Power Restored After Blackout Hits Kuwait

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 RABI ALTHANI 23, 1436 AH www.kuwaittimes.net Kuwaiti, The Real Fouz: Jon Stewart Balotelli American My ideal leaving Comedy steals the friendship makeup Central’s ‘The spotlight to celebrated2 brush37 kit Daily38 Show’ down19 Spurs Power restored after Min 17º Max 25º blackout hits Kuwait High Tide 04:48 & 16:40 Low Tide Outage blamed on cable failure at Subbiya plant 10:38 & 23:55 40 PAGES NO: 16431 150 FILS

By Shakir Reshamwala

KUWAIT: Large parts of Kuwait plunged into darkness yesterday, disrupting traffic and leaving people stuck in elevators and Ferris wheels. The Ministry of Electricity and Water said the widespread power outage was due to cable failure that caused the Subbiya power station to lose 2,000 megawatts. Power was later gradually restored to the affected areas. The blackout affected most of the country, including Hawally, Rumaithiya, Salwa, Fintas, Bayan, Mahboula, Salmiya, Shaab, Khaitan, Farwaniya, Rai and the Fourth Ring Road and adjacent neighborhoods. Kuwait International Airport, seaports, hospitals and major malls including The Avenues and Marina Mall were also hit by the blackout. Oil facilities were unaffected. Police and security personnel were on full alert to prevent any untoward incidents. Incidentally, Minister of Electricity and Water Abdul- Aziz Al-Ibrahim last month said the nation’s power grid will add 1,000 MW before the onset of the summer sea- son. He said expansion works at the Zour South and Subbiya power plants will each add no less than 500 MW to the national grid. Ibrahim added expansion works at the Zour North power plant are almost 70 per- cent complete and will provide 230 MW to the national grid by July. He said the country has surplus electricity, but called on consumers to rationalize power usage. Talabat sold KUWAIT: Vehicles drive on a highway engulfed with darkness after a power blackout hit most of Kuwait yesterday. — Photo by Joseph Shagra for €150m FRANKFURT: German e-commerce group Rocket Rapist cop’s death penalty upheld Internet agreed to buy Kuwait-based food delivery service Talabat for about €150 million ($169.6 mil- lion) as part of efforts to create the biggest delivery Student tries to smuggle 10,000 narcotic pills network outside China. The move comes only days after Rocket splashed out hundreds of millions of By A Saleh and Hanan Al-Saadoun her several more times in the neck, chest and back when euros to increase its stakes in grocery service she moved, holding her neck to stop the bleeding and try- HelloFresh and Delivery Hero and announced the KUWAIT: The appeals court yesterday upheld the death ing to get up. formation of its new Global Online Takeaway Group. sentence of a policeman for “abducting, raping and He then dragged and hid her body behind a mound of The latest addition to the group, Talabat, oper- attempting to murder” a Filipina woman. The lower court sand to become prey for stray dogs. But the Filipina sur- ates in Middle Eastern countries including Kuwait, had condemned the policeman, identified only by the ini- vived and crawled to a nearby road where a passerby took Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, cooper- tials Y M, to death last June. He can still challenge the rul- her to hospital. The victim along with the taxi driver later ating with restaurants such as Burger King, KFC and ing before the supreme court. The victim’s lawyer, Sultan identified the suspect in a lineup. The policeman initially Pizza Hut, Rocket said yesterday. “The Middle East is Al-Towalah, said he would also demand compensation. denied arresting any Filipina, believing she was dead, but one of the most attractive markets with significant According to court documents, the traffic policeman when he was told she was alive, pleaded insanity. An growth potential and highly attractive EBITDA had stopped a taxi with two Filipinas and found out that examination at the psychiatric diseases hospital proved he (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and one of them had an expired residency visa. He ordered her was sane and responsible for his actions. About 180,000 amortisation) margins,” top executive Oliver to get into the police car, and in an attempt to prevent him Filipinos, many of them women employed as domestic Samwer said in a statement. from jotting down the car’s license plate number, told the helpers, work and live in Kuwait, making up the fourth Rocket also said its 50 percent-owned taxi driver to move ‘quickly’, according to the driver’s testi- largest foreign community in the state. Foodpanda had struck a deal to buy 24h.ae, which it mony. Separately, airport customs officers arrested an said was a strong player in the United Arab Yielding to his orders, the Filipina got in the patrol car, Egyptian juvenile for attempting to smuggle more than Emirates. Both transactions are expected to close in which he drove to an open yard in Mishref where he took 10,000 narcotic tablets into the country. The pills were the next few weeks, Rocket said. While Berlin-based off his clothes and asked her to do the same. The woman sewn in the back of his vest. The source said there is a pos- Rocket sees itself as building an e-commerce oper- refused, and begged him to take her to the police station sibility that his family may be involved because the sus- ating empire, some investors see it as a launch pad for future stock market listings of everything from or hand her over to her country’s embassy. But the police- pect is young and it is unlikely that he has the ability to sell KUWAIT: Narcotic pills are sewn into the back of online fashion to home furnishings to personal man stabbed her in the neck and raped her. He then left such a large quantity of drugs. He added that it is possible the vest of an Egyptian student who was arrest- finance firms. — Reuters her for dead in a pool of blood, but returned and stabbed the suspect may be selling the drugs to fellow students. ed yesterday at the airport. US gunman kills three Muslim students MPs pass five-year WASHINGTON: A North Carolina man counts of first-degree murder, police said. was cooperating with investigators. “Our development plan espousing anti-religious views has been The victims, who were pronounced dead on investigators are exploring what could have charged with the murders of three Muslim the scene, were identified as Chapel Hill resi- motivated Mr Hicks to commit such a sense- By B Izzak also voted on another law for the first students, including a husband and wife, who dents Deah Shaddy Barakat, 23, and his wife less and tragic act. We understand the con- year starting April of the five-year plan were shot to death in the university town of Yusor Mohammad, 21, as well as her sister cerns about the possibility that this was KUWAIT: The National Assembly yester- which stipulates spending KD 6.6 billion. Chapel Hill, police said yesterday. Police said Razan Mohammad Abu-Salha, 19, of Raleigh. hate-motivated and we will exhaust every day overwhelmingly approved the five- Minister of Social Affairs and Labor they were looking into the possibility of a Hicks turned himself in after the shooting lead to determine if that is the case,” Police year development plan despite strong and Planning Hind Al-Subaih told the hate crime, but that the incident appeared Tuesday in Chapel Hill, just outside the cam- Chief Chris Blue said. criticism by MPs for the government’s fail- Assembly that the plan is part of Kuwait’s to be triggered by a dispute between neigh- pus of the University of North Carolina. The father of the two women, ure to implement the previous plan. The long-term vision of becoming a regional bors over parking. “Our preliminary investigation indicates Mohammad Abu-Salha, a psychiatrist in new plan envisages spending KD 34.15 trade and financial hub. She said the plan The shooter, identified as 46-year-old that the crime was motivated by an ongoing Clayton, told the News & Observer that his billion on development projects in the aims at dealing with economic, housing, Craig Stephen Hicks, was being held without neighbor dispute over parking,” Chapel Hill daughters wore Muslim headscarves and years 2015/2016-2019/2020. Thirty-three demographic and other structural imbal- bond in the Durham County Jail on three police said in a statement, adding that Hicks that the killings bore signs of a hate crime MPs voted for the plan, four voted against ances. based on religion and culture. “It was execu- it while one MP abstained. The Assembly Continued on Page 13 tion style, a bullet in every head,” Abu-Salha told the Raleigh, North Carolina-based news- paper. This was not a dispute over a parking space; this was a hate crime. This man had picked on my daughter and her husband a couple of times before, and he talked with them with his gun in his belt. And they were uncomfortable with him, but they did not know he would go this far.” A Facebook page believed to belong to Hicks showed dozens of anti-religious posts, including one calling himself an “anti-theist,” saying he has a “conscientious objection to religion,” and other memes denouncing Christianity, Mormonism and Islam. His page (Left) Craig Stephen Hicks, 46, enters the courtroom for his first appearance at the also showed a photo of a loaded revolver, Durham County Detention Center yesterday over the shooting deaths of three alongside a video of a puppy and a promo- University of North Carolina students. (Right) Slain newlyweds Deah Shaddy Barakat tional clip for Air New Zealand. and his wife Yusor Mohammad are seen in this file photo. — AP Continued on Page 13 KUWAIT: MPs vote during a session at the National Assembly yesterday during which they approved the five-year development plan. — Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat LOCAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 KU College of Arts celebrates American-Kuwaiti friendship

By Nawara Fattahova

KUWAIT: Kuwait University College of Arts hosted the American-Kuwaiti friendship ceremony yesterday at its premises in Kaifan. Acting President of Kuwait University and the Dean of the College of Arts Dr Hayat Al-Hajji welcomed the attendees and appreci- ated the role of the United States in liberating Kuwait from the Iraqi invasion. “In the past, we were only cel- ebrating the National Day, but after 1990, the cele- bration of the Liberation Day was added. The inva- sion was an extremely hard crisis for all Kuwaitis, dur- ing which the US and the other allies stood beside us to end this nightmare and liberate Kuwait after 7 KUWAIT: (Front row, from left) Parliament Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem, His Highness months of suffering,” she noted. the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, former Parliament Human resources Speaker Jassem Al-Kharafi and HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah. —KUNA After liberation, Kuwait was rebuilt. “The most important thing was human resources and citizens Crown Prince represents Amir capable of becoming part of the reconstruction. This is achieved through education. Many of the Kuwaiti at Quran honoring ceremony martyrs from both genders were students or gradu- ates. Many Kuwaitis joined the US army to fight the KUWAIT: Under the auspices of His Sabah, and was received by HH the Amir’s aggressor, and we all would like to thank them,” Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad representative. added Hajji. Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, a ceremony to honor the Ambassador of the United States to Kuwait KUWAIT: US Ambassador Douglas Silliman speaks at the ceremony. — Photos by Joseph Shagra winners of the 18th Kuwait Major Increased participation Douglas Silliman expressed his happiness to attend Competition for Quran Memorization and In his statement, Minister Sane said that the celebration of the 24th anniversary of the libera- Recitation was held at Bayan Palace Theater Al-Awqaf Secretariat-General has sought tion of Kuwait. He also requested the US Army First yesterday. since its establishment to sponsor the Holy Infantry Rock Band to play the song ‘Happy’ by HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Book, trying to increase number of partici- Pharrell Williams. “This excellent band and the sol- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah represented HH pants in the grand Quranic contest for 18 diers here in the crowd are part of the US military the Amir in the celebration. He was years. Number of contestants this year personnel in Kuwait who work with our Kuwaiti partners to protect Kuwait and promote regional received at Bayan Palace Theater by the reached 2,215 of both genders, represent- stability. This is a mission that, I think we can all Minister of Justice, Minister of Awqaf and ing 32 philanthropic associations in Kuwait, agree, is vitally important in these troubled times,” Islamic Affairs Yaqoub Al-Sane, Secretary the minister said, adding that a special pan- stressed Silliman. “As I look out across the faces in General of the General Secretariat of Awqaf el has been formed to encourage prisoners this theater, I realize that many, if not most of you, Dr Abdul Mohsen Al-Kharafi, and members at the central prison to memorize the were not even born when US and coalition forces of the Permanent Committee for Quran Quran. The contestants for the final round left their homes and came to this region on a very Memorization and Recitation competition. reached 1,423 and the winners, 163. He different mission - to help Kuwaitis liberate their The ceremony was attended by the expressed gratitude to HH the Amir’s country,” he said. Silliman also spoke about his expe- Speaker of the National Assembly Marzouq Representative noting Sheikh Nawaf’s clear rience during that time. “I was not in the war, but my Al-Ghanem, former Parliament Speaker contribution to efforts to ensure success of wife’s father was. A couple of times, his convoy got Jassem Al-Kharafi, senior Sheikhs, as well as the 18th round of the Quranic contest. lost in storms. Fortunately, less than two months lat- HH Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al- er, he and his unit returned home safely, but 286 Ahmad Al-Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Ensuring justice other Americans and many more Kuwaitis never Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- Meanwhile, Secretary General Kharafi returned home,” he said. Sabah, First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister noted the particular concern, devoted for of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid the Holy Book, is in line with the approach Important part Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, and Deputy Minister of dating back to the era of the late “the Amir He also challenged the attendees to learn how Amiri Diwan Affairs Sheikh Ali Jarrah Al- of the hearts,” Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al- this important part of history of both nations Sabah, besides senior state officials. Jaber Al-Sabah. He underlined the necessi- affected their city, neighborhood, family and beloved ones. US Army First Infantry Rock Band perform on stage The event began with playing the ty of the Awaqf “for it ensures justice “Ask your mom, your dad, uncles, aunts, grand- you a lot about your country today. They may, like how this shared experience - this trial by fire - National Anthem, followed by recitation of among all people without discrimination,” parents, neighbors and yes, even your professors, several of my friends, recall their joy at seeing cemented the friendship between the two coun- the Holy Quran. Speeches by Minister Sane and also congratulated the winners. about their experiences during the occupation Kuwaiti soldiers and US Marines raise the Kuwaiti tries and deepened the cultural, political, social and Dr Abdulmohsen Al-Kharafi followed. A Kuwait has been the coordinator of and liberation. I think you’ll find it an enriching flag over the airport when it was secured after a and economic ties that are the foundation of our documentary film was played about the Awaqf in the Islamic world since it was and personally fulfilling assignment that will teach bloody battle,” said Silliman. “I’m not surprised by relationship today,” he concluded. history of the competition’s prizes. Then HH tasked with this mission at the Awaqf min- the Crown Prince, HH the Amir’s represen- isters’ meeting in Jakarta in 1997, he said, tative, distributed the prizes to the winning and finally he addressed words of apprecia- participants; individuals and institutions. A tion toward HH the Amir and the memorial gift was presented to HH the Government for their sponsorship of the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- event. — KUNA

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Journalists Association (KJA) received a delegation from the Lebanese Press Syndicate, led by veteran journalist Awni Al-Kaki, the dean of Lebanese Journalists. Chariman Ahmad Behbehani, Treasurer Adnan Al-Rashed, and other KJA members welcomed the visiting journalists. INJAZ-Kuwait holds ‘Business Leaders Campaign’ seminar

‘A Future Career in Kuwait’s Financial Service Sector’

KUWAIT: INJAZ-Kuwait successfully held its 4th CEO of INJAZ-Kuwait said, “The start of a new ‘Business Leaders Campaign’ (BLC) Program of year always brings an exciting new wave of the academic year at the Kuwait University, energy and motivation and hopes for more suc- College of Business Administration, on 4 cess than that witnessed the year before. With February, 2015. The seminar was represented by the start of our new BLC round of seminars, I’m Dr Jassim Al-Mudhaf; Dean of College of very happy say we got off to great start and we Business Administration at KU, and Dr Fahed Al- hope we continue to see an increasing number Mudhaf, the director of the Office of Student of students who are interested in this concept Training and Alumni (OSTA). and value the benefit of our program”. The BLC program is a platform for business The BLC program was designed with the aim leaders to connect with university students and to inspire students to pursue a professional share their success stories. Each BLC is centered career post-graduation by exposing them to around an industry, whereby INJAZ Kuwait success stories, experiences and an overview of invites leaders of this particular industry to the challenges and opportunities of each indus- engage with the students in a two-hour discus- try. The session was concluded with an open dis- sion. The topic of focus for this session was ‘A cussion via Twitter hashtags engaging both KUWAIT: Kuwait Fire Service Directorate in cooperation with the Civil Defense carried out two exercises at Kuwait University (KU) recently. The future career in Kuwait’s financial service sector,’ speakers and students, and was followed by an first drill mimicked a chemical leak at the Faculty of Medicine in Jabriya, and resulted in a fire and 15 casualties. The second exercise mimicked a where prominent figures from the business sec- exhibition where the companies that the speak- fire at KU campus, which left 15 casualties as well. — By Hanan Al-Saadoun tor spoke to over 200 university students from ers represented displayed their services and the College of BA, who were invited to attend products in separate booths, allowing students this session. Speakers for this round were the chance to apply for a job or internship Abdulaziz Al-Loughani, Vice Chairman and opportunity with the companies. Kuwait, Cambodia eye closer ties Executive Director of the Kuwait National Fund INJAZ-Kuwait reached over 31,000 students for SME’s development, and Faisal Sarkhou, CEO since 2005, through more than 1,700 volunteers of KAMCO. The seminar was moderated by at over 60 schools and universities. INJAZ-Kuwait KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Khalid Al Zanki, Founder and CEO of Al Zanki will continue to empower youth through differ- Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al- Enterprises. ent means and channels, fulfilling its pledge to Sabah met the visiting Cambodian Deputy Prime Commenting on the seminar, Rana Al-Nibari, this ambitious segment of society. Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hor Namhong yester- day. Both sides held talks on cooperative rela- tions between the two countries. During the meeting, they also discussed ways of strengthening and enhancing Kuwaiti- Cambodian cooperation in various domains and several issues and matters of mutual interest. The meeting was also attended by Undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry Khaled Al-Jarallah, Head of Asia Department at the Foreign Ministry Ambassador Mohammad Ahmad Al-Roumi, Kuwait’s Ambassador to Cambodia Dhrar Al-Tuwaijri and several other senior officials of the Foreign Ministry. Earlier, the Cambodian official met His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, and His Highness the KUWAIT: First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al- Al-Sabah with Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Hamad Al-Sabah. — KUNA International Cooperation Hor Namhong. — KUNA THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 LOCAL

KUWAIT: Deputy Minister of the Amiri Diwan Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Minister of Information and Minister of State for (From left) Deputy Minister of the Amiri Diwan Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah, Information Minister Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, and other officials in a group photo. — Photos by Joseph Shagra Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, and former information ministers Mohammad Al- San’ousy, Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah and Sami Al-Nisf. Al-Kuwait Al-Yawm ‘historical landmark’ Official gazette marks 60th anniversary

KUWAIT: Kuwait’s official gazette, Al-Kuwait Al-Yawm, is tional center of humanitarian action,” Sheikh Salman a landmark in the history of civilization and develop- pointed out. ment of the country, said Deputy Minister of the Amiri “The gazette has become a fundamental part of the Diwan Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah. country’s heritage providing researchers with accurate Over the last six decades, the gazette kept an indis- and credible information and documents,” he said, not- pensable chronicle of the historical, political and legal ing that the Ministry of Information has adopted a plan developments in the country, he told reporters during a to modernize the gazette and its website. celebration to mark the 60th anniversary of the gazette Tuesday, in presence of a number of cabinet members Rich content and sheikhs. Sheikh Ali represented His Highness the The archive of the gazette provides a rich legal count Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah at the event. of the major events that impacted the development of Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah took pride of representing His the Kuwaiti society in all domains, Sheikh Salman point- Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- ed out. Sabah at the celebration sponsored by His Highness the On her part, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak Al-Hamad Al- Ministry for Press and Publication Affairs Lolowa Al- Sabah. He expressed wishes for the gazette to continue Salem extolled His Highness the Amir for laying the contributing to the progress, development and stability foundation stone of the gazette 60 years ago. in Kuwait. “Since the issuance of its maiden edition on Meanwhile, Minister of Information and Minister of December 11, 1954, kept registering the developments State for Youth Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Al-Humoud in all fields and state institutions, thus becoming an Al-Sabah said the gazette documented “the glorious indispensable reference book,” she said, noting that the moments of the beautiful past and the achievements of gazette’s popularity kept growing thanks to the utiliza- our ancestors.” tion of modern information technology. At the behest of the Minister of Information, the National celebrations Ministry launched the gazette’s website on July 3, 2012 The celebration takes place amid the celebrations to and set up the electronic archive through which commemorate the country’s national days late this researchers can access the previous editions easily, Al- month, the ninth anniversary of assumption of office by Salem added. His Highness the Amir on January 29 and His Highness During the celebration the first editorial staff of the the Crown Prince on February 20. gazette were honored for their role in the issuance of “The celebrations this year have an additional dimen- the maiden edition; they include Bader Khaled Al-Bader, sion as they follow the UN honoring of His Highness the Yusuf Mishari Al-Bader, Tal’at Al-Ghosn, Ahmad Saif Amir as Humanitarian Leader and of Kuwait as interna- Omar and Fadhel Khalaf Al-Tailchi. — KUNA Deputy Minister of the Amiri Diwan Sheikh Ali Al-Jarrah Al-Sabah tours an exhibition held as part of the event. LOCAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 Crime Report Drug dealer caught

By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Drugs Control General Department International Unit arrested an Asian with 400 gram heroin and 50 g ICE. The suspect was arrested in his house, as he confessed the drugs were his. He was sent to concerned authorities.

Runaway suspect held Jahra police arrested a bedoon who escaped from Qairawan police station while he was being transferred to Sentences Implementation Department. Earlier a report had confirmed that a suspect escaped at the front side of Qairawan police station. Security sources said that a non commissioned officer who was to hand over a KUWAIT: Sheikh Fahd Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah welcomes patients at the clinic. The waiting hall is packed with patients. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat bedoon suspect was surprised by the suspect running away while being handcuffed, earlier reports said. Barges herbal center Inspector, principal insulted A citizen who works as the inspector at the Consumer Protection told Jabriya police that she found unfit prod- ucts. When she started to confiscate them, she said accord- ing to reports, the Egyptian employee insulted her in front offers free treatment of her colleagues. Meanwhile, an elementary school princi- pal accused the mother of a student of insulting her and attempting to create ‘fitna’ (sectarian) strife. By Faten Omar stressing that the support of Sheikh Fahd in this humanitarian field is one-of-a-kind, KUWAIT: Sheikh Fahd Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah wishing that others follow suit. Burglary at clinic inaugurated on Monday a herbal center Barges stressed that his happiness is An owner of a private clinic in Salmiya told police that where free treatment is provided for back indescribable when someone recovers from an unidentified person broke into a ward on the fifth pain, stiff neck and other body ailments an ailment. He said the center receives men floor and stole KD 200 in addition to patients’ files. with the ‘barges herb’ - a mixture applied to on three days - Saturday, Sunday and the sore parts of the body. The ingredients Monday - and women on Tuesday, Batteries stolen of the ‘herb’ were not made public. The Wednesday and Thursday. He added that A citizen who works for a telecommunications company opening ceremony was attended by the his wife Heba Al-Nouri treats the women said eight batteries were stolen from the box of a power General Secretariat of Awqaf Abdulmohsen patients. Women come to get treatment for transformer that belongs to the company at its Abdaly Al-Jarallah Al-Kharafi, in addition to a large post-pregnancy complaints, pressure on farm unit. crowd of people from Gulf countries. the knees and the curvature of the spine, he Sheikh Fahd said he aims to help people said. who suffer body aches to get herbal treat- Barges was earlier treating patients free Accident on 6th Ring Road ment with the herb. Fahd welcomed all of charge at his home. He treats patients in An Asian was killed yesterday morning when his truck Kuwaitis, expats and those the GCC to get two ways - first, by a herbal remedy for disc flipped over on Sixth Ring Road exit to Ghazali Street. free treatment. Kuwaiti Barges Barges, and stroke related ailments, and the second whose name the herb bears, expressed his by oil treatment for varicose veins, eczema, ‘Abnormal’ duo caught delight in the presence of Sheikh Fahd, The treatment is applied to a patient’s back psoriasis and stroke. In Jahra a citizen and a bedoon were arrested separately, in abnormal conditions. Both had drugs on them. Kuwait Times celebrates 10th anniversary of Woman accidentally shoots self A citizen brought his 42-year-old sister to Adan ‘Kuwait Beautiful and Green’ art competition Hospital with a bullet wound in her chest. Doctors’ attempts to save her life were in vain as the wound was fatal. According to reports the victim was holding a pistol was in her hand and while her brother Sponsored by Chevron, Zain, GUST attempted to snatch it from her the pistol discharged and a bullet accidentally hit her. Investigations are KUWAIT: With the aim of boosting environmental public It has been already ten years since underway. awareness and developing an aesthetic sense and caring Kuwait Times started organizing the for environmental issues in Kuwait, Kuwait Times is current- ‘Kuwait Beautiful and Green’ students’ iPhone thief ly preparing for its 10th Students Painting Competition. art competition, organized by the Since its inception, over 10,000 students aging 6-18 from Deputy General Manager of Kuwait A citizen told Mubarak Al-Kabeer police that he was over 88 public, private, Arab and foreign schools in Kuwait Times Adnan Saad. The competition is robbed at knifepoint by another citizen who entered his have taken part in Kuwait Times art competition. We hope in collaboration with the Saudi diwan, robbing him of his iPhone 5 before fleeing. 2015 participants would exceed 15,000. Arabian Chevron Company, Zain, and Investigations are underway. The Gulf University for Science and Technology with the aim of promot- ing students’ environmental aware- ness, encouraging them to effectively take part in various environment-ori- ented activities with an ultimate end of acquiring more knowledge and skills, sense of responsibility as well as positive attitudes. It also aims at boosting the principles of moderation and tolerance among students and encourages them to be ambitious, to protect public resources and to take sustainability-related initiatives that would help protect the environment. Environmental protection is not just a motto or meaningless words; it is in community. Students ranging across their imagination and help in the fact an integral part of our history and ages and grades will represent their development of their skills. Through heritage. It is a way of life because we schools. art, students can express their views have been and will always be commit- Participating schools and their art on the environment. ted to peaceful co-existence between teacher will receive their official entry The objective of this competition is man and nature. sheets and each student will select an to encourage the youth to participate environment related topic to draw or in a fun activity while simultaneously Environmental passions paint. Students may draw anything raising awareness about the impor- All Students aging 6-18 years in related to beautifying Kuwait and will tance of the natural environment, the various stages are invited to partici- be required to complete the painting methods to preserve it, and to con- pate in the competition with drawings before March 19 and submit it to serve natural resources by adopting and paintings elaborating their envi- Kuwait Times. environment-friendly practices. Youth ronmental passions. Environment is A panel of judges comprising from across Kuwait in the age group the basis of sustainable development. Kuwaiti and expatriate artists will eval- between 6-17 years are encouraged Planting rather than desertification, uate the artwork according to age and to participate in this activity. cleanliness than negligence and pub- category of students. These categories Our environment is precious to all lic safety than the lethal pollution are will be Elementary 6-8 and 9-11, of us but with all the waste we pro- the ways to achieve this development. Intermediate 12-14, Secondary 15-17 duce every day, it is in danger suffer- A total of more than 60 schools and students with special needs. The ing irreversible damage. Kuwait needs participate in the Environment Art criteria for any winning entry will be your help to come up with ideas on Competition being organized by based on the student’s creativity, how to protect the environment so Kuwait Times in cooperation with uniqueness and amount of effort and that we can safeguard and bequeath Chevron, Zain and Gulf University for technique. The best ten young artists it to our future generations. While Science and Technology (GUST). The from each of the five categories will some people may want to draw atten- theme will be ‘Kuwait Beautiful and receive valuable prizes from the tion to pollution or encourage recy- Green.’ organizer. cling, others may want to focus on The objective of this competition is water conservation and building sky- to teach students about climate Environmental threats scrapers that consume low energy. changes and make them aware about Both visual and performing arts are Whatever is your idea, we need the fragile environment of Kuwait. The excellent ways to tell important sto- every single one of these. Through idea is to make the Kuwaiti popula- ries about the importance of our natu- this competition, we will be teaching tion more aware about national envi- ral environment and threats facing it. our students, and learning from them ronmental issues through the student Art activities allow students to use too. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 LOCAL VAC Veraflo effect testified at medical symposium Using pressure to heal complex wounds

By Nawara Fattahova site complications in high risk patients and how it can Specialist Surgeon at Mubarak Hospital, noted that the reduce the overall hospitalization costs. Prof Horch also number of diabetic foot patients is high in Kuwait and KUWAIT: Central Circle Company together with KCI showed a novel technique in epidermal grafting that can approximately 8,000 patients annually visit the Medical USA held a medical educational symposium be done at the outpatient clinic without using Mubarak Hospital. “Adults comprise 99 percent of the about the new advancement of VAC therapy on Tuesday CelluTome for anesthesia. diabetic foot disease out of them about 65 percent are at the Marina Hotel. This event was attended by more “This event aims to increase the level of awareness men. The treatment process is long, and the patient can than 50 physicians representing all the hospitals of the about the new modalities and therapies in wound care be cured after no less than 3 months. The VAC Veraflo Ministry of Health (MOH) across Kuwait. which can increase the patients’ quality of life while cut- therapy by VAC Ulta Therapy Unit can also be used to Head of Plastic and Hand Surgery at University of ting short the overall cost of the treatment,” Horch said. cure the wounds caused by diabetic foot,” she told the Erlangen-Numberg, Germany, Professor Raymund Horch He also explained a case of a 65-year-old male with Kuwait Times. was the guest speaker. He shared his experience about infected open right knee joint with exposed hardware. According to her awareness is extremely important. the benefits of using VAC Veraflo therapy by VAC Ulta The patient was infected for 3 months. Negative pres- “With awareness we increase the prevention of this dis- Therapy Unit. “This unit is using negative pressure in sure wound therapy instillation was initiated with nor- ease. We advice the patients and make them aware addition to instillation where it can be used in healing of mal saline irrigation, and with silver nitrate irrigation on during each visit to the clinic. The patients should complex and infected wounds and can reduce the day 3. By day 5, the wound culture returned negative, always be careful to avoid walking without shoes, soak- patients’ length of stay in the hospitals,” he said during and the knee was closed via local flap on day 10. Images ing feet in hot water, using hot water bag, heaters, the seminar. also showed the granulating knee the day it was closed wearing tight shoes, stepping on sharp objects, sys- and the knee was viable at a 6-month follow-up. tematic pressure on the foot, and others. We also give Avoiding complications them brochures with advices. They should always take KUWAIT: (From left) Dr Nedal Badawi, Dr Zeyad Al-Alyan and Professor Prof Horch also presented the importance of using Diabetic foot the advice from the specialists only,” stressed Dr Raymund Horch. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Prevena incision management system to avoid surgical Dr Salma Khreibet, Diabetic Foot and Wound Care Khreibit.

