CR IP TI ON BS SU
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
Suicide bomber targets Tunisia resort, nearby attack foiled
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THULHIJA 26, 1434 AH
With Today’s Issue
Not easy to set up and do business in Kuwait World Bank report ranks Kuwait low on global list conspiracy theories
152 By Badrya Darwish
badrya_d@kuwaittimes.net
I
t has been two days since the government dropped the bomb about the end of our comfortable existence and about the coming dry years. There are just nine years left for those who want to make a fortune if they can. Then came the World Bank slamming us with a more distressful analysis of doing business in Kuwait. As if the news of our government was not enough, we now have to choke on the World Bank analysis which ranked Kuwait 152nd in the ease of starting a business. Not only is starting a business so tough and rough. We also ranked 119 on enforcing contracts - not bad out of 189 countries ranked globally. I do not have to list all the categories for which we ranked below 100 because you can read most of them in detail in the story next to my column. I am proud of one thing. We ranked 11 in paying taxes. Hooray! As all of you know, as an indulged nation, we still do not have taxes in Kuwait. We have trivial taxation compared to the rest of the world but with all the economic downfalls, I think the government might be preparing for a big tax scheme soon. To sum it up, I did not need the World Bank to tell me these data. Just trying to establish a company, every entrepreneur has to run and do their paperwork following a tedious process that the World Bank numbers to be 12 procedures. I want to tell the World Bank that actually you need 112 procedures because you need to run around and get 10 stamps on one paper and another 10 on another. Sometimes this running around happens in different buildings. I never understood why they need all these stamps. I have a theory that this system was invented just to create jobs for hundreds and thousands of citizens. In reality, the whole procedure could involve two or three stamps only. Mind you, the way we get the work done involves wasting endless hours chasing employees if he or she is on their desk. Then you have to repeat the visits to the various departments numerous times. And the more you go, the more stamps are mysteriously needed. Forget it if you ask for a loan for your company. Forget it if you want a foreign partner (what is called a foreign investor). The poor man has to give me his money and I can give him a 49 percent share. That is why investors are not queuing at Kuwait Airport. With the latest analysis of the government, I think we can stop dreaming and wake up to the reality that no investors are going to knock on our doors. If this is the appalling scenario, I think that even Kuwaitis will seek to invest outside the country.
KUWAIT: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah meets visiting Egyptian Interim President Adly Mansour at Bayan Palace yesterday. The leaders discussed ways and means of further promoting and reinforcing distinguished fraternal relations and Kuwait’s support for security and stability in Egypt. They also considered several issues of mutual interest and the latest developments on both regional and international arenas. — KUNA
KUWAIT: The World Bank’s 2014 Doing Business Report ranked Kuwait 152 on the ease of starting a business, while the state ranked 104 on the ease of doing business. Doing Business 2014, a World Bank Group flagship report, covers 189 economies and 10 indicator sets - starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, paying taxes, trading across borders, getting credit, protecting investors, enforcing contracts, resolving insolvency. The report concludes that Kuwait made starting a business more difficult by increasing the minimum capital requirement. The UAE topped the Middle East region in the rankings. The World Bank said its scorecard on the ease of doing business around the world had spurred thousands of regulatory reforms in the past decade, pushing back against critics who argue the national rankings stigmatize rather than inspire. The report finds that the pace of business regulatory reform in the Middle East and North Africa has slowed amid the unrest affecting the region. Governments find it increasingly challenging to keep up with reforms taking place in other regions of the world, the report finds. Doing Business 2014: Understanding Regulations for Small and Medium-Size Enterprises finds that the Middle East and North Africa had the world’s smallest share of economies implementing at least one business regulatory reform in 2012/13. Forty percent of the region’s economies reformed in an area tracked by the report, compared with 75 percent in South Asia and 73 percent in Europe and Central Asia. Among the region’s economies, the United Arab Emirates has the best business regulatory environment overall, as measured by the Doing Business indicators. The report finds that economies in the region have been slow to adopt new technology for filing and paying taxes. Only five of 20 economies have implemented electronic filing and payment systems that are widely used by firms, as measured by the report. Continued on Page 4
Speaker accused of rigging panels Oppn revives call for amending constitution By B Izzak KUWAIT: Barely a day after the inaugural session of the National Assembly’s term during which all speakers underscored the need for cooperation, cracks have started to appear sooner than expected. Shiite MP Abdullah Al-Tameemi accused
speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem of interfering in the election of Assembly committees and charged that the election of members to some committees involved sectarian factors. Tameemi said the speaker interfered in the panel elections in favour of MPs who voted for him in the election for the speaker’s post in August,
adding that Ghanem was expected to be a fair speaker but he turned out to apply a double-standards policy. The lawmaker was apparently upset after he lost the election for a seat in the Assembly’s interior and defense committee of which he was a member in the previous term. Tameemi said that
Ghanem changed just half an hour after delivering his speech in which he appealed for cooperation between MPs and the government and among lawmakers themselves. The lawmaker warned that MPs will not allow the speaker to control the Assembly. Continued on Page 13
Brotherhood leader arrested in Egypt CAIRO: Egyptian security rank-and-file members since forces arrested a key Muslim the ouster of President Brotherhood figure on the Mohamed Morsi, who also run since the July coup that hails from the Brotherhood. toppled the country’s Islamist Morsi, himself in detention, president in a raid on his has been held at an undishideout early yesterday, the closed military location since Interior Ministry said. The the July 3 coup. He is facing arrest of Essam El-Erian, the charges of inciting supporters deputy leader of the Essam El-Erian to murder his opponents while Brotherhood’s political arm, the in office. Morsi’s trial is due to begin Nov Freedom and Justice party, was the lat- 4. It is not yet clear if the 62-year old est in a wide-ranging crackdown of ousted president will appear in court. both the Islamist group’s leaders and its Continued on Page 13
MEHABUBNAGAR, India: Rescuers and others gather near the debris after a bus crashed into a highway barrier and erupted in flames in southern Andhra Pradesh state yesterday. — AP
India bus crash inferno kills 45
Qatar removes Zidane statue DOHA: Qatar has removed the Zinedine Zidane headbutt statue less than a month after it went on display following an outcry by conservatives, who slammed the art work as anti-Islam idolisation. The five-metre sculpture which immortalises the head-butt delivered by the French football legend to Italian player Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final was put on display on Doha’s corniche on Oct 3. But the statue that was sculpted by Algerian-born French artist Adel Abdessemed appears to have offended conservatives in the Muslim emirate, who saw it as a flagrant violation of religious tenets. It was removed on Monday, according to local newspapers. “Congratulations for having new idols,” wrote one tweeter sarcastically, as the Arabic hashtag “Zidane’s statue in Qatar” triggered massive reaction from dismayed conservatives. “It is sad that our youth see in this art and modernity. Continued on Page 13
Max 31º Min 19º High Tide 09:01 & 21:53 Low Tide 03:17 & 15:31
DOHA: French Algerian born artist Adel Abdessemed’s five-meter high Zinedine Zidane head-butt ‘Coup de Tete’ sculpture is seen loaded onto a lorry after being removed from Doha’s corniche yesterday. — AFP
HYDERABAD: A speeding bus exploded in a ball of flames after crashing into the central reservation of a southern Indian highway early yesterday, killing 45 passengers as they slept. Only five people on the vehicle escaped the inferno, including the driver and the cleaner who broke windows and fled before the fuel tank exploded, police said. “The total number of charred bodies found is 45, including that of a small child,” L Sarman, a senior district administrative official, told AFP. “The driver was speeding at about 120-130 kilometres an hour. He was driving all night, it seems he may have fallen asleep at the wheel,” said Sarman. Fatalities were high even by the dead-
ly standards of India, where bus crashes are common, particularly on the treacherous roads of the northern Himalayas. Police said the driver and cleaner had tried to flee the scene of the accident, which occurred around 5:00 am (2330 GMT Tuesday) between Bangalore and Hyderabad. They “tried to run, but the police caught them”, local police spokesman Venkateshwarlu, who uses only one name, told AFP. Relatives of the victims screamed and broke down in tears outside the office of the vehicle operator in Hyderabad, 140 km from the crash site. Police arrived later to question the owners of Jabbar Travels, which offer buses to cities across Continued on Page 13
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
LOCAL
KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday inspected preparations at Bayan Palace. — KUNA
Amir, Crown Prince inspect preparations for conventions KUWAIT: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad AlJaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday inspected preparations at Bayan Palace for forthcoming conventions. The works underway at the Palace are in preparation for the third Arab-African Conference, the 34th GCC Summit and the second international conference for donors for Syria. His Highness the Amir was received by Deputy Minister of Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al-Sabah and the undersecretary of financial, administrative and employees’ affairs at the Amiri Diwan, Abdulaziz Saud Ishaq. His Highness Sheikh Sabah, who was informed in details about the work, praised the activities and relentless efforts, signaling Kuwait’s consideration of the planned conventions’ significance. He was briefed about other mega renovation projects namely that of Al-Shaheed (Martyr’s) Park in Sharq, where a martyrs’ statute would be built. He also inspected a building depicting “the martyr and Kuwaiti battles,” connected with AlShaab gate and plans to construct a pool, middle of which would be decorated with the National Flag. The project includes the “visitors’ building” which encompasses restaurants, cafes and the “constitution statute,” which would be inaugurated by His Highness the Amir, next year, in addition to a museum for plants and birds of the Kuwaiti desert. The project, which was launched in April would be completed in the same month in 2014. His Highness the Amir was also briefed about the project of Al-Farwaniah courts complex in Al-Reggae and designs to build Al-Jahraa court complex in northwest Al-Jahraa. Execution of this project, which began in October, would be completed in September 2015. Sheikh Sabah was apprised of another venture, the botanical park at Bayan Palace, due to conclude in February 2014.
Kuwait’s military attache thanks Saudi RIYADH: The military attache at the Embassy of Kuwait in Riyadh, Brig Nasser Al-Mutairi, thanked here yesterday the Saudi military leadership for accepting Kuwaiti students at Saudi military colleges. Brig Al-Mutairi said that 13 students have been accepted this year in King Abdulaziz Military College, King Faisal Air Academy, King Fahad Naval Academy and King Abdullah Air Defense Academy. Saudi colleges are considered among the finest security sciences academies, especially in the Middle East, Brig AlMutairi said. He expressed gratitude to the Saudi Ministry of Defense including the Crown Prince, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense Prince Salman bin Abdalaziz for the care and facilities given to the Kuwaiti students studying in the Saudi academies. Meanwhile, the Assistant Military Attache for Administrative Affairs at the Kuwaiti military office, Major Mohammed Al-Ajmi, visited King Fahad Naval Academy where he met a number of the academy leaders and discussed issues of common interests as well as topics related to the Kuwaiti students at the academy. This visit came within a series of visits undertaken by the Kuwaiti military attache to the military academies attended by the Kuwaiti students from the defense and interior ministries, reaching more than 100 students. — KUNA
Ministry probes Syrian donations irregularities KUWAIT: The Ministry of Social Affairs and Labor is investigating cases in which individuals collected large amounts of funds under charity programs for Syria which they failed to obtain necessary licenses for, a local daily reported yesterday, quoting a source with knowledge of the case. In this regard, officials from the charity organizations’ department at the ministry were to meet representatives from the American Embassy yesterday “in order to discuss the issue of Syria fundraisers in Kuwait,” said the source who spoke to Al-Qabas on the condition of anonymity. The source did not provide details about the meeting, but indicated that it was called “after the ministry discovered cases in which individuals who are not representatives of licensed charitable organizations collected large amounts of donations for the Syrian people”.
This park includes a botanic nursery to secure beautification plants for Al-Seif and Bayan palaces, in addition to a glass garden containing Mediterranean, Japanese and equatorial plants, as well a butterflies’ garden and a man-made lake. Moreover, His Highness the Amir took a close look at Jaber Al-Ahmad Cultural Complex project which includes a 3,200seat theatre, studios, a musical center and a children library. Also sketches of this site show a conventions’ hall, a theatre, an archive, Amiri Diwan offices, stores, offices, a cafeteria, stores and cafes. The venture planned at the Flag Square includes a reception hall for VIPs, an outdoor theatre, a flag-hoisting stand, cafes and stores. —- KUNA
Teachers wary of new second-chance finals timing KUWAIT: Middle and high school students who fail final exams will not have to wait the entire summer before knowing their fate. In an announcement following an official meeting on Monday, the Ministry of Education said that ‘second chance’ tests for the 2013/2014 school year will take place within a couple of weeks after the finals. “Second chance exams for the fifth through ninth classes (intermediate) take place between the 1st and 8th of July 2014, and between July 14th and 23rd for high school stages (10th through 12th),” Undersecretary Mariyam Al-Wutaid told reporters following a meeting of the Council of Undersecretaries that was chaired by Minister of Education Nayef AlHajraf. Under Kuwait’s educational system, a student who fails a subject is entitled to take a new final exam as a ‘last chance’ to move to the next stage. Failing the second exam requires a student to remain in the same class for the following year, even if said student passes all other subjects. ‘Second chance’ exams are held in September, usually less than a week before the school year starts. Many students complained in the past of ‘negative sides’ of this system; especially 12th graders who can lose the chance to apply for colleges they want while they wait for their high school diplomas. On the other hand, there has been concern within the ministry that the new system could face rejection within staff because it practically means ‘lengthening’ the school year for up to a month. Currently, the school year naturally concludes after students receive their certificates following the finals or by the end of June. In this regard, Wutaid argued that the new timings are not going to cause a problem because it would extend work at “a selected number of schools” which will be opened as test halls. The senior official further indicated that the new timings have been followed by other Gulf Cooperation Council countries without troubles. In other news, Wutaid revealed that the Council of Undersecretaries - which includes assistant undersecretaries and directors of educational zones in the ministry - decided to stop using jammers at test halls, based on a Ministry of Health study “which warned from the risks of using such devices on students’ health”. The jammers were used to prevent students from using cell phones to cheat; and the undersecretary indicated that work is currently ongoing “to find alternative methods to control cheating in test halls”.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
LOCAL
KUWAIT:- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah receiving the Egyptian Interim President Adly Mansour who arrived here on a one-day visit yesterday.
Qatar Airways commences non-stop daily flights to Clark Manila Airport A good advantage for many Filipinos By Ben Garcia KUWAIT: Qatar Airways yesterday organized a familiarization seminar for travel agents at Fusion Restaurant in Kuwait City, two days after the launch of non-stop daily flights to Clark Manila International Airport in the Philippines. Qatar Airways invited travel agents dealing with sales and marketing in Kuwait to familiarize them on all the amenities and services available. The presentation was hosted by Haitham Mohammed Abdelraouf, Sales Executive, Qatar Airways and Dany Nassif, Senior Sales Agent (Corporate). Daily flights to Manila’s main airport continue, but the new Qatar Airways route however is a good advantage for many. “We chose Clark International Airport as our second destination in the Philippines because it’s an alternative to the already crowded Manila airport traffic. Besides its only a 1.5hour drive and only 8:35 hours of flying time, less than 1:15 hours compared to other competitors,” Abdelrouf mentioned. “Many OFWs (Filipino Overseas Workers) are from Luzon areas. We are giving the best options for people in Luzon. Qatar Airways offers four connecting options in Kuwait, convenient arrival/departure times, 40 kg baggage allowance and other value added services,” he noted. “From CRK (Clark), we provide a complimentary shuttle bus services to and from the airport: Depart Resort World Manila at 06:30 and arrive at Trinoma Mall at 07:00, then depart Trinoma Mall at 07:15 and arrive at Clark Aiport at 09:00,” he explained. All Clark International Airport passes will have a coupon for the bus service, plus onboard announcements will be made and complimentary bus transfer cards will be distributed onboard before landing at CRK,” he added. “The most convenient way to fly home especially if you are from Luzon area, is by Qatar Airways via Clark International Airport. It is also KD 40-50 cheaper than landing at Manila airport. If you are from Visayas, there is no question at all because you’ll be dropped to the nearest location to your domestic flights too,” he added. The maiden flight to Clark International Airport from Doha (flight QR930) touched down at Clark airport at 09:20 (local time) to a traditional water salute welcome on Oct 27. A ceremony followed which was attended by airport and government officials including the Ambassador of Qatar to the Philippines Jassim A Al-Obaidli along with members of the local business community, travel, trade and media. Qatar Airways Senior Vice President Commercial Operations - Network Woo Yew Seong was joined by the Ambassador of the Philippines to the Qatar Crescente R
KUWAIT: Qatar Airways staff at the seminar.—-Photos by Joseph Shagra Relacion on the inaugural non-stop flight to Clark from the airline’s operational hub of Doha. Milestone “Qatar Airways has reached yet another key milestone in the Philippines, with the launch of additional daily flights to this fastgrowing country,” said Yew Seong on arrival at Clark International Airport. “With our new offering, business and leisure travellers to the Luzon area have great connections via Doha from many popular destinations, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Kuwait, Muscat, Dammam, Riyadh, Montreal, New York, London and Paris.” The Clark Airport route is operated with an Airbus A330 in a two-class configuration of up to 248 seats in Economy and up to 36 in Business Class. The aircraft features seatback TV screens providing all passengers in both cabins with the next generation interactive onboard entertainment system- a choice of more than 900 audio and video on demand options. Clark International Airport is located about 96 km from Manila City Centre and a complimentary bus service will be available to take passengers to and from Trinoma Mall and Resorts World Manila (conveniently located opposite of MNL International Airport T3). As an inaugural offer, passengers are also entitled to exceptional baggage allowance of up to 40 kg valid for travel until Jan 31, 2014. Members of Qatar Airways’ frequent flyer program Privilege Club can earn up to 7,000 bonus Qmiles in Economy Class and 14,000 bonus Qmiles in Business Class for travel on a return trip between Oct 27 and Dec 31, 2013. Flight schedules, between Clark International Airport and Doha, are as follows: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays Depart Doha QR930 at 1945 hrs, arrive Clark Airport 0920 hrs next day Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays Depart Clark Airport QR931 at 1050 hrs, arrive Doha 1550 hrs Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays Depart Doha QR930 at 2100 hrs, arrive Clark Airport 1035 hrs next day Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays Depart Clark Airport QR931 at 1205 hrs, arrive Doha 1705 hrs
Haitham Mohammed Abdelraouf
KUWAIT: A cross section of attendees
Clark Airport, which is poised to become a new tourism and commercial hub, becomes Qatar Airways’ newest gateway to the
Philippines after the capital Manila, further reinforcing the carrier’s commitment to the country. Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al-Baker said that the new Clark Airport flights offers more daily flight options for passengers and would meet the strong demand for business, leisure and VFR (visiting friends and relatives) travel between Qatar and the Philippines. “Qatar Airways is now well positioned to offer travellers from the Middle East, Europe and USA the convenience of an additional daily flight to the Philippines via the airline’s Doha hub. More frequencies combined with an award-winning inflight experience, access to over 130 destinations worldwide, and seamless connections in Doha brings our passengers from the Philippines a winning proposition,” added Baker. The destination becomes Qatar Airways’ 12th gateway in Southeast Asia after Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Bali, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Jakarta, Hanoi, Singapore, Manila, Yangon and Phuket - and the carrier’s 133rd destination worldwide. Together with Qatar Airways’ destinations across South Asia, the entire Asian region represents around 30 per cent of the airline’s global network of routes. Qatar Airways started operations to Manila in 1995, currently flying two daily flights to the capital city. Along with Clark, the airline is now offering a convenient option of three daily flights to the Philippines. Qatar Airways has seen rapid growth in just 16 years of operations, currently flying a modern fleet of 127 aircraft to 133 key business and leisure destinations across Europe, Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and The Americas. In 2013, Qatar Airways has launched 11 destinations to date - Qassim (Saudi Arabia), Najaf (Iraq), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), Chicago (USA), Salalah (Oman), Basra (Iraq), Sulaymaniyah (Iraq), Chengdu (China), Addis Ababa (Ethiopia), Taif (Saudi Arabia) and Clark Manila International Airport (Philippines). Over the next few months, the network will grow further with Sharjah, UAE (March 1, 2014), Dubai World Central, UAE (March 1, 2014), Philadelphia, USA (April 2, 2014) and Miami, USA (10 June 2014).
Kuwait bent on remedying any snags in state budget LONDON: It is imperative that Kuwait addresses its budgetary irregularities if it were to keep its budget unruffled by undue imbalances that might cast adverse shadows on the nation’s economic picture, said Kuwaiti Finance Minister Sheikh Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah yesterday. He made this comment in response to a press question on the demand by the IMF that Kuwait should rein in its general expenditures, especially those related to paying out public sector salaries, and that it should diversify its sources of income. Sheikh Salem, who is attending here the 9th world islamic economic forum, said “despite what the IMF says, we’ve known (this information) for a long time,” stressing that it was the government’s plan to remedy any existing budgetary imbalances, while striving to give the Kuwaiti people all aspects of a prosperous life without any financial constraints on them. The finance minister, who is also deputy prime minister and the personal representative of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait, further said the fact that the forum was being held in London gave the strong indication that the UK sought to become a competitive player in the field of issuing Islamic bonds or as it is known in Arabic: sukuk. He applauded the announcement made by the UK prime minister David Cameron that from the start of next year, Britain would be the first country in the western world to issue government-sanctioned Islamic sukuks, noting that it was a terrific step that would serve a financial world market thirsty for such a financial instrument of worldwide appeal. Though the amount of sukuks Cameron said would be issued was as little as 200 million pounds, the Kuwaiti minister said that the purpose of the prime minister’s announcement was to give investors a first taste for Islamic bonds, with the aspiration that these investors would become hooked on them, enough to make them part of their regular portfolios.—KUNA
Al-Barrak ‘Jordan King’ case adjourned KUWAIT: The Criminal Court adjourned two cases including one in which former MP Musallam Al-Barrak is accused of offending the King Abdullah of Jordan, and set Jan 7, 2014 for the next hearing. The decision came on Tuesday as the court summoned the officer who witnessed the case to testify during the next hearing. The incident took place in November during public demonstrations in which leading oppositionists alleged that Jordanian forces were recruited to join Kuwait’s police in thwarting the opposition’s unlicensed rallies. According to the lawsuit, papers filed by the Foreign Ministry of Kuwait said Barrak made offensive statements about King Abdullah II of Jordan in addition to false allegations regarding recruitment of Jordanian forces. Barrak faces charges of ‘offending the leader of a sister state’ and ‘spreading rumors that risk the national interests of the country’. Barrak, along with former MPs Mubarak AlWaalan and Salem Al-Namlan in addition to political activist Abbas Al-Shaabi face charges of illegal gathering in the second case.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
LOCAL
World Bank ranks Kuwait 152 on ‘ease of starting a business’ ‘Ease of Doing Business’ gets harder Continued from Page 1 These include Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which reformed in this area in the past five years. “Despite the challenges facing the Middle East and North Africa, several economies in the region continue to take steps to improve their business climate,” said Augusto Lopez-Claros, Director, Global Indicators and Analysis, World Bank Group. “In the past year the United Arab Emirates strengthened investor protections, improved electricity access, and simplified property transfers. Djibouti adopted a new Commercial Code that has helped expand access to credit for firms and has made starting a business and resolving insolvency easier.” Morocco made starting a business easier by reducing company registration fees and eliminating the minimum capital requirement for limited liability companies. It made transferring property easier by reducing the time required to register a deed of transfer. And it made paying taxes easier for companies by increasing the use of the electronic filing and payment system for social security contributions. Singapore tops the global ranking on the ease of doing business. Joining it on the list of the top 10 economies with the most business-friendly regulations are Hong Kong SAR, China; New Zealand; the United States; Denmark; Malaysia; the Republic of Korea; Georgia; Norway; and the United Kingdom. In addition to the global rankings, every year Doing Business reports the economies
that have improved the most on the indicators since the previous year. The 10 economies topping that list this year are (in order of improvement) Ukraine, Rwanda, the Russian Federation, the Philippines, Kosovo, Djibouti, CÙte d’Ivoire, Burundi, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, and Guatemala. Yet challenges persist: five of this year’s top improvers - Burundi, CÙte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, the Philippines, and Ukraine - are
still in the bottom half of the global ranking on the ease of doing business. Excerpts from the report Georgia, Malaysia, and eight high-income economies are among the 10 most business-friendly places on the globe, the report concludes..But the gap between the developed and developing worlds is narrowing as countries such as Rwanda, Philippines, and the Russian Federation improve regulations to foster entrepreneurship and trade. The 2014 Doing Business Report - an annual survey of the ease of doing business around the world - finds an uptick in the pace of business regulation reform in the past year, with 114 economies enacting 238 reforms, vs. 108 economies and 201 reforms in 201112. “This year, we see a higher number of reforms - 18 percent more - the secondhighest number since the financial crisis,” said Rita Ramalho, program manager for Doing Business at the World Bank Group. “This pick-up in pace of regulatory reform is good news particularly for small and medium-size businesses - the main job creators in many parts of the world.” The increase is part of a decade-long trend in which countries are shortening the amount of time it takes to start a business and streamlining the process of exporting or importing goods, to name two examples of reform. While Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) high-income economies continue to perform the best across most areas measured by Doing Business, Eastern Europe and
Central Asia is narrowing that gap. In 3 of the 10 areas, Europe and Central Asia is at the same level or ahead, and falls close behind in another two. Since 2009, 92 percent of countries in the region have improved their process for starting a business - a higher share than any other region, says the World Bank-IFC survey, published since 2003. Europe and Central Asia has overtaken East Asia and the Pacific
Man arrested for attempt to break into car in Rawda KUWAIT: A former Defense Ministry employee was arrested after he attempted to break into a car in Rawda and steal cash from inside, while investigations are ongoing in search for his accomplice who managed to escape. Detectives were monitoring a bank branch in Hawally when they grew suspicious of a female driver and a man inside a car parked nearby. The detectives went after the suspects who drove behind a man that came out of the bank with a briefcase in hand. The briefcase holder drove to Roudha and left his car outside a grocery store, after which the male suspect approached it with a metal rod in hand. At that point, the detectives arrested the suspect who was identified as a Yemeni national who was fired from the Ministry of Defense for his criminal history. The man was taken to the police station for investigations, during which he confessed of targeting bank customers by breaking into their cars and steal money they leave inside. He gave the identity of the Kuwaiti woman who escaped from the scene. The car owner was summoned who said that the briefcase contained KD 20,000 which he was on his way to deposit at the Zakat House. The suspect was referred to the proper authorities to face charges. School fall A middle school student was hospitalized in a critical condition after falling from a high place in campus on Tuesday. The incident took place in Adan where an ambulance rushed to a local school following an emergency call. The girl was rushed to Adan Hospital and admitted inside the intensive care unit after being diagnosed with several broken bones and contusions. The girl’s father who works as a university instructor filed a case at the Adan police station and investigations went underway into the incident.
over time as the second most businessfriendly after the OECD economies. In Africa, 66 percent of countries enacted at least one reform last year, vs. 33 percent in 2005. Nine African countries are among the
top 20 most improved in terms of business regulations since 2009: Benin, Burundi, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, and Togo. “Countries want to be more competitive and to be prepared for when their markets are more open to international trade,” said Ramalho. They also want businesses to be able to survive competition from foreign firms, she added. “Governments across the globe realize the private sector is an important motor of development and job creation,” said Ramalho. “And they realize it’s important to have the right regulations that enable the development of the private sector.” ‘A Very Remarkable Narrowing’ The overall rankings sometimes mask major gains in countries that are reforming amid challenges, such as conflict or wide-
spread poverty. To provide a fuller picture, the survey’s “Distance to the Frontier” indicator measures an economy’s own progress in reforming business regulations and practices over time. In this year’s survey, 80 percent of economies had a better score on this front, but only a third went up in the overall ranking, said Ramalho. Five of this year ’s most-improved economies - Burundi, CÙte d’Ivoire, Djibouti, the Philippines, and Ukraine - are still in the bottom half of the global ranking on the ease of doing business. Yet big improvements have been made globally in reducing the amount of time it takes to start a business. In 2005, the figure was 113 days for the bottom 25 percent of economies, and 29 days for the rest - a gap of 85 days. The 2014 report finds that gap has narrowed to 33 days. Augusto Lopez-Claros, World Bank Group director for Global Indicators and Analysis, described this change as “a very remarkable narrowing.” “The economies with the most costly and complex regulatory procedures and the weakest legal institutions are gradually adopting some of the regulatory practices seen in the better performers, and this is leading to a process of catching up across many of the dimensions captured by the Doing Business indicators,” he said. What Spurs Progress? Countries that have improved the most since 2005 include China in East Asia and the Pacific, Colombia in Latin America and the Caribbean, Rwanda in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Poland in the OECD highincome economies. Ramalho says these “regional champions” and other economies that have made impressive strides tend to have well-functioning governments, welldesigned institutions, and the ability to coordinate efforts to improve the business climate. “A broad, sustained approach to managing business regulation is key to sustained reforms and common among the 20 economies that moved closer to the “frontier” over the past five years,” she said. The report also finds a relationship between the degree of black market or “informal” business activity and the Doing Business ranking - the worse the score, the higher the degree of informality. Good performers on Doing Business indicators are likely to be more inclusive. Countries with the fewest legal restrictions on women tend to do better in the rankings, the report says. Doing Business should be seen as a tool to inform economies where some of the bottlenecks are - the report does not measure such things as labor skills and many other types of infrastructure, said Ramalho. “The right regulations can only get you so far. I think our clients understand that.” — worldbank.org
Shooting suspect Investigations are ongoing in search for a man accused of firing a gunshot at a car following a dispute with its driver. The incident reportedly happened in Oyoun where a man and his two sisters were driving when another driver started harassing them. The Kuwaiti man engaged in an argument with the harasser, after which the harasser fire a gunshot that missed its target and then escaped. After police were notified, officers swept the area and found a car matching the descriptions parked behind a gas station. The car’s owner was identified and investigations are ongoing to put him under arrest. Nonacademic act Officers at the Mubarak Al-Kabeer police station are looking to summon a school principal on sexual harassment charges pressed by a secretary in the same school. In her statements to police, the Kuwaiti woman said that the principal repeatedly makes suggestive remarks and behaviors around her, and showed harassing text messages which she accused the man of sending. Investigations are ongoing. Woman assaulted Investigations are ongoing in a case involving a woman who accused her father and family housemaid of physical assault. The case was filed at the South Surra police station where the Kuwaiti woman provided a medical report showing diagnoses of several wounds and bruises. She said that she was subjected to physical assault by her father, who she said was joined by the family’s Asian maid. Preparations are underway to summon the father and maid for questioning.
Mugging cases on the rise KUWAIT: Local police stations recorded 170 mugging cases in the first six months of 2013, including 87 classified as felonies, a local daily reported yesterday, quoting an Interior Ministry source. Speaking to Al-Qabas on the condition of anonymity, the source said investigations revealed that servicemen in the interior and defense ministries are involved in some of the mugging crimes. “Officers convicted in cases in which they targeted expatriate residents have been arrested and charged with mugging,” the source said. Furthermore, the source indicated that the majority of suspects arrested in mugging cases are teenagers, unemployed, drug addicts and people with criminal records. “Muggers usually target victims to obtain money they can spend on their daily needs or in drug addicts’ cases, to buy drugs,” the sources explained. He added at the same time that the suspects in many of the cases recorded as of June 30 remain unknown. According to the source, mugging cases recorded an increase this year compared to the same period in 2012. He added that cases in which suspects impersonate police detectives to lure victims are on the rise, and currently in fifth place in the total number of crimes reported in Kuwait. The source added that areas with high population density including Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh, Hasawi, Khaitan and Taima featured increasing mugging rates “which require an increase of police presence”.
15 US universities to promote their programs on Saturday KUWAIT: Representatives of at least 15 accredited US universities and colleges are due to promote and offer their higher educational programs and opportunities to Kuwaiti students favouring studies in the United States of America, it was announced here yesterday. The educational event is to be inaugurated by US Ambassador to Kuwait Matthew H. Tuller, in presence of US Embassy Consular Officers, who will be available to answer questions about the student visa process, as well. EducationUSA advisers will be present at the fair, which would take place at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Salmiya on Nov 2, from 6pm to 9pm. They would address students’ questions about studying in America and the US Embassy youth program alumni will be present to share their experiences to those who wish to pursue their education in the United States. “Students will be able to get information on education programs, ranging from summer camps for high school students at some of these universities to English language, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs in a wide variety of fields,” Todd Bullock, Cultural Attache at the US Embassy, said yesterday. “Visitors can ask the universities representatives any question, ranging from admission, tuition,
academic programs, length of the academic programs, and students life on US campuses,” Bullock added, indicating at the same time that the fair brings together a number of “top notch” state universities in the United States, as well as some smaller private colleges as both of these intuitions are of high quality and they offer different educational packages in terms of number of students on their campus, and the number of degrees offered. In addition to the traditional paper brochures, the representatives, with the new technology available today, will come with multimedia packages on iPad, he pointed out, noting that many of the participating universities at the fair will have mobile audio/visual presentations where students can look at the representative’s iPad and see a video of a class, student life, and students residency such as apartments and dormitories. “The visitors will be able to meet with these representatives who could link them in touch with either potential faculty advisers or admission officials to provide them with more information about the school,” said Bullock. He said that the participating U.S. universities include the University of Texas (Austin), George Washington University, Fairleigh Dickinson
University, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Services, Bryant University, University of Bridgeport, University of Missouri, University of Illinois (Chicago), George Mason University, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Savannah College of Art and Design, Lewis and Clark College, Sam Houston State University, and Maryville University. “We picked these schools because they have a good tradition of giving personalized individual attention to their perspective students. We think that this is important for the Kuwaiti market,” Bullock said, explaining that the US Embassy feels that this selection offers a little bit for everyone who might be interested in studying in the United States as the Embassy want to help facilitate that in the best way it could. He said that the Embassy places a high value on promoting US higher education in Kuwait. “One of the most interesting parts of our bilateral relationship is the fact that Kuwaitis have been studying in the United States for more than five generations. Our current Ambassador places priority on us, recognizing this relationship and also expanding it as it is an important part of cultural ties between people of the United States and people of Kuwait,” he went on.—KUNA
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
LOCAL
Radisson Blu Hotel reopens By Nawara Fattahova
A
fter three years of reconstruction, the Radisson Blu Hotel reopens to welcome its guests with a new look. The slogan for the relaunch proclaimed ‘Good things don’t end, they make a new beginning’. The Radisson Blu Kuwait hotel opened in 1980, and in 1990, it was destroyed during the Iraqi invasion. It reopened after reconstruction in 1992. “The hotel wasn’t demolished but everything of its structural, mechanical, electrical and interior material is new. The building has the shape of a cruise ship and a new lounge is the top of this ship,” Philippe Pellaud, General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel told Kuwait Times.
tiful during this time of the year. As the whole hotel is nonsmoking, smokers will have to go to the terraces. We provide a smoke-free environment because we care about people,” stressed Pellaud. “We are improving the Viking Club, which includes an outdoor swimming pool and indoor swimming pool, large fitness exercise area and individual rooms for classes such as aerobics and dance. It’s very successful as right now we have 1,800 members, a good balance of families and individuals from different nationalities,” he pointed out. Al Boom Restaurant and Al Hashimi - meeting and event venues for weddings and exhibitions - were continuously upgrading. “Today I have a brand new hotel and the guests
The view of the Sky Lounge at the Radisson Blu which opens on November 1st. The hotel was never totally closed. “The building was closed, but we were never completely out of the market. Meeting and events facilities were always in operation including the Viking Club, Al Hashimi and others. The main building reopened on Sept 21, 2013 in a soft opening. The ‘grand opening’ will be held on Nov 26. On Nov 26, 1992, we reopened the hotel after the invasion, as it was completely destroyed and rebuilt, so it’s a lucky date,” he added. This time the hotel is more modern. “We added the lounge which is a new feature and is essential for the executive floor - the business class - as we have elite club members and activities. We will have an after-eight concept, which will be a music lounge with sushi, tapas etc. It will be nice and entertaining. The terrace is beau-
have to feel the same. Al Hashimi is a traditional dhow yet the quality has to match the hotel. So we are still investing a lot on the upkeep of all the facilities. It’s nice to have a new hotel but we have to maintain the standards of both the products and the services,” he stated. More suites were added. “ We added suites so we have a few less rooms. Although the size of the building is the same, the size of the room is slightly bigger, about a metre longer. We have 194 units including 30 suites and two crew lounges to provide them privacy. We had 201 rooms but reduced it to the current 194 by increasing the number of suites to cater to the increasing demand for suites by government delegations during conferences for instance and others,” Pellaud said.
Special promotions are offered during all holidays, especially Eid, end of the year, season greetings and others. “We have cakes and chocolates, and are promoting the restaurants. The Peacock Restaurant (Chinese restaurant) is very successful - we have bookings for about a month in advance. It’s not only about the food, it’s comfortable, especially for ladies who have privacy and are not looked at as in other places. I’m happy to maintain this atmosphere, particularly for ladies,” he explained. New weekly events will be held. “At Al Bustan Terrace, we have the Wednesday BBQ ever y week. It includes fish and meat BBQ, salads and mezza. It will be between the pool and the restaurant. We also will have the Friday brunch every week. It’s not a resort hotel. We are not on the seaside but we have a club outside and have access to the sea, but it’s not much used especially since the sea was polluted for some time,” he stated. The car park area was enlarged. “We have a plan to enlarge the parking to get space for approximately another 150 cars and now we have to work with the valet parking. It’s a handicap in most of the hotels, as unfortunately nobody is investing in parking. For bigger events, we may bring shuttle busses or have more valet parking to facilitate the service for all customers,” noted Pellaud. “There are lots of new hotels and competition but our advantage is that we were here before. We are known as friendly and accessible yet we are a brand new hotel, although smaller, but even size makes a difference as it’s more cozy. The attention to recognize people is what matters, to remember guests and treat them with what they like, and with big groups it’s more difficult so we need to focus. We are making a difference, as we are friendly and cozy,” he said. The wireless Internet is free and fast. “We have 100 MB per second speeds, and we are increasing the capacity so it will be the fastest in Kuwait. We still have to put a few antennas. Although everything here is nice, this is a business hotel, and anybody who comes to the hotel or its restaurants wants to use the Internet, so it has to be very quick with no hassles. We have the latest technology. In the rooms for instance, guests can connect the TV on their phone and control it with Bluetooth, watch movies or do whatever they want with their applications. It’s not all
about technology but it has to work to meet high expectations,” stressed Pellaud. “It’s a concept to make it different in the way we are serving and offering the types of food for meetings - it should not be heavy but interesting too. To be entertaining, we have a brain box room with very casual settings. This what the experience of meetings is all about. Weddings are among the main events in all large hotels. Sometimes we have six weddings in a month. We have the traditional Al Hashimi Ballroom especially for women’s weddings, then we have the Dasman Ballroom which is small for about 180 people and suits men’s weddings more. Weddings are a very strong segment, and catering is also important. This is Kuwait where we consider food as entertainment,” he
Philippe Pellaud, General Manager Radisson Blu is pictured during the interview with the Kuwait Times. —Photos by Joseph Shagra pointed out. Younger generations come to stay at the hotel during the weekends. “They have travelled a lot
and are much more open to new ideas and like new hotels - it’s trendy and they like to try it. They are different from business travelers, usually couples with children. It’s a good business opportunity, and it’s increasing,” he added. “We have to be local with international standards. This hotel was very successful over the years due to the fantastic relation with the owner. To keep this balance makes the difference as it’s been here for more than 30 years. We have about three employees who are working here since the first launch of the hotel in 1980, others are here for 20 years and so on. It’s a great recognition as the staff knows the guests since years and this doesn’t happen in any new hotel. This is the magic we need to take care of,” concluded Pellaud.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
LOCAL
kuwait digest
In my view
ADC at centre of scandals
Wake up before it’s too late By Waleed Al-Ghanim
By Khalid Abbas
S
A
s individuals dedicated to empowering the Arab-American community, we are alarmed by the decline of the American-Arab AntiDiscrimination Committee (ADC). Arab America needs a proactive and inclusive civil society organisation. ADC must reform to meet its mandate as the flagship Arab-American civil rights organisation. As former members, chapter presidents, donors, interns or supporters of the organisation, we are concerned that ADC finds itself at its lowest point after three decades of existence. All of the current female staff members at the national office have been on strike for a week. This follows publicly made sexual harassment claims by several past female employees. Over the past two years, ADC has been at the centre of scandals that have pushed it into the margins, making it even less representative of the community it was founded to serve. In 2011, ADC convention planners disinvited Malek Jandali, a Syrian American pianist whose music was a call for freedom in Syria. ADC mismanaged the affair. After the cancelled performance, many called into question its ability to lead, represent and mediate differences within the community. Over 770 people signed a petition calling on ADC to reform, starting with new leadership on its board of directors. After these reforms, the signers pledged to “commit ourselves to reviving the ADC as an organisation that protects and supports the human rights of Arabs in the US and across the Arab world”. The reforms never came. It was a missed opportunity to move in a new direction. This year, highly respected Arab American leaders Rana Abbas and Michigan state representative Rashida Tlaib came forward publicly to disclose that they suffered sexual harassment when they worked with ADC’s Michigan director, Imad Hamad. ADC merely suspended him, hired an attorney to conduct an investigation, absolved Hamad of any wrongdoing and retained him as an advisor. The board did not disclose much about the report or the basis for their conclusion. The lack of transparency and accountability calls into question the legitimacy of the conclusion. Several members of ADCMichigan’s board resigned in protest. Instead of sparking activity and boosting pride among Arab Americans, ADC is a dysfunctional, shrinking operation. Rather than taking the proper course of action, ADC’s chairman terminated its communications and advocacy director, Raed Jarrar. This was a mysterious move. Jarrar had invigorated ADC’s new justice for Alex Odeh campaign and was not involved in any of the controversies that have plagued ADC. The reason Jarrar was let go was that he, along with his co-workers, inquired internally about the sexual harassment investigation, raising concerns about it and the board’s decisions. In response to Jarrar’s firing, all of ADC’s female staff at the national office took to collective action. They went on strike starting on Oct 21. ADC’s chairman dismissed their concerns as if charges of sexual harassment in the organisation are none of their business. Telling them their opinions do not matter is hardly the response one expects of a grassroots, civil rights organisation’s head. By refusing to work, they lose their salary and risk their jobs and livelihood. They have so far stood on nothing but the strength of their convictions. By working together to take a courageous stand, these young, female Arab Americans represent the best potential of an organisation wrecked by a leadership which has abandoned ADC’s civil rights spirit. Their commitment to principle highlights the very reasons we, as former ADC members, were initially drawn to the organisation as activists, college students, and young professionals. At the time of this article’s drafting, the strike was still ongoing. The organisation’s recent missteps only alienate prospective members and remind former members and suppor ters why they left. However, the controversies and the strike are tied to a deeper problem: ADC is failing, and failing by any and all measures. ADC appears to have more former members than current ones. Almost all of the chapters it lists on its website are defunct. Recent elections for ADC’s Washington, DC chapter attracted just two attendees. ADC raised fewer donations annually since 2008, according to its tax forms. The portion it raises from its shrinking membership is minimal, showing its weakness as a grassroots organisation. ADC has fewer employees today than it had at the end of its first decade. Its media presence also declined since 2006, as a Lexis-Nexis search proves. It hasn’t released a publication since 2011, when it put out a compilation of scholarly writings on 9/11. ADC’s national conventions - which once galvanised thousands of Arab Americans from across the country - drew fewer over the years. The youth in our community stay away in droves, finding little inspiration in an organisation that lost its way years ago. Two buildings, its since-vacated Georgetown headquarters and its half-built centre in Dearborn are shrines to this organisation’s insolvency and mishandling of funds. Instead of sparking activity and boosting pride among Arab Americans, ADC is a dysfunctional, shrinking operation. The fault must lie firstly with those on the board of directors who have been managing its demise over the past decade or so through different ADC presidents. If the ADC has any hope to recover from this downward spiral, it lies in what these four young Arab Americans are doing. Sadly, the normal mechanisms of accountability are broken because its membership has declined so dramatically. The strikers are challenging an organisation too many others have given up on. They demonstrate what it can become if voices like theirs are empowered. We urge the board of directors to heed the strikers’ call. Then, they must bring into the board’s leadership a chairperson who is visionary, inspirational and welcoming of wide participation. This is needed to highlight - in very clear terms - that the board of directors will advance the interests of an Arab American community that needs an effective and dynamic advocacy organisation. The stewards of the organisation, its board of directors, must recognise this. The ADC cannot recover without it.
