chienming.

Wang was suspected of asking then-justice minister Tseng Yung-fu and a top prosecutor not to appeal last year’s acquittal of Ker, the party whip for the major opposition DPP (Democratic Progressive Party) in parliament. Tseng resigned on Friday over the case. The ruling party said Wednesday that Wang’s membership had been revoked for “damaging the party’s reputation”, rendering him unable to continue as speaker. Wang later said he would appeal the party’s decision.

Wang, 72, was a KMT heavyweight known for his grass-roots influence, and his removal has sent shockwaves through the island’s political circles. He had been one of Taiwan’s longest-serving speakers, holding the position since 1999. “I hoped Wang would have voluntarily resigned to maintain the last shred of dignity for the parliament and the KMT,” Ma told reporters Wednesday.

The claims against Wang were uncovered by investigators wiretapping Ker’s mobile phone.

And Wang told reporters late Tuesday that this was an “illegal investigation”. “I do not accept that prosecutors have unilaterally charged me with influence-peddling following an illegal investigation,” he said. The DPP unexpectedly scrapped a TV debate slated for

Sunday between Ma and his opposition counterpart, with party spokesman Wang Min-sheng saying the incident had plunged the island into “a constitutional crisis”.

“Now is not a good timing for the debate,” he said.

Analysts warned that kicking the parliamentary speaker out of the party could lead to a split within the Kuomintang. Tseng, the former justice minister, has also denied wrongdoing. He was the third minister in the Ma government to step down in recent months. In late July, defense minister Kao Hua-chu resigned following public anger over the death of a young conscript, who was allegedly abused in the military. His successor, Andrew Yang, quit just six days after taking office over plagiarism allegations.

Taiwan’s judicial system has been criticised in recent years after a corruption scandal implicating top judges as well as a spate of controversial rulings involving child sexual assault cases. —AFP

Taiwan’s Legislative Speaker Wang Jin-pyng (C) speaks at parliament in Taipei yesterday.—AFP

Searchers look for 2,500 tsunami dead TOKYO: Police and the coastguard in Japan carried out large-scale searches yesterday for the bodies of more than 2,500 people still missing two-and-a-half years since the quake-tsunami and nuclear disaster it spawned. Some 90 searchers combed coastlines and water off the Onahama district of Fukushima prefecture, roughly 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of the crippled Fukushima atomic power plant.

“If you imagine the feelings of the family members of missing individuals, it’s very saddening,” said Hiroshi Kuno, police chief of Iwaki Higashi police station. “We want to find the missing individuals or their belongings,” he told local media. Similar searches were being carried out all along a vast stretch of the northeast of Japan.

The vast bulk of the coastline, along with rivers running into the sea, have been searched several times before, but officials say they are trying to ensure no spot has been overlooked. The prefectures of Iwate, Miyagi

and Fukushima were hit directly by the 9.0-magnitude earthquake and killer tsunami on March 11, 2011.

A total of 15,883 people have been confirmed killed by the natural disasters, many in Miyagi, which bore the brunt of the destruction.

The bodies of a further 2,654 people have never been recovered, but all are assumed dead.

Giant waves knocked out cooling systems at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, which went through meltdowns and explosions that contaminated a vast farming region. No one died as a direct result of the nuclear crisis. However, the government has added a further 2,688 deaths to the total toll for the triple disaster, counting as victims those who died due to stress or other complications associated with evacuation. The already improbable search for the missing is becoming more difficult as months go by and officials privately accept that many bodies will never be found.—AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

ANALYSIS

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Focus

How Obama got Syria so wrong

By Andy Sullivan

U

nless President Obama can show Congress that his planned Syria strike is linked to a larger - and coherent - strategy, legislators should just say no.

So far, his explanations, and those of his cabinet members at congressional hearings, have only added to the confusion. “What is it you’re seeking?” Sen Bob Corker (R, Tenn) asked Gen Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs, in trying to elicit the broader goals of military action. The general replied candidly, “I can’t answer that, what we’re seeking.” That moment of testimony encapsulated the dilemma for the Congress and the country. If the military doesn’t grasp where the commander in chief is leading, and the president can’t (or won’t) clarify, we’re all in trouble. You can’t get there if you don’t know where “there” is.

This is not the way to wage a war - oops, I mean a limited military strike. The official explanation for the strike, of course, is to “degrade and deter” Bashar Al-Assad’s ability to gas his own people. This would signal other wouldbe mass murderers not to use such weapons. The attack would supposedly be very limited - missiles fired from ships at sea, but no boots on the ground. It would not be meant to change the course of the Syrian conflict, or to help the rebels beat Assad.

Of course, a missile strike would mainly be meant to salvage Obama’s and America’s credibility (with Iran) by proving the president means what he says when he sets red lines. But an ill-conceived attack is more likely to destroy Obama’s reputation than to restore it. If it’s purely symbolic, Assad will emerge unscathed, and triumphant.

Already, while Congress debates, and administration officials leak details of likely targets, Assad has cleared men, rockets, and artillery from prospective target sites.

Dempsey testified that he may have moved prisoners in as human shields. “A minimal strike would do more harm than good,” says Elizabeth O’Bagy, a senior analyst at the Institute for the Study of War who has done extensive interviews with Syrian rebel commanders. It would demoralize more moderate rebel forces, who have been waiting in vain for long-promised U.S. weapons.

Given this reality, the temptation will be to expand the target sites (which the Pentagon is already doing) and employ aircraft in addition to ship-launched missiles.

Here, too, lies danger. Without a clear strategy, the administration could get sucked into a longer bombing campaign with no clear endgame and disastrous repercussions inside Syria - and in the region. Yet Obama seems headed right into that trap. The White House rightly fears that Islamist militias are best placed to take advantage of Assad’s losses from any US military action whether too limited or too extensive. This fear lies at the root of the administration’s indecision. (The White House wants to devise a strike that resembles the porridge in the Goldilocks fairy tale - not hot enough to unseat Assad, or cold enough to look weak.) Several senators have tried to press the White House to link any US strike to arms and training for more moderate rebel groups, so they - not jihadis - would benefit from any weakening of Assad. This, at least, would make strategic sense.

O’Bagy, who has traveled widely inside Syria, says the bulk of rebel groups are not jihadis. In fact, the extremist rebel groups have alienated mainstream fighters with their harsh ideology and brutal treatment of civilians. But the repeated failure of Washington to keep its promises of military aid to more moderate rebel commanders (who have been vetted by the CIA) has benefited the jihadis, who get arms and money from rich Gulf Arabs. So has the US failure to fully support an umbrella Supreme Military Council that Washington helped set up last December.

In late August, after the regime’s chemical-weapons attack, four of the five top council commanders threatened to resign and to cooperate with jihadi fighters against Assad if the West didn’t deliver promised military aid. They were already angered that small arms promised months ago were never delivered. Nor has the administration given a green light for other countries - particularly the Saudis - to deliver antiaircraft weapons to CIAvetted rebels. The White House worries that such weapons may fall into the hands of radical Islamists. Yet the failure to keep pledges to moderates has actually strengthened the jihadis - just the result that the administration most feared. Obama is now said to be studying a wider role for US military advisers in training moderate rebels. Perhaps this is meant as a sop to senators who won’t vote for a military strike unless it is linked to such aid. But - after the chemical strike - a long-range training program is not sufficient. This will be too little, too late to make any difference.—MCT

All articles appearing on these pages are the personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait Times takes no responsibility for views expressed therein. Kuwait Times invites readers to voice their opinions. Please send submissions via email to: opinion@kuwaittimes.net or via snail mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait.

The editor reserves the right to edit any submission as necessary.

Remembering the lessons of Libya

By Glenn Garvin

I

f you’re playing buzzword bingo with friends during President Obama’s upcoming speech on why it’s a good idea to lob a few missiles at Syria, I sure hope you didn’t get a card with a space marked Libya. That’s a word the president hasn’t uttered once as he lobbies Congress to go along with his plans for an attack on Syria.

Libya, if you recall (and he certainly prays that you don’t) was the president’s last experiment with creating democracy through the innovative use of high explosives. It’s now known within the administration as The Intervention That Dare Not Speak Its Name, because Libya is a complete mess that’s getting worse by the day. The idea in Libya was that we’d fire a few rockets over Muammar Gaddafi’s head to teach him a lesson about shooting civilians, then be on our way. No long and expensive war, no regime change, just a quick but firm rap on the knuckles. Change the names Gaddafi and Libya to Assad and Syria, and it’s practically identical to what President Obama is saying now.

But literally nothing in Libya worked out the way the president said it would. US involvement lasted not a few weeks but eight months and cost $1 billion. The few rockets turned into hundreds of missile strikes and bombing runs. The assurances that we weren’t planning a regime change - which rang hollow from the start; you don’t fire cruise missiles at somebody to signal your neutrality - ended in the capture and murder of Gaddafi by the rebels we supported.

Standing at the end of his trail of broken promises, President Obama was far from abashed. “The Libyan intervention demonstrates what the international community can achieve when we stand together,” he declared in August 2011, boasting that “the power of people striving for freedom can bring about a brighter day.”

Those ringing words are practically the last the president has even spoken about Libya, for good reason. If he gave a speech about the place today, it would probably sound more like a recent headline from the British newspaper The Independent: We all thought Libya had moved on _ it has, but into lawlessness and ruin.

Post-intervention Libya is a witch’s cauldron of crime, corruption and terrorism. Armed militias roam the countryside like martial motorcycle gangs, shaking down anyone they please. Government security forces are too weak to do anything about it, and, in any event, preoccupied with their own brigandage _ the daughter of Libya’s imprisoned spy chief last week was snatched by one police force away from the custody of another.

Civilians know better than to raise a peep about any of this: Three dozen or so who mounted a protest outside the barracks of a militia in eastern Libya a few weeks ago were killed on the spot. Human Rights Watch has barely been able to keep track of the wave of political assassinations in recent months. Even the most trivial political disputes escalate to mayhem - a heart surgeon who tried to carry out government orders to fire a hospital director was savagely beaten and then

jailed by security forces.

Yet these may soon be regarded as Libya’s good old days.

Wildcat strikes by mutinous refinery workers have brought Libya’s oil industry, the heart of its economy, to a virtual halt.

From the 1.6 billion barrels of oil a day the country pumped under Gaddafi, production has dropped to 150,000 a day, less than half of what’s necessary just to pay government workers.

What’s left of the Libyan government is surviving on cash reserves, which officials say will run out by the end of the year.

We’ll see how the power of people striving for freedom copes with that.

All this chaos and suffering has not exactly enhanced the reputation of the Western powers who helped depose Gaddafi. Along with the assault that left four Americans dead in the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, there have been terrorist attacks on British, French and European Union diplomats.

Both the United States and Great Britain have pulled most of their diplomats out of Libya.

Last week, President Obama, trying to make his case for attacking Syria, said Congress needed to remember the lessons of World War II. I’d say the president needs to remember the lessons of Libya: that the Middle East is fraught with ancient religious, ethnic and tribal rivalries only dimly understood in the West. That they erupt in unpredictable and vicious ways when the balance of power is upset. And that there’s probably a better way to deliver a prescription for peace and prosperity than in the payload of a Tomahawk missile. — MCT

Why the Dow is getting a makeover

By Ken Sweet

T

he barometer of America’s stock market the Dow Jones industrial average - is getting a makeover. Alcoa, Bank of America, and Hewlett-Packard are being dropped from the index of America’s 30 top companies and replaced by Goldman Sachs, Nike, and Visa. It’s the index’s biggest change in almost a decade.

Dow will make the switches, which take effect Sept. 23, because of the falling stock prices of the removed companies and a need to more accurately represent the economy. Here is how the Dow works and what the changes mean.

WHAT IS THE DOW? The Dow Jones industrial average is the most popular gauge of the health of the stock market and US economy. It was created in 1896 by Charles H. Dow, one of the founders of The Wall Street Journal, with the intention of giving the stock market credibility and making investing more understandable. The original index had 12 members. The number of companies making up the Dow gradually increased to 30 in 1928. The index is calculated and published by S&P Dow Jones Indices, a joint venture owned by McGraw-Hill, CME Group and Dow Jones. A small committee decides which companies are added to or dropped from the Dow.

other US stock index. Some 1,338 funds worth $3.087 trillion track the S&P, according to data from Morningstar. The Dow, by contrast, has six funds worth $195.5 million. However, Wall Street traders and the media refer to the Dow because it’s easier to understand than the S&P 500. When someone says “the Dow lost 200 points,” it resonates better than “the S&P 500 lost 20 points.” And the Dow, despite its flaws and lack of funds attached to it, generally tracks the S&P 500 well over the long term. The Dow is up 35.1 percent over the last five years, while the S&P 500 is up 35.3 percent.

BANK OF AMERICA REMOVED Low stock prices are the primary reason for their removal, along with a need to better represent the makeup of the US economy. The Dow is a price-weighted average, which means that the higher the stock price, the more influence the stock has over the index’s level. Bank of America, HP and Alcoa were the lowestpriced stocks in the Dow, so their movements did not impact the index as much as higher priced members like IBM and 3M. Alcoa, Bank of America, and HP are still quality companies and remain in the S&P 500 index which is a broader gauge of the US stock market.

WHY GOLDMAN SACHS, VISA? Goldman Sachs replaces Bank of America, so the Dow is swapping one financial company for another. It’s a little different with the Visa-HP trade. While most people think of Visa as a financial company because of its credit and debit cards, Visa is actually a giant technology company focused on payment processing. Replacing HP with Visa is, in a way, a replacement of one technology company with another.

ALCOA AND NIKE There are a few reasons why Alcoa came out of the Dow. First, Alcoa shares were the lowest in the Dow at $8, meaning a movement in Alcoa’s stock price would not have affected the Dow as much as IBM or Caterpillar. Secondly, the industry that Alcoa represents - mining and materials - only makes up about 3 percent to 3.5 percent of the overall US stock market, says David Blitzer, managing director and chairman of the index committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices. “We felt Alcoa’s slot could be better used for something else,” Blitzer says. Blitzer says the committee felt the Dow had too few consumer discretionary companies in it and there was no apparel representation. Nike is

APPLE AND GOOGLE Apple and Google are too expensive to be in the Dow. Google’s stock trades at nearly $900 and Apple shares are around $500, several times more expensive than the Dow’s priciest members. Every change of $1 in any of the 30 Dow stocks moves the index by the same number of points, roughly seven. That gives more sway to companies with higher stock prices.

And it’s easier for a $100 stock to rise $1 than it is for a $10 stock. (Those numbers will change once the six-company switch happens, but not drastically.) Apple and Google would have too much weight in the Dow if they were added.

The $23 stock price of Intel, a hugely influential technology company valued at $115 billion, would not move the Dow as much as $900 share of Google, which is worth $295 billion. It’s the same reason why Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway, probably one of the most diversified conglomerates in the US, is not in the Dow. Berkshire “A” shares trade at $170,000. This price weighting is one of the Dow’s biggest flaws, according to investors. The index’s entire formula would need to be restructured to admit high-priced stocks like Apple, Google or Berkshire.

DOW MAKEUP Not usually. The last change to the Dow’s membership happened in September 2012, when Kraft Foods was removed and replaced with UnitedHealth. Kraft was pulled because it was breaking into two separate companies, so it wasn’t the large food conglomerate it once was. The index underwent a quick succession of changes during the financial crisis, however.

Citigroup, General Motors and AIG were all members at one point. AIG was removed in 2008 when it imploded and required a government rescue. GM, at the time one of the longest-serving members of the Dow, was stripped of its Dow membership when it filed for bankruptcy in 2009. Citigroup was also removed because of the problems it faced during the financial crisis. The last time three members of the Dow were replaced at the same time was April 2004, when AT&T, Eastman Kodak and International Paper were replaced

by AIG, Pfizer and Verizon Communications.

WHO GETS IN THE DOW? It’s an elite club. The Dow’s members are often referred to as “blue chip” stocks,” and entry into the index is reserved for a company that “has an excellent reputation, demonstrates sustained growth and is of interest to a large number of investors.” Because the Dow has only 30 members, compared with the 500 members of the Standard & Poor’s 500 index, entry is limited. The committee that decides who joins the Dow tries to pick companies that best represent the makeup of the economy.

The economy has shifted away from heavy manufacturing in recent decades, and so has the index. More members come from finance and technology. After Alcoa leaves later this month, the “industrial” part of the Dow’s name will only be 19 percent of the index itself. At the same time, health care has become a bigger part of the economy, and that’s reflected in the Dow. Companies such as UnitedHealth Group, Pfizer and Merck have joined the index.

Financials have become a larger part, too.

IMPACT ON INVESTMENTS Simple answer: it doesn’t. Very few investors actually structure their portfolios around the Dow. Most prefer to use the S&P 500, which is a far broader representation of the market than the Dow. More funds and more money chase after the S&P 500 than any

big, well-known and stable. It has a huge business at home and abroad. Nike also trades at $66 a share, helping balance out the Dow.

This combination of Associated Press file photos shows (from top left) a Bank of America building in Charlotte NC, a Hewlett Packard keyboard in Mountain View, Calif, large rolls of aluminum at the Alcoa Warrick Operations in Newburgh, traders working in the Goldman Sachs booth on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, a wallet containing a Visa card on in Surfside, and the Nike factory outlet store in Park City, Utah. — AP

DOW MEMBERS Since UnitedHealth replaced Kraft, the stock is up 33 percent, more than twice as much as the S&P 500 stock index. In June 2009, Travelers Cos replaced Citigroup and Cisco replaced GM. Since then, Travelers is up more than 100 percent, compared with the 90-percent rise in the S&P 500. Cisco is up 31 percent.— AP

NEWS

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Suicide bombers hit Egypt army, kill nine EL-ARISH: A pair of suicide bombers rammed their explosives-laden cars into military targets in Egypt’s volatile Sinai yesterday, killing at least nine soldiers and wounding 17 people, security officials said.

One of the two bombings in the town of Rafah brought down a two-storey building housing the local branch of military intelligence, while the other struck an army checkpoint.

The near-simultaneous attacks nudged the violence in the strategic Sinai Peninsula closer to a fullblown insurgency, compounding Egypt’s woes at a time when the country is struggling to regain political stability and economic viability more than two

years since longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak was toppled in a popular uprising. The attacks also came less than a week after a suicide car bombing targeted the convoy of Egypt’s interior minister, who is in charge of the police, shortly after he left his home in an eastern Cairo district. Mohammed Ibrahim, the minister, escaped unharmed, but the blast caused extensive damage in the area. An AlQaeda-inspired group based in Sinai later claimed responsibility for that bombing.

Yesterday’s attack on the intelligence building in Rafah collapsed the entire structure and buried an unspecified number of troops under the rubble,

Kuwait accused of ‘stealing’ Iraq’s oil Continued from Page 1 Muslim preacher over his position seen to be hostile towards the Shiite faith. The MPs threatened to file a grilling motion against Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Mohammad Al-Khalid Al-Sabah.

Sunni Islamist Adnan Al-Ar’our reportedly arrived to Kuwait recently on an invitation from former MPs, and the news sparked reactions from Shiite lawmakers who condemned the authorities for allowing a person known for making offensive statements against Shiites including questioning their faith to visit the country. “Allowing AlAr’our inside Kuwait at this critical time is not a wise deci-

sion”, MP Saleh Ashour said in a statement yesterday. He also urged the Interior Minister to “carry out his duty” and expel the controversial figure.

Also yesterday, MP Safa Al-Hashem called on the authorities to invoke the ‘national unity law’ against those who allowed Al-Ar’our into Kuwait, while MP Dr Maasouma Al-Mubarak criticized the Interior Ministry for “overlooking the ugly truth and hateful ideology of Al-Ar’our which were exposed on YouTube”. MP Abdullah Al-Tamimi said that AlAr’our is “not welcomed by the majority of Kuwaiti people who adopt moderation and reject sectarianism regardless of whether they are Shiites or Sunnis”. He also questioned the motives behind his invitation. — Agencies

two security officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media. The second attack targeted an armored personnel carrier deployed as part of an army checkpoint not far from the intelligence headquarters, the officials added. The officials said the remains of the two suicide bombers have been recovered.

The security officials said the blast at the intelligence building also badly damaged five houses nearby. The wounded included 10 soldiers and seven civilians, three of them women. Egypt’s official MENA news agency later reported that following the attacks, authorities ordered the closure of the Rafah border crossing, which links Egypt to the Gaza Strip.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for yesterday’s attack. Militants in Sinai, some with links to Al-Qaeda, have been targeting for months Egyptian forces in the strategic peninsula bordering Gaza and Israel.

Their attacks have become much more frequent and deadlier since the ouster this summer of Mohammed Morsi, Egypt’s Islamist president. After Mubarak’s ouster, Morsi became the country’s first democratically elected president in 2012 but he

US forced to be world ‘police’ Continued from Page 1

War-weary US marks Sept/11 Continued from Page 1 were observed at 9:03 am-the time when the second tower was hit; 9:37 am, the time of the Pentagon attack, and 10:03 am, when a fourth airliner crashed in Pennsylvania after passengers intervened.

Relatives gathered at the 9/11 Memorial around the two huge black fountains that mark the footprints of the Twin Towers-which collapsed in the attacks for the ritual reading of the names of the dead.

That list has 2,983 names in all, including the 9/11 victims and those killed in the precursor to those attacks, the 1993 car bombing of the World Trade Center. Some relatives brought photos of the dead, while others left roses near the spot where the names of their loved ones are etched into the memorial.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and state Governor Andrew Cuomo attended the ceremony, as did New Jersey Governor Chris Christie. At the Pentagon, Obama remembered US soldiers, diplomats and intelligence agents who had died since 2001, and said the long ground war in Afghanistan sparked by the attacks was entering its final chapter, as most US troops withdraw next year.

“Today, we remember not only those who died that September day, we pay solemn tribute to more than 6,700 patriots who have given their full measure since, military and civilians,” he said. The president also paid tribute to the four Americans killed in a 9/11 attack last year on the US mission in Benghazi, Libya-an attack that sparked a political furor over White House explanations about who was to blame. An explosion caused serious damage to a Libyan foreign ministry building in Benghazi yesterday. — AFP

Syrian Christians forced ‘to convert at gunpoint’ Continued from Page 1 Adnan Nasrallah said an explosion destroyed an archway just across from his house that leads into the town.

“I saw people wearing Al-Nusra headbands who started shooting at crosses,” said Nasrallah, a Christian. One of them “put a pistol to the head of my neighbor and forced him to convert to Islam by obliging him to repeat ‘there is no God but God’.”“Afterwards they joked, ‘he’s one of ours now’.”

Nasrallah spent 42 years running a restaurant-which he named Maalula-in the US state of Washington and returned to Syria just before the uprising against President Bashar AlAssad broke out in March 2011. “I had a great dream. I came back to my country to promote tourism. I built a guesthouse and spent $2,000 installing a windmill to provide electricity in the town. “My dream has gone up in smoke. Forty-two years of work for nothing,” he lamented. But worse, for him, was what he said was the reaction of his Muslim neighbors when

the town was seized by the rebels. “Women came out on their balconies shouting with joy, and children... did the same. I discovered that our friendship was superficial.” But Nasrallah’s sister, Antoinette, refused to condemn everyone, saying recent arrivals in the town were to blame. “There are refugees from Harasta and Douma (in the suburbs of Damascus) that we have taken in, and they are spreading the poison of hatred, especially among the younger generation,” she said. Another resident, Rasha, recounted how the jihadists had seized her fiance Atef, who belonged to the town’s militia, and brutally murdered him. “I rang his mobile phone and one of them answered,” she said. “Good morning, Rashrush,” a voice answered, using her nickname. “We are from the Free Syrian Army. Do you know your fiance was a member of the shabiha (pro-regime militia) who was carrying weapons, and we have slit his throat.” The man told her Atef had been given the option of converting to Islam, but had refused. “Jesus didn’t come to save him,” he taunted. —AFP

was deposed in July by the military after days of massive street protests against him. Earlier this week, the Egyptian militar y launched a major offensive against the militants in the northern region of Sinai.

Officials have described the offensive, which started on Saturday, as the biggest sweep of the area in recent years, aiming to weed out Al-Qaedainspired groups that have taken control of villages in northern Sinai. Five days of military operations so far have left 29 Islamic militants dead and the military has boasted of capturing weapons caches, missile launchers, and dozens of vehicles and fuel storage sites. Some 30 militants were arrested during raids - mostly low-level operatives.

One officer and two soldiers have also been killed in the operation since Saturday. On Monday, MENA cited unnamed senior security officials as saying at least six militant groups with an estimated 5,000 members operate in Sinai.

The militants use mountains in north and central Sinai as hideouts, where the rugged terrain is difficult to search. But the repeated security operations have increased tension with local residents, who accuse authorities of randomly targeting homes and arresting innocent people. — AP

shouldn’t only be the US’ responsibility. Every country in the world should stand up and say ‘you cannot commit a mass atrocity like that against the civilian population’. We don’t want war.

But the United States is not starting a war...the war has been ongoing for the past two and half years.

Why don’t you tell (Syrian President Bashar) Assad ‘no war’, since he’s the one making war,” Ellison argued.

On the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and accusations that the US favours one side over the other, Ellison agreed there was an inherent American bias towards Israel, but said Washington is on the side of the Palestinians too and is their biggest donor.

“Maybe the US is not capable of mediating in this dispute. There’s evidence that the US is not an honest broker in this conflict, but if there’s another party that wants to do it, do it! But there aren’t too many other countries fighting to take up the mantle,” he rued.

Ellison warned that settlements and land grabs were ruining any chance of a two-state solution, but admitted Washington does not have much say.

“Do we have the power to stop it? I wish we did.

Israel is a sovereign state that does what it wants. I don’t buy that Israel is a client state of the United States.” Washington does stand up to Israel on some issues though. “We don’t agree with the annexation of East Jerusalem. We still don’t have an Embassy there. We don’t recognise East Jerusalem as Israel,” Ellison pointed out. “Israel wanted us to hit Iran, but we said we’re not going to do that.”

On the recent power grab by the military junta in Egypt, Ellison agreed that the US should have labelled it a coup. “Somebody sticks a gun in the face of the country’s first freely elected president and forces him out - how is this not a coup? Just because there were people on the streets supporting this move does not make it right,” he said.

He said if Washington had called President

Mohamed Morsi’s ouster a coup, it would’ve had to suspend aid to Cairo. “I don’t want aid to be sent to Egypt. It’s good we suspended the delivery of F16s and military exercises. Ordinary Egyptians are not benefiting from our money. It’s going for military purposes. Are we going to reward coup leaders?” he asked.

Ellison believes the US fears Egypt may abandon the Camp David accords or Washington might lose influence if the aid is halted. “I have neither affinity nor hostility for the Muslim Brotherhood. But they were democratically elected. Have another election and get rid of them. Egypt is a country that had been denied freedom of expression and basic human rights.

It may take them a while to get used to it. I was in Cairo and I got the sense people were protesting on the streets because they could. What happened in Egypt is tragic,” he added. Ellison also expounded on his Muslim faith and how his opponents used it as a stick to beat him with, to no avail. “I was elected to Congress in 2007. I didn’t stand to make a point. I am as I am and proud to be who I am. I wanted to talk about policies, but it was always about my religion.

But I was elected from a place (Minneapolis) where 99 percent of the electorate is non-Muslim,” he said, sitting on his desk with a copy of the Holy Quran and prayers beads next to him.

Ellison is also the first African-American to be elected to the House of Representatives from Minnesota. “America used to be about race. It used to be a very powerful thing about life chances. But America was good on religion. We spread out our mats and hold congregation prayers every Friday in the Capitol. If I grow a long beard and wear religious garb, nobody would give me a second look,” he added. Andre Carson of Indiana, who was elected in 2008, is the second and only other Muslim in the House. “We doubled our strength. We’re taking over,” quipped Ellison.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

S P ORTS Tunisia coach quits after loss

England bowler to retire

Coleman: Bale not fit enough

TUNISIA: Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul has resigned after their surprise World Cup elimination at the weekend following a 2-0 home defeat by the Cape Verde Islands.

The result allowed the tiny island nation to leapfrog Tunisia and win the group. Tunisia only needed a draw in their last Group B match to be among 10 group winners to compete in a final round of playoff matches which would determine Africa’s five places at the 2014 World Cup. But they were two goals down before halftime and were unable to launch a comeback. “This is a big disappointment, I don’t know what happened,” Maaloul told the La Presse newspaper.

“This was my last match in charge of the national team. I can only apologise for the disappointment. My players were totally hopeless.

There were eight of the 11 who did not take any responsibility.” Maaloul had been in the job for less than a year since taking over from Sami Trabelsi following the country’s failure to get past the first round at the African Nations Cup in South Africa in January.—Reuters

LONDON: Former England seam bowler Matthew Hoggard announced he will retire from cricket after making his final first class appearance for Leicestershire next week.

Hoggard, who was part of England’s memorable Ashes winning side in 2005, represented his country in 67 tests and 26 one-day internationals between 2000 and 2008.

“I want to thank all of my family, friends, my past opponents... and both Yorkshire and Leicestershire Count y Cricket Clubs for the suppor t and dedication that they have shown me over the course of my career,” Hoggard said in a statement on his website (www.matthewhoggard.com).

“Playing cricket professionally and, of course, playing as par t of the national side is a dream that nearly ever y young boy growing up in Yorkshire shares.

“I feel truly honoured to have been given such incredible opportunities and I am grateful to everyone that I have worked alongside for the past 17 years.” Hoggard’s final professional match will be against Hampshire next week.—Reuters

MADRID: Real Madrid’s record signing Gareth Bale is not fit enough to last a full match and it would be “dangerous” to make him play 90 minutes if he debuts in Saturday’s La Liga match at Villarreal, according to Wales coach Chris Coleman. Bale, who became the world’s most expensive player when he joined Real for 100 million euros ($133 million) at the start of the month, played the final half an hour of Wales’s 3-0 World Cup qualification defeat to Serbia on Tuesday, his first competitive action since July. “ We have looked at him in these 10 days and he is nowhere near ready for 90 minutes even if Spanish football is slower,” Coleman was quoted as saying on the FIFA website (www.fifa.com) yesterdaysday. “If he starts Saturday, he will not finish the game. I would be amazed if he does,” he added.

“He may get 45 minutes, I don’t know, but he will feel better in himself after 30 minutes here. “But he has only had four training sessions in two months which is dangerous.” Real have won their opening three La Liga matches under new coach Carlo Ancelotti, who replaced Jose Mourinho at the end of last season. —Reuters

Dodgers defeat D’backs LOS ANGELES: Pinch-hitter Scott Van Slyke’s tworun homer in the bottom of the 11th inning gave the Los Angeles Dodgers a 5-3 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night.

Van Slyke lined the homer off Josh Collmenter (4-3) into the lower left field seats, scoring Mark Ellis who singled just ahead of Van Slyke.

It was the Dodgers’ fifth consecutive win over the D-backs. They hit six homers, including three

by Juan Uribe, in winning the series opener on Monday. Chris Withrow (1-0) got the victory, striking out four in 1 1-3 innings.

ST. PETERSBURG: Pitcher Junichi Tazawa No. 36 of the Boston Red Sox throws in relief in the 8th inning against the Tampa Bay Rays. —AFP

Red Sox blank Rays ST. PETERSBURG: Clay Buchholz allowed three hits over five innings in his first start since early June and the AL East-leading Boston Red Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-0 on Tuesday night. Buchholz (10-0), sidelined by a strained neck, hadn’t pitched in the majors since beating the Los Angeles Angels on June 8. The right-hander made three rehab starts in the minors.

Jonny Gomes and Jarrod Saltalamacchia both drove in a run for the Red Sox, who extended their lead over second-place Tampa Bay to 81/2 games. Craig Breslow, Junichi Tazawa and Koji Uehara finished a four-hitter.

Uehara got four outs for his 19th save.

Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner David Price (8-8) lost his third straight start despite giving up just three hits in eight innings. The left-hander struck out nine. The Rays, just 4-12 since Aug. 25, lead the race for the second AL wild-card spot.

TWINS 4, ATHLETICS 3 In Minneapolis, Josh Willingham hit two home runs, including a two-run shot in the eighth inning that put Minnesota in front for good against Oakland.

Oswaldo Arcia also homered for the Twins, who snapped Oakland’s three-game winning streak and prevented the A’s from stretching their two-game lead over Texas in the AL West. Minnesota also spoiled a solid outing

by Jarrod Parker, who tossed six strong innings and stretched his unbeaten streak to 19 starts. Arcia singled off reliever Sean Doolittle to lead off the eighth. Doolittle struck out Ryan Doumit before being pulled for Ryan Cook (6-4), and Willingham launched a 2-0 pitch an estimated 439 feet into the middle deck for his second multihomer game this season. Anthony Swarzak (2-2) worked a scoreless eighth on his 28th birthday. Glen Perkins earned his 34th save in 38 chances.

YANKEES 7, ORIOLES 5 In Baltimore, Alfonso Soriano hit two home runs, including a tiebreaking shot in the eighth inning, and New York rallied past Baltimore to end a six-game losing streak at Camden Yards. Mark Reynolds also homered for the Yankees, who won for the second time in six games to bolster their postseason hopes. New York still trails Tampa Bay, Baltimore and Cleveland in the hunt for the final AL wild-card slot.

Chris Davis hit his major league-leading 49th home run for the Orioles and raised his RBI total to 126. Baltimore led 4-1 in the fifth inning before faltering. Alex Rodriguez led off the eighth with a double against rookie Kevin Gausman (2-5) and Robinson Cano delivered an RBI single. Soriano followed with a two-run shot to center, his 15th homer in 43 games since New York reacquired him in a July 26 trade with the Chicago Cubs.

Adam Warren (2-2) pitched a perfect seventh and Mariano Rivera got four straight outs for his 650th career save.

TIGERS 9, WHITE SOX 1 In Chicago, Rick Porcello pitched his first career complete game, Prince Fielder homered among his four hits and Detroit snapped a three-game skid by beating Chicago.

Alex Avila added four hits and two RBIs as the Tigers increased their AL Central lead over Cleveland to 51/2 games. Porcello (12-8) scattered seven hits, struck out five and walked one. The 24-year-old right-hander retired 14 straight after Chicago scored its only run in the fourth. Five of Detroit’s runs were unearned thanks to four Chicago errors, including three by third baseman Conor Gillaspie. White Sox prospect Erik Johnson (02) was hurt by shoddy fielding in his second major league start. He lasted 3 2-3 innings, allowing six runs - two earned - on seven hits and three walks. Chicago, last in the AL Central, has lost 10 of 12.

ROYALS 6, INDIANS 3 In Cleveland, Jeremy Guthrie got a major assist from his defense in pitching six innings, Alcides Escobar hit a rare home run and Kansas City snapped a six-game losing streak in Cleveland to close on the Indians and two others in the cramped wild-card scramble.

Guthrie (14-10) allowed just one run and nine hits, but was helped by three double plays. Kansas City pulled within three games of a wild-card spot. The Royals also got a game closer to the Indians, who dropped to 6-3 in September. Mike Moustakas hit a two-run double in the sixth off Zach McAllister (7 9), and the won’t-go-away Royals won for the 12th time in 17 games. Luke Hochevar struck out all five batters he faced, and closer Greg Holland worked a perfect ninth for his 41st save.

ANGELS 12, BLUE JAYS 6 In Toronto, Mark Trumbo matched a team record with four extra-base hits, including back-to-back home runs with Josh Hamilton, and Chris Iannetta and Erick Aybar also went deep as Los Angeles beat Toronto. Trumbo had a career-best five hits and became the first player in Angels history to collect five hits and score five runs in the same game. He went 5 for 5 with three doubles and two RBIs as the Angels won for the eighth time in 11 meetings with the Blue Jays.

Jerome Williams pitched five-plus innings to win consecutive starts for the first time since May 26. Williams (7-10) allowed six runs and nine hits. Anthony Gose hit his first career grand slam for the Blue Jays and Rajai Davis added a solo shot, but it was a rough night for starter Mark Buehrle (11-8), who had won six straight decisions.

ASTROS 13, MARINERS 2 In Seattle, Jonathan Villar homered on the first pitch of the game and Houston coasted to a lopsided victory over Seattle.

Villar connected off Joe Saunders (11-14) for his first career homer. The Astros scored six times in the first three innings to chase Saunders. The left-hander has lost six of his last eight decisions.

Chris Carter and Jose Altuve each had three of the Astros’ 17 hits. Houston’s 10 extra-base hits were a season high, eclipsing the previous mark of nine also set against the Mariners. Altuve and rookie LJ Hoes both had three RBIs. Jordan Lyles (7-7) held Seattle in check through six innings.

INTERLEAGUE PIRATES 5, RANGERS 4 In Arlington, Francisco Liriano pitched six innings for his career-high 16th victory, Andrew McCutchen had three RBI singles and Pittsburgh held on to beat slumping Texas.

A night after victory No. 82 ensured the Pirates’ first winning season since 1992, the NL wild-card leaders added a series-clinching victory. Pittsburgh scored three runs with four consecutive two-out hits in the fifth off rookie Martin Perez (9-4), who had won his previous six starts. Texas has lost seven of nine but remained two games back in the AL West.

Liriano (16-7) struck out five while allowing one run to become the first Pirates lefthander since John Smiley and Zane Smith in 1991 to win more than 15 games. Liriano has received a decision in each of his 23 starts since signing as a free agent in February.

Mark Melancon worked a shaky ninth for his 13th save in 15 chances. After striking out the first two batters, Melancon gave up four consecutive two-out singles before Adrian Beltre struck out to end it with a runner on third. Pittsburgh remained a game behind NL Central-leading St. Louis. —AP

BRAVES 4, MARLINS 3 In Miami, Julio Teheran, working on 10 days’ rest, overcame a rough first inning and pitched into the seventh to help the Braves beat the Marlins.

Teheran (12-7) gave up three runs in the first, then none after that, and he left with a 4-3 lead.

Craig Kimbrel pitched around a one-out double by Placido Polanco in the ninth for his major leagueleading 46th save in 49 chances.

Atlanta went 3 for 16 with runners in scoring position, but Evan Gattis had his third straight twoRBI game. Braves right fielder Justin Upton left the game in the fourth inning with a bruised right knee after fouling a ball off it. His status is day to day.