Professor Raymund Horch speaks at the symposium

The VAC Ulta Therapy Unit

Zain opens new branch in Bayan KUWAIT: Zain, the leading telecommunications company in Kuwait, announced the inauguration of its newest retail branch in the Bayan area, at the old Co-op, featuring the most advanced mobile technolo- gy solutions. The opening of the new branch reinforces Zain’s leader- ship position in the country’s telecom sector, where it serves the largest family of customers in the country. The new revamped branch in Bayan offers a modern notion of the retail experience having the latest touch devices to showcase the com- pany’s products and services, in addition to offering the latest acces- sories for smart devices and offering services in a speedy manner. Ahmad Al-Kandari, Zain’s Sales Director, said: “Zain continues to expand its points of presence and update its branches with the latest services and technology solutions to fulfill customer needs. Our expan- sion strategy is set to serve our customers in the best way, and we shall continue to do so in order to raise customer satisfaction further.” Kandari continued, “The newly opened branch in Bayan is part of our strategy to be closer to our customers wherever they are through the biggest network of branches in Kuwait. We constantly look at ways to improve the retail experience for our customers, including provid- ing them with the latest solutions to better serve their needs.”

NBK Walkathon opens registration center at Avenues KUWAIT: National Bank of Kuwait’s (NBK) 21st Annual Walkathon, scheduled to kick off on Saturday 7th of March 2015, is heading for yet another record year. NBK has opened additional registration booth at the Grand Avenue -Avenues Mall in order to satisfy the increasing demands for registration. Registration at NBK`s Booth in the Avenues will be open until Wednesday 18th of February 2015 from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm and the registration next to the Scientific Center continues to be open daily from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Participants can also register through nbkwalkathon.com. This year, NBK’s Walkathon “Let’s Walk Together” will include a variety of fun, entertainment filled and health awareness-raising activities. NBK Walkathon 2015 will hold great surprises.120 participants will be awarded with valuable prizes in addition to giving away three brand new 2015 Renault cars from Al Babtain group as the grand prize that will be announced live during the Walkathon. Ten winners will be selected from each of the 12 categories of partici- pants. The walk for the male participants will start from Kuwait Towers in the Gulf Road, while the walk for female participants will begin from Souq Sharq. The walk for kids and Zeina Friends club members will be conducted at the Shuwaikh Beach Park overlook- ing the Gulf Road. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 From the Arabic press

Crime Al-Watan Report It is a catastrophe Spanish woman caught red handed By Aziza Al-Mufarrej

A 49-year-old Spanish woman was arrested for hope the government is not turning a blind eye to the vice acts recently. The woman who was in size of the catastrophe Kuwait’s society is going through, Kuwait on visit visa was charging KD170 per Corruption Iand I hope that the issue in not entered within the frame hour, according to reports. The suspect, the of ignorance or laxity, because the repercussions will be source said, used her Smartphone to lure her awful, more that what it is now, and the victim is Kuwait in customers until police took note of her elec- its entirety. The problem is no longer limited to adults away from children, and not to males without females, and not tronic communications. Vice detectives the ignorant apart from the educated, and not the rich with- planned to catch her red handed and they sent out the poor, and not the rulers away from the ruled, and an undercover source who gave them the sign not the citizens apart from expats, as all groups, levels and when she received the money. The woman was classes have a share in it, and all were hit by some of it. arrested and was taken to criminal detectives’ It is a great tragedy, may Allah curse those who caused office for questioning before deportation. it, and those who ignored it and those who contributed to its spread, and those who had authority but did not work on solving it or reduce its power as much as possible. A source in the field told me that 120 people went into coma by over- Teacher absconding Development doses in 2014, a rate of 10 cases per month, apart from those whose families buried them quietly, and those who An expat reported at the Maidan Hawally Al-Jarida were sent abroad for treatment or to private hospitals in police station that his wife left the house Kuwait without anyone noticing it. four days ago and has not returned. The If we consider the numbers of our people, we can imag- woman is a teacher at the education min- ine the size of the catastrophe daily, without interruption, as istry, a security source said, adding that there are reports with or without photos about citizens and expats who were arrested using or selling or smuggling when a call was made to her phone, it was deadly poisons of various types, so let us account for the switched off. An absconding case was reg- result of this, apart from theft, suicide, arms trade, forgery, istered and police are looking for her. Human Rights concerned pregnancy out of wedlock, murder, incest, reckless driving, family breakup, failure at school, job dysfunction, cheating, infidelity, lying, deceit and other sins that could be account- Bahrain bus shooting rumor about freedom of expression ed for, so imagine what will happen to a society where such things are widespread. Security information department at the interi- So it has become imperative for the government in gen- or ministry denied rumors spreading through KUWAIT: “We are deeply concerned the solution cannot be achieved change happened concerning eral and the interior ministry in particular to consider the social media that a bus with Bahraini nationals about freedom of expression in Kuwait through put a ceiling on liberty,” he women’s rights over the past year. “We problem as a state security issue, and they should exert was shot at after leaving Abdaly border post and do urge the government maintain said. Khouri also expressed HRW con- appreciate allowing human rights everything in order to reduce this problem to a minimum, and hurry in rescuing Kuwait’s youth from destruction that on its way to Bahrain. The department asked Kuwait’s history in this regard. cerns about transgender women in organizations to work in Kuwait and Oppression never solves problems,” Kuwait who have no laws to protect we look forward to more cooperation will deplete Kuwait of the most important source of any social media users to be accurate when sharing country’s power, represented in its youth, because how will such news. underlined a report made by a Human them. and communication from them they serve their country and be effective in it if they are hit Rights Watch (HRW) delegation that because we hardly receive proper by addition, and their most important goal is to take a dose visited Kuwait last week to review its responses to inquiries made to the that makes him absent from his surroundings. Ex-wife beaten, annual report on Kuwait. government,” he underlined. The situation is very dangerous, and the mistake the threatened In this regard, HRW’s Deputy Commenting on religious liberties, Interior Ministry made was its cancellation of the higher Director, Middle East and North Africa HRW’s Yemen and Kuwait Researcher, committee for the prevention of drugs danger, and the A citizen beat his divorced wife in Sabah undignified manner in which the premises was evacuated Division, Nadeem Khouri stressed that Middle East and North Africa Division, Al-Salem and threatened to kill her. A instead of conducting an independent investigation by a the main highlights of 2014 in Kuwait Belkis Wille said that she had not con- security source said the woman went to committee that includes specialists who are trustworthy was limiting the freedom of expres- ducted enough research about reli- and credible to find out the fate of the millions that were the hospital and got a medical report stat- sion through tracking down bloggers gious liberties in Kuwait and that the spent on the committee without any tangible results. ing that she suffered bruises and grazes and withdrawing citizenships. only remark her division received was The way work was being conducted, regardless of the and took it to Sabah Al-Salem police sta- “Restrictions on liberties is becoming a about the Bahais who usually face “snakelike” withdrawal of some officials from its leadership tion and reported that her injuries were major concern”, he underlined point- problems on issuing official docu- to rescue themselves, leaving those sincere in their work up caused by her estranged husband and his in the air. The higher committee can do a lot if intentions are ing out that this also applies for the ments like marriage and inheritance sincere, and leadership is taken by the honest who fear brother. The attack happened, she said, whole region and that Kuwait was Women’s rights certificates, for instance. She also Allah first and love Kuwait and its people second, have sci- when she went to visit her children. She much better compared to other coun- However, Khouri made positive applauded appointing Kuwaiti entific and practical experience third, are distinguished with said that the two threatened to kill her if tries though freedom of expression remarks on allowing individuals to go women in the public prosecution, competence and ability fourth, known as honest and being she approached the fence of the house. margins were retreating compared to to the constitutional court, which will which is the only positive develop- clean fifth, but what can be done while there are some who Police are investigating. —Al-Rai its history in this regard. “We realize help make all laws match the constitu- ment in terms of women rights, she do not want this?! that the whole region is tensioned but tion. He also noted that no progress or said. —Al-Watan

Al-Jarida Al-Anbaa Airport project When April comes early gone with the wind By Sami Al-Nisf

By Dr Hassan Jouhar ust like many others, I sat waiting to watch what a Turkish TV station announced was an audio recording s a major member in the Cabinet team formed Jof President Sisi when he was still defence minister. to follow up strategic projects Minister Hind However, when the time came, the channel’s transmission AAl-Subaih made a historic courageous deci- was disconnected in a most burlesque way before a funny sion by cancelling the new airport project over sus- presenter claimed the channel’s transmission was subject pecting the deal’s procedures, specifications and cost to disruption. Accordingly, everybody realized that they were watching a ‘Goebbelistic’ (Goebbels-like) silly lie and after public outrage resulted from declaring the pri- that somebody was trying to bring April’s Fool to on Feb 7. mary cost of building a new airport exceeded KD 1.5 Otherwise, why didn’t the so-called disruption take place billion ($5.5 billion). earlier if anybody was capable to do it? We should be thankful to the decision Subaih and The first exclamation that comes to any sane, truth- her team of advisors made, because it gives some seeking mind is if bugging defence minister Sisi’s office was hope that reform everybody has been demanding for ever possible, why then, did not those who claimed was a decades can be achieved, though it is becoming an conspiracy to topple president Morsi discover it before it happened? Therefore, logic mandates us to think that everyday practice to profiteer, boldly demand astro- either this alleged ‘conspiracy’ or the bugging is a lie, or nomical figures and totally ignore tender regulations both are. I myself tend to believe the last possibility and laws in Kuwait under a big umbrella of political because it is hard to believe that those who failed to bug protection and media coverage. the defence minister’s office and find out about prepara- Well, to realize the size of the catastrophic airport tions for the so-called coup while they were in power and project that was cancelled, let us review two exam- had full control over the whole state, would ever manage ples. The first one is Dubai’s iconic airport which to do so remotely. It’s just not cricket! In an interview aired the same night with international became one of UAE’s landmarks and many Kuwaitis law professor and former MP Dr Obaid Al-Wasmi, who is have already travelled through it. This four-terminal known to be anti-Sisi, he wondered about proof that such airport only cost $4 billion, while our one-terminal an audio is genuine, adding that even if that was proved new airport would have cost $5.5 billion! genuine as the presenter claimed, if countries’ foreign rela- The other example is Singapore’s new airport. I do tions would be affected by such brouhaha and easily falsi- urge all those interested in the matter to visit its web- fied recordings. site to explore this proposed architectural master- In addition, Arabiya Net published a detailed feature story interviewing specialists who said that modern fabri- piece that equals five Kuwaiti airports in size and will, cation devices were capable of copying ‘voice prints’ of any nevertheless, cost only $4 billion. According to public figure and create fake dialogues in their voices. They Kuwaiti calculations, it will cost KD 10 billion ($30 bil- added that this was part of the new publicity and psycho- lion) to build such an airport in Kuwait! logical warfare. One of the experts even proved the record- The question is; how long will we have o put up ings as counterfeit by pointing out that the minister’s office with such madness? Who will ever fight this phenom- manager addressed Sisi as lieutenant general while he was enon? What information are we still unaware of con- a field marshal, which is a mistake such a veteran military commander would not make. Moreover, telecommunica- cerning other projects that are not supervised by the tions within the defence ministry are total secured for obvi- likes of Hind Al-Subaih? Therefore, I hope that MSAL ous reasons! minister Hind Al-Subaih would complete what she If such recordings are proved to be authentic, which started and adopt building the likes of one of the two they will not, they would only prove how honest, patriot- outstanding airports in Dubai or Singapore and have ic, devoted, and keen on the judiciary’s independence the same companies execute the project so that the and Egypt’s greater good Sisi is. There is no better proof challenge can be a real one. Doing this, she would to the Egyptian’s integrity and honesty than what he did concerning Morsi’s prosecution before independent prove there are always better alternatives and that judges. Who would believe that the so-called humorous dreams are realized whenever good management talk was meant to have GCC states support Egypt’s budg- exists. et? On the other hand, and despite rejecting many of Defence ministries are the most dangerous ministries the government’s policies and condemning its failure worldwide and many people wish that such trivialities to solve many problems and fight corruption, we do would go on inside them and that they would be able to appreciate such individual efforts exerted by some bug it to discover many major secrets, such as who pours officials because we have fears that Subaih might pay billions into the budget of the blood-shedding civil war seekers IS! the price of this decision by accusing her of belonging Another proof of such recordings’ falsification is that to or sympathizing with some religious movement, many major TV news stations ignored them and did not pending politically revenge against her and having believe in them simply, because GCC-Egyptian relations her ‘go with the wind’ the way the airport project did. are extra-strong after realizing that they are targeted by Either way, well done Minister Subaih! those who have evil wishes for both Egypt and GCC states. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 2 die in 100-car Australia thwarts ‘imminent’ terror attack pile-up near Seoul airport Page 12 Page 12 Western diplomats quit crisis-hit Yemen

SANAA: Western governments evacuated ironfisted rule by Saleh. their diplomats from Yemen yesterday as con- But his departure from office the following flict deepened in the impoverished Saudi year created a power vacuum that the neighbor which has long been on the front Houthis and Al-Qaeda have vied to fill. line of the war against Al-Qaeda. Exactly four Washington has been at pains to stress that years after the start of Arab Spring-inspired its battle against the jihadists’ Yemen branch protests that forced veteran strongman Ali will go on regardless of the outcome of the Abdullah Saleh from power, his Western- struggle for power in Sanaa. Four suspected backed successor is under effective house Al-Qaeda fighters were killed in a US drone arrest, after being ousted by Shiite militia last strike in Hadramawt province in the southeast week. The United Nations has demanded his on Tuesday. reinstatement but its efforts to broker a deal It was the fourth strike since US President between the militiamen and their opponents Barack Obama vowed on January 25 not to let have made no headway and the Security up in Washington’s campaign against Al- Council was to meet later to decide on what Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP). Last to do next. Thursday, Al-Qaeda said a US strike had killed The Houthi militia, which entered the capi- Harith Al-Nadhari, a senior commander who tal unopposed last September, seized more threatened more attacks on France after last territory in the Sunni-majority country this month’s killings at satirical magazine Charlie week, sparking fears of a backlash from its Hebdo. Washington considers AQAP the feared Al-Qaeda branch. Washington said the jihadist network’s most dangerous branch “deteriorating security situation” in the capital after repeated attacks and attempts against Sanaa had triggered its decision to close its targets in the West. The exodus of Western embassy indefinitely. “On February 11... US diplomats came despite pleas from the Embassy Sanaa American staff were relocated Houthis’ commander that the security situa- out of the country,” a State Department travel tion in the capital was stable. warning said. “The Department urges US citi- zens to defer travel to Yemen and those US Militia says ‘fears unfounded’ citizens currently living in Yemen to depart.” “Some people are raising concerns among Yemeni soldiers were seen deployed around diplomatic missions so that they flee the the US mission in Sanaa yesterday. Britain too country,” Abdulmalik Al-Houthi said in a tele- evacuated its diplomats. vised address on Tuesday. “These fears are unfounded. The security situation is stable.” ‘At increased risk’ Houthi has repeatedly portrayed the militia’s “Regrettably we now judge that our advance into Sunni-majority areas as a battle embassy staff and premises are at increased against jihadists and called for Western sup- risk,” said Tobias Ellwood, the Foreign Office port. But loyalists of Western-backed minister with responsibility for the Middle President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi insist that East. “Our ambassador and diplomatic staff only his restoration can prevent a collapse of have left Yemen this morning.” France also central authority that will hamstring the war SANAA: Shiite Houthi fighters shout slogans as they drive in a the backof a vehicle in the Yemeni capital Sanaa yesterday. — AFP called on its 100 or so citizens in Yemen to against the jihadists in Sunni areas. Hadi also leave the country and said it would close its has strong backing from Yemen’s wealthy city of Al-Baida, which the militia entered on ship” under the “constitutional declaration” by The fall of Hadi’s government has sparked embassy starting from February 13 over Sunni-ruled Gulf neighbors, whose aid is vital Tuesday. Houthi called on his own supporters which the militia seized power on Friday. UN fears that Yemen-strategically located next to mounting security fears. The Arab Spring to the economy. to take to the streets to commemorate the envoy Jamal Benomar brokered two days of oil-rich Saudi Arabia and on the key shipping protests of 2011 had raised hopes of demo- Protests against the Houthis were held yes- protests of 2011. Addressing his adversaries, talks between the opposing factions and was route from the Suez Canal to the Gulf-could cratic reform after more than three decades of terday both in the capital and in the central Houthi proposed what he called “a partner- due to brief the Security Council session later. plunge into chaos. — AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 Decade after Hariri murder, Lebanon flounders in Syria’s shadow

BEIRUT: A decade after former prime minister Rafiq dent for eight months, the longest such vacuum never forgave him,” Khashan said. “Hariri put Hariri was assassinated, hopes that the fallout from since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war. Lebanon on the international map, and that his death would free Lebanon from Syria’s influence On the country’s borders, the under-equipped angered them,” added former advisor Sayegh. have been dashed by the war raging across the bor- Lebanese army is struggling to keep jihadists from ‘Israeli-American tool’ der. “Ten years, 100 years, 1,000 years, we will stay Syria at bay, and in the streets residents fear the In a first for Lebanon, the frequent scene of polit- faithful to you” declare the billboards going up next conflict is around the corner. “The country has ical assassinations and intrigue, Hariri’s murder is around Beirut as the country prepares to mark the collapsed since Hariri’s assassination,” said a resident being prosecuted before the Special Tribunal for February 14, 2005 murder of Hariri. In the months of Beirut’s Ain Al-Mreisse district, where Hariri and Lebanon at the Hague. that followed, a popular movement that accused 22 others were killed by a suicide bomber in a car. The court has indicted five Hezbollah members Damascus of his killing forced Syrian troops out of Far from bringing together the country and freeing for their involvement, but the movement has Lebanon after a 30-year presence. it of Syrian influence, analysts say the decade since refused to turn them over, accusing the tribunal of Many in the country saw the Syrian withdrawal Hariri’s death has served to cement the preemi- being an “Israeli-American tool”. In the months after as a chance for Lebanon to shake off the influence nence of the Shiite movement Hezbollah, a key ally Hariri’s assassination, the murder was seen as a sort of its larger neighbor and its perpetual status as a of Damascus. “This murder has had the effect of a of “founding event for the unity of the country,” pawn in wider regional struggles. Yet the Lebanese coup d’etat,” said Hilal Khashan, political science according to Fares Souaid, a member of the move- public and analysts now see little cause for hope, professor at the American University in Beirut. Hariri ment that emerged against the Syrian regime after with Syria’s civil war deepening divisions that “represented the Saudi project, and with him gone, the ex-premier’s murder. emerged after Hariri’s death. Lebanon is fractured it’s the Iranian project that has taken over.” But “10 years later, we are seeing the weakening between Hezbollah-led supporters of President of the state and communities returning back Bashar al-Assad and his regional ally Iran, and a ‘Syria never forgave him’ behind their barricades.” Several events will be held camp that backs the Syrian uprising and is allied Khashan said Hariri had sought to “transform the BEIRUT: A picture in central Beirut shows a giant in Beirut to mark the anniversary including a gath- with Saudi Arabia and the United States. country into a symbol of moderation and a safe- poster bearing a portrait of slain Lebanese ering at the site of the attack, where a flame will be Hariri had close links to Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia, guard against extremism.” “He was assassinated prime minister Rafiq Hariri on the tenth anniver- lit in his honor, and a prayer at his tomb. Hariri was which vies with Shiite Iran for influence in the before he could do that,” he said. Nicknamed “Mr sary of his death. — AFP often criticized for marrying politics and business Middle East. After the assassination “Lebanon Lebanon,” Hariri was known for his patience and and running up huge debts in his reconstruction entered the orbit of Damascus, Tehran and “represented a moderate Sunni Muslim current,” term in 2004, but was coerced into voting for it. projects. Hezbollah, and this axis continues to prevail,” said Khashan added. “After his murder, extremist Sunnis Angered by Hariri’s opposition, Syria’s Assad report- But he also attracted investors, many of whom Daoud Al-Sayegh, a former advisor to Hariri. The began to appear” in Lebanon, he said. edly threatened to “destroy Lebanon on top of his now shy away from Lebanon because of the violence, division is at the root of ongoing instability, includ- Hariri served as prime minister under Syrian head.” With the support of Riyadh and his close instability and spillover from the Syrian war that fol- ing a string of bomb attacks that have targeted influence from 1992 to 1998 and again from 2000 to friend French former president Jacques Chirac, lowed his death. “The Lebanese are unable to free both sides. It has also contributed to a political 2004. He was vehemently opposed to Damascus’s Hariri backed a UN Security Council resolution call- themselves from a situation where they are hostages stalemate that has left the country without a presi- imposed extension of president Emile Lahoud’s ing on foreign troops to leave Lebanon. “The Syrians of the region’s conflict,” said Sayegh. — AFP IS recruits fighters as US bombs rain Foreign jihadists flock to join Islamic State