kuwait digest
The dilemma of reconciliation By Qais Derhab
K
uwait experienced tough times which involved the single-vote system and against any attempts to political tensions that reached the limit of explo- amend it. sion, leading to an emergency decree to amend The Cabinet members in addition to MPs who supthe electoral law which sparked yet another set of port the single vote system have sufficient number to events. The government stood firmly in defending the easily foil any attempt to pass a new electoral law in the constitutional right of His Highness the Amir to issue parliament. Therefore, the government cannot use ‘lack the emergency decree. of majority’ as an excuse in front of the public who votParliamentary elections were held featuring a wide ed despite the vigorous calls for boycotting the elecboycott from opposition political groups. Eventually, the tions. constitutional court upheld the ‘single vote’ decree but On the other hand, ‘cracks’ in the opposition’s unity ordered the elected parliabecame evident during the ment to be dissolved. The last elections as several key ruling was followed by voiced willingness The ‘two-vote system’ proposal puts members new elections which saw to consider participating in significantly higher partici- the government in a dilemma. future elections if the curpation rates compared to rent parliament passes a the previous polls, with Should they vote in approval of the new electoral law. As menalmost ineffective boy- proposal, such a decision would tioned above, such an cotting. amendment provides an After the parliament was contradict their earlier position in excuse to oppositionists elected, several MPs voiced who in this case can still their intentions to propose which they defended the single- claim that they lived up to new amendments to the vote system as a ‘protector’ of their promise of boycotting electoral law, which if hapelections held under a law pens could provide the Kuwait’s unity “which was almost amended by an emergency basis for a political reconcililost under the old system”, accord- decree. ation project. A ‘two-vote’ I believe that the Cabinet system passed in the parlia- ing to their justifications. is in deep trouble and faces ment and replacing the cura huge dilemma regarding rent one is seen as a perfect Furthermore, the government in the so-called political reconway for the opposition to this case would have to answer to ciliation project, which return to parliamentary life could cost its members their while saving face after vow- MPs who remain firmly behind the political careers. The Cabinet ing to continue boycotting is currently at a crossroads, as long as elections are held single-vote system and against any with one way leading to under the law that went attempts to amend it. people who look to particiinto effect by an emergency pate in parliamentary work decree. while keep their political However, the ‘two-vote system’ proposal puts the pride unaffected, and another leading to those who government in a dilemma. Should they vote in approval stood behind the government and its emergency of the proposal, such a decision would contradict their decree in the harshest of times. If the Cabinet takes the earlier position in which they defended the single-vote first route, it eventually would have to answer to angry system as a ‘protector’ of Kuwait’s unity “which was citizens who feel betrayed and believe that the governalmost lost under the old system”, according to their jus- ment sacrificed them in its efforts to make amends with tifications. Furthermore, the government in this case its political foes. would have to answer to MPs who remain firmly behind Can the Cabinet escape this trap? — Al-Qabas
kuwait digest
Enlightening souls, minds By Dr Sajed Al-Abdali
T
he other day, I finished reading Dan Brown’s latest novel Inferno, which is long one as usual that came in 400 pages. Commenting on it on my Twitter account, I said that it was an enjoyable novel and that I liked it. It seems that some colleagues did not like my tweet. “Brown’s novels are nothing more than revamped replicas of teen police novels,” said one of them. Another said it is a novel tailored only to please its readers. I think the debate appealed to my favorite friend, the great writer Taleb Al-Refa’e, luring him to post a tweet saying: “Dan Brown is incapable of coming up with any creative writing. There is a huge difference between those addressing readers’ passions and those sedating them.” I do admit that my colleagues’ remarks were provoking. Yet, I was not carried away with the temptation to tweet back because my previous Twitter experiences showed that Twitter is a platform ready to explode with endless replies without any hope that either party will eventually manage to convince the other with his point of view. One may get carried away with prejudice and enthusiasm before a large audience of ‘followers’ who might sometimes encourage accelerating the debate. Moreover, and generally speaking, Twitter is not the right place for details, be them on this topic or on any other because the 140-character message was never invented for detailed correspondence. However, let me make myself clear in a simple way! Various kinds of novels are like different fruits to me. They are not all the same kind and cannot be all compared as in comparing a good orange to a bad one. They include oranges, apples, grapes, strawberries and many other kinds. Accordingly, an orange should be compared to an orange, an apple to an apple and so on. Classic novels like those of Shakespeare are one type, Latin ones like those of Marquis are another; other Latin novels like those of Isabel Allende or
those of Paulo Coelho, Japanese novels and Arab novels are of different kinds. One can even say that Arab novels include different kinds of fruits themselves. Accordingly, Dan Brown’s novels are a different kind of fruit, but I don’t think classifying novels would be of any benefit to me or the readers. We should consider each novel and review its style and plot separately in accordance to what addition it made to me or to any reader; how much he enjoyed reading it because there is nothing that can help man overcome his daily stressful routine than enjoying something he /she likes, like reading. Back to Brown’s novels, I totally disagree with those claiming that they are mere rehashed police stories. For instance, ‘Inferno’ involves a deep philosophical idea about the possibility that man-made development would lead to its own destruction. The novel also raises an important question about ‘whether man should control birth rates so as not to consume up Earth’s resources and end up extinct like rabbits left to breed on an island where they multiplied to the extent of devouring all the island’s ecological cover and eventually became extinct. The Inferno takes place between the Italian cities of Florence and Venice and Istanbul in Turkey. It gives an outstanding description of streets and archeological sites, which would attract more tourists to those charming cities and made me want to re-visit them though I have done so earlier. Such profoundness and the simplicity of Brown’s style surely make his novels more than traditional thrillers. The bottom line is, regardless of the kind of fruit this or that novel belongs to, and regardless of how their styles varied, they are still capable of boosting our awareness, adding more culture, triggering exclamations and enlightening the souls and minds of their readers, which in my opinion is the ultimate goal of reading literature! — Al-Jarida
tatistics of registered real estate ownerships in the UAE there showed 56,000 ownerships by the end of 2012, with Kuwaitis having the largest share, as 30,094 ownerships were registered for them by the end of 2012 or 53 percent (Al-Qabas 13/9/2013). The average house price in Kuwait was around KD 120,000 in 1993, while a Kuwaiti university graduate’s salary was around KD 500, which was not enough to own a suitable house. In 2003, the salary of a university graduate who was married was around KD 800, which was a 60 percent increase from 10 years back, but, with regret, real estate prices went up to KD 170,000, which is far above citizens’ ability to buy. Today, the salary of a married university graduate is around KD 1,250, which means it multiplied over 100 percent what it was 20 years ago, yet real estate prices have reached astronomical levels of more than KD 350,000 which is an amount that no employee can meet unless he has other income sources that are equal to his salary, but where can these be found? Yes, salaries in Kuwait increased, but it was an unfair increase! It did not consider the family situation of the employee. It is also an unbalanced increase with the mad rise of services and goods prices in the absence of an effective supervisory body, and it is also an unjust increase because it discriminated between citizens without any legal justification. It is an increase that benefited businessmen and real estate owners, as seen in scary leap in rents, so who bears the responsibility of this suffocating chaos? The housing problem does need super solutions nor extreme efforts, and it does not lack budget or financial support - it only needs the government to carry out its duties efficiently or the parliament ability to hold it to account. But in the presence of a government that does not carry out its duties, and a parliament unable to use its constitutional means, the situation will continue deteriorating. For our government and our Assembly, do you even feel what is going on in the country, or are you comfortably absent? Oh, people wake up before it’s too late...! — Al-Qabas
kuwait digest
The missing welfare By Jaafar Rajab
W
e were promised with development, but then found out that they believe development is building a couple of new roads and a hospital. Now they announced that the welfare state is unsustainable, and I am sure that they believe that ‘welfare’ means salary increases, a jakhor (livestock farm), chalet, etc, whereas in reality it is something different than anything we see in Kuwait. In a welfare state, citizens enjoy advanced healthcare that increases their life expectancy as a result of state-sponsored preventive care and treatment. I don’t think that the Jahra, Adan or Mubarak hospitals - where a healthy man can turn into a zombie - know anything about welfare. In a welfare state, a citizen does not spend their entire lives dreaming mostly about getting a house. Instead, the state provides clear regulations that allow citizens to own a house in accordance with their needs and income. There is no such a thing in welfare states as waiting fifteen years to obtain a piece of land near
In a welfare state, a citizen does not spend their entire lives dreaming mostly about getting a house. Instead, the state provides clear regulations that allow citizens to own a house in accordance with their needs and income. There is no such a thing in welfare states as waiting fifteen years to obtain a piece of land near the border and a bank loan. Instead, you can buy a house in welfare states with banking facilities that guarantee your right. the border and a bank loan. Instead, you can buy a house in welfare states with banking facilities that guarantee your right. In a welfare state, citizens can rest assured that the education their children receive in public schools contribute to developing their intellectual and personal qualities. Skilled teachers, advanced curricula and modern teaching methods are qualities found in welfare states but are completely absent in our schools. In a welfare state, citizens live in clean, integrated cities. They do not suffer pollution and the diseases that result from it, and there are wide green areas, malls, playgrounds, theaters and entertainment places where they can spend their times away from work pressure. I don’t think that feeling that you live in a graveyard can in any way be considered ‘welfare’. In a welfare state, citizens have rights and the government has duties. In the meantime, citizens hold government officials accountable for any error or a penny spent in an unknown way. In welfare states, there are no governments that waste public funds or distribute money to those in the ‘close circuit’ - unless we consider ‘bribes’ to MPs and political activists a form of welfare!There are dozens of standards that determine the level of a state’s welfare and that of its citizens. Those standards do not include subsidized food, salary increases, lame concerts, allowing spring camping in front of houses, or building a useless road or bridge. — Al-Rai
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
Israel frees 26 Palestinian prisoners
Sebelius sorry for health law ‘debacle’ Page 10
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Bomber dies in Tunisia resort Libya chaos exploited by Tunisia’s militants TUNIS: A suicide bomber blew himself up in the Tunisian tourist resort of Sousse yetserday, the first such assault since 2002 in a country now battling Islamist militants boosted by chaos in neighbouring Libya. Police foiled another attack when they arrested a would-be suicide bomber at former President Habib Bourguiba’s tomb in the seaside town of Monastir, security sources said. No group has claimed responsibility for the attacks, but the Islamist-led government is combating Ansar al-Sharia militants who it says are linked to AlQaeda’s North Africa affiliate. “The two suicide bombers are radical Islamist jihadists. They are Tunisians, but they had been in a neighbouring country,” said Interior Ministry spokesman Mohammed Ali Aroui, without specifying which country. The first bomber had sought to enter the Riadh Palms Hotel with a suitcase. Turned away, he ran onto the beach and blew himself up, a security source said. No one else was hurt. The bombing is bad news for the vital tourism industry in Tunisia, which attracted 5.8 million mostly European visitors to its Mediterranean beaches and desert tours in 2012. Tourism is still recovering from the 2011 uprising that toppled the North African country’s autocratic leader Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali. Tunisia’s stock market dropped 0.95 percent after the bombing. “We don’t know the consequences right now, but in 24 hours we will find out. Whatever happens it will be negative because this is the first time they attack a hotel,” said Mohamed Ali Toumi, head of Tunisia’s federation of travel agencies. Al-Qaeda carried out Tunisia’s only previous suicide bombing in 2002 when 21 people were killed at a synagogue on the island of Djerba. Police tightened security in the capital Tunis and sealed off the nearby village of Sidi Bou Said, which is popular with tourists. Hundreds of police deployed in other resorts such as Hammamet and Djerba. Rached Ghannouchi, leader of Ennahda Party, which governs in coalition with two secular parties, condemned attacks on tourists, which he said target-
ed Tunisia’s political transition. “Whoever tried to assault the tourists and the tomb of President Bourguiba are criminals who want to destroy the economy and democratic transition in Tunisia,” he said. “They will not succeed, thanks to the vigilance of our security and our army and our unity against terrorism.” Since the 2011 uprising, Islamists have pressed for strict Sharia law to be imposed in one of the Muslim world’s most secular countries, which has strong ties to Europe. Oppressed and jailed under Ben Ali, conservative Salafis - followers of a puritanical strain of Sunni Islam - have had more freedom to express their fundamentalist views since 2011. But hardline Islamists have also attacked alcohol sellers, art shows, theatres and cinemas, and have taken over mosques. The rise to power of an elected Islamist-led government has fuelled fears of many secular Tunisians that women’s rights and liberal educational traditions may be eroded. The ruling Ennahda party says even ultra-orthodox Islamist views must be accommodated in Tunisia’s fledgling democracy, but that there is no place for armed militants. Authorities say the militants have acquired weapons and training in neighbouring Libya, where the central government has failed to impose order since the 2011 fall of Muammar Gaddafi. Ennahda accused Ansar Al-Sharia militants of being behind the assassination of two secular opposition leaders this year. Those attacks ignited protests by opposition supporters who said Ennahda had been lenient with hardline Islamists. Ennahda has agreed to step down within the next three weeks to end the unrest and make way for a caretaker government until elections. Ansar alSharia was also blamed for inciting an attack by Islamist protesters on the US embassy a year ago. Its leader is a former Al-Qaeda veteran who once fought in Afghanistan. Nine Tunisian policemen were killed in clashes with militants earlier this month in two different cities. — Reuters
SOUSSE: Tunisian police officers secure the area where a suicide bomber blew himself up near a seaside hotel yesterday. —AP
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
Saudi writer who opposed ban on women driving held DUBAI: Police have detained a Saudi columnist who supported ending his country’s ban on women driving, activists said yesterday. The activists, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, said Tariq Al-Mubarak was called by investigators concerning a stolen car over the weekend. When he arrived at the Interior Ministry’s Criminal Investigation Department on Sunday, he was interrogated instead about his role in a campaign launched by reformers seeking the right of women to drive in the kingdom. When his friends were informed they could pick him up at the investigator’s office, they too were detained for several
hours and questioned over the campaign’s activities, activists said. Human Rights Watch and activists who know AlMubarak say he remains in detention with no access to a lawyer. The New York-based organization called for AlMubarak’s immediate release and on authorities “to stop harassing and trying to intimidate activists and women who defied the driving ban.” The spokesman for the Interior Ministry, Mansour AlTurki, could not be reached for comment. In a column published in the pan-Arab daily Asharq Al-Awsat the day of his arrest, Al-Mubarak said extremists are intimidating
people from exercising their rights. He said the courts in Saudi Arabia do not have sufficient provisions to deter those who threaten and terrorize others from exercising their freedoms because “rights and freedoms ... are not instilled in our culture, nor our interpretation of religion.” Al-Mubarak, who also works as a schoolteacher, was among a core group of active young Saudis calling for women’s right to drive. Around 60 women claimed they got behind the wheel Saturday to oppose the ban. The campaign sparked protest by the kingdom’s ultraconservative religious establishment. The reformers behind the Oct. 26 driving campaign
say their efforts are ongoing and that they continue to receive videos by women filming themselves flouting the driving ban. The activists told The Associated Press that they have been followed for the past several days and are anticipating arrest. They have put in place contingency plans and emergency numbers for journalists and rights organizations to call in case they are detained. At least two women have been fined recently by police for driving, the activists said. Samia El-Moslimany said she was given a nearly $135 fine for driving in the kingdom, though she has a US driver’s license. — AP
Israel frees 26 Palestinians Netanyahu challenged by Israeli rightists
DAMASCUS: In this photo, Syrian President Bashar Assad (right) speaks with UN-Arab League envoy for Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi yesterday. — AP
Syria peace talks face delay as big powers split AMMAN: International powers are unlikely to meet their goal of convening peace talks on Syria in Geneva next month as differences emerge between Washington and Moscow over opposition representation, Arab and Western officials said. Failure of the main Syrian National Coalition to take a clear stance over the talks, which aim to find a political solution to Syria’s 21/2 year civil war, are also expected to contribute to a delay of up to one month, the officials told Reuters. “A clearer picture will emerge when the United States and Russia meet next week, but all indications show that the Nov 23 goal will be difficult to meet,” said one of the officials involved in preparing for the talks. US, Russian and UN envoys are due to meet in Geneva next Tuesday as part of the preparation for the long-delayed peace conference, which was first proposed back in May. A main point of contention, the official said, is the role of the Western-backed opposition coalition - an issue which has flared up since a meeting in London last week of Western and Gulf Arab countries opposed to Assad. They announced that the Geneva negotiations should be between a “single delegation of the Syrian regime and a single delegation of the opposition, of which the Syrian National Coalition should be the heart and lead, as the legitimate representative of the Syrian people.” Russia sees the coalition as just one part of the opposition and has suggested that several delegations, including Damascus-based figures tolerated by the government, could represent President Bashar al-Assad’s foes. That position was echoed by Hassan Abdul Azim, head of the opposition National Coordination Body, who said after meeting international peace envoy Lakhdar Brahimi in Damascus that delegates should attend not under the banner of the coalition but as part of a united “Syrian National Opposition”. A communique at the end of the London meeting also said Geneva would aim to establish a transitional government by which time “Assad and his close associates with blood on their hands will have no role in Syria”. “The Russians are furious at the strong stance taken in London and that the communiquÈ went a long way towards satisfying the demands of the coalition,” a Western official said. Minister sacked Preparations for the Geneva talks were thrown into further confusion on Tuesday by the dismissal of Syria’s Deputy Prime Minister, Qadri Jamil, after he met senior US diplomat Robert Ford in Geneva on Saturday. Jamil, a member of what Assad describes as the “patriotic opposition”, was sacked for leaving the country without permission and holding unauthorised meetings, state media said. “He saw Ford after meeting Russian officials in Moscow. The meeting was long but useless,” a Middle East official said, asking not to be named. “Jamil put forward what Ford apparently regarded as unworkable proposals regarding the Geneva talks. He also unsuccessfully tried to win US backing to
include him on the opposition side in the Geneva talks,” he said. Another diplomatic source said Russia had backed the idea, but that the coalition would not have agreed to sit on the same side of the table as Jamil in any negotiations. “It will take time between Russia and the United States to resolve their differences. We are looking now at Geneva between Nov. 23 and Christmas,” he said. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov acknowledged the Geneva meeting faced objections from both sides in Syria. But he added during a visit to Greece: “There are contacts between Russia and the U.S and we should not allow these efforts to fizzle out.” Opposition undecided Differences between Moscow and Washington are not the only obstacles to the peace talks going ahead. Ahmad Jarba, president of the opposition coalition, has publicly resisted calls to commit to attending the Geneva conference, saying the coalition will not take part if there is any chance Assad might cling to power. “He was speaking to his constituency and his public stance differs from what he told us privately,” one delegate at last week’s London meeting said, trying to play down the significance of Jarba’s stance. “We assured Jarba that an understanding had been reached with the Russians for Geneva to produce a transitional governing body with full powers over the army and security apparatus and that Assad would not be allowed to retain power under any special clauses. But his fate will not be specifically discussed at Geneva,” the delegate said.Even if Jarba were to attend, he has no authority over the rebel brigades battling to overthrow Assad. Many have rejected any negotiations not centred around Assad’s removal and said they would charge anyone who attended them with treason. Opposition sources said Jarba, who is backed by Saudi Arabia, travelled there in recent days to meet King Abdullah. Jarba will preside over a coalition meeting in Istanbul on Nov 9 to discuss taking a position on Geneva. “The meeting will likely stretch for up to a week as usual. What is required is for the coalition to forget rhetoric and come up with a strategy, road map and a detailed policy,” one envoy said. US State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Washington was still planning for a November conference but “no date or details is set or final until the United Nations announces it.” There was no immediate comment from the United Nations, but a senior Western diplomat said he was still keen that the “target date” for late November should be met. Several officials, including Arab League chief Nabil Elaraby, have said they expect the Geneva 2 conference to convene on Nov 23, though the United States, Russia and the United Nations have all said no date has been officially set. “A date has not been officially set because no one wants it to be officially postponed,” a Western diplomat said. “But it has been clear all along the aim was Nov 23. It looks now that it will be de facto postponed.” — Reuters
OFER PRISON: Israel freed 26 Palestinian prisoners yesterday, the second stage of a limited amnesty designed to help US-sponsored peace talks that have been dogged by divisions on both sides. The inmates, convicted of murder in the killing of Israelis before or just after interim accords were signed two decades ago, were bussed from jail at midnight to welcoming parties in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Though thousands of Palestinians remain in Israeli custody, the releases could help the credibility of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s engagement with the Jewish state, which is scorned by armed Islamist Hamas rivals who rule Gaza. Negotiations between Abbas’s administration and Israel resumed in Washington in July after a threeyear halt. Held in secret, they have done little to reassure Palestinians who worry about Jewish settlement of the West Bank or Israelis who doubt Abbas could hold Hamas to any future peace agreement. Yet neither side in the talks wants to disappoint an Obama administration which has ranked reconciling them as a top Middle East policy goal. Another is curbing Iran’s disputed nuclear programme, in which Israel sees a mortal menace. “As one who spent most of his adult life fighting Palestinian terror, in Israel and abroad, this is no easy event for me,” Israeli Defence Minister Moshe Yaalon said in a speech on Tuesday, referring to the prisoner release. He said that Israel “has been confronted with sensitive diplomatic circumstances and weighty strategic considerations in recent months, which require that we take difficult and painful steps. This is not a black-and-white situation.” In all, 104 long-serving inmates will go free. A first group of 26 were let out in August as part of understandings reached during shuttle diplomacy by US Secretary of State John Kerry, who set a 9-month framework for the negotiations. Celebration, recrimination Hundreds of prisoners’ relatives and well-wishers gathered at Abbas’s office in the West Bank city of Ramallah to receive 21 of the released men with predawn celebrations. “Our heroes are coming home, long live the prisoners,” they chanted. Musa Karan, who had been jailed for murder in 1992 said
he was still thinking of fellow inmates left behind. “Although I am released I feel sad because there are still prisoners inside jails. I hope they will be freed.” The other five ex-prisoners went to Gaza, where similar festivities were prepared just over the border from Israel. The Palestinian Cabinet issued a statement describing the releases as a precursor to a full eventual prisoner amnesty and statehood in the West Bank, including adjacent East Jerusalem, and Gaza. Palestinians, it said, would reject any attempt by Israel to “trade” prisoners for continued settlement-building. Yet Abbas peace envoy Saeb Erekat said the Palestinians had shelved applications to U.N. institutions open to them since the international forum implicitly recognised their statehood claim last year. Those institutions include the International Criminal Court, where Palestinians might have sued Israel over the settlements, considered illegal by most world powers. “A heavy price was paid, but a self-respecting
country would go through war to return these symbols of Palestine, some of whom have spent 19, even as many as 30 years in prison,” Erekat told Palestine TV. Yesterday’s release opened fissures in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rightist government. A pro-settler coalition partner, the Jewish Home party, openly backed calls by Israelis bereaved or wounded in Palestinian attacks to cancel the amnesty. An appeal against it lodged with Israel’s Supreme Court was overruled on Tuesday evening, however. “The release of terrorists in return for (Israeli chief negotiator) Tzipi Livni’s dubious right to meet Erekat is very grave,” said Jewish Home, which opposes Palestinian statehood. In an apparent bid to appease Jewish Home and hardliners within Netanyahu’s own Likud party, government officials said new housing projects would be announced soon in West Bank settlement blocs that Israel plans to keep in any future peace deal. — Reuters
GAZA CITY: Palestinian released prisoner Omar Massud, hugs his mother at his family house in AlShatee refugee camp in Gaza City yesterday. — AFP
Suicide bombers hit Iraq security, attacks kill 35
Iran nuclear diplomacy intensifies VIENNA: Iran and six big powers began expert-level talks yesterday, building on diplomatic momentum created by a pragmatic shift in Tehran towards negotiating a peaceful solution to the dispute over Iranian nuclear ambitions. However, despite much friendlier contacts between the sides since Hassan Rouhani took office as Iranian president with a pledge to reduce tension with the West, major differences remain to be overcome for any breakthrough deal to be reached. Highlighting one big hurdle, Iran said it was continuing its most sensitive nuclear activity, uranium enrichment to a level close to that needed for bombs, denying a statement by a parliamentarian last week that it was halted. “There has been no stop in the production process,” Iranian nuclear energy chief Ali Akbar Salehi told Iranian parliamentary news agency Icana. The meeting of technical and sanctions experts was meant to prepare the next round of high-level political negotiations, to be held in Geneva next week, on the contested Iranian nuclear programme with hopes of real headway after years of paralysis. Western diplomats said the talks at the UN complex in Vienna could be instrumental in defining the contours of any preliminary deal on scaling back Iran’s enrichment in return for relief from sanctions imposed on Tehran. But they cautioned that there is no nascent agreement yet. The talks will be held over two days. Iran rejects accusations it is covertly researching the means to produce nuclear weapons, saying it is refining uranium only for energy generation and use in medical treatments. The Vienna talks began behind a veil of secrecy: guards sealed off the entrance to a conference room where place cards indicated where delegations would sit. —Reuters
BAGHDAD: Three suicide bombings killed 14 Iraqi security force members overnight, officials said yesterday, the deadliest in a series of attacks that left 35 people dead in two days. The attacks come as Iraq witnesses its worst violence since 2008, a surge in unrest that has killed more than 5,400 people this year that has persisted despite authorities having carried out a swathe of operations and implemented tightened security measures. Since the beginning of 2013, AFP has recorded just 16 days in which there were no deaths from violence in Iraq, the most recent of which was May 24. The months-long surge in unrest drew condemnation from the Pope yesterday in his regular address to tens of thousands of worshippers massed in Vatican City. Yesterday, attacks in Sunni-majority areas of Baghdad and outside the capital left nine people dead and more than 20 others wounded, according to security and medical officials. The deadliest of the attacks was in Abu Ghraib, just west of Baghdad, where two people were killed in a roadside bomb, while a magnetic “sticky bomb” attached to a car in the Baghdad neighbourhood of Adhamiyah killed a policeman. Attacks also struck the restive central city of Baquba and nearby towns, the former insurgent bastion of Fallujah to the west of Baghdad, and the cities of Mosul, Kirkuk and Tikrit, all to the north of the capital. The violence followed suicide bombings the previous night that killed 19 people, among them 14 security forces members. In Tarmiyah, north of Baghdad, two suicide bombers attacked a house where a security meeting was taking place at about 11:30 pm (2030 GMT) on Tuesday, killing 11 people and wounding at least 20. One bomber detonated
explosives at a gate leading to the house, while the second managed to enter the building itself. The dead were four soldiers, including a brigadier general, three police, among them a lieutenant colonel, and four Sahwa anti-AlQaeda fighters. And near the northern city of Mosul, a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle rigged with explosives near a police checkpoint, killing eight people, among them three police, and wounding 25. Militants, including those linked to Al-Qaeda, frequently target Iraqi security forces and other government employees. Some 30 suicide bombers have managed to detonate explosives in attacks this month, while others were killed before they could do so. Other attacks in Iraq killed seven more people on Tuesday, as Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki left for a visit to Washington, during which he will push for increased US support for the country’s fight against insurgents. The Iraqi government has so far failed to curb the heightened unrest this year, and experts say Baghdad should turn to longer-term efforts that build trust among citizens, especially members of the country’s Sunni minority. Widespread discontent among Iraq’s Sunnis, who complain of being politically isolated and unfairly targeted by security forces, has been a major factor in the unrest, along with the civil war in neighbouring Syria, which has bolstered militants. The level of violence rose sharply after security forces stormed a Sunni protest camp in northern Iraq in April, sparking clashes in which dozens died. And while authorities have made some concessions aimed at placating the protesters and Sunnis in general, such as freeing prisoners and raising the salaries of Sunni anti-Al-Qaeda fighters, the underlying issues remain unaddressed. —AFP
In Iraq, Sunni attacks spark Shiite calls to arms
BAGHDAD: In this file photo, Haidar Talib, a member of a militant group called Asaib Ahl Al-Haq, or League of the Righteous, embraces his four-year-old son Mustafa as he is released from US military custody. — AP
BAGHDAD: The wave of attacks by Al-Qaeda-led Sunni extremists that has killed thousands of Iraqis this year, most of them Shiites, is provoking ominous calls from Shiite leaders to take up arms in self-defense. They generally insist they’ll do it legally, under the banner of the security forces. But Iraq’s young democracy is still struggling, nearly two years after US troops withdrew, and the specter of armed Shiite and Sunni camps revives memories of the sectarian fighting that took the country to the brink of civil war in the mid-2000s. Since April, bombings and shootings have killed more than 5,500 people. Averaging at least two a week, they target outdoor markets, cafes, bus stations, mosques and pilgrimages in Shiite areas. Iraq’s Shiite prime minister, Nouri Al-Maliki, who will meet with President Barack Obama tomorrow, says he wants American help in quelling the violence. Departing for Washington, he appealed for quicker delivery of offensive weapons such as hel-
icopters that Baghdad says it needs. Since late December, Iraq’s minority Sunnis have been protesting what they perceive as discrimination and tough anti-terrorism measures against them by the Shiite-led government. The Sunni attacks followed a government crackdown on a Sunni protest camp in the northern town of Hawija in which 44 civilians and one member of the security forces were killed, according to UN estimates. Now high-profile calls are being made for Shiites to play a role in their own defense by creating armed “popular committees,” attached in some form to the regular security forces. The idea raises the specter of some of Iraq’s darkest years following the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein’s Sunni-led regime, paving the way for long-repressed majority Shiites to seize power. Iranian-backed Shiite death squads roamed Baghdad from 2006-2008, killing Sunnis by the dozens and dumping their often mutilated bodies on the streets or in the river in retaliation for
the devastating bombings and suicide attacks blamed on Sunni insurgents. It was a cease-fire by militia leader and antiAmerican cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr, along with a Sunni revolt against Al-Qaeda in Iraq and a series of US-Iraqi offensives that helped quell the bloodshed. While Iraqis continued to face near-daily attacks, they hoped the days of rampant sectarian warfare were behind them. Now a politician, alSadr has urged calm among his followers and made no public statements about the calls to take up arms to protect Shiites. Zuhair Al-Araji, a Sunni lawmaker, pointed out that the insurgents are targeting not only Shiites but moderate Sunnis, and that arming Shiite groups would backfire. “We are worried that some militias will infiltrate these proposed committees and we will see grave consequences,” he said. But Jassim Mohammed al-Fartousi, whose 24-yearold son was among some 80 people killed in a suicide attack Sept 21, reflects growing public demand for a response.—AP
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
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Italy Senate to hold open vote on expelling Berlusconi ROME: Italy’s Senate will hold an open vote next month on whether to expel Silvio Berlusconi from parliament because of a tax fraud conviction, after an upper house committee narrowly rejected his bid to make the ballot secret. The decision has been the subject of intense wrangling, with the billionaire media magnate’s political enemies fearing a secret vote might allow him to escape expulsion through backroom dealings. A special Senate panel voted by 7 to 6 in favour of an open vote, overruling objections from Berlusconi’s People of Freedom (PDL) party, which argued that votes on individual senators are traditionally held in secret. “The panel has voted but it’s given birth to a constitutional monster,” PDL Senator Anna Maria Bernini told reporters. “This was a decision aimed
against one person.” No date has yet been set for the vote, but the Senate agenda is full until Nov 22, requiring a change to the timetable if the ballot is to be held before then. Berlusconi is expected to lose his seat in the upper house following his conviction in August for a giant tax fraud at his Mediaset television empire. But the expulsion procedure is proving long and divisive, with the PDL repeatedly trying to delay the vote, which would strip its leader of parliamentary immunity and leave him open to arrest in any of a string of other cases. Yesterday’s decision prompted a flood of anger from Berlusconi’s supporters, stoking tensions in Prime Minister Enrico Letta’s unwieldy coalition between the PDL and the centre-left Democratic Party (PD). “Democracy was murdered in the Senate
Germany to allow third gender option at birth BERLIN: Germany on Friday will become the first European country to allow babies born with characteristics of both sexes to be registered as neither male nor female. Parents will be allowed to leave the field for gender blank on birth certificates, effectively creating a category for indeterminate sex in the public register. “This will be the first time that the law acknowledges that there are human beings who are neither male nor female, or are bothpeople who do not fit into the traditional legal categories,” University of Bremen law professor Konstanze Plett told AFP. The change is intended to remove pressure on parents to quickly make a decision about controversial sex assignment surgeries for newborns. But even as the law takes effect November 1, there are questions about what it will mean to live with no legal gender. German passports, which currently bear an “M” for male or “F” for female, will soon be allowed to have an “X” in the gender field, according to a spokesman for the interior ministry. According to Plett, a specialist in human rights for intersex people, regulations for other personal documents will need to follow suit. “We will have fellow human beings with no sex registered,” Plett said. “They can’t be forced into either one of the traditional sexes in these other contexts.” Lawmakers have yet to make clear how the change will impact marriage and partnership laws. In Germany, marriage is reserved for a man and a woman, and civil partnerships are reserved for two people of the same sex. The law’s narrow focus is targeted at parents of newborns and “is not adequate to fully resolve the complex problems of intersex people”, including marriage and civil partnerships, according to the interior ministry spokesman. The fate of ‘outed’ children A more immediate concern for intersex advocates is how children “outed” at birth will
fare in a world that operates largely on a gender binary. “Schools have toilets for boys and toilets for girls. Where will the intermediate child go?” said Silvan Agius, policy director at ILGA Europe, a lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex rights group. “There are separate sports activities for boys and for girls, and so many other things like this,” Agius said. “The law doesn’t change that. It does not immediately create a space for intersex people to be themselves.” Europe lags behind on gender identity rights, Agius said. Earlier this year Australia began allowing individuals to identify as intersex on personal documents, and added gender identity as a protected category under federal anti-discrimination laws. The German law follows a 2012 report by the Ethics Council, an independent body of experts, concluding that people with ‘Differences of Sex Development’ suffer in the face of “widespread societal ignorance” and “a lack of respect on the part of the medical profession.” Personal testimony from the report quoted a subject born in 1965 with no clear gender-defining genitalia who was castrated as an infant without parental consent. “I am neither a man nor a woman,” the person said. “I will remain the patchwork created by doctors, bruised and scarred.” Experts estimate the population of intersex people at one in 1,500 to 2,000 births. But advocates say the number is much larger partly due to difficulties in defining intersexuality physically or hormonally. The new law has already raised the profile of this small population, which could prompt increased awareness, but, some fear, could also trigger discrimination. “It is an absolute must that parents, teachers and doctors be educated about the lives of intersex people,” said Lucie Veith, head of an intersex support group in Germany. “The government must take measures to ensure that no children are discriminated against because of this new law.” —AFP
today,” said Daniela Santanche, one of the 77-yearold leader’s most hardline loyalists. “How can anyone still maintain on the basis of some false idea of stability that this government serves the country?” Criminals The full Senate, where there is a majority in favour of expelling Berlusconi, must vote before the former prime minister can be stripped of his seat under a law passed last year banning convicted criminals from parliament. However the showdown has been delayed by heated disagreement between Berlusconi’s PDL and Letta’s PD. “The decision of the Senate panel should be respected,” PD secretary Guglielmo Epifani said in a statement. “People should lower their tone and remember that the law is supposed to be the same
for everyone.” Berlusconi, sentenced to four years in prison - commuted to a year under house arrest or in community service - protests his innocence, saying he is the victim of leftwing magistrates. He also disputes the validity of the law under which he faces expulsion and has threatened to withdraw support for Letta if the Senate votes to throw him out. As well as the prison sentence, the courts have also barred him from holding public office for two years, which means he will almost certainly be expelled, whatever the result of this Senate vote. The tensions over the vote have greatly complicated the task facing Letta’s government, which must still pass the 2014 budget law before tackling more ambitious reforms to revive Italy’s stagnant economy and cut its enormous public debt. — Reuters
Freed French hostages come home after 3 years 7 French citizens still being held hostage PARIS: Four Frenchmen held hostage by Al-Qaeda militants landed in France yesterday after three years in captivity in the punishing African Sahel. The wife and daughters of one hostage, Daniel Larribe, rushed to hug him, and the three held each other while crying. Other friends and family snapped photos of their loved ones finally home. President Francois Hollande greeted each of the hostages on the tarmac at a military airport outside Paris. At the time of their capture, the four - Pierre Legrand, Thierry Dol, Marc Feret and Larribe - were working in Arlit, Niger, where the French state-controlled nuclear giant Areva operates a uranium mine. They were retrieved in northern Mali on Tuesday. Both countries are in Sahel, the arid region that stretches from the Atlantic Ocean to the Red Sea just south of the Sahara Desert that is prowled by militants from Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb. The former hostages spent their first night of freedom in the Niger capital, Niamey, and left for Paris early yesterday morning. Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius and Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had flown to Niger to pick them up. Fabius joked that some of the men slept on the floor of their rooms, finding the mattresses too soft after their ordeal. Amid the immense joy of the homecoming, Hollande recalled that there are still seven French citizens being held hostage, three in Africa and four in Syria. “Today it’s joy for the four families, for our four ex-hostages, but it is still an unbearable wait for other families and for other hostages,” he told reporters from the tarmac. None of the men wanted to speak after Hollande, and some were made visibly uncomfortable by the intense media attention, hanging their heads and shifting from foot to foot behind the president as he spoke.
PARIS: Released French hostages Daniel Larribe (center) and Thierry Dol (second right) are greeted by their families upon their arrival at Villacoublay military air base, outside Paris, while French President, Francois Holland ( left) and defense minister, Jean-Luc Le Drian (second left) look on yesterday. — AP Also hanging over the homecoming were questions about why the men were taken captive in the first place and whether a ransom was paid to secure their release. The global intelligence company Stratfor estimates that Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, or AQIM, has carried out at least 18 kidnappings since 2003, raising an estimated $89 million in ransom payments. Pascal Lupart - who, as head of an association representing friends and families of the hostages, is in touch with those investigating the case - said he
was told that Areva paid a ransom for the captives. He did not know the amount, however. The French government says its policy is not to pay ransoms, and Hollande reiterated that on Tuesday. An Areva press officer, Julien Duperray, also said yesterday that no ransom was paid. Alain Legrand said that while he was thrilled at the release of his son, Pierre, he would be looking for explanations. “My son is 28. He’s spent more than one of out every 10 days of his life in captivity. I would like someone to explain to me why,” he told French television. — AP
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
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Heavy fighting near Congo-Uganda border KINSHASA: Heavy fighting erupted yesterday as the Congolese army attacked one of the last remaining strongholds of the M23 rebels near the Ugandan border, forcing more than 10,000 Congolese to flee into Uganda, officials and humanitarian workers said yesterday. Among those crossing the border yesterday was Ber trand Bisimwa, the civilian head of the M23 rebel movement, who was reported to be on his way to the Ugandan capital, Kampala, at the request of a mediator trying to bring an end to the 18-month rebellion, according to Uganda’s top military spokesman. Bisimwa does not face arrest in Uganda, which has been mediating failed peace talks between the Congolese government troops M23 rebels since December, said Uganda Lt. Col. Paddy Ankunda.
The talks stalled again earlier this month, and within days clashes erupted between United Nationsbacked Congolese forces and the rebels. Another Ugandan army spokesman, Lt. Ninsiima Rwemijuma, said yesterday that two M23 rebels armed with AK-47 rifles surrendered to Ugandan border authorities yesterday morning. Rwemijuma, who speaks for Ugandan forces near the Congo border, said the militants were believed to be M23 fighters. They were disarmed and are now “under investigation,” he said. Bunagana is believed to be the rebels’ last significant stronghold after a recent Congolese military offensive prompted the rebels to retreat - the reason many Congolese are now crossing into Uganda with some of their prized possessions. Lucy Beck, a spokeswoman for the UN refugee agency in Uganda, said the Congolese
crossing the border are now “too many to count.” Humanitarian workers on the Ugandan side of the border could hear gunfire from the Bunagana border post just a few kilometers (miles) away. The number of Congolese seeking refuge in Uganda rose from 5,000 to more than 10,000 within hours yesterday, she said. Julien Paluku, the governor of North Kivu province, confirmed that clashes were under way near Bunagana. The M23 movement emerged in April 2012, the latest incarnation of an ethnic Tutsi rebel group dissatisfied with the Congolese government. Neighboring Rwanda, whose president is also an ethnic Tutsi, is widely believed to have provided weapons, recruits and training to the M23. Rwanda’s government vigorously denies the allegations, saying Congo’s government has failed to
police its territory. M23 briefly overtook Goma - a city of 1 million people - last November but has been substantially weakened in the past year by internal divisions and waning Rwandan support, according to a United Nations group of experts. The Congolese military has capitalized on these rebel setbacks by pushing ahead with new offensives beginning in August that have been supported by the most powerful UN force yet. After years of only protecting civilians, the UN is now actively aiding Congolese soldiers in pursuing their enemy. In the last week Congo has scored a series of successes and taken back half a dozen towns from rebel control to the cheers of local residents waving palm leaves and running alongside their vehicles. — AP
Sebelius sorry for health law ‘debacle’ Sebelius admits time was needed to test HealthCare.gov
ALICE SPRINGS: In this photo, long distance student Cameron Smith (center), from Tieyon Station some 370 kilometres out of Alice Springs in Australia’s Northern Territory state, speaks with a teacher. — AFP
Lessons learned at Australia’s vast Outback classroom ALICE SPRINGS: Like any Australian child, Cameron Smith attends school every weekday, but with his teacher and fellow pupils spread hundreds of kilometres across the vast Outback his “classroom” is considered the largest on earth. Children from Australia’s remote central desert regions have for decades been tutored by the ground-breaking Alice Springs School of the Air, which once provided instruction over radio and is considered a pioneer of distance education. For students such as 12year-old Cameron, it provides an interaction with other children and teachers that would otherwise be sorely lacking in the country’s sparsely populated interior. “There’s one other boy in my class, he’s 500 kilometres (300 miles) away,” Cameron said via a live video feed from the cattle station where he lives, speaking to his teacher 370 kilometres away in Alice Springs, itself a remote town close to the geographic centre of vast Australia. The Alice Springs School of the Air prides itself on having the biggest “classroom” on earth, with students scattered over some 1.3 million square kilometres (260,000 square miles) — an area about twice the size of France. The first of its kind anywhere in the world when it opened in 1951, the school now has about 145 students who communicate with their teachers and peers using satellite-backed connections. “Some of the (cattle) stations, there’s only one child on them, so that’s difficult for them I think too with the lack of interaction with other kids,” said assistant principal Mel Phillips as she stood in front of a map flagging all her students in the Northern Territory, home to the monolithic red rock Uluru. But in many respects, the school is like any other-students attend Monday to Friday, mostly from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm, there is roll call and homework, and they must complete worksheets during the day. The difference is in the delivery, with each child’s home hooked up via satellite and provided with a computer, printer and microphone so they can communicate on the government-run network. The hardware is supplied by the school whether or not their parents pay the modest annual voluntary contribution of 410-500 Australian dollars ($400-$490). ‘My bedroom is only a few steps away’ While the school once relied on pedalpowered radios, then high-frequency radio, satellite Internet is now the norm. The sys-
tem allows almost instant interaction between the teachers in the studios in Alice Springs and the students at their computers-which can be up to 1,300 kilometres away, although there remains a slight time lag in the connection. Pupils can see and hear their teachers, and can speak and be heard by their classmates. It’s a huge improvement on radio, which was used in Alice Springs up until 2005, but which allowed real time communication for decades during which telephone connections to remote areas of the Outback were patchy. When they are not in the interactive mode-which is for two half-hour slots a daythe students are overseen by their home tutor, often a parent, or work independently. Teachers, of whom there are 17 who work at the school, also have a website where students-even as young as preschoolers-can access some of their educational tools, while set work is sent to them in the post. “We do have a lovely interaction with them over the phone or through the video,” Phillips says. “But the classroom interaction between children, between students is quite difficult. There’s a bit of a lag in time.” The children are encouraged to visit the government-run school three or four times a year to spend time with their teachers and do other things they miss out on in the Outback such as team sports and swimming lessons. And the students, who range in age from four-and-a-half to 15, can visit each other as well, and teachers visit each pupil once a year even if it involves lengthy drives along country roads that see only one or two vehicles a day with no mobile phone coverage for hundreds of kilometres. Phillips sees no disadvantage for School of the Air kids. “They are having a beautiful time,” she says. “Sometimes after school they quite often hop on their horses... they have a lot of wonderful activities that they do.” Cameron’s mother Jo Smith agrees that her son has not missed out, and acknowledges the comfort of always having a teacher “at the end of the phone”. “He’s had a great few years, as have all our kids. With the computer technology and the phones, they are really not disadvantaged at all,” she says. When asked what he likes best about the school Cameron says: “It’s predominately the flexibility of the learning... and the fact that my bedroom is only a few steps away as well. “I think I would get a bit tired if I had to walk to school,” he jokes. — AFP
Protesters rally after boy killed in California SANTA ROSAl: More than 1,000 people marched Tuesday to protest the fatal shooting of a 13-year-old boy by a Northern California sheriff’s deputy in an encounter that sparked community outrage and an FBI investigation. Deputies in helmets stood guard at barricades that kept the protesters away from the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office in Santa Rosa. The protesters, including middle- and high school-age students and members of the Occupy Oakland movement, assembled in downtown Santa Rosa before marching through streets with signs and hooded sweatshirts bearing photos of the boy. “Andy Lopez did not have to die,” they chanted during the mostly peaceful demonstration. Lopez was shot and killed on Oct 22 by Sonoma County Deputy Erick Gelhaus, a firearms instructor who authorities said mistook a pellet gun carried by Lopez for an assault rifle. Investigators say the hoodie-wearing teen didn’t comply with commands to drop the gun and was turning toward deputies while raising the barrel when he was shot multiple times. The incident remained under investigation by the FBI, Sonoma County prosecutors and
Santa Rosa police. Victor Manieri, 15, a freshman at Elsie Allen High School, left school early to join the march. He said he knew Andy and wanted to show support for his family. “I disagree with what that cop did that day,” Manieri said. “There are other methods such as using a Taser that would paralyze him, not take away his life.” Mitzi Reyes, 16, a junior at Elsie Allen, marched with her mother and two younger brothers. They also knew Andy and his family. “I’m here today because I want to get justice not only for Andy but for other people that have died for no reason,” she said. The shooting has generated several protests in Santa Rosa, located about 50 miles northwest of San Francisco. On Sunday, more than 1,000 people turned out for a service to remember Lopez. Sonoma County Assistant Sheriff Lorenzo Duenas said Gelhaus, 48, has been a Sonoma County firearms instructor and rangemaster for 19 years and has trained his law enforcement colleagues in the use of force. He is one of 26 such instructors for the county. Gelhaus also teaches pistol, carbine, shotgun and rifle lessons for Gunsite, a private company in Arizona, according to the company’s website. — AP
WASHINGTON: President Barack Obama’s top health care official told Congress on Wednesday that she’s responsible for the “debacle” of cascading technical problems that overwhelmed a government website intended to make shopping for health insurance clear and simple. “Hold me accountable for the debacle,” Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said during a contentious hearing before the powerful House Energy and Commerce Committee. “I’m responsible.” Sebelius is promising to have the problems fixed by Nov 30, even as Republicans opposed to Obama’s health care law are calling in chorus for her resignation. She told the committee that the technical issues that led to frozen screens and error messages are being cleared up on a daily basis. But even as she started her testimony, some consumers trying to log into the federal website that serves 36 states were getting this message: “The system is down at the moment. We are experiencing technical difficulties and hope to have them resolved soon. Please try again later.” The website was intended to be the online gateway to coverage for millions of uninsured Americans, as well those who purchase their policies individually. Many people in the latter group will have to get new insurance next year, because their policies do not meet the standards of the new law. Sebelius’ forthright statement about her ultimate accountability came as she was being peppered with questions by Rep. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., about who was responsible. It was Blackburn who introduced the term “debacle.” Rep. Henry Waxman of California, the ranking Democrat on the committee, scoffed at Republican “oversight” of a law they have repeatedly tried to repeal. “I would urge my colleagues to stop hyperventilating,” said Waxman. “The problems with HealthCare.gov are unfortunate and we should investigate them, but they will be
Kathleen Sebelius fixed. And then every American will have-finally have access to affordable health insurance.” Sebelius entered a hearing room so packed with lawmakers, photographers and others that she had trouble finding a path to her seat after shaking hands with the committee members. Many in the crowd chuckled at her quandary, which was far easier to negotiate than the questions that awaited her about the messy launch of Obama’s health care web site. The crowd parted, and she found her way to her seat at the witness table, facing a wall of expectant lawmakers. The standing-room-only hearing room was silent when she swore an oath to tell the truth and began her statement. “I apologize,” she told the rapt committee. Sebelius faced questions about problems with the website as well as a wave of cancella-
tion notices hitting individuals and small businesses who buy their own insurance. Lawmakers also want to know how many people have enrolled in plans through the health exchanges, a number the Obama administration has so far refused to divulge, instead promising to release it in mid-November. Some committee members expressed doubts about whether consumers’ personal information is safe on such a balky website. On Tuesday, Medicare chief Marilyn Tavenner was questioned for nearly three hours by members of the House Ways and Means Committee who wanted to know why so many of their constituents were getting cancellation notices from their insurance companies. The cancellations problem goes to one of Obama’s earliest promises about the health law: You can keep your plan if you like it. The promise dates back to June 2009, when Congress was starting to grapple with overhauling the health care system to cover uninsured Americans. As early as last spring, state insurance commissioners started giving insurers the option of canceling existing individual plans for 2014, because the coverage required under Obama’s law is significantly more robust. Some states directed insurers to issue cancellations. Large employer plans that cover most workers and their families are unlikely to be affected. The law includes a complicated “grandfathering” system to try to make good on Obama’s pledge. It shields plans from the law’s requirements provided the plans themselves change very little. Insurers say it has proven impractical. The cancellation notices are now reaching policyholders. Tavenner blamed insurance companies for cancelling the policies and said most people who lose coverage will be able to find better replacement plans in the health insurance exchanges, in some cases for less money. Change is a constant in the individual insurance market, she added, saying that about half of plans “churn” over in any given year. — AP
‘Spying on allies is two-way street’ Post-Sept 11 surveillance programs under scrutiny WASHINGTON: Nations spying on each other’s leaders is a two-way street and a longtime practice in the intelligence world, according to the US intelligence chief. But a surveillance sweep on phone records overseas that has prompted an antiAmerican backlash was carried out by European governments, not the US, another intelligence official said. National Intelligence Director James Clapper spoke Tuesday to lawmakers in a Congress divided over how to revise National Security Agency surveillance programs that have fueled bitter criticism at home and abroad. Though most of the programs were enacted as a result of the Sept 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, US officials are nearly unanimous in saying they’re ready for a review to see if the scope of spying remains necessary. At a House Intelligence Committee hearing, Clapper defended the secret surveillance that sweeps up phone records and emails of millions of Americans as vital to protecting against terrorists. He played down European allies’ complaints about spying on their leaders, saying they do it, too. “That’s a hardy perennial,” Clapper told lawmakers. Clapper said that during his 50 years working in intelligence it was “a basic tenet” to collect, whether by spying on communications or through other sources, confidential information about foreign leaders that reveals “if what they’re saying gels with what’s actually going on.” The committee chairman, Rep Mike Rogers, RMich, asked whether US allies had conducted the same type of espionage against American leaders. “Absolutely,” Clapper responded. Asked about collection of phone records in France, Spain and elsewhere, the NSA’s director, Gen Keith Alexander, testified that the US did not collect European records, as was reported over the past week to anger across Europe. Alexander said the US was given data by NATO partners as part of a program to protect military interests. He disputed that the program targeted European citizens, but he did not offer specifics. He called the reports “completely false.” As for efforts at home, the intelligence leaders defended sweeping up records of US phone calls as necessary to combat terrorism. The Obama administration vigorously opposes efforts to curtail the internal spying programs that have angered some Americans. Rogers urged lawmakers not to scrap an important investigative tool. “We can’t ask the FBI to find terrorists plotting an attack and then not provide them with the information they need,” he said. Others on the panel predicted that the programs will be overhauled. “There will be changes,” said Rep Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill. Of Clapper’s support for the intelligence programs, she said, “What I heard from you was a robust defense effectively of the status quo.” The nation’s post-Sept 11 surveillance pro-
grams, revealed by classified documents provided by former NSA analyst Edward Snowden, are under unprecedented scrutiny, especially after recent revelations that the NSA monitored German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s cellphone and those of up to 34 other world leaders. A bipartisan plan introduced Tuesday would end the NSA’s sweep of phone records, allowing the government to seek only records related to ongoing terror investigations. White House press secretary Jay Carney declined to take a position on the legislation, put forward by Rep James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., and Senate Judiciary Chairman Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., with a broad array of support. Carney said the administration is working with Congress on “appropriate reforms.” Asked about the reports of eavesdropping on world leaders, President Barack Obama himself said in a Fusion network television interview that the US
government is conducting “a complete review of how our intelligence operates outside the country.” He declined to discuss specifics or say when he learned about the spying on allies. Another US official said Obama did not know the NSA was monitoring Merkel’s communications until after his visit to Germany in June. That official said information about the surveillance of foreign leaders emerged in the course of the White House’s broader review of spying programs, triggered by media reports based on documents leaked by Snowden. The official was not authorized to discuss the matter by name and insisted on anonymity. The White House says the United States isn’t currently listening to Merkel’s conversations and won’t do so in the future. Carney wouldn’t say whether the US is monitoring the calls of other friendly leaders or whether Obama thinks that sort of surveillance of allies should go on. —AP
RJUKAN: People gather on a spot in front of the town hall of Rjukan where sunshine is reflected by three giant mirrors erected on the mountainside above the industrial town. — AP
Norway town sees winter sun for 1st time STAVANGER: Residents of the small Norwegian town of Rjukan have finally seen the light. Tucked in between steep mountains, the town is normally shrouded in shadow for almost six months a year. But yesterday faint rays from the winter sun for the first time reached the market square thanks to three 183-square-foot (17-squaremeter) mirrors placed on a mountain. Cheering
families, some on sun loungers, drinking cocktails and waving Norwegian flags, donned shades as the sun crept from behind a cloud to hit the mirrors and reflect down onto the faces of delighted children below. The plan to illuminate Rjukan was cooked up 100 years ago by the Norwegian industrialist Sam Eyde, who built the town to provide workers for a hydroelectric plant. — AP
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
India’s ‘Common Man’ aims to sweep out grand old parties AAP promises transparent political funding
KANDAHAR: In this file photo, an unmanned US Predator drone flies over Kandahar Air Field, southern Afghanistan on a moon-lit night. — AP
3% of Pakistan drone deaths were civilians ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani government said yesterday that three percent of the people killed in US drone strikes in the country since 2008 were civilians, a surprisingly low figure given past official calculations and estimates from independent organizations. The Ministry of Defense provided the data in a written response to questions from the Senate, saying 317 attacks have killed 2,160 Islamic militants and 67 civilians since 2008. The strikes are ver y unpopular in Pakistan, where many people believe they violate the country’s sovereignty and kill too many innocent civilians. The Pakistani government regularly criticizes the attacks in public, even though it is known to have secretly supported at least some of the strikes in the past. It’s unclear how the new casualty information will affect the drone debate in the country. A UN expert investigating drone strikes said earlier this month that the Pakistani government told him that at least 400 civilians have been killed by the attacks in the country since they started in 2004. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, based in London, has estimated that at least 300 civilians have been killed by drones in Pakistan since 2008. The Washington-based New America Foundation put the figure at 185 civilians. These estimates are often compiled based on media reports about the attacks. The US considers the CIA-run drone program in Pakistan to be a key weapon against Al-Qaeda and also Taleban militants who stage cross-border attacks against American troops in neighboring Afghanistan. The US rarely speaks publicly about the program because it is classified. But officials have
insisted in private that the strikes have killed very few civilians and the estimates from independent organizations are exaggerated. Amnesty International called on the U.S. to investigate reports of civilians killed and wounded by drone strikes in Pakistan in a report released earlier this month that provided new details about the alleged victims of the attacks, including a 68-year-old grandmother killed while farming with her grandchildren. Mamana Bibi’s grandchildren told the London-based rights group that she was killed by missile fire on Oct 24, 2012, as she was collecting vegetables in a family field in the North Waziristan tribal area, a major militant sanctuary near the Afghan border. Three of Bibi’s grandchildren were wounded in the strike, as were several others who were nearby, the victims said. An even deadlier incident noted by the report occurred in North Waziristan on July 6, 2012. Witnesses said a volley of missiles hit a tent where a group of men had gathered for an evening meal after work, and then a second struck those who came to help the wounded, one of a number of attacks that have hit rescuers, the rights group said. Witnesses and relatives said that total of 18 male laborers with no links to militant groups died, according to Amnesty. Pakistani intelligence officials at the time identified the dead as suspected militants. Contrary to the information outlined in the report, the Pakistani government said yesterday that there were no civilian casualties in 2012. The government said 21 civilians were killed in 2008, nine in 2009, two in 2010 and 35 in 2011. No civilians have been killed so far in 2013, the government said. — AP
NEW DELHI: An upstart political party forged in the crucible of an anti-corruption movement that swept India two years ago was long dismissed as irrelevant and slightly eccentric. But the Aam Aadmi (Common Man) Party has suddenly up-ended the calculations of mainstream parties in the race for control of the capital, Delhi, which goes to the polls in December and will set the stage for a national election due by May. The AAP’s leader, Arvind Kejriwal, is an uncompromising anti-corruption crusader who has tapped into a vein of urban anger over the venality of the political class after a string of breathtaking graft scandals. He is now more popular than any of his rivals vying to become chief minister of a city of 18 million. “Delhi is the start, we will take this to the rest of the country,” the slight, mild-mannered Kejriwal told Reuters. The AAP, which promises transparent political funding instead of bags stuffed with cash and candidates without criminal records in a nation where a third of lawmakers stand accused of crimes, may not have enough momentum to win in Delhi. But a strong showing in its first electoral outing would be an alarming bellwether for the two big national parties on the cusp of a general election, underlining that voters are fed up with old-style politicians and their failure to deliver basic services, from clean drinking water to safer streets for women. Opinion polls show that the country’s grand old parties - Congress and the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are already losing ground to a clutch of increasingly powerful regional parties. That
makes it likely the next government will be an even more rickety coalition than the outgoing administration, which has found it hard enough to make policy and push reform while trying to keep capricious allies on board. Throughout the interview with Reuters last week, Kejriwal sat cross-legged on the bare floor of a modest house donated by a businessman in central Delhi that serves as the headquarters of a shoestring campaign. He wore workday trousers and a shirt, not the starched-white attire of a political class that is seen as detached and aloof. “Ultimately the country has to be saved from its politicians and real power returned to the people,” he said. Volunteers pour in to see the 45-year-old. Some are students drawn by the former tax official’s promise to clean up public life; others have taken a break from careers in places as far away as London and Singapore to join him, brandishing the party symbol - a broom to sweep out corruption. The boat-shaped ‘Gandhi’ caps that Kejriwal and his band of insurgents wear emblazoned with the words “I am an ordinary man” are a symbolic repudiation of politicians who live in stately colonial-era Delhi bungalows and - according to the AAP - are protected by a dozen police officers each, leaving only one policemen for every 253 residents. “Why should a politician get more security than an ordinary man? Why do they need to travel in cars with red beacons? And why should they be living in bungalows when your people are living in pitiable conditions in slums?” Kejriwal said, his voice rising in
anger. His message has struck a chord with an increasingly urban electorate restless for change and dominated by the young, making it clear that the winner of next year’s national election will have to deal with popular anger as well as a yawning fiscal gap and fragile economic growth. “We are all fed up. We haven’t had an honest government for as long as I can remember. We want these criminals to be brought into the streets,” said Anju Chauhan, an affluent Delhi businesswoman. She has been visiting a slum behind her house every day, offering packets of biscuits and encouraging the poor to change their lives with a vote for the “broom”. Some of the promises Kejriwal has made reflect the current climate of populism, suggesting that no political party can easily roll back the welfarism of the ruling Congress party. At worst, Kejriwal’s demands reflect a dangerous new streak of anarchism, critics say. The party, which is contesting all 70 seats in the Delhi state legislature, says that if it wins power, corrupt lawmakers will be sent to jail within six months. Every family in Delhi will get 700 litres water free every day and their water bills waived. Electricity prices will be halved at the very least. Earlier this year, Kejriwal asked residents to tear up their electricity and water bills, saying they were inflated and the state was in collusion with power companies. “How can you even take them seriously,” said Nitin Gadkari, who is running the BJP’s Delhi campaign. “You get these small parties at the time of elections. They come and go.” — Reuters
Afghan delegation to meet Taleban leader KABUL: Pakistan will allow an Afghan peace delegation to meet with a senior member of the Taleban who may be able to help start talks with the insurgency, Kabul said yesterday An announcement from President Hamid Karzai’s office said an agreement was reached in London for a delegation from Afghanistan’s High Peace Council to meet in the near future with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, who remains in Pakistan after his release from prison last month. Baradar was the No. 2 of the Taleban until his arrest in Pakistan in 2010. The decision was made on Tuesday at a meeting attended by Karzai, British Prime Minister David Cameron and Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. “The three leaders spoke about the role of Pakistan in the peace process of Afghanistan and all three agreed that a delegation of the High Peace Council of Afghanistan make a trip to Pakistan and meet with Mullah Baradar,” an announcement said.