Tom Koehler (3-10) allowed four runs in five innings. He’s 0-4 in his past seven starts.

NATIONALS 6, METS 3 In New York, Jayson Werth kept up his power surge with a home run and two doubles, leading the charging Nationals past the Mets for their fourth straight win. Jordan Zimmermann (17-8) wound up with his NL-leading 17th victory and Rafael Soriano closed for his 40th save as Washington tries to make a late playoff push.

The Nationals have won six of seven, and have 18 games left this season. They began the day seven games behind Cincinnati for the final NL wildcard spot. Dillon Gee (11-10) left in the seventh with the Mets down 4-3. He was trying to beat the Nationals for the fifth time this year.

CARDINALS 4, BREWERS 2 In st. Louis, Matt Holliday’s two-run home run in the sixth inning stunned Wily Peralta with the Cardinals’ first hit and rookie Shelby Miller blanked the Brewers into the seventh inning. Matt Carpenter and Matt Adams added RBIs in the seventh and eighth for the NL Central leaders. The 22year-old Miller (13-9) emphasized more off-speed deliveries to keep the pitch count down and allowed five hits with four strikeouts and two walks in 6 2-3 innings. In 6 2-3 innings, Peralta (9-15) was charged with three runs and three hits with seven strikeouts. Pinch-hitter Logan Schafer hit a two-run homer off Edward Mujica in the ninth.

CUBS 9, REDS 1 In Cincinnati, Welington Castillo drove in three runs with two home runs, Donnie Murphy added a two-run shot and even pitcher Edwin Jackson connected as the Cubs rolled to a victory over the suddenly punchless Reds on Tuesday night. Jackson (815) hit his second career home run in the seventh inning on his way to his first win in seven starts since July 31. The Cubs earned consecutive wins over Cincinnati for the first time since 2011. Reds starter Tony Cingrani (7-4), in his second start since coming off the disabled list on Thursday, left the game two outs into the second inning with back spasms.

LOS ANGELES: Dee Gordon No. 9 of the Los Angeles Dodgers steals second base as Didi Gregorius No. 1 of the Arizona Diamondbacks reacts during the tenth inning. —AFP PADRES 8, PHILLIES 2 In Philadelphia, Jedd Gyorko and Chase Headley each had three hits to back Andrew Cashner’s strong pitching in the Padres’ victory over the Phillies. Gyorko, who entered in a 3-for-28 slide, scored three runs and drove in a n o t h e r. H e a d l e y a d d e d t w o R B I s fo r t h e Padres, who have won four straight and six of seven.

Cashner (9-8) earned his first victory since Au g. 2 , t h ro w i n g 7 2 - 3 m a s t e r f u l i n n i n g s while limiting the Phillies to four hits and a walk. Tyler Cloyd (2-4) was not sharp in his first major league star t in three weeks for Philadelphia. The right-hander allowed seven runs and nine hits over four plus innings.

ROCKIES 9, GIANTS 8 In San Francisco, Michael Cuddyer hit a tiebreaking homer leading off the ninth inning to go with his three-run shot, and the Rockies rallied from an early six-run deficit to beat the Giants.

Cuddyer sent a 3-2 pitch from Sergio Romo into the left-center seats for his 20th homer of the season, 10th career multihomer game and second this year. He also connected in Colorado’s five-run fifth to spark the comeback. Hunter Pence produced some impressive slugging himself, hitting a threerun homer in the first, an RBI double in the fourth and a tying, two-run single in the eighth against winner Wilton Lopez (3-4). Pence matched his career high with six RBIs. Sergio Romo (4-7) gave up Cuddyer’s go-ahead homer.—AP

MLB results/standings NY Yankees 7, Baltimore 5; Kansas City 6, Cleveland 3; San Diego 8, Philadelphia 2; LA Angels 12, Toronto 6; Chicago Cubs 9, Cincinnati 1; Washington 6, NY Mets 3; Atlanta 4, Miami 3; Boston 2, Tampa Bay 0; Pittsburgh 5, Texas 4; Detroit 9, Chicago White Sox 1; Minnesota 4, Oakland 3; St. Louis 4, Milwaukee 2; Houston 13, Seattle 2; LA Dodgers 5, Arizona 3 (11 innings).

American League Eastern Division W L Boston 88 58 Tampa Bay 78 65 Baltimore 77 67 NY Yankees 77 68 Toronto 67 77 Central Division Detroit 83 62 Cleveland 77 67 Kansas City 76 69 Minnesota 63 80 Chicago White Sox 58 86 Western Division Oakland 83 61 Texas 81 63 LA Angels 68 76 Seattle 65 80 Houston 49 96

PCT .603 .545 .535 .531 .465

GB 8.5 10 10.5 20

.572 .535 .524 .441 .403

5.5 7 19 24.5

St. Louis Pittsburgh Cincinnati Milwaukee Chicago Cubs

.576 .563 .472 .448 .338

2 15 18.5 34.5

LA Dodgers Arizona San Diego Colorado San Francisco

Atlanta Washington Philadelphia NY Mets Miami

National League Eastern Division 87 57 75 69 66 78 64 79 53 90 Central Division 84 60 83 61 82 64 62 81 62 82 Western Division 85 59 72 72 66 77 67 79 65 80

.604 .521 .458 .448 .371

12 21 22.5 33.5

.583 .576 .562 .434 .431

1 3 21.5 22

.590 .500 .462 .459 .448

13 18.5 19 20.5

Oracle calls time out in America’s Cup after loss SAN FRANCISCO: Embattled defending champion Oracle Team USA postponed a second America’s Cup race on Tuesday, saying it needed to regroup after Emirates Team New Zealand won its fourth commanding victory on San Francisco Bay. Software billionaire Larry Ellison’s American team appeared shellshocked and asked for the time out just before the start of race two, under a rule giving the teams the right to delay one race in the 17-race series for the world’s oldest sporting trophy. The so-called postponement card is generally reserved for boat

breakdowns. “We feel like we need to regroup,” skipper Jimmy Spithill said at a post-race press conference. “It’s obvious we’ve got to make some changes.”

Oracle faces an uphill battle, having started the regatta with a tworace penalty and without its firstchoice wing-sail trimmer, Dirk de Ridder. An international jury punished the team for illegally modifying its smaller, 45-foot practice catamarans in a preliminary regatta.

The unprecedented cheating penalty means that for Oracle to keep the Cup it must win 11 races - two

SAN FRANCISCO: Oracle Team USA crewmembers James Spithill (left), skipper; Tom Slingsby (center) tactician/grinder; and John Kostecki, tactician/grinder are seen after losing race 5 against Emirates Team New Zealand during the 34th America’s Cup. —AFP

more than government-backed New Zealand. Although the score on the water is 4-1, Oracle officially lags the Kiwis 4-0 due to the infraction.

On Tuesday, Oracle won the race start and cruised in its 72-foot catamaran past New Zealand to lead the first two legs of the five-leg heat, that saw average winds of 20 knots (23 mph). Then Oracle tried to do something that has never been done - to lift its foils out of the water while tacking. It bungled the rounding maneuver with a eight-second lead at the second mark, almost stopping dead, which allowed the Kiwis to close the gap. Oracle’s decision to go to the right side of the upwind leg, out of the current near Alcatraz Island, also proved disastrous.

The New Zealanders had better wind toward the center of the course, were able to get past Oracle after several tacks and led them by 1 minute 17 seconds at mark three. Team New Zealand finished the race 65 seconds ahead of Oracle. “The boat is going really well upwind,” Kiwi skipper Dean Barker said after the race. “It’s working for us.”

But he said he had no intention of laying back. “There’s no easy races,” he said. A breakdown now could be devastating for Oracle, which can no longer postpone and needs to win another 10 races, while New Zealand needs just five more wins.

Spithill continued to express confi-

dence that his team could keep the 162-year-old trophy. “It’s not over,” he said. “As a team, we’ve come back from a lot of adversity. This doesn’t worry us. We’ve been here before, and it’s just a matter of getting back working again.”

Asked what he would change, Spithill said everything was on the table - from sail changes to crew changes. Asked if he was concerned about his job, he responded, “You can be a rooster one day and a feather duster the next day.”

Emirates Team New Zealand won three of the first four races. But, after a shaky start, Oracle Team USA charged back with a vengeance on Sunday, leading much of the third duel, winning the fourth and proving itself a formidable competitor.

The radical 72-foot catamarans looked evenly matched in Sunday’s racing and overall the competition has been more exciting than many expected, featuring dramatic starting maneuvers, near collisions, lead changes and closely fought tacking duels. The cheating scandal, quarrels over rules and grief over the death of a sailor during a training exercise took center stage during the preliminaries, when a promised “summer of racing” to determine which yacht could take on Oracle fizzled into a lopsided series with powerhouse Team New Zealand dominating.—Reuters

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

S P ORTS

Wallaby Genia benched for Argentina showdown MELBOURNE: Australia coach Ewen McKenzie has run out of patience with an out-of-sorts Will Genia, dropping the scrumhalf to the bench for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against Argentina and installing a new captain with only six tests under his belt.

ACT Brumbies’ Nic White has been promoted in place of Genia, who was also stripped of the captaincy in a stinging blow for a player rated one of the world’s finest scrumhalves.

Number eight Ben Mowen, who made his test debut against the British and Irish Lions less than three months ago, will lead the team in Perth as regular skipper James Horwill battles to recover from a hamstring strain.

“The fact that Will has captained his country shows what high regard we hold him in and, while he is naturally disappointed, I also know how competitive he is and I’ve got no doubts he will train himself to a standstill to bounce back as a better player,” McKenzie said in a media release.

“We’ve spoken about what areas we believe he can continue to improve and evolve his game and he was receptive to going back and addressing those things.

“In the end, it wasn’t an easy decision because he is undoubtedly a world class player. “However, we also feel Nic has earned an opportunity to start and will add his own uniqueness and point of difference to how we want to play this game.”

Photo of the day

McKenzie also tweaked a pack that has been hit by a number of injuries and struggled in last week’s 38-12 demolition by South Africa and the two previous defeats to world champions New Zealand.

Tighthead prop Ben Alexander has been promoted from the bench at the expense of Sekope Kepu, while lock Sitaleki Timani comes into the reserves.

Backrower Ben McCalman retained the place on the bench he was handed by Horwill’s injury, while centre Tevita Kuridrani was also given a spot among the replacements in place of fellow Brumbies back Jesse Mogg.

Barring Genia’s demotion, the backline remains largely unchanged with James O’Connor and Nick Cummins swapping wings and Quade Cooper keeping his place at flyhalf.

Having started his tenure with three successive losses that have the Wallabies at the bottom of the standings, McKenzie had said he would “dumb down” his game-plan after the team’s comprehensive defeat to South Africa.

On Wednesday, however, he defended his coaching staff’s approach amid criticism in the wake of the Lang Park debacle.

“Australian rugby is renowned for smart, attractive and running rugby and there is a continued determination from the coaching staff and players to play with ambition and flair,” he said. “We aren’t moving away from this philosophy.”—Reuters

Gabriel Fortunato performs at the Red Bull Skate Arcade at Madureira-skatepark in Rio de Janeiro —www.redbull.com

Ferrari create F1 super team

Michael Dobson

Hull confident of beating Saints LONDON: Hull Kingston Rovers travel to St Helens for their Super League elimination play-off final having beaten them every time they’ve met so far this season-and captain Michael Dobson is adamant they can repeat the trick on Saturday.

Dobson featured in all three victories, two in the Super League and the other in the Challenge Cup fourth round, with the Robins drawn against the Saints after finishing eighth overall in the regular season to their opponents’ fifth place in the table.

Rovers, however, enter the winnertakes-all clash-defeat will mean the end of the losers’ title hopes-having won just one of their last six Super League matches while St Helens are resurgent with six wins out of seven.

But for Dobson, who will return to the NRL and Newcastle Knights next season, Rovers’ record over the Saints this season outweighs their recent form.

“We’ll be confident. We know if we play our best we will be in with a shout,” said the former Canberra Raider. “We’re under no illusion how tough it is going to be at their place,” Dobson added. “They have plenty of experience in the play-offs.”

Hull FC face Catalan Dragons in the other elimination play-off on Friday, with the

winners gaining a preliminary semi-final place. Meanwhile League Leaders’ Shield winners Huddersfield welcome Wigan in their qualifying play-off, a match where the victors go straight through to the semifinals proper and the losers the preliminary semi-final as a reward for their position in the regular season standings.

Huddersfield have major doubts over back-row forward Ukuma Ta’ai, who suffered a badly split lip early in the second half of their 58-6 defeat by Bradford on the final day of the regular season. The 26-yearold has been included in Huddersfield’s 19man squad for Thursday’s clash but coach Paul Anderson said he was still undecided about whether to play the former New Zealand Warrior. “Ukuma’s got a fair split to his lip and there’s no question he could be a doubt for today. It just depends on how things go at hospital with the plastic surgery.” Meanwhile Warrington coach Tony Smith said his side had been buoyed ahead of their qualifying play-off with Leeds by their 14-12 win over Catalan Dragons at the weekend.

“I thought our defence was outstanding,” said Smith. “I like that and I especially like that heading into the play-offs and we need to back that up.”—AFP

LONDON: Kimi Raikkonen’s return to Ferrari alongside Fernando Alonso has handed Formula One a compelling storyline for the next two seasons.

Whether the stellar line-up of champions, Ferrari’s first such pairing for 50 years, blazes a trail to title glory or derails itself in a shower of sparks along the way remains to be seen.

The two are fire and ice, and it has been no secret in the Formula One paddock that Alonso would rather have retained Brazilian Felipe Massa as a loyal number two, but equally determined.

Both know what it takes to win titles, both are supremely quick and old and wise enough to see beyond the usual mind games.

“I don’t think Alonso will be too pleased to see Raikkonen there,” said former racer and Sky television commentator Martin Brundle on Wednesday.

“He (Raikkonen) will go about it in his own way. If he heard a radio message ‘Fernando is faster than you’, Kimi Raikkonen is not going to move out of the way.

“He’s going to radio back and say ‘So why is he behind me, then, if he’s faster than me?”. And a few expletives along the way. It will definitely put Alonso on his toes. It will be the strongest pairing in Formula One.” Raikkonen, the last driver to win a title for Ferrari and first in the postMichael Schumacher era, did assist Massa in 2008 just as the Brazilian helped him become champion. But generally, the Finn does not do small talk and nor does he seem remotely intimidated by anybody or anything.

When Jenson Button linked up with 2008 champion Lewis Hamilton at McLaren in 2010 in Formula One’s most recent ‘super team’ of champions, the older Briton was warned that he was entering the ‘Lion’s Den’ with ever ything geared around Hamilton.

It did not work out that way, and 2009 champion Button is now the established leader at

ITALY: Lotus F1 Team’s Finnish driver Kimi Raikkonen drives at the Autodromo Nazionale circuit in Monza in this file photo. —AFP

McLaren while Hamilton has moved on to Mercedes.

Alonso has grown accustomed to being the main man at Maranello but Raikkonen knows his way around the factory corridors well enough and is also being reunited with former colleagues. The Finn has already won nine races for Ferrari from his previous stint there, only two fewer than Alonso — who won his titles at Renault in 2005 and 2006 - has racked up for the scuderia.

Raikkonen may not care - or talk - enough to be a leader of men, in the mould of Schumacher or Alonso, but speed and success are powerful motivators in themselves and the 2007 champion will play to his strengths. Pat Fry and James Allison, two key technical figures, worked with him at McLaren and Lotus respectively — as they did

with Alonso. Ferrari team principal Stefano Domenicali is a known Raikkonen fan, despite the Finn being paid off for the final year of his contract at the end of 2009 to make way for Alonso. All that means that there should be a much more level playing field next term at a team renowned in recent years for favouring one driver over another. At a time when Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel is speeding towards his fourth successive title, and the sport is reliving the sort of yawning domination that Schumacher enjoyed at Ferrari, that has to be good news for spectators.

Alonso, however, is likely to be concerned that Ferrari’s dream team could turn into another personal nightmare - unless their car is so dominant that they are battling only themselves.

When the Spaniard was paired

with Hamilton, then in his rookie season, at McLaren in 2007 they fought all the way with the team insisting on equal status.

The outcome saw Raikkonen snatch the title against the odds with Hamilton and Alonso levelpegging one point behind the Finn.

Had McLaren imposed the tactics Ferrari employed during the Schumacher era, or during Alonso’s partnership with Massa, the 31-year-old Spaniard might be a triple champion by now.

Ferrari chairman Luca Di Montezemolo used to tell reporters, when asked about the chance of Vettel joining Alonso, that there was no space for “two roosters in the same hen house”.

That policy has now been ripped up. How much they have to crow about next season is an open question but one that will be fascinating to watch.—Reuters

Pressure no problem for Park De La Hoya

De La Hoya enters rehab NEW YORK: Oscar De La Hoya has returned to rehab to deal with a substance abuse problem and will miss a mega-fight his company promoted between Floyd Mayweather and Canelo Alvarez, the former boxing great said on Tuesday.

Since retiring from the ring in 2009, De La Hoya has become one of the sport’s top promoters through his company Golden Boy Promotions but will not be ringside at the MGM Grand on Saturday for the title bout between Mayweather and challenger Alvarez.

“I will not be at the fight to cheer Canelo to victory since I have voluntarily

admitted myself into a treatment facility,” De La Hoya said in a statement. “I explained this to Canelo and he understood that my health and long-term recovery from my disease must come first.

“I ask for your support and privacy during this difficult time for me and my family.” After winning a gold medal for the United States at the 1992 Summer Olympics, De La Hoya embarked on a professional career winning 10 world titles in six different weight classes.

The “Golden Boy,” as De La Hoya is nicknamed, was at one time recognized as boxing’s best pound-for-pound fighter and sport’s most marketable boxer.—Reuters

EVIAN: Park Inbee says that pressure has become “a friend” since she won the Evian Masters in France. Fourteen months on and much has changed for both the South Korean and the tournament.

Now named the Evian Championship and upgraded to major status - the fifth on the women’s calendar - it is a suitable stage for Park’s bid to become the first golfer to win four of the big events in one incredible season.

The 25-year-old world No.1 won the first three majors — the Kraft Nabisco, LPGA Championship and US Women’s Open before finally succumbing to the pressure at the Women’s British Open at St Andrews last month.

“But the pressure at the British will definitely help me here,” said the player who won the 1988 US Women’s Open as a teenager before suffering a four year winning gap that ended at Evian last July. “I couldn’t go through anything as hard again.

“Winning this title last year gave me a lot of confidence. There were hard times during the four years between wins. More than 100 tournaments and sometimes I wanted to give up and do something less stressful. “But I stayed patient and waited for my time to come. I still believed in myself.” Since last year, the Evian course has been totally revamped in readiness for its new standing in the game.

“Evian has always been special to me, so it is not too different now it is a major,” Park continued. “I like the changes to the course.

“A lot of the holes are longer and there are more bunkers and bigger greens. The 18th has been changed from a par five to a par four and that has made it really challenging.

“I’m looking forward to defending. I feel a lot more comfortable than I did at the British Open. But it would still be huge to win a fourth major and I want to do it.”

American Stacy Lewis, the world No.2 and Evian runner-up for the past two years, and

world No.3 Suzann Pettersen, the Norwegian winner of the LPGA’s Safeway Classic in Oregon two weeks ago, will be among Park’s major threats.

Pettersen was one of the stars of Europe’s Solheim Cup win - the first on US soil - in Colorado last month, and she said: “It has been a great few weeks and we are all still on a high.

“It is always special to do something that has never been done before and I was so proud of our young team, the new wave of talent coming through European women’s golf.”

After two close misses Lewis is hoping to make it third time lucky in France. She won the Women’s British Open last month - but then suffered the Solheim low.

“I’ve got really great memories of Evian and I’m trying to keep up with Inbee,” said the 28-year-old. “Winning the British was awesome and it would be cool to win another major this season.”—AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

S P ORTS

Matchfixing, energising youth targetted by Bach BUENOS AIRES: When newly-elected International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach moves into his office in Lausanne next Tuesday he will be looking to build on predecessor Jacques Rogge’s considerable legacy and also keen to set his own agenda.

The 59-year-old German-who on Tuesday won an overwhelming victory seeing off his five rivals to win in the second round of voting by his fellow IOC members-will have the Sochi Winter Olympics, which open in February, to focus his mind immediately.

However, in his post victory press conference the affable lawyer-the first Olympic gold medalist to be elected to the most powerful job in sport-pinpointed matchfixing and engaging the young to practise more sport as two of the problems he will seek to tackle in his

eight year term. Bach, who won team foil gold in fencing in the 1976 Olympics, said that while the battles against matchfixing and doping shared some characteristics the latter was easier to detect. He also said it would be wrong to classify Asia as the problem area when it came to matchfixing.

“I would not like to relate it (matchfixing) to a region of the world because the fight against matchfixing has to be an international one, this is a global fight,” said Bach. “The fight against matchfixing has certain similarities with the fight against doping but also major differences and we have to consider that when we determine our approach.

“In doping you have tests, strict liability and you have international arbitration. “Unfortunately there is no test for matchfixing so that means that the pow-

ers of sport are pretty much limited.

“As a consequence we have to work very, very closely with governments and other authorities and I see two ways in doing that. “One is to encourage them, to request their help, to do whatever we can from our side and closer co-operation of international police forces. This is why inside the IOC’s working commission we also have representatives from Interpol.

“I am ready to pay tribute to Jacques Rogge on this point. We started this fight under him and we weren’t convinced as an organisation what we had to do with matchfixing but since then a lot has been done.” Bach, though, said he wanted to go further in uniting different sovereign states in battling the problem.

“This is very ambitious. I want us in our contacts with the UN and UNESCO to

propose an idea of harmonisation, of international legislation against matchfixing and that doesn’t exist at the moment. “It makes the work of police forces more difficult. “So I think in the short term we seek better co-operation and longer term we go after getting legislation passed.”

The problem of preventing the young becoming a generation of couch potatoes also concerned Bach. That will please one of his presidential rivals, Sergey Bubka, who may be the greatest pole vaulter ever but the election was a sobering experience as he finished last in the second round with just four votes.

Bach, who described the moment he was elected as making him feel humble, believes like Bubka the answer to getting the young to exercise more lay in communicating with them.

“Communicating with young athletes and young people is key to my programme where I proposed that we should open up a dialogue with the younger generation, via the media and to listen very, very carefully. “With regard to young athletes we have the Youth Olympic Games (one of Rogge’s innovations). “To get in closer contact with young athletes and embrace youth we also have to make sure we are not only addressing those young people who are already athletes but those who are consumers of sport.

“When we do speak with the younger generation we have to have our ultimate goal in mind. It is good the young watch sport on TV or on the internet. “That is fine, but it is not the ultimate goal which is to motivate them to participate in sports.”—AFP

Davis Cup semi offers quick fix for Djokovic

DAMASCUS: Syrian Al-Wahda’s Majed al-Haj (left) vies with army’s Al-Jaish’s Saad Ahmad during the Syrian Cup football match. —AFP

Syria army battles on all fronts but loses on the football pitch DAMASCUS: Syria’s army has won many victories in more than two years of civil war, but its men went down to defeat on a Damascus football pitch against local team Al-Wahda. Before a crowd of nearly 2,000 at Tishrin Stadium on Tuesday night, AlWahda’s Hamud Hamudi scored against the army’s team in extra time for a 1-0 victory to clench the Syria Cup. The army supporters had cheered their team on with chants of “God, Syria, the army and nothing else.” Orange-clad AlWahda fans responded with their own chant of “God, Syria, Bashar (al-Assad, Syria’s president) and nothing else,” singing along to the beat of a drum.

But they all came together to chant slogans against US President Barack Obama and NATO. Obama and his allies had been mulling military strikes against Assad’s regime for alleged chemical attacks on August 21, in which hundreds are said to have died.

But the threat of action was put on hold after Russia proposed that Damascus hand over its chemical arsenal to the international community for eventual destruction.

Artillery rumbled in the distance, but the crowds still turned out in relatively good number for a city that is usually deserted at night. For some in the stands, the match was simply a chance to get out and to relax.

“I did not come to support the army or Al-Wahda; I came to share the Syrians’ joy, even if it is not complete,” said Brahim, 23, who came to the match with a Syrian flag draped around his shoulders. A few seats along from him, his friend Mustafa, a 35year-old steelworker, leads the army fans’ chanting with a loudspeaker.

“It’s not because of the war that I support the army, but I have to say that because of the events I like them even

more because they are fighting every day.

It’s normal to support them,” he said.

In the opposing stands, Rawan Tinawi came with her sister from Douma, a suburb to the northeast of Damascus. “We have had enough of hearing the news. We came for a bit of fun. We’re sick of being stuck at home,” she said.

On the pitch, as the game dragged into extra time, the players were growing tired and the cramps started to kick in. But Hamudi’s goal electrified the Al-Wahda fans and drained the army supporters.

Ashraf Eitouni is philosophical about the defeat. “Today Al-Wahda wanted to win more than we did,” he conceded. “We won the championship 10 days ago, and that’s much more important. The army always wins, even in sports. With 12 championships, we are the most titled team,” he said, consoling himself.

Less than two weeks ago, in the same stadium, the army team beat the police squad in the championship finals 1-0.

But Al-Wahda’s coach is savouring his team’s victory. “This year we played with the best team that didn’t lose any of their games in the championship or the cup. It’s their first defeat,” said Ghiyath Dabbas, 33.

“But, even if we’re on opposite teams, we’re all in the same trench” facing the rebellion, he added.

General Muwafaq Jamaa, a 40-year army veteran who heads the Syrian Sporting Federation and awarded the cup trophy to Al-Wahda, said he was happy to see the number of spectators who turned out for the game. “We are not scared of America, or of its Tomahawks,” he said, referring to the cruise missiles Washington had said it could use in strikes.

“You can see that here. All these people came even though it’s late and we are playing at night. Syrians like a challenge.”—AFP

Trapattoni parts company with Ireland DUBLIN: Giovanni Trapattoni left his post as Ireland soccer manager yesterday following his side’s World Cup qualifying defeats against Sweden and Austria in the past week.

The 74-year-old Italian, who had been in charge for more than five years and steered Ireland to the Euro 2012 championship, left by mutual consent, the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said.

Ireland had been in contention to claim a playoff spot for next year’s World Cup in Brazil but defeats in their last two Group C games has left them in fourth spot with two games left. Trapattoni also took Ireland to the brink of the 2010 World Cup, missing out in a playoff after France scored a controversial winner set up by a Thierry Henry handball.

“We thank Giovanni Trapattoni, Marco Tardelli and Franco Rossi for the last five-anda-half years during which we qualified for our first major tournament in 10 years and were close to qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after the play-off in France,” FAI Chief Executive John Delaney said in a statement. “This particular World Cup campaign has been disappointing but Giovanni leaves us with a group of good, young players which should form the basis of the squad that the new manager will use for the European Championship in France 2016 when 24 teams qualify.”

Former Milan player Trapattoni was one of Ireland’s highest-profile managers, having been in charge at some of Europe’s biggest club sides including Juventus, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich as well as the Italian national side. Trapattoni said he believed he had left

Giovanni Trapattoni Ireland in good shape for the challenges ahead. “I would also want to thank all FAI staff members, including the backroom team and the players who have been great to work with during the last three campaigns,” he said.

“I wish them well in the future and hope that the job we have done leaves everything in a good place for my successor to take over.”

Bookmaker Paddy Power installed former Celtic and Sunderland coach Martin O’Neill as favourite to take over, followed by Brian McDermott of Leeds United and Ipswich Town manager Mick McCarthy. Other names potentially in the frame include Norwich City’s Chris Hughton and former Ireland and Manchester United captain Roy Keane.

Ireland have two World Cup qualifiers remaining in October, away to group leaders Germany and at home against Kazakhstan, though the focus will now shift to building a challenge for Euro 2016. —Reuters

LONDON: If Novak Djokovic needed a quick fix for any post US Open blues, this week’s Davis Cup semifinal against Canada in Belgrade could not have been better timed.

The world No.1 saw his hopes of a second title at Flushing Meadows crushed by a rampant Rafael Nadal on Monday and looked crestfallen as he slumped in his chair following the defeat.

However, national pride will be at stake on Friday when Serbia take on the Canadians in the same Belgrade arena in which Serbia won the title in 2010 against France - a victor y that inspired Djokovic towards world domination in 2011.

Fiercely proud of his country, Djokovic points that Davis Cup final as a turning point in his career and with another final at stake if they beat Canada, it is highly unlikely he would let aching limbs or a tired mind keep him off court.

“Djokovic’s always made it clear that he is honoured to play for Serbia,” team captain Bogdan Obradovic said this week.

“We will see how he feels when he gets here from the United States. He chose to play for Serbia and knows what the requirements are but nonetheless he will get well-deserved time off to recuperate.” Obradovic will do all in his power to get Djokovic out on court for Friday’s opening singles against Canada who, with big-server world No.11 Milos Raonic in their ranks, will be confident of reaching the final for the first time.

Waiting for the winners will be either last year’s champions the Czech Republic or Argentina, who will be underdogs in Prague without the powerful presence of Juan Martin del Potro.

With the United States men suffering a worrying decline, Canada have emerged as the unlikely flagbearers for north America since defeating a below-strength Spain in round one.

Raonic, who was born in

NEW YORK: Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic plays a point against Spain’s Rafael Nadal during the 2013 US Open men’s final in this file photo. —AFP Montenegro, has won all four of his singles rubbers during Canada’s run to the semis and he is not the only member of Canada’s team with Balkan roots.

Frank Dancevic’s father was born in Serbia and Dancevic’s wife Nikolina Bojic is a former Miss Serbia. He said he was relishing the partisan atmosphere that will be cooked up in the 18,000-seat arena.

“We’ve been in the World Group a few times in the past but this is a special occasion just being here in the semi-finals,” he said on the Davis Cup website.

“A lot of our guys history goes back to Serbian roots. It’s really fun to be there playing against a great team in Belgrade and I’m looking forward to a lot of intense fans from Serbia.”

The atmosphere in Prague will be no less electric where the Czechs will be banking on world

No.5 Tomas Berdych and the mercurial Radek Stepanek to see off Argentina.

“It means a lot,” said Berdych of the chance to play in front of home fans again. “This year we’ve played in Switzerland, then Kazakhstan, and we were very close to playing the semi-final in France if they had won.

“The fans made the atmosphere really incredible for last year’s final.

They were like a fifth member of our team.” Argentina will be hoping for better fortune than last year when they lost to the Czechs in the semi-final.

Like Djokovic, Nadal is expected to delay resting his weary legs back in Mallorca by trying to guarantee Spain’s place amongst the elite with a home playoff against Ukraine in Madrid.

Nadal has not played Davis Cup since the 2011 final but is expected

to play some part, although with Tommy Robredo and Fernando Verdasco also in the team captain Alex Corretja has plenty of options available.

Switzerland will not be able to call on Roger Federer although Stanislas Wawrinka, fresh from reaching the US Open semi-finals, will lead them against Ecuador in one of the other seven playoff ties which will decide next year’s World Group.

World No.3 Andy Murray, who Wawrinka beat in the quarter-finals in New York, is in action for Britain in Croatia, hoping to steer them back among the elite for the first time in five years.

Poland are hoping big-serving Jerzy Janowicz will have recovered from a back injury as they take on Australia in Warsaw looking to reach the World Group for the first time.—Reuters

On paper, Klinsmann looks like a genius NEW YORK: On paper, Jurgen Klinsmann looks like a genius. The US men’s national team has never had a better year, at least measured by results, and it’s only September.

The 2-0 win Tuesday night over bitter rival Mexico punched the Americans’ ticket to the 2014 World Cup with two games to spare, and set a record for most wins in a calendar year (14) in the bargain.

It didn’t come easy. Because of injury and yellow-card suspensions, the US was without Michael Bradley, arguably its best player, and three others - Jozy Altidore, Matt Besler and Geoff Cameron who normally handle duties down the crucial central spine of the field.

But after weathering a tough opening 20 minutes, the cobbledtogether US lineup slowly pulled away from a familiar opponent that began the night desperate, but fell apart soon enough.

“We saw that we can actually raise the bar with tempo,” Klinsmann said afterward, “and in the second half it was all us.” On the field, Klinsmann’s impact is much harder to measure. Former US player and current ESPN analyst Alexi Lalas called it a “classic American win” and he should know.

This team still plays, for the most part, like the ones he played on and all the other versions did before Klinsmann arrived in 2011. It relies on good to-great goalkeeping and plenty of luck on the defensive end to offset a lack of talent. It’s good on the counterattack and set pieces, where its speed and height can be deployed with maximum effect.

What this team has over its predecessors is a little more creativity and a lot more depth. When Klinsmann took over from Bob

Bradley, his ambition was to build a program with the kind of continuity that world powers like Spain, Italy, Brazil and Argentina have long enjoyed, and settle on a style of play that will succeed in Brazil and beyond. He’s made progress on both fronts, up to a point.

“I think that we’re step by step getting closer to take the game to the opponents, that we’re not sitting back and react to whatever happens. We want to take it into their half,” Klinsmann said. “Every game is different. We know that, too. But I think we made big progress in terms of tactical variations and in terms of commitment both ways of the game, defensively and offensively ...

“Maybe two years ago,” he added a moment later, “they wondered, ‘What is this all about? All this extra work, all this extra here, extra there.’ Now it’s just normal.

Now it’s just normal. The players come in, they know there are double sessions waiting for them. The players know what we expect tactically. The players know that there’s another guy behind them in every position, that if he doesn’t give everything he has, the next one steps in and steals his spot.”

Klinsmann hasn’t hesitated to shake things up, leaning on some of the same core players Bob Bradley did - goalkeeper Tim Howard, Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey up front, and Michael Bradley marshaling both the offense and defense from the middle of the park. But he hasn’t been shy about mixing and matching them with young and old teammates of differing abilities and experience levels. The results bear out the success of his experiment so far.

But with it, come expectations, too. Wrapping up the World Cup spot, even with two games in hand, is something the US team was expected to do. It marked the seventh straight World Cup the Americans qualified for. Four other teams clinched Tuesday - the Netherlands, Italy, Argentina and Costa Rica - and the US side would be an underdog against every one of them. Five more were already waiting in the 2014 bracket - Brazil, Iran, Japan, South Korea and Australia - and you’d make the Americans a clear favorite only against the last of those.

Klinsmann understands that. For all the talk about taking the game to opponents, caution is still the order of the day. Donovan and Dempsey are tough, serviceable pros, and Altidore is on his way to becoming one. But none of them is good enough to claim a regular place in the squads of the world’s best. It’s no coincidence, either, that

Bradley is the squad’s most valuable player, since the things he does at a world-class level — control tempo, possess the ball and distribute it with smarts - are the ones this team needs most at the moment. He plays exactly the way you would expect a coach’s son to play. Whether Klinsmann will be able to parlay the traditional American skill set he’s stuck with into better World Cup results than his predecessors will be interesting to see. The U.S. team reached the quarterfinals in 2002, largely by slipping past better teams that poured players into the offensive end unaware the Americans could actually hit back. And even then, they had to make the most of their chances. They haven’t had much luck playing that way ever since.

This team won’t have the luxury of surprise this time around. To get anywhere, the Americans will have to play every bit as good as they look on paper.—AP

COLUMBUS: Jurgen Klinsmann celebrates after US 2-0 win over Mexico their Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier. —AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

S P ORT S

England plod on towards samba party LONDON: England remain on course to qualify for next year’s World Cup finals but the tedious nature of their 0-0 draw in Kiev on Tuesday did little to suggest they will bring much fun to the party.

New FA chairman Greg Dyke caused a stir last week when he pretty much dismissed England’s chances of success in south America next year and the boring draw against Ukraine offered little to contradict him. Captain Steven Gerrard endorsed manager Roy Hodgson’s view that England “got the job done” by avoiding defeat and so remaining in control of their Group H destiny.

However, England’s fans were unlikely to spend yesterday chatting excitedly about solid defending, gutsy draws or honest endeavor.

England, as expected, set out their stall not to lose and, in that respect, it was mission accomplished but the fear remains that these days, against even half-decent sides such as Ukraine, that is the sum of the team’s ambition. So far in the qualifying

process England’s only victories have come against San Marino and Moldova with their other four matches being drawn.

Already there appears to be a presumption that England will beat Montenegro and Poland at home next month to seal their place among the 32 nations heading to Brazil, but it could be a dangerous one, given the obvious limitations of the squad.

In mitigation, Hodgson was without Wayne Rooney against Ukraine while strikers Daniel Sturridge (injured) and Danny Welbeck (suspended) were unavailable. However, Sturridge and Welbeck are hardly established internationals and the fact that their absence is so keenly felt underlines the paucity of attacking flair available to Hodgson when he sits down to select his squads.

Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, of whom one television commentator said last week against Moldova: “When he goes down injured a nation holds its breath”, was virtually invisible against

Ukraine where the stage was set for him to take a game by the scruff of the neck in the way Paul Gascoigne once did. James Milner offered honest graft while 35-year-old Frank Lampard, who was earning his 100th cap and missed a late chance, was single-paced and often peripheral alongside Gerrard. In attack, Rickie Lambert was forced to feed off scraps and will probably be relieved to get back to Southampton whose creative department offer far more than England’s.

Former England striker Gary Lineker, now working as a television presenter, was at a loss to explain 90 minutes of “action” miles away from the highoctane play served up at Premier League grounds up and down the country every week.

“What happens to some of these players when they pull on an England shirt?” Lineker asked. British newspapers seemed undecided whether to applaud the team for a gutsy rearguard action in Kiev or bemoan the lack of quality on display.

The Daily Mail’s back page said England’s hopes of winning the group were “on a knife edge” and described the evening’s display as toothless.

“Dull England labor the point” was the headline on the back of the Times which suggested that England’s “angst-ridden” qualifying campaign was not a foregone conclusion.