WASHINGTON: The US bombing campaign in Iraq and Syria has failed to slow the pace of foreign fight- ers flocking to join the Islamic State and other extremist groups, including at least 3,400 from Western nations among 20,000 from around the world, US intelligence officials say in an updated estimate of a top terrorism concern. Intelligence agencies now believe that as many as 150 SANAA: President of the Revolutionary Committee, Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi (cen- Americans have tried and some have succeeded in ter) - a cousin of the Houthis’ leader, Abdel-Malek Al-Houthi attends a rally in sup- reaching the Syrian war zone, officials told the port of the Houthis at a sports stadium in Sanaa. — AP House Homeland Security Committee in testimony yesterday. Some of those Americans were arrested en How Houthis fighters drove route, some died in the area and a small number were still fighting with extremists. The testimony Yemen into political vacuum and other data were obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press. Nick Rasmussen, chief of the SANAA: When Yemen’s Houthi fighters tensions. Subaihi sought to reassure a National Counterterrorism Center, said the rate of scaled the rooftops surrounding former Houthi representative at the meeting foreign fighter travel to Syria is without precedent, president Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi’s about the government checkpoints, say- far exceeding the rate of foreigners who went to home, killed his guards and put him ing: “This is not against the Houthis, it’s wage jihad in Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, Yemen or under house arrest, they left no doubt our joint effort against Al-Qaeda,” accord- Somalia at any other point in the past 20 years. that negotiating a political settlement ing to the Western source. The argument with them would be difficult. The actions didn’t work. Fighting started shortly after Returning undetected US officials fear that some of the foreign fighters of the Shiite Muslim fighters have drawn the first government checkpoints DOUMA: Syrian civilians search for survivors at the site of reported air strikes by regime forces criticism from across Yemen’s political will return undetected to their homes in Europe or appeared. the US to mount terrorist attacks. At least one of the in the rebel-held area of Douma, east of the capital Damascus. More than 210,000 people have spectrum, especially after their declara- On Jan 19, the Houthis had besieged men responsible for the attack on a satirical maga- been killed in Syria since the beginning of the country’s conflict in March 2011. — AFP tion on Friday that they were dismissing the presidential palace and surrounded zine in Paris had spent time with Islamic extremists and 100 in the fall. Rep Michael McCaul, the Texas persuaded to conduct organized or ‘lone-wolf’ style the national assembly and would form a the prime minister’s residence. A day lat- in Yemen. Meanwhile, the White House circulated a new government. er a gunbattle raged at Hadi’s residential Republican who chairs the committee, said in his attacks that target US and Western interests. proposal Tuesday that would have Congress author- prepared remarks that the Syrian war had created We also have become increasingly aware of the The move, condemned by Washington compound, where he was at the time. ize the US military to fight Islamic State terrorists “the largest convergence of Islamist terrorists in possibility that Syria could emerge as a base of and Gulf Arabs, has added to fears in the “We never expected that the Houthis over the next three years. A formal request for legis- world history.” Sustained bombing by a US-led coali- operations for Al-Qaeda’s international agenda, United States and neighboring oil giant would attack the president’s house, lation is expected later. Also at the White House, tion has not stopped the inflow, he noted. McCaul’s which could include attacks against the homeland.” Saudi Arabia that Yemen, which is home because the confrontations were at the President Barack Obama praised Kayla Jean Mueller, committee staff compiled from public sources a list Taylor said the US is trying to instruct other govern- to an active Al-Qaeda wing, is on the palace. And suddenly at midday, snipers the young American whose death was confirmed of 18 US citizens or residents who joined or ments on how best to track foreign fighters, includ- verge of becoming a failed state. Even began targeting the presidential home’s Tuesday. Mueller died while in Islamic State hands, attempted to join the Islamic State group, and 18 ing “how they can compare airline manifests and after the United Nations managed to guards from all directions,” a source close though the group blamed a Jordanian airstrike. “No others who tried to or succeeded in joining other reservation data against terrorist watch lists and bring political factions to the negotiating to Hadi said. “We were at home and the matter how long it takes, the United States will find violent Islamic groups. The list includes three other intelligence about terrorist travel.” He said the table again, two parties walked out, com- guards started confronting the intense and bring to justice the terrorists who are responsi- Chicago teens and three Denver teens who were US outpaces other countries in that effort. The intel- ble for Kayla’s captivity and death,” Obama said. As plaining of threats from the Houthis. attack, but the Houthis were very highly radicalized and recruited online and were arrested ligence officials also discussed the possibility of for foreign fighters, officials acknowledge it has after attempting to travel to Syria to join Islamic homegrown attacks inspired by the Islamic State or “The problem isn’t in selecting a new trained. They scaled the rooftops of the been hard to track the Americans and Europeans president ... but it’s tied to the militias’ surrounding homes and other heights State fighters. It also includes Douglas McAuthur Al-Qaeda but not directly connected to the groups. who have made it to Syria, where the Islamic State McCain, 33, a Californian who died in August while Rasmussen of the counterterrorism center control of the capital and on decision- and rained bullets on the house,” said the group is the dominant force trying to overthrow the making,” said Abdullah Noman, secretary source. fighting with the Islamic State group near Aleppo. appeared to downplay that threat, saying it “will government of President Bashar Assad. remain at its current level resulting in fewer than 10 general of the leftist Nasserist party. “So The Houthis killed 11 of Hadi’s body- A ‘lone-wolf’ uncoordinated and unsophisticated plots annually any new president will be at the mercy of guards, the sources said. “First two were Troubling cases US intelligence officials do not make public their from a pool of up to a few hundred individuals, these militias who are still holding Hadi, killed, then three, until the number The US Embassy in Syria is closed, and the CIA estimate of how many Americans currently are most of whom are known to the (intelligence agen- the prime minister and a number of offi- reached 11 killed in front of our eyes has no permanent presence on the ground. “Once in fighting in Syria and Iraq. In September, FBI director cies) and law enforcement.” McCaul said he fears the cials under house arrest,” he added. inside the house and the president Syria, it is very difficult to discern what happens James Comey said it was “about a dozen.” Francis X. Obama administration is blind to the looming dan- Indeed when the 69-year-old president watched these guards, many of whom there,” according to prepared testimony of Michael Taylor, who heads the Homeland Security gers of homegrown radicalism of the kind that led assumed office after Arab Spring protests are his relatives and from his area, killed,” Steinbach, the FBI’s assistant director for counterter- Department’s intelligence office, said in his pre- to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. “We have ousted his predecessor, he never would said the source close to Hadi. A Houthi rorism. “This lack of clarity remains troubling.” The pared testimony for the hearing that “we are no lead agency in charge of countering domestic estimate of 20,000 fighters, from 90 countries, is up have guessed that two years later he official said at the time the fighting at unaware of any specific, credible, imminent threat radicalization and no line item for it in the budgets from 19,000, Rasmussen plans to tell the House to the homeland.” However, he said, the department of key departments and agencies,” he said. “I am also would be under control of rebels who Hadi’s home was the result of a “provoca- committee, according to prepared testimony. The had overrun Sanaa and became Yemen’s tion” by Hadi’s security. After two days of is concerned that Americans who join violent concerned that the few programs we do have in number of Americans or US residents who have extremist groups in Syria “could gain combat skills, place are far too small to confront a challenge that new de factor rulers. fighting, Hadi signed a deal with the gone or tried to go is up to 150 from 50 a year ago Hadi tried to accommodate the rebels Houthis that called for them to withdraw violent extremist connections and possibly become has grown so quickly.” — AP even after they took over the capital in from areas they had captured in the last September, but the crisis reached a criti- two days and to release bin Mubarak, the cal point in mid-January that began with president’s chief of staff. The deal also South Africa’s Zuma faces battles at the presidential palace and gave the Houthis numerous concessions. brought Hadi’s resignation. The Houthis began as a revivalist group for Yemen’s House arrest showdown in parliament Zaydi Shiite Muslim sect in the north, But by Thursday evening, Prime before morphing over the past decade Minister Khaled Bahah and his cabinet CAPE TOWN: South African President Jacob and seize white-owned land without compensa- as saying in the local daily Business Day into a revolutionary movement with resigned. Subaihi, though, has since Zuma faces a showdown with radical lawmakers tion. The party’s program has found fertile Wednesday. “No retreat, no surrender.” For his national ambitions, and an ally of Iran. In accepted the Houthis’ offer to carry out a who have threatened to disrupt his nationally- ground among the poor, who feel that only gov- part, Zuma told a gathering with editors Sunday a lightning push through northern defense minister’s duties. “(It was) clear televised state of the nation address in parlia- ernment fat cats and their cronies have enjoyed that he had “never been nervous in my life” and Yemen and into Sanaa last year, the that his (Bahah’s) government could no ment today. The Economic Freedom Fighters the benefits of democracy. Around 25 percent of would be directed by parliamentary speaker group took advantage of splits in the rul- longer operate when they were under (EFF), led by the populist Julius Malema, has South Africans are unemployed, according to Baleka Mbete on how to respond if the EFF ing and tribal elite and of widespread house arrest and the Houthis had taken vowed to prevent Zuma from speaking until he official statistics, while unofficial estimates put made good on its threats. anger at years of government malfea- over their ministries,” said the Western has answered questions about the $24 million the figure much higher. At the heart of the upheaval is Zuma’s refusal sance. They portrayed their move as a source. The Houthis also did not honor (19 million euros) of taxpayers’ money spent on to accept an ombudsman’s decision that he “people’s revolution” against corruption their side of the deal- their gunmen were “security upgrades” at his private residence. The should repay some of the public money spent which they say was emptying state cof- still surrounding the presidential palace, same issue triggered chaotic scenes in the on “security items” such as a swimming pool, fers. Their decision to dissolve parliament Hadi and his ministers were under house assembly in August, after riot police were amphitheatre, cattle pen and chicken run at his and set up an interim government was arrest and bin Mubarak was not released. deployed to stifle a revolt by a group of EFF law- rural home in Nkandla in the eastern Kwazulu- denounced as a coup by one political They say they are providing “protec- makers, who drowned out Zuma, yelling: “Pay Natal province. The money spent on what were faction. Reuters spoke to sources close to tion” for the president. “Despite what back the money”. billed as upgrades would buy several luxury Hadi to draw a picture of what led Hadi happened, the president was keen not to The episode marked the most tumultuous homes in Johannesburg or Cape Town. Veteran to leave office. On Jan 18, the security push the country towards war ... but the parliamentary session since the dawn of democ- columnist and political commentator Allister committee met and Yemeni Defense Houthis came to the president’s home at racy 20 years ago, after the end of the racist Sparks suggested Yesterday that the only way Minister Mahmoud Al-Subaihi decided to sunset ... and insisted that he issue a apartheid regime. Zuma has not returned to the Zuma could defuse the looming confrontation set up checkpoints in the capital, accord- decree making Houthi presidential advis- chamber since the uproar and EFF lawmakers- would be to begin his address with acceptance ing to a Western source close to the er Saleh Al-Sammad vice president by a 9 dressed in their trademark “workers solidarity” of his responsibility for the overspending on his events. pm deadline,” the source close to Hadi outfits of red overalls, gumboots, hardhats and home and promise to repay some of the money. said. The Houthis’ demands included maid’s uniforms-have vowed to pick up where South African President Jacob Zuma “The whole nation would feel relieved and Checkpoints appointing deputies in ministries and they left off. When moves were made to ban overjoyed. Cleansed. A heavy shadow of disillu- The Houthis had already set up their ambassadorial positions in Iran, China their outfits from parliament, the firebrand Efforts by church leaders to mediate and pre- sionment and depression would be lifted. All own checkpoints around security and and Russia. “Hadi then resigned. They Malema threatened that they would turn up in vent a showdown at the traditionally glitzy cere- would be forgiven,” he said. “Unfortunately Zuma government institutions in Sanaa. Al- backtracked on their other demands and the nude. The proposal was promptly shelved. mony to mark the opening of parliament will almost certainly not do this.” Whatever the Qaeda attacks were increasing and the said we just want the vice presidency, The EFF-formed by renegade members of the appeared to have failed, with EFF whip Hlengiwe outcome, parliament’s live television feed is like- Houthis’ arrest of the president’s chief of but Hadi said the ink is dry,” the Western ruling African National Congress in 2013 — has Maxon saying that Zuma would not be allowed ly to draw a huge audience today-not so much staff, Ahmed bin Mubarak, had raised source said. — Reuters shaken up the political landscape with its pop- to begin his address. “He will not proceed until to hear what Zuma has to say, as to see what ulist proposals to nationalize mines and banks he has answered the questions,” she was quoted happens. —AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 In cartel fight, Honduras tries to hold the playgrounds

TEGUCIGALPA: In a small park just outside of the basketball courts and soccer fields in a space lined with Honduran capital, hundreds of children are playing on palm and mango trees seems like an oasis compared swings and slides. It’s a scene similar to one occurring to the violent world outside. Inside and out, the mili- around the world, except here the playground is encir- tary tries to protect the children from the gangs and cled by soldiers. The recreational park built by the gov- make sure no outsiders get into the enclosure. More ernment in the San Jose de la Vega suburb, southwest than 500 children aged from three to five play in the of the capital, is in the heart of territory controlled by park, and a long line often forms outside of families Mara 18, one of the most feared gangs in the country. looking to get in. Surrounded by concrete and iron bars, the playground “The park is well done, here the children cannot go is constantly monitored by soldiers with rifles. Mara 18, out and play with the thugs,” an 80-year-old resident La Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and numerous other said while taking his three grandchildren to the park. gangs terrorize and forcibly recruit children through- Here “you cannot talk,” said a woman next to him. “A out the region, including in Honduras, El Salvador and woman at a grocery store called the police, but when Guatemala. they arrived she was already shot,” she said. The district The government in Honduras — considered one of lives in fear of the “maras” gangs and their “casa locas”- the most violent countries in the world-is taking a step criminal safe houses where violence is commonplace. to address the problem by offering children a safe The parks are built with funds from a new security space from the gangs. In September, the US NGO Casa tax, created to fight crime and reduce the huge levels Alianza reported that since 1998, 9,641 murders have of violence. President Juan Orlando Hernandez has put been recorded among young people under the age of an emphasis on air, sea and land deployments, often 23. Mariel Rivas, the head of the government organiza- associated with US anti-drug operations, to push back tion charged with the parks project, said 20 such parks against the gangs. Police have also attempted to patrol will be built around Honduras. Rivas said another park neighborhoods. According to the president, the drug will open this month near the northern city of San trade is responsible for seven out of 10 deaths in Pedro Sula. That park will also be in an area known to Honduras. He says his new initiatives reduced the mur- be under gang control. der rate in 2014 to 66 deaths per 100,000 people. The TEGUCIGALPA: A soldier stands guard at the ‘San Jose de la Vega’ recreational park in Tegucigalpa. World Health Organization published less optimistic ‘You cannot talk’ The park, which construction was ordered by the Honduran government, is guarded by the military numbers in December, calculating 103.9 homicides per In the San Jose de la Vega park, the bicycle paths, in order to keep gang members at bay. — AFP 100,000 people, 15 times the world average. — AFP Immigrant driver’s licenses spur New legislation sparks a fight, controversy

SANTA FE: Alejandro Altamirano has called New need for driver’s licenses,” said Tanya Broder, sen- lation. He contends the other states that are Mexico home for a dozen years. It’s where his ior staff attorney with the National Immigration handing out driver’s licenses will also be out of two US-born daughters are being raised. But the Law Center in Los Angeles. “From a policy per- compliance with federal law. 36-year-old dairy farm worker from Durango, spective, it made sense that all the drivers were Mexico, fears he’ll be forced into the shadows if tested and licensed and insured and account- ‘Dangerous law off the books’ he loses his driver’s license. New Mexico, for able for their driving records.” Democrats have thus far blocked repeal and years, was out in front on handing out driver’s question the Martinez administration’s efforts. licenses to people suspected of being in the Opposition rejects “They campaigned on the repeal and they’re country illegally. Now, legislation to stop the Those who want to keep New Mexico’s law stuck fighting for repeal. They painted them- state’s practice is gaining traction despite a the way it is argue working families stand to get selves in a political corner,” said Rep Antonio trend sweeping through several states to offer hurt otherwise. They also say other states that Maestas, D-Albuquerque. Rep Paul Pacheco, R- driving privileges to everyone regardless of their have joined New Mexico in doling out licenses Albuquerque, whose repeal legislation is moving status. are not running afoul of federal ID laws. The through the House, said a vast majority of New Fresh off a political power shift, the GOP-led opposition argues New Mexico has become a Mexicans want this “dangerous law off the House of Representatives is poised to pass a haven for those seeking to fraudulently obtain books.” Repeal supporters point to a 2014 measure repealing a 2003 law that made New driver’s licenses. “These fraud operations involve Albuquerque Journal poll showing 75 percent in ARIZON: Terri Crippes (left) and Lori Lyon, maternal aunts of Kayla Mueller, speak at a Mexico one of the first states to offer licenses to the trafficking of humans to our state for the the state were against the 2003 law. Detractors press conference in Prescott, Ariz. Mueller, a 26-year-old American woman held by immigrants regardless of status. However, the purpose of committing crimes; and with no point to other polls, saying a majority of Islamic State militants, has been confirmed dead, her parents and the Obama admin- momentum in the lower chamber may not mat- intention to live here, they snatch up our license Hispanic residents in New Mexico support giving istration said Tuesday. — AP ter since Senate Democrats have vowed to fight to take elsewhere, to places unknown and for licenses to people regardless of status. the legislation. New Mexico has the nation’s purposes unknown,” said Mike Lonergan, No studies show these drivers are involved in Arizona town remembers highest percentage of Latinos and the only spokesman for Republican Gov Susana fraud or terrorist activity, said Matt Barreto, co- Latina governor, but the legislation has still Martinez. Martinez, the nation’s only Latina gov- founder of the Seattle-based Latino Decisions sparked a fight. Proponents of the bill say ernor and a rising figure in the Republican Party, polling and research firm and a UCLA political woman killed in Mideast polling shows most New Mexicans want to has been pushing to repeal the driver’s license science and Chicano studies professor. “You’ve reverse course and repeal the law. They argue law since she was first elected in 2010. “I am got Republicans in the (New Mexico) Legislature PRESCOTT: Even while being held hostage nature. Prescott Mayor Marlin Kuykendall doing so would help prevent fraud and bring going to fight at every opportunity to make sure in their largest numbers in a very long time; it’s a by Islamic State extremists, Kayla Mueller said he would take cues from the family on the state into compliance with federal identifica- this law is repealed,” she has said. partisan issue plain and simple,” Barreto said. found good in everything. She taught her any public memorials. tion requirements. California this year began The governor and others have said the origi- Meanwhile, Altamirano waits. guards how to do crafts and make peace Mueller’s aunt, Lori Lyon said her niece issuing driver’s licenses to immigrants who are in nal law has failed to drive down the rate of unin- He hopes he can keep his driver’s license birds out of paper. She stood on her head has touched the hearts of people around the country illegally, bringing the number of sured motorists as intended. because it could mean losing his job, his home for exercise in her cramped quarters. And the world who want to be more like the states that do so to 10. California expects 1.4 mil- “We tried the experiment and it didn’t work,” and everything he has worked toward. “I will live she wrote uplifting letters home despite globe-trotting aid worker. “And if that is her lion people to apply for the licenses in the next said Rep William “Bill” Rehm, R-Albuquerque, with more fear, and especially more fear of being a prisoner of a brutal terrorist regime. legacy and the footprint that she leaves on three years. “It’s a product of many years and the who offered his own version of the repeal legis- police when I drive,” he said. — AP “I have come to see that there is good in the world,” Lyon added, dissolving into every situation, sometimes we just have to tears, “then that is a wonderful thing.” From look for it,” she wrote. The portrait of the 26- Prescott, she helped raise awareness of HIV year-old humanitarian aid worker from and AIDS and offered comfort at a women’s For White House hopefuls, Prescott, Arizona, came as her death was shelter. In Flagstaff, where she attended confirmed Tuesday by the US government. Northern Arizona University, she protested Family members spoke fondly of her free genocide in Darfur. Her desire to help oth- spirit and efforts to ease the suffering of ers stretched beyond Arizona to Palestinian it is time to pack passports others as a small memorial of flowers and territories, Israel, India, France and Syria. handwritten notes took shape near a sign “I’m not sure yet how to live in a world WASHINGTON: As presidential aspirants weigh possi- calling on people to “Pray for Kayla.” without Kayla, but I do know that we’re all ble 2016 runs, many are hitting the road far beyond It’s the same space where people in the living in a better world because of her,” said Iowa or New Hampshire, to unofficial campaign stops city of about 40,000 gathered not too long a tearful Eryn Street, one of Mueller’s closest where passports are required: London, Tokyo and ago to honor 19 Prescott-based members of friends as she spoke from the courthouse Jerusalem. The international tour has become obliga- an elite fire crew who died in 2013 in the plaza in Prescott on Tuesday. The Islamic tory for US politicians, with candidates eager to build deadliest single day for firefighters since State group claimed Friday that Mueller had name recognition and burnish foreign policy creden- Sept 11, 2011. Mueller was captured in died in a recent Jordanian airstrike targeting tials not just in the American heartland but across the August 2013, but her captivity had largely the militants. The Pentagon said it doesn’t pond and further afield. And with likely Democratic been kept secret in an effort to save her. know how she died but is certain it was not frontrunner Hillary Clinton having served as secretary President Barack Obama said a military during the airstrike. President Barack of state and negotiated with dozens of world leaders, operation last summer to recover Mueller Obama pledged to bring Mueller’s captors many Republican adversaries no doubt see them- and others failed when rescuers arrived to justice “no matter how long it takes.” The selves playing catch-up on the international stage. only “a day or two” after the group had been White House said Obama had spoken with Some would-be contenders began racking up fre- quent-flyer miles two years before the election, moved. Mueller’s parents and offered prayers. From including then-governor Rick Perry of Texas who visit- Arizona Sen John McCain and Rep Paul Jordan, government spokesman ed China and Japan last September. Wisconsin Gosar, a Republican who represents Mohammed Al-Momani offered his coun- Governor Scott Walker, who topped a recent New Prescott, were in close contact with the try’s condolences. Hampshire poll of Republican contenders, began a family and government officials throughout Mueller wrote passionately about condi- four-day trade mission to London Monday. The two- the ordeal, with the senator traveling to tions in war-torn Syria, where she had gone term executive met British trade officials and business Syria at one point to meet with members of to help refugees. In a blog post, she wrote: leaders, a week after New Jersey Governor Chris the army fighting President Bashar Assad. “Every human should act. They should stop Christie’s Britain visit was consumed by controversy Gosar told The Arizona Republic that one this violence.” Her family and friends told of over his comments on the ongoing vaccination effort to free Mueller involved a man who simple things Mueller did, such as such as debate stateside. Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton traveled to the Syrian prison camp where giving people food and water, and search- Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal returned last of doing the wrong thing, and that actually is much exploiting a gap in their resume. “You haven’t even Mueller was being held. The man told the ing for clothing and housing. Street recalled month from 10 days in Germany, Switzerland and more of a problem than had you done the right thing met David Cameron.’ That’s a line that could travel captors he was Mueller’s husband in a ruse the two of them making the best of their Britain, where he criticized Muslim immigrant “no-go” being a positive,” Princeton University professor and against somebody, and you just want to wipe it out” designed to free her, Gosar said, but it didn’t car breaking down about a half mile from zones in Europe. “For many of these companies, it was presidential expert Julian Zelizer said. before a campaign gets started, said Pope McCorkle, work. In addition, Gosar’s office said the Street’s home. Getting the car towed would their first exposure to Wisconsin, and we made some an associate public policy professor at Duke name of Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani scientist be no fun, she said. “Instead, we turned on inroads that could pay dividends in the long run,” Avoid embarrassments University. convicted of shooting at two US soldiers in Bob Marley on full blast on the radio and, Walker said Tuesday from London. He was referring to Christie’s recent London trip, in which he met with For some, trips abroad can be magic. When Afghanistan, came up in discussions with with the car in neutral, we started pushing boosting trade opportunities but he may as well have Prime Minister David Cameron, may not have reached Obama visited Europe in July 2008 after securing Islamic State over Mueller. that golden brown chariot home,” she said. been talking about his own broader exposure. While that level of disaster. But when the often-brash gover- the Democratic nomination, he gave an outdoor Siddiqui is an American-educated Prescott, the former territorial capital of foreign visits become rites of passage for pursuers of nor was dragged into America’s debate over vaccines, speech in Berlin that drew 100,000 people and woman whose release has long been Arizona, only recently begun to recover higher US office, they can trip up a candidate just as his response that parents should have “some measure helped the first-term senator build his stature as a of choice” over immunizing their children triggered statesman. Israel is a popular draw, with Republicans sought by terrorists. In her hometown, resi- from the deaths of the firefighters. Stickers easily as hone those foreign policy chops. criticism back home. “You want to make sure you going there in part to appeal to the Christian con- dents began to honor Mueller on Tuesday. featuring the fire crew’s logo and bearing Mitt Romney comes to mind. In July 2012 the don’t do anything that’s an embarrassment or that servatives. Indiana Governor Mike Pence spent last Her family has encouraged people to the number “19” are still fixed to vehicles all Republican nominee ventured to Britain, Israel and Poland. But the trip was bombarded with bad press gives you negative news coverage. In that respect I Christmas in Israel and met with Prime Minister donate to organizations Mueller would around town. The mountain town resem- after his poorly-timed remarks about Olympics securi- think Chris Christie failed,” Zelizer said. Candidates Benjamin Netanyahu, while Arkansas ex-governor have supported, saying big displays of sup- bles a relic of the Old West in many ways, ty, comments in Israel that angered Palestinians, and know full well there might be less importance in the Mike Huckabee leads a trip to the Holy Land port wouldn’t mesh with her humble with its colorful downtown saloons. —AP an aide’s outburst at reporters. “That was an example trips themselves than in preventing rivals from Saturday. —AFP Fewer sex assaults reported at American military schools WASHINGTON: The number of reported sexual assaults the U.S. military that said more than 60 percent of the women ual assaults increased at West Point and the Naval Academy, the last year, compared to 1 in 10 the previous year. Military involving students at three military service academies went who said they filed sexual assault complaints also said they but decreased at the Air Force Academy. officials have been developing programs and training across down in the most recent school year, capping a year that saw experienced some type of retaliation. Those numbers raised The overall decline, from 70 to 61, was largely the result of the services to reduce the stigma and encourage victims to the military continue to struggle with high-profile cases concerns among congressional lawmakers, and Defense a drop in the number of reports filed by civilians against report assaults. Congress has continued to press for changes among leaders and in the schools. A new Pentagon report Secretary Chuck Hagel said in December that officials must cadets and midshipmen and a decline in the number of stu- to the military justice system, complaining that the Pentagon finds that there were 61 reported sexual assaults at the acade- tackle the retaliation problem head on. “When someone dents reporting assaults that occurred before they attended has not done enough to combat sexual assault across the mili- mies in the 2013-14 school year, compared with 70 in 2012-13. reports a sexual assault, they need to be embraced and the academies. There were 53 reports of sexual assault filed in tary and make it easier and more acceptable for victims to The report includes the results of an anonymous survey that helped, not ostracized or punished with retribution,” Hagel the 2013-14 school year by cadets or midshipmen who said report harassment and assaults. At the same time, high-profile shows a similar decrease in the number of students who say said at the time. the attack happened while they were at the academy. That assaults continue to rattle the services and the academies. they experienced unwanted sexual contact. The Pentagon has been under increasing pressure from number was the same in the 2012-13 school year. According At the US Military Academy at West Point, an Army ser- The survey, however, also found that more than 40 percent top leaders and lawmakers to reduce sexual assault across the to the 2014 anonymous survey, about 8 percent of female stu- geant was sentenced to jail and given a bad-conduct dis- of students who said they experienced unwanted sexual con- military, improve treatment for victims and address some of dents and 1 percent of men said they experienced unwanted charge last year after he was accused of secretly photograph- tact said they also believed that they faced retaliation, either the underlying problems, such as alcohol use. At the US Naval sexual contact, compared to 12.4 percent and 2 percent ing at least a dozen women, including in a bathroom where from their leadership or socially from other cadets or midship- Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, the US Military Academy at respectively when the questionnaire was last done, in 2012. they were in various states of undress. At the Naval Academy, men. The report is set to be made public Wednesday, but The West Point in New York and the US Air Force Academy in That represents a decrease of about 200 assault victims, the a highly publicized case involving sexual assault charges Associated Press obtained the academy data ahead of the Colorado, officials have specifically pointed to drinking and Pentagon estimated. against members of the football team wrapped up last March. release. This was the first time the academy report looked at disrespect and poor leadership among athletes as potential Based on the decline in reports and the survey results, the Charges were dropped against two of the men and the third potential retaliation, but the findings mirror a recent survey of problems. According to the data, the number of reported sex- Pentagon concluded that 1 in every 6 victims came forward in was acquitted. —AP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 INTERNATIONAL Boko Haram sees mass kidnapping as symbol of success