It remains unclear, however, if Baradar will agree to meet the Afghan delegation. The Taleban have so far refused to talk directly with Karzai, his government or its representatives. Attempts to open talks between Afghanistan and the Taleban in June ended in failure after Karzai accused the militants of setting up a government in exile and demanded they remove their flag and a sign identifying the movement as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. The Taleban refused and closed their office in the Gulf state of Qatar. Baradar’s whereabouts have not been known since his release and he has not met with members of his family or representative of the Afghan government or the Taleban. He is thought to be in a Pakistani government “safe house” that is constantly under guard. Karzai hopes that Baradar can help kick-start negotiations to end the 12-year war. Along with Taleban leader Mullah Mohammed
Omar, Baradar was a founding member of the Islamic militant movement. One senior Taleban official told The Associated Press recently that Baradar is still under house arrest in Pakistan and is not allowed to see his family until he agrees to meet with the High Peace Council, which was set up by Karzai to negotiate with the religious movement. The Taleban official told the AP in a telephone interview that Baradar had spoken twice to his family in Karachi since his release was announced Sept 21. Speaking on condition of anonymity because Mullah Omar has not authorized interviews, the official, who held a commanding position during the Taleban rule, also spent four years in Pakistani custody. He said Baradar met Taleban members while in custody and assured them that he would not defy Mullah Omar’s orders forbidding direct talks with the Afghan government. — AP
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
I N T E R N AT I O N A L
UN probing North Korea abuses hold US hearing WASHINGTON: UN investigators probing possible crimes against humanity in North Korea hold two days of public hearings in Washington in the latest leg in their globe-trotting effort to gather evidence about a secretive country that won’t let them in. Hearings held this summer in Seoul yielded harrowing accounts from defectors of systematic rape, murder, beatings and torture inside the North’s vast gulag that South Korea estimates holds 80,000 to 120,000 political prisoners. In Tokyo, the UN commission of inquiry heard testimony about the North’s abductions of Japanese nationals. In London last week, former North Korean prisoners and military officers recounted forced labor and witnessing public executions. The three-member UN panel, led by Australian judge Michael Kirby, is empowered to ensure “full accountability” for any crimes against humanity. Recommendations from the commission due in March will be passed on to United Nations for review - and that could crank up political pressure on North Korea and possibly trigger consequences. It is possible, for example, the outcome could lead
to a resolution being put to a vote in the U.N. General Assembly. But bringing perpetrators to book remains a distant prospect. There’s little sign North Korea’s hereditary regime is about the crumble or subject itself to international justice. Any referral to the International Criminal Court would require the approval of the U.N. Security Council. Permanent council member China, North Korea’s main benefactor, would be unlikely to consent. Kirby told the General Assembly Tuesday that all the evidence gathered so far points to “large-scale patterns of systematic and gross human rights violations.” He said when the commission delivers its final report, “the international community will be obliged to face its responsibilities and decide what concrete action it will take” to protect the North Korean people. The commission’s work has at least focused more international attention on the grim conditions there. Diplomacy has long been channeled more toward persuading or punishing North Korea over its nuclear weapons program. “Although nothing can be done to the government in North Korea right now, this is a
way to pressure them against not committing more rights abuses. They need to know it’s an internationally recognized crime,” said Hyun In Ae, who taught at universities in North Korea for years before defecting in 2004. She is currently resident fellow at the USbased Committee for Human Rights in North Korea. Hyun said she expected the government to be carefully watching news of Washington event, and will consider it a strategic attempt by the US to condemn North Korea, which denies rights abuses and even the existence of the prison camps. It has responded neither to an invitation to talk to the commission nor a request for the panel to visit the North. In Washington, the commission was expected to hear yesterday from some of the 150 North Korean defectors living in the US and then today from nongovernment experts on North Korea, including those who use satellite imagery to help research the North’s network of prison camps, which remain closed to outside scrutiny, even by the International Committee of the Red Cross. Recent research suggests that detainee numbers in the sprawling political camps have declined from
an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 during the 1990s. A South Korean government institute which conducts in-depth surveys and interviews of North Korean defectors, estimates that between 80,000 and 120,000 people are now held in the camps. Camps originally swelled under a system instituted by the North Korean founder Kim Il Sung in the late 1950s, by which three generations of a family could be detained because of the perceived disloyalty or political orientation of one of its members - a practice that may be less prevalent today than in the past. “The intent was to exterminate the family lineage of those deemed to be the enemies of ‘the people’ in North Korea. And to a considerable extent, the regime succeeded,” independent expert David Hawk wrote in August in his latest research into the camp system. He is due to testify to the panel today. Kirby said satellite images show at least four political prison camps remain fully operational, but in recent years, a fifth camp has been downsized and another closed. He said the commission would seek to establish to what extent the prisoners were transferred, released, or died. — AP
China police hold 5 over Tiananmen ‘terror attack’ ‘Attack’ embarrasses China’s security regime
BEIJING: Uighur jade vendors sell their wares at an outdoor curio market yesterday where Chinese police have been checking their IDs everyday since a vehicle attack. — AP
Uighurs face police scrutiny in Beijing BEIJING: In a dusty outdoor curio market in China’s capital, traders from the minority Uighur community gathered Wednesday to swap stories about the omnipresent harassment they say they suffer at the hands of the police. That scrutiny has only intensified after this week’s deadly vehicle attack at Tiananmen Square in which the Uighurs are the prime suspects. Before the day ended, five suspects had been arrested on suspicion of involvement in Monday’s attack, which a police statement described as carefully planned terrorism. Police also said knives, iron rods, gasoline and a flag with religious slogans were found in the vehicle used in the suicide attack. “They (police) come to search us every day. We don’t know why. Our IDs are checked every day, and we don’t know what is happening,” said Ali Rozi, 28, a Uighur (pronounced WEEgur) trader at the sprawling Panijayuan market. “We have trouble every day, but we haven’t done anything,” said Rozi, who is from Kashghar, the capital of Xinjiang province where most Uighurs live. Militants from the Muslim Uighur community have been fighting a low-intensity insurgency against Chinese rule in Xinjiang for years. Recent clashes, including an attack on a police station, have left at least 56 people dead this year. The government typically calls the incidents terrorist attacks. The police scrutiny of the Uighurs in Beijing highlights the years of discrimination that has fueled Uighur demands for independence for their northwestern homeland of Xinjiang. Many Uighurs say they face routine discrimination, irksome restrictions on their culture and Muslim religion, and economic disenfranchisement that has left them largely poor even as China’s economy booms. In Monday’s incident, a sports utility vehicle barreled through crowds and burst into flames near the portrait of Mao Zedong on Tiananmen Gate. Three of the car’s occupants and two bystanders were killed, and dozens were injured in the strike at the capital’s political heart, where China’s Communist Party leaders live and work. A list of as many as 10 suspects - all but one of them believed to be Uighur - was distributed to hotels in a bid for information. If the Tiananmen Square incident proves to be the handiwork of Uighurs, it would be the first such attack outside the region in recent history, and among the most ambitious given the
high-profile target. “I am also upset. They crashed a car, and we end up being harassed by police every day now, saying that we Xinjiang people are like that,” said Rozi Ura Imu, a 48-year-old trader in jade and other precious stones from the ancient Silk Road city of Kashghar. The Panijayuan market has thousands of stalls featuring crafts from regions throughout China: rows of statues and furniture, bins of beads and trinkets, cases of books and scrolls. Uighurs are a Turkic Central Asian people related to Uzbeks, Khazaks and other groups. With their slightly European features and heavy accents, most are immediately recognizable as distinct from China’s ethnic Han majority. Many complain of strict government controls not seen in other parts of China, including a ban on religious observance by minors and injunctions against traditional male cultural gatherings called meshreps. Recent moves to mainly use Chinese in Xinjiang schools have raised fears of the further erosion of Uighur language and culture, as well as job losses for Uighur teachers. Uighurs also say they’ve seen little benefit from the exploitation of Xinjiang’s natural resources while good jobs tend to flow to migrants from China’s ethnic Han majority. Uighurs frequently say they’re made to feel like second-class citizens, facing difficulties obtaining passports or even traveling outside Xinjiang. Hotels and airlines are reported to have floating unofficial bans on catering to Uighurs, and many employers refuse to hire them. “Hotels won’t take us and you can’t rent if your ID shows a Xinjiang residence. People look at us with a lot of prejudice,” said Yusuf Mahmati, 33, a fur trader plying his wares on a busy sidewalk opposite the Panijayuan market, a gathering place for traders from several regional ethnic groups. Uighur activists say they fear Uighurs could face even more discrimination following this week’s attack and urged the government to conduct a transparent investigation. The overseas advocacy group World Uyghur Congress on Tuesday urged caution and expressed concerns that Beijing could use the incident to demonize Uighurs as a group. Beijing-based Uighur economist Ilham Tohti urged the government to make public its findings if it indeed has evidence that Uighurs were involved in a terrorist attack. “I wish they will promptly announce the identities of the deceased, and all relevant information. —AP
China to step up security after new NSA allegations BEIJING: China will step up its security following allegations that the US National Security Agency (NSA) collected data on millions of phone calls in Europe and snooped on leaders of major US allies, the government said yesterday. “Like many other countries, we have been paying close attention to these reports,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told a daily news briefing. “China is concerned about the continued revelations of eavesdropping and surveillance and is paying attention to how the situation develops,” she added. “We will take the necessary steps to resolutely maintain the security of our own information,” Hua said, without elaborating. The head of the NSA defended his beleaguered organisation on Tuesday, saying it acts within the law to stop militant attacks and calling reports that the NSA collected data on millions of telephone calls in Europe false. The White House has moved to limit
some NSA programmes, including one that monitored the cellphone of German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Hua would not comment on whether China also carried out large-scale monitoring of overseas telephone calls, but the country’s security services are widely believed to run a sophisticated tapping operation, at least domestically. Foreign diplomats say that visiting officials frequently have to leave their mobile telephones and laptop computers or tablets at home when they travel to China, such are the concerns about Chinese surveillance and hacking. The Chinese government is often accused, especially by the United States, of hacking into computer networks overseas, targeting both companies and government departments. China consistently denies the accusations, saying it is one of the world’s biggest victims of hacking. Last week, China’s main state broadcaster said one of its Twitter accounts had been hacked. — Reuters
BEIJING: Chinese police announced yesterday they have captured five suspects over a “terrorist attack” in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the first time authorities have accused terrorists of striking in the capital. The driver of the sports utility vehicle which sped along the pavement, ploughed into crowds and crashed in the symbolic heart of the Chinese state on Monday was named by state media as Usmen Hasan. His wife and mother were both with him, the media said. City police said on a verified social media account that they “ignited the petrol inside the car so the car caught on fire” and the three “died at the scene”. Two tourists, one a woman from the Philippines, were also killed in the incident, close to a huge portrait of Mao Zedong hanging from the walls of the Forbidden City, and 40 people were injured, according to police. It was a “carefully planned, organised and premeditated violent terrorist attack”, the police statement said, adding that the car carried petrol, knives and banners bearing extremist religious content. Police said the vehicle had a licence plate identifying it as from the restive western region of Xinjiang, home to the mostly Muslim Uighur minority. The names given for the three dead family members and the five detained suspects sounded Uighur, although their ethnicities were not explicitly stated. The five people were arrested on Monday and confessed to plotting the “attack”, police said, adding that “jihad banners”, long knives and other items were found in at least one suspect’s residence. At least one of those held was from Lukqun, where state media said 35 people were killed in June in what Beijing called a “terrorist attack”. The police account of a terrorist strike in the heart of the capital prompted fearful reactions from residents of the city. “I work in Beijing. I never imagined there would be an act of terror this close to us,” one user of Sina Weibo, a Chinese equivalent of Twitter, wrote. Another said: “I suddenly feel that life is much harder.” Beijing has blamed Uighur groups for what it calls “terrorist” attacks in the far west, but details of alleged incidents are hard to confirm. Exile groups accuse China of exaggerating the threat to justify religious and cultural restric-
BEIJING: A girl visits Tiananmen square yesterday. — AFP tions. The police description of the suspects as name which the activist organisation uses to being found with extremist religious materials refer to Xinjiang, where Uighurs make up 46 perclosely mirrored descriptions of those arrested cent of the population. The group added that it over previous Xinjiang “terrorist attacks”. Rights fears the response by authorities in Beijing will groups say those accounts have led to brutal “lead to further demonisation of the Uighur people and incite a fierce state crackdown” in crackdowns on Uighurs. No Uighur group has claimed responsibility Xinjiang. Xinjiang is a sparsely populated but for Monday’s crash. “There are extreme worries strategically important area which borders sevover the fate of Uighur people,” said Dilshat eral central Asian countries. It is periodically hit Rexit, a spokesman for the World Uyghur by violent clashes, including riots in the region’s Congress, an exile group which Beijing has con- capital Urumqi in 2009 which left around 200 demned as separatist, after news of the deten- dead, but information is often hard to obtain. Police have arrested at least 139 people in tions emerged. “The Beijing incident is an excuse for repressing Xinjiang,” he said in a statement. Xinjiang in recent months for allegedly spreading “China is increasing its surveillance of Uighur jihad, according to state-run media. In August students and business people, and has instituted state-run media said that a policeman had been discriminatory policies sending people back to killed in an “anti-terrorism” operation-although Xinjiang. “According to local sources, 93 Uighur overseas reports said 22 Uighurs died in the incipeople have been arrested in Beijing, the secret dent. Three Philippine tourists and one Japanese service is carrying out checks, and has provided were among the injured on Monday. “All patients no reasons for the arrests.” Earlier the group’s involved in the incident are recovering,” a nurse president Rebiya Kadeer said: “Today, I fear for who declined to be named told AFP at Beijing’s the future of East Turkestan and the Uighur peo- Tongren hospital, where Philippine officials said ple more than I ever have.” East Turkestan is the the injured were being treated. — AFP
Women driven to fury by Beijing police road tips BEIJING: Don’t wear high heels while driving. Make sure you release the handbrake before setting off. And don’t panic if you suddenly realise you’re going the wrong way. Those are some of the suggestions given by the Beijing police department to women drivers in a series of microblog postings that have sparked a backlash among Chinese Internet users who say the tips are sexually discriminatory. “Some women drivers lack a sense of direction, and while driving a car, they often hesitate and are indecisive about which road they should take,” reads one of the suggestions, posted on the police department’s official microblog late Tuesday. Women drivers, the posting continues, often discover that “when they’re driving by themselves, they’re not able to find the way to their destination, even if they’ve been there many times”. Another posting features a cartoon depicting a confrontation between a police officer and a woman driving a vehicle shaped like a large red high-heel shoe. It relates to a story of a woman named Liu who caused an accident and then told a police officer: “I hit the brake, but my shoe got stuck in the car!” “Women drivers, please change into flat shoes when you’re driving,” the posting warns. Another driving tip points out that “while the handbrake is typically used for stopping the car’s movement, quite a few new women drivers often hurriedly get on the road without releasing it”. The posts appeared on the police department’s verified account, which has nearly six million followers. Women in China are guaranteed equal rights under the law, but conservative social mores often lead to gender discrimination in workplaces, schools and in other areas of modern life. One of the police postings cited an example of a “careless” woman driver who knocked over a pedestrian and forgot to lock her door when she went to check on the person’s condition, only to realise someone had stolen her
SHANGHAI: A woman gets into her car on a street yesterday. — AFP
wallet when she returned to her vehicle. “After getting into an accident, it’s easy for women drivers to get nervous and panic,” the police posting said. “Their minds usually go blank, and it’s easy for them to let bad people exploit the opportunity.” Web users responded with anger at what they condemned as sexual discrimination on an account maintained by the authorities. “Surely this official microblog is planning to devote its next postings to tips for male drivers?” one user asked. Another wrote: “All new drivers have these kinds of problems, regardless of gender-not to mention that the vast majority of accidents are caused by men.” According to a March 2013 World Health Organisation estimate, 77 percent of all global road traffic deaths occur among men, and men under age 25 are nearly three times as likely to be killed in a car crash as women in
the same age range. Beijing police did not immediately respond to a request for comment by AFP. Expatriates in the Chinese capital regularly lament road safety standards in the city. Many drivers of both genders appear to consider mirrors as purely ornamental, and view the turn indicator as an optional extra. China’s driving test includes a 100-question multiple choice exam. Sample questions from the English-language version reportedly include: When pedestrians are crossing a crosswalk, the motorised vehicle should a) stop and yield b) bypass c) honk continuously and pass d) speed up in advance and pass. One woman van driver in Beijing dismissed the police advice. “ What do you mean, women can’t drive?” she asked, jerking her head towards the back of her vehicle and laughing. “Look, I’m carrying male passengers.” — AFP
NEWS
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
An Indian potter paints earthen lamps ahead of Diwali, or the Hindu festival of lights, in Amritsar, India yesterday. — AP
India bus crash inferno kills 45
Brotherhood leader arrested in Egypt
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the south of India. Many of the victims were charred beyond recognition. Television pictures showed flames leaping out of the vehicle, which was completely gutted by the time firefighters arrived. The survivors were being treated in a nearby hospital in Wanaparthy, police said. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh expressed “sorrow over the loss of lives in the bus accident”, while the state government asked police to investigate the matter and submit a report. The Times of India reported that at least five of the victims were software engineers who were travelling home to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival this Sunday. Both Hyderabad and Bangalore are centres of India’s booming IT industry, while Diwali is one of India’s biggest festivals which sees tens of millions of migrants head back to their families. Around 140,000 people died in road accidents in India in
2012, according to the government’s National Crime Records Bureau, which works out at 16 an hour. Bad roads, speeding vehicles and poor driving are among the contributing factors. Commercial drivers are largely unregulated, meaning many work long hours overnight which raises the danger of them falling asleep at the wheel, campaigners say. In May at least 33 people died when an overcrowded bus skidded off a road into a fast-flowing river in the northern state of Himachal Pradesh. At least 30 were killed earlier this month in the northeastern state of Assam when a heavy goods truck careered onto the wrong side of the road and smashed head-on into two packed vehicles. The World Health Organisation’s global status report on road safety 2013 found that eight percent of India’s road user deaths were bus drivers or passengers while 32 percent were riders of motorbikes or threewheelers. -— AFP
Qatar removes Zidane statue Continued from Page 1 Our children do not differentiate between the right and the wrong, or the haram (prohibited) and the halal (permissible),” wrote another. Islamic jurisprudence prohibits statues of human beings and animals to avoid the possibility of idolisation. Although some Muslim countries display statues in public, conservative Gulf nations mostly do not. Saudi municipal authorities in June smashed sculptures of horses erected on a roundabout in the southwestern Jazan province after the kingdom’s top cleric Abdulaziz al-Shaikh wrote to the local governor demanding their removal for being a “great sin”. The
Qatar Museum Authority bought the “Coup de Tete” sculpture after it was put on display earlier outside the Pompidou Centre in Paris. It was also reportedly displayed between July and September in Italy’s coastal town of Pietrasanta. QMA reportedly said at the time that the sculpture was planned to be a permanent fixture on the corniche. Doha News website said the statue will now join Abdessemed’s collection that is on display in the Arab Museum of Modern Art, citing QMA chief marketing officer Kimberly French. The Museum is hosting until Jan 4 an exhibition by Abdessemed entitled “L’age d’or”, featuring drawings, paintings, sculptures and videos. — AFP
Speaker accused of rigging panels Continued from Page 1 In another development, the court of appeals yesterday suspended the implementation of a three-month prison term passed against opposition journalist and writer Mohammad Al-Wushaihi. Wushaihi was handed the sentence last week by the lower court for writing remarks deemed highly derogatory to former prime minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The suspension is effective until Nov 13 when the court is scheduled to issue its verdict on the case. The opposition meanwhile reiterated calls yesterday to amend the constitution and strongly lashed out at the government for saying welfare services cannot continue. In a meeting held after a long recess, former Assembly speaker Ahmad Al-Saadoun that the government wants
to end the welfare state for the people and to start welfare for corrupt people. Saadoun said that the process of political reforms cannot be undertaken through reactions but through well-defined steps and measures that must lead to amending the country’s constitution. The veteran opposition leader said that the government is still being selected and appointed the same way it happened 50 years ago, adding that the government’s program is “terribly bad and it must step down”. Former opposition MP Abdullatif Al-Ameeri said that the opposition had warned that the Kuwaiti people will be forced to pay the price for the incompetence of the government in managing the country’s resources. Ameeri said that the government is paying billions of dollars to other countries while it wants Kuwaitis to face austerity measures.
Erian is also one of the defendants in the Morsi trial. He is accused of inciting Brotherhood followers to break up anti-Morsi protesters gathered outside the presidential palace late last year. In photographs broadcast on state television following his arrest, the 59year-old Erian is wearing a white galabiya, the traditional male robe, and a skullcap, and flashes a smile to the cameras. He is the latest senior Brotherhood leader arrested on warrants from state prosecutors who accuse the group’s key figures of crimes ranging from inciting violence to providing weapons to supporters and threatening public order. The official state news agency MENA said Erian was arrested after a raid on an apartment in the eastern suburb of New Cairo, where he had been hiding. He was later transferred to the Torah prison complex in southern Cairo, where most of the group’s arrested leaders are held. The agency said he will be interrogated at Torah on accusations of inciting violence in a number of anti-government protests. While Morsi was in power, Erian frequently spoke publicly, often causing a stir as he turned from a moderate to a hardline member of the group. During a large-anti-Morsi demonstration last December outside the presidential palace, Erian went on a Brotherhoodaffiliate television channel to ask supporters “in the tens of thousands, to besiege those thugs.” At least 10 people died in subsequent clashes outside the palace. While in hiding, Erian distributed messages to followers, urging them to denounce the coup and demand Morsi’s reinstatement. In a recent pre-recorded message aired on the Al-Jazeera satellite news network, Erian criticized the military and the interim authorities and called on supporters, including students, to keep up their protests. Hours after Erian’s arrest, proMuslim Brotherhood student protesters stormed the administrative building of Al-Azhar Islamic university. They
CAIRO: Egyptian students of Al-Azhar University block the access to an administration building during an anti-army protest yesterday. — AFP smashed windows and equipment while besieging the office of university’s chief and other administrators. The assault prompted university officials to call the police to break up the rowdy protests. Riot police forces entered the campus and freed the officials, security officials said. The university, where the Brotherhood has a strong base, has been scene to near-daily protests. Yesterday’s protest, however, was the first time students threatened the university president; although they had besieged the administrative building before. Mahmoud Salah, one of the protesters, denied the violence was the work of the students. He accused authorities of planting troublemakers among them to stir the violence. “Our protests are peaceful,” he told The Associated Press. “We are against the coup.” Salah said police forces stormed the campus with armored vehicles and arrested students. Television footage of the university showed damage inside the offices. Graffiti covered building walls, including one message inside that read: “CC Killer,” referring to Egypt’s military chief Gen Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi. “Sisi is a dog. Down, down with the lord of the army,” one protester scribbled. One police officer yelled: “Arrest
anyone you see. Bring me those kids. If you see anyone just arrest them right away.” Following Morsi’s ouster, the country’s new, military-backed authorities cracked down on the group, arresting hundreds of Brotherhood figures and putting top leaders on trial. The authorities are seeking to show through the prosecutions that the Brotherhood fueled violence during Morsi’s one-year presidency and after the coup. Calls for reconciliation that would return the Brotherhood - which dominated elections after the 2011 fall of Hosni Mubarak - to the political system have gone nowhere, with neither side giving ground. Erian’s arrest came just hours after three judges presiding over a trial of nearly three dozen Brotherhood members, including its top spiritual leader and its chief financier, stepped down on Tuesday after security agencies refused to let the defendants attend the courtroom sessions. The move was a sharp pushback from within the judiciary over the conduct of the trial amid criticism by the Brotherhood that wide-ranging prosecutions of its leaders, including Morsi and the group’s spiritual guide, Mohammed Badie, are only vengeful show trials. — Agencies
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
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Palestinians celebrate Jerusalem heritage in rare festival By Diana Atallah
a’ek, Ka’ek, Ka’ek,” a young man chants, inviting costumers to buy the sesame-coated bread that is the namesake of an event recently held in East Jerusalem, the Ka’ek Festival. An attempt to bring Palestinian culture to Jerusalem, no Jewish Israelis attended. As thousands happily flocked to the site of the festival - the Dar Al-Tifel Al-Arabi school in Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood the Zummord family, like many others, stopped to buy ka’ek, which is part of a popular Palestinian breakfast that includes falafel, cheese, baked eggs and the spice zaatar. “I grew up eating ka’ek and hearing vendors call for customers to buy it,” Shadi Zummord told The Media Line. “I remember as a school kid, I used to grab a ka’ek on the way.” Shadi’s wife of five years, Jessica, looked at their 4-year-old son,Noor, as she expressed the importance of such an event in Jerusalem. “We would like our son to feel the connection to his city, and this is one way to do that,” she said, explaining that few events of a similar nature happen in Jerusalem. Shadi, who was born and raised in the city, says that there is a void in the social lives of Arab Jerusalemites. His wife, who is Belgian, agrees. “It’s refreshing to re-connect with people in our city,” she said. “Ka’ek is an authentic cultural food of Jerusalem’s heritage,” Rami Taha, one of the festival organizers, told The Media Line. “You can smell the baked ka’ek everywhere in the old city.” Organizers say many bakeries have attempted to reproduce the bread outside of the old city by using the same equipment and ingredients. “Israelis tried to replace ka’ek with bagels but they failed to produce the same taste and quality,” Taha said. At the entrance, organizers sold tickets to adults for less than $5 while the entry fee for children was just over $1. Bread wasn’t the only highlight of the festival. Games were arrayed at the entrance and more than 30 booths sold food, accessories, clothing and crafts. At one of them, three women stood behind a counter selling the traditional dish, mujadara, made from lentils, rice and onions. “It’s always a good time when the people of the city gather around food,” said Ina’m Balbisi as steam billowed out of a pot she was stirring. “It brings out the mood of joy.” Clowns strolled in the festival’s square, where puppet and storytelling shows were designed for children. Other booths offered face painting, manicures and henna drawings. Dressed in a black sweater with Palestinian embroidery, Amna Eweiswalked with her three children toward inflatable castles. “I find fewer people wearing Palestinian traditional clothing,” she said. “I am afraid it will be lost and so I wear it more often, especially at cultural events like this one.” It’s the third annual festival put on by Ayesha ya Quds (Living Jerusalem), an independent group of more than 40 young men and women. “One of the group’s aims is to bring life back to Jerusalem. We noticed that the social life in the city lacked Palestinian presence,” Abed Al-Qutob, an organizer of the festival and a member of Ayesha ya Quds, told The Media Line. The group aims to provide entertainment space for the younger generation of Arabs in the city. “The Jerusalem municipality doesn’t offer options for Palestinians in Jerusalem. There are entertainment venues in the city, but with a Jewish identity, so we don’t feel we have a spot there,” Al-Qutob added. “The festival aims at preserving the Palestinian culture and heritage of Jerusalem as well as connecting Jerusalemites together and bringing a new life to the city.” The day of games, music, art and local food was a source of joy to many. “Palestinians in the Arab eastern part of Jerusalem are under Israeli pressure to leave the city and immigrate to other Palestinian cities or abroad. We face this discrimination in our daily lives. This festival is important to gather Jerusalemites in the city center and old city regardless of our geographic separation,” Taha said. As young men and women danced to the rhythms of Yalalan, a Palestinian band, Yasmine Al-Qutob hummed along. “Much more support is being given to cultural events in Ramallah and Jerusalem left alone,” she said. “Everywhere I go in the West Bank, I am asked to bring ka’ek with me. After all, ka’ek is the taste of Jerusalem.”
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Questions on what Obama knew and when By Steve Holland o his critics, President Barack Obama often has seemed to be conveniently distant when trouble has hit his administration. But on Tuesday, Obama was hit with a public-relations crisis that struck at the core of his domestic and foreign policies - one that raised questions about whether he had misled Americans on his signature healthcare overhaul, and whether he really was unaware of the US government’s alleged spying on its allies. It was a dramatic twist for the Democratic president, who was widely seen as outflanking Republicans during the budget battles that led to a partial government shutdown and a near-default by the US government this month. Until this week, most of the discussion in Washington on the “Obamacare” health insurance program focused on its clumsy rollout, as symbolized by a balky website that is frustrating uninsured Americans’ efforts to enroll in the program. But several media reports on Tuesday raised questions about whether the administration was completely truthful in selling the program to Americans four years ago, after Obama was first elected president. The latest flap dates to a pledge that Obama made in 2009 about the healthcare initiative that remains the biggest achievement of his nearly five years in office. “If you like your healthcare plan, you’ll be able to keep your healthcare plan, period,” he told the American Medical Association in Chicago on June 15, 2009, a mantra he has repeated regularly - including during his 2012 re-election, when Republicans were saying that the law would force millions of Americans to lose their insurance. “No one will take it away, no matter what,” Obama has said. But as potentially millions of Americans are learning now, the pledge came with some caveats. Those who buy their own insurance on the open market and who have policies that don’t meet minimum standards of the Affordable Care Act are likely to have their policies canceled and replaced with higher-cost alternatives, industry analysts said on Tuesday. The scenario could affect a relatively small percentage of Americans, but nevertheless could involve hundreds of thousands of people who have had inexpensive policies with few benefits, analysts said.
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White House spokesman Jay Carney said that the administration has always said that some healthcare plans would not meet the new requirements, which require that coverage include emergency services, maternity care, prescription drugs and other popular features. Carney argued that these Americans would end up with better insurance coverage because they have been in a “Wild West” part of the insurance market that was under-regulated. Republican critics pounced on the White House’s defense, saying that Obama had misrepresented the healthcare law for years. They also chided the administration for saying Obama had been surprised by the depth of the glitches on HealthCare.gov, the federal government’s online insurance exchange. “In the old days people used to call (Republican President) Ronald Reagan the ‘Teflon president’ if something bad happened in his administration and it did not stick to him,” Republican strategist Charlie Black said. “But that title much more fits President Obama, who goes out of his way to not take responsibility for anything bad that happens.” Black’s shot at Obama was part of a chorus of “Itold-you-so” criticism launched by Republicans who have made reversing Obamacare their top priority, claiming that it will kill jobs and raise medical costs. It also reflected another accusation made by Republicans in recent months: that Obama doesn’t seem to be in the loop on key issues involving his own administration. On Capitol Hill on Tuesday, Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and National Security Agency Keith Alexander faced questions from lawmakers about reports that the NSA had spied on leaders of US allies, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a key friend of the United States. The hearing came a day after California Senator Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, said in a statement that Obama apparently had not known that Merkel’s communications had been collected since 2002. “That’s a big problem,” Feinstein said. White House spokesman Carney has declined to comment on specific reports of NSA spying. But analysts said that Obama’s apparent distance from the NSA controversy follows a pattern with his administration that they have
seen in other sensitive matters, including the fatal attacks on a US diplomatic post in Benghazi, Libya, last year and the flap over whether the Internal Revenue Service targeted conservative groups for additional scrutiny. “The president has some issues here that are really a sad pattern for his second term,” said David Yepsen, director of the Paul Simon Public Policy Center at the University of Southern Illinois. “The economy is very fragile. The American people are in an anxious mood. And this sort of drum beat of troubles that the administration seems to have is just really unsettling.” Even TV comedian Jon Stewart of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show”, who typically saves his sharpest jabs for Republicans, is making light of what he suggests is the president’s curious disengagement from anything controversial. “If the president is unaware that we were spying on our allies, who gave the go-ahead to spy on our allies?” Stewart said this week during a segment called, “Wait, wait ... Don’t tell him.” Obama’s difficulties likely have contributed to a decline in his public approval rating, now down to 40 percent in the latest Reuters/Ipsos tracking polls. Only 19 percent of those surveyed this week said the country is on the right track. Ipsos pollster Julia Clark said the approval rating is about the lowest Obama has had, and is likely the result of political fallout from the 16-day government shutdown and the problems with the healthcare program’s launch. “While all politicians were affected by the former, Obama personally suffers more from the latter due to the fact that it is, quite literally, branded with his name, ‘Obamacare,’” she said. Obama’s defenders believe the controversies will blow over and that the president should focus on the next round of budget negotiations with Congress as key deadlines for action approach in December and January. The fight over spending is likely to set the stage for the November 2014 midterm congressional elections, the outcome of which will determine whether Obama will have enough fellow Democrats in Congress to get much done in his final two years in office. “I think the big things for the president right now are how he handles what happens in January and February and how the Republicans handle it,” said Democratic consultant Bob Shrum. — Reuters
Tiananmen ‘attack’ embarrasses China By Kelly Olsen “terrorist attack” in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the symbolic heart of the Chinese state, represents an embarrassing failure for the nation’s vast police and intelligence apparatus and shows it cannot plug all security vulnerabilities, analysts say. Communist China spends vast sums on ensuring order among a population of 1.35 billion people, more even than on its military, the world’s largest. Tiananmen, in the middle of the sprawling Chinese capital, has long been a magnet for protests both large and small, including the huge pro-democracy demonstrations of 1989 that challenged Communist Party rule. The square is permanently under heavy security with uniformed and plainclothes police constantly on the lookout for any sign of trouble, though the spectre of a terrorist attack in the centre of Beijing raises the stakes significantly. “Clearly the party will be horrified”, David Tobin, a University of Glasgow expert on Chinese politics, told AFP. “This is a highly policed region. You wouldn’t think that something like this would happen here. So this will make the party nervous.” The three people in the car which crashed on Monday, all of whom died, were from the same family, Beijing police said yesterday, and another five people had been arrested. It was a “carefully planned, organised and premeditated violent terrorist attack”, they added - the first time authorities have admitted to such a strike taking place in the capital. The names released for the dead and the apprehended suspects appear to belong to members of China’s mainly Muslim Uighur minority, though police and media refrained from explicitly stating their ethnicity. The car was licensed in China’s far western region of Xinjiang, home to most of China’s
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Uighurs, many of whom say they are victims of discrimination and ethnic profiling by the state, and the scene of periodic unrest. Willy Lam, a China expert at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, said that as well as the fact security measures were proven ineffective, the deadly nature of the incident in which at least one foreigner died compounded the embarrassment. “It’s a big loss of face for the authorities,” he said, noting that the crash came ahead of a key Communist Party meeting set for next month in Beijing. China’s declared domestic security budget across all levels of government is 769 billion yuan ($126 billion) this year, more than the country officially plans to spend on its armed forces, and an increase of more than 200 billion yuan since 2010. “If the Chinese MPS (Ministry of Public Security) cannot secure Tiananmen, it shows that China, as a whole, is insecure, inviting more challenges,” Kam C Wong, a former Hong Kong police official who teaches criminal justice at Xavier University in the United States, wrote in an email. The exact motivation for the mayhem in which a sport utility vehicle left the major transport artery that runs in front of the Forbidden City - a former imperial palace and rammed into a crowd of tourists and police, killing at least two visitors and injuring dozens, remains murky. Experts have cautioned against jumping to conclusions about the nature of the incident given the government’s virtual monopoly on what information is released. “It’s the fact that it occurred in Tiananmen Square that immediately gives rise to suspicion of something of a political nature,” said John Delury, an expert on modern Chinese politics at Yonsei University in Seoul. But given that Xinjiang has been a hotbed of tensions in recent years - about 200 people
In this photo taken Tuesday, residents walk by a mural depicting China’s ethnic minorities including Uighurs in Beijing. — AP died in riots in its capital Urumqi in 2009 - the we see across the Middle East with sophistiregion also cannot be discounted as a source cated technology, lots of coordination,” he of violence. “I think the fact that it could take said. “It seems quite crude, driving a jeep into place in Beijing shows that there are limits as people and then setting liquid on fire to to what the police can do if there is a high make the jeep go alight, so there doesn’t degree of resistance against China’s funda- seem to be any evidence of a sort of global mental policy towards the Uighurs,” Lam said. network of terrorism there. It could be dis“There is no police regime in the world which gruntled individuals.” The conflagration at Tiananmen will likely is effective if there is massive resistance from lead to intensified security measures against one sector of the people.” Tobin, who focuses on identity politics in Uighurs in both Beijing and the far west, Xinjiang and says the issue can only be analysts said. A Uighur rights group has understood as a problem that has existed for already expressed fears of a crackdown. But more than two centuries, pointed out that Wong warned that control regimes, no matthe crash appeared unsophisticated and was ter how good, will always be vulnerable in unlikely to suggest any transnational terror the face of suicide attackers. “Simply, people links. “From looking at what happened it cer- cannot be deterred if they are not afraid to tainly doesn’t look like the type of incident die,” he said. — AFP
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
S P ORTS
Police quiz Hingis over assault GENEVA: Former tennis ace Martina Hingis has been questioned by Swiss police over claims that she assaulted her French husband Thibault Hutin, a police spokesman said yesterday. “The three individuals cited in the complaint were questioned last week, and we prepared a report which was transferred to the justice authorities,” the spokesman told AFP. Hutin filed a complaint in September over an alleged assault by the 33-year-old Swiss former world number one as well as her mother Melanie Molitor and boyfriend Mario Widmer. The 27-year-old French equestrian, who married Hingis in December 2010, reportedly claims that the trio beat and scratched him and that Widmer struck him in the head with a DVD player after he tried to defend himself. He has told Swiss media that he fled to Paris in fear after the alleged incident at the couple’s home in the Swiss village of Feusisberg, and had received a telephone text message threatening to “send the Russians after me”. The alleged incident came in the wake of what Hutin and Hingis had earlier said were rocky relations between them which reportedly led them to separate at the beginning of this year.—AFP
NY Rangers 3, NY Islanders 2; Anaheim 3, Philadelphia 2; Montreal 2, Dallas 1; New Jersey 2, Tampa Bay 1; Chicago 6, Ottawa 5; St. Louis 3, Winnipeg 2; Toronto 4, Edmonton 0; Phoenix 3, Los Angeles 1.
San Jose Anaheim Vancouver Phoenix Los Angeles Calgary Edmonton Colorado Chicago St. Louis Minnesota Nashville Winnipeg Dallas
Toronto Tampa Bay Montreal Boston Detroit Ottawa Florida Buffalo Pittsburgh Carolina NY Islanders Columbus Washington New Jersey NY Rangers Philadelphia
Cook to miss warm-up
NEW YORK: St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina won his sixth straight Gold Glove award on Tuesday when Major League Baseball announced the top defensive players in each position. Molina has long been known for a toughness and command behind the plate that has allowed the Puerto Rican to dominate the defensive honor in recent years.He is joined by pitcher Adam Wainwright as the two Cardinals players to earn the distinction as they currently battle the Boston Red Sox in the World Series. The Red Sox lead the best-of-seven series 3-2 ahead of Game Six in Fenway Park late yesterday. The other National League players honoured were Arizona first baseman Paul Goldschmidt, Cincinnati second baseman Brandon Phillips, Atlanta shortstop Andrelton Simmons, Colorado third baseman Nolan Arenado, and outfielders Carlos Gonzalez (Colorado), Carlos Gomez (Milwaukee) and Gerardo Parra. In the American League, Baltimore and Kansas City produced three winners apiece. Shortstop JJ Hardy, center fielder Adam Jones and third baseman Manny Machado for the Orioles, along with Royals catcher Salvador Perez, left fielder Alex Gordon and first baseman Eric Hosmer. “It’s a tremendous honour,” Hosmer told reporters, of his first such award. “I couldn’t thank all my team mates enough and the infield around me for doing their part.”—Reuters
PERTH: Matt Prior will lead England in their first warm-up match before the Ashes series in Australia after regular captain Alastair Cook opted to sit out the contest due to a back niggle. Paceman Stuart Broad, also nursing a back problem, batsman Kevin Pietersen and frontline spinner Graeme Swann were also rested for the three-day match against the WA Chairman’s XI at the WACA Ground in Perth, starting today. Pietersen, 33, joined his team mates in Australia on Sunday after being given compassionate leave following the death of a friend. “It was a tough time for Kev but he’s a tough character,” Prior told reporters on Wednesday. “He’s able to ditch things pretty quickly and move on. “You can already see in the way he’s preparing, you can see mentally he’s getting into it and switching on for a big series. “He’s one of those exceptional players - a guy that can single-handedly turn a game on its head in an hour or so.” England, who won the first of the back-to-back Ashes series 3-0 at home, will play two more warmup games before the opening test of five against Australia starts at Brisbane on Nov. 21.—Reuters
Devils stop Lightning
NHL results/standings
Western Conference Pacific Division W L OTL GF 10 1 1 48 10 3 0 42 9 4 1 41 8 3 2 43 8 5 0 36 5 4 2 34 3 9 2 36 Central Division 10 1 0 35 8 2 3 45 7 1 2 38 6 4 3 30 6 5 1 23 5 7 2 34 5 6 1 31 Eastern Conference Atlantic Division 9 4 0 44 8 4 0 40 8 5 0 37 7 3 0 30 6 4 2 27 4 6 2 35 3 7 2 26 2 11 1 23 Metropolitan Division 8 4 0 38 4 5 3 26 4 5 3 37 5 6 0 31 5 7 0 34 3 5 4 26 4 7 0 18 3 8 0 20
Molina snares Gold Glove
GA 20 33 39 40 33 39 54
PTS 21 20 19 18 16 12 8
16 38 25 31 32 40 36
20 19 16 15 13 12 11
30 33 23 17 33 38 42 41
18 16 16 14 14 10 8 5
29 36 39 29 38 37 37 30
16 11 11 10 10 10 8 6
Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one point in the standings and are not included in the loss column (L).
NEWARK: Jaromir Jagr became the NHL’s leader in game-winning goals after scoring on a second-period breakaway to give the New Jersey Devils a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday. The 684th goal of Jagr’s 20-year NHL career, gave him 119 game-winners, putting him one ahead of NHL Hall of Famer Phil Esposito. Adam Henrique also scored and Martin Brodeur made 16 saves as the Devils won consecutive games for the first time this season and ended Tampa Bay’s three-game winning streak. Steven Stamkos, who had three goals and four assists last week, scored a powerplay goal for Tampa Bay, which had won five of six in posting the best record in the Eastern Conference. New Jersey, which lost its first seven games of the season, rallied late to beat Boston on Saturday for its second win.
span of four shots in the second, but were unable to hold off the suddenly high-scoring Blackhawks. Kyle Turris and Milan Michalek each had a goal and an assist in Ottawa’s fourth loss in five games. DUCKS 3, FLYERS 2 Kyle Palmieri scored two straight goals in the third period to rally the Ducks past the Flyers. Andrew Cogliano also scored for the Ducks and Jonas Hiller had 26 saves. Matt Read and Vinny Lecavalier scored for the Flyers. Palmieri scored on a tip-in with 4:09 left in the game to help the Ducks win their third straight game. He also scored the tying goal early in the third.
The Ducks lost veteran forward Teemu Selanne in the third period after he took Luke Schenn’s high stick to the face. Selanne went down on the corner ice, then skated off to the locker room. Hiller and the Ducks killed one final Philadelphia power play that extended into the final minute to hang on for the win. CANADIENS 2, STARS 1 Rene Bourque scored in the second period and Carey Price made 26 saves as the Canadiens downed the Stars. Michael Bournival also scored for Montreal, which has won three of its past four games. Cody Eakin scored for Dallas, which remained last in the Central Division. The Canadiens struck first as
RANGERS 3, ISLANDERS 2 Benoit Pouliot and Ryan McDonagh scored third-period goals as the Rangers rallied for a victory over the Islanders. Trailing 21 after two periods, McDonagh got the Rangers even at 4:59 with their second power-play goal of the night. Pouliot then netted the game-winner off a pass from Carl Hagelin with 6:14 left. Cam Talbot, subbing for No. 1 goalie Henrik Lundqvist, made 22 saves for his second win. He played for the third time in four games. COYOTES 3, KINGS 1 Mike Smith stopped 41 shots and Kyle Chipchura had a goal and an assist as Phoenix rebounded from a messy loss to Los Angeles by beating the Kings. Smith had a miserable game in California last Thursday, when he was pulled after allowing four goals on 15 shots in the first period of the Kings’ 7-4 win. Smith made numerous tough saves Tuesday before Jarret Stoll beat him on a power play late in the third period. Phoenix’s Derek Morris and Shane Doan each scored in the final two minutes of the second to break open a tight game. Chipchura scored in the third.
BLUES 3, JETS 2 Alexander Steen scored a power-play goal with 59.4 seconds left to break a tie and Jaroslav Halak made 21 saves to lead the Blues to a win over the Jets. The Blues, who won their second in a row, have recorded points in five successive games. Winnipeg has lost five of six. Halak improved to 7-1-1 on the season. He is 5-2 lifetime in seven starts against Winnipeg. Brenden Morrow and Alex Pietrangelo also scored for the Blues, who improved to 5-1-1 at home. Bryan Little and Blake Wheeler tallied for the Jets. BLACKHAWKS 6, SENATORS 5 Jonathan Toews had three goals and an assist and Corey Crawford made 14 saves in relief of an ineffective Nikolai Khabibulin as the Blackhawks beat the Senators. Andrew Shaw scored twice and Marian Hossa had a goal and two assists for the Blackhawks, who trailed 4-2 with 8:46 left in the second period. It was Hossa’s 100th goal with Chicago and No. 439 for his career. The Senators scored three times in a
Raphael Diaz lofted a wrist shot from the point to the far post that Bournival tipped off defenseman Stephane Robidas and past Kari Lehtonen at 12:02 of the first. Bournival has three goals and four assists in his past seven games.
NEWARK: Jaromir Jagr No. 68 of the New Jersey Devils and Martin St. Louis No.26 of the Tampa Bay Lightning chase the puck at the Prudential Center. — AFP
MAPLE LEAFS 4, OILERS 0 Phil Kessel had two goals and two assists, leading Toronto past Edmonton for its second consecutive victory. James Reimer stopped 43 shots for his 11th career shutout. James van Riemsdyk and Nazem Kadri also scored for the Maple Leafs, who have won three of four to take over sole possession of first place in the Atlantic Division. Richard Bachman made 22 saves for the Oilers, who have lost four straight. Edmonton outshot Toronto 43-26. — AP
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
S P ORT S
Red Sox fans could enjoy long-awaited celebration FENWAY PARK: Fans in Boston could be celebrating a World Series title at Fenway Park for the first time in 95 years when the Red Sox play the St. Louis Cardinals in Game Six late yesterday. After winning the previous two games of the series in St. Louis to take a 3-2 lead in the best-ofseven series, the Red Sox would claim their third Major League Baseball crown in 10 years with one more win in Boston. Their last two titles were capped off on the road with Boston completing four-game sweeps over the Rockies in Colorado in 2007 and the Cardinals in St. Louis in 2004. Before that, the Red Sox had not won a World Series since 1918, an 86-year span known as “The Curse of the Bambino” because their luck changed after selling Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees in 1920. “It would be awesome,” John Lackey, Boston’s Game Six starting pitcher, told reporters on Tuesday
about winning the World Series in front of the home fans. “As far as personally, I’m just thinking about executing pitches and trying to win a game. And hopefully we get to that point. “We’re definitely confident. We played here pretty good this season. And the place, the atmosphere, is going to be great. The fans are going to be crazy,” he added. The Cardinals, meanwhile, were temporarily grounded on a St. Louis airport runway on Tuesday because of problems with the airplane that was to take them to Boston. “We’ve been sitting on the plane here for a couple of hours with some mechanical difficulties,” manager Mike Matheny told reporters in a conference call. “So they’re still continuing to work on our plane. There’s another plane en route in case they can’t get this one to where it needs to be.” Taking the mound in yesterday’s possible elimi-
nation game for St. Louis will be their 22-year-old rookie sensation Michael Wacha. Wacha has been on an amazing run, nearly throwing a no-hitter in the regular season finale, winning an elimination game against Pittsburgh in the Division Series and twice outdueling Clayton Kershaw to win the League Championship Series Most Valuable Player Award. “I imagine it’s going to be crazy, but I’m not going to pay any attention to it,” Wacha said in his conference call about the atmosphere at Fenway Park. “I’ll keep going about my business the way I have been in all my starts this year. And not worry about the crowd, and just get locked in with Yadi (catcher Yadier Molina) behind the plate and just make my pitches.” The Cardinals know that if Wacha works his mound magic one more time and posts a victory, it would be do-or-die for both teams in a winner-take-
all Game Seven in Boston today. Slumping St. Louis hitters, batting a meager .218 in the series, must start producing to have a shot at adding to their National League record of 11 World Series crowns. “There’s no sugarcoating this,” Cardinals lead-off hitter Matt Carpenter said after Monday’s loss. “We had three games at home and we lost two of them. There is nobody happy with how this has gone. It will be an absolute dogfight the next two games.” Wacha said he and his team mates were just calmly riding out the delay. “Everyone is just watching movies,” he said. “They’ve got dinner on here for us and stuff. Everyone is just walking around. Nobody is in a bad mood or anything like that. The attitude is pretty good.” Wacha said he was eager for what lay ahead in Boston. “It’s going to be a lot of fun tomorrow, just really looking forward to it,” said the rookie pitcher. — Reuters
Heat sizzle over Bulls
INDIANAPOLIS: George Hill No. 3 of the Indiana Pacers handles the ball against Jameer Nelson No. 14 of the Orlando Magic during the game at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. — AFP
NBA results/standings Indiana 97, Rlando 87; Miami 107, Chicago 95; LA Lakers 116, LA Clippers 103.