The Telegraph summed up the mood with the headline: “Road to Nowhere”. England should, and probably will, gain the points they need from the next two matches at Wembley to join the samba party next year but few will expect them to illuminate the tournament with the quality of their football. “If they intend playing as wretchedly as this in Brazil, they would be well-advised to keep their cars in short-stay (parking) at Heathrow and keep the engines running,” wrote the Telegraph’s football correspondent. “On this dispiriting evidence, England won’t get the ball off the kids on Copacabana beach, let alone Spain or Brazil.” — Reuters

Neymar inspires Brazil to friendly win over Portugal

EGYPT: Egypt’s Ahmed Fathy (right) runs with the ball during the FIFA 2014 World Cup qualifying football match between Egypt and Guinea. — AFP

Egypt beat Guinea, Algeria defeat Mali

CAPE TOWN: Egypt ensured they finished the group phase of Africa’s World Cup qualifiers as the only team with a 100 percent winning record as they came from a goal down to beat Guinea 4-2 in El Gouna on Tuesday.

Their Group G triumph was followed by a 1-0 home victory for Algeria over Mali as they confirmed their dominance in Group H. Both Algeria and Egypt had already secured their progression to the final phase of African qualifiers and now await Monday’s draw for the playoff matches featuring 10 teams.

A 51st minute strike from El Arabi Soudani ensured victory for Algeria in Blida and 15 points out of a possible 18 in their group.

But their efforts were bettered by the Egyptians despite a comical own goal in the opening four minutes when Englishborn defender Adam El Abd, on his competitive debut, miscued a clearance and the back spin beat his own goalkeeper.

Captain Hossam Ghaly ensured the early

mistake would not set the tone for Egypt’s per formance as he steered home an equaliser in the 38th minute after Guinea failed to clear a free kick from Mohamed Aboutrika.

Guinea were reduced to 10 men early in the second half when defender Kamil Zayatte was sent off and Aboutrika converted from the penalty spot.

Guinea, who finished second in Group G and were already out of World Cup contention before Tuesday’s match, were not done, however, and equalised just before the hour mark through Seydouba Soumah.

The teams were level heading into the final 10 minutes but goals from Mohamed Salah and Amr Zaki as the clocked ticked down were enough for Egypt to secure a sixth group win.

Egypt and Algeria join Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde Islands, Ethiopia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria and Senegal in the decisive round of matches over the next two months to decide Africa’s representatives in Brazil.— Reuters

Spain scramble to draw in Chile GENEVA: Reigning European and world champions Spain needed a last-gasp Jesus Navas goal to draw 2-2 with Chile in a friendly in the Swiss city of Geneva on Tuesday. With neither side in World Cup qualifying action, they met in a repeat of a 2011 friendly, in which Spain came from behind to win 3-2.

On this occasion, Vicente del Bosque’s side twice trailed before coming back to draw, with Eduardo Vargas netting Chile’s two goals and Roberto Soldado and Navas on target for Spain.

Having come close to Spain’s first-ever loss to Chile, del Bosque lauded his side’s opponents. “I wasn’t surprised by their quality,” the veteran Spain manager said.

“They were far more active, and literally a

Jesus Navas

cut above us. We could have started with more intensity, but I was pleased with the final part of the match,” he said.

“We were able to use this match to test players who have seen less action recently.

We’ll be drawing our conclusions,” he added, without elaborating.

Chile’s Argentine coach Jorge Sampaoli was upbeat after coming nail-bitingly close to an exploit. “We were fully aware that we were facing the best team in the world. I’m more than satisfied with this performance.

The result isn’t the main thing,” said Sampaoli, whose side remain on track to qualify for next year’s World Cup finals.

“The lads were great. They stood eye to eye with Spain. I’m proud. And pride beats disappointment. They exceed all expectations,” he added.

Switzerland is home to sizeable communities from both Spain and Latin America, but the smaller Chilean contingent outsung and outdrummed the Spanish fans in the Stade de Geneve.

Roared on by their supporters, Chile took the game to Spain from the outset Their efforts paid dividends fast, as Vargas latched onto the ball and launched a powerful fifth-minute strike from the centre of the box, beating Spanish keeper Victor Valdes, given his chance in goal at the expense of Real Madrid’s Iker Casillas.

Spain drew level in the 37th minute, however, with Pedro Rodriguez finding Tottenham Hotspur striker Soldado, who headed the ball past Claudio Bravo, the Chile ‘keeper who plies his trade in La Liga with Real Sociedad.

There was still time for Vargas to restore Chile’s lead a minute before the interval with a finish that was similar to his first goal, but once back from the dressing room, Spain looked hungry to take control.

Andres Iniesta came close to equalising soon after the restart before substitute Alvaro Negredo failed to make contact with the ball as he lunged on the line. But, just when it looked like it was not to be Spain’s night, they struck in stoppage time, Pedro helping the ball on for Navas to convert at the near post and deny Chile a historic win against La Roja in the process. — AFP

BOSTON: Brazil survived an early scare and some physical tackling to beat Portugal 3-1 in a friendly in Boston that confirmed their early status as one of the favorites to win the World Cup on home soil next year.

The five -times world champions were inspired by Neymar, who had a hand in all three goals after Brazil had gone behind to an opportunist strike from Raul Meireles.

The young Barcelona striker was singled out

by Portuguese defenders for some rough treatment early on but his passes led to goals for Thiago Silva, who headed home his corner kick, and Jo, who bundled the ball home from close range after Maxwell had pushed a Neymar pass across the front of goal. Between those two scores, the former Santos player scored a brilliant individual goal that started when he ran at defenders from 40 yards out and culminated with an unstoppable shot from inside the penalty box.

“The important thing is not to react to the provocations and the professional fouls,” he said when asked about the elbows and kicks repeatedly aimed at him.

The game was the biggest test for Brazil since they demolished world champions Spain to win the Confederations Cup in July.

They made just one change from the side that beat Australia 6-0 last weekend with Maxwell replacing Marcelo, who dropped out because of injury. Portugal were without the injured Cristiano Ronaldo. Brazil started shakily but soon recovered and never looked like relin-

FOXBORO: Neymar No. 10 of Brazil traps the ball against Portugal in the second half during the international friendly match at Gillette Stadium. — AFP quishing control after Thiago Silva’s equaliser in automatically for next year’s tournament as the 24th minute. Both sides noticeably lowered hosts and continue their preparations with the tempo after halftime and the game petered friendlies against South Korea and Zambia next out amid a slew of substitutions. Brazil qualified month. — Reuters

Patchy Italians look to recreate spirit of 2006 ROME: Four-times World Cup champions Italy have booked a place at the 2014 finals in Brazil with two games to spare but even their smooth qualification could not gloss over the patchy displays throughout the team’s campaign.

The Azzurri traditionally struggle in qualification but Tuesday’s 2-1 victory over the Czech Republic allowed them to clinch their place in Brazil with ease as they moved seven points ahead of second-placed Bulgaria in Group B. They remain unbeaten in their first eight games, with six wins and two draws, but it has been far from a flawless display by Cesare Prandelli’s side.

Leading striker Mario Balotelli had already been sent off once in qualifying and the AC Milan player was fortunate not to be dismissed again on Tuesday after a bad foul on Tomas Sivok or for continuously reacting to provocative tackles from defenders.

Italy could consider themselves lucky to qualify so early with neither of the past week’s performances looking like those of potential World Cup winners.

They had world-class saves from captain Gianluigi Buffon to thank for their nervy 1-0 win against Bulgaria, and almost blew their chances of wrapping things up on Tuesday with a combination of poor finishing and shaky defending.

Balotelli missed a series of easy chances to equalise after his team went a goal down and if the Czechs had doubled their lead in firsthalf stoppage time, as they nearly did, an uninspiring Italy would have struggled to come back.

Balotelli, however, was convinced that Italy would be counted among the favourites in Brazil next year. “We’re among the top sides there, even if there will be other strong teams.

They’re the ones who should be fearing us,” he said after Tuesday’s victory.

The unconvincing display notwithstanding, Prandelli’s record in competitive matches as Italy manager looks impressive. He unexpectedly took Italy to the semi-finals of Euro 2012 with what many considered to be a modest collection of players.

Prandelli currently favours a midfield that contains Andrea Pirlo, Daniele de Rossi and Thiago Motta, while Italy have one of the world’s finest keepers in Buffon.

Then there is Balotelli who, since his move to Milan and despite his antics, is maturing into a game-changing centre forward.

They can also count on Pablo Osvaldo and Alberto Gilardino for dependable, if unspectacular, attacking back up.

Despite Pirlo being one of the world’s best deep-lying playmakers, Italy still lack creativity in the final third, and there is no classic “trequartista” in the mould of Roberto Baggio, Gianfranco Zola or Alessandro Del Piero.

Napoli’s Lorenzo Insigne is promising but has struggled to impose himself so far.

Prandelli seems to have bad luck with defenders. After losing both first-choice fullbacks Ignazio Abate and Luca Antonelli during the win over Bulgaria, he saw late call-up Manuel Pasqual leave the field on a stretcher bleeding from the head after an ugly clash with Czech striker Libor Kozak.

Italy’s displays are not yet at the level of the Germans or the Dutch, who dominated their groups, but the team’s recent 2-1 friendly defeat to Argentina and the penalty shootout loss against Spain in the Confederations Cup underlined a dogged spirit that helped them to triumph in Germany in 2006.

“This team is special because it had to start from nothing and now we’re among those teams that can win,” said Roma midfielder De Rossi, who was part of that World Cup-winning team.

The Azzurri have been in something of a transition ever since then, with many in Italy unconvinced by the team and in particular the young players coming through.

“We played on equal terms with Brazil and Argentina and we got to the final against Spain in the Euros. It’s all going to depend on if we can create a similar sort of group as we did in 2006,” said De Rossi.

“This Italy side knows how to play and never gives up.”— Reuters

TURIN: Italy’s goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and Italy’s defender Leonardo Bonucci celebrate at the end of the FIFA World Cup Qualifying group match against Czech Republic. —AFP

Neymar inspires Brazil to friendly win over Portugal

Davis Cup semi offers quick fix for Djokovic

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Syria army battles on all fronts but loses on the football pitch Page 18

ASUNCION: Argentina’s Lionel Messi (left) controls the ball next to Paraguay’s Miguel Samudio during a World Cup qualifying soccer game in Asuncion, Paraguay. — AP

Argentina rout Paraguay for WCup ticket BUENOS AIRES: Argentina booked their World Cup ticket with a 5-2 rout of Paraguay on Tuesday, leaving five other countries jockeying for three automatic South American places and one playoff berth. Colombia, in second place in the nine-nation group, needed a mere point on Tuesday but it eluded them in a 2-0 defeat by Uruguay, who visit Ecuador next month for what looks like being a straight clash for the fourth automatic berth.

Chile, who had a bye and drew 2-2 with World Cup holders Spain in a friendly, are in third place two points ahead of Ecuador and Uruguay with outsiders Venezuela hovering in sixth and hoping for a slip up from their rivals.

Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who scored two penalties in the win over Paraguay, said it was good for his country to have qualified but there was still a lot of work to do if they wanted

to win the World Cup next year. “There are seven matches (to win) a World Cup and you’ve got to be 100 percent, you can’t make a mistake or you’ll remain out of it,” he told reporters.

“We have passed tough tests, beating some top teams but there’s a long way to go to becoming world champions, we still lack some things,” added Messi, whose goals in Asuncion made him joint top scorer in the nine-nation group with Uruguay’s Luis Suarez on 10.

Striker Gonzalo Higuain, who has nine goals, was suspended but Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and Maxi Rodriguez also got on the scoresheet for coach Alejandro Sabella’s team.

Suarez, having scored twice in Friday’s 2-1 win in Peru, failed to find the net on Tuesday at the Centenario, where fellow striker Edinson Cavani - with his second goal in three qualifiers - and Cristian Stuani were the scorers.

US, Costa Rica celebrate, Mexico in deep trouble COLUMBUS: The United States and Costa Rica celebrated qualification to next year’s World Cup finals in Brazil while Mexico fell further into disarray on Tuesday after a dramatic night of action in the CONCACAF region.

Second-half goals from Eddie Johnson and Landon Donovan gave Juergen Klinsmann’s United States a 2-0 win over Mexico to move them to top of the standings on 16 points.

Costa Rica drew 1-1 in Kingston against Jamaica, taking them to 15 points, and with Honduras drawing 2-2 at home to

Panama, none of the other four teams in the group can push the leading duo out of the top three automatic qualifying spots.

Mexico, next to bottom in the six-team standings, have eight points, as do a Panama team that has never qualified for the sport’s biggest tournament.

Honduras currently occupy third place on 11 points but with two rounds of games to come in October, the battle for the final automatic spot and fourth-place, which offers a playoff against Oceania winners New Zealand, is set to go down to the wire. Both the Americans and Costa Rica

COLUMBUS: Landon Donovan No. 10 and Jermaine Jones No. 13 of the United States defend against Giovani dos Santos No. 10 of Mexico in the first half. The United States defeated Mexico 2-0 and qualified for the World Cup. — AFP

had to wait an hour after their games finished to be certain that their positions were unassailable, as both needed Honduras to get at least a point at home to Panama. Costa Rica’s mood was soured by the concession of an injury time equaliser Jermaine Anderson scoring for Jamaica to cancel out Randall Brenes’ 75th minute opener. Then there was some tension after Panama equalised through Gabriel Torres’ second goal in the final seconds of the game but the point for Honduras set off the party.

Costa Rica coach Jorge Luis Pinto broke down sobbing during an interview with local radio station Columbia. “I’ve worked all my life, so hard, to make it to the World Cup, all my life... this is sheer happiness,” he said before the tears overwhelmed him.

Klinsmann, a World Cup winner with West Germany as a player in 1990, was a little more restrained in his reaction but still delighted to be making a second trip to the finals as a coach following his run to the last four with Germany in 2006.

“It’s a huge milestone whenever you make it to the World Cup, the biggest competition in this sport, especially hosted in Brazil, one of the biggest soccer nations,” he said.

“It means a lot to all of us. To our fans and to this country as well”. Mexico face a must-win match with Panama on Oct. 10 and they will need to somehow pick themselves up from an abject second half display in Columbus.

“I don’t know what to tell you, we’re in debt with the people and very ashamed,” midfielder Christian Gimenez told Mexico’s TV Azteca. — Reuters

Coach Oscar Tabarez’s substitutions, bringing on Stuani and midfielder Gaston Ramirez, helped unlock the Colombia defence in the final quarter of an hour.

“We were looking to give the team the means to better control Colombia and try to create problems for them,” Tabarez told the post-match news conference.

“If Colombia had gone ahead, then it would have been tough because of their good ball control. I think the (first) goal practically ended their hopes.”

Colombia coach Jose Pekerman said he thought Uruguay would make it through to Brazil and again be a strong challenger, as they were when they finished fourth at the last World Cup. “Uruguay will again have the level they had in South Africa and in the (2011) Copa America,” the Argentine told reporters.

“They have that category of great players but also a spirit and fortitude they always put to the test.”

The Atahualpa, at 2,800 metres above sea level in Quito, will be a tough venue for Uruguay to try and secure a direct passage to the finals but they have won there in the past when facing possible elimination. Ecuador could have been far more comfortable but dropped two points in a 1-1 draw against eliminated Bolivia in La Paz. Both Ecuador and Uruguay are three points ahead of Venezuela, who have only one match left at home to Paraguay on Oct. 11.

Venezuela have to hope one of Uruguay and Ecuador fail to pick up any more points if they are to sneak into a playoff against Asian qualifiers Jordan for a shot at their first trip to the finals. — Reuters

World Cup European qualifying results/standings Group A Macedonia 1 Scotland 2; Wales 0 Serbia 3.

Belgium Croatia Serbia Scotland Macedonia Wales

P 8 8 9 9 8 8

W 7 5 3 2 2 2

D 1 2 2 2 1 0

L 0 1 4 5 5 6

F 15 11 13 6 6 7

A 2 5 10 12 10 19

Pts 22 17 11 8 7 6

Group B Armenia 0 Denmark 1; Malta 1 Bulgaria 2; Italy 2 Czech Republic 1.

Italy* 8 6 2 Bulgaria 8 3 4 Denmark 8 3 3 Czech Republic 8 2 3 Armenia 8 3 0 Malta 8 1 0 * Qualified for 2014 World Cup finals

0 1 2 3 5 7

15 13 9 8 8 4

5 6 10 8 10 18

20 13 12 9 9 3

Group C Kazakhstan 0 Sweden 1; Austria 1 Ireland 0; Faroe Islands 0 Germany 3.

Germany Sweden Austria Ireland Kazakhstan Faroe Islands

8 8 8 8 8 8

7 5 4 3 1 0

1 2 2 2 1 0

0 1 2 3 6 8

28 14 16 13 4 3

7 8 8 13 17 25

22 17 14 11 4 0

Group D Romania 0 Turkey 2; Hungary 5 Estonia 1; Andorra 0 Netherlands 2.

Netherlands* 8 7 1 Hungary 8 4 2 Turkey 8 4 1 Romania 8 4 1 Estonia 8 2 1 Andorra 8 0 0 * Qualified for 2014 World Cup finals

0 2 3 3 5 8

24 18 14 13 6 0

4 12 7 12 16 24

22 14 13 13 7 0

Group E Iceland 2 Albania 1; Norway 0 Switzerland 2; Cyprus 0 Slovenia 2.

Switzerland Iceland Slovenia Norway Albania Cyprus

8 8 8 8 8 8

5 4 4 3 3 1

3 1 0 2 1 1

0 3 4 3 4 6

14 14 11 9 8 4

5 14 10 9 9 13

18 13 12 11 10 4

4 8 12 14 19 10

18 17 12 6 6 5

Group F Russia 3 Israel 1; Luxembourg 3 Northern Ireland 2.

Russia Portugal Israel Northern Ireland Luxembourg Azerbaijan

8 8 8 8 8 8

6 5 3 1 1 0

0 2 3 3 3 5

2 1 2 4 4 3

15 16 17 8 7 4

Group G Lithuania 2 Liechtenstein 0; Greece 1 Latvia 0; Slovakia 1 Bosnia 2.

Bosnia Greece Slovakia Lithuania Latvia Liechtenstein

8 8 8 8 8 8

6 6 3 2 2 0

1 1 3 2 1 2

1 1 2 4 5 6

25 9 9 7 8 3

5 4 7 10 16 19

19 19 12 8 7 2

0 1 1 1 5 8

25 19 15 18 4 1

3 4 8 9 15 43

16 15 15 13 5 0

0 1 2 4 5

10 12 5 3 6

2 6 6 8 14

14 14 9 5 4

Group H San Marino 1 Poland 5; Ukraine 0 England 0.

England Ukraine Montenegro Poland Moldova San Marino

8 8 8 8 8 8

4 4 4 3 1 0

4 3 3 4 2 0

Group I Georgia 0 Finland 1; Belarus 2 France 4.

Spain France Finland Georgia Belarus

6 7 7 7 7

4 4 2 1 1

2 2 3 2 1

Business

Iraq signs deal with BP to revive Kirkuk oilfield Page 22 Zain to hold conference on forthcoming Iraq IPO Page 25

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

BMW i8 debuts at 2013 Frankfurt Show

Infiniti reveals Q30 Concept at IAA Frankfurt Motor Show Page 26 Page 23

FRANKFURT: A woman sits in a car made of glass on display at the TRW booth, a worldwide leader in car protections systems, during the second press day of the 65th Frankfurt Auto Show in Frankfurt yesterday. — AP (See Page 25)

Barroso defends EU crisis response Euro-skeptics put on notice ahead 2014 vote STRASBOURG: European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso defended yesterday the measures taken to tame the debt crisis, putting euro-skeptics on notice ahead of EU elections next year.

Barroso said the European Union “fought back” as member states realised they had to act together to get through the 2008 global financial crisis and then the debt crisis and economic slump which followed. “What matters now is what we make of what we have achieved,” he told the European Parliament in the last “state of

the union” address of his term as head of the EU’s executive arm.

“We have come a long way since the start of the crisis... the facts tell us that our efforts have started to convince” the doubters, he said, citing progress in bailed-out Greece, Ireland, Portugal and Cyprus alongside Spain whose banks had to be supported.

“For Europe, recovery is within sight... it proves that we are on the right track,” he said. But Barroso warned against complacency, saying the main downside risk to further progress was

Caution on Syria fuels profit-taking MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS DUBAI: Middle East were mixed yesterday as some investors opted to lock in gains from the previous day’s surge due to uncertainty over what action the United States might take against Syria.

US President Barack Obama vowed on Tuesday to explore an initiative from Russia to neutralise Syria’s chemical weapons, but he voiced skepticism and still sought support for his threat to use force should diplomacy fail. The reprieve, even for a short while, has bolstered investor sentiment, although trading will remain volatile until there is more clarity on whether Washington will attack Syria.

“For the time being, markets are taking the view that nothing will happen imminently on the Syria front,” said John Sfakianakis, chief investment strategist at Saudi investment firm MASIC. “Investors tend to be more short-term at this stage and are reassessing the situation on a daily basis.”

Dubai’s index advanced 0.4 percent, extending gains after Tuesday’s 8.5 percent surge, which was its largest for nearly four years. Abu Dhabi’s measure climbed 0.3 percent, but is down 7 percent from Aug. 25’s five-year peak. Trading was focused on small- to mid-cap property stocks, a favourite pick for retail investors, who tend to dominate most Gulf markets.

Kuwait’s index rose 1.4 percent, up for a third session in four since Sept. 5’s four-month low. “The continuation of the uptrend here and elsewhere will be hostage to what the US decides to do on Syria,” said Fouad Darwish, head of brokerage at Kuwait’s Global Investment House.

“We’re approaching the end of the quarter and if nobody rocks the boat the market will continue rising.”

Darwish said analysts expect a strong earnings season in Kuwait, which could drive the market higher providing regional geopolitical risks do not increase.

Elsewhere in the Gulf, Saudi Arabia’s measure slipped 0.3 percent, snapping a three-session rally since Thursday’s two-month low. MASIC’s Sfakianakis said the recent drop in share prices provides investors with good entry points ahead of corporate results, which are due from October.

In Egypt, the main index rose 0.7 percent, up for a fourth session to be near-flat for the year. — Reuters

“political”, with skeptics waiting to point out its failings though the EU was a key element in solving the continent’s problems.

Specifically, he called on Parliament to approve before next year’s vote the EU’s 2014-20 budget and plans for a ‘Banking Union,” the new regulatory framework meant to prevent a failing bank pulling down the whole financial system.

Getting the banking system working again was essential to growth and jobs, Barroso said.

In reply, head of the centrist Liberal Group in Parliament and former Belgian prime minister

Guy Verhofstadt, said slight economic improvement was little reason to get carried away.

“We are seeing the first signs of recovery but that simply shows that we have hit the bottom of the recession,” Verhofstadt said. The figures “show that we are in a new phase of the crisis and not that we are not out of it,” he said. “We risk a period of stagnation, a period of high and lasting unemployment,” he said, with the jobless rate running at a record 12.1 percent in the euro-zone.

Barroso said he wanted to put the stress on

the positive aspects because “euroskepticism offers no hope.” In the 2014 election campaign, MEPs should remember that it was not the EU that was responsible for the crisis but rather national governments who had breached EU rules on spending and tax, he said.

The EU had responded, however, and its record should be defended to show what the bloc could do, he added. Barroso has not said whether he intends to run for a third term as European Commission president after next year’s elections for a new parliament. —AFP

US bailout 5 years ago avoided catastrophe WASHINGTON: The US Treasury said yesterday the government’s massive response to the economic crisis five years ago paid off, avoiding a catastrophic breakdown of the financial system.

In a report marking the anniversary of the bankruptcy of investment bank Lehman Brothers-which snowballed into the worst crisis since the 1930s-the Treasury defended deploying hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars to save other banks, major financial institutions and auto companies.

“Without the government’s forceful response, that damage would have been far worse, and the ultimate cost to repair the damage would have been far higher,” the report summarized. While the rescue effort required piling up government debt, it was necessary, said Treasury officials who briefed reporters. “We prevented a collapse of the financial system,” one said on condition of anonymity.

“That’s why we did it, and that’s the measure of success.” The report says the government recovered what it spent-or even turned a profit-in the Troubled Asset Relief Program and the bailouts of housing agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, both efforts launched late 2008 by the outgoing administration of president George W Bush. Of $238 billion pumped into more than 700 vulnerable banks, only $3 billion has yet to be paid back.

From $182 billion allocated to rescue the giant insurer American international Group, the government counts $205 billion in returns, though that includes $17 billion in paper gains still not realized. In the huge operations to save General Motors and Chrysler from bankruptcy, the government put up $80 bil-

Somalia facing cash flow disaster: Experts

NEW YORK: People pass the Lehman Brothers headquarters in New York. The US Treasury said yesterday, the government’s massive response to the economic crisis in 2008 paid off, avoiding a catastrophic breakdown of the financial system. — AP lion. It has since sold Chrysler to Italy’s Fiat, and General Motors is back to health, selling cars at pre-crisis levels and relisted on the US stock market. Even so, the auto sector rescue is likely to come up $15 billion short, the Treasury admitted.

The largest chunk of money went to Fannie and Freddie, whose survival was crucial in turning around the housing sector after it imploded when the recession left millions of Americans unable to pay their mortgages. The government pumped $187 billion into the two, taking control of them after shareholders were wiped out. While none of the equity has been recovered, the government has taken $146 billion in dividend payments from them and expects more in the future, the official said.

The downside is a government

deficit that rocketed to $1.4 trillion in fiscal 2009 and continued to top $1 trillion until this year. That sent government debt to the current nearly $17 trillion, compared to just $10 trillion five years ago. Critics of the government say that is why the bailouts were wrong, arguing that taxpayers will continue to bear the cost for years into the future. But the Treasury officials said keeping the economy together and, especially, keeping the tens of thousands of auto company workers in their jobs were worth the costs. People “do not really understand what we did,” said another Treasury official. “The run was stopped, the panic was stopped, the system didn’t collapse.” “The ripple effects of letting those companies implode would have been huge.” — AFP

NAIROBI: War-torn Somalia will be dealt a devastating blow if international banks carry out threats to stop money transfer systems sending funds that dwarf levels of foreign aid, experts warned yesterday.

With their country ravaged by decades of conflict and no formal banking system, diaspora Somalis depend on money transfer services to support their families, sending some $1.3 billion (1 billion euros) each year, according to a recent report by aid agencies Oxfam and Adeso. But Barclays, the last major British bank working with transfer companies, has said it will close all accounts with money transfer systems on September 30, cutting a $500 million (380 million euro) yearly flow.

“Remittances are more and more the backbone of Somalia’s economy,” said Degan Ali of Adeso, an African charity and development agency. “It is also a lifeline for the whole trading and business system,” she said, noting remittances were double that spent in humanitarian aid last year.

International banks have been tightening rules in a bid to comply with international regulations against money laundering and the funding of groups accused of terrorism, but experts said that there had been no actual cases recorded of regulatory failures by Somali companies.

Closing organised transfers could drive them underground. “Why let something happen that could increase money laundering and possibly terrorism?”, Oxfam’s Ed Pomfret said, speaking at a meeting in the Kenyan capital, where he called for regulatory changes to keep the remittances flowing. Long term solutions would be to set up formal banking systems, said Philippe Lazzarini, United Nations humanitarian chief for Somalia, warning that cutting transfers in the meantime would “greatly undermine” development efforts. Somalis send money back home via transfer businesses which can accept deposits abroad and immediately credit recipients back home. But regulations require transfer systems pass money through a bank account. “We are not asking for a favour and will follow the rules...Tell us what we should do and we will do it,” said Abdirashid Duale, head of Dahabshiil, a key Somali transfer company, headquartered in Dubai with some 24,000 outlets in over 140 countries.

Other countries across the world will also be impacted by cuts to the transfer companies, but none face the extreme challenges of Somalia. “If Barclays is saying they believe it is too risky, why would another bank then want to come in? All banks approached so far... have said no,” Duale said. “That is why we need the regulators to get involved.” Somalia has been fought over by multiple warlords since the collapse of central government in 1991, but large parts are now relatively peaceful and are developing. —AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

BUSINESS

Iraq signs deal with BP to revive Kirkuk oilfield Kurdistan already rejected deal as illegal

BERLIN: German Chancellor Angela Merkel leads the weekly cabinet meeting at the Chancellery in Berlin yesterday.—AFP

Anti-euro party prompts wild card fear for Merkel BERLIN: Germany’s fledgling anti-euro party poses an election threat to Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition after clawing support amid fresh Greek aid fears, analysts say.

The Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a small party calling for Europe’s top economy to ditch the single currency and, some pollsters say, could even exceed forecasts and leap into parliament after the September 22 vote. Even if it doesn’t, in Germany’s delicate see-saw coalition system, the AfD could tip the balance by wooing disgruntled centreright voters away from Merkel’s conservatives in her bid for a third term or from her already troubled allies.

“The AfD, above all, is drawing voters from the middle-class camp,” political scientist Jens Walther, of Duesseldorf University, told AFP, referring to Merkel’s Christian Democrats (CDU) and their Free Democratic Party (FDP) junior partners.

Merkel has ruled out a coalition with the AfD. “It’s not even a question,” she bluntly told Sunday’s Bild newspaper, while her key party ally Volker Kauder dismissed the AfD as having “no real program”.

But the AfD poses a danger that Merkel’s party recognises, Walther said, as the CDU seeks to keep its junior partner on board despite the FDP’s shaky prospects to hover dangerously close to the all-important fivepercent threshold for parliamentary seats.

“They’re (the conservatives and FDP) warning voters against it, trying to create concern in order to mobilize their own people,” Walther said, highlighting Merkel had until then studiously ignored the party.

The AfD, established early this year, advocates an “orderly dissolution” of the euro-zone and argues that the return to the oncebeloved deutschmark “must not be taboo”. Its core members at the start comprised middleclass voters, academics and business figures.

The specter of a third international bailout for Greece unleashed by Germany’s respected finance minister last month put wind in the

party’s sails amid voter unease over how much more Berlin will have to fork out in euro-zone aid.

Gero Neugebauer of Berlin’s Free University agreed the AfD was cause for concern for Merkel as it could gnaw into her majority with the FDP. Even if most Germans approve of Merkel’s handling of the euro-zone crisis, some believe she went too far to save the euro, he said.

“The problem is rather that there are perhaps some CDU supporters who say ‘I’ll vote AfD to give Mrs Merkel a warning shot’,” he told AFP. The AfD scored three percent in a Forsa Institute poll Wednesday-below the hurdle necessary for Bundestag entry-but also just three percentage points below the FDP. Merkel’s current coalition retained a clear majority over the combined firepower of the opposition Social Democrats and their allies, the Greens.

But other recent surveys have not painted such a clear picture for the government’s future, handing smaller parties kingmaker potential. AfD leader Bernd Lucke seems open to cooperating with the conservatives, under strict conditions.

His party will “only enter coalition talks with parties ready to fundamentally turn away from the current euro rescue policy”, he told Focus news weekly. He claims his party will provide the big surprise on election night as “raw data” by some polling institutes do not reflect the AfD’s real support, which, he claims, to be enough to send MPs into parliament. Forsa chief Manfred Guellner has not excluded that but told Stern magazine Wednesday it was hard to assess the party’s chances, partly because some of its supporters are not forthcoming in surveys.

If the party does get into parliament, it is likely to make life hard for Merkel’s coalition “because the numbers are so close at the moment that it (the coalition) probably won’t work any more, “ Walther added. —AFP

SEOUL/LONDON: Baghdad signed a deal in early September for BP to revive Iraq’s northern Kirkuk oilfield, Oil Minister Abdul Kareem Luaibi said yesterday, confirming a plan that Kurdistan has already rejected as illegal. The agreement allows the British oil major - which already operates Iraq’s biggest oilfield, Rumaila - to negotiate access to significant reserves in the north in return for helping Baghdad arrest a huge decline in output from Kirkuk.

“We signed a letter of intent about 10 days ago,” Luaibi told Reuters on the sidelines of an energy ministers’ meeting in Korea.

Reuters reported at the end of August that BP would work on the Baghdad-administered side of the border with Kurdistan, while the Iraqi Kurdish KAR group is developing a formation under the control of the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

“We are pleased with this agreement,” a BP spokesman said. The deal faces opposition from the KRG, however, which rejected the planned pact as illegal when Baghdad revealed the preliminary arrangement with BP in January.

“The KRG’s position on this issue remains unchanged,” a spokesman from the KRG’s Ministry of Natural Resources said on Wednesday in response to the BP deal.

“No company will be permitted to work in any part of the disputed territories including Kirkuk without formal approval and involvement of the KRG.” Re-developing Kirkuk is part of

Iraqi army soldiers guard a moat surrounding the oil-rich Iraqi city of north of Baghdad, Iraq. — AP a wider push by Baghdad to rescue isters meeting in Seoul.

Iraq hopes to add 175,000 bpd Iraq’s oil sector from decades of war and neglect. Oil provides the lion’s of capacity later this month with share of Iraq’s government rev- the start up of the Royal Dutch enues and foreign exchange earn- Shell-operated Majnoon field. ings and the authorities have set a Luaibi said Majnoon was expected production target of 3.4 million to start a 10-day test production barrels per day (bpd) for end-2013. phase on Sept. 20, after which the The increasingly influential OPEC field was expected to ramp up member is currently producing towards full production.

Work since 2010 at Iraq’s south3.25 million bpd, Luaibi told reporters ahead of an Asian oil min- ern oilfields by the likes of BP, Exxon

Kirkuk, 290 kilometers (180 miles) Mobil and Eni raised output by 600,000 bpd to 2.9 million bpd in 2012, turning Iraq into the world’s fastest growing exporter.

Iraq is currently exporting 2.5 million bpd, said Luaibi, compared to an average of 2.58 million bpd in August. Commenting on global oil prices, the Iraqi oil minister said about $100 per barrel was fair for consumers. Brent oil was at $111.62 at 1115 GMT. —Reuters

UAE bank profits seen rising 20% in 2013 DUBAI: Net profit growth at commercial banks in the United Arab Emirates is expected to accelerate to about 20 percent in 2013, while Mashreq Bank forecasts its own growth at 40 percent, the chairman of the UAE’s banking federation said yesterday. UAE banks such as Dubai lender Emirates NBD and National Bank of Abu Dhabi posted strong second-quarter earnings thanks to an economic recovery in key sectors such as real estate, and lower bad loan provisions as the UAE recovers from debt troubles at Dubai’s state-linked entities.

“Banks here managed to overcome challenging global and regional conditions. We expect banks to report a 20 percent growth in net profit in 2013,” Abdulaziz al-Ghurair, chairman of the banking lobby group and chief executive of Dubai lender Mashreq, told reporters. Profit growth for banks in the country last year was 15 percent, Al-Ghurair

said. He added that profit at his own bank, Mashreq, was expected to jump 40 percent this year, revising his February forecast of 10-15 percent growth. The new forecast is based on “much lower” provisions which the bank expects to book this year, he said.

“The bank is enjoying healthy levels of liquidity and lower levels of provisions. We expect net profit this year to be around 40 percent and provisions much lower than last year.” Last year, Mashreq reported a 67 percent net profit increase as provisions dropped to 826.5 million dirhams ($225 million) from 1.2 billion dirhams in 2011.

ASSETS Total assets of UAE banks grew 8 percent to 1.9 trillion dirhams in the first six months of this year, while net profit during the period was 13.6 billion

dirhams, Al-Ghurair said. But local lenders are unhappy with the additional costs they will have to bear in order to implement the United States’ Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which cracks down on offshore tax avoidance by Americans, he said. “UAE banks are not ready to implement the FATCA. It will cost banks here not less than 100 million dirhams to get the right systems and infrastructure in place,” he said. “We don’t like FATCA and we don’t want it, but we don’t have a choice.” The US Treasury Department said in July that it would postpone enforcement of the law by six months to give foreign banks more time to figure out how to comply. FATCA requires foreign banks, insurance companies and investment funds to send the US Internal Revenue Service information about Americans’ offshore accounts worth more than $50,000. —Reuters

Abu Dhabi’s Al-Hilal Bank eyes sukuk issue in Q4 ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi government-owned Al Hilal Bank expects net profit growth of over 40 percent this year as it prepares to make a debut sukuk issue in the fourth quarter, its top executive said yesterday. Earlier this week, the fiveyear-old Islamic bank was assigned its first credit ratings: an A1 from Moody’s Investors Service and A-plus from Fitch Ratings.

The bank plans global roadshows for investors ahead of its $500 million sukuk issue,

which would aim to diversify its funding and liquidity management, Mohamed Berro told Reuters. “There’s a scarcity of sukuk in the global market and there is liquidity looking for such sukuk. This will be a flight to quality for investors.” Unlisted Al Hilal has picked Standard Chartered, HSBC and National Bank of Abu Dhabi to arrange the sukuk under its $2.5 billion bond program. Al Hilal is wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi Investment Council, an investment

arm of the government of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. Some Abu Dhabi entities have deferred bond issues in recent months because of volatility in global markets. “If market conditions are fair, Hilal will launch the sukuk,” Berro said. The lender predicts growth of around 42 percent in profits for 2013. It earned a net profit of 217 million dirhams ($59.1 million) in the first half of this year and expects around 440 million dirhams profit for the full year, up from

310 million dirhams in 2012, he said. “Our midand large corporate business and personal banking are the drivers,” Berro said.

Growth in the bank’s loan book, now expanding at a rate of about 6 per cent, could rise to “high single or low double-digit growth as economic growth picks up,” he said. Most UAE banks have seen single-digit loan growth over the last two or three years. Al Hilal’s total assets are expected to grow steadily from 34.2 billion

dirhams at the end of June 2013, Berro added.