YOLA: When Islamic extremists snatched more we should be like them and accept Islam.” The independently verified, they were strikingly school and was living at home when the war Another escapee, a shy 16-year-old captured than 270 girls from the Chibok boarding kidnappings reflect the growing ambition and similar, and all spoke of their captors’ obsession came to her village. Fighters took her to a in September, begs that her name not be pub- school in Nigeria in the dead of night, protests brazenness of Boko Haram, which seeks to with the Chibok girls. The girls had no idea house in the town of Gulak and held her cap- lished because she escaped only a few weeks broke out worldwide. The US pledged to help impose an Islamic state across Nigeria, Africa’s whether the militants were telling the truth or tive for two weeks last September. ago and believes the fighters are actively find them, and the #BringBackOurGirls hash- most populous country. Some 10,000 people making up stories to taunt their victims. John The more than 50 teenage girls crammed searching for her. After the girl’s village was tag was born. Some 10 months later, most are have died in the Islamic uprising over the past says the fighters enjoyed relating how they into the house were beaten if they refused to attacked four times, she fled to a great-aunt. still missing. The Boko Haram extremist group year, compared to 2,000 in the previous four had whipped and slapped the Chibok girls study Quranic verses or conduct daily Muslim Then that village also was targeted, she says. sees the mass kidnapping as a shining symbol years, according to the US Council on Foreign until they submitted. When the Nigerian air prayers, she says. When the fighters got angry, The fighters held her for four months. of success, and has abducted hundreds of oth- Relations. force dropped a bomb on the house where they shot their guns in the air. Aiden finally When she escaped, she walked through the er girls, boys and women. The militants brag to John was confined, she tried to escape, she gave in and denied her Christian faith to bush and across the border into Cameroon to their new captives about the surrender of the What is being done? says. She wrestled with the fighters, but they become Muslim, at least in name, she says. avoid areas under Boko Haram’s control. She is Chibok girls, their conversion to Islam and their “It’s devastating,” said Bukky Shonibare, an broke her am and hauled her off to another One day, the fighters stormed into the room now taking refuge in a Catholic church in Yola. marriage to fighters. activist in Abuja, of the kidnappings. “It makes house. where she was kept locked up with a dozen All the girls say they were not raped, despite “They told me the Chibok girls have a new you wonder, what is being done?” John was other girls. They showed a video of the Chibok the fears of some villagers. Instead, the fight- life where they learn to fight,” says Abigail John, among three girls interviewed by The #BringBackOurGirls girls, dressed in hijabs, with only their faces visi- ers said they wanted the girls to remain virgins 15, who was held by Boko Haram for more Associated Press who recently escaped from At the end of last year, the Nigerian army ble through their veils. Aiden says she was so until they were married off. “They said they are than four weeks before escaping. “They said Boko Haram. While their stories could not be liberated the town where she was held. She is overwhelmed that she cried. doing the work of God, so they will not touch now in Yola with her father, sister and six broth- us,” the 16-year-old recounts. As she tells her ers, in a house overcrowded with refugees. She Chibok girls all Muslims now? story, she fidgets and looks down at her finally was able to get medical attention for her The fighters said the Chibok girls were all hands, clasped in her lap. She recounts how fractured right arm, which remains in a cast. Muslims now, and some were training as one fighter, nicknamed “Tall Arab,” was set on The kidnappings of the Chibok girls in April fighters to fight women, which Boko Haram marrying her. She pleaded that she was too brought Boko Haram to the world’s attention men are not supposed to do. Aiden’s captors young, but was told, “Do you think you are in a way the group could not have imagined. boasted about how they had married off the better than those Chibok girls that we kid- The hashtag #BringBackOurGirls was tweeted Chibok girls, she says. One fighter said he napped?” more than 480,000 times globally in early May, would marry her. She balked. “I said, ‘No, I will The man told her the Chibok girls were and US first lady Michelle Obama held it up in not marry you,’” Aiden recounts. “So he pulled “enjoying their matrimonial homes,” she a sign to television cameras. She said at the out a gun and beat my hand.” Aiden says the remembers. He also said the Chibok girls had time, “In these girls, Barack and I see our own insurgents threatened to break the legs of any turned against their parents, and were “ready daughters ...we can only imagine the anguish girl who tried to escape, but she and six others to slit their parents’ throats” if they ever saw their parents are feeling right now.” ran anyway. As she made her way through them again. Some never will. Even if the girls Yet in the 10 months since, Boko Haram has abandoned farm fields, she noticed that Boko are released, people in Chibok say at least 13 increased the tempo and ferocity of its insur- Haram had filled about 10 other houses with of their parents have died since they were gency. In August, it began seizing and holding kidnapped girls and women. seized, in Boko Haram violence or possibly towns, and - copying the Islamic State group - stress-related illness. While dozens of Chibok declared it would recreate an ancient Islamic Western education sinful? girls escaped on their own after their kidnap- caliphate in the region. The fighting has since Aiden, who is now in Yola with tens of ping, 219 are still missing. Nigeria’s military ini- spilled across Nigeria’s borders, and the African thousands of other refugees, dreams of going tially feared any action could lead to the girls Union this month authorized a multinational to university, in defiance of the extremists’ being killed. But villagers reported last week force of 8,750 troops to try to stamp it out. insistence that girls should be married, not that air force jets have begun bombing the YOLA: Abigail John, speaks to a journalist in Yola, Nigeria. —AP Dorcas Aiden, 20, was another of those caught educated. The nickname Boko Haram means Sambisa Forest - the area where fighters told in Boko Haram’s siege. She had finished high “Western education is forbidden or sinful.” Aiden some girls still are held captive. —AP Belgian Islamists jailed on terrorism charges Sharia4Belgium radicalizes, recruits jihadists

ANTWERP: A Belgian court sen- pected militants were killed in ‘Spiritual leader’ had already been convicted in 2012 tenced the leader of an Islamist Belgium during a huge anti-terror Belkacem, a hardline ideologue for incitement of hate against non- group that sent jihadist fighters to operation. Belgium is the European known for his virulent street ser- Muslims, and was portrayed by the Syria to a 12-year jail term yesterday country that has produced the most mons and online videos, was the others on trial as the spiritual leader and imprisoned several other mem- jihadist fighters relative to its popu- leading figure in persuading young of the group. Sharia4Belgium rose to bers in one of the largest cases of its lation size. Belgians to fight holy war in Syria. He prominence in 2010 after a protest kind in Europe. Fouad Belkacem, 32, against a proposed ban on wearing the chief of the Sharia4Belgium the full-face Islamic burqa in public. group, was convicted by a court in It found fertile ground for recruit- the northern port city of Antwerp of ment in Antwerp, Belgium’s second radicalizing, recruiting and dispatch- biggest city, which has a large ing young men to fight holy war. Muslim community, mainly from Forty-six members of the group Turkey and Morocco, as well as one VUHLEHIRSK: Residents repair their house that was damaged during recent originally faced charges of belong- of Europe’s biggest Jewish Orthodox shelling between Russian-backed separatists and Ukrainian government ing to a terrorist organization, but communities. Belgium remains on forces near the town of Vuhlehirsk, Ukraine. —AP only eight were actually present high alert following last month’s ter- during the five-month trial, with ror major operation, which authori- one deemed medically unfit to ties said had smashed a cell aiming stand trial. The rest were believed to to kill police officers in public streets Stumbling blocks in be either still in Syria, or dead. and at police stations. Muslim convert Jejoen Bontinck, 19 Two suspected militants were - whose father brought him home shot dead in a raid in the eastern Ukraine peace plan from Syria in a celebrated case and city of Verviers. An Algerian man who later became a key prosecution extradited from Greece over his KIEV: The leaders of Ukraine, Russia, Border control witness-received a 40-month sus- alleged involvement in the plot Germany and France met yesterday for a Ukraine says no long-term solution can pended sentence. remains in detention but the sus- summit on a peace plan to end escalating be found if it does not regain control of “Belkacem is responsible for the pected mastermind of the plot- bloodshed in east Ukraine. The European some 400 kilometers of its border with radicalization of young men to pre- Abdelhamid Abaaoud-remains at initiative aims to revive stillborn Russia that rebels currently control. Small pare them for Salafist combat, large. Sharia4Belgium has not been September deals between international groups of OSCE observers have been moni- which has at its core no place for linked to the other cell. Troops have monitors, Ukraine and Russia and the toring the Russian side of the frontier but democratic values,” the judge said in been deployed outside major insti- leaders of the two pro-Moscow rebel that has not stopped the reported constant his ruling. “Sharia4Belgium recruit- tutions in Belgium including gov- regions. Here are some of the main stum- flow of Russian arms and fighters. ed these young men for armed ernment buildings, EU premises and bling blocks for any peace deal to end the combat and organized their depar- diplomatic missions. The raids hap- ture for Syria.” The other members pened days after the Paris terror 10-month conflict: Removing foreign fighters of the group were sentenced to attacks, in which homegrown mili- A central point of the previous deal was between three and five years in tants attacked the offices of the Ceasefire the withdrawal of any foreign military and prison, with some of the sentences Charlie Hebdo satirical magazine, The most urgent element of any agree- fighters from Ukrainian soil. This was clear- being suspended. Security was ANTWERP: Michael ‘Younes’ Delefortrie, who arrived back from shot a police officer and stormed a ment is to ensure an immediate ceasefire ly aimed at Russia, which Kiev accuses of tight at the court for the verdict, fighting in Syria, stands on the steps of the main courthouse in Jewish supermarket, killing 17 peo- to halt spiraling fighting that has left hun- sending in troops and heavy weapons. which came a month after two sus- Antwerp, Belgium yesterday. —AP ple. —AFP dreds of civilians dead in recent days. Both Moscow’s blanket denials that Russian sol- sides seem willing to agree to a truce but diers are in Ukraine mean that it cannot are wrangling over who lays down their officially withdraw them. Russia has, how- arms first and starts pulling back heavy ever, admitted that “volunteer” fighters, DSK ‘took prostitute weapons from the frontline. The rebels including serving soldiers on leave, have and Russia want Kiev to order its forces joined the rebels. back and immediately restart budget sup- port for the separatist-held territories. Status of rebel regions to IMF’s office in US’ Ukraine demands the immediate closure The previous deal mentioned a vague of a swath of border under rebel control “special status” for the rebel-held areas. and says financing will only begin again Moscow is pushing for separatist regions after local elections are held. to be given a high degree of autonomy, Trial exposes lurid details of Strauss-Kahn’s sex life with elections for regional governors. Kiev Demarcation line argues that the Kremlin just wants to 2010. “For 2,000 euros! I am not going to say no. I love and 2011. “It has happened 10 times that a woman LILLE: Dominique Strauss-Kahn took a prostitute to visit One of the major sticking points is cement the rebels in power and would use his office at the International Monetary Fund in travelling. I had never seen Washington,” she said, admit- offers herself to me. It is nothing unusual to me,” Strauss- whether a demarcation line painstakingly them to block the country’s pro-Western Washington, a French court heard yesterday, as a trial ting she had taken photographs of herself with Strauss- Kahn said. into pimping exposed lurid details of his sex life. For a Kahn in his office at the IMF head office. agreed in September is shifted to include trajectory. second day, the court in the northern city of Lille picked Jade said that while Strauss-Kahn’s entourage had ‘Right to a private life’ some 500 square kilometers that rebels apart the sex parties attended by the 65-year-old in a bid asked her to be “discreet” and pretend she was a secre- Known in France as DSK, Strauss-Kahn finds himself have seized in recent weeks. Ukraine is Prisoner swaps to uncover whether he arranged for prostitutes to attend tary on the trip to Washington, she had previously had a back in the dock four years after his high-flying career adamant that the previous line must be This is one area where the two sides orgies in Paris, Brussels and Washington. conversation with him in which she mentioned she and presidential prospects were torpedoed when he adhered to but rebel fighters say they will have made some progress with hundreds In legal terms, this is considered as procuring and is worked at a swingers club. “He said ‘it would be nice to was accused of sexual assault by a New York hotel maid, never agree to give up the new ground. of prisoners changing hands late last year. punishable by up to 10 years in prison. Strauss-Kahn come and see you one day’.” Strauss-Kahn then took the a case later settled in a civil suit. The trial breaks with European leaders are hoping that the Both sides agree on an “all-for-all” format steadfastly denies knowing that the women with whom stand and said being an erotic dancer did not make France’s traditional reluctance to peek behind the bed- expansion of a buffer zone could allow but wrangling over lists of those detained he engaged in “free and friendly” orgies were prostitutes, someone a prostitute. Both Jade and another former room door of public figures. “Everyone has the right to a them to resolve this problem. The zone continues. One obstacle is the demand saying paying for sex would be too great a risk for a man prostitute have argued Strauss-Kahn would have been private life,” said Strauss-Kahn, the most high-profile of was initially agreed for 30 kilometers but that Russia free a Ukrainian pilot, Nadia at the head of the IMF, which was busy “saving the world “naive” not to know they were paid. Strauss-Kahn also the accused who include a colorful cast of characters, French President Francois Hollande says Savchenko, from detention in Moscow. from an unprecedented” financial crisis. Tears and ten- rejected Jade’s use of the word “carnage” to describe an including police, a prostitute, a lawyer and a notorious that could now be expanded to up to 70 Kiev says Savchenko-who has been on sion marked the start of proceedings Tuesday as an ex- orgy at a Belgian swingers club called Tantra, saying brothel owner known as “Dodo the Pimp.” prostitute, Jade, detailed a night in a Brussels hotel there were “dozens” of women there purely for the pleas- Strauss-Kahn’s only female lawyer in his defense trio kilometers. hunger strike for two months-was spirited where she said Strauss-Kahn sodomised her without ure, who were not paid. has been tasked with cross-examining the former prosti- across the Russian border illegally. permission in what she said was a clear sign he knew she tutes. Frederique Baulieu on Tuesday presented evi- Monitors or peacekeepers was paid to be there. Four orgies a year dence from a girlfriend who accompanied Strauss-Kahn So far the policing of any truce has fallen Who signs? Jade sobbed as the court pushed her to recount the Strauss-Kahn said Tuesday that as an unabashed lib- to a party and described it as “free and friendly”-prompt- to hundreds of civilian monitors from the Ukraine is desperate to get Russian evening. “I experienced a penetration without my per- ertine, the fun for him lay in the “playful party atmos- ing judge Bernard Lemaire to say “this shows people Organization for Security and Cooperation President Vladimir Putin to put his signa- mission. If I was a libertine, I would at least have been phere” and that the presence of prostitutes would ren- have different views of libertinism”. Also questioned in Europe (OSCE) but they have been ture on any peace deal-thereby implicitly asked if I wanted to do that,” she said, adding she had der such soirees seedy. “I am horrified at the practise of were members of Strauss-Kahn’s entourage accused of unable to enforce the deal. Proposals are admitting the Kremlin’s role in the con- not had time to protest. Strauss-Kahn said he did not using prostitutes,” he said. Strauss-Kahn also objected to organizing and financing the parties. Businessman being mooted for a possible international flict. So far Moscow has told Kiev to talk know she objected and was “sorry” she experienced it the impression given by the prosecution of a “frenetic” Fabrice Paszkowski said he never told the former IMF peacekeeping force but Ukraine fiercely directly with the rebels and rejected calls that way. The judge then asked Jade why she had agreed schedule of sex parties, saying he only took part in such chief he had paid the women to attend, as he would opposes the involvement of any contin- for it to sign a direct agreement with to a trip to Washington with Strauss-Kahn in January “recreational outlets” four times a year between 2008 have been ashamed to do so. —AFP gents from Russia or its close allies. Ukraine. —AFP INTERNATIONAL THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Afghanistan could become a haven for IS News in brief WASHINGTON: Afghanistan is in danger of turning into a sanctuary once again for Islamist extremists as the West Saudi Arabia beheads withdraws troops and shifts its attention elsewhere, a for- Yemeni drug trafficker mer senior CIA official warned Tuesday. The country could RIYADH: Saudi Arabia yesterday beheaded a Yemeni drug even become a refuge for Islamic State jihadists now wag- trafficker, the interior ministry announced, raising to 28 ing war in Syria and Iraq, said Robert Grenier, the former the number of executions in the kingdom this year. Nayef Central Intelligence Agency station chief in Islamabad and Al-Briki was found guilty of “receiving a large amount” of author of a new book. hashish and attempting to sell it, the ministry said in a His memoir, “88 Days to Kandahar,” recounts his harrow- statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. He ing experience helping to topple the Taleban regime in was beheaded in the southwestern city of Jizan, near the Afghanistan in 2001 after the September 11 attacks. “I border with Yemen. European aerospace and defense con- would say if anything the future threat of an Afghan safe tractor EADS in 2009 signed a contract with Saudi Arabia haven is maybe even greater than it was back before 9/11,” to build a high-tech security fence along its borders, Grenier said at an event organized by the New America including the southern frontier with violence-plagued think tank. The Afghan Taleban would not be ready to Yemen. The government says it is determined to combat rebuff its allies in the Pakistani Taleban or other extremists- narcotics but it has faced international criticism over its such as the Islamic State-if they asked for sanctuary, he said. human rights record, including the use of the death penal- “There are groups within Pakistan that are dedicated to ty. Drug trafficking, rape, murder, apostasy and armed rob- attacking the regime in Islamabad. They’re not going to go bery are all punishable by death under the kingdom’s away,” he said. According to Grenier, the Taleban tend to strict version of Islamic sharia law. The Gulf nation execut- see things in black-and-white terms, looking at decisions ed 87 people last year, up from 78 in 2013. through the question: “Is it dictated by Islam or is it not?” “And they won’t turn their back on people who are ideo- logically allied with them across the border. “Nor do I Turkey detains 14 believe will they turn their backs on international terrorists, seeking to join IS if once again they come back to the region in any signifi- ISTANBUL: Turkish security forces detained 13 cant numbers, as I fear they will if their fortunes take a bad JALALABAD: Afghan police officers march during a graduation ceremony at a national police training center in foreigners and a Turk seeking to cross the bor- turn,” he said. Jalalabad, east of Kabul, Afghanistan yesterday. Over a hundred national police officers graduated after receiving a 2- der into Syria to join Islamic State militants, month training program in Jalalabad. — AP Ankara’s military said yesterday. Turkey has Targeting Taleban chief been accused in the past of being lax in control- Grenier’s book describes how US aircraft missed taking ling the border, which is used as a transit point out Taleban leader Mullah Omar by “30 minutes” in 2001 government and take back power in Kabul. He also said the may be called upon to fight a third American-Afghan war.” by foreign fighters joining the civil war in neigh- and how Hamid Karzai was nearly killed inadvertently in group was not suited to political rule or taking part in par- With a small US-led force due to withdraw in two years, boring Syria. The 14 suspects were caught on American bombing raids. He also described a last-ditch bid liamentary politics. Grenier, who rose to other senior posts Grenier said he fears that the United States and other Monday afternoon in Oguzeli, south of the to negotiate a deal with the Taleban’s number two leader in the CIA before leaving in 2006, said his book tells the Western governments will fail to funnel financial aid to major city of Gaziantep in southeast Turkey, in the days after 9/11, in which Grenier tried to persuade story of how America quickly won what he calls “the first Kabul after their soldiers leave and abandon the Afghan according to a statement on the website of the his counterpart in a hotel in Pakistan to break with Omar American-Afghan war” in 2001, and “how we lost, or at government. His book offers a very grim view of the legacy General Staff, or military headquarters. After and stage a coup. The attempt failed. least certainly didn’t win, the second American-Afghan of more than a decade of war against the Taleban insur- questioning, it said, the foreigners were handed The former CIA officer said he was skeptical that war.” gents. “For all the billions spent and lives lost, there is little over to police to be deported while the Turk attempts to broker peace talks with the Taleban would suc- And the book ends with a warning about “how the to show, and most of that will not long survive our depar- was released on the orders of a state prosecu- ceed, as the insurgents still believe they can topple the errors of the past may yet be revisited when once again we ture,” he writes.— AFP tor. Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told Reuters in an interview last month that Turkey would do everything it could to stem the flow of foreign fighters, describing the Syrian conflict Sisters in arms: as a major national security threat. Turkish authorities have banned some 8,000 foreigners Kurdish women from entering the country over the past year alone because of security concerns, and had in front line further improved coordination with European intelligence agencies, he said. PARIS: Meet Nassrin Abdallah. With her diminutive height and broad smile, it does- n’t seem like she should strike fear into the Taiwan’s authority hearts of hardened Islamic State jihadists. suspends 10 pilots But this 36-year-old Syrian Kurd woman TAIPEI: Taiwan’s aviation authority yesterday ordered the has been at the tip of the spear of the suspension of 10 pilots from TransAsia Airways who failed Kurdish forces that last month liberated the a proficiency test given after one of the airline’s planes crashed, killing at least 42 people. The 10 were among 49 symbolic city of Kobane from IS militants. pilots who underwent an oral exam on handling emer- “In Kobane, women were fighting on all gency situations administered after the Feb 4 crash, and fronts, in all the trenches against a brutal need to be retrained, the Civil Aviation Administration said enemy,” she told cheering crowds during a in a statement. It said 19 other pilots who have not taken visit to Paris this week. the test will also be suspended until they pass. The turbo- As the head of the armed wing of the prop ATR 72-600 crashed in the muddy Keelung River min- Kurdish PYD, “commander” Nassrin has led utes after takeoff from Taipei’s downtown airport, breaking both men and women into battle against into pieces and strewing wreckage across the river bot- Islamic State fighters who have overrun tom. Fifteen of the 58 people aboard were rescued and large areas of Iraq and Syria. “We kept the one person is still missing. A preliminary investigation indi- promise we made to the people and we NOWSHERA: Pakistani policemen demonstrate their skills during a special elite police training course at a police training centre in cated the plane’s pilots shut off a running engine after its won the day,” she said to thunderous Nowshera, a district in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province yesterday. Dozens of male and female police took part in a commando train- other engine went idle, a move that aviation experts said applause. According to Nassrin, around 40 ing course, introduced by the local police as an additional skill for the police to be deployed to confront terrorism and extremism which was an error. TransAsia said in a statement that the pilots percent of the Kurdish fighters battling is routinely on the rise in this South Asian nuclear-armed country. — AFP undergoing retraining have an average of nearly 7,000 over the town on the Syrian-Turkish border hours of flying time each. Overseas flight safety experts were women. have been contacted and the airline will begin additional Some, like her, are hardened warriors Islamabad ‘probably’ knew where training on simulators starting next month, it said. but also joining their ranks were mothers who sent their children over the border to the safety of Turkey, then rushed off to join Bin Laden was hiding: Ex-spy chief their sisters in arms. Fighting alongside Nassrin are other powerful female com- Pakistan ‘hoped to use Osama as a bargaining chip’ manders who have achieved legendary status on the battlefield. Women like ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s main intelligence agency probably knew not going to simply hand him over to the United States.” Durrani, who Narine Afrin, who played a key role in the where Osama Bin Laden was hiding and hoped to use him as a bar- emphasized that he had no specific knowledge of the issue, suggested defense of Kobane. Or Arin Mirkan, who gaining chip before he was killed by US forces in 2011, a former spy- Pakistan may have been harboring Bin Laden in the hope of getting a blew herself up on October 5, killing master has said. Lieutenant General Asad Durrani, who led the coun- bigger say in the future of neighboring Afghanistan, where US-led dozens of IS fighters encircling the town, try’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency from 1990 to 1992, made forces officially ended a 13-year combat mission at the end of 2014. the comments while speaking on Al Jazeera’s “Head to Head” interview “The quid pro quo to my mind... (was) you get your Osama Bin Laden, according to Kurdish sources. In total, there show on Tuesday. The Al-Qaeda chief was tracked down after a 10-year provided that, now let’s agree, let’s agree on how to bring the Afghan are 4,000 women fighting in the armed manhunt to Abbottabad, a garrison town north of Islamabad where problem to an end,” Durrani told Al-Jazeera, according to a transcript wing of the PYD, say Kurdish officials, who Pakistan’s military academy is headquartered, sparking allegations released by the broadcaster. refuse for strategic reasons to disclose the authorities were colluding with the terror group. Pakistan was one of three countries that officially recognized the total number of people who have taken up A Pakistani-government appointed commission found nothing to Taleban government which ruled Afghanistan from 1996 to 2001, and arms. support those claims, but also did not rule out the possibility of “‘plau- is often accused of continuing to provide covert support for their cur- ANKARA: Cars are covered with snow in Ankara sibly deniable’ support” from current or former officials. Asked whether rent insurgency. A leaked Pakistani government report in 2013 said Bin yesterday. — AFP ‘Major danger’ for women it was possible for Bin Laden to have lived in the town without the Laden arrived in Pakistan in the spring or summer of 2002 - after the Over and beyond the military aspect of powerful ISI’s knowledge, Durrani said: “My assessment... was it is quite 2001 US-led invasion of Afghanistan-and settled in Abbottabad in the victory over IS in Kobane, it has been possible that they (the ISI) did not know, but it was more probable that August 2005. The report, which coined the term “governance implo- seen as a triumph for women, who are they did. “And the idea was that at the right time, his location would sion syndrome” to explain the extent of official failures to detect him, Bangladesh sentences five repressed in areas under IS control, be revealed. said he was once stopped for speeding and enjoyed wearing a cow- Islamist militants to death DHAKA: A court in Bangladesh yesterday sentenced five obliged to wear the veil and, in the case of And the right time would have been when you can get the neces- boy hat. Bin Laden was shot and killed following a dramatic helicopter sary quid pro quo if you have someone like Osama Bin Laden, you are raid by US special forces in the early hours of May 2, 2011.— AFP militants from a banned Islamist group to death for killing the Yazidi minority, forced into slavery. a prosecutor nearly eight years ago, police said. The five “Daesh is a major danger for women and men, two of whom were tried in absentia, shot and killed their status,” said Assia Abdallah, co-presi- prosecutor Haider Hossain in 2007 as he left a mosque dent of the PYD, using an alternative name Once scorned, New Delhi after evening prayers. Hossain was targeted shortly after for the IS militants. The PYD has close links six leaders of the outlawed Islamist group Jamayetul with the outlawed rebel Kurdistan Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) were executed after being Workers’ Party (PKK), which has fought a victor gets second chance convicted for murder in a case that he had prosecuted. The three-decade insurgency in southeast group’s founder and supreme leader Shaikh Abdur Turkey and is blacklisted as a terrorist NEW DELHI: There were the public falling-outs punchline. But yesterday, there was Kejriwal on makes him the New Delhi mayor - it showed that Rahman was among those executed. “They killed Hossain organization by Ankara and some of its with his political allies. There was the crushing the front page of nearly every Indian newspaper, an outsider can win in India’s deeply inbred to exact revenge over the executions,” government lawyer Western allies. defeat when he ran for Parliament against the celebrating election results that again make him political culture, dominated for decades by two Golam Rasul told AFP. The judge at the court in the south- But in a sign of growing international man who became prime minister. More than New Delhi’s chief minister. Kejriwal and the party massive parties. It also showed that Modi, whose ern district of Jhalakathi ordered that all five defendants recognition, Assia Abdallah and Nassrin anything, there was the scorn he earned by quit- he created routed the country’s best-funded and sweeping election victory last year had seemed be hanged, police inspector AKM Humayun Kabir said. The Abdallah held talks on Sunday at the Elysee ting last year as New Delhi’s top official after just best-organized political machine and dealt an to make him unstoppable, and who had invest- JMB was formed in late 1990s with a mission to establish a Palace with French President Francois 49 days in office. Arvind Kejriwal, the former tax embarrassing blow to Prime Minister Narendra ed enormous BJP party resources to back his sharia state in Muslim-majority Bangladesh. It carried out a Hollande-the first such meeting of its kind. official with the chronic cough and the ill-fitting Modi. party’s candidate in New Delhi, could actually be series of bomb attacks that left 28 people dead and mostly Like the PKK, the PYD has a policy of plac- sweaters, the man who had remade himself into beaten. targeted the country’s courts. ing equal numbers of men and women at a champion for clean government, seemed lost New Delhi mayor “Don’t get arrogant,” Kejriwal told cheering the head of their political and military in the political wilderness. If his election will not rewrite politics in this supporters after the results were announced, Temple devoted to Modi The crusading politician was suddenly a sprawling nation - Kejriwal’s position effectively giving his Aam Admi, or Common Man’s Party, structures. to open in western India 67 of the 70 seats in the New Delhi legislature. In the Kurdish zones of Syria, they AHMEDABAD: A temple dedicated to India’s The other parties “were defeated because of decree that women should have the same Narendra Modi is set to open in his home state of arrogance and we will meet the same fate if we rights as men and forbid girls from marry- Gujarat thanks to some ultra-loyal supporters of the become arrogant.” Not long ago, Kejriwal’s critics ing before the age of 18. They have also Hindu nationalist prime minister. The Hindu temple, accused him of arrogance. An engineer from a outlawed “honor crimes” and “violence and to be officially opened on Sunday in Kotharia village, middle-class family who became a bureaucrat in discrimination” against women, as well as includes an idol of the barrel-chested, dapper- the Indian Revenue Service, Kejriwal quit the tax polygamy, which is nevertheless permitted dressed premier at which followers can make daily job in 2006 to become a full-time social activist. in Islam. Nassrin, a former journalist from offerings and prayers. About 350 Modi devotees He hit the national spotlight in 2011, when have been collecting small donations in recent years the north-east of Syria, is unmarried but he created an anti-corruption movement and for construction of the dome-roofed temple, some otherwise gives away very little about her selected an elderly social activist named Anna 210 kilometers from Gujarat’s main city of private life. The hardest thing about the Hazare as its public face. The avowedly non- Ahmedabad. “Earlier we used to offer prayers to battle is the lack of weapons and ammuni- political movement quickly caught the imagina- Bharat Mata (Mother India). But in the last few years tion, she says. Is she not frightened of these tion of middle-class Indians, angry over years of we have been offering prayers to Modi-ji,” said Islamic State fighters, who have videoed official corruption and energized by Hazare’s Ramesh Undhad, using a Hindi honorific for respect. beheadings and burned hostages alive? public hunger strikes and huge rallies. In barely a “We had kept a framed photograph of Modi-ji Quite the reverse, she says. “They are year, though, the organization had largely col- beside the statue of Mother India,” Undhad, a former scared of fighting against women. They NEW DELHI: An Indian supporter of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) carries a child dressed as lapsed, in part because of internal infighting and local councilor and head of the project said. believe they will not go to Paradise if they party leader Arvind Kejriwal as they join others celebrating his victory in the state assem- colleagues’ accusations that what Kejriwal really are killed by a woman.”— AFP bly elections outside the party’s headquarters in New Delhi. — AFP wanted was political office.—AP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 INTERNATIONAL 2 killed in 100-car pile-up near Seoul airport