Boston Brooklyn NY Knicks Philadelphia Toronto Indiana Chicago Cleveland Detroit Milwaukee Miami Orlando Atlanta Charlotte Washington
Eastern Conference Atlantic Division W L PCT 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Central Division 1 0 1.000 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Southeast Division 1 0 1.000 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
GB 1 0.5 0.5 0.5 1 0.5 0.5 0.5
Western Conference Northwest Division Denver 0 0 0 0 0 0 Minnesota Oklahoma City 0 0 0 Portland 0 0 0 Utah 0 0 0 Pacific Division LA Lakers 1 0 1.000 0 1 0 LA Clippers Golden State 0 0 0 Phoenix 0 0 0 Sacramento 0 0 0 Southwest Division Dallas 0 0 0 0 0 0 Houston Memphis 0 0 0 New Orleans 0 0 0 San Antonio 0 0 0
1 0.5 0.5 0.5 -
NEW YORK: The Miami Heat got their NBA championship rings, watched a video tribute to last season’s record-setting campaign and then went out and showed why they are still the team to beat. Playing host to the Chicago Bulls in one of three games that launched the 2013-14 National Basketball Association season on Tuesday, Miami went on a wild 31-5 run that spanned the opening two quarters en route to a 107-95 victory. The win spoiled Derrick Rose’s long-awaited return to the Bulls lineup as the NBA’s 2011 Most Valuable Player was playing his first game since suffering a knee injury in April last year. The two-time reigning champion Heat got off to a slow start following a lengthy pre-game ceremony to recognise last season’s title run but found their groove late in the first quarter and then held off a late charge by the Bulls.Showcasing their well-rounded roster on a night when LeBron James and Dwyane Wade went a combined 10-of23 from the field, Miami had seven players reach doubledigit scoring, including three off the bench. Carlos Boozer carried the load for the Bulls with a gamehigh 31 points while Rose, who received a “welcome back” tweet from President Barack Obama before the game, was held to 12 points on four-of-14 shooting. Miami, coming off a remarkable season that included a 27-game winning streak, a franchise-best 66-16 record and a playoff run that was capped by a victory over the San Antonio Spurs in the decisive seventh game of the NBA Finals, built a 25-point lead that was cut down to nine with 1:40 to play. But Shane Battier, who came off the bench and landed all four of his three-point attempts, drained one from beyond the arc with 1:33 remaining as the Heat held on for the win. In other opening-day action, Paul George scored a game-high 24 points and Roy Hibbert grabbed 16 rebounds as the Indiana Pacers earned a hard-fought 97-87 victory over the visiting Orlando Magic. The Pacers, who were one win shy of reaching last season’s NBA Finals, had their hands full versus an Orlando team that had the NBA’s worst record last season. The Los Angeles Lakers, despite playing without the injured Kobe Bryant, stunned the more fancied Los Angeles Clippers 116103 at Staples Center after producing a sizzling display late in the night’s final game. Seven Lakers players reached double-digits in scoring, five of them from the bench, as the team poured in 14-of-29 three-pointers, outscoring their opponents 41-24 in the fourth period. Backup guard Xavier Henry led the way with a game-high 22 points on eight-of-13 shooting while Jordan Farmar, also off the bench, weighed in with 16 points. Spanish center Pau Gasol contributed 15. — Reuters
MIAMI: Udonis Haslem No. 40 of the Miami Heat drives against Carlos Boozer No. 5 of the Chicago Bulls during a game at American Airlines Arena. — AFP
Ice queen Yuna hones routines ahead of Sochi
NEW DELHI: Red Bull driver Sebastian Vettel of Germany drives his car in this file photo. —AFP
Vettel can equal Schumacher’s seven ABU DHABI: After securing his fourth successive Formula One title last Sunday, Sebastian Vettel can now equal the longest winning streak in the sport’s modern era at the same circuit where he won his first. The 26-year-old Red Bull driver, whose victory in the day-to-night race at Yas Marina in 2010 made him the youngest of world champions, has won the last six grands prix and is now on the brink of matching fellowGerman Michael Schumacher’s 2004 run of seven for Ferrari. The only man to win more consecutive races was Italian Alberto Ascari, whose feat of nine in a row was spread over the 1952 and 1953 seasons at a time when the calendar was far shorter than the current globetrotting 19. Vettel will be the favourite in Abu Dhabi, a race he was won twice in the four years of its existence, after becoming Formula One’s youngest quadruple champion with a win in India. Anyone who imagines that the German might ease off now, his mind perhaps still coming to terms with the magnitude of his achievements and the post-race partying, underestimates just how much he wants to rewrite the record books. “Absolutely,” said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner when asked whether he and his driver still cared about the last three races of the championship. “There’s three to go, it’s like three FA Cup finals. “We’re going to go and give it everything all the way to the last race,” added the Briton. British bookmakers William Hill offered odds of 7/4 on Vetttel, who has 10 wins in 16 races this year, taking the last three grands prix and equalling Ascari’s record. The more adventurous punter could also secure odds of 16/1 on the German winning the next four titles in a row - surprisingly low considering the magnitude of the task and changing regulations next year that many hope will shake up the established order. Kimi Raikkonen was last year’s memorable winner for
Lotus, the 2007 champion’s first victory for the team, after telling his race engineer to “leave me alone, I know what I’m doing’. Lotus turned the famously taciturn Finn’s rebuke into a positive, turning it into a T-shirt slogan, but they were less amused by an outburst of bad language between the pit wall and driver in India last weekend. That has seemed symptomatic of the changed dynamic since Raikkonen announced he was joining Ferrari next season, with French team mate Romain Grosjean coming more and more to the fore while the Finn’s form has dipped. “I had a good result there last year but I had a very boring race there the first time I visited in 2009. I’d prefer to have another good result,” said Raikkonen in typically deadpan fashion. Grosjean has finished third in the last three races and has to be considered a contender for his first Formula One win. “Certainly in this latter part of the season, our latest car with the revised Pirelli tyres seems to work very well and I can get a good performance from it at different circuits,” he said. Lewis Hamilton, a winner in Abu Dhabi for McLaren in 2011, and Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg will be hoping the car plays to its strengths as they try to consolidate second place in the constructors’ championship ahead of Ferrari. Ferrari, almost the home team considering the giant Ferrari World theme park next to the circuit, are four points behind Mercedes with Fernando Alonso second in the drivers’ standings. Hamilton made clear in India that he wanted to make the year’s final races “ones to cherish”. “I’m going to be 29 next year so I’m not looking forward to that,” he laughed. “This is the end of my seventh year. I don’t want to wish the days by because before you know it, my career will be over. “I’m just going to try and be the best I can ever be and see what I can get from them.” — Reuters
SEOUL: So used to commanding the spotlight, South Korean figure skating queen Kim Yuna steps past her Sochi-bound colleagues and coaches, fixes her hair and sits down centre stage, ready to face the media. Informed she has taken a Korean Olympic Committee official’s seat by mistake, and her place is actually at the rear of the stage, the Vancouver Games gold medallist stifles an embarrassed smile and retreats to sit among her figure skating cohorts. It might be the first time Kim has ever taken a back seat to anyone in South Korea. With yesterday marking the 100-day countdown to the start of the Sochi Games, the 23-year-old told reporters she was back skating and even doing jumps after taking time off to recover from a foot injury. Kim, who blew away the competition in Vancouver to become the first South Korean to win an Olympic figure skating gold medal, said she was about “70 percent ready” and that she could return to competition in December. “I don’t think the pain will be completely gone since I can’t stop training but it’s got a lot better,” she said at the national training centre. “I can still do triple jumps but for competition I not only need to get my jumps ready I have to have be physically strong.” Kim flirted with retirement after winning gold in Vancouver but has taken little time to recapture her best form since deciding to compete at one last Olympics. After more than a year away from the sport, she capped her comeback season with a dominant victory at the world championships in March, where she scored 218.31 to take the title ahead of Italy’s Carolina Kostner and Japan’s Mao Asada. “The Sochi Games is not only my second Olympics but the ‘retirement stage’ for me, so I want to have a greater experience than any other competition before,” she said. “In the past, I had strong concepts for short programs and lyrical ones for the long. But this time it’s the other way around. “I have a fast tempo for the long program this time, which requires more physical strength. I will have to modify it some before Sochi but my goal is to make it perfect before the Olympics.” While Kim has been recuperating, Japan’s Asada, considered her main rival for
gold in Sochi, has been fine-tuning her form and taking titles. Runner-up to Kim in Vancouver, Asada won Skate America earlier this month in Detroit and scored more than 200 points despite making several mistakes and taking a tumble on her triple axel. Kim said she expected all of her rivals to be delivering peak performances with Sochi on the horizon. “I am not a judge so I am not in a position to judge Asada’s performance,” she said. “I think since the Olympics is around the corner, not only Asada but also other figure skaters are training hard.” Representatives of South Korea’s formidable short track and speed skating teams were also present to talk about their chances in Sochi, including 2010 Olympic
Kim Yuna
champions Mo Tae-bum and Lee Seunghoon. The Koreans won six gold, six silver and two bronze medals in Vancouver, and Kim’s figure skating medal was the only one not to come from short track or speed skating. Korean Olympic Committee chief Kim Jung-haeng said it might be tough to replicate their fifth place finish on the medals table at the Feb. 6-23 Sochi Games. “Last time in Vancouver, Russia were behind us (in the medal standings) but this time they are the host country,” he added. “And 12 more gold medals have been added in skiing, which we are not good at. So achieving our goal (of four golds and seventh ranking) will be difficult but our coaches and athletes are united as one and trying their best.” — Reuters
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
S P ORT S Photo of the day
A perpetual rough: Sand and shells, of Libyan golf
Kevin Fluri performs at the Red Bull Reconquista in Lisbon, Portugal on October 12, 2013. — www.redbullcontentpool.com
Australia reassured on gay, security issues for Sochi SYDNEY: Australia’s Olympic team have been reassured by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s promise that gay athletes will be welcome at next year’s Winter Games in Sochi, Chef de Mission Ian Chesterman said yesterday. Russia’s adoption of a law banning homosexual “propaganda” among minors in June provoked a wave of criticism in the West and calls from some gay rights groups for a boycott of the Games. Putin moved to defuse the criticism on Monday by pronouncing that “participants and guests would feel comfortable in Sochi regardless of nationality, race or sexual orientation”. Along with the possibility of terror attacks by Chechen or other Islamist militants, it was the main issue threatening to overshadow the run-up to the Games, through which Putin hopes to showcase the modern face of Russia. Chesterman, who has just returned from an inspection visit to the Black Sea resort, said he was “comfortable” on both counts. “We have been aware of and dealing with these in the lead up to the Games,” he told a news conference in Sydney marking the 100 day countdown to the opening ceremony. “We are very comfortable with both situations and particularly the gay rights issue. “We have received strong assurances in the past from leading Russian officials and now with the president coming out very strong yesterday and giving his assur-
ances, our athletes can go to the Games relaxed and able to enjoy themselves which is the way it should be.” Chesterman also said Australia’s Winter squad would follow the lead the Summer team plans for the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro by making their bases in Sochi alcohol-free zones. “We are taking the same move in Sochi and the villages will be dry of alcohol,” he said.“We want to create an environment where it is all about performance. I’ve got to say it has not been an issue with the teams I have been involved with since 1994, so I don’t sense that it is a problem but the time is right to do it.” Unlike in the Summer Games, Australia have never been a big player in the Winter Olympics with a total of five gold medals from 18 appearances. Next year, though, they are hoping to send the biggest ever team to a Winter Games - beating the 40 they sent to the last two Games in Turin and Vancouver and have targeted their highest medal tally. “We’re predicting our largest team ever, 55 athletes is our projected total at the moment, and it might creep higher and we hope it does,” he said. “We’re unashamedly looking for our highest ever medals tally at these Games. “We’ve won medals at every games since 1994, three in Vancouver, and it’s very exciting to be in a position where we have so many athletes who have set themselves a target of walking away with a medal.”—Reuters
TRIPOLI: Among the rubbish-strewn bushes and occasional bullet shells on the rocky ground, nine flimsy flags flapping in the breeze mark the holes of a golf course along Tripoli’s Mediterranean coast. The occasional volley of automatic rifle fire in the distance is yet another of the unique “hazards”, and a reminder of the chaos that still reigns in many parts of Libya. The course is mostly empty except for a few workers building what one day may become a clubhouse and a dog sniffing discarded water bottles, fish bones and trash peppering the fairway. This is not the lush greenery of Augusta or St Andrews but for Libya’s golf fans the small course in the capital’s upmarket Gargaresh area is one of a handful where they can get a game. Libya, a desert state apart from its coastal north, has no grass courses, just sand ones where the distinction between fairway and rough is extremely tenuous. A wilderness of rocks, bushes and rubbish - and now empty bullet shells following the 2011 war that ousted Muammar Gaddafi - the course could be described as one perpetual rough. “The first time I played after the revolution, you looked for your ball among pieces of metal, scrap, bullet cases,” said David Bachmann, former commercial counsellor at the Austrian embassy in Tripoli. “It was all kinds of weird things you would not normally expect in the rough of a golf course.” Drives streak across arrow-straight fairways from tees that consist of brick platforms covered with damp sand. Occasional wooden markers make it just possible to discern the boundaries between holes. Given the lack of grass, players carry a small stretch of artificial turf on which they place their ball to take a shot. The green itself is more like a “brown” - a patch of flattened damp sand that needs to be smoothed out after putting - with a cup for a hole. Sometimes gunfire rattles in the distance as fighting rages between armed groups. “One morning, myself and a friend from the United Nations made it to the course in the quiet period after the previous night’s shooting subsided and before it restarted,” a Western diplomat formerly based in Tripoli said. “I doublebogeyed the last hole with renewed gunfire interrupting
my concentration.” While based in Tripoli this year, I played golf twice once at Gargaresh, where I had to borrow my male playing partner’s clubs because there was nowhere I could rent them from. Taking my second shot by the sea, I was horrified when my ball hit a stone on the fairway and came flying back at us. At Mudi golf course, a nine-hole par 36 some 50 kms (31 miles) west of Tripoli, a caddie was on hand to guide us. Owner Abdullah Mudi said the course, boasting a driving range and clubhouse, had been built on farmland. As I practiced, I waited as chickens passed the driving range before taking a shot. I later lost my ball on a hole which overlooked an orchard and got distracted by camels in a nearby pen. Before the war, Mudi also had cows and ostriches but scarce resources during the fighting made it difficult to keep them. He says Gaddafi was not a fan of the sport and it was neglected. “Gaddafi did not like golf and he didn’t support the game,” he said. “I sent my son to the Junior Open in 2008 to show the world Libya likes this game.” The Libyan Golf Federation, registered with the International Golf Federation, counts some 300 members in a country of more than six million people. Mudi said Libyan golfers usually compete in regional competitions. “We don’t get good positions - sometimes fourth place, fifth place - never first place,” he said. “I don’t know if the government will support us. We’ve been saying we need a grass golf course to improve the game in Libya but nobody listens. There are many problems in the country.” Those are mainly security woes as the Tripoli authorities struggle to impose order on a country awash with weapons. Before the war, Bachmann said expatriates drove to Djerba in neighbouring Tunisia to play on grass courses. Now, with their movements restricted and the border often shut, that is not so easy, although still very few play in Tripoli. “The coastal geography is breathtaking and one could easily envision many courses in the future,” the diplomat said. “For now it’s for die-hards only who desperately need a golf fix.” — Reuters
Canadian Crockett aims to keep S Korea on top SEOUL: South Korea’s rise to the top of the speed skating world has been built on flawless technique and unparalleled work ethic, says coach Kevin Crockett, and it is his job to keep them there. Canadian Crockett, who won speed skating bronze at the 1998 Nagano Games and has been coaching South Korea since August last year, told Reuters yesterday his skaters were
KALININGRAD: A handout picture taken in the Russian Baltic Sea city of Kaliningrad, known before 1945 by its German name Kenigsberg, on October 29, 2013, and released by the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics Organizing Committee shows a torchbearer holding his torch during the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic torch relay in Russia’s European exclave of Kaliningrad, 1,300 km (812 miles) west of Moscow. — AFP
in great shape with 100 days to the start of the Sochi Games. South Korea won three gold and two silver medals to top the speed skating standings in Vancouver, a stunning performance considering their only previous medals were a bronze four years earlier in Turin and a silver in Albertville in 1992. Crockett, who changed his name from Overland to honour his grandfather, said the foundation for that recent success was pure dedication. “I think one of their main strengths is their work ethic, they work harder than anybody else I have ever seen,” he said at Korea’s national training centre in northeastern Seoul. “They tend not to fold under pressure, which is another big one. They love to race ... and technically they’re probably the best skaters in the world, I’d say. Hands down.” While there have been reports that Korea’s sports coaching style can be overly authoritarian, Crockett said those suggestions were wide of the mark. “From the outside looking in you might think that but there’s a really good relationship between the coaches and the athletes,” he said. “It’s definitely not military style where you hate your coach. “I’d say with the younger, younger kids, it’s sometimes a little bit harsh, but I think rumours of abuse and all this stuff are really overblown. I certainly haven’t seen anything like that.” Crockett said his success working with Chinese skaters prompted Korea to bring him onboard and that his familiarity with Asian culture made him a good fit here. “I was getting good results with China, and the fact that I know about the work ethic in Asia and I can conform to a system really appealed to them,” he added. “Plus I was willing to come. It’s not easy to get a lot of foreigners to move here. I left a fiance, I left a house, I left all that stuff back home to come live in a training centre. “It’s a sacrifice, but it’s worth it.” 2010 Olympics gold medallist Mo Tae-bum said Crockett’s coaching style really complemented the Korean system. “Kevin is very detailed,” said Mo, who won gold in the 500 metres and silver in the 1,000 in Vancouver. “The Korean style is strong and emphasizes many hours of training, Kevin’s style is still strong but he makes sure we rest when we need to.” Crockett’s future with the Koreans is likely tied to their performance at the Feb. 6-23 Sochi Games, and while he was reluctant to make medal predictions he was optimistic they would not return empty handed. “I know what they’re capable of, but I never like to give a medal count, I find it just puts pressure on the athletes. Plus I’m a little superstitions,” he added. “But I can say they’re in great shape, so I have high expectations.” —Reuters
Phil Mickelson of the US tees off on the driving range before the start of the pro-am event for the WGC-HSBC Champions tournament at the Shanghai Sheshan International Golf Club. — AFP
Mickelson eyes Sheshan hat-trick as Tiger sits out SHANGHAI: The absence of Tiger Woods will not go unnoticed at this week’s WGC-HSBC Champions tournament but the attendance of 40 of the world’s top 50 players suggests the tournament is living up to its billing as a World Golf Championships tournament. The HSBC is the only WGC event played outside the United States but an $8.5 million purse has still not been enough to lure world number one Woods to Sheshan International Golf Club. With appearance money banned in official PGA Tour events, the 14-time major champion has snubbed the event since 2010. This week, instead, he s participating in some lucrative corporate outings elsewhere in Asia following on from Monday’s exhibition match against Rory McIlroy on Hainan Island in South China. World number two Adam Scott, who this year became the first Australian to win the Masters, is also missing as he prepares for a busy year-end schedule in his homeland, but the presence of British Open champion Phil Mickelson, U.S. Open winner Justin Rose and two-time major champion McIlroy helps soften the blow. Mickelson’s golf course design business is growing in China he has a new course opening in Shanghai early next year — but his focus this week will be on clinching a Sheshan hattrick, where he also won in 2007 and 2009. “I was not swinging well in Malaysia (but) the last two days my game started to come around,” Mickelson told reporters on Wednesday, referring to last week’s CIMB Classic in Kuala
Lumpur, where he finished tied for 19th. “I enter this tournament with a lot more confidence than I’ve had in a while. I feel the ball-striking is getting better, the rhythm is getting better and Sheshan is a course I feel very comfortable on.” Englishman Rose knows a good result here would boost his chances of winning the Race to Dubai - formerly known as the European Tour Order of Merit. He is third with just two events left after this week. “To get my name on that trophy again would be a huge honour,” said Rose, who won the European money list in 2007. “This is a key week on both tours (because) it’s my first event on the 2014 PGA Tour schedule.” McIlroy, meanwhile, needs a strong performance to qualify for the European Tour’s season-ender in Dubai in a fortnight. He is 62nd on the money list, with only the top 60 advancing. “It’s a big week obviously... it’s sort of make-or-break,” McIlroy said. “If I don’t play good enough here, then you know, there’s a good chance I won’t play in Dubai. But... there’s a bigger chance of me winning this tournament than not playing in Dubai, I feel.” The international field here comprises 72 players from 21 countries, headed by 24 American players. The host country has a six-man contingent, while nine other Asian players are in the field - four from Japan (including young stars Hideki Matsuyama and Ryo Ishikawa), two from Thailand, two from South Korea and one from India. Englishman Ian Poulter is defending champion. — Reuters
Preview
England captain wants ‘big runs’ for the Ashes PERTH: England captain Alastair Cook has said “big runs” are the order of the day if they are to win a fourth successive Ashes during the upcoming series in Australia. England may have won 3-0 in the recent home series yet they did so with their highest total being the 377 they posted in the drawn finale at The Oval. They compensated by seizing control of matches at key moments, but conditions in Australia are unlikely to be so forgiving should England routinely fail to make 400 in the first innings. During their 3-1 series win in Australia in 2010/11, England made 517 for one to draw the first Test in Brisbane and in the three matches they won, all by an
innings, posted first-innings scores of 620 for five, 513 and 644. With many of the same batsmen involved againalthough the issue of who bats at number six could yet see the current incumbent Jonny Bairstow, not involved in 2010/11, ousted by Yorkshire team-mate Gar y Ballance-Cook is looking for similar results. “Clearly top-order runs out in Australia are vitally important,” said Cook, who will miss this week’s tour match in Perth to rest a back problem. “Last time we saw that big runs make a massive difference and set the game up. Sometimes in England 240250 can be a good score with the overhead conditions,
but the majority of the time in Australia 400 is the bare minimum. “That’s the job of the top order to make sure we do that.” Cook enjoyed a stunning series in 2010/11 with 766 runs at an average in excess of 100, while number three Jonathan Trott weighed in with 544 runs. Both batsmen were subdued during the recent home series and how the pair fare this time around may well have a big say in the series’ outcome. “I had a good time last time in Australia,” said Cook. “It would be great to repeat some of those feats. “I enjoy batting in those conditions, the ball can be flying past your ears quite a lot, it is a real test of the skill you need to play fast bowling.
“The first 15-20 overs with the Kookaburra ball can swing more than the Dukes, but get through that stage, in the afternoon sessions, it’s fantastic to bat.” James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who have both been thorns in Australia’s side, are set to take the new ball but the identity of a third seamer in a four-man attack completed by off-spinner Graeme Swann remains uncertain.England have a trio of tall fast bowlers, all expected to prosper on Australian pitches, in Steven Finn, Chris Tremlett and former Ireland seamer Boyd Rankin, while the under-rated Tim Bresnan will look to stake a claim should he recover from a stress fracture of the back. — Reuters
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Southampton soaring after brush with abyss LONDON: Four years after sliding into the English third tier and veering dangerously close to bankruptcy, Southampton are riding high in fifth place in the Premier League following a stunning transformation. Saturday’s 2-0 win at home to Fulham meant that the modest club from the English south coast have enjoyed the best start to a top-flight season in their 127-year existence. Not even the team that finished runners-up to Liverpool in 1983-84 made such a searing start, and the achievement is rendered all the more remarkable by the travails the Saints have endured in recent years. In April 2009, with Southampton languishing in the second-tier Championship, the club’s parent company went into administration, triggering an automatic 10-point deduction that saw them relegated to League One. It was the first time they had played in the third division since 1960 and came just six years after they finished eighth in the Premier League and lost 1-0 to Arsenal in the FA Cup final. As staff wages went unpaid, a consortium
backed by former Southampton great Matt Le Tissier failed with a bid to buy the club, but salvation arrived in the form of a Switzerland-based, Germany-born entrepreneur called Markus Liebherr. Liebherr had no previous experience of working in football and promptly sacked head coach Mark Wotte after buying the club, yet his arrival marked a sea change at St Mary’s Stadium.A year later, Southampton won the Football League Trophy and, after securing back-to-back promotions, they returned to the Premier League in 2012. Liebherr died after a period of illness in August 2010, but he had installed Nicola Cortese as executive chairman in 2009 and the Italy-born Swiss kept the club firmly on the rails. Cortese has made controversial decisions, sacking head coach Alan Pardew shortly after Liebherr’s death and dismissing Nigel Adkins in January 2013 despite the Englishman having masterminded the club’s rise from League One. However, Adkins’s successor, Mauricio Pochettino, has proven a revelation, and
Cortese says he has no qualms about making difficult decisions in the interests of the club. “I think, to be honest, looking at those two scenarios, if one day I was in a similar situation again, I would do it the same way again,” Cortese told the Leaders in Football conference earlier this month. “You have to make the decision, whether it is popular or unpopular.” With Cortese’s backing, Southampton have broken their transfer record four times in a little over a year, seeing off interest from some of Europe’s leading clubs to sign Gaston Ramirez, Victor Wanyama and £15 million ($24.1 million, 17.6 million euros) record-signing Dani Osvaldo, who worked with Pochettino at Espanyol. The club’s well-regarded academy also continues to bear fruit, with 18-year-olds Luke Shaw and James Warde-Prowse the latest starlets to tumble off a production line that previously produced Theo Walcott, Gareth Bale and Alex OxladeChamberlain. Meanwhile, 31-year-old centre-forward Rickie Lambert, who signed from Bristol Rovers in 2009, is
now an England international, having scored with his first touch on his debut against Scotland in August. Central to Southampton’s success this season has been an asphyxiating high-pressing game that has yielded a 1-0 win at Liverpool and a 1-1 draw at Manchester United, as well as a record of just three goals conceded in nine league games. “It’s enjoyable because the hunger is there, which comes from the pressing and working hard,” says English forward Jay Rodriguez, another former record signing. “We all enjoy the pressing when we’re creating chances, but the main thing for us is keeping clean sheets.” With United reconstructing and the English top flight in a state of flux, there are opportunities for teams looking to upset the traditional hierarchy and Pochettino is not ruling out a tilt at a European place. “I have been saying for a couple of weeks now that the sky is the limit,” said the Argentine, who led Southampton to a 14th-place finish last season. “We don’t set ourselves any limits.” — AFP
Simon outlasts Mahut in thriller
David Beckham
Beckham picks Miami for MLS franchise LONDON: With his playing career over, former England captain David Beckham has decided his next move: starting a Major League Soccer team in Miami. Since leaving the Los Angeles Galaxy in December, and retiring from the game after a subsequent five-month stint at Paris SaintGermain, Beckham has been mulling over the location for his MLS franchise. Beckham has now made up his mind and he would pay a discounted rate of $25 million to start an MLS expansion team in Miami, a person with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press on Tuesday. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because plans for the team aren’t being publicly discussed yet. The option of becoming a team owner was included in the MLS contract Beckham signed when joining the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007. “We know that Miami is one of the most passionate soccer markets in North America,” MLS Executive Vice President Dan Courtemanche told the AP. “We have met with David Beckham regarding ownership of an expansion team, and we look forward to David one day owning an MLS club.” There are currently 19 MLS teams, and league commissioner Don Garber hopes to expand to 24 teams by the 2020 season. A 20th team is already in place to begin playing in 2015 after Premier League club Manchester City and its partner, the New York Yankees, paid an expansion fee of $100 million to launch New York City FC. The MLS still has to give Beckham the goahead to make Miami the location of the franchise. Beckham is looking to raise several
hundred million dollars of investment to fund the setup costs, including putting together the squad of players and building a stadium. Beckham’s business partner Simon Fuller, the “American Idol” creator who is the driving force in franchise negotiations, will be a significant shareholder, the person familiar with the situation said. Beckham is looking to sell stakes in the team to other investors, and has already had expressions of interest from businessmen globally. Beckham hopes the team to debut in three years, which would probably require the franchise to initially play in an existing venue. In June, Beckham toured the Sun Life and Florida International University stadiums and met with Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez. University officials delivered a presentation to Beckham and Marcelo Claure, president and CEO of Brightstar Corp. and a member of the FIU Board of Trustees, explaining the draw of a professional team in Miami. Before deciding on Miami as the franchise location, Beckham explored options in other cities, including Montreal, San Diego and Orlando, the person said. Miami has had a Major League Soccer team before. The Miami Fusion held matches in Fort Lauderdale from 1998 to 2001, before shutting down because of poor attendance. As a former Manchester United, Real Madrid and AC Milan midfielder, Beckham hopes his star power will make a team work there. Beckham’s management team said it is not ready yet to make an announcement about Beckham’s franchise ownership option. — AP
PARIS: Defending champion David Ferrer was pushed to three sets by Czech Lukas Rosol in his opening match at the Paris Masters yesterday before easing into the last-16, 6-0, 2-6, 63. Rosol, who is part of his country’s squad to face Serbia in the Davis Cup final on November 15, appeared to be on the receiving end of a rout before fighting back to give Ferrer a scare when he won the second set 6-2. However, the experience of the 31-year-old Grand Slam finalist proved decisive in the final frame as Ferrer consistently put pressure on the Rosol serve and was rewarded with a third round tie against Frenchman Gilles Simon. The Nice native, a semi-finalist loser last here in Paris against Poland’s Jerzy Janowicz, defeated Nicolas Mahut in a marathon 6-4, 6-7 (5/7), 7-6 (7/3) second round matchup. Simon led 4-1 in the final set before an injury break forced upon Mahut appeared to revive the taller Frenchman. However when the conclusion went to a tie-break, it was Simon who was strongest and finally closed out the longest match of the tournament for a rewarding victory. “It was very difficult for both of us and we both had problems,” said a relieved Simon. “It’s the last tournament of the year and we’re ready to die out there but I’m very, very happy to have won this match. “I had lots of chances to win, I’m tired, I’m in pain but just very happy to have won,” Simon told a vibrant crowd that pushed the players to their limits. Earlier on court one, big-serving American John Isner bombarded Polish qualifier Michal Przysiezny with 27 aces on the way to a 7-6 (7/3), 4-6, 6-3 second round win. Awaiting the US number one is six-time Grand Slam winner Novak Djokovic, who wrapped up his opening victory just after midnight on Tuesday, when he ended French qualifier Pierre-Hugues Herbert’s fairytale run in straight sets. Rafael Nadal makes his much anticipated tournament debut later on Wednesday against fellow Spaniard Marcel Granollers, while his long-time rival Roger Federer is also in action. The Swiss record Grand Slam holder, needs just one more victory to seal his place at next month’s ATP World Tour Finals for the 12th straight season. Standing in his way is South African Kevin Anderson who advanced on Tuesday when Russian veteran Mikhail Youzhny retired in the
FRANCE: France’s Gilles Simon returns a shot to Nicolas Mahut during their tennis match at the ninth and final ATP World Tour Masters 1000 indoor tournament. — AFP
third set injured. Argentina’s world number five Juan Martin Del Potro takes to the centre court against Marin Cilic after the Croatian capped his return from a doping ban with a first round triumph. Federer ’s Davis Cup par tner Stanislas Wawrinka faces a nervous match as he tries to close in on his place in London against Spaniard Feliciano Lopez. The 28-year-old from Lausanne is not only trying to finish the year inside the top ten for
the first time, but also protect his eighth place ranking and a maiden appearance in the English capital. Canadian number one Milos Raonic faces a must-win situation in a bid to over take Gasquet, Wawrinka or Federer and gatecrash the World Tour Finals but must get past Dutch qualifer Robin Haase first in the final evening matchup. The powerful serving, Montenegroborn 22-year-old, must reach the final in Paris to have a chance to qualify. — AFP
Coach Klopp commits to Dortmund BERLIN: Coach Juergen Klopp has committed himself to Borussia Dortmund until at least 2018 after signing a two-year contract extension yesterday with last season’s Champions League runners-up. Among the most sought-after coaches in Europe, Klopp, who joined Dortmund in 2008, led them to the Bundesliga title in 2011 and the domestic league and Cup double in 2012 before losing to German rivals Bayern Munich in this year’s Champions League final. Ushering in an era of exciting, attack-minded football that has won over scores of fans worldwide, Klopp’s arrival marked a turning-point for the 1997 Champions League winners who were on the brink of bankruptcy less than 10 years ago. “No one needs to call until 2018,” a smiling Klopp told reporters in a hastily arranged news conference in Dortmund. “We feel a lot of extraordinary trust and confidence in this club. This is a clear sign.” “It is an honor that some international top clubs consider that we are doing good work here but I do not belong to those who constantly think about whether the grass is greener somewhere else. So thank you but no chance,” he said. His coaching staff’s contracts were also extended. “To have four and a half years of secure employment in our business is unusual but we will not go soft,” Klopp said. Instead we have a huge appetite to take on the tasks at hand. We want to continue the successful path and ideally make it even more successful.” Unshaven and preferring a track suit to a three-piece suit on the touchline, Klopp is a crowd favourite in Germany, though his emotions have landed him in trouble, including in this season’s Champions League where he sat out two matches for verbally attacking an official. He has formed one of the quickest teams on the continent despite losing at least one key player per season
to bigger clubs. Dortmund have hit the bullseye with transfers under Klopp, bringing in players such as Marco Reus, Ilkay Guendogan and Henrikh Mkhitaryan to replace those departing, including Shinji Kagawa, Mario Goetze and Lucas Barrios. Dortmund, who have seriously challenged treble winners Bayern’s domestic dominance in recent seasons, are a point behind them in the Bundesliga after 10 games and are on course to advance in the Champions League group with two wins out of three group matches. “We want to have the tranquility to plan the future of this wonderful club together,” said the 46-year-old former Mainz 05 player and coach. “Together we have written an exciting story here, maybe the most exciting and thrilling football story of the past few years. But I do not have the feeling that I have to start with any final chapter yet.” For Dortmund, the deal is a match made in heaven after years in the Bundesliga wilderness. “What belongs together should not be separated,” club CEO HansJoachim Watzke told reporters. “We know what we have with this coaching team. There is no other that could better fit Dortmund and our football philosophy.” Klopp’s success with the team on the pitch has also translated into booming financial results for the Ruhr valley club, the only publicly traded Bundesliga club. Turnover topped 305 million euros for the 2012-13 season, the best financial results in the club’s history. “That (new deal) is a marker for the team because when we negotiate with new players then they know with whom they will be working. That is helpful,” said Watzke. Dortmund shares increased in value by 0.5 percent following the news of Klopp’s contract extension. — Reuters
KGL introduces cricket team for the season 2013—2014 KUWAIT: Kuwait & Gulf Link Transport Company (KGL) hosted this summer, and for the first time, a Cricket Tournament for its employees from the various Business Units that has extended over 3 weekends. Six (6) teams competed for the KGL Cricket Cup and this forum represented a good opportunity to identify good talents from within the Group to form the KGL Cricket Team expected to represent the company within the State of Kuwait in various National Tournaments. The KGL Cricket Team is expected to participate in 3 main Tournaments within Kuwait for the 2013/2014 season, mainly the KCA (Kuwait Cricket Association) Tournament, the TAC (Teams Association of Cricket) Tournament and the KOC (Kuwait Oil Company) Tournament. Ali Barakat, Team Captain stated that “Carrying the KGL flag is a great honor for each and every player on KGL Cricket Team. At this platform, players from the various business
units will team up with the aim to build up sportsmanship and promote a spirit of coordination and friendship”. Vishwanath Pichumoney, KGL Deputy CFO, added “Passion for Cricket runs very deep in the Asian community and as part of KGL’s Corporate Social Responsibility towards its employees; the company has taken this initiative to encourage this passion in forming the KGL Cricket Team”. One of the goals of KGL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program is to embrace responsibility for the company’s actions through community development both internal and external. In this approach, KGL works with local communities to better themselves, where this type of development generally leads to more sustainable improvements to the social fabric. The formation of the Cricket Team will help increase motivational levels among the Asian community within the KGL Group.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
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Goodell teaches moms to tackle ‘safely’ LAKE FOREST: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell came to town to teach mothers how to tackle safely. I am not making this up. The event, sponsored by the league and the Chicago Bears, was titled “Football Safety Clinic for Moms.” The intent, no doubt, was to ease fears about letting their sons play the game. The timing was nothing if not fortuitous. Last month, studies by researchers at the Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences concluded that football players as young as 7 suffer hits to the head every bit as traumatic as those suffered by high school and adult players. Last week, an HBO Real SportsMarist poll headlined “Youth Football Takes Hard Hit” found that 56 percent of respondents said the risk of long-term brain injury would be an important factor in deciding whether to allow their son to play football. Five kids aged 16 or younger have died playing high school football since August, two from brain injuries and a third suffered a broken neck. More than 25,000 football players from 8 to 19 years old seek treatment for concussions at emergency rooms every year. None of that was mentioned during the breezy, 80-minute clinic. It began with an introduction from Goodell, followed by remarks from TV talk show host Dr. Mehmet Oz, who’s a heart surgeon by train-
ing but needed no coaching on how to sell the game. Maybe because he’s already featured in an NFL promotional campaign that aired during last weekend’s games called “ Together We Make Football.” Oz was followed by athletic trainers who stressed the importance of properly feeding and hydrating young football players, and they were followed by Dr. Elizabeth Pieroth, who is the Bears neuropsychological consultant, but not a medical doctor. She presented checklists for recognizing concussion symptoms and recommendations for treatment, but suggested on balance that “boys like to hit things” and without proper channels for their aggression, they might do other things like drive too fast or drink too much. It made me wonder how much more havoc NFL players might wreak if they weren’t playing, but then came time for the 200 or so moms to line up and learn the tackling techniques taught as part of USA Football’s “Heads Up Football” program. “I line up my front foot right in the middle of my target, and why?” one of the instructors said during a demonstration, without waiting for an answer. “So I can put my head to the side and make the tackle safely.” Never mind that the improving science on concussions increasingly suggests all those measures above combined - and applied at every level will reduce the numbers only so much, let alone the
way the game is played in the NFL. At one point, I walked up to Goodell and tried to ask how much safer he believed football could actually be made. Instead of answering, he looked away and a burly member of his security detail inserted himself between us and said “No questions.” Fortunately, though, Goodell had time for the moms. And after 20 minutes of practice, they were stoked. When they returned to their seats for a final 20-minute question-and-answer session with a panel that included the commissioner, Pieroth and several former Bears, one of the first questions was: “My son is 5 years old. I see linebacker in his future. When is too soon for him to start playing?” Understandably, several panel members assumed she was asking about flag football. When people in the crowd made clear there were tackle football leagues in the area for kids that young, the consensus on the panel was that each family had to make its own determination. Suffice it to say that more than one expert would disagree. Dr. Robert Cantu, who is co-director of the Boston University Center for the Study of Traumatic Encephalopathy - where researchers have found CTE in 49 of the 50 brains of deceased NFL players they’ve autopsied - argues against youngsters starting contact sports like tackle football and hockey
before age 14. A year ago, Cantu co-authored a book laying out the case for young kids to play flag instead of tackle football. He said with enough information, parents would come around. “They haven’t understood the dangers their kids are being subjected to,” he said at the time. “Once they do - and it won’t happen in weeks, or months, maybe even years - they’ll demand changes.” What they got Tuesday night instead was slickly packaged, celebrity-packed reassurances that if they keep their eyes open and fingers crossed, football is less risky than riding a bike. That’s statistically true, except you’d have to keep crashing the bike over and over to simulate the multiple hits to the head that every football player compiles the longer he plays- and too many go unreported and untreated. Barely two months ago, the NFL settled a lawsuit involving 4,500 former players for $765 million, a sum many observers considered paltry given the terrible and irreversible mental decline many of those players suffered. You might think, in the wake of that and after the suicides of popular former players Junior Seau and Dave Duerson, the league would lay low on the concussion issue for a little while. But credit Goodell with chutzpah. He’s already out recruiting the next generation and tackling the safety concerns the same way the NFL conducts all of its business. Head on. —AP
Atalanta hold Inter
VIGO: Barcelona’s Argentinian forward Lionel Messi (right) vies with Celta’s Argentinian defender Gustavo Cabral during the Spanish League football match. — AFP
Barca thrash Celta MADRID: Barcelona followed up Saturday’s win over Real Madrid with another victory when Alexis Sanchez set the champions on their way to a 3-0 success at Celta Vigo on Tuesday that put them four points clear at the top of La Liga. Unbeaten Barca have 31 points from 11 matches, with second-placed Atletico Madrid on 27 ahead of their game at Granada on Thursday. Third-placed Real, who are five points behind Atletico, host Sevilla late yesterday. Barca coach Gerardo Martino rested several key players for the game at Celta’s Balaidos stadium, including Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Neymar, but the champions were still far too strong for the struggling Galician side. In-form Alexis, who netted a brilliant chipped effort in the 2-1 ‘Clasico’ victory against Real at the Nou Camp, grabbed the opener in the eighth minute. Cesc Fabregas, who had a hand in all three Barca goals, stole the ball in Celta territory and when his low shot was saved by goalkeeper Yoel Rodriguez, Alexis was on hand to clip home the rebound. Barca were 2-0 ahead three minutes after the break when a Fabregas snapshot from outside the area cannoned off the bar on to Yoel and rico-
cheted back into the net. The former Arsenal captain put the game beyond the hosts in the 54th minute when Lionel Messi sent him clear on the left of the penalty area and he finished clinically into the corner. “Maybe again we were not effective enough up front, myself included,” Fabregas said in an interview with Spanish television broadcaster Canal Plus. “But the important thing is to create chances and play well and then the goals will come and I think today’s performance was pretty comprehensive,” he added. “There are enough games that everyone will get their chance and the priority is to make sure we are champions again at the end of the season.” Argentine World Player of the Year Messi had a relatively quiet night and failed to score for three straight La Liga matches for the first time in more than two years. Celta, coached by former Barcelona midfielder Luis Enrique, came closest to a goal in the 67th when Nolito, a graduate of the Barca academy, crashed a free kick against the bar. In Tuesday’s other match, eighth-placed Espanyol and struggling Malaga, who are mired down in 15th, played out a 0-0 draw at Espanyol’s Cornella-El Prat stadium in Barcelona. — Reuters
ITALY: Atalanta’s unsung Argentine striker German Denis, one of Serie A’s most consistent scorers, netted a superb header to give them a 1-1 draw at home to stuttering Inter Milan on Tuesday. Denis outjumped his compatriot Walter Samuel in the 25th minute and directed a powerful header into the top corner from a Maxi Moralez cross for his fifth goal of the season after Ricardo Alvarez had given Inter a 16th minute lead. Fourth-placed Inter, who are eight points behind leaders AS Roma with 19 points from 10 matches having played one game more, have won only one of their last five. Atalanta, unbeaten at home by Inter in the last five years and who completed a double over their opponents last season, are eighth on 13 points after their first draw of the season. The burly 32-year-old Denis, at his 10th club including his fourth in Italy, has blossomed late in his career after scoring 15 Serie A goals last season and 16 before that. However, his per formances have made little impact back home and he made the last of his five Argentina appearances under Diego Maradona in 2008. Fellow Argentine Alvarez, another player who has struggled to get a look-in with the national team, opened the scoring from close range after Rodrigo Palacio knocked the ball down to him. Argentine players were in the thick of the action after the break as substitute Mauro Icardi hit the post for Inter while goalkeeper Juan Pablo Carrizo saved the visitors by blocking a close-range Mario Yepes shot with his legs. Carrizo had replaced injured Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic at halftime. Inter’s Alvarez came close to a winner with the last kick of the match when his long-range effort screamed narrowly wide. — Reuters
ITALY: Inter Milan’s Japanese midfielder Yuto Nagatomo (right) fights for the ball with Atalanta’s midfielder Giulio Migliaccio during the Serie A football match. — AFP
Kuwait Int’l Law College holds sports day
KUWAIT: The student activities office at Kuwait International Law College organized a sports day for the students that included football, basketball, volleyball, table tennis and badminton at the college playgrounds. There were also special games for employees, teachers and students with the aim of breaking the ice between the two sides. Matches were enthusiastic and of good
spirit. Many students displayed high skills. Assistant Dean for Students Affairs Dr Saleh Al-Oaibi distributed medals and prizes to the winning teams in addition to the “Outstanding Cup” which was won by “Al-Rouq” football team. Otaibi thanked all for their participation.
Heat sizzle over Bulls
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
Simon outlasts Mahut in thriller
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Red Sox fans could enjoy long-awaited celebration
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LONDON: Manchester United’s Mexican striker Javier Hernandez heads towards goal during the English League Cup fourth round football match between Manchester United and Norwich City at Old Trafford on Tuesday. — AFP
Chelsea rejoice, United thrash Norwich LONDON: Jose Mourinho got the better of old adversary Arsene Wenger once again as Chelsea showed their strength-in-depth by reaching the League Cup quarter-finals with a 2-0 win over London rivals Arsenal on Tuesday. Both teams rang the changes but it was Chelsea’s new-look side that gelled, restricting the hosts to a few sights of goal while consistently threatening on the break and finding the net through Spaniards Cesar Azpilicueta and Juan Mata. It was a difficult night for Wenger, who enjoyed a simmering feud with the Chelsea boss during the Portuguese’s first spell in the Premier League with the West London side and has now not beaten Mourinho in nine attempts. Manchester United will also be in the draw for the last eight after overcoming Norwich City 4-0 with two goals from Mexican Javier Hernandez, but there was an upset for Premier League Fulham who lost 4-3 at second tier Leicester City.
West Ham United beat Burnley 2-0 away in their tie with late penalties from Matt Taylor and Jack Collison, while spot kicks were needed to separate Stoke City and Birmingham City. After the match finished 3-3 and then 4-4 after extra time, top flight Stoke came through 4-2 in the shootout. Arsenal and Chelsea reminded everyone of the League Cup’s standing in the list of priorities by making 18 changes between them from their teams that played in the league at the weekend. Wenger fielded a strong midfield with Aaron Ramsey, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere marshalling the centre circle, but they struggled to make an impact as Chelsea sat back, soaked up the pressure and looked to hit the hosts on the counter. Mourinho’s side got their reward after 25 minutes when a swift Chelsea break ended with Azpilicueta nipping in to intercept a poor header back by Carl Jenkinson and poking the ball past
onrushing goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski for the opener. Arsenal, who have testing fixtures against Liverpool and Borussia Dortmund to come in the next eight days, were off the pace and struggled to conjure a chance with Welsh midfielder Ramsey firing their best effort wide just past the hour. Arsenal’s Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil was summoned from the bench to inject creativity in the second half but within seconds of his introduction Chelsea doubled their lead through Mata. The mercurial Spaniard, who has been on the fringes of Mourinho’s first-choice team all season, collected the ball on the edge of the area, controlled it neatly and then unleashed a rasping right foot drive into the net. “The win is very important for our confidence; after beating Manchester City and now Arsenal this week, we feel strong because they are very
S Africa stun Pakistan SHARJAH: South Africa staged a remarkable comeback to turn what seemed certain defeat into a onerun win over Pakistan in the first day-night international in Sharjah yesterday. Pakistan, chasing a modest 184 to win, were cruising along nicely at 165-4 but lost their last six wickets for just 17 runs off 39 balls to be bowled out for 182 in 46.3 overs. It looked all over with Umar Amin (20) and Umar Akmal (18) at the crease but leg-spinner Imran Tahir (3-45) dismissed Umar, Shahid Afridi (nine) and Wahab Riaz (zero) in succsessive overs to leave Pakistan struggling for the last seven runs. Last man Mohammad Irfan and Saeed Ajmal added five runs before Morne Morkel (2-23) bowled Irfan to send his team into an unexpected but frenzied celebration, much to the dismay of the 15,000 crowd who came to see Pakistan win. It was man-of-the-match Wayne Parnell who starred with both bat and ball, hitting a career best 56 before taking 3-41 in his eight overs. For Pakistan off-spinner Ajmal (4-30) was well supported by leg-spinner Afridi (3-37) as South Africa were bowled out in the final over. The win gives South Africa a 1-0 lead in the five-match series with the second match in Dubai tomorrow. Pakistan lost opener Nasir Jamshed (nought) early but Shehzad (58) and Mohammad Hafeez (28) shared a 71-run stand for the second wicket to stablise the run-chase. Even when Hafeez fell, Pakistan never looked in trouble as Misbah-ul Haq (31) and Shehzad took Pakistan to 135 when the innings started to fall apart with Misbah dismissed by Parnell. The Pakistan skipper hit three fours off 49 balls. When on 28 he reached 4,000 one-day runs with a flurry of boundaries off Tahir. He became the 13th Pakistani batsmen to reach the milestone in his 129th match. It was Shehzad who set the tone for a successful chase, hitting five boundaries in his 92-ball innings. But once Shehzad and Misbah fell, South Africa sensed an unexpected victory as batsmen fell one after the other.
good teams,” Mata told Sky Sports. Manchester United pacher Hernandez underlined his value to David Moyes’s team with a goal in each half as the Old Trafford club emphatically booked their spot in the next round. He opened his account from the penalty spot Leroy Fer was adjudjed to have brought down Adnan Januzaj and then scored with a header at the second attempt 10 minutes into the second half. Defender Phil Jones rifled in a third after 88 minutes and fullback Fabio put the icing on the cake when he controlled a lofted ball from Wayne Rooney and steered home in injury time. The match was soured by an injury to Norwich’s Scotland midfielder Robert Snodgrass who was taken to hospital after a clash of heads in the second half. Fulham looked to have earned a reprieve against Leicester when Giorgos Karagounis made it 3-3 in the 87th minute but Lloyd Dyer slid in to win it two minutes later.