The bank will continue to develop organically, adding at least two to three branches every year in the UAE, while overseas expansion will be based on an “opportunistic approach”, Berro said without elaborating. Al Hilal currently has 24 branches in the UAE. The bank opened three branches in Kazakhstan after setting up the first Islamic bank in the former Soviet state in 2010. — Reuters

EXCHANGE RATES Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal Irani Riyal

Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham

ASIAN COUNTRIES 2.866 4.383 2.721 2.141 2.738 224.590 36.806 3.664 6.417 8.817 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES 76.150 78.463 741.720 758.470 77.769

ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.650 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 40.920 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.332 Tunisian Dinar 173.050 Jordanian Dinar 403.260 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.916 Syrian Lier 3.102 Morocco Dirham 34.392 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 285.450 Euro 378.220 Sterling Pound 448.440 Canadian dollar 273.290 Turkish lira 137.970 Swiss Franc 305.780 Australian Dollar 262.610 US Dollar Buying 284.250

20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram

GOLD 273.000 133.000 69.000

UAE Exchange Centre WLL COUNTRY Australian Dollar Canadian Dollar Swiss Franc Euro US Dollar Sterling Pound Japanese Yen Bangladesh Taka Indian Rupee Sri Lankan Rupee Nepali Rupee Pakistani Rupee UAE Dirhams Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Jordanian Dinar Omani Riyal Qatari Riyal Saudi Riyal

SELL DRAFT 265.33 276.98 306.57 377.70 285.35 448.23 2.92 3.681 4.316 2.141 2.741 2.725 77.62 758.15 41.24 405.40 740.79 78.66 76.09

Bahrain Exchange Company SELL CASH 263.000 282.000 311.000 384.000 287.400 443.000 3.000 3.800 5.150 2.700 3.600 2.920 78.000 759.500 41.100 416.200 746.400 79.000 76.300

Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Rate for Transfer US Dollar Canadian Dollar Sterling Pound Euro Swiss Frank Bahrain Dinar UAE Dirhams Qatari Riyals Saudi Riyals Jordanian Dinar Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupees Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Bangladesh Taka Philippines Pesso Cyprus pound Japanese Yen Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit

Selling Rate 285.000 278.290 448.020 378.675 304.795 754.545 77.570 78.230 76.865 401.755 41.281 2.143 4.463 2.716 3.664 6.493 699.120 3.830 9.195 4.070 3.900 86.710

CURRENCY

BUY

SELL

Thai Baht

0.00854922

0.0090922

British Pound Czech Korune Danish Krone Euro Norwegian Krone Scottish Pound Swedish Krona Swiss Franc

Europe 0.4412516 0.0067435 0.0468125 0.3734515 0.0442288 0.4374753 0.0395092 0.3001475

0.4502516 0.0187435 0.0518125 0.3809515 0.0494288 0.4449753 0.0445092 0.3071475

Australian Dollar New Zealand Dollar Uganda Shilling

Australasia 0.2549161 0.2214896 0.0001129

0.2669161 0.2314896 0.0001129

Canadian Dollar Colombian Peso US Dollars

America 0.2685932 0.0001450 0.2829000

0.2775932 0.0001630 0.2850500

Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Ethiopeanbirr Ghanaian Cedi Iranian Riyal Iraqi Dinar Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Lebanese Pound Moroccan Dirhams Nigerian Naira Omani Riyal Qatar Riyal Saudi Riyal Sudanese Pounds Syrian Pound Tunisian Dinar UAE Dirhams Yemeni Riyal

Arab 0.7496745 0.0392690 0.0126460 0.1449331 0.0000793 0.0001842 0.3964753 1.0000000 0.0001748 0.0223730 0.0012114 0.7293790 0.0776409 0.0754800 0.0463475 0.0019425 0.1710367 0.0761813 0.0012859

0.7581745 0.0412840 0.0191460 0.1467231 0.0000798 0.0002442 0.4039753 1.0000000 0.0001948 0.0463730 0.0018464 0.7403790 0.0784239 0.0761200 0.0468975 0.0021625 0.1770367 0.0776313 0.0013859

Bangladesh Taka Cape Vrde Escudo Chinese Yuan Eritrea-Nakfa Guinea Franc Hg Kong Dollar Indian Rupee Indonesian Rupiah Jamaican Dollars Japanese Yen Kenyan Shilling Malaysian Ringgit Nepalese Rupee Pakistan Rupee Philippine Peso Sierra Leone Singapore Dollar Sri Lankan Rupee

Asia 0.0036198 0.0031622 0.0457241 0.0164700 0.0000442 0.0342043 0.0043910 0.0000201 0.0028477 0.0027570 0.0031949 0.0822853 0.0026321 0.0026904 0.0060392 0.0000728 0.2207630 0.0021035

0.0036748 0.0033922 0.0507241 0.0195700 0.0000502 0.0373043 0.0044560 0.0000252 0.0038477 0.0029370 0.0034249 0.0892853 0.0028321 0.0027304 0.0065092 0.0000758 0.2267630 0.0021455

Al Mulla Exchange Currency US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Canadian Dollar Indian Rupee Egyptian Pound Sri Lankan Rupee Bangladesh Taka Philippines Peso Pakistan Rupee Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham Saudi Riyal *Rates are subject to change

Transfer Rate (Per 1000) 284.800 376.900 447.000 274.050 4.370 41.240 2.140 3.658 6.410 2.720 758.600 77.600 76.050

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

BUSINESS

Infiniti reveals Q30 Concept at IAA Frankfurt Motor Show Vision of Infiniti’s future premium compact model DUBAI: Infiniti yesterday revealed the next step in its strategy to expand into new premium segments with the debut of the Q30 Concept at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

The sleek, seductive Q30 Concept is the design vision for a compact Infiniti vehicle with a contemporary, individualized character for a new generation of premium customers. The global compact premium segment is forecast for significant growth with the entry of young-minded affluent customers. “We are becoming the younger, trendsetting brand, more relevant and more exciting,” said Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company Ltd. “Infiniti Q50, and now the Q30 Concept, deliver on the promise.”

De Nysschen was joined by Alfonso Albaisa, the brand’s Executive Design Director, who described Q30 Concept as a vehicle defying categorization. A unique blend of features reminiscing of a coupe, a hatch and a crossover, the Q30 Concept is designed to appeal to younger customers who are less likely to follow tradition and desire to disrupt

convention to create their own unique experiences. By the end of this decade, Gen X and Gen Y will represent 80 per cent of buyers in the premium segment, bringing new, more contemporary expectations for premiumness.

Infiniti designers had the freedom to explore bolder, even more sensual sculpting, enhanced muscularity and playfulness, reflecting Infiniti’s approach as the seductive alternative to traditional premium automobile brands.

Infiniti Q30 Concept is the design precursor for Infiniti’s future compact premium entry. Infiniti has previously announced plans to produce a compact model in Sunderland, United Kingdom, starting in 2015. During yesterday’s press conference, de Nysschen also presented Infiniti’s Director of Performance, three-times Formula One world champion Sebastian Vettel, a special helmet to use in testing engineering prototypes of the future compact premium model - the first Infiniti model he will influence from its inception.

Johan de Nysschen, President of Infiniti Motor Company Ltd

Changing China set to shake world economy Emerging markets have most to lose

HAMBURG: Cruise liners parade at the harbor of Hamburg, northern Germany, during the so called “Cruise Days”. The port of Hamburg will almost double its traffic by 2013. —AFP

France says ‘unprecedented’ cuts in next budget PARIS: France yesterday announced “unprecedented” cuts in its next budget, admitting it will not meet its EU-mandated deficit target this year and that the economy will do worse than previously expected in 2014. Despite emerging from a shallow recession in the second quarter, France is struggling to get its tepid economy back on track amid record-high unemployment, limited investment and low consumer spending. Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said there would be “unprecedented” cuts of 15 billion euros ($19.8 billion) in the 2014 budget-one billion more than previously indicated by the Socialist government.

“It’s a budget to kickstart job creation, that’s the main battle,” Ayrault said. Another 3 billion euros will be raised through increased taxes, Budget Minister Bernard Cazeneuve said, as government officials unveiled the broad outlines of next year’s public finances. The Socialists had previously floated the idea of 6 billion euros in new taxes, but Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici said there would be no increases in employer payroll or household tax contributions. Government spokeswoman Najat Vallaud-Belkacem said the focus was on spending cuts over tax increases in order to “ensure competitiveness and allow domestic demand to take off again.”

Economists say France’s high labour costs are making it less competitive in the global economy and consumer spending has fallen in recent years amid the wider euro-zone economic crisis. France’s economy did enjoy higher-than-expected growth in the second quarter-echoing a wider recovery in the eurozone-but there have been no indications of a sustained return to meaningful growth.

Moscovici said the government was lowering its growth forecast for 2014 to 0.9 percent, from a previous prediction of 1.2

percent. It is maintaining its 0.1 percent growth forecast for this year, he said.

Moscovici said France’s 2013 public deficit will come in at 4.1 percent of GDP, higher than the 3.9 percent agreed with the European Union, but vowed Paris would meet its 2015 EU-mandated deadline to bring the deficit below 3 percent.

The 2014 deficit will come in at 3.6 percent, he said. In May, the European Commission gave France an additional two years to bring its public deficit back under the EU ceiling.

It said France should cut the public deficit from 4.8 percent of GDP in 2012 to 3.9 percent in 2013, then 3.6 percent in 2014 and 2.8 percent in 2015. “The pace of deficit reduction is not going as quickly as we’d like,” Cazeneuve said, adding this was “essentially” the result of the “European and international context”. The full budget is to be presented to the cabinet on September 25 before being put to a parliamentary vote. With 80 percent of savings next year coming from cuts, Moscovici described the budget as “courageous and reformist”.

“This is an aggressive and fair budget that supports growth today and prepares for the growth of tomorrow,” Moscovici said. The budget includes increases in the value-added tax and cuts in several types of tax breaks, including for health insurance contributions and assistance with paying for school and university fees.

The main opposition right-wing UMP said the cuts in tax breaks were in effect tax hikes and would have a significant impact on household spending power.

“If household spending power falls again in 2014 because of tax payments then consumer spending, one of the key drivers of the economy, will feel it,” said Gilles Carrez, the UMP head of the finance committee at the lower house National Assembly. — AFP

Indonesia inflation dropping fast, rupiah still weak JAKARTA: Indonesia is sharply cutting inflation and starting to trim its ballooning current account deficit, two top officials said, pointing to issues that are testing confidence in Southeast Asia’s biggest economy and have sent its currency sliding.

Today, the central bank will hold its second meeting in as many weeks to decide on its interest rate policy after 50 basis point hikes in both its main rates at a rare extra meeting on Aug. 29. Most economists polled by Reuters expect it to hold rates unchanged.

“We have seen deflation in the first week (of September)...this month (month-onmonth) inflation will be very, very low,” Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, Perry Warjiyo, told Reuters in an interview yesterday. He cited subdued domestic demand as a major factor. However, annual inflation remains stubbornly high, hitting 8.79 percent in August, driven up by June average 33 percent increase in fuel prices. Perry was also confident the current account deficit, which hit 4.4 percent of GDP in the second quarter, would trend down in the third quarter. Concern over the current account has sparked a sell-off in the rupiah, sending

it down to 4-1/2-year lows. It has fallen more than 16 percent against the dollar since the start of the year and was down 2.35 percent alone yesterday. The government has instituted a range of policy measures since last month to try to head off more attacks on the currency, making it the worst performer in Asia. Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan, in a separate interview with Reuters on Wednesday, said a number of measures recently implemented would take a little time to filter through the economy.

“The result won’t be instant but should be seen in 3-6 months,” he said. He pointed to measures to enforce more use of biodiesel and so cut into import of fuel by the former OPEC member and which has become a major drag on the country’s trade balance. Indonesia’s is the world’s largest producer of palm oil and thus will be the source of the biodiesel. The government is also moving to rein in inflation by measures to free up trade in basic foodstuff away from quotas which have been blamed for sparking price rises. He said those changes, to such products as beef and soybeans that have to be imported, would be permanent.—Reuters

BEIJING/LONDON: Long after concerns about tightening US monetary policy have faded, a more profound issue will still dog global policymakers: how to handle the second stage of China’s economic revolution. The first phase, industrialization, shook the world. Commodityproducing countries boomed as they fed China’s endless appetite for natural resources. Six of the 10 fastest-growing economies last decade were in Africa. China’s flood of keenly priced manufactured goods hollowed out jobs in advanced and emerging nations alike but also helped cap inflation and made an array of consumer goods affordable for tens of millions of people for the first time.

The second stage of China’s development promises to be no less momentous.

Consumption will take over the growth baton from investment. Services will grow as a share of the economy, while industr y shrinks.

Commodity-intensive mass manufacturing based on cheap labour will give way to greener, cleaner ways of making things. More of the value added by a better-educated, more productive workforce harnessing new technologies will stay in China instead of going to multinational companies.

That’s the plan, anyway. China will remain the most powerful engine of global growth for the next couple of decades, but it will no longer be just processing imported raw materials and components for re-export, said Li Jian with the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, the Commerce Ministry’s think tank. “China has realised that it cannot blindly rely on investment and exports as the main drivers of growth. So China’s demand will be more balanced,” Li said.

To show it is serious about more sustainable growth, China deliberately engineered the firsthalf slowdown that unnerved markets in order to address these longer-term structural priorities, according to President Xi Jinping. Xi and the other new leaders of China’s Communist Party are expected to approve a blueprint for reform at a plenum in November. Overcoming vested interests opposed to the new economic model will be a stern test of their credibility.

A lot is at stake for the global economy too.

Philip Schellekens, an economist with the World Bank in Washington, said the importance of the reforms Beijing intends to make cannot be overstated. As China changes, so will the rest of the world. “The structural transformations that we

think are going to happen in China over the next two decades will matter far more than the nearterm vulnerabilities,” he said. On balance, commodity-exporting developing economies stand to be affected more than rich nations - an obvious exception being Australia, where the end of a China-driven mining boom was a big issue in Saturday ’s election. China buys a third of Australia’s exports.

Commodity demand should stay strong, especially as China’s capital stock per head is only 10 percent that of America’s and urbanisation has a long way to go. But rebalancing will favour commodities more closely tied to consumption than to investment.

Economists fret that too many emerging markets spent their windfalls from surging raw material prices instead of ploughing them into infrastructure and other investment. As a result, growth is slowing now that China’s demand is softening.

China’s appetite for agricultural commodities and energy should hold up well but Capital Economics, a London consultancy, said it was concerned about large metals exporters that have not saved their extra income and so are running current account deficits.

It singled out South Africa, Zambia, Chile and Peru as being particularly vulnerable.

Of course, lower raw material prices should boost growth and lower inflation for commodity importers. Take iron ore. With no other country coming close to being able to absorb the slack left by China, which imports about two-thirds of the world’s ore, prices risk years of decline as a major oversupply swamps demand, with some forecasting prices to be cut in half by 2015.

Another bonus is that big emerging markets such as India and Indonesia will have a chance to move into basic manufacturing sectors that China is vacating. Bangladesh has quickly become the world’s second-biggest textile exporter.

Brazil stands out as an example of a country that has already been under intense pressure from China in low-skill industries such as footwear and will increasingly be going head to head with China in higher-value markets too.

Policies to boost competitiveness thus become more imperative than ever.

After largely missing the chance to reform during the boom, Brazil also risks squandering the opportunities thrown up by China’s transition slip unless it improves its infrastructure, cuts

red tape and overhauls its tax system, economists say.

“Some of the underlying structural shortcomings of the economy were covered up during the bonanza. It’s only as the commodity boom has slowed that the supply side constraints have become more visible,” said Jens Arnold, who tracks Brazil for the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development in Paris.

In the case of advanced economies, China’s transition is a double-edged sword, according to He Yifeng, an analyst at Hongyuan Securities in Beijing.

“For the United States and Europe, China’s rebalancing could create more competition for them. But they can take the initiative by focusing on the higher end of the value chain, relying on knowledge and technology exports,” he said.

Already a lucrative market for European purveyors of luxury goods, China will increasingly present opportunities for foreign firms as incomes rise and consumers grow more discriminating.

Safety-conscious parents’ choice of foreignmade baby milk formula is a case in point, said Haibin Zhu, chief China economist for JP Morgan in Hong Kong. “We will probably see a shift in the consumption basket,” Zhu said. “ The increased focus on product quality is positive news for many international exporters, particularly from advanced economies.”

Another rich seam for advanced economies is services, which account for just 43 percent of Chinese GDP, the smallest share of any major economy.

James Emmett, global head of trade finance at HSBC in London, said urbanisation and the rise of China’s middle class offered openings to firms in Britain and beyond in sectors such as health, education and tourism. “We are seeing a change in the nature of China,” he said. As services blossom, foreign companies could reap a windfall of up to $6 trillion by 2025 in everything from retail trade and transport to hotels and finance, said Yale University’s Stephen Roach, a former chairman of Morgan Stanley Asia. Zhu at JP Morgan expects investment to drop from 48 percent of GDP to 35 percent by 2018-2020 as consumption (household and government) rises to 60-65 percent from 50 percent.

At the same time, GDP growth is likely to slow toward 6.5 percent a year by 2016-2020 from 7.7 percent in 2012 and 10 percent a year on average since the late 1970s. — Reuters

Confusing rules keep foreign supermarkets out of India MUMBAI: A year since India reduced foreign investment barriers to its retail sector to spur flagging economic growth, confusing rules and political uncertainty are keeping overseas supermarket giants away, analysts say. In September 2012, the government allowed foreign stores to set up 51-percent-owned joint ventures in India which they had eyed for years as a potentially lucrative market.

But so far no there has been no rush to open outlets, despite further easing of entry barriers in August. “There’s no comprehensive consolidated government paper on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) — just updates and statements. It’s not a good sign,” said retail analyst Anil Talreja of global consultancy Deloitte. Last month, US giant Walmart sought more government clarifications on FDI, having earlier said it was unable to fulfill sourcing guidelines stipulating 30 percent of products must come from small-scale industry.

“India is an important market for us and we continue to study the implications of the new FDI policy on our business,” a Walmart spokeswoman said. In September 2012, Walmart said it aimed to launch its first retail store in India within the next 18 months to two years but has made no recent mention of the target. The firm, like French supermarkets Carrefour and Britain’s Tesco, operates in India as a wholesaler with local partnerships but is yet to set up its own stores. Devangshu Dutta, head of retail consultancy Third Eyesight, said “regulatory complexity” was an issue for brands “evaluating the costs

against benefits” of entering the country.

The inability to woo big foreign firms is a blow for India, keen to attract outside investment to help boost its sliding economy. The rupee has fallen by nearly a fifth against the dollar this year, economic growth is at its slowest in a decade and the current account deficit, the broadest trade measure, is at a record high. But with elections due by next May, the Congressled government now seems more focused on populist measures, such as a huge food-for-thepoor scheme, than on streamlining FDI policy-a politically sensitive issue, analysts say.

After new FDI in retail rules were passed last year, protests erupted among shopkeepers and labourers who feared a loss of jobs and collapse of small family run stores.

The majority of the retail sector remains dominated by traditional family owned shops and small grocery stores, but organized retail-mostly chain stores-is expected to jump from eight to 24 percent of the market by 2023, according to consultancy Technopak.

The central government has left it to each state to decide whether foreign retailers can set up shop-and so far only 11 out of 28 states have expressed a keenness for overseas chains.

Sonam Udasi, Mumbai’s IDBI Capital research head, said there were “too many different noises” over foreign investment to reassure players.

“Most will wait until a new government comes to power,” he told AFP. One of the few foreign retailers to commit to India in recent months is Swedish giant Ikea, which plans to open 25

stores as part of a wider push into emerging markets. “In the first phase, we will plan stores in main cities,” an Ikea spokeswoman told AFP, declining to be more specific about a timeline.

The firm’s India chief, Juvencio Maeztu, has said it is willing to wait “five years” to find perfect store sites.

But while foreign supermarkets hold back from India, domestic chains are rapidly expanding, underlining the potential of a middle-classexpected to cross 250 million people by 2015, consultancy McKinsey estimates. The Future Group, India’s largest retailer, plans to grow by 1.5 to two million square-feet of retail space each year over the next three years, says “retail king” Kishore Biyani who controls the group.

“Aspirational growth in India remains strong.

This will drive consumption, which we feel could be three to four percent above economic growth,” he said. Another Indian giant, Aditya Birla Retail, says it has “aggressive” plans to open up to eight new hypermarkets and more than 40 new supermarkets this year. Rival Reliance Retail, which sells everything from vegetables to electronics, aims to hike revenues five-fold to 500 billion rupees ($7.5 billion) by 2016. But as local players push ahead, the wait for foreign supermarkets will likely continue until the economic outlook and regulatory climate clears, experts say. “The current FDI policy should be discarded, it’s ill-informed and ill-advised,” Technopak chairman Arvind Singhal told AFP. “The government could have done so much more. We’ve muddied the waters,” he said.— AFP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

BUSINESS

Emerging market investors get picky NEW YORK: Investors bracing for the US Federal Reserve to wind down its monetary stimulus have fled emerging markets in recent months, and while the impact of slow capital flows is likely to be felt for some time, some countries will fare much better than others. The US central bank is expected to begin trimming its massive $85 billion bond-buying program as early as next week.

That will mean fewer Fed-created dollars sloshing around the global financial system. Markets like Brazil and India, which must import capital to finance spending, will feel the squeeze. Mexico and South Korea, to name two, are less dependent and won’t get hit as hard.

As a consequence investors hungry for the higher yields offered by emerging market stocks and bonds can no longer sink their money in the developing world indiscriminately, experts say.

They will have to become much more selective.

For years, “many emerging markets have just had to sit back and watch the capital flow in. They

haven’t had to try very hard to attract it,” said Morgan Stanley strategist James Lord. “Now they’re going to have to work harder. That means reforms.”

The MSCI Emerging Market Index fell some 12 percent between May and September. That was the worst four-month stretch in more than a year for the stock index, which did regain some ground in recent sessions. All told, investors have yanked $3.3 billion out of emerging bond funds since late May, according to Lipper, a Thomson Reuters company.

So far the pain has been most acute in places such as India, Turkey and Brazil. Those countries and others are also struggling with rising inflation and sluggish growth.

Other markets, while not untouched, have suffered less. The Mexican peso and South Korean won have weakened about 2 percent each against the dollar this year, compared with 11 percent for Brazil’s real and 18 percent for India’s rupee.

Likewise, central banks in Indonesia, Turkey, Ukraine and India have seen the fastest erosion of foreign currency reserves since late May, according to Morgan Stanley calculations.

“When the hot money is gone, the tide will retreat and we will see who is naked on the beach,” said Anjun Zhou, who helps manage $33 billion as head of asset allocation research at Mellon Capital Management. “With less liquidity we will be more cognizant of which countries we pick, focusing more on their growth potential,” she said, adding she favors Mexico, Russia and South Korea and is avoiding India and Brazil.

Ray Dalio, chairman and chief investment officer at Bridgewater Associates, one of the world’s largest hedge funds, warned investors last week against wading into emerging markets in the near future. He said the sharp reduction in capital flows to countries such as India may lead to a crisis.

That’s not to say investors will turn their backs on

the developing world. While few emerging markets are growing at double-digit rates these days, they are still sure to outpace advanced markets for years to come. Some argue that most emerging countries are better prepared to weather the storm than they were during the emerging market crisis of 1997.

The International Monetary Fund still expects emerging market growth of 5 percent this year, about four times quicker than advanced economies, and 5.4 percent next year. More flexible exchange rates and a larger stash of currency reserves - about $7.5 trillion as of March compared with about $600 billion in 1997 - also provides a cushion. Deficits and foreign currency debt, while worrisome, are not as large. “The reality is things are going to be more challenging” for a lot of countries,” added Andres Calderon, who helps oversee $4.4 billion in assets at Hansberger Global Investments. “But I would be very surprised if this turns into another crisis.”

That said, simply muddling through by spending reserves and raising interest rates to prop up currencies won’t be enough in the long run, especially for countries that need affordable access to foreign capital to service their deficits.

“These are temporary measures that can buy time,” Lord said. “They’re not a sustainable way of rebalancing the economy.” A better approach, investors said, is to get serious about long-term structural reforms. Calderon said Brazil should focus on a more flexible labor market and major infrastructure reforms to attract foreign and local private capital.

Sean Lynch, global investment strategist at Wells Fargo Private Bank, said India could start helping itself by easing restrictions on foreign cor-

porate ownership, a move that would attract stabilizing foreign direct investment. Many investors urge policymakers to imitate Mexico, where the government has committed to sweeping reforms of the state-dominated energy sector, education and telecommunications.

While Mexico’s IPC stock index has lost 6 percent this year, indexes are down by double digits in Brazil and Turkey, both current account deficit countries. Still, it took a multi-year slump in the United States, Mexico’s most important trading partner, to force action. “Mexico felt a lot more pressure to tackle structural reform, and that put them ahead of the curve,” said Calderon. “But I don’t think they stand out as being uniquely enlightened.

They just faced the pressure earlier.” Even so, it’s all paying dividends now.

In Asia, capital is shifting from south to north, toward countries like China, South Korea and Taiwan, which could see trade gains as US growth rebounds. Meanwhile commodity producers such as Indonesia and Malaysia have seen their finances worsen as metals prices have eased.

Peter Kohli, president of DMS Funds, said he launched two US-listed mutual funds this year focused on Poland and the Baltic states - new European Union members with healthy finances and a commitment to reform. “These markets are looking a lot more attractive,” he said.

“These countries seem to have their act together.” “A lot of countries have talked about reform but haven’t delivered much,” said Wells Fargo’s Lynch, who helps oversees $170 billion in assets. “But I think the longer we see weakness in emerging markets, the more they will be forced to make meaningful reforms.” — Reuters

South Korean Unification Ministry yesterday shows North Korea’s delegates (left) shaking hands with South Korean delegates during their meeting at the Kaesong industrial complex in North Korea. North and South Korea agreed to reopen the jointly-run Kaesong industrial park on a trial basis from September 18, five months after it was shut during soaring military tensions. — AFP

Britain’s jobless rate dips, more bets on rate rises

LONDON: Britain’s unemployment rate dropped in July to its lowest since late last year, adding to speculation that the Bank of England may raise interest rates earlier than it has predicted. The rate dipped to 7.7 percent in the three months ending in July from 7.8 percent previously, the Office for National Statistics said yesterday. That was its lowest since the September-November period in 2012.

The Bank of England has set the unemployment rates reaching 7 percent as a target in its decision about raising interest rates. It suggests this won’t be before the third quarter of 2016, but markets are betting it will be before this. As a result, yesterday’s release caused a jump in the pound to its strongest level against the dollar in seven months, while the difference between British and German government borrowing costs widened back to the highest level in three years.

British Prime Minister David Cameron welcomed the fall in unemployment. Two days earlier, his finance minister, George Osborne, said the country’s economy was turning a corner having struggled to recover from the financial crisis. “It’s another set of impressive figures,” said Investec economist Victoria Clarke. “It suggests the jobs market is recovering much like the broader economy. It reinforces our view that unemployment will come down to 7 percent more quickly than the Bank of England expects.”

Investors reckon joblessness will come down more quickly than the Bank does and have been pricing in the first rise in interest rates as soon as late 2014. This risks a future confrontation between the Bank and the market. The bets have led to rises in a range of market interest rates, including those that usually feed through to mortgages and other loans. Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has warned that the bank might provide more stimulus for the economy if Britain’s recovery is threatened.

The Bank believes the jobless rate will on the whole fall slowly as firms squeeze more out of their current staff as the economy recovers.

Surveys of British services and manufacturing last month backed up that view as employment grew more slowly than overall activity. But in another sign of surprising strength in Britain’s labor market, the number of people claiming jobless benefit - a narrower and timelier measure of unemployment - fell by 32,600 in August, much more than economists had expected.

July’s fall was also revised to show a drop of 36,300 - the steepest decline since June 1997.

Not all analysts jobs improvement prompting earlier tightening. “Although employment rose strongly, more timely evidence from the recent activity surveys suggests that firms are responding to higher demand more by boosting productivity than taking on new workers,” Martin Beck, economist at Capital Economics, said.

Forecasting the path of Britain’s unemployment rate has been complicated in recent years by older workers rejoining or remaining in the labor force, job cuts in the public sector and uncertainty about immigration levels. The ONS said on

Wednesday public-sector employment fell in the second quarter by 34,000 to 5.665 million.

The data also showed a record number of people working part-time because they could not find a full-time position. Stronger productivity is unlikely to boost real wages anytime soon: the ONS said average weekly earnings growth including bonuses slowed to 1.1 percent in the three months ending in July compared with a year earlier. Excluding bonuses, pay grew 1.0 percent.

By contrast, inflation averaged 2.8 percent over the same period. Britain’s opposition Labor party has made the fall in living standards a centrepiece of its challenge to the government’s claims that its austerity helped the economy heal by keeping borrowing costs down. — Reuters

Oil around $107 after Obama speech NEW YORK: The price of oil hovered around $107 a barrel yesterday, a day after President Barack Obama said he asked US lawmakers to postpone a vote authorizing the use of military force against Syria.

By early afternoon in Europe, benchmark oil for October delivery was down 14 cents to $107.25 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. On Tuesday, the contract fell $2.13, or 1.9 percent, to close at $107.39 a barrel on the Nymex.

Obama, in a televised speech to the nation late Tuesday, said he wanted to give Syria a chance to turn over its chemical weapons before he asks Congress for consent to intervene in the country’s civil war.

Oil prices have been at elevated levels for two weeks following Obama’s call for action against the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad in retaliation for what the White House says was a deadly chemical weapons attack against civilians last month. Syria’s surprise announcement Tuesday that it would accept a Russian plan to turn over its chemical weapons stockpile raised the possibility of a resolution to the standoff between Obama and Assad and lowered tensions in oil markets.

“In view of the abating geopolitical risks, oil prices are likely to fall further, for the oil price level is still too high from a purely fundamental perspective,” analysts at Commerzbank in Frankfurt said in a report, listing ample global supplies and strong production by OPEC members as factors weighing on prices. While prices edged off a recent two-year high as the likelihood of a Syrian strike diminished, some analysts predicted prices would remain high for the time being.—AP

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

BUSINESS

Zain to hold conference on forthcoming Iraq IPO DUBAI: Zain Group, a pioneer in mobile telecommunications across 8 markets in the Middle East and North Africa will be hosting over 150 regional and global telecom investors and financial investment professionals in Dubai at its Capital Markets Day. The event set to be held on September 12 will see senior management from Zain Group and Zain Iraq providing detailed updates with respect to the Zain Iraqís on-going strategy and operational progress being achieved, as well as preparation to list publicly on the Iraq stock exchange, offering 25 percent of its shares in accordance with licence requirements.

Zain Iraq has taken significant strides forward, having already established a locally domiciled joint-stock company under the name of Al-Khatem Telecommunications Company for the purposes of the listing and recently holding its first Annual General Meeting, electing board members, its chairman and deputy chairman as well as appointing a managing director.

Scott Gegenheimer, Zain Group CEO and

Mohammed Charchafchi, Chairman of the Board of Zain Iraq will be present at the Capital Markets Day, as will Zain Group Chief Financial Officer Ossama Matta and Wael Ghanayem, Chief Financial and Operating Officer of Zain Iraq. The senior executives intend to detail the developments that are shaping the telecom market in Iraq as well as to discuss the strategies that are being undertaken by Zain Iraq to maintain its leadership position in the country.

Scott Gegenheimer commented: ìWe are committed to transparency and open communications with the investor community, and this is why this Capital Markets Day event is so crucial to our plans to list and offer a 25 percent stake in Zain Iraq.î He continued: ìWe are very excited about the prospects for the Iraq market and Zainís participation in it. Zain Iraq is a critical part of the Groupís activities representing 40 percent of our revenues and 31 percent of our customer base. We expect to grow further in the market as we expand our network to the northern regions and look forward to receiving a nation-

wide 3G licence and securing access to a 3G spectrum as soon as the Communications and Media Commission initiates the licensing process.î Zain has invested over $4.5 billion to date in the development of the mobile network. The listing of Zain Iraq will crown an impressive journey for Zain in the country, which began with the award of a mobile operating license in December 2003, followed by the attaining of a 15 year licence in 2007, and thereafter its acquisition of the Iraqna network in December 2007. Zain Iraq has gone on to become the largest mobile operator in the country, counting 13.9 million customers as of June 2013 and accounting for a 48 percent market share.

Zain Iraq generated revenues of $1.73 billion in 2012, achieving EBITDA of $766 million. Zain Group currently owns 76 percent of Zain Iraqís equity. Three internationally renowned banks, namely BNP Paribas, Citi and NBK Capital, are currently acting as joint financial advisors and bookrunners on behalf of Zain Iraq in the management of the IPO process.

Automakers bet on alternative-fuel cars

Honda Alghanim launches Back to School offer on all 2013 Honda cars Instant cash-back up to KD1,000 KUWAIT: Staying true to its tradition in offering exceptional promotions for its customers, Alghanim Motors, the exclusive distributor of Honda in Kuwait, announced the extension of its special promotion that will enable car enthusiasts to own a brand new 2013 Honda vehicle and receive instant cash back up to KD 1000. The special offer from Honda Alghanim will run until September 30, 2013 as part of a back to school campaign. This exclusive offer is available on all 2013 Honda vehicles, the Honda Accord, Accord Coupe, Civic, City and the Honda family cars, the Pilot, Odyssey, CR-V and Cross tour where customers can purchase any of these vehicles and get instant cash back from Honda Alghanim.

Customers can take advantage of this offer by visiting the Honda showroom in Safat Alghanim which operates from 8:30 am until 10:00 pm from Saturday to

Thursday and from 9:30 am until 10:00 pm on Fridays. Alghanim Motors, the sole distributor of Honda automobiles, power products and motorcycles in Kuwait is committed to providing customers with flexible payment solutions, as well as offering comfortable amenities in its new service center located in Shuwaikh. The Alghanim Motors Service Center provides efficient and cost-effective services at all times. The waiting lounge offers customers a wide array of amenities such as an electronic gaming area, digital satellite channels, free wireless Internet access as well as relaxing massage chairs. Honda’s customers will also enjoy excellent customer ser vice, quality maintenance options and competitive prices on genuine spare parts, all of which are provided t by a team of professional and highly skilled technicians. For more information call 2496-4000.

FRANKFURT: Judging by the slew of electric and hybrid vehicles being rolled out at the Frankfurt Auto Show, it might seem carmakers are tapping a large and eager market. But in fact almost no one buys such cars - yet. More and more automakers are coming out with electric versions of existing vehicles - such as Volkswagen’s allelectric versions of its Up! city car and Golf compact - or ones they have designed as electrics from the ground up, like small BMW’s electric city car i3.

Analyst Christoph Stuermer at IHS automotive called Frankfurt “the first full-throttle electric propulsion show” that’s about “getting electric drive cars out of the eco-nerd, tree-hugger segment and into the cool group.” To whet appetites, automakers are making high-performance, luxury versions that give up little or nothing in performance to conventional models. BMW’s i8 goes 0100 kph (0-62 mph) in a speedy 4.5 seconds.

Audi’s Quattro sport concept - meaning it’s for demonstration, not for sale - is an aggressive looking sports car with large air intakes flanking the grille and a whopping 700 horsepower from its hybrid drive. The company says it can reach 305 kph (190 mph.)

The Mercedes S-Class plug-in hybrid version, meanwhile, has a powerful six-cylinder internal combustion engine plus an all-electric range of about 30 kilometers (20 miles). This way, owners could commute all-electric during the week, recharging overnight - but use the gasoline engine on a family vacation. The company says mileage is 3.0 liters per 100 kilometers, or 78 miles per gallon.

All this, to cater to a market that doesn’t really exist in mass terms. Only 0.2 percent of all cars registered in Europe are hybrids, which combine batteries with internal combustion engines, or electrics, according to the ACEA European automakers association. In the United States, the Toyota Prius hybrid has broken into the top 10 selling passenger cars. However, electric vehicles have struggled to increase sales numbers because of high prices and so-called range anxiety: buyers’ fear of running out of power. Analysts and executives say there are several solid reasons to make and promote such cars now. They can help lower average fleet emissions to meet government requirements - in Europe, offsetting increasing sales of conventionally powered sportutility vehicles. And automakers want to be ready in case governments - perhaps in heavily polluted China - push people into emission-free vehicles.

“Short term, nobody will get a return on these investments,” Daimler AG chief executive Dieter Zetsche told The Associated Press. “But definitely, long term, the development will go in this direction, and if you don’t learn this lesson today you will not be in the game tomorrow.”

“All these technologies have to be developed further and you can only do that, including industrial processes to reduce costs, by selling them.”

Volkswagen CEO Martin Winterkorn said one key to getting the hybrid and electric market moving is reducing the cost of the most expensive element - the battery. The company’s goal is to cut the cost of a unit of battery power by a factor of five over the next several years.

Winterkorn said the company had included electric and hybrid models in the company’s multi-platform manufacturing system. This standardizes parts and allows the same assembly line to produce multiple vehicles. That means a new

FRANKFURT AUTO SHOW

FRANKFURT: A Volkswagen XL1 is presented during the second press day of the 65th Frankfurt Auto Show in Frankfurt yesterday.

FRANKFURT: The Renault Twizy powered by 220V is on display during the second press day of the 65th Frankfurt Auto Show in Frankfurt yesterday. More than 1,000 exhibitors will show their products to the public from Sept 12 through Sept 22, 2013. — AP photos

electric could have modest sales numbers - but not involve the expense of additional plant capacity and parts design.

The US government is requiring automakers to increase fleet mileage standards, and the European Union is requiring them to cut emissions by 2020. Auto analysts say electrics could get a further push if China or its biggest cities start encouraging or requiring them to lower choking pollution levels.

The Chinese Cabinet issued a development

D-Bank traders win unfair dismissal case FRANKFURT: Four traders have won a case for wrongful dismissal against Deutsche Bank AG, which had accused them of violating company policy by inappropriately communicating with other traders at the bank over the setting of interbank lending rates.

The four were responsible for setting Euribor and Libor interbank rates and their dismissal in February came amid a broader inquest into interbank rates. Three banks have been fined for manipulating Libor, a larger counterpart to Euribor, and investigations are continuing into the matter.

Rates such as Euribor and Libor are hugely important in financial markets, being not just key gauges of how much banks pay to borrow from their peers but also used to set prices for swathes of financial products from some mortgages to more complex derivatives.

Announcing her ruling relating to the ex-Deutsche Bank traders yesterday, presiding judge Annika Gey told a Frankfurt labour court: “The termination was out of proportion”. She ordered Deutsche to reinstate the traders known only as Ardalan G, Kai-Uwe K, Markus K and Joerg V because their full names were not made public for legal reasons - and pay them their salaries since firing them in February. The bank had fired five Frankfurt-based traders

suspected of inappropriate conduct following an internal investigation into possible manipulation of the Europe Interbank Offered Rate or Euribor. One had already reached a settlement with Deutsche Bank.