SEOUL: Two people were killed yester- day and more than 60 injured in a 100- vehicle pile-up on the highway to South Korea’s largest international airport, police said. The multiple collisions occurred in heavy fog on the Seoul- bound lane of a bridge that forms part of the main expressway linking Incheon airport with the capital. The pile-up involving 105 vehicles appeared to have started when a limousine ran into the back of a car, an Incheon police station spokesman said. The foggy conditions meant drivers could only see 15 meters (50 feet) in front of them, he said, adding that 63 people, including 18 for- eigners, were injured. The injured included seven Chinese, three Thai, two Vietnamese and two Filipino visitors, Yonhap news agency said. The other four foreign nationals were from Japan, Russia, Bangladesh and Switzerland. TV footage showed emer- gency rescue workers trying to access the mass of twisted and crumpled wrecks on the fog-covered bridge. “I heard a series of bangs in front of me. Then I was rear- ended by a following car. I felt my car turning around and hitting a protection rail. I then lost consciousness,” cab driver Yoo Sang-Young told Yonhap news agency. Another driver was quoted as saying the thick fog had prevented him from seeing the danger ahead. “I slowed INCHEON: Damaged vehicles sit on Yeongjong Bridge in Incheon, South Korea yesterday. Two people were killed and at least 42 were injured yes- down but still rammed into the cars piled terday after a pileup involving about 100 vehicles in foggy weather on the bridge near the Incheon International Airport. —AP up in front of me,” he said. —AFP

Maid abuse case highlights Australian police thwart plight of migrant workers ‘imminent’ terror attack HONG KONG: Foreign maids in Hong Kong endured verbal abuse. Six percent said they are guaranteed wages and benefits rare else- had suffered sexual abuse. The same year, where in Asia and the Middle East, but the Amnesty International condemned the “slav- Two arrested; Islamic State flag, plot video seized recent ordeal of an Indonesian domestic ery-like” conditions faced by thousands of helper has highlighted the abuses that still go Indonesian women who work as domestic on behind closed doors. A six-week trial that staff in Hong Kong and accused authorities of SYDNEY: Australia has thwarted an western suburbs by the Joint Prime Minister Tony Abbott said Radicalised Australians saw a Hong Kong woman convicted of beat- “inexcusable” inaction. “imminent” terror attack, arresting Counter Terrorism Taskforce on that “regrettably there are people The Islamic State group is a bru- ing and starving Erwiana Sulistyaningsih has Local campaigning group HK Helpers has two men and seizing an Islamic Tuesday after a tip-off, and charged out there, some living in our midsts, tal jihadist organization that has shone a spotlight on the financial hub’s identified three issues in particular need of State flag, a machete and a video with making preparations for a ter- who would do us harm”. But the captured swathes of territory across 300,000 maids, with campaigners hoping the reform: the enforcement of maximum work- detailing the alleged plot during a rorist act. government was “maintaining a Iraq and Syria and sucked in increas- ruling will convince more to speak out about ing hours, stopping illegal agency fees, and raid in Sydney, police said yesterday. They were refused bail yesterday, ceaseless vigilance against” such ing numbers of radicalized abuse. ending rules that gives domestic workers only New South Wales Deputy Police with the case adjourned until people, he said. Baird said a poten- Australians to its cause. In And while some argue the city is far ahead two weeks to find new employers if they quit. Commissioner Catherine Burn said Thursday due to security issues. “A tially “catastrophic” incident had December, Sydney was rocked by a of much of Asia and the Middle East in its treat- But others say that Hong Kong does more the planned attack was “consistent number of items were located been avoided. “It was beyond dis- siege at a cafe by Iranian-born Man ment of migrant maids, critics say lax enforce- than most to protect its domestic workers, with the messaging coming out of including a machete, a hunting turbing, what was planned,” he told Haron Monis, a self-styled cleric with ment and poor support mean domestic with laws requiring employers to provide a IS”, while New South Wales state knife, a home-made flag represent- reporters. “Certainly, something cat- a history of extremist views. He took helpers are either afraid to speak out or minimum wage, days off, and medical insur- Premier Mike Baird described it as ing the proscribed terrorist organi- astrophic was avoided yesterday 17 people hostage for some 16 unaware of where to look for help. “I don’t think ance-which are rare in other countries. hours, with the stand-off only end- there is any reason to rejoice,” Hans Ladegaard, The International Labor Organization said ing after Monis shot dead cafe man- a professor at Hong Kong Baptist University in 2013 that just three percent of Asian coun- ager Tori Johnson, prompting police said. “Erwiana may have won the court case, tries awarded migrant maids weekly days off, to storm the building and kill him. (but) her case is unfortunately far from excep- and no Middle Eastern countries did. Only 12 Another hostage died in the cross- tional,” said Ladegaard, who has been collect- percent of Asia, meanwhile, guarantees mini- fire. ing cases of domestic worker abuse since 2008 mum wages for domestic helpers, a figure that Abbott on Monday reiterated stands at just one percent in the Middle East, that the incident was inspired by the according to the ILO. Under the controversial Islamic State “death cult”. Burn said “kafala” (sponsorship) system that several Arab the men arrested Tuesday were not states enforce, migrant domestic workers are previously on authorities’ radar and left completely at the mercy of their employ- she did not know the exact nature ers. It restricts workers from moving to a new of their alleged target, nor whether job before their contracts end unless they it was the police, military or the gen- obtain their employer’s consent, trapping eral public. But one of those arrested many in abusive situations. featured in the video seized. “We can’t go into the details of what was ‘Relatively better’ actually said in that message,” she While on the surface the legal protection said. “However, the intent is clear that Hong Kong offers domestic workers may and the intent is what I have told be better, enforcement remains lax. you today.” “Structurally it (Hong Kong) has things in Islamic State, infamous for place, reasonable labor laws for migrants beheading and stoning to death its domestic workers, but the rule of law stands victims, routinely use videos only if it works. But it doesn’t,” London-based uploaded onto social media for Amnesty International researcher Norma Kang propaganda purposes. It is increas- HONG KONG: Hong Kong woman Law Muico said. “Hong Kong is relatively better,” ingly luring jihadists from foreign Laadegard echoed, “The main problem is that SYDNEY: A news cameraman walks towards a converted garage at the rear of the property in the countries, with more than 90 Wan-tung, former employer of Indonesian the laws are often not enforced.” “It happens Fairfield district of Sydney yesterday, where Omar Al-Kutobi, 24, and Mohammad Kiad, 25, were Australians now believed to be maid Erwiana Sulistyaningsih, leaves a every day. Physical assault on domestic arrested in a raid on the property by the Joint Counter Terrorism Taskforce after a tip-off, and fighting in the Middle East. Many court in Hong Kong. —AP helpers is shockingly common. And the major- charged with making preparations for a terrorist act. —AFP others are being radicalized at ity of abuse cases don’t go to court, not even home, with Australia late last year as part of an academic project. to the police,” he added. One positive to “beyond disturbing”. zation IS, and also a video which and for that we should be very passing a law criminalizing travel to A Hong Kong judge on Tuesday found emerge from Sulistyaningsih’s case in the eyes Asked whether it involved a depicted a man talking about carry- thankful.” Australia in September terror hotspots. “The concerning Sulistyaningsih’s employer Law Wan-tung of activists, however, is that when the case did beheading, Burn said police were as ing out an attack,” Burn said. “We raised its terror threat level and car- thing about this clearly is that this guilty of 18 charges of physical abuse and a go to trial, it encouraged other helpers to yet unsure, but that it had been due will allege that both of these men ried out extensive raids in Sydney represents the nature of the envi- failure to pay wages, saying the Indonesian speak out. to happen Tuesday in Sydney, and were preparing to do this act yester- and Brisbane to disrupt an alleged ronment that we currently face,” said was effectively kept prisoner. Sulistyaningsih “I think that the fact that Erwiana’s case would likely have involved a knife. day. We built up information, we plot by IS supporters to abduct and Burn. “This is indicative of the threat told the court in vivid detail how she was “tor- has reached this far is already a very fine The men, Omar Al-Kutobi, 24, and received further information which randomly behead a member of the that we now have to live with and tured”, starved, beaten and humiliated by her example where a domestic worker has come Mohammad Kiad, 25, were arrested indicated an attack was imminent. public. which we are now having to deal former employer. She later told journalists she forward and asserted her rights has demand- in a raid on a property in Sydney’s And we acted.” with.” —AFP was happy with the ruling, but voiced hope ed justice,” said local rights activist Eman for reforms in Hong Kong, calling on employ- Villanueva. According to Cynthia Tellez, who ers to treat “migrant domestic workers as runs two shelters in the city for domestic workers and human beings and stop treating workers who have suffered abuse, more than Australians on Indonesia death us like slaves”. a thousand maids visited the facilities in the past year alone, and more were speaking out ‘Like slaves’ in general. “There is one good sign that more row file a rare legal challenge In a 2013 survey of more than 3,000 foreign maids are willing to speak out,” she said. “But domestic workers in Hong Kong, nearly a fifth it also shows that Erwiana is not an isolated said they had experienced some form of phys- case.” “The problem has to be seriously JAKARTA: Lawyers fighting to save two Australian hoped that if a judge granted a preliminary hear- ical abuse, while 58 percent said they had addressed.” —AFP drug smugglers from the firing squad in Indonesia ing, the executions would be postponed. “There is yesterday lodged a rare legal challenge to the no guarantee,” he said, but added: “The attorney president’s decision to reject the men’s appeals for general’s office should respect the ongoing legal Malaysia oppn on Knife-edge clemency. Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran, process.” Indonesian authorities have already ringleaders of the so-called “Bali Nine” drug smug- informed their Australian counterparts they KUALA LUMPUR: The jailing of Anwar Ibrahim Pakatan’s ability to seize unprecedented gling gang, were arrested in 2005 and sentenced intend to proceed with the executions, despite dashes the dreams of millions of Malaysians swathes of parliament in recent elections to death the following year after being caught try- public appeals from Prime Minister Tony Abbott yearning to oust the country’s authoritarian allowed it to push aside questions over its ing to traffick heroin out of Indonesia. and Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. regime, unless his shell-shocked opposition cohesiveness, but no longer, said Ibrahim The pair recently lost their final appeals to Widodo has been a vocal supporter of capital movement can bridge deep differences with- Suffian, Malaysia’s leading political pollster. Indonesian President Joko Widodo for clemency punishment and warned Indonesia is in a state of out his unifying presence, analysts said. The “Anwar’s jailing forces them to deal with those despite arguing that they had rehabilitated them- emergency due to drugs, with dozens of people suddenly leader-less opposition must contin- problems now. The question is whether they selves in prison. Indonesian authorities are push- dying every day. The men’s lawyers claim it is ue its fight against a government that, despite can,” he said. ing ahead with the planned executions, which are “unacceptable” for the president to use blanket a worsening reputation at home and abroad, is Alliance members are at each other’s expected to be carried out this month. But their arguments to refuse the men clemency. Chan digging in its heels and looks unlikely to face throats over policy and leadership differences. lawyers registered one final legal bid in a Jakarta and Sukumaran’s mothers travelled to Jakarta any serious international repercussions for The main source of discord is the Pan- administrative court, taking the unusual step of this week to plead for their son’s lives, claiming throwing the opposition leader behind bars. Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS), which is calling challenging Widodo’s decision to refuse the men a JAKARTA: Raji Sukumaran, mother of they had changed during a decade behind bars Since it was formed seven years ago, the for harsh sharia law in a state it governs and and deserved a second chance. Indonesia last pardon. Australian on death row, Myuran Sukumaran, Pakatan Rakyat (People’s Pact) alliance has pressing for more influence in the largely pro- Authorities have repeatedly said the appeal for month executed six drug offenders, including had little in common other than a desire to gressive opposition. Sharia is strongly opposed presidential clemency is a death row convict’s final reacts after making an emotional appeal to five from other countries. Seven foreigners, Indonesian authorities not to carry out the exe- defeat the United Malays National by PAS’s partners-the Democratic Action Party chance to avoid the firing squad, but the men’s including Chan and Sukumaran, could soon face Organization (UMNO), which has ruled with a dominated by ethnic Chinese, and Anwar’s lawyers believe the latest move could at least cution of her son during a press conference in the firing squad after recently losing their tight grip since independence in 1957. centrist People’s Justice Party. —AFP delay the executions. Lawyer Doly James said he Jakarta. —AFP appeals for clemency. —AFP NEWS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 No end to Mideast strife without Iran: Rouhani

TEHRAN: Iran’s president said yester- which persists to this day. This year’s missed. day that the world needs its help to sta- anniversary was the second to coincide bilise a troubled Middle East, in remarks with an intense diplomatic effort to US, British, Israeli Flags Burned pointing to the wider ramifications of a end the nuclear deadlock but the first The political outline of an agree- deal over Tehran’s disputed nuclear since jihadists of the Islamic State ment is now due by March 31 and the program. In a live televised speech group seized large parts of Iraq and final accord by June 30. Western gov- marking the anniversary of the 1979 Syrian territory. ernments have long suspected Iran of Islamic revolution, Hassan Rouhani covertly pursuing a nuclear weapons implicitly linked ongoing nuclear talks Nuclear Agreement ‘Win-Win’ capability, allegations denied by with world powers to resolving bloody When IS overran northern Iraq in Tehran, which insists its activities are conflicts in Iraq and Syria. Significant June, predominantly Shiite Iran provid- for energy production only. The interim gaps remain between Iran and the ed weapons and assistance to Kurdish deal and subsequent talks stand in United States and other leading nations fighters and sent military advisers to stark contrast to eight years of stalled on specific measures to end a 12-year Baghdad. Iran has also backed Syrian negotiations and escalating sanctions standoff on the nuclear issue, but both President Bashar Al-Assad in his battle under Rouhani’s hardline predecessor sides are pushing for a deal. against rebels, including jihadists. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. Rouhani has And although Iranian and US offi- Referring to the fight against IS as well the support of supreme leader cials have said the turmoil gripping the as longstanding instability in Yemen Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, but hardliners Middle East falls outside the remit of and Lebanon, Rouhani said Iran was in Tehran regularly argue Iran has negotiations, analysts say both govern- playing a leading regional role. “You’ve already conceded too much by accept- ments acknowledge an agreement seen in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen ing limits on its nuclear programme. could have a broader impact. “If there is that the power that could help those Rouhani and his Foreign Minister going to be peace and stability in the nations against terrorist groups was Mohammad Javad Zarif have also region, and terrorism is to be uprooted, the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said. come under fire at home for their over- there is no other way than with the Rouhani then raised the issue of the tures to the United States, long derided presence of the Islamic Republic of nuclear talks and the lifting of sanc- as the “Great Satan”. Yesterday, as is cus- Iran,” Rouhani said. tions imposed on Iran for pursuing its tomary at major rallies, US, British and A huge crowd filled Azadi atomic program. “What we are offering Israeli flags were burned. And in a nod (Freedom) Square in Tehran to hear the is to reach a win-win agreement in to the Islamic republic’s origins, Iranian president commemorate the which Iran will show transparency in its Rouhani said nothing could diminish tumultuous events that ousted Shah peaceful nuclear activities,” he said. its characteristics. “The roots and prin- 6 OCTOBER CITY, Egypt: Young students run to their homes during a sandstorm in this suburb southwest of Mohammad Reza Pahlavi from power “And the other side must end its ciples of the revolution remain Cairo yesterday. — AP 36 years ago. The fall of the shah was wrong, inhumane and illegal sanctions. unchangeable,” he said. Zarif, also at followed months later by the storming This is in the interest of both sides. Azadi Square, said what was needed of the US embassy in Tehran by Islamist They too need this.” An interim agree- for a historic nuclear agreement was students, culminating in American ment in Nov 2013 saw Iran agree to political will from the major powers. “If Sandstorm lashes Middle East diplomats being held prisoner. The cri- curb some nuclear activities in they have the will, we can reach an sis, which lasted 444 days, caused US- exchange for limited relief from agreement today. If not, the negotia- CAIRO: A fierce sandstorm lashed Egypt, Israel and 26 vessels were stranded in the Mediterranean at the Iranian diplomatic relations to be sev- Western sanctions, but two deadlines tions will not succeed, even in 10 Lebanon yesterday, forcing the closure of the Suez Canal northern entrance to the canal, but it was unclear when ered and it ushered in deep distrust for a comprehensive deal have been years,” he said. — AFP and grounding domestic flights in Israel, officials said. they would pass, officials said. The health ministry The skyline of Cairo was barely visible as dust blown in advised Egyptians to wear masks when leaving their from the surrounding desert hung in the air and shroud- homes. ed the Egyptian capital for a second day. A few incoming In neighbouring Israel, the domestic carrier Arkia said flights were diverted to other airports in the country but it had grounded flights for several hours until 1400 GMT most air traffic was normal, an airport official said. because of bad weather. In Beirut, strong waves broke But the Suez Canal southeast of Cairo was closed, fences, tiles and tore away part of its corniche overlook- with 52 ships waiting to enter from the Red Sea as winds ing the Mediterranean. The storm also brought heavy reached 74 km per hour, officials told AFP. Traffic was to winds, rain and snow to the mountains. Lebanese resume from 2000 GMT yesterday, the officials said, with weather forecasters said the wind reached speeds of 100 35 vessels due to pass and the remainder today. Another km per hour. — Agencies US gunman kills three Muslim students Continued from Page 1 the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the local Raleigh-based Muslims for Social Justice called One post read: “I’m not an atheist because I’m igno- for a federal investigation into possible hate crimes, cit- rant of the reality of religious scripture. I’m an atheist ing Hicks’ social media posts. “We are seeing multiple because religious scripture is ignorant of reality.” “Given cases of attacks against Muslims in North Carolina that the enormous harm that your religion has done in this are very troubling,” said Manzoor Cheema, co-founder world, I’d say that I have not only a right, but a duty, to of Muslims for Social Justice. “I hope this terrible tragedy TEHRAN: Iranian schoolgirls wave their national flag during the 36th anniversary of the Islamic revolution in insult it,” he posted under the religious beliefs tab. will be a turning point that brings the reality home that Tehran’s Azadi Square (Freedom Square) yesterday. — AFP Reaction to shooting lit up Twitter, with one of the if we keep demonizing Muslims and equating their reli- top trending hashtags being #MuslimLivesMatter - a gion to terrorism, it will lead to more attacks.” parallel to the “Black Lives Matter” movement sparked In a statement posted to the town of Chapel Hill by police killings of African Americans in recent months. website, Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt said: “We do not MPs pass five-year development plan Photos of the three victims circulated on social media, know whether anti-Muslim bias played a role in this including recent wedding pictures of Barakat and his crime, but I do recognize the fear that members of our Continued from Page 1 the share of the private sector from 26.4 percent now to wife. Reports said Barakat was a second-year student in community may feel. Chapel Hill is a place for everyone, 41.9 percent by 2020. dentistry there, while Mohammad was planning to a place where Muslim lives matter.” Subaih said planners have benefitted from the prob- A number of MPs however strongly criticized the gov- begin her dental studies in the fall. Abu-Salha was a Muneeb Mustafa, 23, of Cary, said he attended the lems that faced the implementation of the previous five- ernment for failing to implement the previous five-year student at North Carolina State University, according to same Raleigh mosque as Barakat. “He was a completely year plan, whose rate of execution was very low. plan, while others expressed doubts about its capability the UNC university newspaper, the Daily Tar Heel. genuine guy. Loving, caring, friendly, smart,” Mustafa The minister said that one of the main objectives of to implement the new one. “The projects listed in the A Facebook community - Our Three Winners - has said. “He was an ideal human being. He was a role mod- the plan is to deal with the demographic structure in the plan are fantastic and look like a sweet dream,” inde- been set up for posts about the three students. “Deah el.” Mustafa said they last saw each other about a month country where Kuwaitis form just over 30 percent of the pendent MP Abdulhameed Dashti said. “But it is not pos- Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha and Razan Abu-Salha have ago, playing in a basketball tournament staged by the population. She said that a higher committee for the sible to implement them because the government returned to their Lord,” the site’s creators state. “They Muslim Student Association at UNC, Mustafa said. demographic structure has been set up to provide rec- administration is weak,” he said. have set an example in life and in death.” The site fea- Barakat’s family was from Syria, and he raised money ommendations on how to deal with the population. MP Faisal Al-Duwaisan demanded that all ministers tures a photo of the three smiling at what appears to be to help refugees, Mustafa said. Mohammad traveled to Secretary of the Higher Planning Council Riyad Al- resign if they fail to implement the plan. The govern- graduation ceremony. The women wear Muslim head- Turkey last summer to help treat refugees’ dental prob- Faras told the Assembly the plan stipulates the construc- ment proposed the plan despite the sharp drop in the scarves, one of them also in a blue graduation cap. lems, Mustafa said. The neighborhood where the vic- tion of 45,000 housing units, although about five other price of oil, which contributed about 94 percent of Barakat’s brother Farris mourned the deaths, writing tims were found - about three miles east of campus - cities are not included in the plan. Other projects include Kuwait’s revenues over the past 16 fiscal years and which “it doesn’t make sense” on his own Facebook page. consists mostly of apartments and condominiums rent- the construction of a metro system, a railway network all ended in the black. The government, which has enor- “Please pray for them, their friends, and the family. I ed by students. Residents said they’d never before seen and a large number of mega oil projects, including a mous cash reserves, has announced the budget for haven’t even begun to fully comprehend what has hap- police or had crime problems. “It’s a very quiet commu- new refinery. He said the plan calls to increase the num- 2015/2016 projecting a $24 billion deficit and a 17-per- pened. But I know for sure those three together have nity,” resident Bethany Boring told WRAL-TV. “It’s a lot of ber of Kuwaitis in the private sector from 92,000 to cent cut in overall spending. But it has insisted that the done so much we are all proud of,” Farris Barakat wrote. graduate and professional students. You know, profes- 137,000 by the end of the plan. It also aims at increasing fall in revenues will not affect spending on projects. Groups including the Muslim Public Affairs Council, sional families.” — Agencies THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 ANALYSIS

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Focus Prada should focus less on new shops, more on handbags