SCOREBOARD SHARJAH, United Arab Emirates: Complete scoreboard of the first day-night international between Pakistan and South Africa at Sharjah stadium yesterday:
Imran Tahir When South Africa batted after winning the toss, they could never recover from the early loss of opener Colin Ingram, caught off Irfan’s second ball of the innings for nought. Ajmal then rocked the South African batting, dimissing Graeme Smith (20), Faf du Plessis (12) and skipper AB de Villiers (four) in his first spell of six overs. Afridi then jolted South Africa further by taking Ryan McLaren (eight), David Miller (37) and Morkel (four) in his nine overs. Parnell, who hit a century in South Africa’s domestic one-day competition earlier this month, hit six boundaries and a six off 70 balls and added an invaluable 52 for the ninth wicket with Lonwabo Tsotsobe (16 not out) to avoid a complete disaster. Parnell holed out in the 49th over, caught off Ajmal before Sohail Tanvir dismissed Imran Tahir in the final over. Parnell’s wicket was Ajmal’s 150th in his 93rd one-day match, becoming Pakistan’s 11th bowler to reach the milestone. Tsotsobe hit a four and a six off Ajmal in the 45th over, crossing the double-figure mark for the first time in 52 matches. Miller hit two boundaries and a six off 51 balls before falling to Afridi, leaving Parnell to repair the damage to some extent. Parnell’s previous best of 49 was against India at Jaipur three years ago. —AFP
South Africa: C. Ingram c Umar b Irfan 0 G. Smith st Umar b Ajmal 20 J. Duminy c Amin b Tanvir 20 F. du Plessis lbw b Ajmal 12 AB de Villiers c and b Ajmal 4 D. Miller c and b Afridi 37 R. McLaren c and b Afridi 8 W. Parnell c Shehzad b Ajmal 56 M. Morkel lbw b Afridi 4 L. Tsotsobe not out 16 Imran Tahir c Riaz b Tanvir 1 Extras: (lb1, w 4) 5 Total: (all out; 49.5 overs) 183 Fall of wickets: 1-0 (Ingram), 2-38 (Duminy), 3-48 (Smith), 4-54 (du Plessis), 5-63 (De Villiers), 6-86 (McLaren), 7-125 (Miller), 8-129 (Morkel), 9-181 (Parnell) Bowling: Irfan 10-1-35-1 (3w), Tanvir 9.5-1-33-2, Ajmal 10-2-30-4, Riaz 6-0-24-0 (w1), Hafeez 5-0-23-0, Afridi 91-37-3 Pakistan: Nasir Jamshed c Miller b Morkel 0 Ahmed Shehzad c Smith b Parnell 58 Mohammad Hafeez c de Villiers b Parnell 28 Misbah-ul-Haq c Du Plessis b Parnell 31 Umar Amin c de Villiers b Tsotsobe 20 Umar Akmal lbw b Tahir 18 Shahid Afridi c Miller b Tahir 9 Sohail Tanvir c de Villiers b Tsotsobe 2 Wahab Riaz lbw b Tahir 0 Saeed Ajmal not out 1 Mohammad Irfan b Morkel 2 Extras: (lb4, w9) 13 Total: (all out; 46.3 overs) 182 Fall of wickets: 1-4 (Jamshed), 2-75 (Hafeez), 3-107 (Shehzad), 4-135 (Misbah), 5-165 (Amin), 6-165 (Umar), 7-174 (Tanvir), 8176 (Afridi), 9-177 (Riaz) Bowling: Morkel 9.3-3-23-2, Tsotsobe 10-3-28-2 (w1), Parnell 8-1-41-3 (w2), Tahir 10-1-45-3 (w2), McLaren 80-34-0 (w4), Duminy 1-0-7-0
Stoke also had a 3-1 lead cancelled out. Goals from Oussama Assaidi, Peter Crouch and Marko Arnautovic had put them in command, but a late double from Peter Lovenkrands ensured their match against Birmingham went to extra time. Kenwyne Jones put Stoke back in front, but Olly Lee levelled again before Birmingham’s resistance was ended in the shootout. West Ham toiled against Championship (second division) leaders Burnley but took the lead in the 76th minute when Jason Shackell fouled Kevin Nolan in the area and Taylor fired home. Keith Treacy was sent off for hosts Burnley for a stoppage-time foul on Collison who then got up to score from the resulitng spot kick and wrap up the victory. Four-times League Cup winners Tottenham Hotspur host Hull City late yesterday in a repeat of their weekend Premier League fixture and Newcastle United welcome Manchester City. — Reuters
Ghosal makes history for India in squash World Championship MANCHESTER: Saurav Ghosal on Wednesday became the first Indian squash player to reach the quarter-finals of the World Championships, overcoming a two-game deficit and considerable pressure to achieve it. The 27-year-old Kolkata-born, Leedsbased world number 17 looked for half an hour as though he was going to miss his great chance, playing with rare inhibition against Henrik Mustonen, an unseeded Finn, and looking unable to throw off the emotional shackles. But when Ghosal did that, he showed an ability to mix creative skills with a tight straight game which made it hard to attack him. He eventually controlled the second half of the match during a 511, 8-11, 11-8, 11-4, 11-2 victory. “Definitely in my head there was a little bit of pressure,” Ghosal admitted. “Thinking that if I win I would make history. And maybe that restricted me a little bit. “Henrik played well in the first two games while there was a restriction in me - and he was able to exploit that. He deserved to ne two-nil up. “When I think about my match, I think about how I would like to play, and I try to visualise it. It didn’t happen to start with but fortunately I was able to change things just in time.” When Mustonen came back from 3-6 in the third game to 6-6 some of the tensest moments followed. But in the crisis Ghosal’s ball control did not let him down, and some sensible choices forced the errors which helped turn the match around.
In particular he was able to make the ball cling better and became tighter with his drops, although it remained a well-contested match between two light-footed, nimble men whose ability both to attack and defend well produced some long and entertaining rallies. Ghosal finished the match with a rush, taking eight points in a row from 32, three times creating clingers which forced Mustonen to hit down, and doing damage with boasts, angles and drops. When his final winner had been struck Ghosal did a mighty leap and swung an uppercut punch in celebration. “I had to dig in super, super, super deep to grind that out,” he told the crowd. “I thought you dug deeper than that,” quipped the master of ceremonies. Ghosal will be hard put to progress further. He next meets Ramy Ashour, the topseeded defending champion from Egypt, who beat Cameron Pilley, the leading Australian, by 9-11, 11-8, 11-4, 12-10. But whatever the result, Ghosal can hope to have given fresh encouragement to the development of squash in India, which is of such great potential benefit to a sport with Olympic aspirations. “I hope it will help India,” he said. “It’s a big milestone. There are lots more (of them to conquer, but hopefully this will give a little bit more impetus and motivation.” — AFP
Business THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
US private hiring slows; consumer prices up 0.2% Page 23 World shares and gold creep higher Page 24
Yellen feared US housing bust but did not raise alarm
Honda profit up 46% on US sales
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SHANGHAI: A man reads a book on his tricycle on a street in Shanghai yesterday. China’s ruling Communist Party will hold a key four-day gathering in Beijing early next month, state media reported, a much-anticipated meeting that could serve as the venue for the announcement of far-reaching economic reforms. — AFP
US debt problems ‘casting global shadow’ Sustainable global recovery depends on US solution in the
news
Oman to launch $15 billion rail network ABU DHABI: Oman plans to launch construction of the first part of a $15 billion rail network in the fourth quarter of 2014, a government official said yesterday. “We expect the works will start in 2014 and in the fourth quarter, the first segment starts,” Salim bin Said bin Salim Alami, assistant director-general at the transportation ministry said on the sidelines of a rail conference. By then, contracts for various project packages will have been awarded by the Oman Railway Co, formed to manage and operate the sultanate’s railway system, he said. A contract for the project management consultancy will be awarded next year. The state-funded, 2,244 kilometer rail network the country’s first - would link the desert town of Buraimi, bordering the United Arab Emirates, to six major settlements in Oman including the industrial city of Sohar. It would eventually connect to a planned rail network across the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and eventually to neighboring Yemen.
Blackout in Turkey tunnel just a day after opening ISTANBUL: Rail passengers using Turkey’s new tunnel under the Bosphorus had to walk part of their journey yesterday when an electricity failure briefly halted services, just a day after its grand opening. The 13.6-kilometre undersea tunnel in Istanbul-the world’s first linking two continents-was inaugurated with great fanfare on Tuesday as the government’s “project of the century”. But a power cut forced passengers to leave the train and walk on the tracks, the Dogan news agency said, before the problem was fixed and services resumed within a few minutes. The tunnel, the fulfillment of a sultan’s dream of 150 years ago, is part of a three-billion euro ($4 billion) transport project in Turkey’s biggest city.
Bharti Airtel slumps 29% on rupee woes MUMBAI: Bharti Airtel, India’s largest telecommunications company, said yesterday the weak rupee contributed to a 29 percent slump in quarterly profit. Net profit for the July to September quarter was 5.1 billion rupees ($83 million). The company absorbed currency losses of 3.4 billion rupees ($55 million). However, solid revenue growth in rupee terms plus higher operating profit margins boosted the company’s stock, which rose 6 percent on the Bombay Stock Exchange. Bharti Airtel said its mobile Internet revenue doubled from a year earlier, driving overall revenue up 10 percent to 213 billion rupees ($3.5 billion). Operating profit margins also improved to 32.0 percent in the quarter from 30.6 percent, driven by expansion of Indian mobile data business and an increase in subscribers in Africa. Like many Indian companies, Bharti Airtel is weighed down by loans it took out in dollars, which the depreciated rupee makes more expensive to pay back.
BRUSSELS: Persistent doubts about the ability of the United States to resolve its debt problems are putting US credibility in the world at stake, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso has warned. The White House won a brief respite this month when the Republicans backed down after a 16-day government shutdown. But the temporary fix has only pushed the problem into early 2014, with no comprehensive solution in sight. Barroso, who heads the European Union executive and has been at the frontline of efforts to resolve Europe’s debt crisis over the past three years, said the uncertainty was making investors risk averse, with potentially damaging economic consequences. “What is at stake is fundamental, not only for the American economy, but also for the credibility of the United States in the world,” he told Reuters in an interview. “I hope that American democracy will work and will deliver what I think is critically important, not only for America but also for
the world, because of the size and the impact of the American economy in the world.” At the peak of Europe’s debt crisis, when it looked like Greece could be forced out of the single currency zone and global markets were on edge, US officials repeatedly sought assurances from the EU that leaders had the situation in hand. Former Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner flew to Europe to meet EU finance ministers, and President Barack Obama sat down with a handful of leaders, including Barroso and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, on the sidelines of a G20 meeting to try to understand the depth of the region’s challenges. Two years on, the EU has managed to stabilize the situation, but only after five euro zone countries received rescue packages of one form or another, a 500-billioneuro rescue fund was established and much stricter fiscal rules were agreed among the 17 countries that share the single currency. Now it is the United States, where elements
within the Republican party are demanding that Congress not give in to demands of the White House and Treasury to raise the debt ceiling, that is causing consternation across Europe. “One of problems that (our) crisis highlighted, and a lesson we should draw, is the issue of confidence. We have a serious problem of confidence,” Barroso said. “Investors globally have been risk averse and this is not good for a scenario where we want globally to restore sustainable growth. “Everything that casts a shadow over the confidence of investors is certainly not good, neither for the country concerned, in this case the United States, nor for the global economy.” The uncertainty that exists between the world’s two largest economies comes on top of the serious questions raised by the US spying scandal, in which the National Security Agency is accused of eavesdropping on France, Spain, Italy and Germany, including Merkel’s own personal mobile
phone. European leaders have expressed collective outrage at the US activities, and in a phone call with Merkel last week, Obama assured her no such spying was going on any longer. Germany and France are now in discussions with the United States over a new espionage relationship, including the possibility of a “no-spying” agreement. Obama is now considering a ban on any US espionage against allies. Barroso described the spying on Europe as a “very big surprise” and said concrete steps needed to be taken to rebuild trust with between the transatlantic partners. “It’s a matter of the utmost sensitivity. We believe it should be addressed in a way that gives reassurances that can build trust between the United States and Europe,” he said. “There is no more important relationship for Europe than the relationship with the United States, and I also believe there is no more important relationship for the United States than the one it has with Europe.” — Reuters
Spain escapes 2-year recession MADRID: Spain escaped from a two-year recession in the third quarter of this year with growth of 0.1 percent, official data showed yesterday, though unemployment remained extremely high. Strengthening exports drove the timid recovery in the euro-zone’s fourthbiggest economy despite weak internal demand, the National Statistics Institute said in a statement. The growth figure meant a technical end to the recession as measured in terms of contraction in output. But economists warn of continuing challenges to recovery and expect unemployment to remain painfully high after five years of crisis that have thrown millions out of work and driven up poverty. The International Monetary Fund has warned Spain’s unemployment rate will stay above 25 percent until 2018. The unemployment rate was 25.98 percent, a slight decline from the previous quarter but still one of the highest in the euro-zone, according to separate INE data released last week. It was Spain’s second recession in five years, sparked by the collapse of a building boom in 2008 which last year made the country a focus of concern for the stability of the whole euro-zone. Yesterday’s growth figurespreliminary data from the institute which are due to be confirmed on November 28 - confirmed last week’s estimate from Spain’s central bank. “While economic prospects are considerably better than a year ago, particularly in the external sector, domestic weakness is like to
hold back any recovery in the wider economy,” said a report yesterday’s data from analysis group Capital Economics. “We expect the unemployment rate to remain around its current high levels for some time yet and public debt to continue to climb.” The Spanish government expects an overall contraction of 1.3 percent for 2013 - slightly better than the 1.6 percent in 2012 - before a return to timid growth of 0.7 percent in 2014. Consumer price inflation in Spain slowed in October to 0.1 percent compared to a year earlier, according to other preliminary data from the statistics institute, harmonized with EU estimates. The institute attributed the easing in October to a fall in the price of food and a smaller rise in university fees than in the previous year. Inflation has been easing in Spain since peaking in October 2012, in line with a general easing in the euro-zone indicated by the European Union data agency Eurostat. By another measure, the non-harmonized inflation figure that serves as a benchmark in Spain, inflation was negative for the first time for four years, at minus 0.1 percent. Spain has pushed through painful spending cuts to bring down its soaring public deficit under pressure from the European Union. It also last year passed labor reforms that have made it cheaper for companies to hire and fire workers. Spain resisted pressure last year to seek a full bailout from its neighbors but accepted 41.3 billion euros ($56.8 billion) in euro-zone rescue loans for its banks. — AFP
MADRID: A man sleeps inside a cardboard box in Madrid, Spain. The unemployment rate for the July-September period fell from 26.3 percent to 26.0 percent, leaving the total number of jobless at a rounded 5.9 million, the Spanish National Statistics Institute said. — AP
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
BUSINESS
Brent above $109, Libya exports in focus LONDON: Brent edged higher above $109 a barrel yesterday as export disruptions in Libya cut supplies to Europe and Asia, while the benchmark US contract fell towards $97 after a bigger-than-expected increase in inventories in the United States. The divergent course of North American and international oil markets boosted Brent’s premium over the US benchmark to more than $12 a barrel, with the heavily traded spread on course to settle at its widest level since April. Traders were also looking ahead to comments from a US Federal Reserve policy meeting that ends later in the day, but any impact on oil prices may be limited. The US central bank is widely expected to maintain its massive economic stimulus program. Brent crude for December delivery was up 38 cents at $109.39 a barrel by 1117 GMT, after falling 60 cents on Tuesday. It touched an intraday high of $109.64 yesterday. US crude, also known as West Texas Intermediate ( WTI), was 92 cents lower at $97.28, having hit an intraday low of $97.19. The Brent-WTI spread expanded to $12.09 a barrel and briefly touched $12.14, its widest in a week. Brent-WTI has not settled above $12 a barrel since early April. Brent was underpinned by a sharp drop in Libya’s crude oil exports, which boosted the international benchmark by almost $3 a barrel on Monday. Libya’s exports have slumped to around 90,000 barrels per day, less than 10 percent of capacity, as protests have halted operations at ports and
fields. “There is no indication that Libya’s oil supply will normalise anytime soon,” Commerzbank analyst Carsten Fritsch said. “The oil market is thus split in two at the moment: tight supply in Europe versus ample supply in the United States. Against this backdrop the price differ-
ential between Brent and WTI should remain high for the time being.” Italian energy major Eni, the biggest foreign producer in Africa, cut its production outlook for 2014 yesterday due to supply cuts in Libya and Nigeria. It previously guided investors to expect output in line with last year’s.
TACOMA: Black tank cars used to transport crude oil from North Dakota are parked among other rail traffic at a train yard in Tacoma, Wash. Hundreds of rail cars carrying crude oil could soon be chugging across the Northwest, bringing potential jobs and revenues but raising concerns about potential oil spills, increased train traffic and other issues. — AP
US OIL STOCKS Weighing on US oil futures, crude inventories in the United States rose by 5.9 million barrels in the week to Oct 25, statistics from the American Petroleum Institute (API) showed on Tuesday, exceeding analysts’ expectations of a 2.2 million gain. Crude stocks at the closely watched Cushing, Oklahoma storage hub, the delivery point of the US crude oil future contract, rose by 2.2 million barrels, the API said. The US Energy Information Administration will release its own weekly oil inventory data at 1430 GMT yesterday. FED IN FOCUS A mixed bag of US economic data over the last few days has reinforced expectations the Fed will not reduce its $85 billion of monthly asset purchases until March at the earliest. “If (the Fed) acts as expected and there is no change in their position, it will likely support oil prices, but not cause them to be pushed up significantly,” Tetsu Emori, a commodities fund manager at Astmax Investments, said. The policy statement from the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting is expected at 1800 GMT. Investors will also keep an eye on a series of technical and diplomatic meetings on Iran’s nuclear program, which could pave the way for an easing of sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Any increase in Iranian oil exports may take some time, however, while the US Senate is debating fresh sanctions aimed at further curbs of Iran’s oil sales, an influential senator said. — Reuters
Iraq embraces China’s growing oil dominance China expands beyond oilfields into Basra business
YANGON: A participant takes a photograph of classic cars before the “MyanmarBurma Road Classic” tours through the country, in Yangon. A group of classic car enthusiasts on Monday embarked on a road trip around Myanmar - an event organizers hope will help save the country’s ageing automobiles from the scrapheap. —AFP
Despite low rating, Myanmar business climate ‘improving’ BANGKOK: For a country rolling out economic reforms at a startling pace, Myanmar’s lowly ranking among the likes of Eritrea and Chad for ease of doing business might set off alarm bells for would-be foreign investors. The good news for firms seeking to tap the country’s natural resources, tourism potential and urgent infrastructure needs is Myanmar is making progress in preventing the rampant graft, bureaucracy and cronyism that under military rule made it one of the world’s riskiest places to do business, according to the International Finance Corp (IFC), the private-sector arm of the World Bank. Myanmar’s inaugural ranking of 182 from 189 countries covered in the World Bank’s annual Doing Business report on Tuesday should not be taken at face value, said Charles Schneider, the resident IFC representative in Yangon. “All the indices point towards corruption, but with increased transparency and increased use of tendering they have taken a lot of questions mark out of these processes,” Schneider said in a telephone interview. Since replacing a military regime in March 2011, Myanmar’s quasi-civilian government has introduced a wave of economic, political and social reforms, which convinced Western countries to restart development aid and suspend most of the sanctions that for two decades prohibited trade and investment. Under the junta, Myanmar’s investment climate was considered high-risk for firms, with many put off by the its reputation for corruption, limited legal safeguards and opaque deals struck largely without tenders. In an effort to create urgently needed jobs and infrastructure
in one of Asia’s poorest countries, Myanmar has sought help in drafting new legislation and setting up panels led by technocrats to try to improve the investment climate. Myanmar, however, was still far behind Southeast Asia’s biggest economies according to the report, with average time taken to set up a business 72 days compared with 2.5 in Singapore, 27.5 in Thailand and 6 in Malaysia. For procedures involved in acquiring construction permits, there were eight in Thailand, 11 in Singapore and 16 in Myanmar. Gaining electricity access took an average 113 days in Myanmar, compared to 34 in Malaysia and 35 in Thailand, the study showed. Schneider said Myanmar had started from a low base and still had a long way to go in areas like regulation, licensing, and dispute settlement mechanisms. But new banking and micro finance laws and parliament’s passing of an investment bill last year offering tax breaks, long land leases and foreign participation in most sectors were signs of its commitment to attracting businesses. “The government is way ahead of the curve on many of these reform programs,” he said. A break from the past was the holding of an auction for telecoms licences, he said, which passed heavy scrutiny. Telecoms is seen by many economists as one of the most important development areas in Myanmar and a sector, that like many, was monopolized for years by a state-run firm. Qatar’s Ooredoo, and Norway’s Telenor won the rights to provide telecoms services in June. —Reuters
BAGHDAD: From the giant southern oilfields to the lively souks of Basra, China is drilling ever deeper into Iraq. Driven by an insatiable thirst for oil, Beijing secured a formidable position in Iraq’s prized energy sector through auctions held four years ago. It is now seeking to buy 850,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Iraqi oil, 30 percent of estimated 2014 exports. Its dominant role in Iraqi oilfields sat uneasily with Baghdad at first. That changed when China’s quick, cost-effective ramp-up in production helped push Iraq up the OPEC ranks to second spot behind Saudi Arabia from a virtual standing start after the disruptions of the US-led invasion in 2003. “The Chinese are our commercial partners in managing and developing oilfields that are totally Iraqi. So I don’t see any issue of dominance or threats,” said Thamir Ghadhban, chairman of the advisory commission to Iraq’s Council of Ministers. “It’s the other way around. I think the Chinese find Iraq to be their favorite partner.” Further expansion is in the works. PetroChina’s anticipated purchase of a 25 percent share in Exxon Mobil’s West Qurna-1 oilfield project will allow China’s biggest energy firm to overtake Russia’s Lukoil to become the biggest single foreign investor in Iraqi oil. CHEAP AND SILENT “China’s strong position means the oil ministry has fewer qualms if Western companies back out because they are seen as being more readily replaceable,” said an Iraqi analyst. PetroChina already partners with BP at Rumaila, Iraq’s largest producer, and operates the Halfaya and Al-Ahdab fields. It was the first foreign firm to sign an oil service deal in Iraq after US-led forces toppled Saddam Hussein. Deep pockets and corporate flexibility in the face of rising violence here in Iraq allows companies from China to offer the rapid production increases that many in the West cannot. “The Chinese work cheaply and silently - worrying less about security compared to other foreign firms. They use a larger number of workers, so they always complete the job on time, if not before,” said an official with Iraq’s South Oil Co (SOC). “When we advise other contractors, or even our own workers, on how to get the job done, we tell them, ‘Do it like the Chinese’.” Baghdad has been particularly struck with PetroChina’s performance at Halfaya in the southern Maysan province. Along with partners Total and Petronas, PetroChina has lifted flows from the field, which was nearly untapped, above 100,000 bpd, and output is expected to hit 200,000 bpd by next September. PetroChina’s peers Sinopec and China National
Offshore Oil Corp (CNOOC) are also on the ground, giving Beijing access to the whole of Iraq - from the autonomous Kurdish region in the north to the Maysan oilfield in the south. They, along with all the foreign oil companies who signed service contracts with Baghdad, are repaid for development with a cut of the oil their work produces. Beijing, which last month overtook the United States as the world’s largest oil importer, is seeking 70 percent more Iraqi oil next year. SAUDI RIVALRY The higher oil sales are bound to step up the rivalry between Baghdad and top exporter Saudi Arabia for a bigger slice of the growing Asian market. “Iraq’s natural market is Asia, and with China’s strong economy it’s natural that it would lift more and more Iraqi crude and invest heavily to get the resources,” said a Western diplomat. “And their partnerships with Western companies are important: they’re being exposed to our business culture and moving in a manner that we want to see.” Oil executives point to BP’s venture with PetroChina, which has raised output by about 400,000 bpd to 1.4 million bpd, as a prime example of a
smoothly running partnership. “PetroChina brings its own capabilities and the opportunity, under competitive bidding, to access the Chinese supply chain,” said Toby Odone, Deputy Head of BP’s press office. Iraq’s easy-to-access oilfields are the largest in the Middle East open to foreign investment, making them hard to resist as China’s dependency on imports rises. “The Chinese are reliable. They don’t have the experience of running sophisticated projects, but drilling here is very easy,” said a senior Western oil executive. Iraq has the world’s fifth-largest oil reserves and wants to at least double its production of 3 million barrels bpd in the next few years and ultimately challenge Saudi Arabia as the world’s biggest oil power. For China, access to reserves is a strategic imperative. And Beijing is prepared to accept tougher terms and lower profits than Western oil majors and even Russian firms such as Lukoil, which have to answer to shareholders. “China’s expansion in Iraq is still largely driven by economics. There is little political thinking behind it,” said Chen Weidong, head of energy strategy research at CNOOC. That drive has taken China beyond the oilfields and into the streets of Basra, where the Chinese are setting up shop. “The Chinese are part of our society. —Reuters
Movenpick Hotel Makkah picks Refaat as new Director of Sales MAKKAH: Movenpick Hotel & Residences Hajar Tower Makkah has announced the appointment of Ahmed Refaat as the new Director of Sales and Marketing for the 1,200-room hotel, which is ideally located in the heart of Makkah. An Egyptian native, with a degree in commerce, he brings with him 18 years of hospitality experience with numerous achievements and skills in the field. Refaat began his hospitality journey in rooms division followed by sales roles in Egypt, where he has held a number of mid- and senior-level posts, including that of Director of Sales and Marketing at Movenpick Hotel Cairo Heliopolis, Radisson Blu Hotel Cairo, and recently served as the Executive Assistant Manager at Le Passage Cairo Hotel, where he was responsible for the daily operation of sales, marketing, revenue and reservations. In his new role, Refaat will be based in Movenpick Hotel Makkah. He will take responsibili-
ty for the management and leadership of the sales and marketing department, while formulating effective planning to achieve successful business development and sustain the good relationship with partners. Commenting on the appointment, General Manager, Adel Erfan stated: “We are very excited that Refaat is part of our team. His skills will ensure that our continuous strong position in Makkah is maintained. We are looking forward to his long and fruitful career with us.”
EXCHANGE RATES Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. ASIAN COUNTRIES Japanese Yen Indian Rupees Pakistani Rupees Srilankan Rupees Nepali Rupees Singapore Dollar Hongkong Dollar Bangladesh Taka Philippine Peso Thai Baht Irani Riyal Irani Riyal
2.895 4.592 2.649 2.155 2.877 228.980 36.431 3.626 6.559 9.105 0.271 0.273 GCC COUNTRIES
Saudi Riyal Qatari Riyal Omani Riyal Bahraini Dinar UAE Dirham
75.350 77.639 733.920 750.500 76.951
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 275.52 274.65 320.91 393.26 281.85 460.19 2.95 3.624 4.588 2.162 2.872 2.655 76.81 750.17 40.90 401.14 732.99 77.83 75.29
SELL CASH 276.000 274.000 321.000 396.000 284.600 464.000 3.000 3.700 4.850 2.600 3.400 2.750 77.100 751.000 41.000 406.200 739.100 78.200 75.500
ARAB COUNTRIES Egyptian Pound - Cash Egyptian Pound - Transfer Yemen Riyal/for 1000 Tunisian Dinar Jordanian Dinar Lebanese Lira/for 1000 Syrian Lira Morocco Dirham
40.950 40.544 1.318 174.190 399.030 1.896 3.070 35.306
EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES US Dollar Transfer 282.450 Euro 391.480 Sterling Pound 458.560 Canadian dollar 271.590 Turkish lira 142.650 Swiss Franc 317.360 Australian Dollar 272.420 US Dollar Buying 281.250 GOLD 20 Gram 10 Gram 5 Gram
248.000 125.000 65.000
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
Selling Rate 282.600 273.560 454.195 389.815 314.100 746.200 76.920 78.470 76.230 398.365 40.965 2.155 4.599 2.643 3.630 6.543 694.120 3.875 10.085 3.050 3.845
Malaysian Ringgit Thai Bhat Syrian Pound Nepalese Rupees Malaysian Ringgit
90.698 10.060 3.045 3.855 89.935
South African Rand Sri Lankan Rupee Taiwan Thai Baht
0.022645 0.001891 0.009510 0.008770
0.031145 0.002471 0.009690 0.009320
Bahraini Dinar Egyptian Pound Iranian Riyal Iraqi Dinar Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Lebanese Pound Moroccan Dirhams Nigerian Naira Omani Riyal Qatar Riyal Saudi Riyal Syrian Pound Tunisian Dinar Turkish Lira UAE Dirhams Yemeni Riyal
Arab 0.743809 0.038421 0.000078 0.000183 0.394722 1.0000000 0.000138 0.022620 0.001196 0.728643 0.078982 0.074790 0.001925 0.169706 0.140723 0.076028 0.001285
0.751809 0.041521 0.000080 0.000243 0.402222 1.0000000 0.000238 0.046620 0.001831 0.734323 0.078195 0.075490 0.002145 0.177706 0.147723 0.077177 0.001365
Bahrain Exchange Company COUNTRY SELL CASH Belgian Franc British Pound Czech Korune Danish Krone Euro Norwegian Krone Romanian Leu Slovakia Swedish Krona Swiss Franc Turkish Lira
SELLDRAFT Europe 0.007351 0.447076 0.006619 0.048057 0.383682 0.043903 0.081615 0.008099 0.040294 0.308198 0.140723
0.008351 0.456076 0.018619 0.053057 0.391162 0.049103 0.81615 0.018099 0.045294 0.318398 0.147723
Australian Dollar New Zealand Dollar
Australasia 0.260043 0.227620
0.271543 0.237120
Canadian Dollar US Dollars US Dollars Mint
America 0.265129 0.278750 0.279250
0.273629 0.283100 0.283100
Bangladesh Taka Chinese Yuan Hong Kong Dollar Indian Rupee Indonesian Rupiah Japanese Yen Kenyan Shilling Korean Won Malaysian Ringgit Nepalese Rupee Pakistan Rupee Philippine Peso Sierra Leone Singapore Dollar
Asia 0.003422 0.045021 0.034395 0.004482 0.000021 0.002799 0.003411 0.000256 0.085857 0.003030 0.002507 0.006438 0.000069 0.225000
0.004022 0.048521 0.037145 0.004883 0.000027 0.002979 0.003411 0.000271 0.091857 0.003200 0.002787 0.006718 0.000075 0.231000
Al Mulla Exchange CurrencyTransfer 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
Rate (Per 1000) 281.850 391.100 459.950 276.200 4.485 40.990 2.155 3.625 6.545 2.651 750.550 76.750 75.300
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
BUSINESS
Stanford Marine hires banks for London debut Deutsche Bank, Goldman to arrange London IPO DUBAI: Stanford Marine Group, a unit of emerging markets-focused private equity firm Abraaj Group, has hired banks to help arrange a stock market listing in London, as regional private equity firms tap foreign stock markets to exit investments. Deutsche Bank and Goldman Sachs Inc have been picked to arrange the listing of the oil and gas services firm, scheduled for the first quarter of 2014, three banking sources said yesterday, speaking on condition of anonymity as the matter has not been made public. Abraaj, whose investment portfolio spans the Middle East, Africa and Asia, owns 51 percent of Stanford Marine, with the remaining stake held by
Abu Dhabi-based investment firm Waha Capital. Stanford Marine, Abraaj and Goldman Sachs declined to comment on the IPO plans. Deutsche Bank was not immediately available to comment while Waha Capital declined to comment. The sources did not disclose how much the company aimed to raise from the offering. Private equity firms in the region are looking to exit their investments due to pressure from shareholders for returns and as financial markets recover from the twin blows of Arab Spring uprisings and the global financial crisis. However, private equity investors are staying away from local stock offerings and instead prefer more developed markets,
such as London, for share offerings. “If you have a good story to tell and want international investors to look at you seriously, London is undoubtedly the number one choice for regional companies,” said one senior Dubai-based banking source. Gulf Capital, an Abu Dhabi-based private equity firm, has named Rothschild as a financial advisor for a share offering of its majority-owned Gulf Marine Services unit in London, Gulf Capital’s chief executive has said. Healthcare provider Al Noor Hospitals, part-owned by private equity firm Ithmar Capital, listed in London in June and was valued at $1 billion, while Dubai-based developer DAMAC Properties is also said to be seeking a London IPO.
The banking source added that local markets needed more depth and to change some opaque regulations before they could attract such international companies. Set up in 1997, Stanford Marine owns, manages and operates offshore supply vessels that service the oil and gas industry in the Middle East, South East Asia, Africa and the Gulf of Mexico. The company recorded $241 million in revenues last year, while earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), a key industry figure, stood at $62.1 million, according to the firm’s website. It raised a $300 million loan last month to refinance existing debt, with local and regional banks taking part. — Reuters
ECB sees tentative signs of recovery for euro banks Demand for business loans remains weak
NEW YORK: A trader works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange at the end of the trading day in New York City. — AFP
US private hiring slows; consumer prices up 0.2% WASHINGTON: US private-sector employers hired the fewest number of workers in six months in October while tepid domestic demand kept inflation benign last month, suggesting the economy was still in need of stimulus from the Federal Reserve. Employers in the vast private sector added 130,000 new jobs to their payrolls this month, the ADP National Employment Report showed yesterday. That was the lowest reading since April and was below economists’ expectations for a gain of 150,000 jobs. September’s private payrolls gains were revised down to 145,000 from the previously reported 166,000 jobs. The report, jointly developed with Moody’s Analytics, suggested that the 16day government shutdown early in the month had weighed on an already struggling labor market. “ADP was weaker than expected, which is consistent with the weaker tone of labor market data we have had recently,” said Eric Stein, co-director of the Global Income Group at Eaten Vance Investment Managers in Boston. Private jobs growth slowed for the fourth month in a row this month, according to ADP data. Average monthly jobs growth has fallen below 150,000, which if sustained would make it difficult for the unemployment rate to fall further. In a separate report, the Labor Department said its Consumer Price Index increased 0.2 percent last month as energy prices rebounded, after edging up 0.1 percent in August. In the 12 months through September, the CPI increased 1.2 percent, the smallest gain since April. It had advanced 1.5 percent in August.
Economists polled by Reuters had expected consumer prices to rise 0.2 percent last month and increase 1.2 percent from a year ago. US Treasury debt prices held gains after the data. The weak labor market picture and benign inflation environment should allow the Fed to stay the course on its monthly bond purchases as it tries to stimulate the economy through low interest rates. The Fed targets 2 percent inflation, although it tracks a gauge that tends to run a bit below the CPI. Officials from the central bank are expected to keep their monthly $85 billion bond purchasing program in place when they conclude a two-day meeting later. Stripping out the volatile energy and food components, the socalled core CPI nudged up 0.1 percent, rising by the same margin for a second consecutive month. That took the increase over the past 12 months to 1.7 percent after rising 1.8 percent in August. This measure touched a two-year low of 1.6 percent in June and the slowdown last month could catch the attention of some Fed officials who are concerned about inflation being too low. Last month, inflation was lifted by a 0.8 percent rise in energy, which accounted for about half of the rise in the CPI. Energy prices had dropped 0.3 percent in August. Food prices were flat in September. That was the weakest reading since May. Within the core CPI, housing and medical care costs advanced, maintaining a recent trend. Owners’ equivalent rent of primary residence rose 0.2 percent after rising 0.3 percent in August. — Reuters
FRANKFURT: Europe’s battered financial sector is showing tentative signs of healing, even if it is still too early to sound the all-clear, a key ECB survey showed yesterday. Banks are about to ease up on credit conditions and increase the availability of loans for businesses, the survey suggested pointing to an important factor in the dynamics of the still sluggish euro-zone economy. But demand for business loans remains weak. Credit conditions in the euro area are still being tightened, but are set to start to ease again in coming months, the European Central Bank found in its quarterly bank lending survey. The net percentage of banks expecting to tighten their loan criteria for businesses and households eased to 5.0 percent in the third quarter from 7.0 percent in the second quarter, the ECB said. And in the fourth quarter, banks are actually projecting a net easing of credit conditions for enterprises for the first time since the end of 2009. “The October 2013 Bank Lending Survey confirmed the ongoing stabilization in credit conditions for firms and households in the context of still weak loan demand,” the ECB wrote. Similarly, lending conditions for both consumer credit and housing loans are also expected to ease for the first time since the end of 2010. In the third quarter, the net percentage of bank reporting a tightening of credit standards for housing loans to households fell to 3.0 percent from 7.0 percent, while for consumer credit there was a marginal net tightening, following an easing in the previous quarter. Nevertheless, “across all loan categories, the net tightening of credit standards in the third quarter of 2013 stands below historical averages calculated over the period since the start of the survey in 2003,” the ECB said. The ECB also found that access by banks to retail and wholesale funding had continued to improve in the third quarter of 2013 as tensions in the sovereign debt markets continue to decline. HUNGER FOR HOME LOANS Turning to loan demand, euro area banks continued to report a net decline in the demand for loans to enterprises in the third quarter of
FRANKFURT AM MAIN: The towers of German company Deutsche Bank are seen in Frankfurt am Main, central Germany. — AFP 2013, albeit to a lower degree than in the previous quarter. For housing loans, banks indicated a net increase in demand for the first time since the fourth quarter of 2010, “to a level well above its historical average.” And the net demand for consumer credit turned marginally positive in the third quarter of 2013. “Looking ahead to the fourth quarter of 2013, banks expect in net terms an increase in demand across all loan categories,” the ECB said. Economists were heartened by the data. Marie Diron at EY Euro-zone Forecast said the ECB “will be relieved that its Bank Lending Survey gives no broad-based evidence that banks are tightening credit conditions ahead of the Asset Quality Review (AQR).
Stumbling block cited in JPMorgan talks WASHINGTON: Negotiations between the Justice Department and JPMorgan Chase & Co have hit a stumbling block that has put the talks at risk, a person briefed on the discussions said Tuesday. A week and a half ago, JPMorgan tentatively agreed to pay $13 billion to settle allegations surrounding the low quality of mortgage-backed securities it sold in the run-up to the 2008 financial crisis. One of the unresolved issues in the talks: JPMorgan says it should be able to seek money from a receivership involving Washington Mutual, a failed savings and loan that JPMorgan purchased in 2008, said the person, who spoke
on condition of anonymity because the source was not authorized to speak by name about the matter. The receivership is overseen by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the independent agency created by Congress to maintain stability in the banking system. The FDIC’s position is that JPMorgan is responsible for any liabilities regarding the acquisition of Washington Mutual. The two sides also disagree over whether the bank can face criminal charges. The tentative $13 billion deal only covers civil issues, said the person briefed on the discussions. In a proposal made Sunday night, the bank
sales. It has also unveiled a plan to build a new assembly plant in Brazil with an annual capacity of 120,000 units. The $430 million facility, about 200 kilometers northwest of Sao Paulo, will become operational in 2015 and will double Honda’s annual output capacity in the country to 240,000 units. However, demand in Honda’s home market may slow further as Japan prepares to usher in a sales tax hike next year. “Japanese automakers in general showed a good performance thanks to a weak yen and stable demand in North America,” said Shigeru Matsumura, auto analyst with SMBC Friend Securities in Tokyo. But he added: “At home, we expect to see a negative impact from the tax hike, which will dent auto demand in Japan.” Honda’s unit sales to the key North American market jumped 10.6 percent in the quarter to September, and rose 9.0 percent in Asia. The struggling European market was down 9.1 percent in the period, it said. A weak yen is generally good for Japanese exporters as it makes their products more competitive abroad while inflating the value of their foreign income. Yesterday, Honda left unchanged its 580 billion yen annual profit forecast to March 2014. The auto maker’s Tokyo-listed shares closed 1.27 percent higher at 3,965 yen, before its results were published. Nissan said yesterday it would now publish its earnings on Friday instead of next week, when rival Toyota also reports its results. — AFP
said it wants to limit any possible criminal exposure to a single ongoing criminal investigation in California, according to the person, who said talks are continuing. Justice Department spokesman Brian Fallon said: “I have no comment on the rumors about the talks with JPMorgan.” JPMorgan spokesman Mark Kornblau in New York declined to comment. On Friday, a government agency that oversees mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced that JPMorgan had agreed to pay $4 billion of the $13 billion involved in the tentative settlement. The $4 billion resolves
claims that the bank misled Fannie and Freddie about risky mortgage securities it sold to them before the housing market collapsed. JPMorgan sold $33 billion in mortgage securities to Fannie and Freddie between 2005 and 2007, according to the government. That was the second-most sold to Fannie and Freddie ahead of the housing crisis, behind only Bank of America Corp. The securities soured after the housing bubble burst in 2007, losing billions of dollars in value. Fannie and Freddie were rescued in a taxpayer bailout in 2008 as they sank under the weight of mortgage losses. — AP
Saudi reforms lift women’s income, boost retailer Jarir
Honda profits soar TOKYO: Honda said yesterday its net profit soared 46.4 percent in the three months to September as Japan’s third largest carmaker benefited from a weaker yen and stronger North America sales. Net profit for JulySeptember rose to 120.37 billion yen ($1.23 billion), slightly below analyst forecasts, with the company also reporting brisk global demand for its name brand motorbikes, led by fast-growing markets in Asia. A sharp decline in the yen this year has boosted profitability at major Japanese exporters including Honda rivals Toyota and Nissan. The country’s top auto makers have also seen a rebound in demand from China, the world’s biggest vehicle market, after a Tokyo-Beijing territorial dispute sparked a consumer boycott of Japanese brands. For the six months to September, Honda said net profit rose 13.5 percent to $2.47 billion with revenue up 21.6 percent at 5.72 trillion yen. Earnings in recent quarters have been squeezed by Honda’s heavy spending as it looks to expand production and further tap emerging markets. The firm previously set aside 700 billion yen for capital spending for the fiscal year to March 2014. It hopes to meet a global production target of six million units within several years. Honda last month launched its first lowcost car for Indonesia’s booming auto market, part of plans to more than quadruple sales in the country by 2016. The launch of the Mobilia, a multi-purpose vehicle, comes as Honda builds its second plant in Indonesia to boost both production and
“Overall, this is a cautiously encouraging survey that suggests that banks are gradually becoming more confident in the economic outlook and are facing fewer funding difficulties,” she said. “Banks are saying that they are planning an easing in credit conditions. This would be very good news for the euro-zone economy,” Diron said. But she cautioned: “Credit conditions will remain tight for some time. The reality of a very slow recovery in the euro-zone and still plenty of work to do to improve the resilience of the banking sector will mean that even with good intentions, banks will be constrained in their ability to ease credit standards,” the expert concluded. — AFP
TOKYO: A Honda vehicle passes before Honda Motor headquarters in Tokyo yesterday. — AFP
RIYADH: Saudi labor reforms to nudge more local people and notably women into jobs once held by expatriates have raised consumer spending and boosted revenue for retailers, Muhammad Al-Agil, chairman of Jarir Marketing Co, said. Jarir, which sells books, office and art supplies, computers and some electronics, is the kingdom’s largest listed retailer, opening its 32nd store this year. In a market that rewards companies best placed to benefit from economic growth, which hit 5.1 percent last year, the chain’s shares have risen by 53 percent since the start of 2013, outstripping a 17 percent gain in the all-share index. Agil said labor reforms were now having an impact, particularly as more local women get jobs and spend their pay in Saudi Arabia. “Instead of a basic foreign worker taking 3,000 riyals ($800), spending 700 here and sending the rest back home, the local girl will come and spend it at Jarir and other places, so we have more customers,” he said in an interview at the Reuters Middle East Investment Summit yesterday. Riyadh is seeking to increase the number of Saudis employed by the private sector, introducing quotas that penalize companies with too many foreign employees. One effect has been to raise the number of Saudi women in the workforce, adding to the impact of government reforms since 2011 aimed at limiting some retail sectors, such as lingerie and cosmetics, to female sales staff.
Agil added that if the government reversed a long-standing ban on women driving vehicles, Saudi retailers would benefit. Many households employ a foreign driver at rates of around 2,000 riyals a month, which eats into their spending money. “Women driving will put more money in the family pocket,” he said. On Saturday, the authorities deployed police to thwart a campaign for women to get behind the wheel in defiance of the ban. Campaigners say they hope the ban will end as public attitudes towards women driving seem to be shifting and after some prominent Saudis and local media called for change. Agil said around 30 percent of Jarir’s staff are now locals, with Saudis in around 85 percent of management jobs and 40 percent of shop floor jobs, but less heavily represented in areas such as warehousing. Despite his backing for the government’s policy of encouraging employment of Saudis, he acknowledged it may have contributed to a delay in opening some new stores planned for this year as contractors complained of a labour shortage. Agil said Jarir aimed to grow gross profit by a fifth next year and 25 percent in 2015, with the increase based partly on store openings and partly on higher sales of electronics. Agil said sales of items such as tablets and smartphones have been 40 percent higher in the first nine months of 2013 than in the same period last year, partly due to prices being around a fifth lower than in 2012. — Reuters
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
BUSINESS
US consumer confidence at six-year high Indonesia still most upbeat consumer market LONDON: Consumer confidence in the United States reached a six-year high in the third quarter, as prospects for jobs and personal finances improved, and also rose sharply in Europe, a global survey showed. Americans were among the most bullish consumers in a quarterly survey by global information and insights company Nielsen, reflecting growing confidence that the world’s biggest economy is a on a sustainable growth path. US stockmarkets have risen to record highs, creating a wealth effect that has also made consumers more willing to spend. The
survey, released yesterday, was taken before a 16-day partial government shutdown early this month which economists expect will hurt US economic growth in the fourth quarter. “In the United States, the labor market is slowly healing, and low interest rates are helping the housing market come back and bringing up the stock market, which is perhaps especially beneficial to higher-income consumers with more assets,” said Venkatesh Bala, chief economist at The Cambridge Group, a part of Nielsen. “It’s still going to be a slow climb - we’re not going to see huge growth rates - but this improvement is recur-
ring and it is sustainable.” Indonesia remained the most bullish consumer market worldwide, followed by the Philippines and India, as in the previous quarter, but confidence levels in all three emerging markets dipped. It also dipped in Brazil. The Nielsen Global Consumer Confidence Index was unchanged in the third quarter from the previous three months at 94, up 2 points from the same period a year earlier. A reading below 100, however, signals still relatively low consumer morale. Portugal saw the biggest jump in consumer confidence globally in the third quar-
ter, by a hefty 22 points, while Ukraine saw the biggest drop, by 13 points. Portugal’s rebound led a pick-up in consumer sentiment in peripheral euro zone countries that have been grappling with tough austerity measures as they sought to cut heavy debt levels. While the rebound is encouraging and tied with other recent economic data suggesting the euro zone economy has turned the corner, Portugal, Italy, Greece, as well as France, were still among the most depressed consumer markets globally. “In Europe, we’ve seen a change in mindset as policymakers have moved away from
austerity measures and toward growth policies,” said Bala. “ While recover y is still uneven, many consumers - especially in countries such as Germany and the United Kingdom - are feeling that the worst is behind them, and their confidence is improving as they sense growth returning.” Non-euro zone member Hungary was the most pessimistic market globally although it showed an improvement from the third quarter. The Nielsen survey was conducted between Aug 14 and Sept 6 and covered more than 30,000 online consumers across 60 markets.— Reuters
SHANGHAI: A man (right) sorts out junk he has collected under a propaganda banner that reads “Create Happiness for the People” on a street in Shanghai yesterday. — AFP
World shares creep higher LONDON: World shares and gold inched higher yesterday as investors wagered that the US Federal Reserve would signal plans later in the day to keep its stimulus intact for several more months. However, after solid rallies across most riskier asset markets in the run-up to the decision, investors were wary of driving prices much higher until they hear what the Fed has to say about future plans for scaling back its stimulus. “Tapering, while put off right now, will come back quite soon. We think in the first half of next year they are going to reduce that stimulus,” said Christian Schulz, senior economist at Berenberg Bank. A majority of US primary dealers surveyed by Reuters confirmed that the recent government shutdown and standoff over raising the debt ceiling had made it more likely the Fed would delay the timing of its stimulus reduction. The Fed will release a statement at 1800 GMT after a two-day meeting. The conviction that it would delay any move to end its steady cash injections though was enough to see the MSCI world equity index add 0.2 percent in early European trade to bring it back to a level last seen in January 2009. Europe’s broad FTSE Eurofirst 300 index also reached its highest peak in five years after a gain of 0.3 percent in early trading. European shares were supported by some solid corporate earnings news from the likes of clothing retailer Next, and after Wall Street’s strong finish on Tuesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and S&P 500 set life-time closing highs when a key gauge of consumer sentiment showed confidence tumbled in October, adding to recent evidence of sluggish economic growth. A report on private sector jobs growth in the United States for October due out later should add further weight to the view that this month’s political showdown in Washington has caused a setback in the nascent recovery.
In the currency market, the dollar touched a one-week high against a basket of major currencies as investors who had been selling the greenback trimmed positions ahead of the announcement. Dollar sellers had driven the US unit to nine-month lows by the end of last week, taking their lead from steady easing in US Treasury yields. The 10-year T-note stood at around 2.5 percent, down from 3 percent in September when the Fed first delayed a widely-anticipated tapering decision. Against the yen, the dollar was steady at 98.17 yen JPY=, also close to a one-week high. The euro meanwhile held firm at $1.3741, and showed little reaction to data confirming that Spain’s economy emerged from recession between July and September after contracting for nine quarters. Commodity markets were mostly holding their ground as the Fed announcement neared, with gold seen the most exposed to any extension in the Fed’s money printing program due its role as protector against the ravages of any future inflation. Gold has risen about 7 percent from a threemonth low on Oct. 15 when investors began to price in a tapering delay and was up 0.2 percent at $1,346.11 an ounce. Conversely, Brent crude oil slipped slightly as the Fed announcement neared and was trading under $109 a barrel though prices were expected to be suppor ted by the announcement. “If (the Fed) acts as expected and there is no change in their position, it will likely support oil prices, but not cause them to be pushed up significantly,” Tetsu Emori, a commodities fund manager at Astmax Investments, said. Brent oil futures lost 7 cents to $108.94 a barrel while US crude oil dipped 65 cents to $97.54. Traders termed this partly a consolidation after a big gain on Monday when reports of a sharp drop in Libyan oil exports rekindled worries over global supply. — Reuters
Templeton Emerging Markets looks to invest more in Egypt DUBAI: Templeton Emerging Markets Group is looking to increase its equities investment in Egypt because it thinks the political environment will stabilize and the government is committed to repairing the economy, the head of the group said. The assessment coincides with signs that some foreign money may be preparing to return to Egypt after more than two years of political and economic turmoil. “Egypt is going to pull through and do quite well. Like the rest of the North African countries, it will revert back to a model with more stability,” said Mark Mobius, Executive Chairman of Templeton Emerging Markets, which has over $40 billion of assets under management around the world. He said his group, which had about $200 million invested in Egyptian companies, did not cut its exposure after the country’s 2011 revolution and had bought some stocks during the past two years. It is looking for opportunities to add to its portfolio across a range of Egyptian industries, he said. “From a long-term perspective, what has been happening is quite beneficial,” Mobius, speaking in an interview during the Reuters Middle East Investment Summit, said of Egypt’s troubled transition to democracy. Many international funds pulled out after the February 2011 overthrow of President Hosni Mubarak, as political strife brought Egypt’s balance of payments and budget close to crises. The ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in July this year has not ended political uncertainty; an army-backed interim government, threatened by militant attacks and street protests by Morsi’s supporters, will try to write a new constitution and hold elections next year. But Mobius dismissed suggestions that the
Arab Spring uprisings of 2011 had opened up such wide political and sectarian fissures that Egypt and other North African countries faced many more years of instability. “We don’t expect that - we think that there will be positive change within a reasonable period of time. People want to get on with their lives and won’t tolerate continued instability.” Mobius said Templeton had been in contact with Egyptian economic officials since Morsi was overthrown and felt “quite comfortable” with their approach towards restoring investor confidence and rebuilding financial markets. Templeton would be worried if there were signs of an anti-market shift in economic policy like that seen in Venezuela over the past 15 years, with nationalizations and foreign exchange controls. But that is not happening, he said. A key development was the decision in July by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait to provide Cairo with $12 billion in aid. This means Egypt has wealthy backers who see an interest in keeping it afloat economically, Mobius said. Large amounts of Western money may only start returning to Egypt when the government eventually reaches some kind of accommodation with Morsi’s Muslim Brotherhood, he added. So far there are few signs of such an accommodation, but a Reuters survey of 16 leading Middle East-focused funds last month showed tentative signs of reviving confidence in Egypt. Thirtyeight percent said they expected to increase their equity allocation to Egypt over the next three months, while 19 percent said they would probably reduce it. Egypt’s stock market is up 36 percent from its June low, but still 16 percent below its pre-revolution peak. — Reuters
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
BUSINESS
Europe’s high-yielding stocks poised for year-end boost LONDON: Investors are buying European stocks that pay high dividends to make the most of an expected delay in the winding down of US monetary stimulus and eventual interest rate hikes. The US government shutdown in October, combined with a surprise decision in September by the Federal Reserve not to taper its $85 billion a month of bond purchases with newly created cash, has pushed back expectations of interest rate rises. That in turn has cooled bond yields, prompting investors to seek income from dividend-paying stocks in a trend that looks set to last into the new year. Over the last 30 days, STOXX Europe 600 companies that pay out a dividend higher than that on offer from the broader index - currently averaging 3.35 percent of the share price - have performed at least in line with peers offering lower payouts, after
lagging year-to-date. Volumes in the high yielders have been twice as great as their lower yielding peers, according to StarMine data. The Fed is now expected to signal that it will not start cutting bond purchases until March. “Because of the miserable rates offered on deposit and by other asset classes, there is perpetual demand for high-calibre yield, be it your Royal Dutch Shell, GlaxoSmithKline or even something that has underperformed like Unilever coming back into the frame,” said Tim Whitehead, strategist at investment firm Redmayne-Bentley. Investors will need to be quick to cash in on the rally, however, with US budget negotiations set to resume in early January and the debt ceiling up for debate again in February and with jitters likely to beset equity markets in the build up to each Fed meeting ahead of next year’s budget negotiations.