Deutsche had told the Frankfurt Labour court it had fired the five after discovering some staff appeared to have shown a willingness to consider the bank’s own trading positions when they submitted their estimates for the Euribor and Libor rates.

But the traders said they were not aware of a ban prohibiting them from talking to other trading desks about interbank lending matters. Deutsche’s own trading positions at other desks within the bank could increase or decrease in value depending on what kind of interbank lending rate was determined by the money markets team. Deutsche insisted it was forbidden to discuss Euribor and Libor submissions with derivative traders and said the traders, who held the titles of managing director, director and vice president in the global markets division, should have submitted estimates for interbank lending rates in a manner which was totally objective.

The traders said they believed Deutsche had in practice condoned the habit of communicating between the different trading desks.

Deutsche had appeared to condone collaboration between different parts of the trading desk when it imported to Frankfurt a “short-term interest-rate trading” seating arrangement used in Asia, whereby money-market traders, swaps traders and derivative traders sat in close proximity.

The traders, speaking through their lawyer, said their discussions did not amount to collusion or manipulation so much as “an exchange of opinion about the state of the market.” The judge said Deutsche had failed stop these interactions with specific guidelines or sanctions or make sufficiently clear that this was inappropriate behavior. “At the time these contested communications occurred, Deutsche Bank had not implemented clear rules or controls to ensure a strict separation between submitters and derivatives traders,” the judge said.

Furthermore, the court said Deutsche had operated a system with substantial conflicts of interest, since one trader who made a submission for interbank lending rates was also a derivatives trader.

On discovering signs of what it viewed as misconduct, Deutsche Bank had also failed to issue a formal warning to the traders and therefore to fire them at a later point was too severe, the judge said. —Reuters

plan last June that calls for the number of electric vehicles to rise to 500,000 by 2015 and then to 5 million by 2020. Buyers of electric vehicles will be entitled to government subsidies, and exempt from restrictions on car purchases. One of the biggest bulls is Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn, whose company has bet heavily on the all-electric Leaf. He said much of the industry is waiting now to see what China’s next move is on reducing emissions. When China acts, it will mean “the explosion of the electric car.” — AP

India home to world’s highest number of female millionaires NEW DELHI: India has the highest number of female millionaires in the world with 16 percent, of Ultra High Networth (UHNW) Women residing in the country having a combined asset of $95 billion, World Ultra Wealth report 2013 revealed yesterday.

The report, themed ‘The World Ultra Wealth report 2013’ compiled by global wealth intelligence and prospecting company Wealth-X, revealed that India has over 1,250 UHNW individuals each having net assets worth $30 million or above. It further noted that estimated 103 billionaires reside in India while in the neighboring China this figure stood at 157 billionaires in 2013.

India is home to as many as 7,850 high net worth individuals whose collective net worth is $935 billion, the report unveiled. The Indian city of Bangalore has registered the highest percentage increase in the number of UHNW population, the report said, adding, it is followed by southern city of Chennai which has seen a 4.1 percent increase in this category.

The report pointed out that 90 percent of India’s UHNW individuals live in 10 cities which include Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Pune, Gurgaon and Jaipur. — KUNA

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

BUSINESS

BMW i8 debuts at 2013 Frankfurt Show Line-up also includes the BMW i3, BMW X5, BMW 5 Series and BMW 4 Series Coupe models FRANKFURT: The present and future of driving pleasure converged today in the new models presented by the BMW and BMW i brands at the International Motor Show (IAA) 2013 in Frankfurt am Main.

Demonstrating the luxury motor manufacturer’s leadership in sustainability and it’s vision for the future, the first day of the world’s premiere automotive event featured a number of highlights from the BMW Group and its BMW i sub-brand, including the global debut of the highly anticipated BMW i8. Arriving in the Middle East in the first quarter of 2014, the BMW i8 is an extremely fuel efficient plugin, high performance vehicle with the fuel consumption and emissions of a small vehicle - it is the most progressive and innovative sports car of all time.

It is also joined at the IAA by the visionary BMW i3, the Group’s first all-electric car designed for use in major cities.

Heralding a new era in mobility, the BMW i8 and i3 showcase the ongoing development and potential breadth of the BMW i portfolio, and highlight how high-performance, zero-emission mobility can also deliver emotional excitement and sheer appeal. Both models are built around BMW eDrive technology, which will provide a unique driving experience in all future BMW electric and plug-in hybrid models. These BMW eDrive powertrains, comprising an electric motor, lithium-ion battery and intelligent power-

train management, form the core of all BMW i models.

Neither of these two cars will incorporate steel in their bodyframe; instead they will be produced with a passenger cell made from carbon - a first in the automotive industry.

Joining the BMW i models in making their debut at the 2013 IAA will be the third generation of the BMW X5, a regular amongst BMW Group Middle East’s best-sellers. This dynamic model will offer customers new standards in pow-

erful design, luxurious spaciousness, cutting-edge versatility and efficient driving pleasure. Under the bonnet lies the model’s enhanced output engine which allows the new BMW X5 xDrive50i to sprint from 0 - 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 5.0 seconds with an optional V8 unit available.

Already a leader in the executive saloon segment both globally and in the Middle East, the current generation of the BMW 5 Series is the premium automotive manufactur-

Last chance to win astonishing Azimut Yacht by using NBK cards KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) announced Sunday (15 September) as the last day of its summer campaign that offers its Cardholders the chance to win an astonishing Azimut 40 Flybridge Yacht.

NBK Cardholders still have four days to earn unlimited chances to enter the third draw to

win up to KD 10,000 in cash prizes in addition to the grand prize draw for the Azimut 40 Yacht.

NBK’s summer campaign offer customers the chance to win an astonishing Azimut 40 Flybridge Yacht as well as up to KD180,000 in cash prizes.12 winners in the first two draws of

the campaign had their spending on their NBK Cards reimbursed up to a value of KD10,000.

Another six winners will be announced in the third and last draw at the end of the campaign.

For every cumulative KD20 spent in Kuwait with NBK Credit or Prepaid Cards, Cardholders will earn a chance to enter the draws.

Cardholders will triple their chances by using their NBK Credit, Prepaid and Debit Card abroad or by shopping on international sites.

Last summer NBK gave away a McLaren MP4-12C. This year, NBK is giving away the Azimut Yacht. NBK Summer Campaign is the biggest promotion. All NBK Cardholders can use their Cards during the summer to enjoy this exclusive promotion. NBK Cards are accepted worldwide and are the safest, most convenient and rewarding way to pay. For more information log onto nbk.com or contact Hala Watani on 1801801. The Azimut 40 Flybridge is one of the most luxurious yachts designed by Azimut-Benetti, the world renowned yacht manufacturers, combining elegance and comfort. Seas & Deserts Group is the exclusive Azimut Yachts dealer in Kuwait.

Lufthansa wins International Five-star diamond award FRANKFURT: In a ceremony at Lufthansa’s acclaimed First Class Terminal at Frankfurt International Airport, Lufthansa received the coveted International Five Star Diamond Award from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (AAHS).

In fact the Academy honoured three outstanding accomplishments of Lufthansa’s premium service portfolio: the Lufthansa First Class onboard its intercontinental fleet, the Lufthansa First Class Terminal in Frankfurt and the Lufthansa First Class Lounge at New York’s JFK International Airport.

Joseph Cinque, President and CEO of the AAHS said: “ The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences is renowned worldwide for awarding excellence in the global travel and luxury services sector via our International Star Diamond Award

exclusively on Five Star establishments. Lufthansa’s unequaled commitment to its First Class services and onboard hospitality, its achievements and true quality is more than impressive and deserves the International Five Star Diamond Award.”

Jens Bischof, Chief Commercial Officer at Lufthansa German Airlines added: “Today marks another milestone for Lufthansa on our way to becoming the industry’s leading airline for premium travel. Our customers are appreciating the numerous service upgrades we have invested in, both on board and on the ground, with the industry’s leading organizations taking note of our accomplishments. Today, we are very excited to receive this award from the Academy which has evolved into an international powerhouse network

Joseph Cinque, President and CEO of the AAHS (second from right) celebrates the award handover with Lufthansa’s CCO, Jens Bischof (second from left) and two Lufthansa First Class Personal Assistants.

that values the very highest quality and hospitality.”

In 2005 Lufthansa opened its First Class Terminal at Frankfurt Airport which is still the world’s only dedicated terminal of this kind. Lufthansa has a long standing commitment of providing exclusive premium services, giving its customers the freedom of ultimate relaxation and peace of mind whether on board or on the ground. Worldwide 60 state-ofthe-art lounges, with a total space of more than 45,000 square meters, invite customers to relax and escape the busy atmosphere at airports, before and after their flights.

Lufthansa’s new First Class, onboard its longhaul fleet has repeatedly received highest ratings in customer surveys. The generously proportioned, open design and exclusive ambience, with simple distinct lines and subtle colors creates an appealing and inviting atmosphere. The First Class is not only offering the widest seat in the industry but also encompasses a vast number of on board service initiatives featuring carefully selected wines and dishes created by top chefs, air humidification systems or noise absorbing interiors as well as a Porsche and Mercedes limousine services.

The AAHS was originally formed as an International Restaurant Rating Bureau in 1949 in Chicago, Illinois. Forty years later, in 1989, it relocated its headquarters from Chicago to New York City, where it is still based today. Today, The American Academy of Hospitality Sciences is the only organization that awards excellence in the luxury travel service sector worldwide, and the Academy’s International Star Diamond Award is the only award program that recognizes excellence on a global level. The Academy expanded the breadth of recognition of the International Star Diamond Award beyond Five Star Hotels and Restaurants to include Resorts, Airlines, Cruise Lines, Spas, Golf Clubs, Destinations, Chefs and Luxury Products. The “International Star Diamond Award” caps a successful week of accolades for the airline. At the beginning of the week, Lufthansa was awarded the title of “Europe’s Leading Airline” at the World Travel Awards. Two months earlier Lufthansa was voted “Best European Airline in the Middle East” during the Business Traveller Middle East Awards 2013 in Dubai. Earlier this summer, the carrier was honored to receive the title of “Best Western European Airline” and “Best Transatlantic Airline” at the World Airline Awards in Paris.

er’s best-selling so far. The IAA 2013 will witness the unveiling of the new BMW 5 Series, which is set to extend the model series’ market lead even further and be a continued driving force behind future sales achievements with its design modifications and technology enhancements.

These, coupled with innovative new features to the range of BMW ConnectedDrive technology, will all raise the appeal of the BMW 5 Series model family a notch higher.

The fifth and final model to be revealed at the show will be the all-new BMW 4 Series Coupe, which heralds the dawn of a new coupe era at BMW and embodies the very essence of aesthetic appeal and dynamics in the premium segment. On the outside the model’s stylistic features carry the promise of a powerful presence on the road while the stand-out dynamic ability and driving pleasure is in abundance. Under the bonnet lies a six-speed manual gearbox as standard or an eight-speed Sports automatic gear box alongside a TwinPower Turbo six-cylinder in-line petrol engine in the BMW 435i Coupe, and the four-cylinder petrol unit for the BMW 428i Coupe.

The five model expose will bring new additions to the sustainable mobility, Sports Activity Coupe and premium segments ensuring that BMW Group continues to hold pole position as the world’s best-selling premium automotive manufacturer.

On your marks, get set, countdown!

LE LOCLE/INCHEON: A little over one year before the opening ceremony of the 17Th Asian Games Incheon 2014 - where Tissot serves as the Games’ Official Timekeeper, Tissot and IAGOC have unveiled the official countdown clock of the Games. Located in front of Incheon City Hall, the symbolic focal point of the City of Incheon, this hightech countdown will mark the key moments to the beginning of the 17th Asian Games, reaching zero as the opening ceremony begins.

The IAGOC Secretary General, Kyung Sang Kwonand, Song Younggil, Mayor of Incheon Metropolitan City, were given the honour of inaugurating the revolutionary countdown, which serves as further proof of Tissot’s technological skills and innovative spirit. This dynamic creation consists of four cubes rotating at different speeds. The cubes act as a permanent reminder to visitors of the days, hours, minutes and seconds remaining until the start of the Games on September 19. Tissot and the IAGOC are working hand in hand to ensure the delivery of vital timing, scoring and results services and ensure the smooth running of all 36 disciplines of the 17th Asian Games. This countdown clock is the first of many examples of their in-depth collaboration for the Games, which promise to put on an unmissable show. The 17th Asian Games will take place from September 19 - October 4, 2014 in Incheon, Korea.

For Tissot, “In touch with your time” is far more than an advertising claim. This phrase expresses the brand’s DNA; its proven dedication to being perfectly in tune with the technology and tastes of each era. Tissot has been growing and developing its tradition of innovation since 1853. From the early days to the present, in its home in Le Locle in the Swiss Jura Mountains, Tissot has translated craftsmanship and precision into stylish timepieces now sold in more

than 160 countries around the world.

Special materials, advanced functionality and meticulous design detail join forces to create the luxury of accessibility. Tissot is a member of the Swatch Group, the world’s largest watch producer and distributor of Swiss watches, as well as Official Timekeeper and Partner of MotoGPTM, FIM Superbike, FIBA, AFL, RBS 6 Nations Rugby and the World Championships of cycling, fencing and ice hockey. With the latest innovations in its communication and product, Tissot presents impressive proof of its signature, “Innovators by Tradition”.www.tissot.ch

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

TECHNOLOGY

Google loses appeal in Street View snooping case

SAN JOSE: A federal appeals court said Google wrongly collected people’s personal correspondence and online activities through their Wi-Fi systems as it drove down their streets with car cameras shooting photos for its Street View mapping project. The ruling that the practice violates wiretap laws sends a warning to other companies seeking to suck up vast amounts of data from unencrypted Wi-Fi signals.

“The payload data transmitted over unencrypted WiFi networks that was captured by Google included emails, usernames, passwords, images, and documents,” wrote the US Court of Appeals in San Francisco in a report released Tuesday Google had argued that their activities were exempt from the wiretap law because data transmitted over a Wi-Fi network is a “radio communication” and is “readily accessible to the public.”

Not so, wrote the judges, agreeing with an earlier federal judge’s ruling. “Even if it is commonplace for members of the general public to connect to a

neighbor’s unencrypted Wi-Fi network, members of the general public do not typically mistakenly intercept, store, and decode data transmitted by other devices on the network,” they said. Google’s Street View cars can be spotted with pole mounted cameras on their roofs, photographing along roadways the world over. The photos then show up on Google’s popular Street View map option, where viewers can virtually scroll along a street past homes, cars and shops, all captured in photographs.

But unbeknownst to passers-by, those cameras weren’t just making photos. They were also collecting detailed information transmitted over Wi-Fi networks they passed through. Privacy experts and industry watchers said this was the first time an appeals court has ruled that it’s illegal for a company to sniff out and collect private information from the Wi-Fi networks that provide Internet service to people at home. Google is also the first publically known company to try. “This appeals court decision is a

tremendous victory for privacy rights. It means Google can’t suck up private communications from people’s Wi-Fi networks and claim their Wi-Spying was exempt from federal wiretap laws,” said John M. Simpson, Consumer Watchdog’s privacy project director. “Because Google’s Wi-Spy activity was so extensive, the potential damages could amount to billions of dollars.” Marc Rotenberg, executive director of Electronic Privacy Information Center, called it “a landmark decision for Internet privacy.” “The court made clear that the federal privacy law applies to residential Wi-Fi networks,” he said. “Users should be protected when a company tries to capture data that travels between their laptop and their printer in their home.” A Google spokesperson said Tuesday that attorneys for the Internet giant are “disappointed in the 9th Circuit’s decision and are considering our next steps.” Attorney Elizabeth Cabraser, representing a class action of plaintiffs who say their privacy was invaded by Google said Tuesday they look for-

ward to resuming their case now that a federal appeals court has ruled in their favor.

Google has apologized for the snooping, which it says took place between 2008 and March 2010. It promised to stop collecting the data and said the practice, conducted in more than 30 countries, was inadvertent but not illegal. Earlier this year Google settled a 37-state lawsuit for $7 million after attorney generals sued over what they said was an invasion of privacy for the data collection.

The practice was discovered by a German data protection commissioner in 2010. A few months later, Google co-founder Sergey Brin told conference goers the firm had made a mistake. “In short, let me just say that we screwed up,” he said at the time.

Google says it has disabled the equipment that was collecting the data, and agreed to destroy the information as soon as possible. The company is currently obliged to hold it, unused, because of ongoing litigation. — AP

Apple to extend market reach with 2 new iPhones New iPhones simultaneously aim high, low

CUPERTINO: The new lower-cost iPhone 5C debuted in a set of lively colors at an iPhone event at Apple’s headquarters in Silicon Valley on September 10, 2013 in Cupertino, California. — AFP

New iPhone 5C ‘too expensive for China’ BEIJING: Apple’s lower-cost iPhone 5C will retail for more than $700 in China, putting it out of reach of most consumers and raising questions over the firm’s ability to build sales in the world’s biggest mobile market.

The iPhone 5C is seen as part of the US tech giant’s bid to counter cheaper handsets from rivals, particularly in China where it has only a five percent share of the smartphone market. But the new phone will retail in China for 4,488 yuan ($733) for the 16GB version, according to Apple’s China online store, making it only marginally cheaper than the previous model, the iPhone 5.

It is also well above the $549 that an unlocked iPhone 5C will sell for in the United States. The top-line iPhone 5S starts at 5,288 yuan ($864) in China, whereas the unlocked US equivalent is $649. After months of speculation that Apple would release a budget model aimed at attracting customers in emerging markets, Chinese web users were quick to dismiss the iPhone 5C as too expensive. “I thought the cheap 5C version would be priced at one thousand or two (yuan)... I can’t sell my kidney for this much,” said one poster on Sina Weibo, China’s hugely popular Twitter equivalent, referring to a teenager who sold a kidney to buy an iPhone and iPad last year.

“So this is the so-called cheap version?

The 5C starts at 4,488 yuan in China. Haha, they treat the Chinese as peasants,” said another. With a network contract in the US, the iPhone 5C can cost as little as $99. But unlike in North America or Europe, Chinese networks do not offer contract customers deep discounts on handsets, instead requiring a substantial upfront payment which is then refunded over the course of the agree-

ment. Analysts said that the launch of the two new models was “disappointing”. “It’s not worth the price,” said Wang Ying, a Beijing-based analyst with consultant firm iResearch, adding that other smartphone makers including South Korea’s Samsung and China’s ZTE and Huawei were now wellestablished as rivals of Apple. Many domestically made smartphones are priced as low as $100. “It will be increasingly difficult for Apple to improve its market share or compete with other producers at this stage under the current market environment,” said Wang. Samsung-which has phones in a wider range of price points than Apple-is favoured by consumers for its bigger screen, and some buyers say the inclusion of a stylus with certain models makes them more user-friendly for character-based Asian languages. It is also often comparatively cheaper. Samsung sold 15.3 million smartphones in the country in the second quarter, up from 12.5 million in the January-March period and accounting for 19.4 percent of the market, reports said.

China remains one of Apple’s largest markets due to the popularity of its various products, but its total Chinese sales in the most recent quarter slipped 14 percent from a year ago to $4.6 billion. While iPhones are popular among China’s better off, analysts believe current prices would need to drop substantially for Apple to seriously penetrate the middle-income market. The new iPhones were launched globally at Apple’s California headquarters on Tuesday. Apple also held a media event in Beijing yesterday, fuelling speculation that a deal with China Mobile, the country’s biggest carrier, was to be revealed. —AFP

CUPERTINO: Apple Inc unveiled on Tuesday an iPhone with a fingerprint scanner to help it stand out in a crowded field of similar smartphones, plus a cheaper plastic model for emerging markets that proved pricier than expected. The “iPhone 5C” comes in five hues - blue, green, pink, yellow and white - and starts in the United States at $99 with a contract, or $549 without. But an unlocked 5C will go for 4,488 yuan ($730)and above in China, more than the average urban resident earns in a month and a price that may disappoint those hoping for a more aggressive assault on the world’s largest cellular market.

Apple has been losing ground to Samsung Electronics Co Ltd and Huawei Technologies Co Ltd in emerging markets such as China, and a more affordable 5C was deemed instrumental to helping it claw back market share. It also needs to sharply expand its existing distribution. Apple did not yesterday address speculation that it is on the verge of signing a distribution pact with China Mobile Ltd, the country’s biggest wireless carrier with more than 740 million subscribers.

But a notice posted on a Chinese government website said regulators had, in an expected move, granted a license to allow the iPhone to use China Mobile’s homegrown mobile network, which is different from the standard used by existing iPhone carriers China Telecom Corp and China Unicom. Other details of the two new iPhone models had been telegraphed ahead of time in several media reports, leaving the US launch devoid of major surprises, and Apple shares dropped more than 2 percent on Tuesday to $494.64.

The pricier “5S” begins at $199 with a contract and also comes in three colors - gray, silver and gold. It sports a faster processor, a camera that takes bursts of photos and chooses the best, and the fingerprintscanner that unlocks the phone with a touch. It also includes a separate chip, called the “M7 Motion coprocessor”, which can track motion data continuously without heavily draining the battery. That opens the door to better track sports and fitness-related user activity, now the domain of wearable devices like the wrist-worn Fitbit, and lets developers experiment with apps that make use of those functions. Carolina Milanesi, an analyst with Gartner, called it “brilliance” on Apple’s part, in that it gives them potential exposure to the wearable-devices market without having to actually design and rush out a gadget of their own like a smartwatch.

(Slightly) cheaper model Apple stock had gained more than 11 percent over the past month, in a typical rally ahead of a big product launch. Tuesday’s sell-off also reflected a postevent pattern. “We are just seeing an aspect of device numbing or resistance, meaning it takes more and more to thrill and excite the consumer,” said Jonathan Kanterman, an independent alternative investment consultant. “Are you going to go out and upgrade to the new 5S if you just bought a new iPhone within the past year? Probably not.”

CUPERTINO: Apple chief executive Tim Cook praises the new iPhone 5S as the most refined model the company has ever introduced on September 10, 2013 in Cupertino, California. — AFP The cheaper phone goes on sale online tomorrow, while the pricier gadget will be available from Sept 20.

For the first time, it will sell in China at the same time as the United States, a move expected to severely curtail the underground market for smuggled phones in the world’s No. 2 economy. The 5C marks a departure from Apple’s focus on purely premium phones, but not as much as some expected.

“It means Apple will hold on to margins but clearly they are not going after the very low-end of the market, which will disappoint some investors,” said Shannon Cross of Cross Research. “This is their first foray into multiple colors and the plastic back. Keep in mind by next year they would have probably have discounted this down, so I think there’s still opportunity.”

Wall Street approves of the move to offer a more basic version of the device, although some investors warned initially that it would reduce margins and potentially tarnish a brand that has been linked to premium users since its 2007 inception. Others worry that, at just $100 below the 5S, the cheaper iPhone will begin drawing would-be buyers away from the premium gadget. Apple has said it prefers to cannibalize its own gadgets rather than allowing rivals, such as phones that rely on Google Inc’s Android software, to siphon off customers.

Apple would have had to ward off “Android or even Microsoft, picking up some momentum with its new partnership with Nokia. Apple shouldn’t leave the entire field to all these guys,” said Roger Kay of Endpoint Technologies. “They’ve put their ‘slightly

down market but not really enough to change the brand’ product into the market.”

Longer term, investors hope a bigger emergingmarket presence can help reverse a 29 percent fall in the company’s share price since it hit a record high of $702.10 a year ago.

The sell-off was fueled by fears of slowing growth and a perception that Apple’s ability to innovate and shake up industries was dwindling. Industry observers said Apple had not turned out a category-defining electronic device since late co-founder Steve Jobs made a bet on the iPad in 2010.

Speculation revolves around a smartwatch along the same lines as Samsung’s recently introduced Galaxy Gear, or some sort of TV product. But analysts said neither was likely to generate numbers anywhere in the neighborhood of the iPhone, which supplies half of Apple’s revenue and is the company’s highestmargin product.

Since the first touch-screen iPhone hit the market in 2007, software features have become easier to replicate and improvements in speed, weight, display size and resolution have become routine. The explosion of me-too products is already hurting profit margins and nibbling at Apple and Samsung’s market share. “Apple needs to demonstrate in the coming months that it has other product lines which can start to make up for slowing growth and falling margins in (the) iPhone and iPad,” said Jan Dawson, a chief telecoms analyst for Ovum Research. “That’s a tall order.” — Reuters

Security concerns grow with mobile payments

M

obile payments technology, over time, could have a profound impact on the way products are sold, bills are paid and money is transferred around the world. But some of the experts who look at the new technology say they have unanswered questions about the security and privacy issues tied to the payments format.

Payments industry executives say the technology is good and getting better. But security experts say the swift growth of smartphone use inevitably is going to attract fraud. And as more consumers use their mobile phones as payment devices, the potential risks can increase.

Dallas - based NQ Mobile, which provides security software for smartphones, says it saw more than 65,000 new malware threats released worldwide in 2012, up from 24,000 the year before. Malware and phony app sites can direct unsuspecting phone users to sites where they give up sensitive personal information, such as bank account passwords. “It is a real problem, and it is growing,” said Gavin Kim, chief commercial officer of the company. “Smartphone sales are booming, and they are becoming a much more targeted device by hackers.” The company sells software that can identify mobile phone apps sites and protect users against malware and viruses.

Interest in the mobile phone security software is growing, but the company estimates that only about 8 percent of the mobile market actually uses security products on phones. Executives in the payments industry say payments processors and their network of affiliated merchants are constantly improving technology and processes to combat fraud. “I am completely comfortable and confident in the level of security of these transactions. In our system, the information is encrypted from end to end,” said Brent Warrington, CEO of Austin, Texas• based SecureNet, which processes both online and mobile payment transactions.

While security concerns are being addressed rap-

AUSTIN: Barista Rudi Miller poses for a portrait at Houndstooth Coffee in Austin, Texas, which is one of several area retailers using the Square mobile payments technology. — MCT idly, privacy advocates see no quick remedy for concerns about potential misuse of growing mountains of electronic data tied to the spending patterns of individual consumers. The same technology that makes mobile payments convenient also makes it easier for data analytics companies to get a better fix on where they spend their time and where and what they buy. Data analytics companies already pore through massive amounts of consumer data in order to give retailers and lenders a better idea of how to market to them. Some of those tech analytics companies compile secret “e - scores” that rank consumers and that are claimed to predict consumer spending. That trend alarms some privacy advocates, such as Jeff Chester with the Center for Digital Democracy in Washington. Chester says mobile pay-

ments can create nother deluge of data that enable some clever analytics companies to score and secretly rank them as consumers. Mobile payment “is about exposing your financial behavior to a daisy chain of financial and other marketers who have a very detailed understanding of where you are, how you spend your time and what you buy,” Chester said in an interview with McClatchy Newspapers. Personal health information and credit scores are closely guarded information in this country. Chester believes other data that go into e - scores also should be regulated to prevent invasion of privacy and unfair discrimination by retailers and other businesses. At present, he said, there are no such protections to the new kinds of data, which will proliferate with mobile payments. The collection of data, Chester said, “needs to be transparent and accountable. All these new, nontraditional data services are unregulated, and they need to be regulated. There should not be any kind of financial profile on a consumer that he or she can’t have access to to review and to challenge.”

SECURITY TIPS Mobile payments security tips from NQ Mobile include: • ”Locking” the phone with a password to protect stored data if the phone is stolen or lost.

• Installing security software on the phone.

• Keeping the phone clean of personal data such as address information and bank account information.

• Being very careful not to provide personal information when downloading new apps from unknown sources.

• Being wary of using personal information when connected to the Internet over public Wi• Fi hotspots.

• Notifying the mobile carrier quickly when the phone is stolen so it can disable both the phone and the apps that are on it. — MCT

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

New holistic treatment for diabetic kidney disease PARAMUS: Healthy Kidney Publishing, a reliable online source of information for natural kidney remedies, has just released a new holistic treatment for diabetes kidney disease on its website. Like other treatments and programs from Healthy Kidney Publishing, this new holistic treatment for diabetes kidney disease is believed to be safe, natural and effective.

Designed by Robert Galarowicz ND, founder of Healthy Kidney Publishing, this holistic treatment for diabetes kidney disease will improve kidney function as well as your kidney disease without the need for dialysis treatments and synthetic medications. As sources and medical experts have said, this latest development is by far good news for patients who are suffering from diabetic kidney disease or chronic kidney disease.

As a former kidney disease patient himself, Robert Galarowicz ND understands the need for having a safe and natural holistic treatment for diabetes kidney disease. A few years ago, Robert Galarowicz ND underwent kidney failure and a series of dialysis treatments. Like other patients, Robert Galarowicz ND was not comfortable with this form of treatment.

In his website, Robert Galarowicz ND said “I felt like a prisoner chained to that damn machine!

Excruciating pain from the needles and the cramping.” After years of dialysis treatments, Robert Galarowicz ND decided to create a new holistic treatment for diabetic kidney disease.

Healthy Kidney Publishing’s program has impressed a lot of people. As a matter of fact, even medical practitioners have approved this new program from Healthy Kidney Publishing. Dr. John Ree, a

medical doctor from the USA, said “I’ve been impressed by how well researched and complete this program is. This 100% all natural kidney restoration program takes into account the factors of kidney disease and gives you many options and information to help your kidneys return to their natural good health.

As a medical doctor, I look at the risks and benefits of all treatments and especially alternative treatments before making a recommendation, that said, this program definitely gets my thumbs up.”

After investing in this program, Dr John Ree decided to share it with a patient. As expected, the program worked well with Dr Ree’s patient. In Healthy Kidney Publishing’s website, Dr. Ree posted a testimonial stating “It presents well-researched, scientifically balanced information with diet and dozens of natural, drug free ideas and remedies you

can start using to improve the health of your kidneys today. My patient began this program and had excellent results, better than I could have imagined.

Everyone with any type of kidney disease and chronic kidney disease needs this program.”

Healthy Kidney Publishing’s new holistic treatment for diabetic kidney disease is named “ The No Dialysis Needed All Natural Kidney Health & Kidney Function Restoration Program. Currently, Healthy Kidney Publishing is offering a package for this program that include other diet plans and books, such as The Definitive Guide To Protein Content of Foods, The Definitive Guide To Potassium Content of Foods, and The All Natural Kidney Health & Kidney Function Restoration Program Diet Plan. In addition, the package includes unlimited meal supports for 60 days. — AP

Heart attack technique ‘could save more lives’ Research trial ‘striking

SHENZHEN: This photo taken and released by C-MER Dennis Lam Eye Hospital shows Guo Bin, a six-year-old Chinese boy who had his eyes gouged out, resting with his parents in his hospital room after having eye surgery in C-MER Dennis Lam Eye Hospital in Shenzhen, south China’s Guangdong province. Guo Bin underwent surgery on September 10 as doctors began fitting him with realistic artificial eyeballs that move. — AFP

Starker warnings on opioid painkillers WASHINGTON: The Food and Drug Administration is requiring stronger warning labels on prescription painkillers like OxyContin, in the government’s latest attempt to reduce overdose deaths caused by the long-acting medications.

The changes announced Tuesday are designed to remind doctors and patients about the fatal risks of misusing and abusing long-acting opioid pain relievers, which include forms of oxycodone, morphine and other narcotic medications. Whereas the previous label recommended the medications for “moderate to severe pain,” the new label describes a more limited role. It says the drugs should only be used for “pain severe enough to require daily, aroundthe-clock” treatment that cannot be managed with alternatives, such as over-thecounter medications or immediate-release opioids.

“These labeling changes describe more clearly the risks and safety concerns associated with ‘extended release and long-acting’ opioids and will encourage better, more appropriate, prescribing, monitoring and patient counseling practices involving these drugs,” the FDA’s Dr. Douglas Throckmorton said in a statement.

The new label also includes a boxed warning about the risks of opioid withdrawal syndrome in infants who are exposed to the drugs during pregnancy, labor and nursing. Symptoms may include rapid breathing, trembling and poor feeding habits.

The FDA is also requiring manufacturers of the targeted products to conduct longterm studies tracking rates of misuses, abuse, addiction and death among patients.

Tuesday’s action affects about 20 prescription products, including Purdue Pharma’s OxyContin, Johnson & Johnson’s Duragesic patch and Pfizer’s Embeda.

Opioids are drugs that simulate the effects of natural narcotics, such as the opium poppy. They are typically prescribed for people already taking pain medications, including cancer patients, to treat severe pain flareups.

The FDA has issued a number of warnings about the dangers of prescription pain relievers in recent years, but with little effect.

Inappropriate use of opioids caused more than 16,650 overdose deaths in 2010, up more than 12 percent from 2008, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Earlier this year the CDC reported that prescription painkiller overdose deaths among women increased about fivefold 1999 to 2010. Among men, such deaths rose about 3 1/2 times. The rise in both death rates is closely tied to a boom in the overall use of prescribed painkillers.

The most prescribed medication in the U.S. last year was the opioid combination pill Vicodin and its generic equivalents, according to IMS Health. U.S. pharmacies dispensed the medication, which combines hydrocodone and acetaminophen, over 135 million times in 2012. However, Tuesday’s announcement does not affect Vicodin because it uses an immediate release formulation.

The products targeted by the FDA feature extended-release formulations designed to give long-lasting effects. But that potency carries serious risks when doctors prescribe them inappropriately, and when patients abuse them as stimulants.

The FDA reports that many physicians prescribe the painkillers for unapproved uses, such as treating migraine headaches.

Patients will also sometimes chew extended-release pills that are designed to be swallowed, causing an overdose. —-AP

JINAN: Wang Xinglan with other chefs who specialize in Confucius cuisine with some of her dishes at a restaurant in Jinan, Shandong Province. The fine-dining trend is a reflection of how the ruling Communist party which long saw the sage as a reactionary force, has now drafted him into its modern campaign to boost China’s cultural standing and commerce. The philosopher lived from 551 to 479 BC, and his teachings of hierarchy, order and deference had deep resonance in the feudal societies of China and the region. — AFP

LONDON: A new, relatively simple way of treating heart attacks could save thousands of lives, according to specialists at a Clydebank hospital.

It involves clearing all narrowed arteries when someone is admitted with a heart attack, rather than just the one which is completely blocked. A trial, involving the Golden Jubilee National Hospital, was so successful that the research was stopped early. Jubilee heart specialist Prof Colin Berry said the results were “striking”.

Another cardiologist, Prof Keith Oldroyd, said: “At the moment when patients come in with a heart attack they have an emergency angiogram and we usually only treat the artery that has caused the heart attack.

“Many of these patients have additional narrowings in other arteries. We’re treating all the narrowed arteries at the same time to see if that confers additional benefit.” Every year 25,000 people in the UK have the kind of heart attack which is treated with an angioplasty.

This involves inserting a stent, or thin tube, to open an artery and restore the blood flow.

Arteries become narrowed by fatty deposits, so although a blood clot may have only blocked one artery, other narrowed arteries are common.

Current UK recommendations advise specialists only to treat the artery which is completely blocked. “Most cardiologists thought it wasn’t safe to treat a second or third artery at the same time as the first artery,” Prof Oldroyd said.

“Sometimes the patients would be brought back several weeks later or sometimes only medication would be used. The results of this trial suggest that this recommendation should be revisited.”

The trial involved 465 patients in five specialist heart centres around the UK. In addition to the Golden Jubilee, they were the London Chest Hospital, Morriston Hospital in Swansea,

New York mayor hails Mexico soda tax plan MEXICO CITY: President Enrique Pena Nieto’s plan to tax sugary drinks to curb Mexico’s obesity epidemic earned him praise Tuesday from New York’s mayor and health advocates but soda makers slammed it as ineffective.

Pena Nieto wants Mexicans to pay an extra peso (almost 8 US cents) for every liter of sweetened drink in a country that guzzles more soft drinks than any other and rivals the United States for the dubious honor of world’s most obese nation.

If Congress approves the tax, Mexico would join France in introducing a special levy on sodas. New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, whose plan to ban giant soft drinks from restaurants was rejected by an appeals court in July, exchanged pleasantries with Pena Nieto on Twitter. “Thanks to Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto for taking action on the obesity epidemic & supporting a new tax on sugary drinks,” he wrote.

The Mexican leader replied: “I thank @MikeBloomberg for the recognition of the important reform agenda we are leading in Mexico. I hope to greet you in NY soon.”But Coca-Cola de Mexico argued in a statement that “a tax on beverages is ineffective to combat a problem as complex as obesity.”

“To change behaviors effectively, we need to ensure people understand that all calories count, regardless of the source-and that includes our caloric beverages too,” the company said.Coca-Cola said studies show that soft drinks account for between 5.5 percent and 6.6 percent of calories in the average Mexican diet, “so it is difficult to understand why beverages are viewed by some as the primary cause of weight gain.”

Pena Nieto’s plan, part of a wider fiscal reform he announced Sunday to improve tax collection, cites statistics showing that Mexico leads the world in soda consumption with 163 liters (43 gallons) per capita per year compared to 118 liters in the United States.

The 2012 national health survey shows that just under a third of Mexicans are obese compared to 35.7 percent in the United States, according to the latest official US figures.—AFP

Freeman Hospital in Newcastle, and Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Half of the trial participants had all their arteries cleared, the rest were treated in the conventional way. Prof Keith Oldroyd said most patients had narrowings in more than one artery The researchers found that the new technique reduced the combined risk of dying, having another heart attack or being left with angina by two-thirds - such a significant finding that the trial was stopped early.

It also only added an average of 20 minutes to each treatment.

The results have been published in the New England Journal of Medicine and were presented at an international conference in Amsterdam earlier this month.

Prof Colin Berry, heart specialist at the Golden Jubilee and the University of Glasgow,

said: “They were some of the most striking results for a treatment that I have ever seen. The results of this trial really challenge clinical practice.”

Heart specialists are now keen that even larger studies get under way as quickly as possible.

In the past, it has taken a decade or more for the latest evidence to be adopted into frontline medical care.

Prof Berry added: “It’s appealing because it’s a form of usual care that can be readily adopted across the UK. “On the other hand there are logistical considerations and cost considerations. However, we would argue that reducing the likelihood of further cardiac events, potentially reducing the heart failure admissions to hospital, is going to reduce costs overall and this should be implemented as soon as possible.” —- MCT

US cancer-care delivery ‘in crisis’ NEW YORK: Cancer treatment has grown so complex, many US doctors can’t keep up with new information and are offering incorrect treatment, failing to explain options and leaving patients to coordinate their own care, according to a report released on Tuesday by the Institute of Medicine, part of the National Academy of Sciences.