By Astrid Wendlandt and Valentina Za

f in fashion, being late on a trend can be lethal, playing catch- up in terms of business strategy can be just as damaging. Prada Iis learning that lesson the hard way. The trend in luxury goods is to drum up same store sales by curbing expansion and wowing customers with new products, yet Prada continues to pay over the odds to open swanky new shops and stock them with handbags little changed from previous bestsellers. Prada, say analysts, now urgently needs to focus less on new stores and more on new handbags. The group, which also owns the Miu Miu and Church’s brands, opened 250 stores in the past three years, far more than rivals. It has finally slowed the pace but still plans 30-35 more stores this year, which it says is part of its long-term strategy. “Prada is starting to focus on same-store sales growth three years later than some of their peers as their priorities were elsewhere, but it is clearly better to do it later rather than never,” Erwan Rambourg, luxury goods analyst at HSBC and author of The Bling Dynasty, a book focusing on Chinese shoppers. Analysts estimate same-store sales, which Prada stopped Miami mechanic is Mr Fix-it in Cuba reporting last year, fell year-on-year by 12 percent in the third quarter to Oct. 31 and may have dropped by as much as 9 percent in the quarter to Jan 31. Prada’s costly retail space, combined with By Zachary Fagenson and David Adams of Soviet influence remains in Cuba, except stores sell them at four times the cost, said business would be spare parts,” he said. slower growth, has hammered margins and valuation. The group’s the spunky little Russian cars, famous for David PeÒa, a mechanic and president of “Then friends from Cuba started calling share price nearly halved in the past two years and most analysts tanding in his Miami-area shop sur- rattling chassis but sturdy engines. the Russian Car Club in Havana who drives me.” still have sell or hold recommendations on the stock. Its operating rounded by spare tires, dashboard With state salaries pegged at barely $20 a souped-up, sporty red 1972 Lada 2101 A Spanish and Russian speaker with margin fell to 15.4 percent in the third quarter from 21.3 percent in Sgauges, and bright-colored boxes in a month, few Cubans can afford to buy new that he fixed himself. “You can find most Cuban and Russian passports, Zakharov the first half. Some analysts expect small margin growth this year, Russian script, Fabian Zakharov taps his cars, so the parts business plays a crucial things here,” Pena said referring to the con- seemed ideally suited for the job and start- mainly thanks to the strong dollar that will boost reported earn- foot waiting for the static to pass on a role in keeping the aging models on the stant need for spare parts. “There are so ed ordering parts via mail from Russia. In ings in euros. phone call from Cuba. After a hurried con- road. The US trade embargo prevents parts many Ladas, but we have to be inventive,” 2011 he visited Moscow to partner with Prada is not alone facing difficulty at a tricky time for luxury versation in Spanish, the Russian-born from being shipped to Cuba. But Cubans he added, noting that many Ladas end up distributors who shipped him his first con- goods makers, challenged by cheaper “accessible luxury” brands Zakharov walks to a glass case packed with visiting Miami can buy them take them being repaired with cannibalized parts, tainer that year. Soon he realized he need- like Michael Kors and Longchamp. Other brands seen as having engine parts and eyes the myriad bolts on back to the island, or have US-based rela- often from other makes. His own Lada has a ed to double the size of his store in Hialeah, rested on their laurels in terms of strikingly new products, like the shelves. “He needs them to attach the tives find someone traveling to Havana to Fiat engine and an extra Alfa Romeo carbu- the Miami suburb that has become the Kering’s Gucci and Tod’s, have also struggled to produce growth. pistons. They’re a really specific size but I take them. retor. Havana chef Alberto Perez recently heart of the city’s Cuban community. Now But the strategy of concentrating on same store sales has never- can get them,” he says. Zakharov supports President Barack put a Peugeot diesel engine into his 1982 customers from all over Miami and Latin theless produced success for some luxury brands. Arch-rival Louis Zakharov, 40, is Miami’s go-to man for Obama’s recent step to normalize relations Lada. America flood his shop with so many Vuitton revealed last week that it had enjoyed a strong rebound visiting Cubans or those with family on the between the US and Cuba, even if it threat- Zakharov became a conduit for the requests he can barely keep up. by investing heavily in exciting new products under new designer island who need parts for the thousands of ens to cut into his Lada business. Improved parts after arriving in the US in 2006. He One longtime Miami customer, Alberto Nicolas Ghesquiere. It also halted the opening of new stores. Russian-made Ladas and Moskvichs that US ties and greater prosperity in Cuba was born in Moscow but raised in Cuba’s Perez, 47, has spent about $7,000 keeping dominate the country’s cracked streets, could mean a move to more modern central city of Camaguey where his father his 1985 gray Lada in running condition Playing Catch-Up alongside Fords and Chevys dating back to imports like France’s Peugeot and South was an economics professor. Once in the after leaving it with his family in Pinar del When it floated in 2011, Prada’s ambition was to catch up with the 1950s. The former Soviet Union began Korea’s Kia which have begun to make United States, Zakharov, an electrical engi- Rio, Cuba in 2002 when he left the island. bigger rivals by expanding. It spared no expense, splurging on exporting its cheaply built models to Cuba inroads in the island. neer, learned his experience on the island “There’s no way I could have restored the “key money” - cash up front to secure the best locations. In Milan, in the 1970s until production began to Getting parts from the United States is meant nothing, forcing him to start anew. car from scratch without the parts I’ve Prada outbid Apple and Gucci to build a menswear shop opposite its historic boutique in the prestigious late 19th Century Galleria peter out a decade ago. Very little evidence cheaper than in Cuba, where state-run “When I came here I never thought my obtained from Fabian,” he said. —Reuters Vittorio Emanuele II shopping arcade, paying more than 20 million euros to get the spot, real estate sources said. Prada declined to comment. In the plush ski resort of Courchevel, it financed the ren- ovation of the entire Place du Rocher to make it a more fitting Conviction complicates US-Malaysia ties address for its new boutique. Meanwhile, some customers say the new shops carry hand- By Matthew Pennington tering violent Islamic extremism. On proliferation of weapons of mass destruc- and the fairness of the judicial system in bags that have not evolved much in recent years, as if the compa- ny were afraid to change a product that worked well for so long. Tuesday, Obama’s special envoy for the tion. So while the White House was quick Malaysia.” But she added, “We remain “Just arrived” Prada handbags these days include two-toned he sodomy conviction of Malaysia’s global coalition to counter the Islamic to speak out over Anwar’s conviction for committed to expanding our cooperation satchels and new versions of the Twin Bag launched last year, fit- opposition leader has set back, but State group held talks with Malaysia’s sodomizing a male aide - considered a on shared economic and security chal- ted with a top flap and double zips. The product is similar in shape Tnot unraveled, Washington’s defense minister. The State Department crime in Malaysia - it spelled out no nega- lenges.” The measured US response and carries many of the same features as previous best-sellers, improved ties with a country that is credits Malaysia with taking steps to halt tive consequences for the US-Malaysia reflected the delicate line Washington such as the Double Bag or Galleria. becoming increasingly important for US attempts to tread, criticizing infringe- Some bags start at Ä1,450. In crocodile, they can reach diplomacy and trade policy in Asia. The ments on political freedom in Asia with- Ä18,500. “Unless you have strong feelings about sewn-on handles versus buckles, there’s not much in the way of meaningful variety White House strongly criticized the con- out sacrificing its strategic goals. or novelty,” wrote Amanda Mull on the widely-followed PurseBlog. viction of Anwar Ibrahim, whose case was Thailand is another case in point. Last Customers have become savvier and more demanding. Partly widely seen as politically motivated. That May’s military coup prompted the US to thanks to the Internet, they know more about a brand’s new prod- could dash Prime Minister Najib Razak’s suspend military aid, straining American ucts than in the past, and will readily abandon brands that seem to hopes this year of being the first relations with its oldest Asian ally. But this trail in innovation. “They‘ve lost their touch,” said Sara, on a visit Malaysian leader to be invited to the week the US pressed ahead with its annu- from Kuwait, pointing at handbags in a Prada shop window in White House since 2004. The Obama al Cobra Gold military exercise in Milan as she left the store empty-handed. “They are not keeping up with changing trends as well as other brands like Fendi or Dior.” administration has been considering invit- Thailand, albeit on a smaller scale than HSBC analysts upgraded their rating to overweight last month ing Najib as Malaysia takes the lead of the past years. It is the largest, multination on the hope that its “issues of innovation in handbags and acces- 10-nation Southeast Asian bloc that has military drill the US conducts in the sories” will eventually be solved. They forecast new product become pivotal for Washington’s engage- region, with 3,600 American troops tak- launches will help like-for-like sales grow by a modest 1 percent ment with the region. ing part. Malaysia’s regional importance this year. Prada says it continues to work on improving its flow of Anwar began a five-year prison term intensifies in 2015 as it takes the rotating new products and constantly recruits young designers. It has also Tuesday. He posed the most serious threat chairmanship of the Association of pledged to improve its customer service and product mix in stores. to Najib’s ruling coalition, whose populari- Southeast Asian Nations. ASEAN provides But at Prada’s Paris flagship, no boots were on display in spite ty has eroded after more than five the main multilateral forum for US diplo- of cold weather. Clerks said this was normal as they were selling decades of dominance. An earlier sodomy matic outreach in Asia, hosting an annual spring/summer products. But at Gucci and Louis Vuitton, which conviction against Anwar was overturned summit that Obama typically attends in were also selling summer collections, there were some boots on in 2004 after he’d served six years in the fall. display too. Gucci even had fur-lined models on the shelves. prison. That case also drew US criticism It is a crucial year for the grouping, Manfredi Ricca, an expert at consultancy Interbrand, said the focus and contributed to a rocky period in US- whose members range from rich city-state now is not on building more stores but on maximising revenue from existing shops. “Having many retail outlets is less important Malaysian relations in the aftermath of the Singapore, communist-governed Vietnam than being able to offer the experience that clients look for in a Asian financial crisis of the late 1990s. and sprawling island nation and emerging brick-and-mortar shop,” Ricca said. —Reuters But ties have improved on Najib’s democracy, Indonesia. ASEAN is aiming to watch. Last April, Barack Obama became achieve economic integration by end the first US president to visit Malaysia 2015. The US is looking for ASEAN to make since 1966, and the two leaders played progress on a legally binding code of con- All articles appearing on these golf while both vacationed in Hawaii in duct to tamp down tensions between pages are the personal opinion of December. Malaysia is important to the China and its neighbors in the disputed the writers. Kuwait Times takes no US for various reasons. It is among 12 In this Oct 31, 2014 file photo, Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim South China Sea. State Department responsibility for views expressed nations in a trans-Pacific trade pact, the speaks with his party members during a tea break of his final hearing in spokeswoman Jen Psaki said Tuesday main economic plank of the administra- Putrajaya, Malaysia. —AP she was not aware of plans to change US therein. Kuwait Times invites read- tion’s so-called pivot to Asia. Negotiators participation in ASEAN meetings in the ers to voice their opinions. Please are scrambling to finalize a deal amid US flows of foreign fighters. relationship, which was upgraded last light of Anwar’s conviction. “We’re not send submissions via email to: opin- hopes that Congress can approve it later The US and Malaysia cooperate on year to a “comprehensive partnership.” engaging in quid pro quo actions,” she [email protected] or via snail this year. counterterrorism and have deepening said, but added that the verdict and the mail to PO Box 1301 Safat, Kuwait. Malaysia, a moderate Muslim nation of military ties, conducting joint exercises Measured Response Malaysian government’s intent to The editor reserves the right to edit 30 million people and a nonpermanent and other training activities. Malaysia sent National Security Council spokes- expand a sedition law to prosecute crit- any submission as necessary. member of the UN Security Council, is military medics to Afghanistan, and has woman Bernadette Meehan said the case ics could influence the course of the also an important partner for US in coun- supported a US-backed drive to counter raised “serious concerns about rule of law bilateral relationship. —AP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 SPORTS

Wales to play Scotland F1 compensation battle Relegation looms for Villa LONDON: George North, the Wales winger at the centre of a concussion con- SEOUL: Organisers of the axed South Korean grand prix are facing LONDON: Aston Villa’s unbroken stay in the Premier League is in dire peril after a troversy after being knocked senseless last Friday, has been left out of the breach-of-contract demands from Formula One’s commercial operators 2-0 defeat at Hull City on Tuesday left the free-falling Midlands club in the relega- team to visit Scotland on Sunday in the only change from the side beaten 21- that could run into tens of millions of dollars. tion zone. Fans again turned on manager Paul Lambert, unfurling a banner calling 16 at home by England. North suffered two heavy impacts to his head but, The organising committee, comprised of officials from the South for him to be sacked, as Villa lost for the seventh time in their last 10 league despite being seen by most of the crowd and millions of TV viewers as he col- Jeolla provincial government and others, failed to host the race in 2014 games-a dismal run in which they have collected three points and scored twice. lapsed clearly unconscious after the second incident, Welsh medical officials and backed out of the 2015 calendar, citing financial problems. A senior Goals from Dame N’Doye and Nikica Jelavic earned the points for Hull, who said they did not notice and kept him on the pitch. committee official said Wednesday that Formula One Management moved out of the bottom three. “I’ve told the players they’ve got 13 cup finals. “North is currently symptom free and whilst nearing the conclusion of the (FOM) had sent a formal notification that failure to open a banking letter That’s how they’ve got to look at it,” Lambert said. “I know they’re more than capa- graduated return to play protocol, the decision has been taken to allow him an of credit needed to host the 2015 event had constituted a “grave ble of doing it. There’s seven or eight teams in it. We just have to get our- elongated recovery period in light of his recent concussive episode in breach” of contract.“We plan to visit London for talks with the FOM,” the selves out of it.” Asked about the fans’ revolt, he added: “I was aware the autumn period,” the Welsh Rugby Union said in a statement on official told AFP. According to media reports, the contractual penalty for of it months ago. I try to do my best. It’s a great football club with a massive fan base and they want to see their team doing well.” Wednesday. North is replaced at Murrayfield by Liam Williams, not holding the 2015 event involves payment of twice the annual $43 Since back-to back wins against Crystal Palace and Leicester which means Wales will field the same backline as in their victory million licence fee. “We cannot reveal the amount of compensation City at the start of December the confidence has ebbed away and over South Africa in their final November international. Scott demanded by FOM,” the official said, while adding that it was only a the goals have dried up alarmingly. Williams joins the bench as backline cover. “fraction” of the $86 million maximum. Villa’s tally of 12 goals is the lowest, by far, of any side in the top “The response from the players has been very positive in train- The first Korean Grand Prix was staged at the southern town of four divisions of English soccer. Only one team in top-flight his- ing this week and we are looking forward to having the Yeongnam in 2010 under a deal that lasted until 2016 with a five-year tory (Leicester 11 in 1977/78) have scored fewer goals after opportunity to right last weekend’s wrongs,” coach renewal option. 25 games than Villa this term. They have failed to score in Warren Gatland said in relation to the defeat when his But the annual event haemorrhaged money from the outset, with 15 of their 25 league matches and unless Lambert can side blew an early 10-0 lead and were eventually collated losses of around 190 billion won ($170 million) from the four pull his side out of their nosedive soon, the outplayed by England. —Reuters races that were held. —AFP Championship beckons. —Reuters Abu Dhabi welcomes Red Bull 2015 air race season opener ABU DHABI: The season opener of the seven winners of the Round of 14 plus Red Bull Air Race World Championship the fastest loser from the first seven races 2015 takes off from the UAE capital on will square off against each other in a February 13th and 14th at the Corniche second round of head-to-head, winner- Breakwater, promising more action than take-all knock-out races. The four win- ever before, with an extra head-to-head ners of the Round of 8 will race against knockout round added to the world’s the clock in the Final Four round to claim fastest motorsport series. a podium place. With host partners Abu Dhabi Tourism “This new format will be a big chal- & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the lenge for the pilots to fly more precisely competition promises fans a front-row and better than ever before and we’re seat for the most thrilling aerial action in confident it will make the Red Bull Air the world, with a newly revamped race Race more exciting and competitive,” format taking the high-octane excite- said Jim DiMatteo, Race Director of the ment to new heights. Red Bull Air Race. The eighth season of the series sees “With a larger field, we were looking the addition of two new pilots, Francois for ways to make the racing even more Le Vot (FRA) and Juan Velarde (ESP), mov- competitive and more thrilling for the ing up from the Challenger Cup to race fans watching at the racetrack or on tele- against the 12 returning pilots. vision. The pilots know that just one little Another new feature on race day in mistake in the Round of 14 or Round of 8 2015 will be the Challenger Cup, can cost them dearly.” designed in 2014 to give promising The selection of Abu Dhabi as the first pilots the chance to gain racing experi- stop in the World Tour once again rein- ence under conditions with slightly less forces the city’s leading position in the pressure. The Challenger Cup will now world of motorsports and continues the take place before the Round of 14 this success of the previous rounds it has year instead of on Qualifying Day. hosted, according to TCA Abu Dhabi Britain’s Nigel Lamb will be vying to Events Bureau Director Faisal Al Sheikh. TORONTO: Roman Polak No. 46 of the Toronto Maple Leafs tries to stop Rick Nash No. 61 of the New York Rangers during NHL action. — AFP defend his 2014 title with runner-up “As the Red Bull Air Race takes to the Hannes Arch of Austria and Paul skies, Abu Dhabi is once again thrilled to Bonhomme of Britain, who was third last host the season-opener as whether it be Canadiens extend winning streak year, returning with high hopes for 2015. land, sea or air, the UAE capital has a The 2015 World Championship features strong affiliation with motorsports and MONTREAL: David Desharnais scored at 3:27 of and Stephane Robidas each had a goal for the shootout victory at Chicago a night earlier. The two new stops in Japan and Russia along this event allows us to show our capacity overtime and the Montreal Canadiens extended Maple Leafs. James Reimer stopped 34 shots in his Blues are 3-0 against the Coyotes, among the low- with a return to Budapest, Hungary. The to stage major events that thrill visitors their winning streak to three games with a 2-1 vic- third consecutive start. It was the 12th loss in 13 est-scoring teams in the NHL. The first two games tory over the Philadelphia Flyers on Tuesday night. games for the Maple Leafs, who have three points were blowouts, 6-0 and 6-1. world’s fastest motorsport series will also and residents alike,” he said. “Just as the Tomas Plekanec scored in the third period for be back at popular locations in 2015 with pilots sharply bank through the challeng- during that span. the Canadiens. Carey Price made 23 saves for his SENATORS 2, SABRES 1 stops in Ascot (GBR), Spielberg (AUT), ing gates on the course over the water, so 30th win of the season. Matt Read scored for the PANTHERS 6, DUCKS 2 Milan Michalek scored at 12:15 of the third peri- Fort Worth and Las Vegas (USA). fans can bank on our entertainment Flyers. Ray Emery, replacing the injured Steve Roberto Luongo made 31 saves and the od, Robin Lehner made 35 saves and the Senators By expanding the high-speed, low- being of the same world-class standard. Mason, made 39 saves. Panthers got goals from six players in a win over beat the Sabres. Erik Karlsson also scored for the altitude competition to a field of 14 “Residents and visitors alike can look for- Anaheim. Jimmy Hayes, Dave Bolland, Aleksander Senators, who snapped a three-game skid. pilots from 11 countries, the race format ward to two exciting days of aerial action, PREDATORS 3, LIGHTNING 2 Barkov, Aaron Ekblad, Nick Bjugstad and Dmitry Tyler Myers scored Buffalo’s goal as the Sabres has been revamped to heighten the as well as a further day of thrilling activi- James Neal scored at 4:27 of overtime to give Kulikov scored for the Panthers. Jonathan dropped to 1-8 in their past nine home games. competition and will now feature seven ties, such as BMX and skateboard shows the Predators a victory over the Lightning. Seth Huberdeau tied a career high with three assists. Buffalo has the fewest standings points in the NHL Jones and Taylor Beck also scored for Nashville, Tim Jackman and Kyle Palmieri scored for the with 35. head-to-head race battles in the opening and Freestyle Football, in the Race Village which has won three straight and five of six. Round of 14. Then, in the Round of 8, along the Corniche Breakwater.” Ducks, who lost their third straight game. Ilya Brett Connolly and Nikita Kucherov had the Bryzgalov allowed three goals on eight shots JETS 2, WILD 1 goals for Tampa Bay, which has lost two of three. before being replaced by John Gibson at 5:57 of Dustin Byfuglien scored on a breakaway at 4:00 With time winding down in overtime, Neal beat the second. (backslash) of overtime and the Jets ended the Wild’s six-game Lightning goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy between winning streak. Minnesota turned the puck over in the pads with a wrist shot from the left circle. BLUES 2, COYOTES 1 Winnipeg’s end and Byfuglien grabbed the loose Dmitrij Jaskin got the go-ahead goal for the sec- puck, skated down the boards alone and ripped a ISLANDERS 3, OILERS 2 ond time in four games, and the Blues beat the low shot under goalie Devan Dubnyk. Toby Casey Cizikas snapped a third-period tie with Coyotes. Alexander Steen also scored and goalie Enstrom scored in regulation and Michael 4:37 left, and the Islanders pulled out a win over the Jake Allen got a light workload until late for the Hutchinson stopped 29 shots for Winnipeg, which Oilers. Colin McDonald, who assisted on the win- Blues, who avoided their first three-game losing has won back-to-back games. Jason Pominville ning goal, and Josh Bailey also scored for New York. streak of the season. Sam Gagner scored and Mike scored for the Wild, who got a 32-save perform- Jaroslav Halak made 34 saves. Smith made 35 saves for Arizona, coming off a ance from Dubnyk. — AP Ryan Hamilton and Anton Lander had power- play goals for Edmonton, which held a 15-5 shots advantage in the third period. Viktor Fasth stopped 25 shots. The Islanders have won eight straight NHL results/standings home games against the Oilers, dating to 1999. Dallas 5, Boston 3; Ottawa 2, Buffalo 1; NY Islanders 3, Edmonton 2; NY Rangers 5, Toronto 4; STARS 5, BRUINS 3 Montreal 2, Philadelphia 1 (OT); Florida 6, Anaheim 2; St. Louis 2, Arizona 1; Nashville 3, Tampa Jamie Benn scored twice and Trevor Daley had Bay 2 (OT); Winnipeg 2, Minnesota 1 (OT). the second of Dallas’ two short-handed goals in a win over the Bruins. Kari Lehtonen stopped 41 Western Conference Eastern Conference shots and Vernon Fiddler ended Boston’s run as the Pacific Division Atlantic Division only remaining NHL team that hadn’t allowed a Tampa Bay 34 16 6 181 148 74 short-handed goal this season when he scored WL OTLGFGAPTS Anaheim 34 14 7 164 154 75 Montreal 35 15 3 143 118 73 unassisted 7:28 into the game. The Stars won Detroit 31 12 9 155 130 71 despite being outshot 44-32 as center Tyler Seguin Calgary 30 21 3 156 137 63 Boston 28 19 7 142 136 63 played through a stomach bug. San Jose 28 20 7 154 153 63 Florida 24 17 11 133 147 59 Vancouver 29 20 3 143 136 61 Ottawa 21 22 9 141 145 51 RANGERS 5, MAPLE LEAFS 4 Los Angeles 23 18 12 144 144 58 Toronto 23 28 4 157 170 50 Buffalo 16 36 3 103 191 35 Mats Zuccarello scored his second goal of the Arizona 20 28 7 126 180 47 game with 5:56 left, snapping a tie and sending the Metropolitan Division Edmonton 15 31 9 125 181 39 NY Islanders 35 18 1 170 151 71 Rangers to a victory over the skidding Maple Leafs. Central Division Pittsburgh 30 15 8 151 134 68 Rick Nash had three assists, including a nice Nashville 36 12 6 164 129 78 NY Rangers 31 16 5 157 127 67 backhand pass that set up Zuccarello’s game-win- Washington 28 16 10 157 135 66 ner after the Rangers squandered a two-goal lead St. Louis 35 15 4 170 133 74 Philadelphia 23 22 9 146 157 55 in the third period. Dominic Moore added a goal Chicago 33 18 3 163 124 69 New Jersey 21 24 9 122 148 51 and an assist for New York, and Cam Talbot made 29 Winnipeg 28 18 10 154 146 66 Columbus 23 26 3 135 161 49 saves in his fourth straight start for injured goalie Minnesota 26 20 7 145 145 59 Carolina 19 26 7 116 139 45 Henrik Lundqvist. Dan Boyle and Kevin Hayes also Note: Overtime losses (OTL) are worth one Dallas 25 21 8 172 175 58 point in the standings and are not included in scored for the Rangers, who had lost two in a row. Colorado 22 21 11 137 152 55 Morgan Rielly scored twice, and Daniel Winnik the loss column (L). Ko happy to be an ‘icon’ at 17

SINGAPORE: New Zealand teenager Lydia Ko on Davies and Annika Sorenstam were among the first up. It’s definitely different,” she said of wearing contacts. Wednesday said she was comfortable in the role of a seven women to join Scotland’s R&A, known as the “In the Bahamas it rained on the first day in the after- female sporting icon after becoming golf’s youngest “home of golf”. noon and to not have to wipe the raindrops off my lens ever world number one. Seventeen-year-old Ko, who “I think it’s great. Women’s golf is getting much big- it was pretty awesome, so that was probably the first smashed Tiger Woods’ record of reaching the top rank- ger, it just shows that a lot of people are more interest- time I was happy it was raining. “I’m getting used to ing when he was 21, said comments from aspiring ed in the women’s game,” said Ko. “It’s a great first step contacts and trying to use my sunglasses to keep the golfers drove her to become a better player. for women’s golf. It’s great that the R&A did that.” South wind off so they won’t dry. But it’s cool, I like the She was speaking just after the Royal and Ancient Korean-born Ko, who won her first professional event at change.” Golf Club of St Andrews admitted its first female mem- the record age of just 14, tops the rankings just a year A cautionary tale about life at number one comes in bers, a breakthrough after 260 years of men-only mem- after turning pro and changing her clubs, sponsor and the form of Taiwan’s Tseng Yani, who spent two years at bership. “When I have kids or juniors come up to me coach. This year she has ditched her trademark glasses the top until 2013 but then crumbled and is now and say ‘Oh you’re my idol’ it makes me feel very proud,” in favour of contact lenses and the switch did no harm ranked at 90. But despite the pressure, the laid-back Ko she told a teleconference ahead of next month’s HSBC at all as she reached number one in the first event of said she was relaxed about the rankings and deter- Women’s Champions. the season. mined to keep enjoying her golf. “It’s pretty awesome “Hearing those things makes me feel like I need to A share of second was enough to put Ko on top of and it’s a huge honour to be in this position. I’m very become a better player just for them and hopefully just the rankings in Orlando and she defended her position proud to be here. This has always been a goal to give more opportunities for the goals that will lead the by finishing tied seventh last week in the Bahamas. “I become world number one, so to be in the ranking LPGA.” Britain’s Princess Anne and retired greats Laura got in the habit of wearing my glasses and lifting them right now it’s awesome,” she said. —AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 SPORTS Rockets pound Suns