“For now the further stimulus wins,” Steen Jakobsen, chief investment officer at Saxo Bank, said. “This makes Q4 a potentially very strong quarter, even possibly a repeat of 1999, where sub-par performance forced mutual funds and hedge funds into massive momentum buying into year-end.” NORDIC BANKS, INSURERS After underperforming on price for much of 2013, higher-yielding equities now look attractive on profit expectations over the next 12 months, trading on an average price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 13.6, 20 percent cheaper than their peers, StarMine data showed. StarMine’s Value Momentum (Val-Mo) model, which analyses price momentum and analyst revisions to identify stocks that appear unjustly cheap, also suggests higher yielders are bet-
ter value than the lower yielders, with an average score of 61 out of 100 compared with 43. Screening the higher yielding stocks for the best quality plays that feature in the top 10 percent on StarMine’s Val-Mo model, insurers such as Aegon and Allianz make up 40 percent of the basket of 25 companies. Nordic banks, including Nordea and Swedbank, also feature prominently. In P/E terms, all the stocks in the basket look cheap relative to the broad market, which suggests there is still room for prices to rise should companies meet or beat analysts’ current forecasts. “Whether you look at safe yield such as Nestle or high yield, unless we see a very sharp (rise) ... in bond yields, the (dividend) yield story is always going to be near front and centre,” said Stewart Richardson, chief investment officer at RMG Wealth Management.— Reuters
German unemployment stable Machine-tool orders down
KAESONG: South Korean lawmakers visit a South Korean company in North Korea’s Kaesong Industrial Complex yesterday. — AFP
South Korea MPs make rare crossing to North SEOUL: A group of South Korean lawmakers crossed the fortified border into North Korea yesterday to visit a jointly run industrial park that recently re-opened after military tensions caused a five-month closure. The rare cross-border trip by the 21 MPs comes as the two Koreas are struggling to build some momentum behind a series of stop-start confidence-building measures. They visited four of the 100-plus South Korean companies with factories in Kaesong, which lies 10 kilometers inside North Korea and was established in 2004 as a symbol of inter-Korean cooperation. The lawmakers were joined by officials from the South’s Unification Ministry, including Vice Minister Kim Nam-Sik. They did not meet with North Korean officials in Kaesong. At talks with South Korean businessmen, ruling party MP Ahn Hong-Joon said that despite Kaesong’s reopening, many companies still have a hard time securing new orders, according to a pool report carried by Yonhap news agency. “The governments of South and North Korea should work together for the sustained development and stability of the Kaesong industrial complex,” he said. Ahn urged the North to accelerate discussion with the South on turning Kaesong
into a viable industrial zone. North Korea effectively shut down the complex in April by withdrawing its 53,000strong workforce during a sharp and extended spike in military tensions that followed the North’s third nuclear test in February. The two Koreas agreed last month to resume operations, but talks on reforming the way Kaesong is managed have shown little progress, and the South Korean firms say production is only at 80 percent capacity. South Korea is keen to bring in foreign investors, but it recently cancelled a planned investment roadshow, citing a lack of progress in the talks with the North. The re-opening of Kaesong had initially promised to herald a wider thaw in crossborder ties and was followed with an agreement to hold a reunion for family members separated by the 1950-53 Korean War. But Pyongyang cancelled the event at the last minute, partly in anger at Seoul’s reticence about resuming tours to the North’s Mount Kumgang resort. “I hope this visit to Kaesong will help resume the family reunions and revive tours to Mount Kumgang and other economic exchanges,” opposition lawmaker Shim Jae-Won said earlier. — AFP
Old, new steps to prevent another bubble in Dubai DUBAI: Dubai will strictly enforce existing rules and if necessary set new ones to prevent another bubble from forming in its property market, while cracking down on abuses by real estate brokers, the Director General of the emirate’s Land Department said. “I don’t believe there’s a bubble forming. We are and we will be further regulating the real estate market,” Sultan Butti Bin Mejren said at the Reuters Middle East Investment Summit. “We don’t want a sharp increase in property prices that will exhaust the market. This is not healthy and unnecessary. What we’re trying to maintain is a sustainable growth in the real estate sector over the coming five years.” What happens in Dubai’s volatile property market matters far beyond its borders; when a bubble burst in 2008-2010, pushing property prices down by more than 50 percent, the emirate came close to defaulting on its debt and financial markets across the world shuddered. As head of the Land Department, which regulates the property market and is involved in planning Dubai’s rapid growth, Sultan Butti is a key figure in efforts to avert another boom-and-bust cycle. Partly because of inflows of money from elsewhere in the Gulf, Dubai’s housing market is now rebounding strongly, with prices up over 20 percent in the last 12 months, according to analysts. The International Monetary Fund warned in July of the risk of another bubble forming. The latest official statistics suggest Dubai’s dependence on the real estate market - and therefore its vulnerability to any bubble - had not decreased. Sultan Butti said real estate transactions in Dubai had totalled 195 billion dirhams ($53.1 billion) so far this year, up sharply from 145 billion dirhams in all of 2012. “The construction and real estate market now contribute to 24 percent of Dubai’s GDP (gross domestic product), and this percentage will see a slight growth this year.” But Sultan Butti, who was appointed to his post in 2006, said officials were alert to risks in the property market and taking a range of steps to reduce them. This week the United Arab Emirates central bank set limits on the size of mortgage loans for housing although the caps were less stringent than originally planned, after commercial banks complained they could hurt business. Mortgage caps may not have a big impact as many transactions are done with cash, but earlier this month Dubai took a step that will affect those deals too, raising the registration fee for property sales to 4
percent of value from 2 percent. Sultan Butti said the decision would not be reconsidered. “It was a wise measure that we took to limit speculation in the market and protect investors,” he said. No further increase in fees is planned or being considered, he added. Dubai’s last real estate boom was marred by some shady dealing, with cheques bouncing and some investors paying for properties that were never delivered. Sultan Butti said the Land Department was keeping a tight grip on transactions and preventing deals from going through without proper registration. “Our focus now is on regulating the real estate brokers. We’re taking various decisions to prevent bilateral deals that are done at the level of brokerage firms without proper registration at the Land Department,” he said. “These kinds of unregulated and unmonitored transactions may cause bubbles, and that’s why they are forbidden now.” WORLD EXPO In late November, Dubai will learn whether it has won the right to host the 2020 World Expo, which will affect its development plans because of the need to build infrastructure and new hotel space. Dubai is competing with Izmir in Turkey, Sao Paulo in Brazil and Yekaterinburg in Russia for the right to stage the world’s fair; a vote of the 167 member states of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions is expected to choose at an assembly on Nov. 26-27. Some stock market investors have started speculating that a win for Dubai would push up property prices near the proposed Expo site; if Dubai does not win, that could disappoint investors. But Sultan Butti said the property market would not be hurt in either case. “We are taking necessary measures to make sure the market will definitely grow in steady steps and the impact will be more tangible if Dubai wins, as it will boost investor confidence and will attract more investors to the country.” Dubai and the rest of the UAE rely heavily on foreign workers, who comprise most of the population, but only parts of the country are open to property investment by foreigners. Sultan Butti said that in coming years, he expected new projects and more areas to be offered for freehold by foreigners, with new rules and laws regulating these new developments. “Allowing investors who come to this country to own their property will attract more investors, and give them an incentive to stay here.” — Reuters
FRANKFURT: Unemployment in Germany, Europe’s biggest economy, remains stable, data showed yesterday, suggesting that private consumption will remain one of the key drivers of recovery, analysts said. The number of people registered as unemployed in Europe’s top economy inched up by just 2,000 to 2.973 million in seasonally adjusted terms last month, the Federal Labor Office said in a statement. The unemployment rate-which measures the proportion of people out of work compared with working population as a whole -was unchanged at 6.9 percent in seasonally-adjusted terms in October, the Federal Labor Office said. “The labor market is not reacting much to the mixed economic outlook and remains fundamentally sound,” the office said. In raw or unadjusted terms, the data looked much better, with the German jobless total falling by 47,759 people to 2.801 million and the unadjusted jobless rate slipping to 6.5 percent from 6.6 percent, the office calculated. ING DiBa chief economist Carsten Brzeski saw the German labor market as a “source of stability,” even if the usual autumn upturn was “somewhat softer than normal.” Unemployment tends to fall in the autumn as school-leavers finding placements on training schemes. “However, with these numbers, the German labor market still remains an important growth driver,” Brzeski said. The number of people in jobs is currently at a new post-reunification record of 42.16 million. And with real wages rising, this boded well for private consumption, as confirmed by the latest retail sales and car registrations data, the analyst argued. But Brzeski warned that in the current coalition talks, the Social Democrats are demanding the introduction of a minimum wage and critics believe such a mechanism will hurt jobs. “After the introduction of a minimum wage, it will be hard to squeeze additional positive effects out of the labor market,” he said. Annalisa Piazza of Newedge Strategy said the outlook for the labor market “remains relatively rosy ... as the (overall economic) recovery is expected to regain some momentum in early 2014.” Natixis economist Johannes Gareis similarly felt that with many recent sentiment indicators, such as the IFO and the ZEW, “we expect the German labor market to remain in a solid
WOLFSBURG: A worker wraps a protective liner around a Volkswagen Tiguan at quality control portion of the production line in the Volkswagen plant in Wolfsburg, Germany. German automaker Volkswagen AG said yesterday its operating profits rose 20 percent in the third quarter as the company focused on holding down costs in a tough sales environment. — AP position for the rest of this year.” Berenberg Bank economist Christian Schulz also believed the short-term labor market outlook “remains positive.” But he, too, felt that a “darker cloud comes from Berlin, where the introduction of new minimum wages is being discussed in the coalition talks, which could have a negative impact on some sectors.” Nevertheless, “more jobs and the apparent conversion of temporary into permanent contracts should further boost household incomes and consumer confidence,” Schulz said. “Price rises remain very subdued and the likely new coalition in Berlin will probably not raise taxes by much and might even rein in energy prices a bit, helping households further. The outlook for German consumption is bright,” Schulz concluded. Meanwhile, falling export demand dented Germany’s key mechanical engineering sector in
August, with rising domestic demand unable to offset the weakness, the VDMA industry federation said yesterday. The manufacture of machine tools is an important of Germany’s industrial and export performance. Overall incoming orders were down by 6.0 percent in September compared with the level in same month in 2012, VDMA said in a statement, with export orders tumbling by 16 percent while domestic orders grew by 21 percent. The federation’s chief economist Ralph Wiechers noted that the data had been distorted by a disproportionately large number of bigticket orders from outside the euro-zone in September 2012. Taking a three-month comparison to iron out short-term fluctuations, overall orders slipped by 1.0 percent in the period from July to September, with foreign orders falling by 7.0 percent, while domestic orders rose by 11 percent, VDMA calculated. — Agencies
Japan factory output up on stronger demand at home TOKYO: Japan’s factories boosted output in September, data showed yesterday, reversing a slide in the previous month owing to stronger domestic demand and highlighting that the world’s third-largest economy is gathering steam. Industrial production rose 1.5 percent month-on-month, compared with a revised fall of 0.9 percent in August as demand among Japanese consumers for electronics and cars rose ahead of a sales tax hike next year. Over the three months to September, the nation’s plants expanded production by 1.8 percent. The data are a key yardstick for the success of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s policy blitz, dubbed “Abenomics”, aimed at stoking growth in Japan’s long-lumbering economy. Takeshi Minami, economist at Norinchukin Research Institute in Tokyo, said the data pointed to a recovery that is “continuing steadily”, propped up by improving demand at home, while Japan’s export picture remains tepid with unsteady demand overseas. However, a sharply weaker yen has boosted profitability at Japanese exporters. Bank of Japan (BoJ) policymakers will be poring over the latest data with markets keen to see if the central bank would expand an aggressive monetary easing program, unveiled in April, as they watch for signs its US counterpart was ready to start winding down its own stimulus drive. “We currently don’t see a need for further monetary easing (by the BoJ),” Anoop Singh, director of the International Monetary Fund’s Asia and Pacific Department, told reporters in Tokyo. “Rather, the priority now is to advance growth reforms. For Abenomics to work, Japan’s long-term economic problems need to be tackled.” The fresh Japanese production figures come after separate data Tuesday showed that the country’s thrifty households boosted their spending last month while the unemployment rate fell. The 3.7 percent on-year jump in spending-the best result in six months far outstripped economists’ expectations. Japanese growth has easily outpaced expansion in other G7 nations this year and the government hailed recent consumer price data as showing it is winning the war on deflation. Stronger consumer spending was likely driven by expectations over a sales tax hike next year as consumers looked to buy goods more cheaply before the rate increase. There are fears that the tax rise, designed to bring down Japan’s staggering national debt, could derail its recovery. But Tokyo has been under heavy pressure to reduce a debt mountain that is proportionately the heaviest burden among rich countries, at more than twice the size of the economy. Abe has pledged to drag Japan out of its 15-year deflationary spiral by stoking price rises through lifting wages and consumption. A producers’ survey released with the
TOKYO: Pedestrians are reflected on the mirror wall above a showroom of Mitsubishi Motor Corp in Tokyo. Mitsubishi Motors has reported that its net profit surged 55 percent to 47 billion yen ($482 million) in April-September, helped by cost cuts and a weaker yen. — AP industrial production figures yesterday showed manufacturers have mixed expectations over the coming months, forecasting a 4.7 percent output rise in October before a decline of 1.2 percent in November. “The outlook for the manufacturing sector remains buoyant,” London-based Capital Economics said in a note. “While the October forecast will likely turn out too optimistic, there is a good chance that
industrial production will finally return to the levels observed at the beginning of last year in the coming months.” Last week, Tokyo hailed a key inflation indicator touching a five-year high as proof its growth blitz was working. Stripping out volatile fresh food and energy prices, which have largely driven recent increases, prices did not fall in September-deflation-plagued Japan’s best result since December 2008. — AFP
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
BUSINESS
Yellen feared US housing bust but did not raise public alarm Risks downplayed amid warning signals WASHINGTON: When Janet Yellen became president of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco in June 2004, a massive real estate bubble was building in the vast nine-state area that it oversees. Her staff alerted her that banks were overinvesting in speculative commercial real estate at a time when housing prices in the region were ballooning. But as chief regulator in the Federal Reserve’s largest district, Yellen conveyed two starkly different messages. In public remarks across the Western region’s nine states, she downplayed risks that were building in the financial sector, reporting positive economic signs even as warning signals began to emerge. Behind the scenes at the Fed, she contends that she and her staff were “pleading with Washington” to issue supervisory guidance that would enable bank examiners to take a tougher line on risky real estate lending. Yellen, who was nominated earlier in October to be the next chair of the US central bank, played a littleexamined role at the Fed in expressing unease about what she dubbed the “600-pound gorilla” - her reference at a Fed meeting in June 2007 to the real estate bubble and signs it could turn into a bust. When the bust came it led directly to the financial crisis. The difference between her public remarks and internal Fed role could draw scrutiny when the Senate Banking Committee holds a hearing on her nomination in midNovember. Yellen declined to comment for this article when contacted through the Fed. FRONT ROW She certainly had a front row seat on the real estate bubble. Yellen’s region included three of the four states hardest hit by foreclosures - Nevada, Arizona and California. The same states also led the nation in the percentage of consumer bankruptcies. Eight banks supervised by her team failed, the second-highest number among the Fed’s 12 regional banks. A big culprit was unchecked investments in real estate, including speculative land development loans. But Yellen confronted the limits of quietly leaning on Washington for corrective action. As she later told a panel probing the roots of the crisis, she felt one Fed action - an advisory opinion in 2007 that asked banks to control commercial real estate lending - was worthless. One could “rip it up and throw it in the garbage can,” she said. “It wasn’t a tool that was of any use to us in controlling this risk.” Yellen, 67, has been credited with seeing signs of the crisis before many other Fed officials. When she landed the regional Fed job after teaching at the University of California, Berkeley, housing prices were climbing to alarming levels. In Los Angeles and San Diego, home prices more than doubled between the beginning of 2000 and when Yellen took on the job in the summer of 2004, according to Standard & Poor’s/Case-Shiller index data. In Las Vegas, they jumped 50 percent in the previous year alone. And in San Francisco, prices had risen nearly 40 percent since the dot-com crash of 2000-2001. GROCERY CART The 54 banks under the San Francisco Fed’s supervision were leveraging too much of their capital in real estate, Yellen later observed. The San Francisco Fed kept thick case files on the banks it supervised; she described reviewing a grocery cart full of records when she first came on the job. But regulatory policy was set by the central bank’s board in Washington, and the role of the regional Fed banks was to enforce it.
Yellen later told the financial crisis panel that in dealing with the Fed’s board, she privately urged clear guidance. “As worried as we were, we never simply went into banks and said, ‘We insist you’ve got to have a higher capital requirement.’ Did we have the power to do that? I think we felt we did not,” she told the commission. Stephen Hoffman, the officer in charge of bank supervision at the San Francisco Fed during Yellen’s tenure and now a managing director at consulting firm Promontory Financial Group, corroborated Yellen’s account. “Was she going in and pounding on the table somewhere? No. But she was clearly making people aware that things were building and that there was a risk there, that if things went wrong there could have been significant challenges,” he said. The Fed did not issue an advisory to banks about commercial loans until January 2007 and it stopped short of a full-fledged order. By then, recalled Bruce Norris, president of
California real estate investment firm The Norris Group, some experts were questioning if regulators were asleep on the job. “Yellen had a lot of company,” he told Reuters. “I just could never figure out why they weren’t more concerned until it was too late.” THE BUBBLE If a crisis was looming, Yellen gave little hint of it as she traveled around her district speaking to banking and business groups. She reassured audiences that there were nuanced but optimistic signs even as recession closed in. In 2004, the new president told risk managers in San Francisco that closer supervision had “made our financial system far more resilient to shocks.” In Phoenix that year, she reported “more positive signs in the economy.” She flagged real estate as a concern in March 2005, telling a banking group in Hawaii that her staff was examining commercial lending and was concerned about the “easing of credit standards and terms on loans” for home mortgages. But Yellen ended optimistically, concluding that “we don’t think widespread problems are likely” and that “industry conditions in many respects are stronger now
ting timing belt changed on scheduled time” said Lucas Bellieud, Renault Middle East After Sales Director. Renault aims at providing the best quality service to its customers”. Renault customers can log on to the digital platform www.myrenault-me.com to get further details of this campaign or contact call centre on 1804 8888. The platform provides a world of privileges to registered customers, such as access to important information and documentation about their cars, easy and direct access to their local dealer for fast communication (on technical support or service appointment).
Jazeera Airways reports Operational Performance KUWAIT: Jazeera Airways released yesterday its September 2013 Operational Performance Report, which shows that the airline led in on-time performance (OTP) against all other airlines in the Middle East during the month of September 2013 with a performance of 95%, as ranked by the independent US-based OTP tracker, FlightStats. The September 2013 report, which is based on official figures and statistics from Kuwait’s Directorate General for Civil Aviation (DGCA), also shows an increase in flown passengers from September of last year to the popular destinations of Dubai, Beirut, Amman and Riyadh. On the Kuwait-Dubai route, Jazeera Airways saw 13% increase in flown passengers from September last year. The airline grabbed a 15% market share on the route in September 2013. The report also shows that Jazeera Airways was the leading airline serving the Kuwait-Amman route during the month with a 40% market share. The airline’s flown passengers increased by 11% from September 2012. Jazeera Airways saw 11% increase in flown passengers on the Kuwait-Beirut route in September, compared to the same month last year. The airline grabbed a 38% market share on the route in September 2013. Flown passengers on the Kuwait-Riyadh route increased by 5%, as the airline grabbed a 12% market share. Its market share on the Kuwait-Jeddah route was 16%
THE CRASH US home prices peaked in July 2006. In California,
Janet Yellen
Renault Al-Babtain concludes its ‘Timing Belt Campaign’ KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz AlBabtain Co, the exclusive distributor of Renault cars in Kuwait launched its Timing Belt campaign this month. The Renault Timing Belt campaign will run till 30th October 2013 during which Renault Customers can avail of a special 30% discount on parts and 10% discount on labor, when they change their timing belt at Renault’s service center in Kuwait. Renault recommends that timing belts be changed at 80,000 Km intervals. “As part of our PMS program [Preventive Maintenance Schedule], this campaign intends to highlight the importance of get-
than they’ve ever been.” By October 2005, real estate experts debated whether the Fed needed to intervene to control the surging “bubble” in home prices by raising interest rates. Yellen said her staff had begun to realize by then that “there might well be a bubble.” But as she concluded in an October 2005 speech, “the arguments against trying to deflate a bubble outweigh those in favor of it.” “My bottom line is that monetary policy should react to rising prices for houses or other assets only insofar as they affect the central bank’s goal variables output, employment, and inflation,” she said. Yellen’s views have not changed dramatically. Earlier this year, she expressed a “strong preference” to use regulation as the main defense against bubbles. But she no longer unequivocally rules out the use of monetary policy.
in September 2013. The report also shows that the airline was again the leading airline serving the Egyptian cities of Sharm El Sheikh with a 64% market share, Luxor with a 74% market share, Assiut with a 51% market share and Sohag with a 42% market share. For the rest of its Egyptian routes, Jazeera Airways grabbed a 25% market share on the Kuwait-Cairo route, and a 19% market share on the KuwaitAlexandria route.
the median price of a previously owned home reached $556,430 in 2006, about nine times the annual median income; the national median price was just $221,900, or about four times median income. Yellen, however, still saw cause for optimism. In March 2006, she spoke via satellite to Australian economists and noted that “overall the economy has shown considerable resilience.” At that point, the economy was buoyant. After a hit from Hurricane Katrina in late 2005, growth spiked to a 4.9 percent annual rate in the first quarter, though it slipped back to 1.3 percent over the next three months. The unemployment rate in March stood at a low 4.7 percent, with muted price pressures. Yellen emphasized that a housing boom reversal “could have a very restrictive impact.” But she concluded optimistically: “While we face a great deal of uncertainty, the economy appears to be approaching a highly desirable glide path.” A month later, Yellen noted that Bay area home prices were six times higher than they were in 1982. She urged monitoring of what she termed “highlights and shadows” in forecasts. In a 2006 speech to bankers in California’s agricultural belt, she encouraged banks to reach out to immi-
grants and other underserved populations, touting programs like one that encouraged home ownership for low-income families. A few years later, the farming area would be particularly hard hit by mortgage foreclosures. But it wasn’t until early 2007 that the national housing market began crashing. That March, prices and sales recorded their steepest drops since the savings and loan scandal in 1989. Mark Zandi, chief economist of Moody’s Analytics, later pinpointed the beginning of California’s recession as May 2007. The entire nation would tip into recession in December that year. Home price declines were not the only warning signs. In February 2007, HSBC Group, one of the world’s largest banks, said it would book a bad debt charge of $10.6 billion because of a big spike in delinquencies on subprime loans. Four months later, two hedge funds operated by Bear Stearns warned of major losses, and both collapsed within weeks. When France’s largest bank, BNP-Paribas, froze assets on three funds with big exposure to the US mortgage market in August 2007, global central bankers realized markets were at risk of freezing up. THE RESPONSE But when the Fed’s monetary policy panel met in June 2007, officials generally felt the economy was weathering the storm despite Yellen’s concerns about housing. “In terms of risks to the outlook for growth, I still feel the presence of a 600-pound gorilla in the room, and that is the housing sector,” she said, according to the transcript of that meeting, adding: “The risk for further significant deterioration in the housing market, with house prices falling and mortgage delinquencies rising further, causes me appreciable angst.” At the time, Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke was playing down the systemic risk of weakening real estate prices. Worried about inflation risks, Fed officials stood pat at the meeting, unanimously voting to hold interest rates steady, and they did the same at the Aug 7 meeting. Yellen was a non-voting participant at the two meetings. Within three days, however, as the BNP-Paribas events roiled financial markets, officials held an emergency conference call to discuss strains building in credit markets and announced they were ready to provide liquidity to banks. At their next scheduled meeting in September, they slashed overnight rates by a steep half of a percentage point, the first move in a dramatic series that took them to near zero by the end of 2008. In an October 2008 speech, Yellen tackled head-on the question of how the Fed missed the warning signs. She described a miscalculation in the interplay of “key features of the financial system.” A RE-EXAMINATION Under questioning by Republicans in 2010, after Obama nominated her to be Fed vice chair, Yellen said she and other regulators failed to “connect the dots” between loose lending practices and a overpriced housing market. Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama asked about her region’s “breakdown of regulatory oversight.” When Yellen at first defended the San Francisco Fed’s supervision as “careful and appropriate,” Shelby shot back, calling it “lax and inappropriate.” She ended by citing lessons learned. “What we have learned in hindsight is it was very hard for all of the regulators involved to take away the punch bowl in a timely way.” — Reuters
PWC, Zain, NBK and AAW launch PIN2 challenge Driving the Growth of Talent KUWAIT: What does it take to turn an idea into a business? Today, PWC and its partners and sponsors helped young local students in Kuwait answer this question, by launching for the second consecutive year the PIN2 challenge. The PIN2 Challenge is a business plan competition led by PWC for high schools in Kuwait, that gives young students an opportunity to showcase innovative ideas, by working in diverse teams incorporating challenges that are relevant to the prevailing social, economic, and technological environment, allowing them to grow and develop . PWC Kuwait and its partners, as part of their continuous commitment to support communities and develop local talent, created this program focused on specific dimensions to include the development of the student analytical and problem-solving skills, communication and team spirit and many more; helping them gain a wider knowledge base to be able to further develop their ideas and compete in today’s commercial market. Through the 5 month course, the program will run through a series of interactive workshops, thought provoking case discussions, team building exercises, and networking oppor tunities. PWC and the sponsors, through regular interaction with the students, will share their thought leadership, expertise ,industry insights and feedback on an ongoing basis. Commenting on this initiative, Fouad Douglas, PWC Kuwait Country Senior Partner said, “At PWC we encourage our own talent to grow, develop and lead their own projects; whether it’s when catering to clients or when seeing through a corporate social responsibility initiative like this one. With this initiative we are looking at building future leaders with an entrepreneurial spirit to excel in their professional lives”. Omar Al Omar, Zain Kuwait ’s Chief Executive Officer states that, “Our participation in this program positively demonstrates Zain’s commitment to support the youth, who have the skills and creative abilities to
contribute to the growth of society. Focusing on the development of entrepreneurial talents and capacity building, Zain’s participation in the PIN2 Challenge plays a pivotal role in the betterment of society, whereby implementing the basic values of human development as part of Zain’s long term Corporate Social Responsibility and strategic objectives.” NBK Deputy General Manager, Human Resources Group Emad Al Ablani said, “NBK is committed to supporting talented and qualified youngsters and empowering them to realize their potentials. The PIN2 Challenge goes along with NBK’s initiatives to invest in youth and support their aspirations. NBK believes that investing in human resources is investing in our future. We are looking forward with high expectations for the outcomes of the PIN≤ Challenge.” AAW General Manager, Ali Al-Mutawa said, “With more than 50% of the Kuwaiti population under the age of 25, talent and skill development are a vital part of the growth and development of the country. Our partnership again this year is part of our corporate social responsibility for what our com-
munity needs at this very moment- investing in our youth, building their talent and developing their skills. “We believe AAW and our partners are well-positioned in providing these skill sets to the youth through excellent programs, competitions and challenges just like this one. We look forward to witnessing what the participating students will showcase this year.” PIN2 CHALLENGE The PIN2 Challenges is a corporate responsibility initiative driven by PwC and its partners, Zain, National Bank of Kuwait, Ali Abdulwahab Al Mutawa Commercial Co., and sponsored by 4 Films Printing Group Company, Marriott Kuwait and the Wharton Club of the Middle East. It is a business plan competition aimed for high schools in Kuwait, that star ts in the beginning of November 2013 till March 2014, where students from each school form a team (3-6) to create a business plan for an innovative idea; participating schools include: American International School, Al Bayan Bilingual School, New English School, Kuwait English School and Universal American School.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
technology
Adobe data breach more extensive than previously disclosed BOSTON: Adobe Systems Inc said that the scope of a cyber-security breach disclosed nearly a month ago was far bigger than initially reported, with attackers obtaining data on more than 38 million customer accounts. The software maker also said that hackers had stolen part of the source code to Photoshop editing software that is widely used by professional photographers. The company disclosed the breach on Oct. 3, saying attackers took credit card information and other data from nearly 3 million customers’ accounts. Adobe also said that the hackers accessed an
undisclosed number of Adobe IDs and encrypted passwords that were stored in a separate database. On Tuesday, it revealed that about 38 million records from that database were stolen. On Oct. 3, the company also reported that the attackers stole source code to three other products: Acrobat, ColdFusion and ColdFusion Builder. Adobe spokeswoman Heather Edell said the software maker believes the attackers also obtained access to “many invalid Adobe IDs, inactive Adobe IDs, Adobe IDs with invalid encrypted passwords and test account data.” She said the company is still investigating to
determine how much invalid account information was breached and is in the process of notifying affec ted users. Even though the company believes the stolen passwords were encrypted, the attackers may have been able to access them in plain text by one of several methods, including break ing the algorithm that Adobe used to scramble them, said Marcus Carey, a security researcher and expert on cyber attacks, who formerly worked as an investigator with the National Security Agency. They could likely use those passwords to break into other accounts because many people use the
same passwords for multiple accounts, he said. “This is a treasure trove for future attacks,” Carey said. Adobe spokeswoman Heather Edell said that the company was not aware of any unauthorized activity on Adobe accounts as a result of the attack. Yet Edell said she could not say whether stolen credit cards or passwords had been used to launch follow-on attacks against Adobe customers or conduct other types of cyber crimes. “Our investigation is still ongoing,” she said. “We anticipate the full investigation will take some time to complete.” — Reuters
‘World’s first’ bitcoin ATM opens in Canada Customers use private key to access online account
BERLIN: In this Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2013, file photo, a model touches the screen of a Samsung Galaxy Gear smartwatch in Berlin, Germany. The so-called smartwatch is what some technology analysts believe could become this year’s must-have holiday gift. — AP
Smartwatches abound this holiday season NEW YORK: Computerized wristwatches that display message alerts and weather updates are abound this holiday season: Consumer electronics companies are trying to persuade you to add these smartwatches to your shopping lists. Samsung and Sony have devices out, and Qualcomm has one coming before the holidays. Apple is believed to be making one, and a new report says Google is developing one, too. Why the big push for smartwatches? It’s not coming from consumers, says Jonathan Gaw, a research manager at IDC. Rather, it’s a product in search of a market - and an expensive one at that. “We’ve had smartwatches for a while, and while the capabilities and technology have gotten better, this is still not something that people are clamoring for,” Gaw says. “The idea that it would ramp up for the holidays was always kind of a stretch.” That hasn’t stopped gadget makers from trying. Companies are under pressure to create a new source of buzz now that consumers are no longer wowed by the latest smartphones and tablet computers. Many people already have those devices, and the new ones out this year are evolutionary rather than revolutionary. Gaw says many gadget makers see an opportunity to jump in with a smartwatch, before a behemoth like Apple is able get its rumored iWatch ready. Last month, Samsung Electronics Co. started selling the $300 Galaxy Gear in the US It works with selected Samsung smartphones to display email and text alerts. There’s a camera on the strap for low-resolution photos and a speakerphone on the watch to make calls while leaving your phone in the pocket. You can install apps for additional functionality, such as tracking fitness activities and playing games, though there are only a handful of apps available for now. Sony Corp.’s SmartWatch 2 is cheaper, at $200. Unlike the Gear, it works with a vari-
ety of Android phones, not just Sony’s. But it doesn’t let you make phone calls directly through the wristwatch. You can answer calls using the watch, but you need a Bluetooth wireless headset linked to the phone if you don’t want to hold it to your ear. Qualcomm Inc., meanwhile, plans to start selling Toq before the holidays. It, too, will work with several Android devices. Another smartwatch getting attention is the Pebble, which comes from a startup that raised more than $10 million through the fundraising site Kickstarter. It notifies you of incoming calls, texts and emails. Apple isn’t likely to release its iWatch before next year, given that no mention was made of it at the company’s product showcase last week. As for Google, The Wall Street Journal cited unnamed people familiar with the matter on Tuesday in reporting that the Internet search company is in late-stage development on a smartwatch which could be ready for mass production within months. Samsung and Sony executives say they’ve designed their watches to give people ready access to information they would normally check on their phones, reducing the need to constantly pull out the phones. Only Qualcomm seems to be acknowledging that there’s no real consumer demand for smartwatches yet. The company says it’s trying to showcase what’s possible, so other manufacturers will take the concept and build better products - using Qualcomm’s display technology and other components. In a September briefing with The Associated Press, Samsung executives said the company has a history of taking risks. Samsung notes that people were skeptical about its Note phones with big screens, too, but now several other manufacturers are making Android phones with bigger screens. — AP
FutureTech participates in E-Government Forum KUWAIT: FutureTech announced yesterday that the company shall participate in the “E-Government Forum: Recent Trends, Security Risks, and Implementation Challenges” due to be held on 11-13 November 2013 under the patronage of His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Alexander Barakat, FutureTech General Manager was delighted at this participation which conforms to FutureTech’s vision, mission, and goals. In a press release, Mr. Barakat said: “We hope that this participation shall trigger a path of joint efforts with the Central Agency for Information Technology and other government agencies. A relationship, we hope, builds true partnership to ensure the success of the e-government program in Kuwait. He added that FutureTech was established in 2006 to fulfill the need of the information technology market for integrated solutions that help decision makers and enhance operational efficiency in the various business sectors. Commenting on FutureTech participation in the EGOV Forum, Mr. Barakat said that FutureTech hopes to help the government sector through its solutions portfolio that includes the following: • Electronic messaging system. • Document workflow system. • Portal systems. • Document management system. • Content management system.
• Filing management system. • Decision support system. • Electronic Government system. Barakat concluded by saying: “FutureTech was able to build strategic partnerships with companies like Microsoft and Oracle. During the EGOV Forum, FutureTech shall demonstrate, along with its partners, its portfolio of solutions, investments, and expertise that may help the government sector in Kuwait to embark on successful e-government solutions that delivers efficiency and high ROI.
Alexander Barakat
VANCOUVER: Three young entrepreneurs have opened what they call the world’s first ATM able to exchange bitcoins for any official currency. The machine inaugurated Tuesday, delivered to Vancouver in Western Canada by Robocoin, an American manufacturer, stands against a wall of a popular coffee shop, and resembles an ordinary cash ATM. However, instead of cash transactions it swaps Canadian dollars for bitcoins, the virtual currency of the Internet invented in 2008 by an anonymous computer scientist known only by the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto. Customers lined up Tuesday to use the ATM, then used their smart phones to buy coffee and muffins at the Waves coffee shop. The ATM is the world’s first, said co-owner Mitchel Demeter, a local entrepreneur who started trading in bitcoins several years ago, then earlier this year with two partners set up Bitcoiniacs, a Vancouver storefront money exchange. He and his friends, who were high school students together, said they saw ATMs as a business opportunity. “Nobody had an ATM, everyone was buying and selling on websites,” said Demeter. Customers use a private key - like a bank PIN number - to access their online account of bitcoins on the ATM. They withdraw cash equivalents (the conversion rate is currently about one bitcoin for $200) from their bitcoins, or deposit cash bills. The machine transfers the money on the Internet via the Canadian VirtEx exchange. Users can then spend their bitcoins with a smartphone, in a similar way to the way interact or credit cards are used, or by transferring the money to purchase goods online. “It’s the currency of the Internet, as real as any other,” said Demeter. The volatile currency is as yet unregulated by any government in the world, and it has had a share of notoriety by being used in the drug trade. Germany, however, became the first country in the world earlier this year to declare bitcoins a “private currency.” And earlier this month investors were startled when a senior investment officer with giant hedge fund Fortress
VANCOUVER: A user is instructed on how to scan his palm using scanning identification to ensure that a single user cannot exchange more than $1,000 in a single day day on the world’s first bitcoin ATM at Waves Coffee House yesterday in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The ATM, named Robocoin, allows users to buy or sell the digital currency known as bitcoins. Once only used for black market sales on the internet, bitcoins are starting to be accepted at a growing number of businesses. — AFP Investment Group said bitcoins could be used as a cheaper way of transferring money in countries with weak banking systems, the Financial Times reported. In Vancouver, bitcoins are accepted by some 15 local businesses, from coffee shops to a landscaping business. Bitcoins are also increasingly common in several hotspots around the world, especially San Francisco, Berlin, and Argentina, and accepted by online companies such as Wordpress. David Lowy, a city businessman who used his smart phone to transfer .0101 bitcoins to the Waves barista, for a cup of dark coffee worth $2 (Canadian), said Vancouver was a likely candidate to claim the first bitcoin ATM because the wealthy city is popular with Internet entrepre-
neurs. One of the ATM’s first customers was Mike Yeung, a business student at the city campus of Simon Fraser University, where he helped set up a university bitcoin club, one of a handful of such clubs in the world. The club’s mission “is to educate people about bitcoin so they can adopt bitcoins in their everyday lives,” he said. “I think bitcoins are the wave of the future, because they provide maximum value and efficiency,” said Yeung. Once bitcoins are more established, Yeung predicted, they will commonly be used to send money around the world cheaply, the way the Internet allows people to talk with each other on apps such as Skype. He gestured at the new machine in the coffee shop. “The ATM is a step forward.” —AFP
BlackBerry, Facebook meet over potential bid
CALIFORNIA: Lenovo’s first multi mode tablet Yoga Tablets introduced by US actor Ashton Kutcher during Lenovo, a Chinese computer maker, press conference at Youtube Space yesterday in Los Angeles, California. — AFP
China’s Lenovo unveils ‘game-changing’ tablet LOS ANGELES: Chinese computer maker Lenovo presented a new tablet device including a hinge-cum-handle allowing it to tilt and stand, a feature it billed as a “game-changing” innovation. Hollywood actor Ashton Kutcher unveiled the Yoga Tablet at a Los Angeles event which had been shrouded in mystery, with teaser videos and social media hints tagged #betterway. The device, which has 18 hours on a single battery charge and goes on sale Wednesday, has three modes: hold, tilt and stand. A cylindrical hinge on one side can either be held, or opened to produce a stand, similar to the kickstand on Microsoft’s Surface tablet. “Watching and discovering that people frequently use tablets in three main ways allowed us to break the mold on the current ‘sea of sameness’ designs,” said Lenovo senior vice president Liu Jun, calling it “game-changing.” Teaser videos ahead of the event had included some suggesting that it could somehow be attached to furniture or household appliances. But the product appeared less radical. “For this me is a risk,” Kutcher said in a livestreamed event from Los Angeles, praising Lenovo for realising that “the risk is to be taken now because this is happening in the world now. “They understand that they have to take risks and lead,” added the “Two and a Half Men” actor, who is known as a tech investor, and who donned a “Lenovo product engineer” badge for the presentation. The device comes in 8 and 10 inch models, priced at $249 and $299 respectively. An
optional bluetooth keyboard is available for the larger model, which serves as a cover. It enters a hugely crowded tablet market still dominated by Apples iPad, but with rivals including notably South Korea’s Samsung vying to attract customers in the run-up the all important US holiday gift-buying season. The design looks like a wireless Apple keyboard, and observers noted that the extra space in the hinge/handle allows Lenovo to boost the battery charge to last longer than that of many competing tablets. The devices run on Google’s Android operating system, and have relatively low-resolution 1280 x 800 screens. Tech website the Verge said the 8 inch version seems targeted directly at Google’s $229 Nexus 7, while the 10-inch tablet undercuts the price of Amazon’s 8.9 inch Kindle Fire HDX. Tech review site CNET said the Yoga tablets were reminiscent of the Sony Tablet S and Xperia Tablet S, with their cylindrical edge offering a solid handle. They “do feel well-balanced and light when held this wayespecially true with the lighter 8-incher-and the cylinder gives your hands something smooth and easy to grip.”“Overall the tablets feel pretty well-built,” it added. The new Lenovo tablets were unveiled exactly a week after Apple revved up its iPad line as it moved to fend off rivals which have eroded its dominance in the sizzling tablet market. A slimmer version of its top-selling full-size tablet computer, dubbed the “iPad Air,” was announced last week along with a revamped iPad Mini with an improved high-definition display. — AFP
NEW YORK: BlackBerry executives met with their counterparts at Facebook last week over a potential bid for the struggling Canadian phone-maker, The Wall Street Journal reported yesterday. Although BlackBerry is weighing a sale, it was unclear whether Facebook plans to bid on the company, the Journal said, citing people familiar with the matter. The leading social network has made a priority of following its more than one billion members onto smartphones and tablets, and of finding ways to make money from visits by users on mobile devices. Blackberry has $2.6 billion in cash, though that figure is eroding as the smartphone-maker loses traction in the market. The company’s patents, with an estimated value of between $1 billion and $3 billion, are likely the most attractive BlackBerry asset for Facebook, the Journal speculated. The patents namely cover security-network technology and smartphone component patents, which would be key to a company seeking to get a head start in the competitive smartphone market. BlackBerry also has about 70 million subscribers. Last month, the company reached a preliminary deal for a $4.7-billion buyout by Fairfax Financial Holdings Limited, but also left the door open to other offers. The Journal separately reported earlier this month that Chinese computer giant Lenovo Group Ltd. was mulling a possible counterbid to buy Blackberry, and BlackBerry has signed a nondisclosure agreement with distressed asset specialists Cerberus Capital Management LP. — AFP
WASHINGTON: A technology representative demonstrates the BlackBerry Z10 smartphone using Blackberry 10 operating system in Washington, DC, in this April 16, 2013 file photo. BlackBerry executives met with their counterparts at Facebook last week over a potential bid for the struggling Canadian phonemaker, The Wall Street Journal reported October 30, 2013. — AFP
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
H E A LT H & S C I E N C E
Parenting classes take France by storm PARIS: Classes teaching how to be better moms and dads, which have long flourished in English-speaking countries, have begun taking France by storm. French parents today want a new kind of authority that does not crush children but does not allow them to run wild either, said Beatrice Sabate, a clinical psychologist who adapted a method devised in California called “positive discipline” for France. “There are rules, but the child helps to define them,” said Sabate. “Children are growing up in a different world than that of their parents,” when teachers were more severe and adults always knew best. Today “parents are looking to have relationships that are based more on cooperation,” she said. In one class, nine mothers and three fathers meet in central Paris one evening a week, sitting in a circle with two trainers to learn “positive discipline”, which combines firmness with an emphasis on the positive. Slogans on the wall intone: “Encouragement is to the child as water is to a plant” and “Mistakes are excellent learning opportunities.” This session is devoted to “inappropriate behaviour”, with participants role-playing some of the most common sources of conflict: homework, computer and television time, going out.
“OK, it’s your turn. You’re a child again,” says trainer Alix de Salaberry, to a participant playing the role of a teenage girl who wants to sleep over with a friend. The “mother” says no and the “daughter” stamps her foot, shouting, “I hate you!” “What do you feel?” De Salaberry asks the “mother” who replies: “She scares me. I’m not going to manage.” The role play starts again, but this time the “mother” has to give an “appropriate response”. So she offers: “I’m really glad you have such good friends. Like you, when my mother said no, I was very disappointed. But it’s not possible tonight, your grandmother is coming for dinner. Let’s find another date.” At the end of the session, the students are given homework: “Role-play with your child. You be the child and your child can be the adult.” “Positive discipline” workshops, originally developed by American family counsellor and educator Jane Nelsen, are growing not just in the capital but elsewhere in France. Demand has been so great that Sabate no longer teaches classes herself, but devotes her time to training parenting teachers, including students from Belgium, Switzerland and Morocco who train in France then return home to teach “positive discipline” in their own
countries. In France, “views have changed of authority and making mistakes,” Sabate told AFP. “Before, children were subordinate to their parents, students to the teacher, the wife to the husband, the worker to the boss.” French education traditionally emphasised the negative: pupils could even get a score below zero on tests. Parents, especially those who have lived in English-speaking countries, try to compensate at home with positive reinforcement. Alice, 42, said: “Our parents didn’t think about what they were doing. I was raised with spankings and lashings with a riding crop. That damages a child. I want to do as little damage to my children as possible. No shouting, no hitting.” The Temp’O Jeunes association specialises in parents of teenagers who are under pressure at school or who are home alone after school or even on their own for several days if a single parent leaves on a business trip. Among the tools suggested to ensure a “balanced life” for the child is to draw up a schedule that plans out activities down to the half hour: homework, football and violin practice, without forgetting time to read, dawdle or be with friends. “Parents wonder how to be as effective as possible
with the little time they have. They are under pressure from society to succeed in everything,” said Emmanuelle Guilhamon, the architect of Temp’O Jeunes. “Parents don’t trust themselves anymore. If they listened to what they have in their hearts or in their gut, they would know how to solve the problems,” said Guilhamon, who has four children. “The bond with the child has become the most precious in life, because the love bond is fragile, ephemeral,” said psychologist Beatrice Copper-Royer. “You expect a lot of it, and many parents are afraid of approaching it badly, of not being up to raising the ideal child that they want.” She added: “The boom in the coaching market reflects the disarray we see in parents. It’s very revealing of our society’s performance cult. You have to train yourself as much as possible to have the best possible child.” A mother who gave only her first name, Celine, took her seven-year-old son to a number of professionals including a speech therapist to little avail. But “thanks to ‘positive discipline’, I put myself in my child’s place: ‘Brush your teeth, do your homework, hurry up!’ ... I thought, ‘My mother’s a drag’. It was a shock.” Since taking the course, she said: “My son cuddles me all the time. It’s magical again to be a parent.” — AFP
UN warns millions of teenage mothers Teenage pregnancies in poor countries
HAVANA: Students take anatomy lessons at the Latin American Medicine School (ELAM), on October 14, 2013 in Havana. More than 13,000 students from different countries study at the ELAM. — AFP
Cuba’s Tower of Babel gives free medical education HAVANA: On a beach outside Havana stands the crown jewel of Cuba’s renowned international program of medical education, training 13,000 students from around the world free of charge. “Studying medicine was my life’s dream. But for a poor family like mine, that was impossible,” 18-year-old Merady Gomez of Honduras told AFP at the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM). “Here, I am making my dream come true, and I have high hopes of being able to help my country. This school is a blessing.” Some 25 kilometers (16 miles) west of the Cuban capital, the school welcomes students from 124 different countries, most of them from low-income families. Spread across 120 hectares (297 acres) dotted with palm trees, its 28 buildings, recently painted in blue and white, hold more than 130 classrooms, labs, dormitories, cafeterias and a hospital. ELAM is one of three universities launched by Cuban revolutionary leader and former president Fidel Castro to boost his international credentials, with the other two dedicated to sports and film. But unlike the film school, it has always been free, representing Castro’s view that healthcare is a fundamental right. With an average of one doctor per 148 inhabitants, Cuba is among the best-served countries in terms of health, according to the World Health Organization. Ahmed Bokovi, a 22-year-old from Chad, thanked “God and Cuba” for giving him this “great opportunity to study medicine for free.” Douglas Macheri, 20, of Zimbabwe said he was following in the footsteps of his father, who studied medicine in Cuba before returning home to treat the poor in his country. Of the 13,282 students currently enrolled, only 1,349 live in Santa Fe, where the first two years of the six-year program are taught. The rest of the coursework is taught in more than a dozen institutions spread across the communist island, all in Spanish. The school trains students in nearly all medical specialties, and students often choose their focus depending on the needs of their home country. “One of our big successes is that we are like a big family, despite our many ethnic, cultural, religious or political differences,” said Victor Diaz of
the school’s external relations team. In the 14 years since it first opened its doors, explained co-director Heidi Soca, ELAM has graduated 17,272 doctors from 70 countries, “with the basic objective of having them return to their home countries and work with the most disadvantaged people.” But the school is not without its critics. Many of Cuba’s opponents abroad claim the island’s communist regime is using school to indoctrinate a global network of leftist medical professionals. Soca rejects this. “No politics at school,” she insisted. “Here, we study medicine humanely and in solidarity... Not like other countries where medicine is considered a merchandise.” She said critics were just frustrated to see ELAM students compete with more “commercial doctors”. “Our students often go work in places where local doctors do not want to go, and their scientific and technical level is recognized around the world,” she added. ELAM’s internationalist mission carries it beyond Cuba’s shores. The school leads training programs in 67 countries and serves 26,000 students. But Cuba has fallen on hard economic times. And ELAM’s ability to provide quality education free of charge is being eroded. Last year, the school received its first paying students, though they had received grants from their home countries. “The country’s economic hardship is no secret to anyone, and we need to find new sources of funding,” Soca acknowledged. One of the solutions being studied is to make students pay for specialized studies. Cuba is now being forced to boost the number of bilateral agreements with different countries so that they can pay for part of the costs currently assumed by Havana. Among the experts in training is an Ecuadoran couple-Ingrid Toapanda, 28, and Fernando Cruz, 31. They are finishing a specialization in clinical genetic medicine, after working with the Cuban mission in Haiti and with handicapped people in Ecuador. “After so many years living away from family, it’s true that you lose something. But the reward is this unique opportunity Cuba provides to train us and allow us to give back this knowledge to our people,” Toapanda said. — AFP
HAVANA: Students take anatomy lessons at the Latin American Medicine School (ELAM), on October 14, 2013 in Havana. — AFP
LONDON: Around 7.3 million girls under the age of 18 give birth each year in developing countries, risking death and suffering that can only be addressed by changing social attitudes, a UN report said yesterday. Most are in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, with one in 10 girls in Bangladesh, Chad, Guinea, Mali, Mozambique and Niger reporting having a child before the age of 15, the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) said. An estimated 70,000 girls aged 10 to 19 die each year from complications during pregnancy and childbirth, according to the Fund’s annual State of the World Population report. Many more are left incontinent and in pain by giving birth before their bodies are ready, while they also face a tough future if they are pressured to leave school early. The UNFPA warned that this is a “huge global problem” that demands attention-but urged governments and civil groups to realise that the girls are not solely responsible. Issues of poverty, poor education, a lack of contraceptive advice and the practice of child marriage-nine out of 10 adolescent births occur within a formal union-all play their part, as does sexual violence. “Too often, society blames only the girl for getting pregnant,” said UNFPA execu-
tive director Babatunde Osotimehin ahead of the launch of the “Motherhood in Childhood” report in London. “The reality is that adolescent pregnancy is most often not the results of a deliberate choice, but rather the absence of choices and of circumstances beyond a girl’s control.” Health surveys suggest 19 percent of women aged 20 to 24 in developing countries had their first live birth before they turned 18, equating to 36.4 million women based on 2010 population figures. Of these, an estimated 17.4 million are in South Asia, 10.1 million are in sub-Saharan Africa, and 4.5 million in Latin America and the Caribbean, the UNFPA says. From these figures, the authors calculated that 7.3 million girls each year become mothers while they are still children themselvestwo million of them aged 14 and under. The equivalent of 2.9 million girls in South Asia reported having had their first child before they were 15, 1.8 million in Sub-Saharan African and 0.5 million in Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the report, these girls are at greatly increased risk of maternal death or obstetric fistula, a debilitating condition resulting from prolonged and obstructed labour. In most case the baby dies and, without surgery, the mother is left incontinent. There is also an economic cost to having chil-
dren too young, with estimates of foregone annual income over a girl’s lifetime ranging from one percent of annual GDP in China to 30 percent in Uganda. There has been a slight decline in the percentage of women reporting adolescent births across developing countries, the report said, with the exception of sub-Saharan Africa. The highest proportion of child mothers are in Niger (51 percent), followed by Chad (48 percent), Mali (46 percent), Guinea (42 percent) and Mozambique (40 percent). Adolescent pregnancies also occur in the developed world but these represent just five percent of the total-about 680,000, of which nearly half are in the United States. Across all countries, girls who are poor, badly educated and living in remote areas are more likely to become pregnant, and these factors are key to helping them. The UNFPA urged efforts to keep girls in school, teach them about sexual health, stop child marriage, change attitudes to gender roles and equality and better support young mothers. “We must reflect on and urge changes to the policies and norms of families and governments that often leave a girl with no other choice but a pathway to early pregnancy,” Osotimehin said. — AFP
Kids pimping kids out for sex in Indonesia BANDUNG: Chimoy flicks a lighter and draws a long drag until her cheeks collapse on the skinny Dunhill Mild, exhaling a column of smoke. Her nononsense, tough-girl attitude projects the confidence of a woman in her 30s, yet she’s only 17. Colorful angel and butterfly tattoos cover her skin, and she wears a black T-shirt emblazoned with a huge skull. Chimoy - by her own account and those of other girls and social workers - is a pimp. She got into the business when she was 14. A boyfriend’s sister asked her to sell herself for sex, but she recruited a friend for the job instead. Then she established a pimping operation that grew to include a car, a house and some 30 working girls earning her up to $3,000 a month - a small fortune in a poor country. “The money was too strong to resist,” she says. “I was really proud to make money on my own.” Two years ago in Indonesia, there were zero reports of child pimps like Chimoy who work as the boss with no adults behind the scenes. But the National Commission for Child Protection says 21 girls between 14 and 16 have been caught working as “mamis” so far this year, and there are likely far more. It’s easier than ever. Kids can use text messages and social media to book clients and make transactions without ever needing to stand on a dark corner in a miniskirt and heels. “The sickening thing is you see 11-year-olds, 12-year-olds, getting into these practices,” says Leonarda Kling, Jakartabased regional representative for Terre des Hommes Netherlands, a nonprofit working on trafficking issues. “You think: ‘The whole future of this child is just going to waste.’” Chimoy, who has occasionally worked as a prostitute, and other teens in the sex industry interviewed for this story are identified by their nicknames. The Associated Press does not typically identify children who have been sexually abused. Recently, in the eastern city of Surabaya, a 15year-old was busted after escorting three other teens to meet clients at a hotel. Police spokeswoman Maj. Suparti says the girl employed 10 prostitutes - including classmates, Facebook friends and even her older sister - and collected up to a quarter of the $50 to $150 received for each call. She conducted business over the popular BlackBerry Messenger service, earning up to $400 a month, says Suparti, who uses one name like many Indonesians. The girl also met potential clients in malls or restaurants first to size them up. “She was running her pimp action like a professional,” Suparti says. Human trafficking and sex tourism have long been big business in this vast archipelago of 240 million, thanks to rampant corruption, weak law enforcement and a lack of reporting largely due to family embarrassment or little faith in the system. The UN International Labor Organization estimates 40,000 to 70,000 children become victims of sexual exploitation in Indonesia annually. Much of this abuse is driven by adults, but poverty and consumerism play a role. Indonesia’s have-nots rub up against a growing middle class obsessed with the latest gadgets and the ultra-wealthy flaunting their
BANDUNG: In this Aug. 1, 2013 photo, a teenage sex worker, right, lights up a cigarette as her pimp identified as Chimoy, left, looks on in a room at a boarding house in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Two years ago in Indonesia, there were zero reports of child pimps who work as the boss with no adults behind the scenes but the National Commission for Child Protection says 21 girls between 14 and 16 have been caught working as ‘mamis’ so far this year, and there are likely far more. — AP designer clothes and luxury cars. It was a smartphone that drove soft-spoken Daus into prostitution at age 14. The son of a factory worker and a street food vendor, the lanky boy says he was soon making $400 to $500 a month for having sex regularly with three women in their 30s and 40s. “I didn’t want to do it, but I had to have the BlackBerry,” he says. Indonesia is a social-media crazed country that ranks as one of the world’s top Facebook and Twitter users. “If we don’t have a BlackBerry, we feel we are nothing, and we are ignored by our friends.” But the biggest issue is not money. It’s problems at home, including neglect and abuse, says Faisal Cakrabuana, project manager of Yayasan Bahtera, a nonprofit in the West Java capital of Bandung that helps sexually victimized children. Many girls end up on the street and connect with others facing similar situations. Sometimes they band together and rent a small room or apartment, with one girl emerging as the pimp. Often she’s the one with prior experience. The other girls may pay her in cash, booze and drugs, or simply contribute to the group’s rent and utilities, Cakrabuana says. In other cases, no money is collected at all from pimps, some of whom continue to receive support from well-off parents. “They are just seeking what their family doesn’t give them: attention,” he says. “They make big families of their own.” Chimoy was an only child living alone with her mom. She says her father was always gone, taking care of his four other wives. Polygamy is not uncommon in Muslim-majority Indonesia. She recalls with a proud smile how she
was always among the top students in her class, with a knack for business and cooking. At one point, she even opened a small shop selling traditional spicy crackers. In sixth grade, Chimoy was already running with a tough, older crowd. She was drinking and regularly using drugs by ninth grade, when she dropped out of school to manage the prostitution business full time. She got pregnant and had her first daughter at 15. The second baby came a year later. Chimoy worked at karaoke bars, sometimes also selling herself, and racked up a list of clients. Money began to flow, and so did the drugs: She became hooked on crystal methamphetamine, known here as shabu shabu. First she had three girls working for her, and later many more. Most were 14 to 17 years old, but some were in their 20s. All waited for her call to meet a growing list of local and foreign customers in the popular tourist town of Bandung. “We rented a house to live together,” she says. “It makes life easier to yell out: ‘Who wants this job?’” Customers called or sent texts asking for a specific type of girl: tall or maybe light-skinned. Facebook was sometimes used to display photos of the girls, but Chimoy says no services were offered directly online. Once, she says, a client paid around $2,000 plus a BlackBerry and a motorbike in exchange for a girl’s virginity. Chimoy pocketed $500 from that deal. Nuri, a chopstick-thin 16-year-old with long auburn-dyed hair, says Chimoy is family and never demands a cut of her earnings. The girls decide how much to pay her. A high school motorbike gang serves as their muscle. —AFP
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
H E A LT H & S C I E N C E
Oman reports first MERS-coronavirus case DUBAI: Oman has reported its first case of the deadly MERS coronavirus, local newspapers said yesterday, the fourth Gulf Arab country where the strain has been found since it emerged in Saudi Arabia last year. Omani newspapers quoted Health Affairs Undersecretary Mohamed bin Saif al Hosni as saying that the patient was admitted to a hospital in Nizwa, an oasis town south-west of Muscat, suffering from a chest infection. The Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV), which can cause coughing, fever and pneumonia, emerged in Saudi Arabia last year and has been reported in people in the Gulf, France, Germany, Italy, Tunisia and Britain.