The 315-page report, “Delivering High-Quality Cancer Care: Charting a New Course for a System in Crisis,” identifies a long list of reasons for the crisis, including a growing demand for cancer care as more people receive a diagnosis and a shrinking oncology workforce.

“Probably on average the quality of care is not bad, but we know there are people who are not getting the (highest) standard of care,” said Dr Patricia Ganz, who chaired the institute’s panel that wrote the report and is a professor at the Schools of Medicine and Public Health, University of California, Los Angeles. “Patients need to be asking, Is my doctor giving me appropriate treatment?”

Treating the disease, which can require precisely matching a tumor’s molecular characteristics to a drug, has become so complicated that many physicians lack “core competencies in caring for patients with cancer,” the report concludes.

Groups such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) have developed scores of treatment guidelines for virtually every stage of nearly every kind of cancer. But clinicians’ adoption of the guidelines is not widespread, finds the IOM. Some physicians believe their own experience trumps scientific evidence, others suspect their patients are different from the norm, and still others are simply unaware of treatment guidelines. “When cancer patients understand that their local doctor in their community hospital doesn’t have half the new knowledge about their particular subtype of cancer, well, ‘gobsmacked’ would pretty well describe it,” said Clifton Leaf, a cancer survivor and journalist whose new book “The Truth in Small Doses: Why We’re Losing the War on Cancer - and How to Win It” is critical of the cancer establishment.

Doctors are also falling short when it comes to simpler challenges. Too few oncologists know how to provide palliative care to keep patients comfortable when treatment has failed, or even how to make referrals to palliative-care consultants, the IOM found.

Patients can’t even assume their doctors will communicate adequately. Many are failing to explain the pros and cons of treatment options,

let alone asking patients about their preferences.

Nor are they spelling out the goals of treatment or even what treatment patients have received and how it might affect their future health. Some chemo, for instance, raises the risk of heart disease.

Most physicians also seem unwilling to deliver hard truths: Up to 80 percent of cancer patients with poor prognoses incorrectly believed their treatment could result in a cure, the IOM found.

Responding to the criticisms, ASCO President Dr Clifford Hudis said, “I have no reason to doubt the accuracy of the IOM report,” adding that “every person with cancer should receive state-ofthe-art, high-quality and compassionate care.

“A large minority of oncology practices” have signed on to ASCO’s program to improve the quality of care, he said. The initiative includes sending anonymized patient charts to ASCO experts, who tell the physician if they performed the correct tests - such as probing a lung cancer for a particular gene mutation - and offered the appropriate therapy. If they did not, that is flagged.

Studies show this quality-control program is working. “But there are still barriers to oncologists staying up to date” with the complexity of cancer care, said Hudis, a breast cancer specialist at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, including finding time to travel to medical meetings and read scientific journals.

Many cancer patients know all too well that cancer care “is often fragmented and poorly coordinated,” the report finds.

Jessie Gruman, a four-time cancer survivor who in 1992 founded the nonprofit, Washington, D.C.-based Center for Advancing Health, was recently diagnosed with stomach cancer. In one single year eight physicians, starting with her oncologist and surgeon, cared for her, and only once did two of them communicate directly with each other.

“Otherwise, I have been the sole arbiter of who gets what information and which test results from the others,” Gruman wrote in an essay in “Health Affairs” earlier this year. Just over 1.6 million new cancer cases are diagnosed each year in the United States; by 2030, 2.3 million will be as the population ages. That will present even more challenges, starting with too few oncologists and facilities to care for the rising number of patients: A report commissioned by ASCO concluded that the nation will be short 2,500 to 4,080 medical oncologists by 2020.—Reuters

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

H E A LT H & S C I E N C E

One third of food wasted, costs world economy $750billion Asia region seen as worst culprit ROME: One third of the food produced worldwide is wasted, costing the global economy around $750 billion a year, a new report by the UN food agency said yesterday. The Rome-based Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) said some 1.3 billion tonnes of food are wasted every year, with the Asia region including China seen as the worst culprit.

The food agency’s director general, Jose Graziano da Silva, told a press conference that in total, “one third of the food produced today is lost or wasted... equivalent to the Gross Domestic Production (GDP) of Switzerland.”

“We simply cannot allow one-third of all the food we produce to go to waste or be lost because of inappropriate practices, when 870 million people go hungry every day,” he added. Achim Steiner, head of the United Nation’s Environment Programme (UNEP), described it as “a staggering phenomenon.”

“This is a big wake up call. We may not even have captured many of the more indirect impacts of food waste... and the costs which will be born by our children and grandchildren,” he told the joint press-conference. “It will take less than 37 years to add another two billion people to the global population. How on earth will we feed ourselves in the future?” he asked.

Steiner said that eliminating food wastage had “enormous potential” to reduce hunger and called on citizens to take individual action to tackle the issue.

“Each one of us has a role to play. Starting with the ridiculous phenomenon in wealthy countries of not buying crooked vegetables any more,” he said, adding that over-zealous observation of sell-by dates was also leading to huge quantities of food being thrown away.

High-income countries waste during the food consumption phase, while developing countries are losing food during production, the FAO said.

Each year, food that is produced but not eaten “guzzles up a volume of water equivalent to the annual flow of Russia’s Volga River and is responsible for adding 3.3 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases to the planet’s atmosphere,” it said.

The report fingered Asia in particular, saying that over 100 kilos (221 pounds) in vegetables per capita are wasted every year on average in “Industrialised Asia”, a region including China, Japan and South Korea.

It estimated that the region also wastes 80 kilos of cereals-mainly rice per person, warning that rice cultivation was also high-intensity in carbon and had emerged as “a significant environmental hotspot”.

Wastage of vegetables in Asia occurred “during agricultural production, post-harvest handling and storage, and consumption phases,” the FAO said.

Other key areas identified in the report in terms of

waste and environmental impact were the meat industry in North America and Latin America, as well as fruit wastage in Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Produced but uneaten food occupies 30 percent of the world’s farmland, the report said.

“Food wastage reduction would not only avoid pressure on scarce natural resources but also decrease the need to raise food production” to meet the demands of a fast-growing world population, it said.

Advice on how to reduce food waste ranged from planning shopping trips in advance and not overbuy-

ing, to “donating extra food to feed vulnerable members of society” and using food no longer fit for human consumption for livestock feed.

The food agency also stressed the importance of recycling unusable food, “with energy recovery allowing energy and nutrients to be recovered from food waste, representing a significant advantage over dumping it in landfills.”

“Uneaten food that ends up rotting in landfills is a large producer of methane, a particularly harmful greenhouse gas,” it said. — AFP

More than 100 kilos in vegetables per capita are wasted every year on average in “Industrialised Asia”, a region including China, Japan and South Korea.

Study points finger at climate in mammoth’s demise PARIS: A wide-ranging probe into woolly mammoths has added to evidence that the towering tusker was wiped out by climate change, scientists said yesterday. British and Swedish researchers sequenced DNA from 88 samples of mammoth bone, tooth and tusk, looking for a signature in the genetic code that is handed down on the maternal line. They used this telltale to build a family tree of mammoths spanning 200,000 years, across northern Eurasia and North America.

They found two periods of big population

shakeup, both of them occurring in “interglacials,” or periods between ice ages.

A warm period 120,000 years ago caused populations to decline and become fragmented, leading to the emergence of a distinct type of mammoth that lived in western Europe. The cold then returned, for a period lasting around 100,000 years called the Late Pleistocene-the last ice age until now. Superbly adapted to the cold, arid steppe and tundra, mammoths were the kings of the north.—AFP

Classes help Chinese women shed taboos SHANGHAI: In an unmarked room at a three-star hotel in downtown Shanghai, Ma Li teaches small groups of Chinese women about a topic that traditionally has been taboo - sex.

The two-day tutorials are not cheap at 2,500 yuan ($410), more than half the average monthly wage in Shanghai. But a rising number of women are signing up for Ma’s classes and similar sessions in other cities to learn about the anatomy, psychology and techniques of intimacy.

“I had absolutely no sex education at all. I thought adult male bodies look the same as baby boys’,” said Sophia Hu, a 30-year-old lawyer. “I want to understand myself and the realities of sex.”

Ma, certified by the US-based World Association of Sex Coaches, favours a frank approach to encourage confidence. Her lessons include explicit videos of oral sex and appropriately shaped fruit for practice sessions.

She avoids repeating what is available in magazines, saying tips such as “light candles for romance” are dull and not new.

The classes, which started in January, are fully booked weeks in advance, Ma said. In Beijing, psychologist Zhenhong Li started her own series of meetings in July for women to talk openly about sex.

China’s conservative attitude towards sex, ushered in by the prudish Communist Party when it took power in 1949, has slowly been changing alongside growing affluence, more overseas travel and exposure to foreign popular culture.

“In Beijing, Shanghai and other big cities, women are very influenced by Western, Taiwanese and Korean culture so have very modern attitudes to sex,” said Jay Zheng, a profes-

sor of obstetrics and gynaecology at Kaohsiung Medical University in Taiwan. “But in rural areas, some women know nothing.”

The lack of knowledge is partly because there is little sex education in Chinese public schools.

In 2011, a married couple in the city of Wuhan made the news for believing - for three years - that lying side-by-side on one bed would result in pregnancy. Only after a visit to the doctor did the couple, both college graduates, realise their failure to conceive was down to not having sex, Chinese media reported.

“In China, schools are focused on grades, so nonexaminable subjects are often changed to ones that will raise grades,” said Maggie Hu, who works for the Guangzhou-based sex education provider SexualityZone.

The women who attend Ma’s classes come from all over China and from various backgrounds.

Some are 20-year-old students wanting to prepare for their first sexual encounter. Others are middle-aged divorcees seeking to regain their confidence.

Many Chinese parents only talk about sex to scaremonger and encourage abstinence, Ma said.

“One of my clients said they were told by their mother that sex is like being shot at with a gun,” Ma said. “Many people will grow up thinking that sex is a dangerous thing or really shameful.”

For Hu the lawyer, who has yet to have a sexual experience at age 30, taking the class has reduced her anxiety about sex and helped her to understand the pleasures.

“When I have sex, I will be more relaxed,” she said. “I won’t be as afraid.” — Reuters

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

W H AT ’ S O N

SEND US YOUR INSTAGRAM PICS

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hat’s more fun than clicking a beautiful picture? Sharing it with others! Let other people see the way you see Kuwait - through your lens. Friday Times will feature snapshots of Kuwait through Instagram feeds. If you want to share your Instagram photos, email us at instagram@kuwaittimes.net

Gulfsat and American University School partner to build smarter educational environments

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Greetings

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ere’s wishing a very happy seventh birthday to our little girl Cia! May all your dreams come true! We love you so much! Best wishes from mommy, daddy, Aliya, Ina, relatives and friends.

Announcements

Enjoy the taste of true Espresso at Vergnano Cafe at Olympia Complex

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he superior quality of the blends comes from the meticulous selection of the best raw materials available, and from an extraordinary production process. Cafe Vergnano is the first to introduce an innovation that brings all the passion and pleasure of the perfect

espresso to everyday life at home.

Espresso is now available in Kuwait, through Al-Sanabel Al-Thahabiya Est. Tel: 22413795/98. Espresso Vergnano can be ordered through www.taw9eel.com Espresso Vergnano capsules are compatible with other espresso machines.

he American University School (AUS), Kuwait’s newest Pre-K through 12th grade school announced its selection of Triumph Interactive Boards over traditional projector, AV cables and digital whiteboards. AUS will be the first school in Kuwait to offer Triumph Interactive Boards for all classrooms when it opens on September 2013. This innovative approach and significant investment has been made to embrace the way students, in today’s society, learn, more visually. The school views technology as a valuable tool to accomplish its educational vision and mission. The school-wide technological infrastructure plan is designed to ensure that students receive instruction using the most comprehensive technological learning tools. AUS thrives to infuse technology into and across the curriculum.

Triumph Interactive Touch Screens are LED/LCD, 1080p, FULL HD,fully integrated as a standalone system learning board. “If you take a standard digital touch white board, add in a 70” full HD Smart TV, plug in a PC, you have this teaching tool that is all-in-one” says Rusty Bruns, AUS Technology Consultant. The infra-red LED optical technology enables six fingers touches and six users to write and draw simultaneously, move objects with a finger, stylus or even a pointer. The touchscreen has a built in PC that features wired and wireless network access to the Internet. The touchscreen offers enhanced educational capacity, handwriting recognition and no limitations caused by light conditions since there is no projection.

“This is a remarkable presentation tool for children to illustrate pictures, data, presentations, thoughts, and ideas. Enhanced with the

multiple touch capability, comprehensive software, high-speed Internet and full HD, this is the best interactive board I have viewed and I am very pleased we can offer this to our students” says Dr Jennifer Beckwith, the school’s Director. Triumph offers the best comprehensive educational and teaching software with text, language, spoken and numerical tools, multimedia databank (over 2,569 items including pictures, video, audio, etc), 44 widgets, special effects and content more than 7,500 lessons and activities in 14 languages and MS Office annotation tools.

“As part of our strategic direction, Gulfnet is adding more services to its ICT portfolio directed to the educational sector. Triumph Interactive LED LCD screens represent the pinnacle of several evolving technology trends. In education, it helps enhancing pedagogical practices in the classroom and ultimately improve student achievements.” added Mustafa Murad, Chief Operating Officer of Gulfnet Communications. Triumph Board products are introduced and distributed in Kuwait by Gulfnet Communications. Gulfnet holds a prominent status in the technology sector of the region, earned by excellent achievements and striving to offer the latest and best services in the Middle East.

NSS Onam celebrations on Sept 27

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he harvest festival of Kerala ‘Onam’ will be celebrated by Nair Service Society (NSS) Kuwait on September 27 (Friday), at Carmel School, Khaitan from 9:30 am. Nair Service Society (NSS) Kuwait is one of the largest Socio-Cultural Organization in Kuwait formed in the year 2001 and now has more than 4000 Indians as members. On September 27, a full day variety entertainment program depicting the rich heritage and art forms of Kerala has been planned and the major attractions are musical drama ‘Navarasa in Krishnarasa’ a unique art form and ‘Chendamelam’, organizing by NSS Vanitha Samajam. Sri. M R Raveendran Nair, President of Nair Service Society (NSS), Kuwait will preside over the function and will be inaugurated by embassy officials.

The renowned Master of the Kitchen, Kaviyoor Parmeswaran Namoodiri, Tiruvalla, Kerala, and his team, who has the fame of serving food for more than 25000 people in the youth festivals, will be supervising NSS Kuwaitís Onam Sadhya kitchen.

A photowalk in Kuwait on Oct 5th photowalk is more like a social photography event where photographers gather in a spot, take photos for an hour or two then maybe meet up at a restaurant after that. Scott Kelby’s worldwide photowalk never took place in Kuwait until now. Kuwait’s photowalk will be held on October 5th at Souk Al-Mubarakiya at 10am. There are some prizes to be won like a Canon 70D and Adobe Creative Cloud Membership. So far there are 700 registered photowalks with 8700+ photographers. The prizes are for the worldwide event, not just Kuwait. Kuwait Mapping Meet-Up will be held on September 2 at 5:30 pm in Coffee Bean (Mahboula, Coastal Road). The event is for anyone interested in maps, spatial analysis or surveying in Kuwait. For more information, contact Wil at 97225615.

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Japanese festival two-day Japanese Pop Culture Festival will be held on September 12 at 6:00 pm and September 13 at 6:00 pm. The event will be held in the National Library, Mubarakiya Street in Kuwait City.

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Issue of online visa

by Indian embassy oreigners requiring visas for India need to apply it online from 16th June 2013.

Applicants may log on to the Public portal at www.indianvisaonline.gov.in. After successful online submission, the hard copy, so generated, has to be signed by the applicant and submitted with supporting documents in accordance with the type of visa along with the applicable fee in cash at any of the two outsource centres at Sharq or Fahaheel.

It is essential that applicants fill in their personal details as exactly available in their passports.

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Write to us Send to What’s On upcoming events, birthdays or celebrations by email: local@kuwaittimes.net Fax: 24835619 / 20

Sheikha Al-Zain visits Kuwait Science Club Ministry of Youth Affairs Undersecretary Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah visited the Kuwait Science Club to check programs and activities it provides for young men and women to improve their skills and creativity. Several other ministry officials accompanied Al-Sabah on the tour including Undersecretary Assistant for Administrative Affairs Yousuf Al-Yatama, and Undersecretary Assistant for Youth Affairs Dr Fawaz Al-Husainan.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

W H AT ’ S O N

Embassy Information EMBASSY OF ARGENTINE For the Argentinean citizens who had not already enlisted in the embassy’s electoral register, and taking in consideration the elections which was held on Sunday 11/08/2013, it is necessary to justify they no vote by presence at our embassy which located in (Mishref - Block 6 - Street 42 - Villa 57) and should present the DNI and/or the Argentinean Passport. The Embassy of the Argentine Republic in the State of Kuwait avails itself of this opportunity to renew the assurances of its highest consideration. nnnnnnn

KNES hosts dinner for staff It is a tradition at Kuwait National English School to celebrate the start of the new academic year and to welcome all new and returning staff with a staff dinner in a lively and friendly atmosphere. This year it has been a great success and all staff would like to thank the School Chairman and the Director Gharabally AlGharabally and Chantal Al-Gharabally for such a welcome and exquisite start of the year.

EMBASSY OF AUSTRALIA The Embassy of Australia has announced that Kuwait citizens can apply for and receive visit visas in 10 working days through www.immi.gov.au. All other processing of visas and Immigration matters are handled by the Australian Visa Application Centre located in Al Banwan Building, 4B, 1st Floor, Al Qibla Area, Ali Al Salem Street, Kuwait City. Visit. www.vfs-augcc.com for more info. The Embassy of Australia does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visas and immigration matters is conducted by the Australian Consulate-General in Dubai. Email: Info.ausdxb@vfshelpline.com (VIS), immigration.dubai@dfat.gov.au (Visa Office), Tel: +971 4 205 5900 (VFS), Fax: + 971 4 355 0708 (Visa Office). Notary and passport services are available by appointment. Appointments can be made by calling the Embassy on 22322422. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF CANADA The Embassy of Canada in Kuwait does not have a visa or immigration department. All processing of visa and immigration matters including enquiries is conducted by the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Individuals who are interested in working, studying, visiting or immigrating to Canada should contact the Canadian Embassy in Abu Dhabi, website: www.UAE.gc.ca or www.goingtocanada.gc.ca, E-mail: abdbi-imenquiry@international.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is located at Villa 24, Al-Mutawakei St, Block 4 in Da’aiyah. Please visit our website at www.Kuwait.gc.ca. The Embassy of Canada is open from 07:30 to 15:30 Sunday through Thursday. The reception is open from 07:30 to 12:30. Consular services for Canadian citizens are provided from 09:00 until 12:00, Sunday through Wednesday. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF GREECE The Embassy of Greece in Kuwait has the pleasure to announce that visa applications must be submitted to Schengen Visa Application Centre (VFS office) located at 12th floor, Al-Naser Tower, Fahad Al-Salem Street, Al-Qibla area, Kuwait City, (Parking at Souk Watia). For information please call 22281046 from 08:30 to 17:00 (Sunday to Thursday). Working hours: Submission from 08:30 to 15:30. Passport collection from 16:00 to 17:00. For visa applications please visit the following website www.mfa.gr/kuwait. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF UKRAINE The Embassy of Ukraine in the State of Kuwait would like to inform that submission of the documents for tourist visa is temporary closed (from August 26 till September 26). Within the above-mentioned period, the visa will be issued only in the case of emergency. In the case of planning travel to Ukraine, please apply for visa before August 20. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF US

The US Embassy in Kuwait has new procedures for obtaining appointments and picking up passports after visa issuance.

Beginning August 9, 2013, we now provide an online visa appointment system, live call center, and in-person pick-up facilities in Kuwait.

Please monitor our website and social media for additional information. This new system offers more flexibility for travelers to the US and to meet the increase in demand for visa appointments.

The general application steps on the new visa appointment system are: 1. Go to www.ustraveldocs.com/kw (if this is the first time on ustraveldocs.com, you will need to create a profile to login).

2. Please complete your DS-160 Online Visa Application which is available at ceac.state.gov/genNIV. 3. Please print and take your deposit slip to any Burgan Bank location to pay your visa application fee.

4. Schedule an appointment for your visa interview online at www.ustraveldocs.com/kw or by phone through the Call Center (at +9652227-1673).

5. If you need to change or cancel your appointment, please do so 24 hours beforehand, as a courtesy to other applicants. For more information, please visit the US Embassy website - kuwait.usembassy.gov - as it is the best source of information regarding these changes. nnnnnnn

EMBASSY OF VATICAN The Apostolic Nunciature Embassy of the Holy See, Vatican in Kuwait has moved to a new location in Kuwait City. Please find below the new address: Yarmouk, Block 1, Street 2, Villa No: 1. P.O.Box 29724, Safat 13158, Kuwait. Tel: 965 25337767, Fax: 965 25342066.

Email: nuntiuskuwait@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

TV PROGRAMS

00:30 Dynamo: Magician Impossible 01:20 The Big Brain Theory 02:10 Mythbusters 03:00 Mythbusters 03:50 Border Security 04:15 Auction Hunters 04:40 Auction Kings 05:05 How Do They Do It? 05:30 How It’s Made 06:00 Sons Of Guns 07:00 Mythbusters 07:50 Finding Bigfoot 08:40 American Chopper: Senior vs Junior 09:30 Border Security 09:55 Auction Hunters 10:20 Auction Kings 10:45 How Do They Do It? 11:10 How It’s Made 11:35 Dynamo: Magician Impossible 12:25 The Big Brain Theory 13:15 Mythbusters 14:05 Border Security 14:30 Auction Hunters 14:55 Auction Kings 15:20 Strip The City 16:10 American Chopper: Senior vs Junior 17:00 Ultimate Survival 17:50 Dirty Jobs 18:40 Mythbusters 19:30 Sons Of Guns 20:20 Auction Hunters 20:45 Auction Kings 21:10 How Do They Do It? 21:35 How It’s Made 22:00 Sons Of Guns 22:50 Outlaw Empires 23:40 Spy Wars

00:05 How Tech Works 00:30 Food Factory 01:00 Moon Machines 01:50 Scrapheap Challenge 02:45 Alien Mysteries 03:35 Stephen Hawking’s Grand Design 04:25 Mighty Ships 05:15 The Gadget Show 05:40 How Tech Works 06:05 Moon Machines 07:00 How Stuff’s Made 07:25 How Stuff’s Made 07:50 Bang Goes The Theory 08:15 Bang Goes The Theory 08:40 The Gadget Show 09:05 How Tech Works 09:30 Sci-Trek 10:20 Mighty Ships 11:15 Scrapheap Challenge 12:05 How The Universe Works 13:00 Bang Goes The Theory 13:25 Bang Goes The Theory 13:50 Food Factory 14:20 The Gadget Show 14:45 How Tech Works 15:10 How Stuff’s Made 15:35 How Stuff’s Made 16:00 Ecopolis 16:55 Mighty Ships 17:45 Scrapheap Challenge 18:35 Moon Machines 19:30 How Stuff’s Made 19:55 How Stuff’s Made 20:20 Bang Goes The Theory 20:45 Bang Goes The Theory 21:10 The Gadget Show 21:35 How Tech Works 22:00 Stuck With Hackett 22:25 Stuck With Hackett 22:50 Bang Goes The Theory 23:15 Bang Goes The Theory 23:40 The Gadget Show

00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:25

Dr G: Medical Examiner Psychic Witness LA: City Of Demons I Was Murdered I Was Murdered

03:45 04:30 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:15 08:40 09:05 09:30 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:15 13:40 14:30 15:20 15:45 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

I Almost Got Away With It Dr G: Medical Examiner Psychic Witness Nightmare Next Door Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth...

On The Case With Paula Zahn Solved Disappeared Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Forensic Detectives On The Case With Paula Zahn Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth...

Disappeared Solved Forensic Detectives On The Case With Paula Zahn Dr G: Medical Examiner Nightmare Next Door Couples Who Kill On The Case With Paula Zahn Nightmare Next Door I Almost Got Away With It

00:00 00:20 00:45 01:05 01:30 01:50 02:15 02:35 03:00 03:20 03:45 04:05 04:30 04:50 05:15 05:35 06:00 06:25 06:45 07:10 07:35 07:55 08:20 08:45 09:05 Pirates 09:30 09:55 10:15 10:40 11:05 11:25 11:50 12:15 12:35 13:00 13:25 13:45 14:10 14:35 15:00 15:25 15:50 16:10 17:00 17:20 17:45 18:10 18:30 18:55 19:20 20:05 20:30 20:50 21:15 21:40 22:00 22:25 22:50 23:10 23:35

Hannah Montana Hannah Montana Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School The Replacements The Replacements Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Emperor’s New School Emperor’s New School The Replacements The Replacements Brandy & Mr Whiskers Brandy & Mr Whiskers Austin And Ally Suite Life On Deck Shake It Up A.N.T. Farm Jessie Good Luck Charlie Sofia The First Doc McStuffins Jake And The Neverland A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm Jessie Jessie Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Shake It Up Shake It Up Austin And Ally Austin And Ally Austin And Ally Shake It Up My Babysitter’s A Vampire That’s So Raven Gravity Falls Jessie Violetta A.N.T. Farm Austin And Ally Gravity Falls Shake It Up That’s So Raven A.N.T. Farm Violetta Jessie My Babysitter’s A Vampire Austin And Ally Austin And Ally That’s So Raven Jessie A.N.T. Farm Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place

06:00 Kid vs Kat 06:10 Iron Man Adventures 06:35 Kickin It

Armored

07:00 Max Steel 07:25 Phineas And Ferb 07:50 Slugterra 08:15 Pair Of Kings 08:40 Kickin It 09:05 Kickin It 09:30 Lab Rats 09:55 Lab Rats 10:20 Pair Of Kings 10:45 Kick Buttowski 11:10 Mr. Young 11:35 Slugterra 12:00 Kickin It 12:25 Max Steel 12:50 I’m In The Band 13:15 Lab Rats 13:40 Almost Naked Animals 14:05 Phineas And Ferb 14:30 Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja 14:55 Lab Rats 15:20 Phineas And Ferb 15:30 Phineas And Ferb 15:45 Kickin It 16:10 Pair Of Kings 16:35 Crash & Bernstein 17:00 Lab Rats 17:30 Kickin It 18:00 Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja 18:25 Phineas And Ferb 18:35 Phineas And Ferb 18:50 Phineas And Ferb 19:00 Phineas And Ferb 19:15 Slugterra 19:40 Crash & Bernstein 20:05 Ultimate Spider-Man 20:30 Max Steel 20:55 Pair Of Kings 21:20 Rated A For Awesome 21:45 Kick Buttowski 22:10 Mr. Young 22:35 Scaredy Squirrel 23:00 Programmes Start At 6:00am KSA

00:30 01:20 02:10 03:00 03:25 03:45 04:30 05:20 06:10 07:00 07:50 08:15 08:40 09:05 09:30 10:20 11:10 12:00 12:50 13:15 13:40 14:30 15:20 15:45 16:10 17:00 17:50 18:40 19:30 20:20 21:10 22:00 22:50 23:40

Dr G: Medical Examiner Psychic Witness LA: City Of Demons I Was Murdered I Was Murdered I Almost Got Away With It Dr G: Medical Examiner Psychic Witness Nightmare Next Door Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth...

On The Case With Paula Zahn Solved Disappeared Mystery Diagnosis Street Patrol Street Patrol Forensic Detectives On The Case With Paula Zahn Real Emergency Calls Who On Earth...

Disappeared Solved Forensic Detectives On The Case With Paula Zahn Dr G: Medical Examiner Nightmare Next Door Couples Who Kill On The Case With Paula Zahn Nightmare Next Door I Almost Got Away With It

00:30 01:00 01:30 02:00 02:30 03:00 03:30 04:00 04:30 Leno 05:30 06:00 06:30 07:00 08:00 08:30 09:00

The Daily Show The Colbert Report The Big C South Park Weeds Two And A Half Men Family Tools Seinfeld The Tonight Show With Jay All Of Us The War At Home Malibu Country Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Seinfeld All Of Us Family Tools

09:30 10:00 10:30 11:00 Leno 12:00 12:30 13:00 13:30 14:30 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 18:30 19:00 19:30 20:00 Leno 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00 23:30

Modern Family Happy Endings Malibu Country The Tonight Show With Jay

The Daily Show The Colbert Report Web Therapy South Park Weeds Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

00:00 01:00 02:00 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 07:00 08:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 22:00 23:00

24 Castle Justified Smash Bones Warehouse 13 24 Switched At Birth Necessary Roughness Bones Castle Warehouse 13 Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Necessary Roughness 24 Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Necessary Roughness The Carrie Diaries The X Factor U.S. Sons Of Anarchy Smash

01:00 03:00 05:00 07:00 07:30 08:00 09:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 12:00 13:00 14:00 16:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 23:00

Good Morning America American Idol Good Morning America Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show Awake Emmerdale Coronation Street The Ellen DeGeneres Show C.S.I. Miami Homeland Live Good Morning America C.S.I. Miami Awake Homeland C.S.I. Miami Awake Homeland American Horror Story Nip/Tuck

The War At Home Seinfeld All Of Us Malibu Country Modern Family Happy Endings The Daily Show The Colbert Report The War At Home Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Family Tools 30 Rock 30 Rock Happy Endings The Tonight Show With Jay

00:00 End Of Days 02:15 Chain Letter 04:00 Imago Mortis 05:45 Captain America: The First Avenger 08:00 Killer Mountain 10:00 Beverly Hills Cop 3 12:00 Ultraviolet 14:00 Meteor Storm 15:45 Beverly Hills Cop 3 17:45 The Da Vinci Code 20:15 Meteor Storm 22:00 Meskada

00:15 Chain Letter-R 02:00 Imago Mortis-PG15 03:45 Captain America: The First Avenger-PG15 06:00 Killer Mountain-PG15 08:00 Beverly Hills Cop 3-PG15 10:00 Ultraviolet-PG15 12:00 Meteor Storm-PG15 13:45 Beverly Hills Cop 3-PG15 15:45 The Da Vinci Code-PG15 18:15 Meteor Storm-PG15 20:00 Meskada-PG15 22:00 Prowl-18

00:00 Cedar Rapids-18 02:00 Bucky Larson: Born To Be A Star-18 04:00 Smooch-PG15 06:00 Ernest Goes To Jail-PG 08:00 A Kiss For Jed Wood-PG15 10:00 Adventures In BabysittingPG15 12:00 Smooch-PG15 14:00 The Tooth Fairy 2-PG 16:00 Adventures In BabysittingPG15 18:00 Jack And Jill-PG15 20:00 Goon-18 22:00 Cedar Rapids-18

01:00 StreetDance 2-PG15 03:00 Drew Peterson: Untouchable-PG15 05:00 Web Of Lies-PG15 06:45 World Trade Center-PG15 09:00 StreetDance 2-PG15 11:00 Drew Peterson: Untouchable-PG15 12:30 The Wishing Well-PG15 14:00 Birdsong-PG15 17:00 You Got Served: Beat The World-PG15 19:00 The Lucky One-PG15 21:00 Arbitrage-PG15 23:00 A Dangerous Method-18

END OF DAYS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION

02:00 Too Late To Say GoodbyePG15

GOON ON OSN MOVIES COMEDY HD 03:30 05:15 06:45 09:00 PG15 10:45 12:45 14:45 17:00 19:00 21:15 23:30

Surveillance-PG15 Broken-PG15 Thorne: Sleepyhead-PG15 Too Late To Say GoodbyeFootloose-PG15 Thorne: Scaredy Cat-PG15 Oscar And Lucinda-PG15 Footloose-PG15 Moneyball-PG15 The Tree Of Life-PG15 Troy-18

01:00 Seeking Justice-PG15 03:00 The Iron Lady-PG15 05:00 Tinker Bell And The Secret Of The Wings-FAM 07:00 The Odd Life Of Timothy Green-PG 09:00 The Muppets-PG 11:00 A Fall From Grace-PG15 13:00 Frankenweenie-PG 15:00 The Big Year-PG 17:00 The Muppets-PG 19:00 This Means War-PG15 21:00 The Watch-18 23:00 Total Recall-18

01:15 02:45 04:30 06:00 08:00 10:00 11:30 13:00 14:30 16:00 18:00 20:00 22:00 23:30

D’Fenders Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups Madeline: Lost In Paris D’Fenders Pacific Pirates Daddy Day Camp D’Fenders Santa Paws 2: The Santa Pups Krazzy Planet Beethoven Beethoven’s Second Daddy Day Camp Krazzy Planet Beethoven

00:00 02:00 PG15 04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00 12:00 14:00 15:45 17:30 20:00 22:00

A Thousand Words-PG15 Jeff, Who Lives At HomeAlpha And Omega-PG Winx-FAM Just Crazy Enough-PG15 Valentina-FAM Thunderstruck-PG Charlotte’s Web-PG Just Crazy Enough-PG15 Marley-PG15 The Grey-18 That’s My Boy-R

01:30 Champions Tour 03:30 PGA European Tour Weekly 04:00 Inside The PGA Tour 04:30 Trans World Sport 05:30 ICC Cricket 360 06:00 Ladies European Tour Highlights 07:00 NRL Premiership 09:00 Sailing America’s Cup Highlights 10:00 European Senior Tour Highlights 11:00 Ladies European Tour Highlights 12:00 Trans World Sport 13:00 Futbol Mundial 13:30 NRL Full Time 14:00 ICC Cricket 360 14:30 Inside The PGA Tour 15:00 PGA European Tour Weekly 15:30 Live PGA European Tour 19:30 OSN Cup 21:30 Inside The PGA Tour 22:00 Live PGA Tour

00:00 Trans World Sport 01:00 OSN Cup 03:00 Futbol Mundial 03:30 Sailing America’s Cup Highlights 04:30 AFL Premiership 07:00 Top 14 09:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 10:00 Rugby Union Currie Cup 12:00 OSN Cup 14:00 The Rugby Championship 16:00 Sailing America’s Cup Highlights 17:00 Futbol Mundial 17:30 Trans World Sport 18:30 NFL Gameday 19:00 WWE NXT 20:00 UFC Unleashed 21:00 UFC The Ultimate Fighter 22:00 Sailing America’s Cup Highlights 23:00 Live Sailing America’s Cup

00:30 Golfing World 01:30 AFL Premiership 04:00 World Cup of Pool 05:00 World Cup of Pool 06:00 Golfing World 07:00 Golfing World 08:00 Total Rugby 08:30 Futbol Mundial 09:00 World Cup of Pool 10:00 World Cup of Pool 11:00 AFL Premiership Highlights 12:00 Sailing America’s Cup Highlights 13:00 Total Rugby 13:30 Golfing World 14:30 Sydney Darts Masters 18:30 World Cup of Pool 19:30 World Cup of Pool 20:30 ICC Cricket 360 21:00 Total Rugby 21:30 NRL Full Time 22:00 Live Super League

00:00 01:30 02:30 03:00 04:00 05:00 06:00 06:30 07:00 09:00 10:00 11:00 13:30 14:30 15:30 16:00 17:00 20:00 21:00 22:00 22:30 23:00

Mass Participation Porsche GT 3 Cup Challenge Mobil 1 The Grid European Le Mans Series Ping Pong World US Bass Fishing Triahlon UK Mobil 1 The Grid WWE SmackDown Ping Pong World US Bass Fishing ITU World Triathlon Series WWE Vintage Collection WWE Bottom Line WWE This Week Porsche GT 3 Cup Challenge UFC European Le Mans Series WWE NXT Porsche GT 3 Cup Challenge Porsche GT 3 Cup Challenge UIM Powerboat Champs

Keanu Reeves, left, director and cast member in “Man of Tai Chi,” poses with cast member Tiger Hu Chen at the premiere of the film on day 6 of the 2013 Toronto International Film Festival at the Ryerson Theatre on Tuesday in Toronto. — AP

Clint Eastwood’s wife files for legal separation

C

lint Eastwood’s second wife has filed for legal separation from the actor and director. Dina Eastwood’s petition filed Monday in Monterey County Superior Court seeks spousal support and physical custody of the couple’s 16-year-old daughter Morgan. The Monterey County Herald reports the petition also indicated the couple had a premarital agreement.

The Eastwoods have been married since 1996 and lived in Carmel. They met when she was assigned to interview him for her TV news station. Clint Eastwood, 83, was married once before, to Maggie Johnson, from 1953 to 1984.