PHOENIX: James Harden scored 20 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter and the Houston Rockets pulled away to beat the Phoenix Suns 127-118 on Tuesday night. Josh Smith added 20 for the Rockets, who trailed 89-88 at the end of the third quarter after Phoenix rallied from an early 18-point deficit. Eric Bledsoe scored 32, one shy of his career high, for the Suns, who enter the All- Star break losers of five of their last six. Harden ended the first and second quarters with a 3-pointer, then opened the fourth with a four-point play that put the Rockets ahead for good. He scored eight in a row during a 2 1/2 minute stretch late in the fourth. He scored 45 in a loss to Portland on Sunday and has six games of 40-plus points. Houston, winner of seven of nine, has one game before the break, Wednesday night QATAR: Riders are seen after a fall during the fourth stage of the 2015 Tour of Qatar, against the Clippers in Los Angeles. between al-Thakhira and Mesaieed (165,5 kms) yesterday. — AFP GRIZZLIES 95, NETS 86 Zach Randolph had 19 points and Marc Kristoff wins stage, Gasol added 14 and 11 rebounds for the Grizzlies. Six Grizzlies finished in double fig- ures as Memphis won its 14th of the last 16. Terpstra leads Courtney Lee had 15 points, Beno Udrih scored 13 and Tony Allen finished with 12. for years he was a cheat. The cancer-sur- MESAIEED: Dutch rider Niki Terpstra of the The Nets lost for the seventh time in their Etixx team retained the leader’s gold jersey vivor eventually made a public confession last 10. Mason Plumlee and Alan Anderson of the Tour of Qatar after yesterday’s fourth in a TV interview with US chat show host stage was won by Norwegian Alexander Oprah Winfrey in 2013. But last month, he each had 15 points for the Nets and Plumlee Kristoff, the Katusha cyclist’s second suc- also told the BBC he would cheat again if also grabbed 14 rebounds. Memphis held a cess. faced with the same circumstances. double-digit lead through most of the game Kristoff triumphed after a bunched until the Nets tightened it up in the fourth sprint finish at the end of the 165km stage ‘THRILLED’ WITH REFORM quarter. between Al Thakira and Mesaieed, finishing Tygart questioned why Armstrong and ahead of Slovak Peter Sagan and German McQuaid chose not to appeal to the Court BULLS 104, KINGS 86 Nikias Arndt. of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the main Pau Gasol continued his strong play with In the overall standings, Terpstra now international sport appeal court, when the 26 points and 16 rebounds, Tony Snell had a enjoys a six-second advance on Poland’s lifetime ban was imposed in 2012. career-high 24 and Derrick Rose added 23 Maciej Bodnar, with Briton Ian Stannard “Lance certainly had every opportunity for the Chicago Bulls. 12sec adrift. Thursday’s fifth stage sees the to challenge that sanction,” Tygart said. It was Gasol’s NBA-best 34th double-dou- riders tackle 153km from Al Zubarah Fort to “And certainly Pat McQuaid could have ble of the season. He now has 13 straight. Madinat Al Shamal. appealed our decision to impose the life- Snell was 9 for 11 from the field, including 4 Meanwhile, the US anti-doping chief time ban. If he in any way felt that was for 6 on 3-pointers. His previous high was 20 Wednesday dismissed accusations of a unfair or was singling out Lance Armstrong, points. “witch hunt” against Lance Armstrong and he certainly as the president of UCI had the The trio combined to go 30 for 43 (69.8 said he was delighted with reforms aimed appeal rights to go to CAS.” percent) from the field as Chicago (33-20) at cleaning up cycling. Tygart said he was “thrilled” with won its third straight. The Kings (18-33) have Travis Tygart, chief executive of the US reforms within the UCI, international dropped 12 of 14. Rudy Gay led Sacramento Anti-Doping Agency (USADA), hit back at cycling’s governing body, after the scandal comments from former International lifted the lid on widespread cheating in the with 24 points, while DeMarcus Cousins Cycling Union (UCI) president Pat McQuaid. sport. added 15 points and eight rebounds. LOS ANGELES: Lakers’ Wayne Ellington (right) gets his shot blocked by Denver Nuggets’ “It is easy for Pat McQuaid or others to Current UCI president Brian Cookson Kenneth Faried during the second half of an NBA basketball game. — AP say soundbites like he said,” Tygart told won an ugly leadership contest against PISTONS 106, HORNETS 78 reporters at the sidelines of an anti-doping McQuaid in September 2013, vowing to Greg Monroe had 23 points and 12 intelligence seminar in Singapore. correct past wrongs. rebounds, D.J. Augustin added 18 points NBA results/standings But “the evidence is telling. There have “We had recent meetings with them... and the Detroit Pistons handed the Charlotte Hornets their third straight loss. been roughly 26 athletes, coaches, team and we were thrilled and walked out of Detroit 106, Charlotte 78; Houston 127, Phoenix 118; Chicago 104, Sacramento 86; Memphis 95, doctors who have been held accountable. there understanding the governance Monroe, who had 14 double-doubles in Brooklyn 86; Denver 106, LA Lakers 96. Several of them have gotten lifetime bans changes, the rule changes that they have January to tie a franchise record, was domi- as well,” Tygart said. implemented,” he said. nant inside and on the drive when the Eastern Conference Western Conference Irishman McQuaid, UCI’s president from “And I think they appreciate that they Pistons build a 23-point lead at the end of Atlantic Division Northwest Division 2006 to 2013, said in a British radio inter- had a bad culture where athletes had no the third quarter. They coasted to an easy W L PCT GB Portland 35 17 .673 - view last month that he had a “certain sym- choice other than the use of drugs if they win. Jodie Meeks and Anthony Tolliver each Toronto 35 17 .673 - Oklahoma City 27 25 .519 8 pathy” with the seven-time Tour de France wanted to compete and win.” had 16 points for the Pacers, who are 16-9 Brooklyn 21 31 .404 14 Denver 20 33 .377 15.5 winner. While the changes “doesn’t mean ath- over their last 25 games. Boston 19 31 .380 15 Utah 19 33 .365 16 “He was very much made a scapegoat, letes aren’t going to cheat”, it ensures the Philadelphia 12 41 .226 23.5 Minnesota 11 41 .212 24 there was a witch-hunt after Armstrong,” sport’s leadership “continues to do the best NUGGETS 106, LAKERS 96 NY Knicks 10 42 .192 25 Pacific Division McQuaid told BBC Radio 5 Live, in com- that it can to ensure a clean and healthy Ty Lawson had season-highs of 32 points Central Division Golden State 41 9 .820 - ments which aired on January 27. culture for individual athletes,” Tygart said. Chicago 33 20 .623 - and 16 assists and Denver snapped a six- LA Clippers 34 19 .642 8.5 “USADA wanted a big name,” McQuaid Cookson has said an inquiry commission Cleveland 32 21 .604 1 game losing skid. Darrell Arthur added 15 Phoenix 29 25 .537 14 said, adding that the Colorado-based probing the role of cycling’s leaders in the Milwaukee 29 23 .558 3.5 agency was not “really interested in the Armstrong scandal will deliver its report points, and Wilson Chandler and J.J. Hickson Detroit 21 32 .396 12 Sacramento 18 33 .353 23.5 smaller riders and also they made deals this year. The commission’s main goal is to had 13 points each for the Nuggets, whose Indiana 20 33 .377 13 LA Lakers 13 39 .250 29 with the smaller riders in order to get the determine how a culture of doping was four-game road losing streak ended. Southeast Division Southwest Division information they needed on the big guys”. perpetuated between 1998 and 2013, and Carlos Boozer scored 15 of his 21 points Atlanta 43 10 .811 - Memphis 39 13 .750 - Armstrong, 43, was stripped of his Tour to establish who was to blame. It has in the second half and grabbed 10 Washington 33 20 .623 10 Houston 36 16 .692 3 titles and given a life ban from cycling by appealed to riders who doped in the past rebounds, and Wayne Ellington added 18 Miami 22 29 .431 20 Dallas 35 19 .648 5 USADA in 2012 for using a cocktail of per- to come forward in exchange for reduced points for the Lakers, who fell to 0-5 this Charlotte 22 30 .423 20.5 San Antonio 33 19 .635 6 formance-enhancing drugs, having denied punishment. —AFP month. Jeremy Lin and Wesley Johnson Orlando 16 39 .291 28 New Orleans 27 25 .519 12 added 12 points each for the Lakers. — AP

Preview Wildcats hope Kim-less Koreans to strike again look for worlds boost LEEDS: They have already visited one Anything we do this year is a bonus. of last year’s Super League surprise “If you go on the rankings, we fin- SEOUL: South Korea will hope to unearth a packages and left with the spoils but ished 12th last year, we’ve got the new star to emulate the great Kim Yu-Na Wakefield coach James Webster has most improvement to make, so if we when they hold the Four Continents this vowed not to get carried away this improve four spots and finish eighth week, ahead of next month’s world champi- season. The opening weekend of the or higher, then we’ve had a really onships. The highly decorated former Olympic 2015 campaign could hardly have good year. champion hung up her skates last year, with gone better for the Wildcats, visiting “So our focus is just to improve and the five-time Four Continents hosts now Castleford Tigers and clinching a you never know what could hap- scratching around for a medal in Seoul this thrilling 24-22 victory on Sunday. pen.”We have got a really small squad, week. South Korea have long been outsiders Former New Zealand Warriors sec- a lot smaller than other sides, and if at the annual event, which could be renamed ond row Ali Lauitiiti was among the try we’re able to keep fit we’re in with a the “Four Nations” as the United States, scorers as Webster endured a nervy, chance - that’s the major objective for Canada, Japan and China have won 190 of the but ultimately triumphant, afternoon us.” Today Salford Red Devils are hop- 192 medals. at the Jungle. ing to have Kiwi forward Lama Tasi South Korea and Uzbekistan claimed the Next up for Wakefield is a home back from injury, while visitors St other two but both countries could struggle clash with Hull KR - the fixture that will Helens are still without former Penrith to add to their tally in Seoul, ahead of the round off this weekend’s Super League Panthers scrum-half Luke Walsh. world championships in Shanghai in late action - and they can afford to be con- But Mose Masoe insists that what- March. Uzbekistan’s lone skater, Misha Ge, has fident. ever creativity they are missing going only an outside chance at reaching the men’s But Webster, whose side finished forward, the Saints defence can more singles podium, but the prospects are a little last season 12th in the Super League than make up for it. brighter for the Koreans. table and suffered a fourth-round “Every other team knows we’re Hopes rest on the shoulders of 17-year-old hammering at home to Leeds Rhinos quite a good attacking team, but we Park So-Youn, the national women’s singles in the Challenge Cup, is not looking want to be known for our defence this champion who placed ninth at last year’s Four too far ahead. year,” said the former Sydney Roosters Continents in her senior international debut. “Obviously we want to improve forward. “We want clubs to know that Defending women’s champion Kanako from last year,” said Webster. “If we can when they come to St Helens it’s Murakami is missing but Satoko Miyahara, last win some more games, with the new, going to be a tough day for them.” year’s runner-up, is expected to face her shortened format, we might even Elsewhere, Widnes Vikings will trav- strongest competition from fellow Japanese stand a chance of getting into that top el to Leeds Rhinos on Friday without Rika Hongo. eight. “But realistically we just want to Kiwi winger Patrick Ah Van, after he Li Zijun, the reigning Chinese champion get some improvement - being com- submitted an early guilty plea for a who finished third last year, will also take to Kim Yu-Na petitive in games for longer, and that high tackle on Wigan’s Josh Charnley. the ice, as will America’s Gracie Gold, the NHK China have come out of their one-year retire- Kaitlyn Weaver and Andrew Poje, also from will hopefully lead to winning some And Castleford visit Catalans Trophy winner on the Grand Prix circuit. ment for the Four Continents and the worlds. Canada, will be after their first Four more games. We haven’t put a ceiling Dragons on Saturday and former Japan’s Takahito Mura is seeking his second The two-time world champions are seeking Continents title in ice dance since 2010. on it, but obviously we just want to Sydney Roosters full-back Jordan straight Four Continents title in the men’s sin- their sixth Four Continents title. Sui Wenjing They’re also the reigning Grand Prix Final win- improve. Tansey is excited to head across the gles. Dennis Ten of Kazakhstan, the 2014 and Han Cong of China were the landslide ners. “There’s no added pressure for Channel. He said: “We’re in for a big Olympic bronze medalist, is also favoured to winners in 2014 but they finished third at the Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the US Wakefield to finish in that top eight - week with travelling over to France reach the podium, after placing fourth last Grand Prix Final two months ago, with finished well behind the Canadians in second there’s probably more pressure for a today so it’s time now to put the loss year. Nam Nguyen of Canada, the 16-year-old Meagan Duhamel and Eric Radford of Canada place at the Grand Prix Final and will seek to lot of the bigger teams who don’t behind us and concentrate on a win rising star, is the 2014 world junior champion capturing the title. The Canadians will eye a topple the rivals this time. Four of the top five want to slip out of the top eight. this weekend.” —AFP who also took the Canadian national title this return to the top at the Four Continents, hav- ice dance pairings from the Grand Prix Final year. In the pairs, Pang Qing and Tong Jian of ing last won it in 2013. will be in Seoul. — AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 SPORTS ‘Tough’ mountain to climb for Kiwi racers

BEAVER CREEK: New Zealand boasts some of the where he is competing in his first alpine ski world gates in the ground, it gets even shorter.” ‘breakthrough’ racer of the year at the 2014 Snow most spectacular alpine scenery in the world but a championships. “We have some of the best skiing in Sports NZ Annual Awards, Feasey has loved every relatively short skiing season has made it “tough” for the world, it’s just that the seasons there are so ELITE LEVEL minute of the world championships at Beaver racers from that country to make an impact at the short that you have to hit it right. “For training espe- Despite all the challenges facing New Zealanders Creek, though he was a little apprehensive when he top level. Best known for its often dominant All cially, you need a lot of mileage and we don’t really trying to break into ski racing at the elite level, first saw the daunting Birds of Prey piste. “My first Black rugby union team, the Land of the Long White get that so much in New Zealand. But what we do Feasey is trying to be as optimistic as possible. taste of it was in training and that was pretty tough,” Cloud is fiercely proud of its athletes who have get is some of the best skiing facilities anywhere.” “It is difficult for us but I think it’s doable,” he said. he smiled. “It was really a kind of an awakening, and made a habit of punching well above their weight Forced to look elsewhere out of season, Feasey Given the shortage of alpine ski role models in New it was good that I managed to step it up for the race but role models in alpine skiing are few and far spends up to six months each year training and Zealand, Feasey has turned to European racers for days. The Birds of Prey is definitely the hardest between. competing overseas. his own inspiration. downhill I’ve ever done.” Feasey did not finish the Only five World Cup races have been won by “I am based in Austria, in Leogang, for the season “I’ve always looked up to Didier Cuche because opening men’s event at Beaver Creek, the Super-G, New Zealanders, all of them clinched by women in but we also come over to Copper Mountain here in he is a similar sort of build to me,” Feasey said of the but went on to place a creditable 40th in the blue the slalom, and the country’s sole medal at the Colorado for November and December when the veteran Swiss skier who was Super-G world champi- riband downhill and 37th in the super combined. “I Winter Olympics was the slalom silver earned by rest of the countries don’t have as much snow,” he on at Val-d’Isere in 2009. “He was so humble and was really hoping to get a top-35 finish so I was Annelise Coberger at the 1992 Albertville Games. said. “Back in New Zealand, the ski fields are open just an amazing skier. “And I’ve seen Annelise almost there but not quite,” he said of his expecta- “It is tough for us,” New Zealand’s giant slalom from June 6, at the earliest, and then they close by Coberger’s silver medal from the Winter Olympics, tions coming into the world championships. “And champion Willis Feasey told Reuters at Beaver Creek the start of October. That’s at best. If you want that was very cool,” he grinned. Honoured as the I’m always happy to make it down!” — Reuters Zimbabwe upset Sri Lanka

WELLINGTON: Hamilton Masakadza Jayawardene with his biggest score out- scored a run-a-ball century as Zimbabwe side Zimbabwe. The 31-year-old reached stunned Sri Lanka with a comprehensive the milestone with a single off spinner seven-wicket victory in a World Cup warm- Rangana Herath in the 41st over of the up at Bert Sutcliffe Oval yesterday. innings before ushering his country to vic- It was a second defeat in warm-up tory with just under five overs to spare. matches for the Sri Lankans, who reached Masakadza hit his 117 off 119 balls with the final of the last two World Cups and eight fours and three sixes but it was arrived Down Under with hopes of a sec- Williams who scored the winning runs with ond title to go with their 1996 triumph. the four, his seventh, that brought up his Masakadza, who finished 117 not out, half century. shared an unbroken fourth wicket partner- Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to ship of 119 with Sean Williams (51) to bat but while plenty of their batsmen got chase down the target of 280 and claim a starts, only Dimuth Karunaratne (58) and morale-boosting victory in the university all rounder Jeevan Mendis (51) managing town of Lincoln, southwest of to get to the half century mark and 279 for Christchurch. six was not an imposing score. All rounder Masakadza has been play- Left-arm spinner Williams (3-35) was the ing international cricket for 14 years but pick of the nine bowlers used by has never before represented his country Zimbabwe, who open the tournament at a World Cup with injury and loss of form proper against neighbours South Africa in ruling him out of previous tournaments. Hamilton on Sunday. Sri Lanka will have to On Wednesday, though, he showed he pick themselves up for a meeting with co- was in fine form for his maiden campaign hosts New Zealand in Christchurch on when he outshone Sri Lankan batting stal- Saturday in the opening match of the tour- warts Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela nament. —Reuters

VAIL: (From left) Austria’s Michaela Kirchgasser, Eva-Maria Brem and Marcel Hirscher cheer after winning gold during the mixed worlds team skiing event at the alpine skiing world championships. — AP Austria defeat surprise package Canada for gold

VAIL: Top-ranked Austria beat surprise package 2013 and 2007. The competition featured the 16 the other members of the Austrian team to Canada 3-1 in the gold medal final of the team top-ranked nations in a knockout format with share in the gold. “It was unbelievable, a long competition at the alpine ski world champi- skiers going head-to-head on a parallel slalom day ... and a great job to all the guys on the onships on Tuesday to continue their domina- course. Austrian team but it was very close from the sec- tion of the event. While the powerhouse Each country is allowed a maximum of six ond heat on,” said Noesig. Austrians were favored to end the day atop the skiers (at least two women) with four taking part Austria roared its way into the final by demol- podium, 10th-ranked Canada were not expected in each round with the top-seeded nation facing ishing Argentina 4-0 in the opening round, them to escape the opening round but pulled off a the lowest seed. The Austrians were led by eliminating Norway 3-1 in the quarters and their string of upsets, taking down number seven Michaela Kirchgasser and slalom world champi- bitter alpine rivals Switzerland 3-1 in semis. Germany, number two Italy in the quarter-finals on Marcel Hirscher, who picked up his second Canada sent a shock through the crowd and sixth-ranked Sweden in the semi-finals. gold of the championships having also won the when team captain Erin Mielzynski beat Brem in Canada took their second silver of the world super combined event. the opening leg down the Golden Peak track to championships while Sweden beat Switzerland stake the underdogs to a 1-0 lead. But Hirscher 3-1 in the bronze medal final. GREATEST NAMES quickly restored order by beating Phil Brown to It was another dominating performance by With the Austrian victory, Kirchgasser put her level the final before Kirchgasser and Noesig the Austrians who celebrated their seventh name alongside some of the greatest in alpine clinched the gold. medal of the championships, and their fourth skiing, joining Marielle Goitschel, Hanni Wenzel, “I think we are all proud and I am proud of gold. Ingemar Stenmark and Kjetil Andre Aamodt as everyone on this team,” said Mielzynski. Since the team event was first introduced at the only skiers to win a medal in a specific event “Everyone fought, it was a close final and it feels the 2005 worlds, Austria is the only nation to at four consecutive championships. good to stand on the podium, especially as a medal in every edition while also taking gold in Eva-Maria Brem and Christoph Noesig were team.” — Reuters Clarke in the runs in World Cup warm-up

MELBOURNE: Michael Clarke gave a pointer to his recovery from recent hamstring surgery with a knock of 64 in Australia’s World Cup warm-up game against the United Arab Emirates in Melbourne yes- terday. Clarke, captaining Australia for the first time since the surgery almost two months ago, spent just over 90 minutes at the crease in a confidence-boost- er at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The 33-year-old was promoted to opener to max- imise his time in the middle, and offered a sharp chance on two after winning the toss. He steadied and kept the scoreboard ticking over in a 123-run partnership with Aaron Finch. National selectors will now assess Clarke on Thursday before considering the merits of an earlier- SYDNEY: Pakistan batsman Misbah-ul-Haq hits out against the England bowling dur- than-expected recall for Saturday’s World Cup open- ing their one-day international World Cup warm-up cricket match. — AFP er against England at the MCG. “We’ll sum it up tomorrow, see how he pulls up Misbah leads Pakistan more than anything,” coach Darren Lehmann told Fox Sports, issuing a guarded prognosis for when Clarke will return. “Probably the fielding is going to to victory over England be the big thing. “He’s been batting really well for the last couple of weeks, so no dramas there. “We’ll SYDNEY: Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq scored a punished for anything loose. see how he goes in the field, but we’re really pleased with that start and he’s been really confident.” Finch majestic 91 not out to lead Pakistan to a Misbah brought up his half century with said Clarke was desperate to play at the World Cup. thrilling four-wicket victory over England in a thumping six into the noisy band of “It’s so impressive to see how hard he has worked. their final World Cup warmup at Sydney Pakistan fans packed into the members’ AUSTRALIA: Australia’s Shane Watson bowls during the one-day international World Cup But it’s a home World Cup and probably his last Cricket Ground yesterday. stand and Akmal reached the milestone in warm-up cricket match between Australia and the UAE . —AFP opportunity at winning a World Cup, so he wants to The 40-year-old notched up five fours the same manner 10 overs later. be a part of it,” said Finch. and two sixes in his 99-ball knock, turning Ehsan Adil had earlier set the tone for a Clarke’s opening partner added: “When we were the match in a fourth-wicket partnership of fine Pakistan bowling performance in an out there we ran a four and then a one back-to-back. NZ win over South Africa 133 with Umar Akmal. opening over which accounted for Moeen I said ‘that’ll be front-page news tomorrow, that’s Akmal fell for 65 to leave Sohaib Ali (4). Gary Ballance came in at number your fitness test right there’. He seemed fine.” CHRISTCHURCH: New Zealand will head into their seemed more content to bat out the overs rather Maqsood (20) and then Shahid Afridi to three with a point to prove in his first game “I thought from his point of view it would have opening cricket World Cup encounter on Saturday than chase down the total and South Africa were help their captain guide the 1992 world since September after recovering from a been a great success. We’ll have to wait and see how oozing confidence after they completed their eventually dismissed for 197 in 44.2 overs. champions past England’s total of 250 for fractured finger, however, and he steadied he pulls up. From what I saw at the other end he preparations with a 134-run victory over South Left-arm seamer Trent Boult took three of the eight with seven balls to spare. the ship with a well-crafted 57. played beautifully, his feet moved well, he hit the Africa yesterday. Brendon McCullum’s side have first four wickets before he finished with 5-51 from Afridi (eight not out) scored the winning It was only after he had departed with ball cleanly and ran well.” emerged as third favorites for the Feb. 14-March 29 9.2 overs, while wily left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori tournament, behind Australia and AB de Villiers’ dismissed world record holder de Villiers for 24 and runs with successive fours but rode his luck an ill-executed slog sweep and out-of-sorts Chief selector Rod Marsh nominated February side, after a run of good performances at home over Wayne Parnell for four to finish with 2-29 from sev- with the decisive second, which was almost skipper Eoin Morgan fell for a duck 21, when Australia face Bangladesh, as Clarke’s final caught at mid-off. attempting a lap sweep to a full toss, how- the last month. Kane Williamson top scored for the en overs. fitness deadline, with the skipper to be dropped World Cup co-hosts with 66 from 53 balls while Both sides, who were allowed to use all 15 play- Pakistan’s batting had been far from ever, that England really got a grip on their from the squad if he is not up to scratch by then. convincing in their win over Bangladesh on innings. Joe Root provided the adhesive McCullum blasted 59 from 45 deliveries in their ers in their squads, treated the match as a final con- Clarke was initially given little hope of making the score of 331 for eight off 50 overs. tested training run, with South African spearhead Monday and they will now head to with a sparkling 85 off 89 balls and com- deadline, but he has exceeded expectations in his New Zealand’s bowlers then ripped through Dale Steyn not bowling at all. New Zealand’s Tom Adelaide to face reigning champions India bined with Chris Jordan (31 not out) to recovery. “He played really well,” Lehmann said of South Africa’s top order, reducing them to 31-4 in Latham took over the wicketkeeping gloves from in their tournament opener on Sunday with steer his side towards a competitive tally. the side’s top-scorer. Lehmann and fellow selectors the seventh over and 62-6 in the 14th at Hagley Luke Ronchi, who did bat in New Zealand’s innings. renewed confidence. England rested Ian Bell, Chris Woakes, would have had limited interest in Clarke’s eight Oval in Christchurch before JP Duminy and Vernon New Zealand will open the tournament at the same England’s bowling spearheads James James Taylor and Steve Finn but all should boundaries, more so his running between the wick- Philander combined for some batting practice. venue against Sri Lanka on Saturday while South Anderson and Stuart Broad took a couple return when they open their World Cup ets. There was no sharp acceleration or turns, and They put on 121 runs with Duminy scoring 80, Africa travel to Hamilton for their opening clash of wickets apiece to keep the contest alive campaign against co-hosts Australia on the right-hander looked to be running within him- while pace bowler Philander scored 57, but the pair against Zimbabwe on Sunday. —Reuters until the last few overs but the English were Saturday. — Reuters self at times. —AFP THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 SPORTS Fans rally for Irish coaching legend ‘Don Patricio’