Oman Observer said the man, who was in stable condition, had the virus after contact with a person from outside the country. “He said that the situation is under control and there is no need for panic,” the newspaper said. Earlier this week, Qatar’s Supreme Council of Health announced that a new case involving a 23-year-old expatriate resident had been recorded in the country. It also said that a Qatari citizen had recovered from the disease and has been discharged from hospital. The World Health Organization said in August the number of confirmed infections worldwide in the past year was 102, of whom almost half had died. In a study into
US ends most financing of overseas coal projects WASHINGTON: The United States said it would end most financing of coal projects overseas, taking a potentially significant step to curbing carbon emissions blamed for climate change. The decision puts into action a pledge in June by President Barack Obama to pursue more climate-friendly development policies. The World Bank, where the United States holds the most voting power, also stated after Obama’s pledge that it would stop most financing for coal, among the dirtiest forms of energy. The Treasury Department said it would end support for coal plants by the World Bank and other international development institutions unless the projects involve new carbon-capture measures or if there is no other economically feasible option in one of the world’s poorest countries. Lael Brainard, the Treasury undersecretary
for international affairs, said that the Obama administration’s decision marked an “important step” in supporting cleaner energy. “By encouraging the use of clean energy in multilateral development bank projects, we are furthering US efforts to address the urgent challenges of climate change,” she said in a statement. The Treasury Department said that the United States would work with other countries to institute similar policies. On a visit to Stockholm last month, Obama agreed with the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden that none of the countries would fund coal projects. The effort comes amid forecasts that the world must do more to achieve a UN-supported goal of limiting global warming to two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels. —AFP
what kind of animal “reservoir” may be fuelling the outbreak, scientists said this month they had found strong evidence it is widespread among dromedary camels in the Middle East. Meanwhile, aA patient suspected of having contracted the MERS coronavirus has tested negative for the lethal respiratory disease, France’s health ministry has announced. The ministry had initially said Tuesday that a person who had just returned from Saudi Arabia, where the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERSCoV) first appeared in September 2012, was likely infected by the virus. But in-depth tests on the 43-year-old patient revealed that they had not been infected. “The two cases identified in May 2013 are therefore the only two confirmed cases in France so far,” it said in a statement. Of these two cases, one patient fell ill when he came back from a trip to Dubai and later died on May 28. He is believed to have infected the other person, who is still hospitalised in the northern city of Lille but no longer carries the virus. MERS has so far claimed 62 lives worldwide, with the greatest number of deaths in Saudi Arabia, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The WHO said Tuesday that there were a total of 145 laboratoryconfirmed cases of the respiratory disease worldwide. Experts are struggling to understand MERS, for which there is no vaccine. It is considered a deadlier but less-transmissible cousin of the SARS virus that erupted in Asia in 2003 and infected 8,273 people, nine percent of whom died. Like SARS, MERS appears to cause a lung infection, with patients suffering from a temperature, cough and breathing difficulty. Early symptoms can also be stomach problems such as diarrhoea. But it differs in that it also causes rapid kidney failure and the extremely high death rate has caused serious concern. In August, researchers pointed to the Arabian camel as a possible host of the virus. — Agencies
Nivea revolutionises Body Care with In-Shower Body lotion
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oday, Nivea transforms body care with the GCC-launch of its In-shower Body Lotion range - a hassle-free way to moisturise while in the shower. The unique water-activated formula is designed to be used after shower gel, leaving skin feeling hydrated and silky soft, even after towel drying.
“We have always been at the forefront of skin care innovation and we are proud to look back on over 100 years of skin care expertise. In 1963 we launched Nivea Milk, the first liquid emulsion that set the standard and was the foundation of our body care history. Now, 50 years on, we are launching the pioneering Nivea In-
shower Body Lotion range, which looks set to establish a brand new body care routine,” comments Annina Ameler Senior Brand Manager Nivea Skin Care BDF MENA. Since its launch in Europe last year, millions of women have been convinced to transform their body care routine; and now the product is finally in the Middle East. Annina is hoping this tremendous success of the Nivea In-shower Body Lotion range will be repeated when it arrives in the region. “Customers are really embracing the product and we are expecting our consumers in the Middle East to love it just as much!” “We have found that 50% of women do not use body lotion every day because they don’t have time or don’t like the sticky feeling”, continues Annina. “The innovative NIVEA In-shower Body Lotion range solves this problem by taking the hassle out of moisturising; there’s no need to wait around for it to dry and no greasy after-feeling.” It’s easy-to-use and works in four simple steps: 1. Cleanse with shower gel as usual and rinse off 2. Apply NIVEA In-shower Body Lotion 3. Rinse off NIVEA In-shower Body Lotion 4. Dry off and you can get dressed immediately, enjoying cared-for skin The Nivea In-shower Body lotion range is available for normal skin and for dry skin, each available in 250ml and 400ml.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
W H AT ’ S O N
Alnowair’s Focus on the Good Photo Exhibition opens at 360 Mall A lnowair a non-profit initiative spreading positivity in Kuwait organized a special 2 week long photography exhibition at 360 Mall. The exhibition is displaying the top 23 winning photographs from its photography competition called “Focus on the Good Photography Competition”. The competition was part of Alnowair’s latest campaign “Focus on the Good” which talks about the benefits of having a positive perspective no matter the circumstances. The campaign emphasizes on the fact that when we focus on abundance, our life feels abundant; when we focus on lack, our life feels lacking. The top 3 winning entries were (name of the photo) by (name of person) who won the first prize and (name of photo by name of person) and (name of photo by name of person) won the second and third respectively. The top 3 along with 20 other shortlisted photos are on display at 360 Mall starting from 28th October to 11 November 2013. “Through the photography competition we asked people to send in pictures of moments, people or objects that brought goodness in their lives, through this exercise we wanted to encour-
age them to look at the goodness in their lives, identify it and appreciate it. We received a lot of pictures from people and through this exhibition we intend share them with others, so that they can relate to them and also identify and appreciate the goodness in their own lives.” said Gaya
GUST to host musical evening “My Favorite Things”
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h e G u lf U niversit y fo r S cience and Technology (GUST) will be hosting a musical program entitled “My Favorite Things” on October 31, 2013 at 7pm, performed by Steinway Artist, Taiwanese-American pianist Dr. Stephanie Shih-yu Cheng, who has performed extensively in the US, France, Italy, Japan, and Taiwan to great critical acclaim. Dr. Cheng will be performing at the GUST grand auditorium where all students, staff, faculty and general public are welcome to attend. She will be per forming the following pieces: Prelude in B minor by J.S. Bach and trans. by Alexander Siloti, Twelve Variations on “Ah, vousdirai-je, Maman”, KV
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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
265 by W.A. Mozar t, Nocturne, Op. 9 No. 2 by Frederic Chopin, Claire de Lune by Claude Debussy, Liebestrume,No. 3 by Franz Liszt, “My Favorite Things”, from The Sound of Music by R ichard Rodgers and arr. by Stephen Hough, and Caprice Espagnol, Op. 37 by Moritz Moszkowski. Dr. Cheng has appeared in such prestigious settings as Carnegie Hall in New York, Dame Myra Hess Series of Chicago, National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C., Kravis Center in West Palm Beach, Florida, National Concert Hall of Taipei, and Opera City Hall of Tokyo. Dr. Cheng holds per formance degrees from Peabody Conservatory and the State University of
Indian global photography competition
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Global photography competition is being conducted by Public Diplomacy Division (PDD) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India to showcase the country’s growing ‘soft power’- factors that influence the opinion of individuals and organizations towards India through the medium of culture and personal experience. Photographs for the competition must be submitted on or before October 31, 2013. The themes of the competition are: (a) India is - Youthful (b) India is -Timeless (c) India is Undiscovered. The jurors include scholars and professionals from the fields of photography, culture and the related. Based on the scores by individuals on this panel, the winners will be awarded grand prizes including exotic getaways with Taj Holidays.
New York at Stony Brook where she earned a Doctor of Musical Arts degree. Her principal teachers were Ann Schein and Gilber t Kalish. Much sought-after for masterclasses and as an adjudicator, Dr. Cheng was on the faculty of City University of New York and Manhattan School of Music, and joined the faculty of American University of Kuwait as an Assistant Professor of Music in the fall of 2012. GUST prides itself in hosting great talents and tries to give the university and Kuwait community as a whole a variety of events to attend and enjoy. We look forward to welcoming you, your family and friends to the event. Admission is free.
KKIC to hold Islamic students conference
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uwait Kerala Islahi is planning to conduct Second Islamic Students Conference (ISCON) on November 1 and 2 at Grand Mosque. Scores of students had participated in last year’s students’ workshop and other various activities. The two-day program will commence with inaugural ceremony on Friday evening. Renowned guests from the Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Heritage Society in addition to renowned educationists, experts, guest lecturers from in and out of Kuwait will participate in the conference. Several sessions will be held under students workshop, parenting and butterfly meets with support of presentations. A souvenir will be released on this occasion. Students will be admitted only through registration. For details call on 50775545, 66977038, 99392791.
Kruchlik, Campaign Manager at Alnowair. The photography competition was judged by a very respectable line up of judges which includes Areej Al Kharafi, Sheikh Majed Al Sabah, Tahani Al Ayoub, Salman Al Nijadi and Sheikha Intisar Al Sabah.
TIES Center activities this week Italian food journey through Italian food, a healthy lifestyle, and Italy’s rich artistic and historic heritage. Susanna Graziano is an Italian-British national currently working as an instructor in Kuwait. She worked as a lecturer at ESCP-Europe Business School and as an International Relations Manager for the University of Torino, Italy. Besides being a foodie, she organized catering events, prepared restaurant and food guides for clients traveling abroad. During the lecture, you will learn more about the proud history of Italian food, how to use local ingredients, and how to prepare a healthy Italian meal. This event has been tailored specifically just for ladies.
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Islamic guidelines lecture hird session of the course entitled, “Islamic guidelines on some misunderstood teachings of Islam by some Muslims as well as some people of other faiths,” by Hassan T. Bwambale. Today Thursday October 31, 2013 at 7:00pm, we will share with the audience Islamic guidance on dealing with recalcitrant women. Does Islam condone violence against women? When and how should a husband punish his wife in case of recalcitrance? What is the real meaning of “Dharb,” (does it really mean beating?) and how many connotations does it have? What about a man; when he betrays his wife or doesn’t fulfill his duties, what should the wife do? I (Hassan) will answer all these questions during the presentation and many more. If you are interested in the topic, TIES Center is the most appropriate place to visit on Thursday October 31 at 7:00pm.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
W H AT ’ S O N
Harley-Davidson Open House day in Kuwait sees riders come together
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arley-Davidson Middle East and North Africa (MENA) wrapped up its Open Day in Kuwait in style as it showcased its new 2014 models in the presence of 150 riders and members of the Harley-Davidson community under the banner “Come Together, Change Lives.” The Open Day, held on 25th October, 2013, saw enthusiasts ride out in parade and support the United Nations World Food Programme for the third consecutive year. Riders were also invited to purchase Harley-Davidson pins, with the proceeds going the WFP - the world’s largest humanitarian agency feeding over 90 million people in 80 countries on average each year. The Open House in Kuwait unveiled a line of gleaming new motorcycles for 2014 that include touring bikes and trikes from Harley-Davidson’s Project Rushmore - a comprehensive effort by Harley-Davidson to fundamentally improve every aspect of the riding experience. After years of imagining, planning, styling and engineering, and countless hours of riding with and talking to its customers, Project RUSHMORE’s contribution to the Harley-Davidson line for 2014 saw it introduce seven Touring, Trike and Custom Vehicle Operations (CVO (tm)) models. Other additions and enhancements to the 2014 HarleyDavidson line include a limited-production factory-custom CVO Softail(r) Deluxe, a restyled Dyna(r) Fat Bob(r) model, and the introduction of ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) for
all Sportster models (excluding the Iron 883(tm)). “We were absolutely delighted with the response from our community of riders and enthusiasts to the 2014 Open Days held across the Middle East. Riders and non-riders came out in force to support the World Food Programme on a day of community fun. The response to our 2014 line of motorcycles was very positive, with the new Project
RUSHMORE editions generating a lot of excitement. It is brilliant to see that we have now created an annual HarleyDavidson tradition of riding in camaraderie while uniting for good causes such as the battle against child hunger,” said Elsa Abi Nader, Harley-Davidson Marketing Manager for MENA.
Kala (Art) Kuwait children’s painting competition on Nov 8
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Marina Hotel launches poolside barbeque nights
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he new barbeque season is back at Marina Hotel Kuwait as it welcomes the eagerly awaited cooler months. The hotel launched its poolside Barbeque Nights in the presence of media and senior management promising them a personalised and entertaining experience. General Manager, Nabil Hammoud along with the hotel’s management team welcomed media representatives on their arrival. They were treated to a warm and relaxing evening filled with live Oriental music, shisha and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf. On the occasion, Mr. Hammoud said: “We launch the BBQ nights at a time when people crave for a soothing and uniquely elevating experience. There’s no better way to celebrate the last season of the year than to dine under the stars and the moonlight, while enjoying the luxurious hospitality that Marina Hotel is famous for. The BBQ nights will offer barbequed fresh meats, seafood and a variety of delightful salads every Wednesday from 7:30pm onwards.” The BBQ stations offers a range of mouthwatering dishes that had been specially prepared to cater to the guest’s tastes - the lamb chops with
marinade, grilled shrimps, chicken breast marinated with tarragon, and beef medallion to mention a few. To end the perfectly delightful evening scrumptious assortments of desserts were served including crËme br˚lÈe, cherry, chocolate and Vanilla tartlets to chocolate brownies. The evening was further enhanced by the sounds of soft oriental music which complement the barbeque delights. The BBQ lasted till after midnight and Marina Hotel ensured that
each and every guest had a truly memorable evening filled with fun and exceptional delight. Guests can enjoy a delightful and very pleasant dining experience with their family and friends, surrounded by a warm and welcoming ambience. With live popular entertainment, tantalizing shisha and attentive associates, the unique poolside location has a capacity to accommodate up to 150 guests at a time and has a special area for groups and gatherings.
ala(Art) Kuwait has scheduled to conduct children’s painting competition on Friday, 8th November 2013 at the Indian Community School, Khaithan at 2 PM. The program is titled “NIRAM-2013” consists of painting competition for the Indian School Students and a “Marathon Open Canvas Painting” for the other attendees including parents, visitors and guests. The painting competition will be conducted in four different age groups. Group ‘A” from LKG to 1st Standard, Group ‘B” from 2nd to 4th Standard, Group ‘C” from 5th to 8th Standard and Group ‘D” from 9th to 12th Standard. The media for Group ‘A” and ‘B” will be Crayons while Group “C” and “D” are Water Colors. Crayons and water colors shall be brought by the participants. Stamped Drawing papers will be supplied by the Organizers. Clay Modeling Competition also will be conducted for 7th to 11th Standard Students. Clay will be provided by the Organizers. The Marathon Open Canvas Painting is conducting in a view to display everyone’s views and talents through their vivid creations. For the successful conduct of the program, a Reception Committee has been formed headed by Samkutty Thomas as General Convener. Besides the first, second, third and Merit Prizes, 10 percent of the participants will be awarded with consolation prizes. The winners are liable to prove their age group with relevant documents in case the Organizers requested so. Parents also have the opportunity to win prizes for Open Canvas Painting. Students can register their names through www.kalakuwait.net, or by e -mail kalakuwait@gmail.com or call 99489078.
Announcement KDNA to conduct henna designing competition ozhikode District NRI Association (KDNA) will conduct a Henna Designing competition for women contestants in Kuwait on the occasion of ‘Malabar Mahotsava 2013’ on November 15th 2013 at 10 am at Indian Central School, Abbassiya. Fabulous prizes will be given to the best designers. The winners will be eligible for 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes sponsored by Malabar Gold & Diamonds. Interested contestants may please contact 97797680. There will be a special stall with Henna & other accessories required for the competition at Malabar Mahotsava “Mananchira Square”.
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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
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
TV PROGRAMS
03:25 Queens Of The Savannah 04:15 Snow Leopards Of Leafy London 04:40 Snow Leopards Of Leafy London 05:05 North America 05:55 Animal Kingdom 06:20 Lion Man: One World African Safari 06:45 Animal Airport 07:10 Animal Airport 07:35 Call Of The Wildman 08:00 Monkey Life 08:25 Pandamonium 09:15 The Most Extreme 10:10 Baby Planet 11:05 Queens Of The Savannah 12:00 Animal Cops Houston 12:55 Animal Kingdom 13:20 Call Of The Wildman 13:50 Swamp Brothers 14:45 Weird Creatures With Nick Baker 15:40 Queens Of The Savannah 16:30 Lion Man: One World African Safari 17:00 Monkey Life 17:30 The Most Extreme 18:25 Extraordinary Dogs 18:50 Extraordinary Dogs 19:20 Baby Planet 20:15 Monkey Life 20:40 Snow Leopards Of Leafy London 21:10 Animal Kingdom 21:35 Lion Man: One World African Safari 22:05 Wildwives Of Savannah Lane 23:00 Killer Crocs 23:55 Megalodon: The Monster Shark Lives 01:45 I’m Alive 02:35 Untamed & Uncut
03:30 Doctor Who Confidential 03:45 One Foot In The Grave 04:15 The Weakest Link 05:00 Me Too! 05:20 Teletubbies 05:45 3rd & Bird 05:55 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 06:15 Me Too! 06:35 Teletubbies 07:00 3rd & Bird 07:10 Nuzzle & Scratch: Frock n Roll 07:25 One Foot In The Grave 07:55 Lead Balloon 08:25 Peckham Finishing School For Girls 09:15 Eastenders 09:45 Doctors 10:15 Drop Zone 11:05 The Weakest Link 11:50 One Foot In The Grave 12:20 Peckham Finishing School For Girls 13:15 Lead Balloon 13:45 Eastenders 14:10 Doctors 14:40 The Weakest Link 15:25 Drop Zone 16:20 Kidnapped 17:10 Eastenders 17:40 Doctors 18:10 The Weakest Link 19:00 Keeping Up Appearances 19:30 Alan Partridge’s Mid-Morning Matters 20:00 Luther 20:50 Gavin & Stacey 21:20 Getting On 21:50 Gates 22:15 The Fat Fighters 23:05 Keeping Up Appearances 23:35 Alan Partridge’s Mid-Morning Matters 00:00 Gavin & Stacey 00:30 Luther 01:25 Eastenders 01:55 Doctors 02:25 The Fat Fighters
03:00 The Hairy Bikers Ride Again 03:30 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 04:20 The Boss Is Coming To Dinner 04:45 Cash In The Attic 05:30 Raymond Blanc’s Kitchen Secrets 05:55 Bargain Hunt 06:40 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 07:30 The Boss Is Coming To Dinner 08:00 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 08:45 Bargain Hunt 09:30 Homes Under The Hammer 10:25 Nigel Slater’s Simple Cooking 10:50 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 11:15 Baking Mad With Eric Lanlard 11:40 Come Dine With Me 12:30 Celebrity MasterChef 13:00 The Hairy Bikers Ride Again 13:30 Extreme Makeover: Home Edition 14:15 Antiques Roadshow 15:05 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent 15:55 Phil Spencer - Secret Agent 16:45 Bargain Hunt 17:30 Cash In The Attic 18:20 Antiques Roadshow 19:15 Homes Under The Hammer 20:10 Rick Stein Tastes The Blues 21:00 Planet Cake 21:30 Come Dine With Me 22:20 Antiques Roadshow 23:15 Bargain Hunt 00:00 Cash In The Attic
00:45 Homes Under The Hammer 01:40 Come Dine With Me 02:30 Celebrity MasterChef Discovery Channel HD 03:00 Mythbusters 03:50 Border Security 04:15 Storage Hunters 04:40 Baggage Battles 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 Storage Hunters 10:20 Baggage Battles 10:45 How Do They Do It? 11:10 How It’s Made 11:35 You Have Been Warned 12:25 Dynamo: Magician Impossible 13:15 Mythbusters 14:05 Border Security 14:30 Storage Hunters 14:55 Baggage Battles 15:20 Countdown To Collision 16:10 American Chopper: Senior vs Junior 17:00 Ultimate Survival 17:50 Dirty Jobs 18:40 Mythbusters Dirty Dozen 19:30 Sons Of Guns 20:20 Storage Hunters 20:45 Baggage Battles 21:10 How Do They Do It? 21:35 How It’s Made 22:00 Sons Of Guns 22:50 Derren Brown: Apocalypse 23:40 Derren Brown: Apocalypse 00:30 Sons Of Guns 01:20 Derren Brown: Apocalypse 02:10 Derren Brown: Apocalypse Discovery ID 03:10 Blood Relatives 04:00 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 04:25 Who On Earth Did I Marry? 04:45 I Almost Got Away With It 05:30 Dr G: Medical Examiner 06:20 Ghost Lab 07:10 Nightmare Next Door 08:00 Mystery Diagnosis 08:50 Street Patrol 09:15 Street Patrol 09:40 Real Emergency Calls 10:05 Who On Earth Did I Marry?
10:30 11:20 12:10 13:00 13:50 14:15 14:40 15:30 16:20 16:45 17:10 18:00 18:50 19:40 21:20 22:10 23:00 23:50 00:40 01:30 02:20
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 Did I Marry? Disappeared Solved Forensic Detectives On The Case With Paula Zahn Nightmare Next Door Couples Who Kill On The Case With Paula Zahn Nightmare Next Door I Almost Got Away With It Dr G: Medical Examiner Ghost Lab
04:35 Da Vinci’s Machines 05:25 Through The Wormhole 06:15 Gadget Show - World Tour 06:40 The Tech Show 07:05 Kings Of Construction 08:00 Weird Or What? 08:50 Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger 09:40 Gadget Show - World Tour 10:05 The Tech Show 10:30 Sport Science 11:25 Kings Of Construction 12:20 Thunder Races 13:10 How The Universe Works 14:00 Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger 14:50 How Do They Do It? 15:20 Gadget Show - World Tour 15:45 The Tech Show 16:10 Weird Or What? 17:00 Sport Science 17:55 Kings Of Construction 18:45 Da Vinci’s Machines 19:35 Through The Wormhole 20:30 Weird Or What? 21:20 Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger 22:10 Gadget Show - World Tour 22:35 The Tech Show 23:00 Weird Or What? 23:50 Bigger, Better, Faster, Stronger 00:40 Dark Matters: Twisted But True 01:30 How Do They Do It? 02:00 Gadget Show - World Tour 02:25 The Tech Show
03:30 04:25 05:20 05:45 06:15 07:05 08:00 08:50 09:15 09:45 World 10:35 11:30 12:20 13:10 13:35 14:05 World 14:55 15:50 16:45 Above 17:40 18:35 World 19:25 20:20 21:10 21:35 22:05 23:00 23:55 00:50 01:45 02:35
Jack The Ripper In America I Shouldn’t Be Alive Classic Car Club Ultimate Cars Raging Planet Trashopolis I Shouldn’t Be Alive Classic Car Club Ultimate Cars Inventions That Shook The History Cold Case USA Bomber Boys Trashopolis Classic Car Club Ultimate Cars Inventions That Shook The Life On Fire Empire The First World War From Trashopolis Inventions That Shook The I Shouldn’t Be Alive True Stories Classic Car Club Ultimate Cars Ultimate Warfare True Stories Vampire Skeletons Murder Shift Ultimate Warfare True Stories
THE AVENGERS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION
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 09:30 09:55 10:15 10:40 11:05 11:25 11:50 12:15 12:35 13:00 14:25 14:35 15:00 15:25 15:50 16:10 17:00 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 00:00 00:20 00:45 01:05 01:30 01:50 02:15 02:35
The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody Sonny With A Chance Sonny With A Chance Suite Life On Deck Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place Austin And Ally Austin And Ally A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm Jessie Good Luck Charlie Sofia The First Doc McStuffins Mickey Mouse Clubhouse A.N.T. Farm A.N.T. Farm Jessie Jessie Good Luck Charlie Good Luck Charlie Gravity Falls Shake It Up Shake It Up Monsters Inc. Toy Story Toons Austin And Ally Gravity Falls Gravity Falls Jessie Violetta Monsters Inc. That’s So Raven A.N.T. Farm Violetta Jessie My Babysitter’s A Vampire Austin And Ally Shake It Up That’s So Raven Jessie A.N.T. Farm Good Luck Charlie Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody Sonny With A Chance Sonny With A Chance Suite Life On Deck Suite Life On Deck Wizards Of Waverly Place Wizards Of Waverly Place
03:00 Little Einsteins 03:25 Special Agent Oso 03:40 Special Agent Oso 03:50 Imagination Movers 04:20 Handy Manny 04:40 Special Agent Oso 04:50 Special Agent Oso 05:00 Timmy Time 05:10 Imagination Movers 05:35 Little Einsteins 06:00 Jungle Junction 06:15 Jungle Junction 06:30 Little Einsteins 06:50 Special Agent Oso 07:00 Special Agent Oso 07:15 Jungle Junction 07:30 Jungle Junction 07:45 Handy Manny 08:00 Special Agent Oso 08:15 Jungle Junction 08:30 Higglytown Heroes 08:45 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 09:10 Room On The Broom 09:35 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 09:50 Doc McStuffins 10:05 Doc McStuffins 10:20 Zou 10:35 Henry Hugglemonster 10:50 Henry Hugglemonster 11:00 Sofia The First 11:25 Doc McStuffins 11:40 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 11:55 Room On The Broom 12:20 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 12:45 Mouk 13:00 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of Friendship 13:05 Higglytown Heroes 13:20 The Hive 13:30 Doc McStuffins 13:45 Doc McStuffins 14:00 Zou 14:15 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 14:30 Henry Hugglemonster 14:45 Henry Hugglemonster 14:55 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 15:20 New Adventures Of Winnie The Pooh 15:45 Higglytown Heroes 15:55 The Hive 16:05 Doc McStuffins 16:20 Zou 16:35 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 16:50 Mouk 17:05 Room On The Broom 17:30 Goof Troop 17:55 Tarzan 18:20 Quack Pack 18:45 Lilo And Stitch 19:10 Henry Hugglemonster 19:25 Doc McStuffins 19:35 Sofia The First 20:00 Room On The Broom 20:25 Doc McStuffins 20:40 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of Friendship 20:45 Zou 21:00 Pajanimals 21:15 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 21:30 Goof Troop 21:55 Tarzan 22:20 Quack Pack 22:45 Lilo And Stitch 23:10 Sofia The First 23:35 Doc McStuffins 23:50 Pajanimals 00:05 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of Friendship 00:10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 00:35 Jake And The Neverland Pirates 00:50 Zou 01:10 Doc McStuffins 01:25 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 01:50 Jungle Junction 02:10 Handy Manny 02:30 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 02:55 Winnie The Pooh: Tales Of Friendship
TAKE THIS WALTZ ON OSN MOVIES HD
07:00 Max Steel 07:25 Dude, That’s My Ghost 07:50 Dude, That’s My Ghost 08:15 Dude, That’s My Ghost 08:40 Dude, That’s My Ghost 09:05 Dude, That’s My Ghost 09:30 Phineas And Ferb 09:55 Phineas And Ferb 10:05 Phineas And Ferb 10:20 Lab Rats 10:45 Lab Rats 11:10 Pokemon Bw: Adventures In Unova 11:35 Max Steel 12:00 Zeke & Luther 12:25 Zeke & Luther 12:50 Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja 13:15 Scaredy Squirrel 13:40 Pair Of Kings 14:05 Pair Of Kings 14:30 Phineas And Ferb 14:55 Phineas And Ferb 15:05 Phineas And Ferb 15:20 Pokemon Bw: Adventures In Unova 15:45 Addams Family Reunion 17:30 Kickin IT 18:00 Camp Lakebottom 18:25 Camp Lakebottom 18:50 Camp Lakebottom 19:15 Camp Lakebottom 19:40 Camp Lakebottom 20:05 Camp Lakebottom 20:30 Camp Lakebottom 20:55 Camp Lakebottom 21:20 Randy Cunningham: 9th Grade Ninja 21:45 Phineas And Ferb 22:10 Phineas And Ferb 22:20 Phineas And Ferb 22:35 Lab Rats 23:00 Kickin IT 23:30 Scaredy Squirrel 00:00 Programmes Start At 7:00am KSA
03:10 03:35 04:00 04:25 04:50 05:15 05:40 06:30 07:10 08:00 08:50 09:40 10:05 10:30 11:20 11:45 12:10 13:00 13:50 14:15 14:40 15:05 15:30 15:55 16:20 16:45 17:35 18:00 Basics 18:25 18:50 19:15 19:40 20:05 20:30 20:55 21:20 22:10 23:00 23:50 00:40 01:30 02:20
Charly’s Cake Angels Unique Sweets Unique Sweets Food Wars Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives United Tastes Of America Chopped Iron Chef America Food Network Challenge Unwrapped Kid In A Candy Store Special Red, Hot And Yummy Barefoot Contessa The Next Food Network Star Luke Nguyen’s Vietnam Aarti Party Unwrapped Halloween Wars Reza’s African Kitchen Barefoot Contessa Charly’s Cake Angels Siba’s Table Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Symon’s Suppers Halloween Wars Barefoot Contessa Barefoot Contessa - Back To Andy Bates Street Feasts Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives Guy’s Big Bite Reza’s African Kitchen Siba’s Table Charly’s Cake Angels Chopped Chopped Halloween Wars Halloween Wars Halloween Wars Halloween Wars Chopped
03:00 The Colbert Report 04:00 Out There 05:00 Breaking In 05:30 Whitney 06:00 Seinfeld 06:30 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 08:30 Friends 09:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 10:00 Seinfeld 11:00 Breaking In 11:30 Whitney 12:30 Friends 13:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 14:30 Seinfeld 15:30 Friends 16:00 Whitney 16:30 Whitney 17:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 18:00 The Colbert Report 19:00 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 20:00 Breaking In 20:30 Last Man Standing 21:00 Community 21:30 The Office 22:00 The Tonight Show With Jay Leno 23:00 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart 23:30 The Colbert Report 00:00 Enlightened 00:30 Out There 01:30 Late Night With Jimmy Fallon 02:30 The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
06:00 07:00 08:00 13:00 14:00 15:00 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 22:00 00:00
24 Parenthood Covert Affairs The Ellen DeGeneres Show Covert Affairs 24 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Covert Affairs The Carrie Diaries The X Factor U.S. Red Widow 24
03:45 05:30 08:00 09:45 12:00 13:45 16:00 18:15 20:00 22:15 00:00 02:00
The Killing Jar The Avengers Source Code Jurassic Park Alien Tornado Tombstone Jurassic Park Metal Tornado Tombstone Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark Chain Letter Hostel
03:30 06:00 07:45 10:00 11:45 14:00 16:15 18:00 20:15 22:00 00:00 02:00
The Avengers Source Code Jurassic Park Alien Tornado Tombstone Jurassic Park Metal Tornado Tombstone Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark Chain Letter Hostel Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark
04:00 06:00 08:00 10:00
Another Stakeout Shark Tale Puss In Boots Alpha And Omega
12:00 Another Stakeout 14:00 Today’s Special 16:00 Alpha And Omega 18:00 I Don’t Know How She Does IT 20:00 Fun Size 22:00 How To Make Love To A Woman 00:00 Calendar Girls 02:00 Fun Size
03:00 05:15 07:00 09:00 11:15 13:15 15:45 17:15 19:00 21:00 23:00 01:00 02:30
Hugo Five Boy Hugo The Descendants Catch Me If You Can One Angry Juror Drew Peterson: Untouchable Buried The Rum Diary The Whistleblower Drew Peterson: Untouchable Catch Me If You Can
03:00 The Woman In Black 05:00 Neds 07:00 Snow Flower And The Secret Fan 09:00 Thorne: Scaredy Cat 11:00 The Artist 12:45 George Harrison: Living In The Material World 16:15 Virtual Lies 17:45 The Artist 19:30 Dreaming Of Joseph Lees 21:00 The Last Gamble 23:00 The Ides Of March 01:00 When Love Is Not Enough
03:00 This Means War 05:00 Prosecuting Casey Anthony 07:00 The Wild Girl 09:00 You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger 11:00 A View From Here 13:00 Prosecuting Casey Anthony 15:00 The Three Stooges 17:00 You Will Meet A Tall Dark Stranger 18:45 The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel 21:00 Take This Waltz 23:00 Chloe 01:00 How I Spent My Summer Vacation
04:30 06:00 07:45 09:15 11:00 12:45 14:00 16:00 18:00 20:00 21:45 23:45 01:15 02:45
Vickery’s Wild Ride Crab Island Wheelers Elf Brave Crab Island Dolphin Tale Rookie Of The Year Elf Eleanor’s Secret Dolphin Tale Wheelers Eleanor’s Secret Toyz Goin’ Wild
04:00 The Odd Life Of Timothy Green 06:00 Flicka 3 08:00 Paranorman 10:00 Princess Lillifee 11:45 Dark Shadows 14:00 Frankenweenie 16:00 Paranorman 18:00 Hotel Transylvania 20:00 House At The End Of The Street 22:00 Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter
00:00 Arena 02:00 Hotel Transylvania
04:35 06:30 08:00 09:45 11:00 12:50 14:50 17:00 18:55 20:15 21:40 23:00 00:40
Operation Crossbow Gun Glory The Girl And The General Village Of The Damned Please Don’t Eat The Daisies Robin And The Seven Hoods Captain Sindbad Rhapsody The Belle Of New York Edge Of The City Challenge To Lassie Flareup Westworld
03:00 Currie Cup 05:00 ITM Cup 07:00 Darts Grand Prix 11:00 ICC Cricket 360 11:30 Champions League Twenty20 14:30 Total Rugby 15:00 Inside The PGA Tour 15:30 European Tour Weekly 16:00 Live PGA European Tour 20:00 Trans World Sport 21:00 Live Darts Grand Prix 01:00 Total Rugby 01:30 Amlin European Challenge Cup
05:00 UFC - The Ultimate Fighter Season 18 06:00 UFC - Unleashed 07:00 The Rugby Championship 09:00 ICC Cricket 360 09:30 NRL Full Time 10:00 Futbol Mundial 10:30 Total Rugby 11:00 Darts Grand Prix 15:00 UFC - Primetime 2011-13 15:30 UFC Prelims 17:30 UFC - Maia vs. Shields 20:30 UFC - The Ultimate Fighter Season 18 21:45 Live Amlin European Challenge Cup 00:00 Live PGA Tour
03:00 04:00 05:00 05:30 06:00 06:30 07:00 Rides 08:00 09:00 10:00 10:30 11:00 Rides 12:00 12:30 13:00 14:00 15:00 15:30 16:00 16:30 17:00 18:00 19:00 20:00 21:00 21:30 22:00 22:30 23:00 00:00 00:30 01:00 01:30 02:00 Rides
Off Limits Descending Magic Man Magic Man Bert The Conqueror Bert The Conqueror World’s Greatest Motorcycle Globe Trekker Departures Airport 24/7: Miami Airport 24/7: Miami World’s Greatest Motorcycle Bert The Conqueror Bert The Conqueror Eden Eats Bizarre Foods America International House Hunters International House Hunters International House Hunters International House Hunters Hotel Impossible Soul Seeker Eden Eats Bizarre Foods America International House Hunters International House Hunters Luxury Uncovered Luxury Uncovered Monumental Mysteries Airport 24/7: Miami Airport 24/7: Miami Bert The Conqueror Bert The Conqueror World’s Greatest Motorcycle
Classifieds THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
ACCOMMODATION
Kuwait SHARQIA-1 ENDER’S GAME (DIG) DIANA (DIG) KRRISH 3 (DIG) (HINDI) ENDER’S GAME (DIG) ENDER’S GAME (DIG) ENDER’S GAME (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED
12:45 PM 3:00 PM 5:15 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM
SHARQIA-2 CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED
1:30 PM 4:15 PM 7:00 PM 9:45 PM 12:30 AM
SHARQIA-3 ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG) DJINN (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG) DJINN (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED
1:45 PM 4:00 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM
NO SUN+TUE+WED
MUHALAB-1 DJINN (DIG) ENDER’S GAME (DIG) DJINN (DIG) ENDER’S GAME (DIG) ENDER’S GAME (DIG)
1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 7:30 PM 9:45 PM
MUHALAB-2 ESCAPE PLAN (DIG) ESCAPE PLAN (DIG) KRRISH 3 (DIG) (HINDI) KALBY DALILI (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG)
12:30 PM 2:45 PM 5:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM
MUHALAB-3 CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG)
1:00 PM 3:45 PM 6:30 PM 9:15 PM
FANAR-1 ESCAPE PLAN (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG) BANI ADAM (EMIRATHI FILM) KALBY DALILI (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG) ESCAPE PLAN (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED
2:00 PM 4:15 PM 6:15 PM 8:45 PM 10:45 PM 12:45 AM
FANAR-2 ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH (DIG) ENDER’S GAME (DIG) ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH (DIG) ENDER’S GAME (DIG) ENDER’S GAME (DIG) ENDER’S GAME (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED
1:45 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:30 PM 1:00 AM
FANAR-3 DJINN (DIG) DJINN (DIG) DJINN (DIG) KRRISH 3 (DIG) (HINDI) KRRISH 3 (DIG) (HINDI) DJINN (DIG)
KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (31/10/2013 TO 06/11/2013)
12:45 PM 2:45 PM 4:30 PM 6:15 PM 9:15 PM 12:15 AM
FANAR-4 CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED
1:30 PM 4:15 PM 7:00 PM 9:45 PM 12:30 AM
FANAR-5 CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2 CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS 2 GRAVITY GRAVITY GRAVITY GRAVITY NO SUN+TUE+WED
1:30 PM 3:30 PM 5:45 PM 7:45 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM
MARINA-1 ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH (DIG) ESCAPE FROM PLANET EARTH (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG) ESCAPE PLAN (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED
1:45 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:00 PM 10:00 PM 12:05 AM
MARINA-2 DJINN (DIG) ENDER’S GAME (DIG) DIANA (DIG) ENDER’S GAME (DIG) DJINN (DIG) ENDER’S GAME (DIG) DJINN (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED
12:45 PM 2:30 PM 4:45 PM 7:00 PM 9:15 PM 11:00 PM 1:15 AM
MARINA-3 CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) CAPTAIN PHILLIPS (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED
1:15 PM 4:00 PM 6:45 PM 9:30 PM 12:15 AM
AVENUES-1 GRAVITY (DIG) GRAVITY (DIG) GRAVITY (DIG) GRAVITY (DIG) GRAVITY (DIG) GRAVITY (DIG) GRAVITY (DIG) NO SUN+TUE+WED
1:00 PM 3:00 PM 5:00 PM 7:00 PM 9:00 PM 11:00 PM 1:00 AM
AVENUES-2 KRRISH 3 (DIG) (HINDI) KRRISH 3 (DIG) (HINDI) KRRISH 3 (DIG) (HINDI) KRRISH 3 (DIG) (HINDI) KRRISH 3 (DIG) (HINDI) NO SUN+TUE+WED
12:30 PM 3:30 PM 6:30 PM 9:30 PM 12:30 AM
One room with attach bathroom available in Hawally, Tunis Street, near Sadique roundabout, behind Tijari bank, for single executive or couple. Contact: 69302121. (C4551) 31-10-2013 Sharing accommodation available in Hawally Tunis Street, dowra Sadique, near bank Tijari, with attach bath for single executive or couple. Contact 69302121. (C 4545) 26-10-2013
CHANGE OF NAME I, Sivanandam S/o Karuppayan, holder of Indian Passport No: G2904164 converted to Islam do hereby change my name to Mohamed Ali. (C 4552) 31-10-2013 I, Santhosh Kumar Oommen S/O Oommen Anjilikattadiyil Kochitty, holder of Indian Passport No. E8128729 hereby change my name to Santhosh Kochitty Oommen. (C 4549) 28-10-2013 SITUATION VACANT
AVENUES-3 KALBY DALILI (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG) KALBY DALILI (DIG)
1:30 PM 3:45 PM 6:00 PM 8:15 PM 10:30 PM 12:45 AM
A lady maid is needed to work for a single ArabAmerican man in a house located in Salmiya. Time 2-8 pm. Salary KD 100. Call 66417504. (C 4550) 28-10-2013 Executive is looking for part-time housemaid. If interested please send your name and phone number by SMS. Contact No. 60716890. (C 4551) 31-10-2013
good condition, white, Serious buyer may contact 97277135. 29-10-2013 2007 KIA ex carnival white color, full options, 8 passengers, leather seats, DVD, power doors, safety sensors, in excellent condition. KD 2950. Tel: 66714700/99123411. (C 4548) 27-10-2013 MATRIMONIAL Marriage proposal invited from boys for a PG teacher Protestant 29, divorced girl. Email: shaadimeonly@gmail.com (C 4543) 26-10-2013
Prayer timings Fajr:
04:39
Shorook
06:00
Duhr:
11:32
Asr:
14:40
Maghrib:
17:03
Isha:
18:21
112
SITUATION WANTED M.Com (finance) graduate, pursuing MBA 10 years of experience in company accounts, preparations of financial statements, reconciliation of bank accounts, payroll management, transferable visa, Kuwait driving license. Mob: 65008377. (C 4547) 27-10-2013
No: 15972
THE PUBLIC AUTHORITY FOR CIVIL INFORMATION Automated enquiry about the Civil ID card is
1889988
FOR SALE Pathfinder 2003 model, in
Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)
Airlines BBC JAI JZR KLM JZR THY QTR ETH GFA THY UAE ETD MSR MSC QTR FDB JZR THY DHX QTR FDB JZR JZR KAC BAW IZG KAC KAC KAC IRA FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC UAE ABY QTR ETD IRA FDB GFA MSC MSC JZR MEA SYR TBZ JZR UAE JZR MSR MSR FDB
Arrival Flights on Thursday 31/10/2013 Flt Route 43 DHAKA 574 MUMBAI 539 CAIRO 411 AMSTERDAM 267 BEIRUT 772 ISTANBUL 1084 DOHA 620 ADDIS ABABA 211 BAHRAIN 764 SABIHA 853 DUBAI 305 ABU DHABI-INTL 612 CAIRO 401 ALEXANDRIA 1076 DOHA 67 DUBAI 503 LUXOR 770 ISTANBUL 170 BAHRAIN 8524 DOHA 69 DUBAI 555 ALEXANDRIA 529 ASYUT 412 MANILA 157 LONDON 4161 MASHAD 206 ISLAMABAD 302 MUMBAI 382 DELHI 617 AHWAZ 53 DUBAI 332 TRIVANDRUM 352 COCHIN 362 COLOMBO 284 DHAKA 855 DUBAI 125 SHARJAH 1070 DOHA 301 ABU DHABI-INTL 605 ISFAHAN 55 DUBAI 213 BAHRAIN 403 ASYUT 405 SOHAG 165 DUBAI 404 BEIRUT 341 DAMASCUS 5483 MASHAD 241 AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA 871 DUBAI 561 SOHAG 610 CAIRO 579 SOHAG 57 DUBAI
Time 00:05 00:10 00:40 00:30 00:40 00:45 00:55 01:45 02:10 02:15 02:35 02:45 03:10 03:45 03:45 04:20 05:50 05:35 05:40 05:45 05:50 06:05 06:20 06:45 06:40 07:35 07:40 07:55 07:55 07:50 07:50 08:15 08:10 08:45 08:50 08:40 09:00 09:10 09:20 09:30 09:40 10:40 11:15 11:20 11:30 11:55 12:30 12:35 12:45 12:50 12:55 13:00 13:05 13:50
QTR SVA KNE KAC KAC JZR KAC NIA JZR OMA KAC UAE QTR ETD RJA UAL SVA ABY GFA JZR JZR QTR FDB KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC KAC GFA OMA FDB MSR JZR AXB ABY DLH QTR KLM JAI JZR ALK MEA ETD UAE GFA JAI JZR THY UAL AIC FDB PIA JZR
1078 500 472 562 546 257 788 252 535 645 118 857 1072 303 640 982 510 127 215 135 177 1080 63 542 502 614 774 618 674 104 786 176 217 647 61 618 189 393 129 634 1074 417 572 181 229 402 307 859 219 576 239 6512 981 981 59 205 185
DOHA JEDDAH JEDDAH AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA ALEXANDRIA BEIRUT JEDDAH ALEXANDRIA CAIRO MUSCAT NEW YORK DUBAI DOHA ABU DHABI-INTL AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA WASHINGTON DC DULLES RIYADH SHARJAH BAHRAIN BAHRAIN DUBAI DOHA DUBAI CAIRO BEIRUT BAHRAIN RIYADH DOHA DUBAI LONDON JEDDAH GENEVA BAHRAIN MUSCAT DUBAI ALEXANDRIA DUBAI KOZHIKODE SHARJAH FRANKFURT DOHA AMSTERDAM MUMBAI AL MAKTOUM INTERNATI COLOMBO BEIRUT ABU DHABI-INTL DUBAI BAHRAIN COCHIN AMMAN-QUEEN ALIA ISTANBUL BAHRAIN CHENNAI DUBAI LAHORE DUBAI
13:55 14:30 14:35 14:50 14:05 14:45 15:10 15:50 15:50 15:55 16:35 16:40 16:40 16:50 16:55 17:05 17:15 17:25 17:30 18:00 18:20 18:40 18:45 18:05 18:50 19:35 19:30 19:00 19:25 19:35 18:45 19:15 19:30 19:55 20:05 20:05 20:15 20:15 20:20 20:55 22:00 22:05 20:10 21:30 21:10 21:20 21:35 21:40 21:45 22:10 22:20 22:20 22:25 22:30 22:30 23:15 23:20
Airlines AIC AXB SYR JAI KLM BBC DLH ETH THY UAE ETD MSR QTR MSC FDB QTR JZR FDB JZR THY GFA KAC QTR JZR THY FDB IZG BAW IRA JZR JZR KAC KAC ABY KAC UAE ETD QTR IRA FDB KAC GFA KAC KAC MSC MSC MEA KAC SYR JZR TBZ MSR MSR UAE
Departure Flights on Thursday 31/10/2013 Flt Route Time 976 GOA 0:05 490 MANGALORE 0:15 1134 DAMASCUS 0:25 573 MUMBAI 1:10 411 AMSTERDAM 1:45 44 DHAKA 1:45 635 FRANKFURT 2:10 621 ADDIS ABABA 2:45 773 ISTANBUL-ATATURK 2:55 854 DUBAI 3:50 306 ABU DHABI 4:00 613 CAIRO 4:10 1085 DOHA 4:25 406 SOHAG 4:45 68 DUBAI 5:00 1077 DOHA 5:15 560 SOHAG 6:20 70 DUBAI 6:30 164 DUBAI 6:55 765 ISTANBUL-SABIHA 7:05 212 BAHRAIN 7:15 545 ALEXANDRIA 7:15 8525 DOHA 7:15 240 AMMAN 7:20 771 ISTANBUL 7:30 54 DUBAI 8:30 4162 MASHHAD 8:35 156 LONDON 8:45 616 AHWAZ 8:50 256 BEIRUT 8:55 534 CAIRO 9:00 787 JEDDAH 9:25 561 AMMAN 9:25 126 SHARJAH 9:40 101 LONDON 9:50 856 DUBAI 9:55 302 ABU DHABI 10:05 1071 DOHA 10:10 606 MASHHAD 10:20 56 DUBAI 10:20 501 BEIRUT 11:10 214 BAHRAIN 11:25 541 CAIRO 11:30 165 ROME 11:50 404 ASYUT 12:15 402 ALEXANDRIA 12:20 405 BEIRUT 12:55 785 JEDDAH 13:00 342 DAMASCUS 13:30 176 DUBAI 13:45 5484 MASHHAD 13:50 580 SOHAG 13:50 611 CAIRO 14:00 872 DUBAI 14:15
DIAL 161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION
FDB QTR JZR KAC KAC KNE JZR SVA KAC KAC NIA OMA JZR JZR ETD QTR UAE JZR RJA ABY SVA GFA UAL JZR JZR FDB QTR GFA KAC FDB OMA KAC ABY MSR JAI KAC AXB KAC KAC DHX ALK MEA ETD GFA KAC UAE KAC JZR KLM JAI FDB QTR JZR KAC KAC
58 1079 134 673 617 472 188 505 773 613 251 646 180 238 304 1073 858 538 641 128 511 216 982 184 266 64 1081 218 283 62 648 331 120 619 571 351 394 343 543 171 230 403 308 220 301 860 205 554 417 575 60 1075 528 415 411
DUBAI 14:30 DOHA 14:55 BAHRAIN 15:00 DUBAI 15:05 DOHA 15:30 JEDDAH 15:30 DUBAI 15:40 JEDDAH 16:00 RIYADH 16:05 BAHRAIN 16:35 ALEXANDRIA 16:50 MUSCAT 16:55 AL MAKTOUM INTERNATIONAL 16:55 AMMAN 16:55 ABU DHABI 17:35 DOHA 17:40 DUBAI 17:50 CAIRO 17:50 AMMAN 17:55 SHARJAH 18:05 RIYADH 18:15 BAHRAIN 18:20 BAHRAIN 18:20 DUBAI 18:40 BEIRUT 18:50 DUBAI 19:25 DOHA 19:40 BAHRAIN 20:15 DHAKA 20:30 DUBAI 20:45 MUSCAT 20:55 TRIVANDRUM 20:55 SHARJAH 21:00 ALEXANDRIA 21:05 MUMBAI 21:10 KOCHI 21:10 KOZHIKODE 21:15 CHENNAI 21:30 CAIRO 21:40 BAHRAIN 21:50 COLOMBO 22:10 BEIRUT 22:20 ABU DHABI 22:20 BAHRAIN 22:30 MUMBAI 22:35 DUBAI 22:50 ISLAMABAD 22:55 ALEXANDRIA 23:00 DAMMAM 23:05 ABU DHABI 23:10 DUBAI 23:10 DOHA 23:10 ASYUT 23:25 KUALA LUMPUR 23:55 BANGKOK 23:55
34
s ta rs CROSSWORD 354
STAR TRACK Aries (March 21-April 19) ARIES Although you will find an overall increase in your finances this month, you may also find an increased urge to spend. Less is sometimes better. Savings and investments should take uppermost attention now. Your financial earnings could be best found in the medical or health food fields. You may be considering a bit of travel to a foreign land soon, particularly if your job concerns are in import, export. There is a greater than usual interest in fads, social connections and the arts to enable you to catch up on incoming trends. Seeing both sides of an issue—and figuring out resolutions to opposing views—take on importance this evening as you may want to have a family member or two with you on your working trip. A wonderful time to share.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) Business in the office moves quickly. Meeting yourself in another person is a subject you may ponder this day. You may have to put a halt to gossip. Relationships— whether they are romantic, business or social—are in the arena where a drama could be played out because of gossip. Fire goes out for lack of fuel. You can use your skills and expertise to solve problems and realize successful results. Figuring things out, spotting the fly in the ointment, separating the sheep from the goats begin to take on a special appeal for you. Seeing both sides of an issue and figuring out resolutions to opposing views is important to you now. At home this afternoon you will enjoy some “me” time . . . Perhaps with some newly purchased music, a magazine or new book.