Dina Eastwood is 48. — AP

US Director Clint Eastwood, right, arrives with his wife, Dina on the red carpet for the UK premiere of Invictus at London’s Leicester Square, in this Jan 31, 2010 file photo

Classifieds THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Kuwait SHARQIA-1 ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG) THE CONJURING (DIG) ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) THE CONJURING (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED SHARQIA-2 THE SMURFS 2 (DIG-3D) TURBO (DIG-3D) THE SMURFS 2 (DIG-3D) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) NO SUN+TUE+WED SHARQIA-3 RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED MUHALAB-1 RIDDICK (DIG) TOOFAN (DIG) (TELUGU) FRI & SAT RIDDICK (DIG) NO FRI & SAT RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG)

1:45 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:30 PM 10:30 PM 12:30 AM

FANAR-3 2 GUNS (DIG) 1:45 PM CHENNAI EXPRESS (DIG) (HINDI) 4:00 PM 2 GUNS (DIG) 7:00 PM SHUDDH DESI ROMANCE (DIG) (HINDI) 9:15 PM 2 GUNS (DIG) 12:15 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 2:45 PM 4:45 PM 7:00 PM 9:15 PM 11:30 PM

FANAR-4 TURBO (DIG-3D) THE SMURFS 2 (DIG-3D) TURBO (DIG-3D) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:15 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

MARINA-1 TURBO (DIG) TURBO (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) THE CONJURING (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:15 PM 9:30 PM 11:30 PM

MARINA-2 RIDDICK (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM 12:05 AM

MARINA-3 TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) THE SMURFS 2 (DIG-3D) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) THE CONJURING (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM

AVENUES-1 ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG) ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG) THE CONJURING (DIG) THE CONJURING (DIG) THE CONJURING (DIG) THE CONJURING (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 11:00 PM 1:15 AM

AVENUES-2 WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

2:15 PM 4:15 PM 6:15 PM 8:15 PM 10:15 PM 12:15 AM

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:30 PM

MUHALAB-2 2 GUNS (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) THE CONJURING (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG)

12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:30 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM

MUHALAB-3 TURBO (DIG-3D) THE SMURFS 2 (DIG-3D) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC) TOM & JIMMY (DIG)(ARABIC)

1:00 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM

FANAR-1 RIDDICK (DIG) PARANOIA (DIG) ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED FANAR-2 WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:30 PM 8:45 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM

AVENUES-3 YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG)

1:15 PM 3:15 PM 5:15 PM 7:15 PM

YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

9:15 PM 11:15 PM 1:15 AM

AVENUES-4 2 GUNS (DIG) TOM & JIMMY (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) TOM & JIMMY (DIG) TOM & JIMMY (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:15 PM 8:30 PM 10:45 PM 1:00 AM

360º- 1 RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

12:30 PM 3:00 PM 5:30 PM 8:00 PM 10:30 PM 1:00 AM

360º- 2 WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:15 PM 3:15 PM 5:15 PM 7:15 PM 9:15 PM 11:15 PM 1:15 AM

CHANGE OF NAME I, Shaik Shanwaz holder of Indian Passport No. E7171807 hereby correct my name to Shaikh Shanawaz. ( C 4504) 9-9-2013 I, Peter Mendonca, Passport No. J0365647, hereby change my name to Albert Peter Mendonca.

(C 4500)

360º- 3 ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG-3D) 1:30 PM ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG) 3:45 PM ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG-3D) 6:00 PM ONE DIRECTION: THIS IS US (DIG-3D) 8:00 PM THE WOLVERINE (DIG) 10:00 PM THE WOLVERINE (DIG) 12:30 AM NO SUN+TUE+WED 360º- 4 THE SMURFS 2 (DIG-3D) THE SMURFS 2 (DIG) THE SMURFS 2 (DIG-3D) THE SMURFS 2 (DIG-3D) THE SMURFS 2 (DIG) 2 GUNS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:00 PM 3:15 PM 5:30 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:15 AM

AL-KOUT.1 TURBO (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) TURBO (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) RIDDICK (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED

1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 8:00 PM 10:15 PM 12:30 AM

AL-KOUT.2 WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) THE SMURFS 2 (DIG) WE’RE THE MILLERS (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG) YOU’RE NEXT (DIG)

I, Thopugunta Sudheer, holder of Indian Passport No. K7916639 converted to Islam do hereby change my name to Shaik Ali Haider.

(C 4501) 8-9-2013 I, Mohammed Shakeel Abdul Kalam holder of Indian Passport No. E5417852 hereby change my name to Mohammad Shakeel Abdul Kalam Darugar. (C 4498)

visa. Call: 98863412 or send CV on: bambiblue73@gmail.com (C 4505) 11-9-2013 Looking for a part time maid for an American family. 12 - 4 pm. 5 days a week. KD. 100/per month. Call 96942874.

9-9-2013 FOR SALE Massive moving house hold sale, furniture, single beds, dining table, crockery, glass-ware, ladies clothing etc. Call: 67723993, 66118406, 25316866.

(C 4506) 12-9-29013 Car for sale, Subaru Forrester, model 2003, 4 wheel driver, good condi-

tion. Contact: 66532871.

(C 4503) 08-9-2013 TUITION Learn holy Quran, in perfect way, private tuition available for elders and children by Hafiz-e -Quran.

Contact: 66725950.

(C 4502) 8-9-2013

No: 15926

I, John Vettikal Thomas holder of Indian Passport No. J4433687 hereby change my name to Mohammed Javad Vettikal.

(C 4499) 7-9-2013

SITUATION VACANT 12:30 PM 2:30 PM 4:30 PM 6:45 PM 9:00 PM 11:00 PM

Cook needed from India or Srilanka for a Kuwaiti doctor family. Salary KD 120, must know Kuwaiti food, baking (bread), speak and write English, transferable

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

Airlines BBC QTR FDB SAI JZR JZR THY ETH GFA UAE ETD THY RJA FDB MSR QTR THY DHX FDB BAW JZR JZR JZR KAC KAC KAC JZR KAC KAC KAC FDB KAC KAC UAE IRA IZG ABY IRA FDB QTR ETD SYR GFA MEA MSC UAE MRJ MSR MSR THY KNE JZR JZR JZR KAC QTR FDB ABY SVA KNE OMA KNE MRJ

Arrival Flights on Thursday 12/9/2013 Flt Route 43 DHAKA 148 DOHA 8063 DUBAI 441 LAHORE 267 BEIRUT 539 CAIRO 764 SABIHA 620 ADDIS ABABA 211 BAHRAIN 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI-INTL 768 ISTANBUL 642 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 67 DUBAI 612 CAIRO 138 DOHA 770 ISTANBUL 170 BAHRAIN 69 DUBAI 157 LONDON 555 ALEXANDRIA 529 ASYUT 1541 CAIRO 206 ISLAMABAD 412 MANILA/BANGKOK 382 DELHI 503 LUXOR 362 COLOMBO 284 DHAKA 302 MUMBAI 53 DUBAI 352 COCHIN 332 TRIVANDRUM 855 DUBAI 605 ISFAHAN 4161 MASHAD 125 SHARJAH 617 AHWAZ 55 DUBAI 132 DOHA 301 ABU DHABI-INTL 341 DAMASCUS 213 BAHRAIN 404 BEIRUT 403 ASYUT 871 DUBAI 4813 MASHAD 610 CAIRO 579 SOHAG 766 ISTANBUL 480 TAIF 561 SOHAG 165 DUBAI 241 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 672 DUBAI 140 DOHA 57 DUBAI 121 SHARJAH 500 JEDDAH 472 JEDDAH 645 MUSCAT 470 JEDDAH 4812 MASHAD

Time 0:05 0:05 1:10 1:30 0:20 0:40 1:40 1:45 1:55 2:25 2:30 2:50 3:10 3:10 3:15 3:30 4:35 5:10 5:50 6:30 6:20 6:40 6:25 7:25 6:15 7:30 7:40 8:45 8:15 7:50 7:45 8:05 7:55 8:25 8:40 8:45 8:50 9:10 9:15 9:25 9:30 10:10 10:40 10:55 12:40 12:45 12:55 13:00 13:05 13:10 13:20 12:20 11:35 12:35 13:40 13:45 13:50 14:25 14:30 14:35 14:40 15:05 15:45

KAC KAC NIA RJA QTR JZR JZR JZR JZR JZR ETD UAE ABY UAL SVA GFA TAR QTR FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC AXB JAI FDB OMA ABY MEA AFG MSC MSR KNE MSC RBG SYR KAC KAC KAC KAC QTR GFA KAC JZR JZR ALK UAE ETD QTR GFA JAI FDB THY AIC JZR JZR UAL DLH JAI JZR MSR KLM THY

546 788 251 640 134 535 125 777 787 177 303 857 127 982 510 215 327 144 63 104 786 118 562 176 502 393 572 61 647 129 402 415 405 618 474 401 557 1373 774 542 618 614 6130 219 674 269 189 229 859 307 136 217 576 59 6512 981 239 185 981 636 574 513 614 411 772

ALEXANDRIA JEDDAH ALEXANDRIA AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA DOHA CAIRO BAHRAIN JEDDAH RIYADH DUBAI ABU DHABI-INTL DUBAI SHARJAH WASHINGTON DC DULLES RIYADH BAHRAIN TUNIS/DUBAI DOHA DUBAI LONDON JEDDAH NEW YORK AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA GENEVA/FRANKFURT BEIRUT KOZHIKODE MUMBAI DUBAI MUSCAT SHARJAH BEIRUT KABUL SOHAG ALEXANDRIA JEDDAH ALEXANDRIA ALEXANDRIA DAMASCUS RIYADH CAIRO DOHA BAHRAIN DOHA BAHRAIN DUBAI BEIRUT DUBAI COLOMBO DUBAI ABU DHABI-INTL DOHA BAHRAIN COCHIN/ABU DHABI-INTL DUBAI ISTANBUL CHENNAI/HYDERABAD/AHMEDABAD AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA DUBAI BAHRAIN FRANKFURT MUMBAI SHARM EL SHEIKH CAIRO AMSTERDAM/DAMMAM ISTANBUL

14:15 15:00 15:50 15:55 16:15 16:10 16:25 17:50 16:15 17:30 16:35 16:55 17:10 17:15 17:20 17:20 18:00 18:25 18:55 18:45 18:30 16:00 14:40 17:45 18:50 19:15 19:35 20:00 20:00 20:05 20:15 20:20 20:25 20:30 20:50 21:00 17:55 19:30 19:25 18:15 19:10 19:35 19:40 19:05 19:25 19:15 20:10 21:10 21:15 21:30 21:30 21:45 22:05 22:20 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:40 22:40 23:10 23:20 23:20 23:30 23:40 23:45

Airlines AIC AXB JAI UAL DLH MSR BBC JZR FDB THY SAI THY ETH THY UAE FDB MSR ETD QTR RJA QTR JZR FDB GFA THY JZR KAC JZR BAW FDB JZR KAC KAC ABY KAC IRA IZG UAE KAC FDB IRA ETD QTR KAC SYR KAC GFA KAC KAC MEA JZR JZR KAC JZR JZR JZR MSC MSR MSR MRJ THY KNE UAE FDB

Departure Flights on Thursday 12/9/2013 Flt Route 976 GOA/CHENNAI 490 MANGALORE/COCHIN 573 MUMBAI 981 WASHINGTON DC DULLES 637 FRANKFURT 615 CAIRO 44 DHAKA 502 LUXOR 8064 DUBAI 773 ISTANBUL 442 LAHORE 765 SABIHA 621 ADDIS ABABA 769 ISTANBUL 854 DUBAI 68 DUBAI 613 CAIRO 306 ABU DHABI-INTL 139 DOHA 643 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 149 DOHA 560 SOHAG 70 DUBAI 212 BAHRAIN 771 ISTANBUL 240 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 545 ALEXANDRIA 164 DUBAI 156 LONDON 54 DUBAI 534 CAIRO 671 DUBAI 561 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 126 SHARJAH 787 JEDDAH 606 MASHAD 4162 MASHAD 856 DUBAI 153 SABIHA/VIENNA 56 DUBAI 616 AHWAZ 302 ABU DHABI-INTL 133 DOHA 101 LONDON/NEW YORK 342 DAMASCUS 501 BEIRUT 214 BAHRAIN 541 CAIRO 165 ROME/PARIS 405 BEIRUT 776 JEDDAH 786 RIYADH 785 JEDDAH 176 DUBAI 124 BAHRAIN 268 BEIRUT 406 SOHAG 580 SOHAG 611 CAIRO 4812 MASHAD 767 ISTANBUL 481 TAIF 872 DUBAI 58 DUBAI

DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION

Time 0:05 0:15 0:20 0:25 0:30 0:30 1:30 1:30 1:55 2:20 2:30 2:40 2:45 3:40 3:45 3:50 4:15 4:20 4:25 4:30 5:15 5:55 6:30 7:00 7:10 7:10 7:20 7:25 8:25 8:25 9:10 9:25 9:25 9:30 9:35 9:40 9:45 9:50 9:50 9:55 10:10 10:15 10:25 10:25 11:10 11:10 11:25 11:30 11:45 11:55 12:25 12:50 13:00 13:20 13:30 13:35 13:40 13:50 14:00 14:05 14:10 14:10 14:15 14:30

QTR ABY KAC KNE OMA KAC KNE SVA KAC JZR KAC NIA RJA MRJ JZR JZR QTR ETD JZR ABY UAE SVA GFA UAL JZR RBG JZR TAR QTR FDB GFA KAC AXB SYR JAI FDB ABY KAC OMA KAC KAC QTR MEA AFG MSC MSR KAC KNE DHX MSC ETD ALK UAE QTR KAC GFA FDB KAC JAI JZR JZR KAC KAC JZR

141 122 673 473 646 617 471 505 773 188 613 252 641 4813 238 512 135 304 538 128 858 511 216 982 184 558 266 328 145 64 220 283 394 1374 571 62 120 331 648 343 351 6131 403 415 404 619 543 475 171 402 308 230 860 137 301 218 60 205 575 554 1540 411 415 528

DOHA SHARJAH DUBAI JEDDAH MUSCAT DOHA JEDDAH JEDDAH RIYADH DUBAI BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA MASHAD AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA SHARM EL SHEIKH DOHA ABU DHABI-INTL CAIRO SHARJAH DUBAI RIYADH BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DUBAI ALEXANDRIA BEIRUT TUNIS DOHA DUBAI BAHRAIN DHAKA KOZHIKODE DAMASCUS MUMBAI DUBAI SHARJAH TRIVANDRUM MUSCAT CHENNAI COCHIN DOHA BEIRUT JEDDAH ASYUT ALEXANDRIA CAIRO JEDDAH BAHRAIN ALEXANDRIA ABU DHABI-INTL COLOMBO DUBAI DOHA MUMBAI BAHRAIN DUBAI ISLAMABAD ABU DHABI-INTL/COCHIN ALEXANDRIA CAIRO BANGKOK/MANILA KUALA LUMPUR/JAKARTA ASYUT

14:55 15:05 15:05 15:30 15:40 15:45 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:00 16:35 16:50 16:55 17:00 17:05 17:15 17:20 17:20 17:40 17:50 18:15 18:20 18:20 18:30 18:30 18:35 18:40 18:50 19:25 19:35 19:50 20:15 20:15 20:30 20:35 20:40 20:45 20:50 20:55 20:55 21:05 21:10 21:15 21:20 21:25 21:30 21:30 21:45 21:50 22:00 22:15 22:20 22:25 22:40 22:40 22:45 23:00 23:00 23:05 23:20 23:25 23:40 23:50 23:55

34

s ta rs CROSSWORD 308

STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) ARIES There could be some worry about not being useful or being left out of the scheme of things today. This can be eased by jumping in with both feet and putting your thoughts into action. This is a time to take risks and dare to be a little eccentric. You will prosper through new insights and an independent point of view. Your career could open up now—keep your ears and eyes open so that you do not miss some important opportunity. Beyond whatever external considerations may be present, you exude a contagious thankfulness and fondness for things and people. These inner, loving qualities are experienced as a very real good. The light in your eyes says it all: your mind and ideas are central to your inner and philosophical life. Someone new is coming into your life.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) The energies are working in your favor in all areas of your life. If you are not a boss or owner of a company—you might consider this a good time to request a raise or promotion. You naturally gravitate toward positions of power and authority. Others see in you a great practical ability and will easily accept you as a leader or authority figure.

You value fairness in all things and go out of your way to be just. You have an innate sense of how to work with and guide others in making decisions. You understand the choices and can spot the right ones. You may be able to complete some of those projects that have been left hanging the past few days. Communication with superiors is positive.

A time with loved ones this evening is fulfilling.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

ACROSS 1. Someone who engages in arbitrage (who purchases securities in one market for immediate resale in another in the hope of profiting from the price differential).

4. The capital of Malta.

12. A sign of assent or salutation or command.

15. The 19th letter of the Greek alphabet.

16. Evergreen mat-forming shrub of North America and northern Eurasia having small white flowers and red berries.

17. A change in the electrical properties of the skin in response to stress or anxiety.

18. (mineralogy) A six-rayed star-shaped figure seen in some crystal structures under reflected or transmitted light.

20. Found in warm waters of western Atlantic.

22. A roll of photographic film holding a series of frames to be projected by a movie projector.

23. A member of a Turkic people of Uzbekistan and neighboring areas.

26. A polyvalent metallic element that resembles chromium and tungsten in its properties.

27. The branch of computer science that deal with writing computer programs that can solve problems creatively.

28. Lower in esteem.

30. Pertaining to or located on or near the seacoast.

33. A soft heavy toxic malleable metallic element.

35. A trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group.

36. A city and port in northern Jutland.

37. Alsatian artist and poet who was cofounder of Dadaism in Zurich.

39. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali metal group.

41. Informal terms for clothing.

42. A blind god.

45. A disorderly outburst or tumult.

48. A member of an Iroquoian people formerly living on the south shore of Lake Erie in northern Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania and western New York.

49. Disposed to please.

53. Hard fiber used in making coarse twine.

54. Tropical starchy tuberous root.

55. A radioactive element of the actinide series.

56. Of or being the lowest female voice.

57. Large genus of erect or climbing prickly shrubs including roses.

61. A very poisonous metallic element that has three allotropic forms.

63. Capable of being tamed.

66. A small volcanic island in Indonesia between Java and Sumatra.

70. New Zealand timber tree resembling the cypress.

73. Relating to the deepest parts of the ocean (below 6000 meters).

74. Any of numerous low-growing cushionforming plants of the genus Draba having rosette-forming leaves and terminal racemes of small flowers with scapose or leafy stems.

77. An independent ruler or chieftain (especially in Africa or Arabia).

78. (Irish) Mother of the ancient Irish gods.

79. A tricycle (usually propelled by pedalling).

81. A member of an extinct North American Indian people who lived in the Pit river valley in northern California.

82. A coenzyme derived from the B vitamin nicotinic acid.

83. A region of northeastern France famous for its wines.

84. A person regarded as arrogant and annoying.

DOWN 1. Essential oil or perfume obtained from flowers.

2. Tear down so as to make flat with the ground.

3. Genus of East Indian trees or shrubs.

4. A magnetic tape recorder for recording (and playing back) TV programs.

5. Type genus of the Ariidae.

6. A tenant who holds a lease.

7. Young sheep.

8. A radioactive transuranic element produced by bombarding plutonium with neutrons.

9. The fifth day of the week.

10. Tastelessness by virtue of being cheap and vulgar.

11. (used of arms and legs) Bent outward with the joint away from the body.

12. Sexually transmitted urethritis (usually caused by chlamydia).

13. An annual award by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for achievements in motion picture production and performance.

14. A pre-Christian priest among the Celts of ancient Gaul and Britain and Ireland.

19. A river in central Europe that arises in northwestern Czechoslovakia and flows northward through Germany to empty into the North Sea. 21. Black gallinule that inhabits ponds and lakes.

24. (Old Testament) The eldest son of Isaac who would have inherited the Covenant that God made with Abraham and that Abraham passed on to Isaac.

25. Cut off the testicles.

29. A unit of weight used in some Spanish speaking countries.

31. Inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense.

32. 100 agorot equal 1 shekel.

34. Characteristic of or relating to winter.

38. Written in print characters or produced by means of e.g. a printing press.

40. A statute in draft before it becomes law.

43. English theoretical physicist who applied relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimatter and the positron (1902-1984).

44. The limits within which something can be effective.

46. A Powhatan Indian woman (the daughter of Powhatan) who befriended the English at Jamestown and is said to have saved Captain John Smith's life (1595-1617).

47. British artist and writer of nonsense verse (1812-1888).

50. Flat tableland with steep edges.

51. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian mythology.

52. A state in midwestern United States.

58. Type genus of the Otariidae.

59. At all times.

60. A man who serves as a sailor.

62. Minute floating marine tunicate having a transparent body with an opening at each end.

64. Jordan's port.

65. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group.

67. Type genus of the Ranidae.

68. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind.

69. The probability of a specified outcome.

71. Obtained from various tropical plants.

72. An Arabic speaking person who lives in Arabia or North Africa.

75. A legal document codifying the result of deliberations of a committee or society or legislative body.

76. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in the Dali region of Yunnan.

80. Angular distance above the horizon (especially of a celestial object).

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

You may not appreciate the emotional energy of someone you meet today—patience. You may be in the mood for deep and penetrating conversations or thoughts, especially with a close friend, but you are wise to wait and allow things to develop on their own. You may be pleasantly surprised at what one or two positive words will do to help move things into a positive direction. This is a good time, when your efforts in the workplace can really pay off. This afternoon you have an opportunity to work without any interruptions thereby producing many good results. It is your turn to cook and you may decide to show off a little by cooking several choices of foods that are intriguing, healthy and fun. You can teach healthy habits through your efforts.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) The middle of this week may find you daydreaming. Be particularly vigilant when signing contracts or performing duties that are made up of little details. You may have a hard time being clearheaded right now. Thoughts and ideas that come may be inappropriate or misleading. Give yourself time to think things through and refrain from making rash decisions, including those that pertain to spending money. Eat light meals today and find a way to insert some exercise activity into your day—perhaps a long walk.

Look for the funny side of life and laugh as much as possible—you will cheer yourself and others. Visiting with neighbors or friends is enjoyable this evening. Music or a comedy movie on videotape may be the perfect end to your day.

Leo (July 23-August 22) This could be a challenging day, but one in which much can be accomplished. The challenges may only be your desire to compete with yourself in some area.

You may have decided to get more education, take or give lectures or improve your writing skills, etc. Whatever the case, this is a good time to involve yourself in new projects. It is also a good time to expand your knowledge or to teach others. Don’t be afraid to advertise yourself—make your dreams real. Ideas of group cooperation could further your career. Things are working with rather than against you now, so do not hold back.

However, do not overdo and try to go too far too fast. You attach great importance to friendships and will find yourself with friends this evening.

Virgo (August 23-September 22) General good feelings with a sense of support and harmony make this a happy time. If it makes sense you love it and if it does not you feel guilty about it: that’s what it’s like now. A loving attention to details and a sense of satisfaction in doing what is right are some of the qualities that come to your attention now. Discovering what you truly believe in—fighting for it, even—is a high personal priority now. Religion, law, politics, travel and higher education are some of the arenas where this takes place. This is a time of testing your limits to see how far you can go. You are able to grasp and appreciate new trends and concepts at the very forefront of technology. A new item of technology may keep you busy studying this evening. Communication improves.

Word Search

Libra (September 23-October 22) You could find it difficult to gain any free time for yourself today. The pressure is on in the workplace. Time limits and time schedules may have you huffing and puffing. You have probably noticed that this may not be the best time to chat on the phone to your lover. There will, however, soon be a time to relax and sit back and see the productive success of your efforts. There is an opportunity to increase your earnings but now is not time for a raise in salary; make sure you make notes in your work diary that today is the day you made great headway for the company and succeeded in whatever was necessary to have positive results. When it is time for that pay raise, you will have a report of your successes. Make sure the outside birds have water.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21) Before you act on a new idea today, consider the sources of your information. Make sure a new method or idea is a sound one by checking facts. When it comes to mental work, you are an expert at research and investigation. You enjoy examining and analyzing, particularly when it comes to psychological areas of the mind. Your ability to sift through the debris and come up with what is essential every time is exceptional. You like to discuss and communicate, again always at a psychological and very personal level.

Others may find you very focused. Your career always seems to get the support you need.

This is the area of life that usually runs smoothly. You seem to understand what the public wants. Mass marketing could be considered.

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) There could be some communications difficulty with a customer today.

You realize that if you are not challenged you cannot grow—you swallow hard and move forward. You learn from the difficult situations that seem to call out to you for your aptness. You may feel like exercising or getting out during the noon hour today.

By the end of the day you will see much progress. There is good eye-hand coordination and a sustained effort that makes almost any task run well. Consider a new picture for your wall or nook while shopping this afternoon. A new or renewed love relationship in your life creates an upbeat type of mood for you all day long. Nothing disturbs your good feelings. There is much laughter in your heart.

Capricorn (December 22-January 19) This is a special time when you may notice that everything is going your way. Circumstances seem to bend to your will and things have a way of working out smoothly. There are real opportunities to complete and work out difficulties and projects that require both long-term effort and a high degree of discipline. Listening to other people talk about their investments you may pick up some good advice. Be careful of the quick-win type of investment; this almost never works out. A good investment can start small and grow beyond your wildest dreams—be on the lookout for opportunities that are reliable and come from a reliable source. You may be in the mood for fun conversations this evening: a good time to enjoy a family meal away from home.

Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You need to live in an ordered environment, whether it is a work, school or home situation. You can become quite frustrated when too many different matters grab your attention. This is a time to realize that unless there is a fire, you will have time to think through each matter separately. Perhaps by writing out a plan, you will become more focused on the steps you need to take. Learn methods of planning and organization by reading a guidebook, or taking a class in some management skills. As a high achiever, you can turn some of your business associates into friends—they will help you progress in your career and teach you the art of focusing. A successful businessperson is developing—you! There are some photo opportunities this evening.

Pisces (February 19-March 20) You may be especially dynamic and assertive. There is a lot of enthusiasm and drive available for whatever you want to accomplish. You could be most persuasive with others and may find that the ideas or feelings you have will get great reception. The situation is a natural for self-expression and lends itself to your particular ideas. There has been an increase in your physical and mental energies recently, giving you a boost in your confidence. You may feel ready to conquer anything put in front of you today.

Shopping with a friend, you are curious about some new invention. Wait a while longer before purchasing new electronic products—a hard-to-resist sale may tempt you; however, even new and better products are on the horizon.

Yesterday’s Solution

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku

Yesterday’s Solution

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

i n f o r m at i o n For labor-related inquiries and complaints: Call MSAL hotline 128 GOVERNORATE Sabah Hospital

24812000

Amiri Hospital

22450005

Maternity Hospital

24843100

Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital

25312700

Chest Hospital

24849400

Farwaniya Hospital

24892010

Adan Hospital

23940620

Ibn Sina Hospital

24840300

Al-Razi Hospital

24846000

Physiotherapy Hospital

24874330/9

PHARMACY

ADDRESS

PHONE

Ahmadi

Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan

Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd

23915883 23715414 23726558

Jahra

Modern Jahra Madina Munawara

Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92

24575518 24566622

Capital

Ahlam Khaldiya Coop

Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop

22436184 24833967

Farwaniya

New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan

Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11

24734000 24881201 24726638

Tariq Hana Ikhlas Hawally & Rawdha Ghadeer Kindy Ibn Al-Nafis Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Salmiya-Amman St Hawally-Beirut St Hawally & Rawdha Coop Jabriya-Block 1A Jabriya-Block 3B Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St Mishrif Coop Salwa Coop

25726265 25647075 22625999 22564549 25340559 25326554 25721264 25380581 25628241

Hawally

Al-Madeena

22418714

Al-Shuhada

22545171

Al-Shuwaikh

24810598

Al-Nuzha

22545171

Sabhan

24742838

Al-Helaly

22434853

Al-Faiha

22545051

Al-Farwaniya

24711433

Al-Sulaibikhat

24316983

Al-Fahaheel

23927002

Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh

24316983

Ahmadi

23980088

Al-Mangaf

23711183

Al-Shuaiba

23262845

Kaizen center

25716707

Rawda

22517733

Adaliya

22517144

Al-Jahra

25610011

Khaldiya

24848075

Al-Salmiya

25616368

Kaifan

24849807

Shamiya

24848913

Shuwaikh

24814507

Abdullah Salem

22549134

Nuzha

22526804

Industrial Shuwaikh

24814764

Qadsiya

22515088

Dasmah

22532265

Bneid Al-Gar

22531908

Shaab

22518752

Qibla

22459381

Ayoun Al-Qibla

22451082

Mirqab

22456536

Sharq

22465401

Salmiya

25746401

Jabriya

25316254

Maidan Hawally

25623444

Bayan

25388462

Mishref

25381200

W Hawally

22630786

Sabah

24810221

Jahra

24770319

New Jahra

24575755

West Jahra

24772608

South Jahra

24775066

North Jahra

24775992

North Jleeb

24311795

Ardhiya

24884079

Firdous

24892674

Omariya

24719048

N Khaitan

24710044

Fintas

23900322

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

PRIVATE CLINICS Ophthalmologists Dr. Abidallah Al-Mansoor 25622444 Dr. Samy Al-Rabeea 25752222 Dr. Masoma Habeeb 25321171 Dr. Mubarak Al-Ajmy 25739999 Dr. Mohsen Abel 25757700 Dr Adnan Hasan Alwayl 25732223 Dr. Abdallah Al-Baghly 25732223 Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) Dr. Ahmed Fouad Mouner 24555050 Ext 510 Dr. Abdallah Al-Ali 25644660 Dr. Abd Al-Hameed Al-Taweel 25646478 Dr. Sanad Al-Fathalah 25311996 Dr. Mohammad Al-Daaory 25731988 Dr. Ismail Al-Fodary 22620166 Dr. Mahmoud Al-Booz 25651426 General Practitioners Dr. Mohamme Y Majidi 24555050 Ext 123 Dr. Yousef Al-Omar 24719312 Dr. Tarek Al-Mikhazeem 23926920 Dr. Kathem Maarafi 25730465 Dr. Abdallah Ahmad Eyadah 25655528 Dr. Nabeel Al-Ayoobi 24577781 Dr. Dina Abidallah Al-Refae 25333501 Urologists Dr. Ali Naser Al-Serfy 22641534 Dr. Fawzi Taher Abul 22639955 Dr. Khaleel Abidallah Al-Awadi 22616660 Dr. Adel Al-Hunayan FRCS (C) 25313120 Dr. Leons Joseph 66703427 Psychologists /Psychotherapists

Paediatricians

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Mohammad Al-Khalaf

22547272

Dr. Khaled Hamadi

Dr. Abdal-Redha Lari

22617700

Dr. Abd Al-Aziz Al-Rashed

Dr. Abdel Quttainah

25625030/60

Family Doctor Dr Divya Damodar

23729596/23729581

Psychiatrists Dr. Esam Al-Ansari

22635047

Dr Eisa M. Al-Balhan

22613623/0

Gynaecologists & Obstetricians DrAdrian arbe

23729596/23729581

Dr. Verginia s.Marin

2572-6666 ext 8321

Endocrinologist

25665898 25340300

Dr. Zahra Qabazard

25710444

Dr. Sohail Qamar

22621099

Dr. Snaa Maaroof

25713514

Dr. Pradip Gujare

23713100

Dr. Zacharias Mathew

24334282

(1) Ear, Nose and Throat (2) Plastic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Mohsin Jafar, FRCS (Canada)

25655535

Dentists

Dr. Fozeya Ali Al-Qatan

22655539

Dr. Majeda Khalefa Aliytami

25343406

Dr. Shamah Al-Matar

22641071/2

Dr. Ahmad Al-Khooly

25739272

Dr. Anesah Al-Rasheed

22562226

22618787

Dr. Abidallah Al-Amer

22561444

Dr. Faysal Al-Fozan

22619557

Dr. Abdallateef Al-Katrash

22525888

Dr. Abidallah Al-Duweisan

25653755

Dr. Bader Al-Ansari

25620111

General Surgeons Dr. Amer Zawaz Al-Amer

22610044

Dr. Mohammad Yousef Basher

25327148

Internists, Chest & Heart Dr. Adnan Ebil Dr. Latefa Al-Duweisan

22666300 25728004

Dr. Nadem Al-Ghabra

25355515

Dr. Mobarak Aldoub

24726446

Dr Nasser Behbehani

25654300/3

Soor Center Tel: 2290-1677 Fax: 2290 1688

Neurologists

22639939

Dr. Mousa Khadada

info@soorcenter.com www.soorcenter.com

3729596/3729581

Dr. Sohal Najem Al-Shemeri

25633324

Dr. Jasem Mola Hassan

25345875

Gastrologists Dr. Sami Aman

22636464

Dr. Mohammad Al-Shamaly

25322030

Dr. Foad Abidallah Al-Ali

22633135

Kaizen center 25716707

25339330

Dr. Ahmad Al-Ansari 25658888 Dr. Kamal Al-Shomr 25329924 Physiotherapists & VD Dr. Deyaa Shehab

25722291

Dr. Musaed Faraj Khamees

22666288

Rheumatologists: Dr. Adel Al-Awadi

Dr Anil Thomas

Dr. Salem soso

Dr. Abd Al-Naser Al-Othman

25330060

Dr. Khaled Al-Jarallah

25722290

Internist, Chest & Heart DR.Mohammes Akkad

24555050 Ext 210

Dr. Mohammad Zubaid MB, ChB, FRCPC, PACC Assistant Professor Of Medicine Head, Division of Cardiology Mubarak Al-Kabeer Hospital Consultant Cardiologist Dr. Farida Al-Habib MD, PH.D, FACC Inaya German Medical Center Te: 2575077 Fax: 25723123

2611555-2622555

William Schuilenberg, RPC 2290-1677 Zaina Al Zabin, M.Sc. 2290-1677

Afghanistan 0093 Albania 00355 Algeria 00213 Andorra 00376 Angola 00244 Anguilla 001264 Antiga 001268 Argentina 0054 Armenia 00374 Australia 0061 Austria 0043 Bahamas 001242 Bahrain 00973 Bangladesh 00880 Barbados 001246 Belarus 00375 Belgium 0032 Belize 00501 Benin 00229 Bermuda 001441 Bhutan 00975 Bolivia 00591 Bosnia 00387 Botswana 00267 Brazil 0055 Brunei 00673 Bulgaria 00359 Burkina 00226 Burundi 00257 Cambodia 00855 Cameroon 00237 Canada 001 Cape Verde 00238 Cayman Islands 001345 Central African 00236 Chad 00235 Chile 0056 China 0086 Colombia 0057 Comoros 00269 Congo 00242 Cook Islands 00682 Costa Rica 00506 Croatia 00385 Cuba 0053 Cyprus 00357 Cyprus (Northern) 0090392 Czech Republic 00420 Denmark 0045 Diego Garcia 00246 Djibouti 00253 Dominica 001767 Dominican Republic 001809 Ecuador 00593 Egypt 0020 El Salvador 00503 England (UK) 0044 Equatorial Guinea 00240 Eritrea 00291 Estonia 00372 Ethiopia 00251 Falkland Islands 00500 Faroe Islands 00298 Fiji 00679 Finland 00358 France 0033 French Guiana 00594 French Polynesia 00689 Gabon 00241 Gambia 00220 Georgia 00995 Germany 0049 Ghana 00233 Gibraltar 00350 Greece 0030 Greenland 00299 Grenada 001473 Guadeloupe 00590 Guam 001671 Guatemala 00502 Guinea 00224 Guyana 00592 Haiti 00509 Holland (Netherlands) 0031 Honduras 00504 Hong Kong 00852 Hungary 0036 Ibiza (Spain) 0034 Iceland 00354 India 0091 Indian Ocean 00873 Indonesia 0062

Iran 0098 Iraq 00964 Ireland 00353 Italy 0039 Ivory Coast 00225 Jamaica 001876 Japan 0081 Jordan 00962 Kazakhstan 007 Kenya 00254 Kiribati 00686 Kuwait 00965 Kyrgyzstan 00996 Laos 00856 Latvia 00371 Lebanon 00961 Liberia 00231 Libya 00218 Lithuania 00370 Luxembourg 00352 Macau 00853 Macedonia 00389 Madagascar 00261 Majorca 0034 Malawi 00265 Malaysia 0060 Maldives 00960 Mali 00223 Malta 00356 Marshall Islands 00692 Martinique 00596 Mauritania 00222 Mauritius 00230 Mayotte 00269 Mexico 0052 Micronesia 00691 Moldova 00373 Monaco 00377 Mongolia 00976 Montserrat 001664 Morocco 00212 Mozambique 00258 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Namibia 00264 Nepal 00977 Netherlands (Holland) 0031 Netherlands Antilles 00599 New Caledonia 00687 New Zealand 0064 Nicaragua 00505 Nigar 00227 Nigeria 00234 Niue 00683 Norfolk Island 00672 Northern Ireland (UK) 0044 North Korea 00850 Norway 0047 Oman 00968 Pakistan 0092 Palau 00680 Panama 00507 Papua New Guinea 00675 Paraguay 00595 Peru 0051 Philippines 0063 Poland 0048 Portugal 00351 Puerto Rico 001787 Qatar 00974 Romania 0040 Russian Federation 007 Rwanda 00250 Saint Helena 00290 Saint Kitts 001869 Saint Lucia 001758 Saint Pierre 00508 Saint Vincent 001784 Samoa US 00684 Samoa West 00685 San Marino 00378 Sao Tone 00239 Saudi Arabia 00966 Scotland (UK) 0044 Senegal 00221 Seychelles 00284 Sierra Leone 00232 Singapore 0065 Slovakia 00421 Slovenia 00386 Solomon Islands 00677

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

lifestyle M u s i c

K

eith Urban had made eight albums over the past two decades when he began recording his latest, “Fuse,” and the Australian country singer figured it was time to make some changes. “I just wanted to start in a place that was completely uncharted waters for me,” the 45-year-old Grammy winner said in an interview ahead of the album’s release on Tuesday.

So Urban, the husband of Oscar-winning actress and fellow Australian Nicole Kidman, sought out a new group of songwriters and producers. “The whole journey was me trying to meet these people and get in the studio with them,” Urban said. For “Fuse,” Urban worked with nine different producers, including Butch Walker, best known for his production work with rock and pop acts such as Fall Out Boy and Katy Perry, his long-time collaborator Dann Huff and R&B hitmakers Benny Blanco and the Norwegian duo Stargate.

“I cut about 25 songs and certain ones just kept hitting me a way where I felt very strong about them for their energy and what they were saying,” said Urban, who was also nominated for the top male vocalist Country Music Association award on Tuesday. “Slowly this particular group of 16 songs started to really come together for me.” “Fuse” is expected to perform much like Urban’s albums from the past decade, reaching the top of the US Billboard country music chart and in the top five of Billboard’s 200 album chart.

&

M o v i e s

‘American Idol’ inspiration Urban said he got some of his inspiration for “Fuse” from the advice he gives out to contestants on Fox’s television singing contest “American Idol,” where he serves as a judge. He will join singers Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. on the panel for the upcoming 13th season of the show. “I really wanted to challenge myself musically, expanding the boundaries of my sound, rhythm and melody, while still remaining true to who I am,” he said. The release of “Fuse” is aided by lead single “Little Bit of Everything,” which was put out in May and cracked the top 10 on the country chart. The song shows Urban is experimenting with different genres, as the upbeat tune takes a strong pop music approach with a hint of hip-hop mixed in.

Urban’s new single “We Were Us,” a duet with Miranda Lambert, also is an example of the singer taking a new tack. The song, which Urban produced with Nathan Chapman, who helped shepherd Taylor Swift’s career from country into mainstream pop, begins with a traditional picked banjo but quickly turns into a soaring pop-rock song. “I called Miranda and she liked the song and she came in and sang it,” Urban said. “Then people started saying I couldn’t have Miranda sing first. I was like, ‘Why not? It sounds fine.’ It’s a duet. She’s not a backing vocalist.”— Reuters Keith Urban performs on NBC’s “Today” show on Tuesday in New York. — AP

J

R

yan Guzman and Briana Evigan are set to star in Summit’s “Step Up 5,” which Trish Sie will direct from a script by John Swetnam, the studio announced on Tuesday. In addition to Guzman and Evigan, several actors and dancers from the previous installments of “Step Up” are returning to reprise their roles in the fifth film in Summit’s franchise.

The full list includes Adam Sevani and Alyson Stoner as Moose and Camille, Misha Gabriel as Eddy, Stephen ‘tWitch’ Boss as Jason, Mari Koda as Jenny Kido, Chris Scott as Hair, Luis Rosado as Monster and Chadd Smith as Vladd aka Robot Guy, as well as Martin Lombard and Facundo Lombard as the Santiago Twins.

Returning dancers from “Step Up: Revolution” include Marc ‘Marvelous’ Inniss, Nolan Padilla, Phillip Chbeeb, Bianca Brewton, Tony Bellissimo, Josue ‘Beastmode’ Figueroa and Brandy Lamkim. Adam Shankman and Jennifer Gibgot are producing via their Offspring Entertainment banner, whose Matt Smith is executive producing. Production starts Sept 19 in Vancouver and Las Vegas. Erik Feig, Meredith Milton and Jina Jones will oversee the project for Summit. — AP

ared Leto’s return to acting started, as so many things do, with a flirtation. It had been five years since Leto last acted (the sci-fi indie “Mr Nobody”), a movie career put on hold while his band, 30 Seconds to Mars, unexpectedly surged in popularity. The possibility of playing Rayon, a transgender person dying of AIDS for the film “Dallas Buyers Club,” came to him while he was on tour in Europe. After initially dismissing the chance, Leto read the script and he reversed course immediately. When he met with the director Jean-Marc Vallee via Skype, he was already trying on Rayon.

“I used it as a test for myself,” Leto said in an interview. “I got some lipstick. We said hello and then I reached over and grabbed the lipstick and I proceeded to put it on. He was kind of like, ‘What the hell is going on?’ I took off my jacket and I had a little pink sweater on.” Vallee was properly seduced. He offered Leto the part the next morning. The based-on-a-true story “Dallas Buyers Club” premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival over the weekend, ahead of its Nov. 1 release from Focus Features.

It stars Matthew McConaughey as Ron Woodroof, a Texas man who after being diagnosed with HIV and given days to live in 1986, is frustrated by the federal Food and Drug Administration’s available treatments and begins illegally importing drugs from Mexico and elsewhere. Though he’s initially homophobic toward Rayon, they become friends and business partners. The performances by McConaughey and Leto, both of which involved dropping dozens of pounds (Leto shed more than 30 pounds), were roundly applauded in Toronto and hailed as likely Oscar nominees. “I can’t believe five years went by,” the 41-year-old Leto says of his return to the big screen. “It’s amazing to me.”

Leto founded the rock trio 30 Seconds to Mars with his drummer brother Shannon Leto in 1998, but it was their 2005 film record, “A Beautiful Lie,” which brought mainstream success, selling more than a million copies in the US. The band has since released two albums, including “Love, Lust, Faith and Dreams” earlier this year.

“We had more success than we ever dreamed of with 30 Seconds to Mars. We were playing the biggest shows of our lives,” Leto said.

But Leto threw himself into the role of Rayon. Vallee said the premiere was the first time he met Leto, having

previously only experienced Rayon. The actor sought out transgender people to listen to their experiences, intent on not playing Rayon as a stereotypical, one-liner-spewing drag queen.”I saw the part as not a crossdressing drag queen but someone who wanted to live their life as a woman,” says Rayon. “In my initial meetings before I accepted the part, I made that pretty clear that that was really important to me.” Leto was particularly drawn to the film for the chance to work alongside McConaughey, whom he says he wanted to “get in the ring with.”—AP

This Sept 9, 2013 photo shows Jared Leto, a cast member in the film “Dallas Buyer’s Club,” at the Toronto International Film Festival in Toronto. — AP

F This 1995 photo provided by the Institute for Policy Studies shows Subcomandante Marcos, leader of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation, left, and Saul Landau in Chiapas, Mexico. — AP

This 2010 photo provided by the Institute for Policy Studies shows award-winning documentary filmmaker Saul Landau.

S

me what my next film was going to be,” Landau recalled. “I said, ‘I’d like to do one on you.’” In 1971, Landau and fellow filmmaker Haskell Wexler traveled to Chile for a rare US interview with Allende, who had just been elected his country’s president and who would die two years later in a military coup. Although he made more than three dozen films, Landau said he never set out to be a filmmaker. “I didn’t set out to be anything,” he said in July. “I just fell into it.” Landau graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and after moving to San Francisco he was at various times a film distributor, author, playwright and member of the San Francisco Mime Troupe.

Two of his earliest books, “The New Radicals” and “To Serve The Devil” (both co-written with Jacobs), led to his being approached by a San Francisco public television station that wanted a report on ghetto conditions in Oakland. The result was his first documentary, 1966’s “Losing Just The Same.” A frequent commentator on radio and television in later years, Landau was also a professor emeritus at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, where he taught history and digital media. — AP

aul Landau, a prolific, award-winning documentary filmmaker who traveled the world profiling political leaders like Cuba’s Fidel Castro and Chile’s Salvador Allende and used his camera to draw attention to war, poverty and racism, has died. He was 77. Landau, who had been battling bladder cancer for two years, died Monday night at home in Alameda, California, with his children and grandchildren, said colleague John Cavanagh, director of the Institute for Policy Studies in Washington, where Landau had worked for many years.

The director, producer and writer of more than 40 documentaries had continued to work almost until his death. He regularly submitted essays to the Huffington Post and elsewhere, sometimes writing from his hospital bed, according to his son, Greg. He was also working on a documentary on homophobia in Cuba. Even in his final weeks, as his health was failing, Cavanagh said, Landau would become energized whenever the conversation turned to how people could improve humanity.

“He knew he’d made a contribution and he was happy about that, he was happy, but he wanted to talk about how to make the world a better place,” Cavanagh said Tuesday, recalling an hours-long discussion the two had earlier this year.

“When we got into that is when he really got animated and full of life, it was fascinating to see.” Landau authored 14 books. While most covered issues like radical politics, consumer culture and globalization, one of them, “My Dad Was Not Hamlet,” was a collection of poetry.

His documentaries tackled a variety of issues, but each contained one underlying theme: reporting on a subject that was otherwise going largely unnoticed at the time, whether it was American ghetto life, the destruction of an indigenous Mexican culture or the inner workings of the CIA. “We tried to take on themes that nobody else was taking on and that were important,” Landau told The Associated Press in July. His most acclaimed documentary was likely 1979’s “Paul Jacobs and the Nuclear Gang,” which examined the effects of radiation exposure to people living downwind from Nevada’s above-ground nuclear bomb tests in the 1950s.

The film received a George Polk Award for investigative reporting and other honors. It took its name from Landau’s friend Paul Jacobs, who contracted cancer that he believed was caused by radiation exposure. He died before the film was completed. Landau told the AP one of the documentaries he was most proud of was “The Sixth Sun: Mayan Uprising in Chiapas,” which looked at the 1994 rebellion by the impoverished indigenous people of southern Mexico. Landau traveled to Chiapas to interview, among others, the masked revolutionary leader known as Subcommandante Marcos. His 1968 documentary “Fidel” gave US audiences one of their earliest close-ups of the revolutionary leader who installed Communism in Cuba.

It came about after a brief meeting with Castro, who told Landau he had seen a news report he had done on Cuba the year before. “He said he liked the film very much and asked

ilmmaker Mohamad Malas unveiled at the Toronto film festival this week a movie shot in his Syrian homeland, as conflict raged all around him. Malas said in an interview with AFP that he wrote and got government approval to film his “Ladder to Damascus” (Soullam ila Dimashq) prior to the eruption of violence that has gripped Syria since 2011. After the start of the insurgency, the Syrian writer-filmmaker adapted his script to reflect unrest that has claimed more than 100,000 lives.

The film started as a love story about a young woman who moves to Damascus and meets an aspiring film director. It opens what one festival organizer called “a captivating window into the psyche of ordinary Syrians grappling with a historic upheaval.” In the film, 12 young Syrians pursuing jobs and studies are brought together as boarders at the same century-old home in the Syrian capital, even as violence fills the streets of Damascus.

Malas’s script is populated with Syrians of various religions and backgrounds, each describing personal experiences as the fighting closes in on them. The film also aims through allegory to confront the role of cinema in times of turmoil, Malas said. “It was impossible to ignore the goings-on around us,” the filmmaker said through an interpreter.

“I didn’t want to wait for the revolution to end to talk about it.” He calls the movie “his own personal form of protest” for democracy and freedom of expression, adding that at 68, he is too old to march and wave placards in the streets. Malas encouraged his actors to improvise dialogue throughout the film and to speak in their own words about what was happening in Syria. “I had them tell their own stories,” he said, adding that it is “difficult to call the film fiction.” At the same time, he decries labels such as “docudrama,” saying the film does not fictionalize actual events, but instead offers commentaries on the way war disrupts daily life. Filming under a shroud of secrecy and danger to his crew in Damascus was “very difficult and complicated,” he said. He said he was never sure if his crew and cast would show up for filming, and at the end of each day, he worried about whether they would get safely home. The film, which premiered here on September 8, is the only Syrian production being shown at the Toronto festival this year.—AFP

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

LIFESTYLE M U S I C

& M O V I E S

An unblinking portrait of slavery in ‘12 Years’

This film publicity image released by Fox Searchlight shows Chiwetel Ejiofor in a scene from “12 Years A Slave.” — AP n Steve McQueen’s “12 Years a Slave,” refuses to surrender. “They’re something Solomon Northop, a free man from about it that I find very heroic,” says Ejiofor. upstate New York who’s kidnapped and “You could only find that by really consold into slavery in Louisiana played by fronting his experience head-on.” The hangChiwetel Ejiofor, is hung for daring to strike ing scene is only one of the film’s lengthy an abusive and imbecilic plantation hand moments - a beating that serves as an intro(Paul Dano). He’s cut down, but only just duction to life as a slave; a forced whipping barely enough to reach the ground. of another slave - showed in full, unbroken McQueen captures it all in one long, ago- view. “If you don’t know what that feels nizing take, as Northop is left dangling, like,” says Ejiofor, “if you don’t get inside that experience of being there all day, out there shuffling excruciatingly on his tiptoes.

“I don’t think I’ve seen that on film, and I in the sun, hung by your neck, barely able wanted to make damn sure if it was on film, to stay alive, then you don’t know the it was going to be done well,” McQueen said depth that this man is prepared to go to in in a recent interview. “It was very necessary order to keep himself alive.”

The film is often harrowingly difficult to for me to use those kind of shots to tell the story. Film is what 115, 120 years old? It’s a watch. But it’s ultimately concerned with baby. There’s no right or wrong way to being faithful to Northop’s experience shoot anything. It’s not style. It’s necessity.” (“Solomon deserved nothing less,” says Film history, however, is long enough that McQueen), and capturing his undimmed one might expect one of the nation’s most dignity. Northop went on to be part of the essential chapters to have been depicted abolitionist movement and lecture on slavon screen more frequently and fervently. ery throughout the Northeast. “This is not “It’s a massive hole,” says McQueen. There National Geographic or any kind of scientifhave, of course, been a handful of notable ic exploration to tell you how things actualfilms about slavery (“Beloved,” “Amistad,” the ly were,” says McQueen. “It’s about the narminiseries “Roots”), but, it’s safe to say, nev- rative.”

Though the experience of making such a er before has there been a movie like this.

“12 Years a Slave” is the most unblinking film, shot in 35 days outside of New portrait of slavery yet seen in cinema: a Orleans, might be expected to be weighed straightforward resurrection of its atrocities, with the heaviness of its subject, the cast complications and, most of all, its plain real- says the process was too focused, too fastity. “I wanted everyone to be Solomon moving for such a mindset. Says McQueen: Northup,” says McQueen. “You are on that “If you start thinking about it in such a way, journey with him.” “12 Years a Slave,” which it will paralyze you.” Michael Fassbender, Fox Searchlight will release in theaters Oct. who starred in both of McQueen’s previous 18, premiered over the weekend at the films, plays Edwin Epps, the far harsher of Toronto International Film Festival where it two plantation owners. (The other, more was hailed as a masterpiece and very possi- benevolent plantation owner is played by bly this year’s best picture Oscar winner. It is Benedict Cumberbatch). He’s described quickly gathering force as a kind of epochal with understatement as “a man of hard countenance.” achievement.

Fassbender sought to find the humanity McQueen, the British director of the sexaddiction drama “Shame” and the Irish in Epps, who’s torn by his love for his most Republican Army hunger strike tale prized cotton-picker (Lupita Nyong’o, in a “Hunger,” had planned to make a film about shattering performance). “You are going to slavery, but it didn’t take shape until his places that are uneasy, but it’s my job,” says wife came across Northop’s 1853 autobiog- Fassbender. “Of course the emotional eleraphy, which straightforwardly tells of his ments follow, and they do have an effect nightmarish odyssey. Ejiofor (the “Dirty and there’s a residue going home with Pretty Things,” “Kinky Boots” British actor of them. But concentrating on the work sort of Nigerian roots) plays Northop, a violinist protects yourself from that.”

The film, made with a budget of $22 miltaken from his family and put into servitude on plantations, all the while unable to con- lion, was produced by Brad Pitt’s productact his home or even proclaim his true tion company Plan B, and the actor appears identity. His journey, “down the rabbit hole” in a small but pivotal role, warning Epps of as Ejiofor says, isn’t into a uniformly evil a coming “day of reckoning.” Speaking to world of slavery, but one peopled by a wide reporters at Toronto, he expressed his deep spectrum of human decency, both masters pride in having been a part of “12 Years a Slave.”“If I never get to participate in a film and slaves.

It’s in many ways about how, faced with again ...” he said, trailing off. “This is it for unspeakable hardship, one reacts. Northop me.” — AP

I

Actor Patrick Wilson attends the premiere of FilmDistrict’s ‘Insidious: Chapter 2’ on September 10, 2013 in Universal City, California. —AFP

Cyrus’ ‘Wrecking Ball’ smashes One Direction’s VEVO record

‘M

iley Cyrus’ image overhaul has attracted record-breaking attention. The 20year-old pop singer’s new music video for new single “Wrecking Ball” has shattered the record for most views on VEVO in the first 24 hours, with 19.3 million views across the music video platform. This isn’t the first time Cyrus has reigned supreme over VEVO, though.

“We Can’t Stop,” the first single from her upcoming album, “Bangerz,” broke a previous record when it debuted on VEVO in June. One Direction’s “Best Song Ever” stole the title in July when the music video hit 12.3 million views in 24 hours. In the larger YouTube landscape, Psy’s “Gentleman” became the first music video to rack up over 20 million views in its first 24 hours last April. Cyrus’ was shy of breaking any records outside of VEVO, but she did follow in Psy’s footsteps by pummeling Justin Bieber’s 2012 hit “Boyfriend,” which debuted last year with 8 million views in the first 24 hours.

Cyrus’ “Wrecking ball” is currently approaching 22.5 million, and is even more revealing than

her controversial VMA performance, which apparently has given her the boost in attention she was hoping for. Still, there were some drawbacks. Vogue editor Anna Wintour was decided to nix Cyrus’ appearance on the December issue’s cover in wake of the twerknado that rolled through the media after Cyrus took the VMA stage in skin-colored under garments last month, and proceeded to back her butt into the crotch of married man Robin Thicke.

Cyrus may not be too worried about losing the high-profile publicity, though, because she’s already gotten plenty of it - even if a lot of it wasn’t all that flattering - and she doesn’t “pay attention to the negative” noise surrounding her career. Instead, she’s just thanking her fans for the success.

“Y’all did went so above and beyond with wrecking ball :) I love you so much and thank you for breaking the vevo record!!!,” she tweeted on Tuesday afternoon. “Bangerz,” her 13-track new album which features Britney Spears, goes on sale on Oct 8. — Reuters

Zemeckis in negotiations to direct ‘Chaos Walking’ for Lionsgate A

fter proving he’s still got the live-action touch with the modestly budgeted “Flight,” Robert Zemeckis may soon be back in the tentpole business, as he’s in negotiations to direct Lionsgate’s latest youngadult sci-fi movie “Chaos Walking,” multiple individuals familiar with the project have told TheWrap. The Oscar-winning filmmaker has spent the last several months weighing the possibility of tackling “Chaos Walking,” which Oscar-winning screenwriter Charlie Kaufman is adapting from Patrick Ness’ bestselling young-adult trilogy. An individual familiar with Zemeckis’ plans confirms he’s in negotiations but cautions that no deal is in place though a studio insider is optimistic one could close before the end of the month.

Story is set in a dystopian future where humans have colonized a distant Earth-like planet. When an infection called the Noise suddenly makes all thought audible, privacy vanishes and chaos ensues, leading a corrupt autocrat to threaten to take control of the human settlements and wage war with the indigenous alien race. Doug Davison (“Oldboy”) is producing through his Quadrant Pictures banner along with Allison Shearmur (“Cinderella”).

With “The Hunger Games” coming to a close in 2015, Lionsgate has high hopes for “Chaos Walking” and believes the project has the potential to launch another teen-friendly sci-fi franchise in the vein of “The Hunger Games” and “Divergent.” Unlike those series and “Twilight,” however, the protagonist in “Chaos Walking” is a young male, Todd Hewitt, who holds the key to stopping planet-wide destruction and saving mankind.

Ness’ “Chaos Walking” series features three books - 2008? s “The Knife of Never Letting Go,” 2009? s “The Ask and the Answer” and 2010? s “Monsters of Men.” The author’s latest YA book, “More Than This,” was published on Tuesday by Candlewick Press. “Flight” soared in theaters, grossing $161 million worldwide on a $31 million budget, and marked a return to live -action filmmaking after Zemeckis spent years directing motion-capture animated films such as “Beowulf,” “The Polar Express” and “A Christmas Carol” - as well as producing “Mars Needs Moms.”

Recently, Zemeckis and his ImageMovers partner Jack Rapke have been developing an adaptation of Elizabeth L. Silver’s murder mystery novel “The Execution of Noa P. Singleton”

Robert Zemeckis and Nathaniel Halpern’s script “Rose,” which is set up at Focus Features. Zemeckis is the Oscarwinning director of “Forrest Gump,” as well as “Back to the Future,” “Cast Away” and “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” Zemeckis, who left CAA in April, is represented by attorney Cheryl Snow. —Reuters

Priyanka Chopra joins ‘Thursday Night Football’

P

D

Disney delays release of ‘Pirates of Caribbean 5’

isney on Tuesday put “Pirates of the Caribbean 5 on hold. The next installment in the franchise from producer Jerry Bruckheimer and star Johnny Depp had been scheduled to be released on July 10, 2015. The franchise has been a huge moneymaker for Disney, with the first four films having taken in $3.7 billion worldwide, and insiders say the studio is now hoping for a 2016 launch. But Bruckheimer and Depp misfired badly on this summer’s megaflop “The Lone Ranger,” resulting in a $190 million write-down for Disney, and the actor’s box-office clout isn’t what it once was.

While the “Pirates” movies and “Alice in Wonderland” have been moneymakers, “Dark Shadows,” “The Rum Diary” and “The Tourist” are a few of the underwhelming projects starring

the quirky actor in recent years. Disney’s summer 2015 schedule had been crowded. On Monday, the studio shifted its Edgar Wright Marvel movie “Ant-Man” from November to July 15. It also has “Avengers: Age of Ultron” set for May 1 and Pixar’s “Inside Out” slated for June 19.

While the domestic returns on the “Pirates” films have been declining, foreign grosses have risen significantly. Back in 2011, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” brought in $241 million in the US, the lowest of any film in the series. But its $802 million foreign haul was the best of any of the films, and gave it a $1.04 billion global total. There is reason for Disney to get the film right, because the effects-heavy “Pirates” movies are major investments. The production budget for “On Stranger Tides” was $250 million. — Reuters

riyanka Chopra has received an National Football League promotion. The Indian actress-singer, who sang the intro to last season’s “Thursday Night Kickoff,” will sing the intro to NFL Network’s “ Thursday Night Football” this season. She replaces CeeLo Green. Chopra’s song, “In My City,” was used for last year’s pregames. It will be used again for the opening music when the New York Jets visit the New England Patriots tonight.

The song features will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas. Chopra was crowned Miss World in 2000.

She has appeared in a number of films and won India’s national film award for best actress for 2008’s “Fashion.” Carrie Underwood took over the theme song for “Sunday Night Football” this year after Faith Hill sang it for six seasons. — AP

In this August 10, 2013 file photo, Priyanka Chopra hosts the evening at TAO Las Vegas with DJ Vice, in Las Vegas. —AP

In this 1993 file image originally released by Universal Pictures, Sam Neill, portraying Dr Alan Grant, runs from dinosaurs in a scene from “Jurassic Park.” — AP

‘Jurassic Park’ sequel titled ‘Jurassic World’

T

he fourth installment of “Jurassic Park” has a name: “Jurassic World.” Universal Pictures announced the film’s new title and release date Tuesday. The sequel will hatch in 3-D on June 12, 2015. The studio has already said “Safety Not Guaranteed” filmmaker Colin Trevorrow will direct the film and

Steven Spielberg will serve as producer.

Spielberg directed the first two “Jurassic Park” films, while “Captain America” director Joe Johnston helmed the third installment.

The dinosaur franchise has grossed $1.9 billion at the box office worldwide since the first film was released in 1993. — AP

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

LIFESTYLE F a s h i o n

Bra tops, cutouts:

Not everyone wants to be trendy

Is it ever OK to - gasp! step away from a trend?

A

Brad Goresk i of Bravo’s “I t ’s a Brad, Brad World,” said anybody can, if they know themselves well enough. “Know your personal style. It all comes down to this,” he told The Associated Press. “You want to challenge yourself to try diffe rent things.” That, he said, means risking those “fashion fails,” which is just fine, Goreski said.

Katie Holmes, while shopping the collection she showed as half of Holmes & Yang, agreed. Just maybe not so much for herself and a bra top she and Jeanne Yang created. “I wonder if I could rock the bra

top. I don’t know where I think I’m wearing it to rock the bra top, but it’s good to try. Maybe I’ll wear it to Starbucks,” Holmes said with a laugh. Avril Graham of Harper ’s Bazaar said the prevalence of cutouts and bare midriffs on the runways certainly requires “a will, a swagger, some confidence.” But she added: “The wonderful thing is that there are plenty of other ideas on the runway that can work for the rest of the population.”

And tricks if you can’t step away from trends, Goresk i said. For example, he suggested, wear a high-waist sk ir t or

OSCAR DE LA RENTA

OSCAR DE LA RENTA There’s nothing stuffy about the new Oscar de la Renta lady. Make that Lady, with a capital L. She likes to be dressed - and dressed up - because she knows it looks good. Her navyand-white checkered dress and cropped cape, and her white laser-cut dress make her feel like a million bucks. (No guessing on the price tag.) The show was held Tuesday night for a small crowd. De la Renta chopped his guest list in half, saying he didn’t want a side show full of people with no legitimate reason to be there. He offered several of his signature embellishment and embroideries - anything else would have disappointed this crowd of loyalists. He used a very light touch, though, and the clothes exuded a happy, relaxed vibe. The-

bsolutely, say some of the stylists, editors and designers gathered for New York Fashion Week. After all, not everybody can or wants to pull on skimpy bra and cropped tops, a couple of styles popping up with some frequency by Tuesday, the sixth day of fashion week. So who can skip a trend?

re were off-the-shoulder peasant tops, one in white lace and another in black sheer tulle, and a fancy embroidered tunic T-shirt. The two finale gowns were worn by Karlie Kloss and Joan Smalls, an ivory strapless column gown with tiers of pearl and sequin embroidery, and a citron-yellow strapless gown with an overlay of black threadwork and sequins, respectively. With the models flanking him on each side - and each giving him a kiss on the cheek - de la Renta took his bow.

VERA WANG Wang aimed for all As on her runway: artful, architectural and athletic. She made the grade with silk gauze baseball jackets, chiffon BADGLEY MISCHKA

jeans with a cropped shirt for just a sliver of skin. Adam Glassman, creative director of O The Oprah magazine, said knowing when to let a trend go is key. “I don’t think we all have to wear every trend. Some do wear the trends - especially young pe ople - but you don’t have to. You have to be able to say, ‘That’s not for me.’ You have to be honest to yourself, honest to your lifestyle, honest to your body type.

And it helps if you have honest friends,” he said. A sporty vibe during this round of spring previews is back - and more forgiving than short tops that require mo-

re than a visit or two to the gym. “It comes around every few years but it looks good, and there’s a way for a lot of people to wear it,” Glassman said of sport-influenced fashion. Like the beaded floral track pants with a knit top and heels at J Crew, or an anorak or windbreaker with a pencil skirt. And Graham said even the young and trendy should be careful when it comes to showing off skin: “Camera angles can be very unforgiving.”

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

LIFESTYLE F a s h i o n

gowns with mesh panels and often-beaded, racer-style backs and a stretchmesh hoodie paired with a net bustier and stretch jersey skirt. Many of her looks were black, which made the flashes of cobalt blue, geranium red and citron yellow more impactful. She used a painter’s brush-stroke print on camisole slips and chiffon gowns to make another visual statement, and delicate fabric petals decorated the back of slim-cut sheaths. My inspiration was sort of artsy, but also quite clean and a lot of collaging and athleticism ... athletic details to the very central, romantic dresses. It’s very much based on sport and the body and movement,” she said.

Model Chrissy Teigen and fiance John Legend were in the front row. Both said they were fans of Wang. “I think I have pretty good taste,” Legend said. “I don’t like obsess over it, but I care how I look, so and I care how she looks, too,” he said of Teigen. “She has great style.”

BADGLEY MISCHKA The design duo turned out pearls, beads and tweeds. After all, you ne ed a lot of options if you’re a Jazz Age heiress who fantasizes jumping off the yacht - anchored in the French Riviera - and turning into a beautiful mermaid in the moonlight. That’s the elaborate

scenario Mark Badgley and James Mischka dreamed up for their spring collection muse. It was a lot of moving parts, and that’s how they wanted it, literally and figuratively. It’s what keeps things interesting, they said. “We wanted a lot of movement,” Mischka said. The crowd certainly got that when models came out wearing wide-leg pleated palazzo pants (some with belly-baring tops), a slinky draped red gown and an all-over beaded skirt with metallic fringe. A seafoam-green gown with slivers of silver floated on the runway, seemingly light as the air - or the sea.

TORY BURCH Burch was inspired by the French Riviera in the ‘60s, where women would wear cute trapeze dresses to show off their legs and could turn a swim shirt and mini into an outfit worthy of a prime spot at a seaside cafe. When the sun goes down, there were halter dresses to show off their tans on their shoulders, and other cocktail looks with jeweled collars and cuffs to add sparkle. Burch took the scarves these ladies surely would have had around their necks and turned them into a button-down shirt and a cotton sundress. She paired a lattice cutout leather jacket with a lattice lace skirt. A block-print anorak - collar up - was worn with a matching-print

TORY BURCH

dress. “I love the easy elegance of the movie ‘La Piscine’ and Romy Schneider’s character,” she said.

RODARTE

Marc Jacobs

Their fall collection was inspired by Northern California, where they grew up, and so the Mulleavy sisters of Rodarte decided that for spring, they needed to head south - to Los Angeles, where they live now. “I always knew it would be a two-part story,” said Laura Mulleavy, who designs with her sister, Kate. “We had to do LA next, to create a balance.” For those who have followed the Mulleavys, this collection was a far cry from the ethereal, soft clothes they created, for example, two years ago when their inspiration was Vincent Van Gogh. The current collection was heavy on urban edge, attitude and a strong street vibe. Many of the ensembles were surprisingly flashy, such as beaded bra tops shimmering with Swarovski crystal elements. One of these came in leopard, adding to the nightclub effect.

Sometimes these tops were paired with much more toned-down accompaniments - for example, a nice tweed jacket. There was lots and lots of fringe: On faux leather skirts, for example, and on silk shorts - or, for a fancier look, on a white silk jacquard and silk satin dress. Speaking of shorts, they were often so short, it sometimes looked like the models had nothing on underne ath their jackets.

Marc Jacobs

Marc Jacobs on Tuesday delved into the rock looks of yesteryear for ne x t spring, offering up a blur of pastels, sequins, stars and radiowave stripes for his diffusion line. From the bright blue on models’ eyelids to the lightning-jagged patterns on dresses and giant star motifs, the electrifying look for Marc by Marc Jacobs was unveiled in a large, brightly-lit industrial building alongside the Hudson River.

Models walked to the energizing sound of Jeffrey Lewis’ “WWPRD ( What Would Pussy Riot Do)”—an ode to the female activist Russian punk rock group. Two members have been jailed over a church protest. Shiny satin varsity jackets and dresses had a 1950s feel while a jumpsuit made entirely out of sequins was a throwback to the 1980s. Pants were slouchy, and several shiny dresses had large stars in silver or black snaking up the side. Female models had scarves tied tightly around their hair and necks, while some wore guitar pick necklaces.

It was the first of two outings for Jacobs this week—he shows his main line on Thursday, the last day of New York’s fashion parade.—AP

Joan Rivers

trial date set by Writers Guild in ‘Fashion Police’ strike

T

he Writers Guild of America East has set Monday, Oct 14, as the trial date for Joan Rivers, who the union has charged with violating its bylaws during the ongoing “Fashion Police” writers strike. The hostess of the E! Entertainment show faces a fine or expulsion from the union if she is found to have performed writers’ duties - such as writing jokes while they are on strike. Rivers’representatives and the union have had talks over the past few weeks, but a settlement that would have precluded the trial has not been reached.

Nine “Fashion Police” writers walked off the job in May in a bid to force the Comcast-owned network to recognize them as WGA West employees.

The network is insisting on a National Labor Relations Board election, which the union maintains is a stalling tactic. Rivers will have the opportunity to present her case directly to the trial board at the hearing, which will be held at WGA East headquarters and be closed to the public. Guild bylaws preclude Rivers and the writers from bringing attorneys.

The tribunal is made up of three WGAE members, whose names have not been disclosed. They will hear evidence in the case, which will include testimony from the striking writers. The trial board will then make a recommendation, which could include sanctions up to expulsion or a fine, to the WGAE board for final action.

“We cannot pre-judge the outcome, but we can say that it is a very serious matter when a member is accused of writing and showrunning on a non-covered show and continuing to do so after the other writers have decided to go on strike for reasonable pay and benefits,” WGAE President Michael Winship said when plans to bring Rivers up on trial were announced.

It’s not a given that Rivers will participate in the hearing. And not being present for what could turn into a media circus could be the wisest strategy, Howard Bragman, vice-chairman of Reputation.com and a specialist in celebrity crisis management, told TheWrap. “I don’t think she’d have much to gain,”he said.“This is a very inside-baseball battle. Hollywood gets it, the industry gets it, but the general public doesn’t.”

A call to Rivers’ publicist on Tuesday was not returned. She has stayed silent on the matter with one exception last month, when the famously acerbic comedienne said “This is such a bunch of bulls-t. E! should hire Anthony Weiner to work with these people. He’d fit right in.” Beyond the public relations ramifications, it’s unclear how whatever happens with Rivers will affect the situation with the “Fashion Police” writers. They’ve Designer Elie Tahari and T V personality Joan Rivers attend New been out since April 17 after expressing a desire to organize and join the York City’s Elie Tahari Day at Elie Tahari Pop-up Store in New York WGA West.—Reuters City.—AFP

Disney Delays Releas of ‘Pirates of Caribbean 5

37

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2013

Salon walls:

t h at t e l l s a s t o ry In this photo provided

by ILevel Inc, vintage medicine bottles are shown as wall art.—AP photos

T

hose beautiful summer vacation photos are in a cardboard box. Somewhere. The souvenirs you picked up on that overseas trip years ago are jumbled in a drawer. Your collection of (fill in the blank) is in the kitchen cupboard. Why not showcase these personal treasures and create great art at the same time? One clever way to do it is to mount shelves or frames on a wall and fill them with whatever pleases you. Decorators call it a salon wall, and it has origins in 17th century Paris, when the Royal Academy held exhibitions, or “salons,” to showcase student work. Their art would be mounted in a closely knit configuration.

A visually balanced arrangement is what you’re after, says New York interior designer Elaine Griffin.“It’s the eclecticism – photos with found objects, for example – that makes it beautiful and stylish,” she says. “Every element should speak to you or tell you a story.”To create a salon wall, plan carefully. Lay out the arrangement on the floor first, and then transfer it from the floor to the wall, piece by piece. “Start at the center of the composition and work your way outward, a little bit in each direction, left, right, up, down,” Griffin says.

Spacing doesn’t need to be the same around all objects, but it can look better when it’s equal around an individual element. Use a geometric shape – square, circle, triangle or diamond – as a loose basis for your arrangement. Create an axis in the center of the wall, a focal point from which all the elements radiate, Griffin advises. Laying the idea out on a template – a piece of art paper on which you draw the shapes – will help consolidate the finished look.

“It’s nice if you have the entire collection for a wall ready to hang at once, but you don’t have to – you can install as you collect,”Griffin says. David Kassel, a collage artist in New York City, creates salon walls for designers like Bunny Williams, Jamie Drake and Jeffrey Bilhuber. Through his company, ILevel, he’ll put up anything a client gives him, but also offers his own collections: exotic turt-

le shells, vintage medicine bottles, colorful plates, even a framed set of 1940s Rorschach ink blots. “ Fo r s m a l l o b jects you can use shadow boxes. Sconces are a wonderful way to display bottles, vases, rocks or any three dimensional objects. You can choose from simple contemporary wall wedges or more traditional options like carved, gold-leaf sconces,” Kassel says.

If you want to turn your wall into a photo gallery, hanging the pictures without frames creates a clean look that lets the pictures pop, says Jeff Southard, a spokesman for Collagewall.com, which helps clients create photo walls.

Avoid hanging several versions of the same picture, he says; instead, use a variety of close-ups, action shots, etc.

“Given the choice between a perfect bland photo and a flawed, energetic one, go for the lively one,” Southard says. “Don’t be afraid to exhibit your passion. Cars, kids, architecture – even good food. When guests come over, you can talk about something you love.”

San Francisco photographer Jason Rodman, for example, mounted a series of black-and-white images of the city on his wall. In Seattle, Sara Shrader’s pride in her two baseball-loving sons led her to take photos of their various team caps over the years. She created a collage wall that included pictures of the boys in action. A company like Picturewall.com provides templates for rectangular and stairway displays, and sends a kit that includes wood frames and acid-free mats. You just drop in your photos. Kassel says such displays should continue to evolve. “Families grow, important events continue to happen, collections change over time,” he says. “A great salon wall is never finished.”—AP

In this photo provided by ILevel Inc, vintage plates are shown as wall art.

In this photo provided by ILevel Inc tortoise shells are shown as wall art.

A photo shows a collagewall display designed and photographed by Jason Rodman in a bedroom.

In this photo Jason Rodman installs a collagewall display that he designed and photographed in a bedroom in San Francisco.

In this photo provided by CollageWall Inc, Seattle mom Sara Schrader photographed all of her sons’ team hats and included some action shots to create a collage wall showcasing the boys’ baseball careers.

This photo shows director, sitting left, front row, with dog Super Smiley, far right, and other puppies from the Canine Companions for Independence pose for a photo.

Photo shows members and volunteers from Guide Dogs for the Blind (GDB) take a K9 flight class, as they experience airport distractions during a simulated airport security check in at the K9 school in Los Angeles.—AP photos

Hollywood studio teaches dogs

F

or $349, your dog can learn to fly. One Hollywood film studio now prepares dogs for a safe and calm flight. The Air Hollywood class includes a real fuselage on a sound stage with a simulator that mimics takeoff, turbulence and landing. Hollywood extras create crowds and the chaos that come with airport terminals. Talaat Captan, president and CEO of Air Hollywood, the world’s largest aviation-themed film studio, had the idea after noticing a dog owner having a rough time getting the dog through airport security.

“The owner was stressed out, and the dog was freaking out,” Captan said. “I figured, ‘Why don’t I train

how to fly on planes

those people?’” He hired his friend and former actress, Megan Blake, to write a program and teach the class with three other instructors and her dog Super Smiley.

An animal trainer and lifestyle coach, Blake also has a psychology degree. With more dogs on planes these days, it makes sense to take obedience school to a new level, said Heidi Heubner, who directs volunteers, including airport therapy dogs, at Los Angeles World Airport.

Dogs have become essential parts of a growing number of families, and traveling with is becoming more common, said Kim Cunningham, a spokesman for the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association in Texas. It will vary by airline, but there’s always a fee

for pets in the cabin. Working dogs or trained service animals fly free, but owners must give the airline documentation and advance notice. The animals sit at their owner’s feet during flights. The class doesn’t address cargo pets. The class is using the same studio where parts of “Bridesmaids,”“Kill Bill” and 500 other movies were made. Last year, Air Hollywood conducted a test class with 60 puppies from Guide Dogs for the Blind.

“Some of the handlers were more nervous than the dogs because they don’t like to fly,”said Rick Wilcox, who oversees puppy-training in Southern California. “It was amazing how realistic it was.”Captan opened his studio about six months before the Sept 11, 2001 terror attacks

on the US On Sept 12, the phone started ringing because airports were locked down and movie and television studios couldn’t shoot scenes they needed. The studio has grown to include everything from a private jet to a 747, as well as props and supplies. The dogs sit at their handlers’ feet in the cabin during the simulated flight, which came with engine sounds, the captain speaking, cabin lights being dimmed, overhead bins being shut and warm up vibrations, Wilcox said..—AP