Gemini (May 21-June 20)
ACROSS 1. A loose sleeveless outer garment made from aba cloth. 4. Military supplies. 12. A condition (mostly in boys) characterized by behavioral and learning disorders. 15. Primitive predaceous North American fish covered with hard scales and having long jaws with needle-like teeth. 16. A large outdoor fire. 17. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike part of an organism. 18. Used improperly or excessively especially drugs. 20. (neurology) Of or relating to the vagus nerve. 21. Extremely pleasing. 22. An Indian side dish of yogurt and chopped cucumbers and spices. 25. Having the leading position or higher score in a contest. 26. Port city that is the capital and largest city of Latvia. 27. A ballistic missile that is capable of traveling from one continent to another. 30. A member of a North American Indian people of southeastern California and northwestern Mexico. 31. Large genus of African trees bearing kola nuts. 35. A percussion instrument with wooden bars tuned to produce a chromatic scale and with resonators. 37. Lacking motor coordination. 39. (Hindu) A manner of sitting (as in the practice of Yoga). 40. A bachelor's degree in theology. 42. A conceited and self-centered person. 43. English economist who argued that the laws of supply and demand should operate in a free market (1772-1823). 45. The branch of computer science that deal with writing computer programs that can solve problems creatively. 46. A religious belief of African origin involving witchcraft and sorcery. 47. The compass point midway between northeast and east. 48. A detailed description of design criteria for a piece of work. 52. The first of three divisions of the Hebrew Scriptures comprising the first five books of the Old Testament considered as a unit. 54. An organization of countries formed in 1961 to agree on a common policy for the sale of petroleum. 56. Small beads made from polished shells and formerly used as money by native Americans. 57. (law) The seat for judges in a courtroom. 58. (of a young animal) Abandoned by its mother and raised by hand. 59. A confusion of voices and other sounds. 62. According to the Old Testament he was a pagan king of Israel and husband of Jezebel (9th century BC). 64. A Hindu prince or king in India. 68. A translucent mineral consisting of hydrated silica of variable color. 72. Being three more than fifty. 73. A wanderer who has no established residence or visible means of support. 75. 100 avos equal 1 pataca. 76. The basic unit of money in Western Samoa. 77. The literary culture. 78. A spring-flowering shrub or small tree of the genus Crataegus.
DOWN 1. Any culture medium that uses agar as the gelling agent. 2. A small cake leavened with yeast. 3. Wild sheep of northern Africa. 4. A religious belief of African origin involving witchcraft and sorcery. 5. A unit of absorbed ionizing radiation equal to 100 ergs per gram of irradiated material. 6. A metric unit of volume equal to one tenth of a liter. 7. A state in the western United States. 8. (old-fashioned) At or from or to a great distance. 9. A republic in West Africa on the Gulf of Guinea. 10. Animals having a bony or cartilaginous skeleton with a segmented spinal column and a large brain enclosed in a skull or cranium. 11. The fatty flesh of eel. 12. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad. 13. Divulge information or secrets. 14. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad. 19. Enduring strength and energy. 23. A genus of Psittacidae. 24. United States anarchist (born in Italy) who with Bartolomeo Vanzetti was convicted of murder and in spite of world-wide protest was executed (1891-1927). 28. A public building for gambling and entertainment. 29. A tonic or restorative (especially a drink of liquor). 32. Serving no useful purpose. 33. Capital and largest city and economic and cultural center of Portugal. 34. Serving temporarily especially as a substitute. 36. A law officer having duties similar to those of a sheriff in carrying out the judgments of a court of law. 38. A fit of shivering. 41. A soft silvery metallic element of the alkali earth group. 44. A person forced to flee from home or country. 49. Room or live together. 50. Someone who works (or provides workers) during a strike. 51. The act of mimicking. 53. Any of various deciduous or evergreen ornamental shrubs of the genus Abelia having opposite simple leaves and cymes of small white or pink or purplish flowers. 55. A card game for 2 players. 60. The capital of Western Samoa. 61. (criminal law) Money that must be forfeited by the bondsman if an accused person fails to appear in court for trial. 63. The handle of a weapon or tool. 65. An Indian nursemaid who looks after children. 66. An island in Indonesia south of Borneo. 67. Beside one another in a row or rank. 69. A lipoprotein that transports cholesterol in the blood. 70. A metal-bearing mineral valuable enough to be mined. 71. The bureau of the Treasury Department responsible for tax collections. 74. A trivalent metallic element of the rare earth group.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
Real estate is the topic of conversation this morning and you may work for a large real-estate company. It is time to encourage signatures and they seem to just have one more question . . . And then another. Eventually you succeed and can breathe a sigh of relief. The price is good and the buyers are setting dates for the move. Close personal ties to other people are a focal point for your feelings—marriage and other partnerships could be a key arena for this. It could be that time is getting close for a marriage or for a renewal of a marriage. This is a great time to enjoy a positive sort of project with your mate. Perhaps together you can help with the elderly in your neighborhood or a single mother or sign up to speak at a scout meeting.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) It is your turn to take charge of a business transaction today but the decision, at the last minute, goes to someone else. While all of this is very perplexing, you know that if you cannot take commands from higher-ups, you will not be able to give commands to others when it is time. A new animal or a young pet will hold everyone’s attention at home this afternoon. If you decide to keep this animal, you must assign yourself time to train it properly. It would be best to find a professional trainer, perhaps through your veterinarian. If you are lucky enough to find a training class, be sure to sign up. This can all be a fun topic of conversation with your friends that show off their pets. You might enjoy shopping for ingredients that you could use to make pet snacks.
Leo (July 23-August 22) Travel and adventure are compelling conversation temptations before work and at coffee breaks. Your workmates may join in on the conversations about exploration and adventure. Listen carefully; each person will have a favorite way to pack a back pack and tips for short or long trips. Time flows in one direction only and it is important not to get too carried away with conversations in order that the day’s business can be accomplished. You may find yourself responsible for decorating a display window and without equipment like a silk-screen table you may decide to paint one wall in a cerulean blue to be a background to some new ski wear. Tonight you may decide to drive through a takeout place and relax at home with your food.
Virgo (August 23-September 22) Your mind is quick and sharp and your words are the only tool you will need today. You have insight into your emotions and drive and you move beyond feelings with great insight. It may take a while for some people to see the wisdom you have accumulated but you will be able to teach others through your example. Do not concern yourself so much when you are tested; there will naturally be some testing. This testing helps you and others learn problem-solving techniques. Your analytical powers are superb and you enjoy finding new avenues of inner growth. Your intuition is strong and can guide you accurately in making forecasts or decisions. You love to play a musical instrument and tonight you might gather a group to play.
Word Search
Libra (September 23-October 22) Assimilating information and experience as well as learning lessons and putting them into practice seems to be the focus at this time. It’s a time for prudence and stewardship, a time to tend to the details. You probably already have the grand ideals and visions; now you must get your hands dirty with the bricks and mortar and your mind busy with putting it all together. Circumstances force you to reorganize and be more conservative this afternoon. One thing you decide to do for the near future is arrange a garage sale. Circumstances are working in your favor to help you and raise you up—push you forward. You have a stick-to-itiveness that always finds you in the thick of things, working through it. Let someone else entertain you this evening.
Scorpio (October 23-November 21) An adventure is always interesting to you and after a friend brings up some new ideas you may decide some type of research is in order. There are ways to travel inexpensively with a group. You and a neighbor may combine your effort in a yard sale today. You might be surprised at the results, particularly the new closet space you now have. If this is not the effort of the day, it will be some effort in which you will work with others to gain funds. You like to do things with care and enjoy being discriminating and exact. Your critical faculties are excellent, and you can always pick out what is worth saving. The ways you get around and stay in touch at the everyday level are changed by technology; you could get lost in the fun of it all this evening.
Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) There is a growing self-confidence and outgoing attitude—you have brought to a close a time of inward examination and learning. You have a growing sense of direction and self-worth and will find you reach out and establish yourself. This is a period of greater interaction in the work place as well as more responsibility. Learning and teaching seems to satisfy an important need and being more in touch with other people gives you a sense of making a positive difference. You are able to help many clients or customers this afternoon. You may have the urge to overspend or indulge too much after work. Careful—you could be guiding a young person and may want to set an example. Don’t be afraid to make plans for future steps to making your dreams real.
Capricorn (December 22-January 19) You tend to take everything with great passion. Your drive to get at the heart and truth of things is constantly invoked and serves as a common theme in your life. This could be a touch-and-go time when it comes to your emotions and the environment in which you find yourself. You may be up against it for a while, as things get tight and progress is slowed. You may find that your personal growth may depend upon how you can handle a sensitive person now. Your emotional life may seem to slow to a trickle or be completely blocked by another. Patience—this will pass—you can only make your situation more difficult if you complain. View the day as though it belonged to someone else; new insight can be enjoyed. This evening you are able to relax.
Aquarius (January 20- February 18) You are in a great mood of self-enjoyment today and this is good as the people around you are busy and involved with many things. You may deal with education, psychology, spiritual enlightenment or teaching principles and techniques. Ideas and thoughts will have greater meaning and form just now. You may complete your professional work early and decide to spend time helping in another department. After work you may decide to check out the library near your home and also you can make sure your library card is updated. There are many new things to look at and take home: music, recorded books, classes, help with homework and good looking, smart people. You are at your mental best when you are communicating with others.
Pisces (February 19-March 20) This day begins as not too lazy or too stressful—there is time for accomplishing tasks or setting things up to work in your favor. Prepare ahead for times that you know you will be extremely busy. Educational matters may be high on your priority list soon, whether it is for yourself or in helping someone. You may find an opportunity to make a little extra money by tutoring; at least you could let others know you are capable. Close personal ties to other people are important to you. You dearly love to interact with strangers and gain new viewpoints. Co-workers are pleasant and marriage and other partnerships are most always able to create smiles. You enjoy experimenting with a new recipe tonight. Have some tasty side dishes available.
Yesterday’s Solution
Yesterday’s Solution
Daily SuDoku
Yesterday’s Solution
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 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
Al-Madeena
22418714
Al-Shuhada
22545171
Al-Shuwaikh
24810598
Al-Nuzha
22545171
Ahmadi
Sama Safwan Abu Halaifa Danat Al-Sultan
Fahaeel Makka St Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd
23915883 23715414 23726558
Sabhan
24742838
Jahra
Modern Jahra Madina Munawara
Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 Jahra-Block 92
24575518 24566622
Al-Helaly
22434853
Capital
Ahlam Khaldiya Coop
Fahad Al-Salem St Khaldiya Coop
22436184 24833967
Al-Faiha
22545051
Farwaniya
New Shifa Ferdous Coop Modern Safwan
Farwaniya Block 40 Ferdous Coop Old Kheitan Block 11
24734000 24881201 24726638
Al-Farwaniya
24711433
Al-Sulaibikhat
24316983
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
Al-Fahaheel
23927002
Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh
24316983
Ahmadi
23980088
Al-Mangaf
23711183
Al-Shuaiba
23262845
Hawally
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
36
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
LIFESTYLE G o s s i p
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aylor Swift is the top nominee for the American Country Awards. A Tuesday news release says Swift received eight nominations, including top honor artist of the year. Blake Shelton and Florida Georgia Line are next with seven apiece. The fourth annual fan-voted ACAs will be broadcast Dec 10 from Las Vegas on Fox with NASCAR driver Danica Patrick and country singer Trace Adkins serving as co-hosts. Jason Aldean and Luke Bryan join Swift, Shelton and Florida Georgia Line in the artist of the year category. Swift is the only performer to have been nominated for the award in every year the show’s been held. Fans can now vote in all categories on the show’s website through Nov 12 and for artist of the year through Dec 7. Taylor Swift
&B singer Chris Brown is entering rehab “to gain focus and insight into his past and recent behavior,” the singer’s representatives said on Tuesday, after Brown was arrested and charged with assault over the weekend. Brown, 24, pleaded not guilty on Monday to misdemeanor assault after police reports said the singer and his bodyguard both punched a man in the face outside a Washington hotel, where Brown had a nightclub appearance. “Chris Brown has elected to enter a rehab facility. His goal is to gain focus and insight into his past and recent behavior, enabling him to continue the pursuit of his life and his career from a healthier vantage point,” the singer’s representatives said in a statement, a day after Brown appeared in court. Brown is due back in court on Nov 20, and if convicted, faces a maximum of six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. The Grammy-winning “Look at Me Now” singer has faced a string of legal troubles and has been on probation since 2009, when he assaulted pop singer Rihanna, his then-girlfriend. His sentence included domestic violence counseling. His probation was revoked over the summer after he was charged in a hit-and-run traffic accident in Los Angeles, but reinstated after the singer committed to another 1,000 hours of community service. Chris Brown
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tevie Wonder plans to release two albums next year, including some newly written songs, and he’s working on a third. The 63-year-old performer said in an interview Tuesday that his first albums in eight years would be “When the World Began,” a collaboration with producer David Foster, and “Ten Billion Hearts.” Wonder, who filed for divorce last year, said the new music was inspired by “my children, family, change, growth, heartbreaks.” He’s also using hip-hop elements to convey political messages. “I listen a lot to rap, and I’m inspired to take it, to use it in another way, to get the message across,” Wonder said. Rolling Stone reported over the summer that the album with Foster would include reworked versions of several of his biggest hits played with a symphony orchestra. Wonder also plans to fulfill a promise to his mother Lula, who died in 2006, by recording a gospel album in her memory. “I might sing a gospel song in Arabic or do something in Hebrew. I want to mix it up and do it differently than one might imagine,” he said. “Obviously
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ERTINA’s brilliant 125-year journey includes many remarkable innovations. The movement inside the new CERTINA DS with its extraordinary power reserve of some 80 hours is proof of the brand’s longtime unwavering focus on excellence. By blending design elements reminiscent of CERTINA’s early years with some of the latest automatic-watch technology, as well as features like a see-through case-back, the DS includes the best of both yesterday and today. The new ETA Powermatic 80 movement at the heart of the CERTINA DS is a powerful example of modern watch making achievement. Its exceptional power reserve of 80 hours ensures that through more than three full days, your DS will keep perfect time, ready to go back to work or play when you are. The DS unites elegance, precision and practicality by placing this extraordinary movement inside a beautiful and sportclassic 40mm polished 316L stainless-steel case with brushed lugs and a polished bezel. A transparent case-back lets watch lovers cast a glance inside at the movement, whose black rotor is decorated with the CERTINA turtle logo. A rounded sapphire crystal with anti-reflection coating opens onto an anthracite-coloured concave dial, decorated with the former “double-C” CERTINA logo” also embossed over the crown tip, in a wink back at history. Nickelled hands and indices are treated with Superluminova for greatest readability. The DS is of course equipped with the CERTINA DS Concept, ensuring its water resistance up to a pressure of 10 bar (100m), and fastens with a brown leather strap and twin push-button butterfly buckle. Other models are also available, including one with a black dial and five-row (brushed/polished) stainless-steel bracelet.
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ach season brings with it fashion that gives your wardrobe a constant makeover. This autumn/winter get intrigued and a little more obsessed with fashion at ICONIC. Get ready to swirl your way into the season with hot new looks and key trends. Beautifully made catwalk inspired pieces stem from trends like pretty florals, leopard prints, graphics, camouflage and tartan merging into a season of classics reinvented with a more heady and individualistic streak. This season women wear at ICONIC will showcase trends like Minimal Sport Luxe, 1940’s Glamour and Punk grunge. Sport Luxe will blur the line between masculine and feminine and highlight minimalism in fashion. Structured, oversized pieces and rounded silhouettes are key pieces for this trend. Winter whites, opulent gold and silver symbolize the 1940 trends. Statement coats are wardrobe essential. Teamed with stilettos, boots or ballet flats and statement accessories, contrasts set the flavor and fashion gets edgy for women. The ICONIC winter 2013 collection brings forth key trends for men. Fashion, being just a guide to the general mood and the social context, chose to express a positive outlook in terms of very commercial minimalism, and some unconventional treatment of classic styles. Themed Fine Harvest natural earthy colors, textures and graphics connect with the heritage outdoor look and highlight the trend.
the good word at the end of the day, it’s not about the religion, it’s about the relationship. And I think we all need to check our relationship.” First, though, Wonder plans a celebration of one of his most acclaimed albums, 1976’s “Songs in the Key of Life.” Joined by musicians from the original recording as well as contemporary recording artists, Wonder will perform the album in its entirety for the first time Dec. 21 at his annual Los Angeles charity concert. Last year’s House Full of Toys benefit concert included performances from Justin Bieber and Drake.
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icole Kidman said life with Tom Cruise was surreal, yet deeply romantic in a new interview with Vanity Fair. The kind of media scrutiny the couple endured during their decade-long marriage has rarely been equaled, Kidman noted, saying that few people other than Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie could understand the flashbulb intensity of that kind of love affair. “If you really focus on each other and you’re in that bubble, it’s very intoxicating, because it’s just the two of you,” Kidman tells the magazine. “And there is only one other person that’s going through it. So it brings you very close, and it’s deeply romantic. I’m sure Brad and Angelina have that-because there’s nobody else that understands it except that person who’s sleeping right next to you.” Kidman was apparently booked by Vanity Fair for its December cover before her upcoming project “Grace of Monaco,” about Grace Kelly, was pushed from a Christmas season release to a March 2014 debut. Whatever the particulars of her cover selection may be, the actress, who is now married to country singer Keith Urban, was in a reflective mood. She told Vanity Fair contributing editor Sam Kashner that her Oscar-winning role as Virginia Woolf in 2002’s “The Hours” helped her get her priorities in order, with the author’s suicide scene providing a moment of epiphany. “Walking into the river with those stones in my pockets-I chose life,” Kidman said. “At the time, I was at a low point, and by playing her, it put me into a place of appreciating life.”—Agencies
These trends are translated into key shapes of the season which include micro print shirts, relaxed soft blazers, velvet blazers, classic waist coats and clean fashion bomber jackets to build a rich clean look. Quilted shirts and jackets, Hoodies, gilets, Sherpa jackets, corduroy shirts, duffle knits, turtle neck sweaters are few important shapes which will complete the menswear winter wardrobe. Tones of winter berries combined with shades of petrol and midnight blue are paired with classic earthy neutrals. A touch of metallic gold adds to the festive mood, while micro geos, foulard flavors, polka dots, baroque wall paper patterns, surreal graphics, revised camouflage, and winter tartans highlight prints and graphics for the season. ICONIC Kids is not far behind as we weave a dreamland of fantasy in your kids wardrobe with shades of navy, green, red, grey and beige for boys and candy pink, soft blue, cherry red and Indigo for girls. Available in pure cotton and cotton blends and French terry with hints of denim and chambray tees, polo’s, check shirts, dungarees, color block sweaters and varsity jackets are key staples for a boy’s wardrobe. A mix of modern and classic styles ICONIC explores the combination of diverse looks of Autumn Winter with a wardrobe choice of plentiful. The collection is in stores so put your best foot forward and be ‘Fashion Different’. Head over to ICONIC and shop the latest autumn winter collection available at The Avenues, The Mall, Level 1.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
LIFESTYLE M u s i c
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M o v i e s
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MC has renewed its hit zombie drama “The Walking Dead” for a fifth season. The series has been a ratings bonanza for the network, returning for its fourth season premiere earlier this month with 20.2 million total viewers in Live + 3 Day ratings. Among those viewers, 13.2 million were in the advertiser-cherished 18-49 demographic. AMC president Charlie Collier acknowledged that the renewal was a no-brainer. “We are very happy to make what has to be one of the most anti-climactic renewal announcements ever: ‘The Walking Dead’ is renewed for a fifth season,” Collier said in a statement. “This is a show that has erased traditional distinctions between cable and broadcast. Its expanding base of passionate fans has grown every season, most recently - and most notably - with the season four premiere earlier this month, which broke viewership records for the series and became the biggest non-sports telecast in cable history.” The series, which has seen its share of showrunner shakeups, will continue with Scott Gimple, who came aboard earlier this year, for the fifth season. AMC is also developing a “Walking Dead” companion series, to be executive produced by “Dead” crew Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert, which is expected to premiere in 2015.—Reuters
Review
A minute with
’Last Vegas’ a Geritol-powered ‘Hangover‘
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This image released by Focus Features shows Jared Leto as Rayon in a scene from “Dallas Buyers Club.”—AP
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fter transitioning from a Hollywood heartthrob to a critically acclaimed actor, then fronting a rock band with worldwide success, Jared Leto takes on one of his biggest challenges yet, playing a transgender HIV patient in his return to film. “Dallas Buyers Club,” out in US theaters on Friday, is based on a real story. Leto, 41, plays Rayon, a HIVpositive transgender woman who helps homophobic drug addict Ron Woodruff (Matthew McConaughey) smuggle much needed medication not approved in the United States to other AIDS patients. Leto, who rose to fame as a complex teenager on 1990s TV series “My So-Called Life” and has had roles in 1999’s “Fight Club,” 2000’s “Requiem for a Dream” and 2002’s “Panic Room,” recently focused on being the frontman of the rock band 30 Seconds to Mars. Rayon is his first film role in five years. Leto, spoke to Reuters about why he was drawn back to acting and what he has learned about Hollywood through his film and music. Q: You’ve established a very successful career in music that seems to be keeping you occupied full time. What drew you back to film after five years away? A: I fell in love. I was seduced by the idea of bringing (Rayon) to life. I saw her as an incredibly gracious, kind, funny, fun, big-hearted dreamer, and I couldn’t say no. Q: How did you interpret the relationship your character develops with Matthew McConaughey’s Ron? A: They need each other. Ron ultimately needs Rayon because she changes him and I think that Ron provides a certain father figure to Rayon. They both help each other in that fight, that battle to stay alive. Q: You went through an extreme physical transformation to convey the symptoms of a HIV-positive character. How challenging was that? A: It’s one of the most challenging roles I’ve ever taken on, physical and emotional. But when I read this, I thought it was a really steep climb and I wanted to walk down this path. I started at the beginning as far as research goes, listening, meeting with transgender people, learning about the culture. Then (there were) a series of other challenges, from the voice, the dialect, the register, the body center, the movement, the emotional conditions and circumstances.
And then there were the heels, the waxing of the body, the removal of the eyebrows, the losing of 30-40 pounds (13-18 kilos, so there was a lot there, but it was an incredible and fascinating experience. Q: How challenging was the weight loss? A: It’s absolutely brutal, as it should be. But the weight loss is really important because it changes the way you walk and talk, the way people treat you and the way you feel about yourself. So it becomes a really essential tool. Q: Your role as Rayon has not only garnered critical acclaim, it has generated awards buzz. How important is it to you to have awards recognition? A: Oh, it’s certainly not important to me to have it, because I never, ever get it. I’m never around. If it was important, I’d make films more often but it’s absolutely wonderful that it’s happening now. It’s great, it’s incredible to celebrate art and creativity in a film and performance, yes I think it’s great. The people that thumb their noses at that, I don’t understand the bitterness there. The funny thing about art and success is that you fail all the time, you just succeed sometimes. You fail much more than you win, there’s all kinds of failures all the time, and once in a while something happens and you celebrate that. Q: How does your music inform your acting? A: I wasn’t looking to make a film, I hadn’t made a film in five or six years, and I hadn’t read a script in years. That’s a very wild thing to do after you’ve worked so hard in the business, to walk down a different path. But I think it was a really good thing for me to do. I think it made me a better actor. It gave me more to contribute because of the experiences I had with 30 Seconds to Mars and in turn with my life. Q: Were you worried you wouldn’t be taken seriously when you transitioned from acting to fronting 30 Seconds to Mars? A: I always knew that would be a challenge but I also knew that I wasn’t going to let that stop me from pursuing my dreams. I think in the end, consistency, commitment, passion and results speak the loudest.—Reuters
s creaky as an arthritic hip, “Last Vegas” does for four leading stars of the ‘70s and ‘80s what movies like “Tough Guys” and “Grumpy Old Men” did for survivors of Hollywood’s storied Golden Age: It lets them show they can still throw a punch, bust a move, and get it on, and that they’re not quite ready for the Motion Picture Home just yet. Beyond that, this genteel “Hangover” for the AARP crowd has little to recommend it, though a smattering of funny gags and the nostalgia value of the cast keeps the whole thing more watchable than it has any right to be. One doesn’t exactly expect “Death in Venice” from a movie that begins on a shot of female cellulite jiggling beneath the surface of a Florida community pool. But as various senior-centric pics have proven, from Martin Brest’s delightful caper “Going in Style” to Ron Howard’s “Cocoon,” going gray isn’t automatically an impediment to a screenplay that consists of more than death and Viagra jokes. But “Last Vegas” scribe Dan Fogelman (who wrote the monumentally smarter and shrewder “Crazy, Stupid, Love”) pretty much sticks to the lowest common denominator as he contrives to get four childhood friends together in Sin City for the bachelor party of the last unmarried man among them. He’s named Billy and played by a blowdried, spray-tanned Michael Douglas in what feels like a watered-down version of the actor’s magnificent aging lothario from 2009’s “Solitary Man.” When Billy impulsively proposes to his strapping 31-year-old girlfriend (in the midst of delivering a friend’s eulogy, no less), best bud Sam (Kevin Kline) - the one trapped in that infernal Florida swimming pool suggests a boy’s weekend in Vegas, and the rest of this white-haired wolf pack is soon to follow. Back when they were kids on the streets of Brooklyn, Billy and his pals were known as the Flatbush Four, though now they’re mainly just flat and bushed: In addition to Sam, there’s stroke survivor Archie (Morgan Freeman, essentially reprising his “Bucket List” character) and surly widower Paddy (Robert De Niro), who hasn’t forgiven Billy for skipping out
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ust how mighty a box-office hammer “Thor: The Dark World” will wield will come into sharper focus starting yesterday, when the Marvel superhero sequel rolls out in the UK, France, Germany and 21 other foreign markets. Expectations are high and overseas will be critical if Disney is to see the sort of returns it is hoping for on the big-budget follow-up to 2011’s “Thor.” Disney hasn’t released a production number for “Dark World,” which opens in North America on Nov 8, but reports have it around $200 million. The original film cost $150 million to make and took in $450 million worldwide, with nearly 60 percent of that coming from abroad. But “Thor” came out before “The Avengers,” and the success of that 2012 blockbuster changed the game for all that will follow in Disney and Marvel’s cinematic universe. Exhibit A would be “Iron Man 3,” which nearly doubled the global haul of its pre-“Avengers” predecessor with $1.2 billion earlier this year. It played more like a sequel to the Marvel superhero mash-up than “Iron Man 2,” and “Dark World” is expected to do the same. No one expects Chris Hemsworth and “Thor: The Dark World” to match the numbers put up by Robert Downey’s Tony Stark, but early projections call for a US opening north of $85 million. Analysts believe it will exceed the $180 million domestic total of “Thor” and
This image released by CBS Films shows, from left, Kevin Kline, Morgan Freeman, Robert De Niro and Michael Douglas in a scene from “Last Vegas.”—AP on his wife’s funeral (she was their shared childhood sweetheart). From all points they converge on the ultra-luxurious Aria casino resort, where they find themselves comped with a penthouse suite - and a personal concierge (Romany Malco) - after Archie cleans house at the blackjack table. That pretty much gives them the run of the place, though they do make one important side trip to nearby Binion’s, where Billy catches the eye of a jazz chanteuse shimmering in a sparkly mauve gown as she belts out “Only You” in a desolate hotel bar. The singer, Diana (Mary Steenburgen), is also “of a certain age” and has been around the block a few times, but unlike her male counterparts in “Last Vegas,” she’s been written as more than a one-dimensional type, and she’s played by the marvelous Steenburgen with a richness that goes even beyond what’s on the page. She’s an oasis of real, grown-up emotion in a movie that often feels more sophomoric
could go as high as $650 million worldwide. The studio has done all it can to tie “Dark World” to the No. 3 all-time box office earner (behind “Avatar” and “Titanic”), plastering its ads with the catch phrase “Return of an Avenger.” Disney has opted to go out overseas first, as it did with “The Avengers” and “Iron Man 3,” both of which hit the US with a ton of momentum built on foreign returns. “The Avengers” opened No. 1 in all 39 foreign markets in which it debuted, and had $178 million in the box-office bank before it opened in the US “Iron Man 3” hit the US after taking in $195 million in its first week abroad. Momentum aside, foreign returns have become more important than the domestic box office for the bottom line of would-be blockbusters. And overseas audiences have embraced action- and effects-driven superhero adventures - particularly in 3D, which “Dark World” is - like never before. But one challenge facing “Dark World” is Lionsgate’s “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire.” The Jennifer Lawence sci-fi sequel opens in London on Nov 11, and globally and in the US on the Nov 22 weekend, and that could limit its longerterm prospects. Joining Hemsworth in “Dark World” are Tom Hiddleston, who reprises his role as the
(and a lot less funny) than the concurrent “Bad Grandpa.” The rest of the movie rarely if ever rises to Steenburgen’s level. Most of the comic payoffs are so obviously telegraphed that the audience can see them coming within a few frames of the setup. Actors like these can sometimes be a pleasure to watch even when saddled with sitcom material, because their timing and delivery is still better than most. But in “Last Vegas,” everyone seems to be on a mildly diverting paid vacation, especially Freeman, who can scarcely disguise his contempt for the material. He doesn’t just seem to be phoning it in; he seems to be emailing it in from his trailer. “Last Vegas,” a CBS Films release, is rated PG-13 by the Motion Picture Association of America for “sexual content and language.” Running time: 104 minutes.—AP
bad brother Loki, the villain from the “Avengers,” and Natalie Portman, who returns as the Norse god’s love Jane Foster. Newcomer Christopher Eccleston will play the baddie Malekith. In the past week, they’ve all hit splashy red carpets in London, Paris and Berlin for “Dark World.”—Reuters
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LIFESTYLE
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
Blackface F e a t u r e s
I This 1920s image shows comedian Eddie Cantor wearing blackface while performing “If You Knew Susie.”—AP photos
s donning blackface to dress up as a favorite TV character ever OK for Halloween? How about a bloody hoodie and blackface for a costume riff on the slain teen Trayvon Martin, or full-on minstrel at a splashy Africa-themed party for the fashion elite in Milan? Each of those costumes made headlines this Halloween season. And the answer to each, African studies and culture experts said, is never. “The painful history of minstrelsy is not that long ago for us to think that now, somehow, we can do it differently or do it better,” said Yaba Blay, co-director of Africana Studies at Drexel University in Philadelphia. Julianne Hough found that out the hard way. She apologized on Twitter over the weekend amid criticism for darkening her skin for a costume as Crazy Eyes from “Orange is the New Black” at a Hollywood bash. Hough explained on Twitter: “I am a huge fan of the show Orange is the New black, actress Uzo Aduba, and the character she has created. It certainly was never my intention to be disrespectful or demeaning to anyone in any way. I realize my costume hurt and offended people and I truly apologize.” There’s a fine line between mockery and tribute - and it’s a line that blackface has the power to obliterate, said Marita Sturken, professor of media, culture and communication at New York University. “It’s never something very simple, and if you’re going to don a costume and put on a black face there’s no possibility of nuance there,” she said. “It doesn’t matter that it was a character from a TV show. That doesn’t get her off the hook. If she’s going to put some substance on her face, that constitutes blackface and this incredibly complicated history gets evoked.” Historically, blackface emerged in the mid-19th century, representing a combination of put-down, fear and morbid fascination with black culture, said Eric Lott, a visiting American studies professor at City University of New York’s graduate center. Among the most prominent examples: Al Jolson and Eddie Cantor. “It’s constantly a form of entertainment that backs itself into all kinds of trouble, whether political trouble around slavery or a kind of mental trouble having to do with fantasizing about black people,” said Lott, who wrote the 1993 book “Love & Theft: Blackface Minstrelsy & the American Working Class.” As for Hough, he said: “It’s just a stupid thing to do. It’s a racist thing to do. What blackface does is give the white
people privilege of representing black people, of taking black images and treating them as a thing owned.” Kelsey Crowe, who teaches social work in San Francisco, has been following the fracas on Facebook. She sees more tribute to Crazy Eyes than hatred in Hough’s costume. Other recent examples are far more troubling, she said. “Trayvon Martin, that’s awful,” Crowe said of two Florida men whose photo circulated on social media ahead of Halloween on Thursday. One was in blackface with a simulated bloody bullet hole at the chest and the other simulated a gun to the head of the faux 17-year-old while dressed as George Zimmerman, the neighborhood watch volunteer who fatally shot Trayvon in Florida and was acquitted in court. She was also “not into” the minstrel costumes in Milan. But the look for Hough “didn’t strike me as exploitative at all,” she said. “In other cases blackface is used to make fun of people. I really saw this as a way to embody a character that you like,” said Crowe, who will be a cat for Halloween with her 3-year-old daughter. “Everybody likes the character of Crazy Eyes,” she added, “but I guess that could be said of Aunt Jemima, too.” Bad judgment on blackface for Halloween is nothing new to Blay. “I’ve taught at predominantly white institutions for seven years,” she said. “And every Halloween like clockwork there is a blackface incident, if not on our campus then on somebody’s campus.” What if Hough, the “Rock of Ages” singer, dancer and actress, had eliminated blackface from the equation, keeping her simulation of the Bantu knotted hairstyle worn by the character, along with the orange prison jumpsuit she and her friends zipped on as a posse of female inmates from the Netflix series? “Yes, leave the skin color alone. Leave the stereotypical performance of it and I would imagine to some degree that could be middle ground,” Blay said. “People dress up as other people all the time. That’s what happens at Halloween. But she didn’t do that. And as far as Trayvon, no. Never.”—AP
File photo shows actress Julianne Hough at the 20th Annual “FFANY Shoes on Sale” Gala presented by QVC and FFANY in New York.
Students dressed as zombies participate in an annual Halloween Costume Parade in Manila yesterday. The activity aims to celebrate Halloween in a creative and fun way through showcase of different scary costumes. —AFP photos
People with gruesome make-up take part in a Halloween Parade in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.—AFP
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
LIFESTYLE F e a t u r e s
Thor
Katniss and
‘Bad Grandpa’ among
most popular movieinspired Halloween costumes
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ellas, if you want to stand out from the pack this Halloween, here’s a hint. Don’t dress as Thor The God of Thunder was the most popular movieinspired costume for men, according to a new survey by online ticketer Fandango. Roughly 21 percent of those surveyed were planning to trick-or-treat with a hammer in hand, while the next most popular choices, Iron Man and Superman, were the picks of 13 percent of respondents. Other popular outfits for guys included comic creations like the pompous newscaster Ron Burgundy of “Anchorman” fame and ornery octogenarian Irving Zisman, currently enduring all manner of groin related injuries in “Jackass Presents: Bad Grandpa.” While most men picked outfits that were plucked from action or comedy films, the choices among female respondents were a little more idiosyncratic. Not that there weren’t blockbusters. Jennifer Lawrence’s bow and arrow-wielding Katniss Everdeen from “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” was the overwhelming favorite, capturing 41 percent of the vote. Other popular choices included Elizabeth Banks’ ditzy and heavily made-up Effie Trinket from “Catch-
ing Fire,” Carey Mulligan’s champagne-swilling flapper Daisy Buchanan of “The Great Gatsby” renown and Chloe Grace Moretz’s violent vigilante Hit Girl from “Kick-Ass 2.” When it comes to those not of drinking and voting ages, Minions, those rascally critters from “Despicable Me 2,” were the clear favorite among kids. Thirty two percent of those surveyed were going as Gru’s yellow henchmen, followed by 10 percent as “Monster’s University”s’ Mike Wazowski, with nine percent opting to go as Smurfette from “Smurfs 2.” Fandango declined to say how many moviegoers responded to the non-scientific survey beyond saying it was in the thousands. Whatever people ultimately decide to hit the town wearing, remember to learn from Julianne Hough’s mistakes. If you’re going as Crazy Eyes from “Orange is the New Black,” forego the blackface.
Top 2013
Movie-Inspired Costumes For Men
1. Thor (“Thor: The Dark World”) 21% 2. Superman (“Man of Steel”) 13% 3. Iron Man (“Iron Man 3”) 13% 4. Ron Burgundy (“Anchorman 2”) 11% 5. Irving Zisman (“Jackass Presents Bad Grandpa”) 9%
Top 2013 Movie-Inspired Costumes for Women
1. Katniss (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”) 41% 2. Theodora - The Wicked Witch of the West (“Oz: The Great and Powerful”) 11% 3. Effie Trinket (“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire”) 10% 4. Daisy Buchanan (“The Great Gatsby”) 7% 5. Hit-Girl (“Kick-Ass 2”) 6%
Top 2013 Movie-Inspired Team Costumes
1. “The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” cast 27% 2. “The Great Gatsby” flappers 14% 3. “Oz: The Great and Powerful” witch-sisters 13% 4. “Anchorman 2” news team 11% 5. “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” cast 9%
Top 2013 Movie-Inspired Costumes for Kids
1. Minion (“Despicable Me 2”) 32% 2. Mike Wazowski (“Monsters University”) 10% 3. Smurfette (“The Smurfs 2”) 9% 4. Sully (“Monsters University”) 9% 5. Thor (“Thor: The Dark World”) 8%--Reuters
Susan Laclair of Granby, Conn, is pictured at historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery in Sleepy Hollow. A Halloween display greets visitors to Philipsburg Manor in Sleepy Hollow, NY The village of Sleepy Hollow.—AP photos
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n the real village of Sleepy Hollow, where the tour guides say “Halloween is our Christmas,” the fall season is even busier than usual, thanks to a hit TV show that plays off the legend of the Headless Horseman. The new Fox series “Sleepy Hollow,” which brings Ichabod Crane into the present day with a savethe-world mission, has fostered interest in Washington Irving’s 1819 short story, “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” In the original, Crane is a skinny, superstitious schoolmaster who has a nightmarish encounter with a decapitated Hessian soldier. It mentions several places in modern-day Sleepy Hollow, located on the Hudson River 25 miles north of New York City. One of them is the Old Dutch Church, which Susan Laclair, of Granby, Conn, explored with her husband this month. “We were watching the show, and I was remembering the old story I’d read as a kid. I love anything to do with history, and I said, ‘There’s a real Sleepy Hollow. Let’s go for a few days.’” Also in town was the Werner family of Greenwood, Ind., which headed for Irving’s gravesite at the historic Sleepy Hollow cemetery and planned to visit his home in nearby Tarrytown. Christian Werner, 10, wore a cemetery-appropriate skeleton T-shirt. “We’ve always kind of wanted to come here, and we love the TV show,” said his mother, Jill Werner. She said her younger son, 7-year-old Colin, planned to dress as the Headless Horseman for Halloween back home. Anthony Giaccio, the village administrator, said, “We’ve always had people from all over come to our Halloween events, but the Fox show has really added to that.” On the local tourism website, “every time there’s a show, the hits spike, and
Jill Werner, Colin Werner, Doug Werner and Christian Werner of Greenwood, Ind, pose for a photo at historic Sleepy Hollow Cemetery.
we’re at three times more than last year,” Giaccio said. The extra attention fits the village’s goal of encouraging tourism to support a downtown that has struggled since General Motors closed an assembly plant in 1996. Later that year, the village voted to change its name from North Tarrytown to Sleepy Hollow. In 2006, on Halloween, an 18-by-18-foot sculpture depicting the climax of Irving’s story was installed alongside Route 9. With a haunted Horseman’s Hollow at an 18th-century mill and performances of the “Legend” at the Old Dutch Church, the village is part of Historic Hudson Valley’s increasingly popular Halloween attractions. Giaccio said the tourist season seems to be getting longer, starting in midSeptember and stretching into mid-November, but the village hopes to encourage people to visit at other times of the year as well. A current TV ad, created using a state grant, says Sleepy Hollow “isn’t all about horror” — but the characters intoning the phrase include the Grim Reaper and a disembodied head. Mark Goffman, an executive producer of “Sleepy Hollow,” said Irving’s tale was inspirational. “Every Halloween I was read it as a kid, and I have loved it,” he said. “The idea that you can take this short story, which has such iconic characters in it, and then recreate it and reinvent it and involve the Revolution and put it in modern times, all told it just makes for a really epic kind of drama.”—AP
Photo shows the entrance to a Halloween attraction in Sleepy Hollow.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2013
New TV show boosts tourism in real Sleepy Hollow
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A plastic grim reaper stands in a garden in Ailingen, Germany.— AFP
This September 2013 image provided by Universal Orlando in Orlando, Fla, shows actors portraying zombies for the theme park’s Halloween Horror Nights, which take place on select nights through Nov 2. –AFP photos
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host tours and haunted houses are hallmarks of the weeks leading up to Halloween. But this year, some attractions are upping their game with an interactive component. Now, visitors aren’t just shrieking at the sight of zombies—they’re shooting them with paintball guns at Saint Lucifer’s Haunted Asylum in Flint, Mich. They’re not just listening to ghost stories. They’re learning how to do their own paranormal investigations on ghost-hunting overnight stays at Buffalo Gap Historic Village near Abilene, Texas. And they’re not just snaking through a haunted house on a long line, screaming as a bloody monster climbs out of a coffin. Instead, they’re paying extra to be stuck in a room where they must complete tasks and puzzle out challenges in order to escape, as in the “Trapped” attraction at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, Calif. Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fla, just launched “The Experiment,” where visitors are asked to participate in experiences so intense that they sometimes decline. “If you refuse three times, the experiment is terminated,” said spokesman Travis Claytor. The experiments “may or may not involve live animals or creepy crawlies,” he added. “There may or may not be something in there for germaphobes. Psychologically this is one of the most invasive experiences you’ll ever have. I was there Friday on opening night and there were several people who could not make it through.” Pat Konopelski, president of the Haunted Attraction Association, says the new intensity and increased interaction is simply the maturing of an industry that started out 25 years ago “scaring people with rubber masks and plastic knives. Every year people came back and wanted more.” So now, he said, “not only are zombies jumping out and scaring you, but you have to turn it into a challenge, an interactive game.” Konopelski’s Shocktoberfest attraction in Reading, Pa, includes a component called “Prison of the Dead Escape” where visitors can choose to be humans or zombies in a game similar to flag football. Humans receive belts with three flags representing the human brain, heart and entrails, and zombies try to get those organs. Konopelski also planned a haunted house tour where guests could walk through in the nude. Local officials put the kibosh on the concept, but you can still go through wearing underwear. The lack of clothes, he says, “heightens the vulnerability of the guests.”
Photo released by Universal Studios Hollywood captures guests experiencing the “Insidious: Into the Further” maze based on the recent blockbuster film “Insidious: Chapter 2”. The Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia, an abandoned prison and historic landmark that hosts an annual “Terror Behind the Walls” Halloween event, this year is offering visitors a glow-in-the-dark necklace that marks their willingness to be more than passive observers. Necklace-wearing guests can be grabbed by actors, sent into hidden passageways, and separated from their group. In case you can’t manage to take a selfie while you’re scared out of your wits, the Erebus Haunted Attraction in Pontiac, Mich, is taking a page from theme parks that sell pictures of roller coaster riders. Erebus has mounted 48 cameras in a single room where visitors typically scream their heads off, and they can now purchase 180-degree images of themselves in the throes of terror. Here are some other Halloween-themed destinations, events and attractions around the country. New York Halloween parade Because of power outages and other issues from Superstorm Sandy, organizers were forced to cancel last year’s Village Halloween Parade, which typically attracts 2 million spectators and 50,000 costumed marchers. The parade now faces a funding shortfall; as of early October, more than half the needed $50,000 had been raised on Kickstarter. If the balance can be secured, the parade is scheduled for Oct 31, kicking off at 7 pm, Sixth Avenue between Spring and 16th streets. New Orleans New Orleans’ annual Voodoo Music Experience festival often coincides with Halloween but this year takes place immediately after, Nov 1-3, in City Park. Coming from a range of musical genres, headliners include Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Afrojack, Nine Inch Nails, The Cure and Kid Rock. Other Halloween events in the Big Easy include a Vampire Ball thrown by the official Anne Rice Vampire Lestat Fan Club. A link from the author’s home page states that she will be attending the ball this year. A brand-new Halloween parade in the French Quarter, Krewe of Boo, kicks off Oct 26, at 6 pm followed by a Spook Fest party for costumed attendees inside the Mardi Gras World attraction. Pumpkins Where do leftover pumpkins go to die? They are hurled across the fields of Delaware by man and machine at The Chunk, also known as the World
Championship Punkin Chunkin, this year Nov 1-3, in Bridgeville. In New Hampshire, the annual Pumpkin Festival in Keene is scheduled for Oct 19, noon-8:30 pm, with parades, performances and thousands of carved pumpkins lining the town. At Coney Island in Brooklyn, NY, Luna Park hosts Halloween Harvest weekends in October and on Columbus Day. Guess the weight of a giant pumpkin to win $1,000. The pumpkin will be carved into a masterpiece Oct 26 by Food Network’s Marc Maniac, and the public can carve pumpkins in a contest that day too. Theme parks In Florida, the streets of Universal Orlando are being taken over by zombies inspired by AMC’s popular show, “The Walking Dead,” for Halloween Horror Nights, held select evenings through Nov 2. One of the park’s eight haunted houses is also themed on the show. Other haunted houses take inspiration from horror video game series Resident Evil and horror films “Evil Dead,” “The Cabin in the Woods” and “An American Werewolf in London.” In California, Universal Hollywood debuted a new maze this season inspired by the heavy metal band Black Sabbath’s “13” album. The park also offers a “scare zone” populated by actors dressed as the nasty Chucky doll from the direct-to-DVD sequel “Curse of Chucky,” and a maze incorporating elements from the “Insidious” films. Details at Cedar Point’s HalloWeekends in Sandusky, Ohio, include scare zones with themes like Blood on the Bayou, Carnevil, Cornstalkers and Fear Faire. Busch Gardens, in addition to “The Experiment,” has its annual Howl-O-Scream attractions, including a haunted house called Death Water Bayou that was created with input from fans on Facebook: For the younger crowd, Disney offers Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida, and Mickey’s Halloween Party at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. Ghost tours Unlike the in-your-face scare zones and trapped-in-a-room experiences popping up at theme parks, ghost tours—whether in inns, historic sites or neighborhoods—tend to be more fun than fright. Expect a good ghost story and readings of alleged paranormal activity on hand-held meters. A list of 30 B&Bs and inns with ghost-themed stays can be found.—AP