LONDON: An unmarked grave in London is all that Decades after his death, fans have joined forces Spain’s second division, have been heavily involved. United States, but O’Connell returned and coached is left to remember an Irish football coach cherished to restore the tomb and build him a monument in The Seville club paid tribute to their former coach in the team until 1940. by British, Irish and Spanish supporters who are Belfast in Northern Ireland, where he got a start in December in a match against Racing Santander, 80 By then he had stopped sending money to his grouping together to raise funds for a new memori- club football playing for Belfast Celtic. years after a 5-0 win against the same team won Irish family, who had not heard from him in a long al. The man known as ‘Don Patricio’ to a legion of Betis the league title. time. On June 12, 1949, Spain played in Dublin, said Real Betis and Barcelona fans was born Patrick FITTING MEMORIAL “Betis fans know who O’Connell is,” said Julio Sue O’Connell, the wife of his grandson, Mike. O’Connell in 1887 and went on to coach Barca dur- O’Connell went on to become the first Irish player Jimenez Heras, communications director for the His son Daniel “went to visit the Spaniards after ing the Spanish Civil War-the toughest period in the to captain English giants Manchester United. He also club. “The new generations of fans do not remember the game, pretending to be a distant relative, and club’s history. O’Connell’s story is one of extremes. played for the Irish national team, winning the players from that team, but they know who asked for him”, she added. At the dawn of professional football, he achieved British Home Championship of 1914, before Ireland’s O’Connell was. “He was a man who liked the streets, They knew him and told him that he lived in glory but abandoned a family in Ireland, formed a independence from Britain in 1916. who grew fond of the city. He had a very nice phrase Seville. “Times were hard in 1950. Daniel took a year new one in Spain, and died poor in London in 1959. “We hope that this campaign will both raise about Seville-the city ‘where people live as if they to save money and went to Spain, to Seville,” said “Patrick O’Connell was, in my opinion, an enigma. He awareness and also build a memorial befitting his were to die tonight’”. Sue, who is looking to publish a book that she has had brilliant success in his career, but always had a football achievements,” said Fergus Dowd, an written about her husband’s grandfather. dark side,” Mike O’Connell, his grandson, told AFP. Irishman and one of the organisers of the Patrick SPANISH CIVIL WAR “He found his father. But they did not get along... The coach lived out his final years at his brother’s O’Connell Fund (www.pocfund.com). In 1935, O’Connell took the reins of Barcelona, Although afterwards Dan joked, it hurt him.” home in London after spending three decades in Dowd and his fellow campaigners get shirts signed by club president Josep Sunol. “The Civil War O’Connell never divorced but got married again in Spain, where he worked for Racing Santander, Real signed by major players past and present-Johan surprised O’Connell as head of the team, with whom Spain to an Irish woman. Oviedo, Real Betis, Barcelona and Sevilla. Cruyff, Franz Beckenbauer, Paolo Maldini and he toured throughout the Americas, and at the end Descendants of his first family said they were He is better remembered in Spain than in Ireland Andrea Pirlo, among others-and auction them. of the war he was ostracised by the Francoist author- “proud” of their relative. Remembering family meals, or Britain, where he is buried in St Mary’s Cemetery His idea is to celebrate an event in each city ities,” Barcelona say on their website. Sue said: “It was strange, because he was not there, in a dilapidated tomb in west London. linked to O’Connell’s career. Real Betis, now in Most of the players stayed in Mexico and the but they could not stop talking about it.”— AFP Premier TV deal sparks fan fears

LONDON: English Premier League clubs risk ‘KEEP GROUNDS FULL’- losing a generation of supporters if their The issue has sparked anger among fans, record-breaking new television rights deal with supporters from various clubs marching does not translate into cheaper ticket prices, on the Premier League’s London headquar- fan groups warned yesterday. ters at the start of the last two seasons. The Premier League on Tuesday Fans of traditional rivals Everton and announced that broadcasters Sky and BT Liverpool joined a demonstration against ris- have paid £5.1 billion ($7.8 billion, 6.9 billion ing ticket prices prior to last week’s euros) to show live games in the period 2016- Merseyside derby. 2019 — a 70 percent increase on the previous But Premier League chief executive deal. Overall revenue could soar beyond £8 Richard Scudamore has argued that clubs are billion once a global TV rights deal is renego- already taking steps to cater for hard-up sup- tiated, but it comes at a time when rising tick- porters, highlighting a stadium occupancy et prices are making it difficult for some sup- rate of almost 96 percent last season. “They porters to attend games. (clubs) understand they have to encourage A spokesman for the Football Supporters the younger generation and make sure the Federation (FSF) said that the situation had younger fans are encouraged and clubs will reached a “tipping point”, which could see continue to do that,” he said. supporters desert the game in droves if reme- “Our Away Supporters Initiative started dial action is not taken. “For decades, players last season with £12 million committed over and owners and agents have benefited mas- three years to get clubs to offer deals and sively from the wealth flowing into football away attendances rose 2.8 percent. and it’s about time fans did too via cheaper “Clubs offer home fans a range of deals, ticket prices,” Michael Brunskill told AFP. such as Arsenal’s £10 tickets for teenagers “Tipping point maybe is the word because at and Man City’s £299 season ticket.” the minute there’s a real feeling of, ‘How A Premier League spokesman told AFP: much money can they keep generating with- “Fundamentally, our number one strategic out giving anything back?’ priority is to keep grounds full.” The Premier “There’s obviously a fear that particularly League has also been challenged to make younger fans might turn their backs on the sure that some of the money from the new TV game. There’s going to be some people who rights deal trickles down to grassroots foot- just turn away and never come back.” ball. British Sports Minister Helen Grant called The FSF has launched a campaign to intro- for the money to bring “increased benefits to duce a flat rate of £20 for away tickets, which clubs lower down the football pyramid” in the has been backed by former Liverpool defend- form of investment in pitches and coaches at er Jamie Carragher, who now works as a Sky community level. pundit. “Great day for @SkyFootball, but with Former Arsenal striker Ian Wright wrote the amounts involved ticket pricing especially on Twitter: “5 billion pounds spent on LONDON: Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, 11, competes for the ball with Leicester City’s Marcin Wasilewski during the English Premier League soccer for away fans has too (sic) change,” he wrote Premier League rights. And I bet in a year’s match. — AP on Twitter. time we’ll still be talking about the lack of A BBC survey published last year showed funding in grass roots!” The Premier League that the average price of the cheapest points out that it has committed five percent Arsenal climb to fourth Premier League season ticket has increased of the income generated by the 2013-2016 8.7 percent since 2012. domestic TV rights agreement-around £168 While several leading clubs have frozen million-to good causes, including grassroots pressure following his touchline scuffle with Crystal Eventually, Arsenal broke through again as Ozil season ticket prices, they remain too expen- projects. But for squeezed fans and under- Palace’s James McArthur and then speculation on battered a shot at Schwarzer. The goalkeeper could sive for many fans. Arsenal’s cheapest season resourced amateur clubs, those contributions Arsenal 2 Sunday that he had been sacked. only parry it into the path of Walcott, who emphati- ticket costs £1,014, compared to just £103 for may seem like leftovers from an extravagant But, as impressive as this display was, it doesn’t cally volleyed it into the net on 41 minutes. fellow European heavyweights Barcelona. feast. — AFP alleviate Leicester’s situation and they are now five It could easily have been 3-0 just before the points adrift of safety. break, as Leicester were forced into increasingly Leicester 1 What will infuriate Pearson, more than any desperate challenges to keep the home side at bay. opposition player accidentally sliding into him as After what had been in a hugely tepid start, in McArthur did, was the more deliberate barge which Arsenal genuinely seemed to have been LONDON: Arsenal got back on track after their der- which set up Koscielny’s opening goal. affected by the weekend’s defeat, they had redis- by misery with a 2-1 victory over Leicester that lift- While Riyad Mahrez had enjoyed the freedom of covered their recent verve, only to relax a little too ed the Gunners into fourth place in the Premier the home side’s left flank before seeing a show nar- much again. Wenger’s side offered little once the League on Tuesday. rowly deflected wide by David Ospina, Alexis second half started, and it wasn’t long until Arsene Wenger’s side had slumped to a dispirit- Sanchez and Mesut Ozil had to graft to eke out Leicester let them know they were in a match. ing late defeat against north London rivals their first chance of the game. By the 61st minute, impressive new signing Tottenham on Saturday, but they rebounded at the A fine ball from the German put Walcott Kramaric had already brought a fine save from Emirates Stadium thanks to first half goals from through, only for Mark Schwarzer to stand up David Ospina before forcing a corner. Laurent Koscielny and Theo Walcott. strong, and the goalkeeper then pushed away That broke to the edge of the box to Kramaric, It was hardly Arsenal’s most dominant display another Ozil shot minutes later. who fired home to make it 2-1. Suddenly, it was and they had to survive a Leicester fightback in the It was from the resulting 27th minute corner, Leicester again doing all the running, with Mahrez second half following Andrej Kramaric’s strike for though, that all Leicester’s hard work was undone. back in the game. He almost made it 2-2 on 73 the visitors. As Ozil whipped in the set-piece, Sanchez barged minutes, but his surge and shot finished narrowly But Wenger, whose team will drop back down Paul Konchesky aside, and Koscielny was left with outside Ospina’s post. Kramaric was presented with to fifth if Manchester United beat Burnley on enough open space to easily guide the ball in. another opportunity 11 minutes from the end but, Wednesday, will be relieved to see his team’s with Arsenal defenders closing in, he opted to try morale wasn’t damaged by that derby defeat at the DEEPER DAMAGE and chip the ball over the goalkeeper. weekend. The only downside for Arsenal was an Leicester continued to gamely battle, but there Ospina caught it, and the home side were able ROTTERDAM: Britain’s Andy Murray serves the ball to Nicolas Mahut of France during injury to Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey. was a feeling the deeper damage had been done. to catch their breath. They survived until the end, their first round match of the 42nd ABN AMRO world tennis tournament. — AP The result was another blow for Leicester man- By the end of the half, Arsenal were ripping them but substitute Ramsey didn’t, as he had to go off Murray triumphs ager Nigel Pearson, who had been under huge apart, and starting to create chances at will. injured just minutes after coming on. — AFP over Mahut KITT tourney kicks off

ROTTERDAM: Andy Murray rebounded Muray was never in trouble against nicely from his Australian Open disap- Mahut as the 33-year-old qualifier played pointment as the Scot defeated Nicolas. the event for the fourth time, as the Mahut 6-3, 6-2 yesterday to reach the Scottish seed earned a break for 4-2 as second round of the ATP Rotterdam Mahut lunged and missed on a volley in World Tennis event. The world number the first set. Murray then ran out the set four who lost the Grand Slam title bid 10 in 33 minutes, blasting down an ace on days ago to Novak Djokovic, showed no his first set point. rust as he hammered the 109th-ranked The second set was one-way traffic Mahut to hand the Frenchman a 30th for Murray, who went up a treble break career defeat by a top 10 player. for 5-0. But Mahut suddenly caught fire, Murray, the 2009 champion at the forcing Murray to save two break points Ahoy Stadium, improved to 4-1 over before the Scot’s fourth double-fault Mahut, who beat him in a shock on grass handed the Frenchman a first game, to at Queen’s club in a 2012 first round, “It trail a set and 1-5. was a high-quality match,” said the win- Mahut pulled another game back to ner, 7-1 on the season. “In the second set make it 2-5 before Murray ended the he had a lot of chances. uprising moments later with an easy “We played some long games with volley putaway to close out the match. some very good points, it was a real con- In other first-round results, Sergiy trast in styles, as he likes to come to the Stakhovsky beat Austrian Dominic net whenever possible. “It was a good Thiem 6-1, 6-3 while Italian Andreas KUWAIT: The preliminary matches of Kuwait gles and 7 matches for women doubles. the banner of the international federation of match, a very high standard. The score- Seppi, conqueror of Roger Federer in International Table Tennis Tournament (Salwa Tournament director Humoud Al-Daihani the game, it also attracts the best players in line does not reflect how tough it was.” Melbourne, beat Holland’s Robin Haase Cup) began yesterday at the late Khalid Yousuf said Kuwait hosting of this prestigious tourna- the world. Murray moved into a second-round in a 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-3 comeback effort. Al-Marzouq Hall at Salwa sports club in Qurain. ment which bears a dear name to Kuwaitis, of Al-Daihani said the tournament was well contest against Canadian Vasek Pospisil. Spaniard Guillermo Garcia-Lopez Matches began at 10 am with the singles the late Sheikha Salwa Sabah Al-Ahmad, prepared for, as world champions will be on Fourth seed Stan Wawrinka was making advanced past Denis Istomin 7-6 (7/5), matches, as 17 matches in the youth category, added a lot to Kuwaiti sports, as this tourna- hand. Al-Daihani wished players and all those his start later, facing Dutchman Jesse 6-4. — AFP 42 matches for men singles, 12 for women sin- ment is now the top one in the region, under involved the best of luck. Huta Galung. Rockets Misbah leads pound Suns Pakistan to victory over England

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12,16 2015 17 Fans rally for Irish coaching legend ‘Don Patricio’ Page 18

LIVERPOOL: Liverpool’s French defender Mamadou Sakho (left), Liverpool’s Slovakian defender Martin Skrtel (center), and Liverpool’s Belgian goalkeeper Simon Mignolet (right) celebrate their victory after the final whistle in the English Premier League football match against Tottenham Hotspur. — AFP Balotelli nets dramatic winner for Reds

winner seven minutes from time in Tuesday’s 3-2 movement from Mario in the six-yard box and a get a winner at Anfield, he is immensely happy.” “The players are very disappointed, sad and victory as Brendan Rodgers’ side boosted their good finish.” The Reds had twice led through Lazar tired but we have to accept football is like this,” he Liverpool 3 hopes of a top-four finish. Markovic and a Steven Gerrard penalty, only to be GERRARD HAMSTRING said. “I am proud of the effort and we have to look It was the Italy international’s first goal for pegged back by goals from Tottenham’s Harry Kane Pascoe also revealed that Liverpool captain forward. “We are disappointed with the result Liverpool in 13 league games, and his first in the and Mousa Dembele. Gerrard was withdrawn in the second half as a pre- because I think one point would have been fair for English top flight since he scored for Manchester However, Balotelli came off the bench to strike ventative measure because of a slight hamstring both teams. It was a great game, we played well Tottenham 2 City against Wigan in 2012. the decisive blow and secure the points against problem. “Steven felt his hamstring and felt he had but this is football.” Pascoe hopes Balotelli’s struggles will now one of Liverpool’s rivals for a Champions League to come off,” Pascoe said. “He could feel it a little. However, Pochettino was disappointed with become a thing of the past and that the enigmatic spot. Liverpool now lie seventh in the table, one But it was an important win, it was a great win and some of the defensive lapses in the first half. “In the LIVERPOOL: Liverpool assistant manager Colin 24-year-old, who had previously scored only twice place behind Spurs and only three points off the we deserved it.” first half we gave Liverpool some chances and Pascoe said Mario Balotelli’s long-awaited first in all competitions this season, can take confidence all-important top four. “The last couple of weeks Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino made some mistakes,” he said. “We give many balls Premier League goal for the Reds could kickstart from the goal. “I hope it can be a springboard, he is Mario’s been ill,” Pascoe added. “And he has had urged his players not to let the defeat affect their away and easy balls. We give Liverpool the ball and the striker’s spluttering Anfield career. training hard,” Pascoe said. “It’s testament to him some knocks on his foot and he couldn’t get his performances as they try to secure a place in the they play on the counter-attack. But we deserved Balotelli came off the bench to net a dramatic that’s he kept going and got his reward. It was great boot on. So it’s great that he scored the winner. “To Champions League. more from this game.” — AFP Hull clinch Managerless QPR end vital win EPL away win drought Phillips. Remarkably, it was the first time QPR had been leading Sunderland 0 away from home all season. Hull 2 Rangers continued to press for a second, but breathed a sigh of relief when full-back Yun Suk- QPR 2 young was adjudged not to have Aston Villa 0 handled the ball in the penalty LONDON: QPR moved out of the area despite claims from LONDON: Goals by Nikica Jelavic and Dame Premier League relegation zone Sunderland players and fans. N’Doye shortened the odds on Aston Villa slip- and dragged Sunderland into Fer nearly claimed his second ping into the second tier for the first time in trouble with a 2-0 win at the of the night on tha half-hour, but nearly 30 years as fellow strugglers Hull Stadium of Light on Tuesday, their his close-range effort hit the post gained a vital 2-0 win over them on Tuesday. first away win of the season. and rolled along the goal-line. Victory sees Hull rise to 15th but just a First-half goals from midfielder Sunderland striker Conor point above third from bottom Aston Villa Leroy Fer and striker Bobby Wickham was the next man to be whose manager Paul Lambert’s position is Zamora were enough for Rangers, denied by the goal-frame, his ever more precarious as he experienced his who put the turmoil of Harry header superbly saved by QPR 50th defeat in his 101st league match in Redknapp’s departure as manager keeper Robert Green. charge of the former European Cup winners behind them. But it was a moment of class and who last played in the second division in They moved out of the drop from Zamora that meant the visi- the 1987/88 season. zone on goal difference thanks to tors went into the break with a N’Doye-who signed for Hull on transfer Aston Villa’s defeat, but could fall a two-goal lead, swivelling and fir- deadline day earlier this month said that he place if Burnley get a point against ing a half-volley from the edge of believed his partnership with Jelavic could be HULL: Hull City’s Irish midfielder David Meyler (right) vies for the ball with Aston Villa’s Scottish defender Alan Hutton Manchester United on Wednesday the box past a rooted Pantilimon. a fruitful one. “It’s good for my confidence and (left) during the English Premier League football match. — AFP while hosts Sunderland are just Rangers began the second-half two points above the bottom in confident manner, and limited my partner (Nikica Jelavic) was working hard. Villa ‘keeper Brad Guzan no hope of saving it. Robbie Brady flashed a shot wide of the post with three. It was the struggling Hoops the Black Cats to half-chances and It was a good performance,” said the 29-year- Unfortunately for the hosts N’Doye’s splendid run- Guzan beaten-it was to prove a brief reprieve for the who made much the quicker start, set-pieces. old Senegalese international. ning and creativity wasn’t replicated by his finishing as visitors. This time N’Doye made no mistake showing pinning the home team in their But the home team began to “He’s a good player and I enjoyed playing he should have done better with a free header shortly admirable persistence as his first effort was saved by own half and firing off a series of pose more of a threat as the half with him.” N’Doye made a lively start testing after Jelavic’s goal but sent it wide of the target. Guzan but he pounced on the rebound to slot home shots at Costel Pantilimon’s goal. wore on, and former England Villa’s defence twice in the opening five min- Lambert threw on Belgian striker Christian Benteke from a tight angle. So it came as no suprise when keeper Green was on superb form utes. He played a crucial role in the opening after the half-time break and then when that failed to Villa plugged away and went desperately close to a the London club took a 17th to deny Jermain Defoe and substi- goal in the 22nd minute setting up strike part- produce anything of note he resorted to former consolation goal-which would have been their first minute lead, Netherlands interna- tute Ricky Alvarez. Despite visibly ner Jelavic who steadied himself before finally England midfielder Joe Cole as the hour mark score away from home in over eight hours-but Allan tional Fer heading powerfully past tiring as the final whistle loomed, taking his shot. approached, and took off Scott Sinclair. McGregor did well to stop Ashley Westwood’s fierce the Sunderland stopper following Rangers held on for a priceless vic- While it was on target it was aided by a However, while Villa improved a little it was Hull strike and then the Scotsman got down to block the a pinpoint cross from winger Matt tory. —AFP sizeable deflection off Ciaran Clark which gave who went closest to scoring again as Irish international previously anonymous Benteke’s follow-up. — AFP

Kuwait’s annual inflation edged up to 3.9% in 2014

Page 22 Business US shopping mall culture: Dying or just changing? THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 Page 23 Lexus amazing in motion Gulf Insurance Group reports KD12m in net profit for 2014 unveils the all-new NX Page 24 Page 25

ATHENS: A woman makes her way through the Plaka district in Athens yesterday. Greece’s new government is set to clash with its euro-zone creditors over easing the terms of its bailout program at an emergency meeting in Brussels. — AP Greece braces for bailout showdown with EU Markets spooked by renewed Grexit prospects

BRUSSELS: Greece’s new government ance of Germany and austerity, which most of whom are loath to give Athens the Organization for Economic headed for a showdown with skeptical Tsipras has tempered with pledges to leeway on its mountain of debt, which Cooperation and Development. European partners yesterday as it took keep Greece in the euro-zone. most analysts believe will never be Greece was first bailed out in 2010 KFH rejects Investment its demands to renegotiate its huge But Greece has also ramped up repaid. Varoufakis will ask his counter- and Athens is still subject to inspections bailout to crunch talks in Brussels. threats to look to Russia or China for parts to forget the current 240 billion by its troika of creditors-the European Dar’s debt-for-assets plan The emergency meeting of euro- help, further raising the stakes for euro ($270 billion) bailout, in favor of a Commission, International Monetary DUBAI: Kuwait Finance House It outlined its latest debt restruc- zone finance ministers promises to be European unity as it wrestles with eco- new arrangement that would take the Fund and European Central Bank. (KFH), the Gulf state’s largest turing proposal to creditors ahead bruising, with Greek demands for a cash nomic stagnation and the crisis in plight of ordinary Greeks into account. On the eve of the talks, which will sharia-compliant bank by assets, of a meeting with them on Jan. 21. lifeline and a relaxation of austerity fac- Ukraine. The Greek proposal would see Athens also include the head of the IMF, said it had rejected a debt-for- Investment Dar, best-known for its ing resistance from Germany in particu- Tsipras has been invited to Beijing to stick to 70 percent of its bailout com- Christine Lagarde, and ECB chief Mario assets deal proposed to creditors stake in luxury carmaker Aston lar. Markets worldwide are spooked by meet his Chinese counterpart counter- mitments but overhaul the remaining Draghi, Germany’s Schaeuble dismissed by Investment Dar, another Kuwaiti Martin, said on Nov. 18 that it had the renewed threat of Greece crashing part Li Keqiang, a government source 30 percent. Greece also wants a debt any proposal of ending the current pro- sharia-compliant lender. In a state- received the backing of a “signifi- out of the euro, with the country’s mas- said yesterday, while the new Greek for- swap that will focus on economic gram. “It’s over” if Greece doesn’t want ment yesterday, KFH said it would cant majority of investors” for the sive EU-IMF bailout set to expire at the eign minister was expected later in growth. to continue the aid program on the cur- take all legal measures available proposal, which would see creditors end of February, leaving it at the risk of Moscow. Defense Minister Panos Crucially, the government wants a rent terms, Schaeuble said. Greece yes- against Investment Dar to try to voluntarily exchanging debt for a default. Greek bond yields jumped Kammenos on Tuesday said Athens bridging loan until September to buy terday raised 1.14 billion euros in three- collect the debt it was owed. It did- ownership of a portfolio of assets. and the Athens stock market plummet- could look for a “plan B” if the EU fails to time to hammer out new reforms. month bonds, but rates were higher n’t specify a monetary sum. After The proposal, first made last ed more than 4.5 percent hours before help, which could involve Washington, At the same time it insists on raising and demand lower for the second time overextending itself during the May but amended with new terms the talks as the two sides seemed far Beijing or Moscow. the minimum wage and ditching an in a row for the new government. boom years of the mid-2000s, in June, is an alternative to a KD1 apart. unpopular property tax, reversing key With Greece on a collision course Investment Dar has been seeking billion ($3.38 billion) debt restruc- “I want to repeat today, no matter OECD meeting reforms demanded by the EU and IMF with its EU partners, European to cut its debts in the wake of the turing plan agreed in 2011. — how much (German Finance Minister Greece’s new Finance Minister Yanis of previous Greek governments. Commission head Jean-Claude Juncker global financial crisis. Reuters Wolfgang) Schaeuble asks it, we are not Varoufakis said before heading to Tsipras announced plans yesterday told a meeting of European lawmakers going to ask to extend the bailout,” left- Brussels that “his is the first government to draw up a new program of reforms he was worried that Tsipras was in over wing Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras told that goes to the Eurogroup (of euro- with the OECD-the economic club of his head. lawmakers Tuesday before his govern- zone finance ministers) standing up, rich nations that has criticised the EU’s “He compared Tsipras to a first year ment won a confidence vote. not bowed”. embrace of austerity. The program will medical student who wants to begin The new government is riding a The euro-zone talks, set to begin at be based “not on what was previously open heart surgery when he has no wave of popularity in Greece, embold- 1630 GMT, will see Greece plead its case decided but on popular mandate,” he idea how,” a participant at the meeting ened by the 40-year-old premier’s defi- to the euro-zone’s 18 other members, said after meeting Angel Gurria, head of reported Juncker as saying. — AFP Most Gulf markets fall as oil retreats

MIDEAST STOCK MARKETS

DUBAI: Most Gulf stock markets extended losses reviewing their positions, or just taking profits. declined. National Bank of Abu Dhabi and First Gulf yesterday as oil prices fell further, but positive news Company for Cooperative Insurance (Tawuniya) Bank slipped 0.7 and 0.3 percent respectively. from banks supported Qatar and Oman. Brent crude was another major drag, tumbling its daily 10 per- Qatar’s index edged up 0.2 percent after NBK slipped below $56 per barrel Tuesday on expecta- cent limit. The firm announced a cash dividend of Capital said in a report on Tuesday it considered tions that oversupply in world markets would persist 1.45 riyals per share yesterday, much lower than its Qatari banks more immune to the lower oil price and after an industry report saying US crude inven- 2012 payout of 3.5 riyals, even though its 2014 profit environment than their peers in Saudi Arabia and tories rose from a record high. was much higher than that for 2012. The firm posted the United Arab Emirates. “Another factor to keep in Saudi Arabia’s main equities index fell 1.8 percent a loss and paid no dividend for 2013. mind for Qatari stocks in 2015 is the potential yesterday as petrochemical giant Saudi Basic UAE, QATAR increase in the foreign ownership limits (FOLs) to 49 Industries lost 1.9 percent and National Commercial Dubai’s index edged down 0.6 percent as Emaar percent of total outstanding shares from the current Bank , the largest listed lender, tumbled 4.4 percent. Properties fell 1.5 percent and Arabtec lost 1.9 per- 25 percent, leading to fresh investment inflows,” it The kingdom’s market has outperformed the region cent. Property firm DAMAC, which had tumbled its said. this year and was up 11.6 percent as of Tuesday’s 10 percent limit for two sessions in a row after offer- “Naturally, Qatar National Bank, given its size, close; all other Gulf Cooperation Council markets ing no cash dividend for 2014, stabilized and edged would be the major beneficiary in the event of an have gained less than 5 percent. up 0.4 percent. increase in FOLs.” Qatar National Bank added 1.7 per- Saudi Arabia did so well partly because of oil’s Shuaa Capital rose 1.2 percent after its subsidiary cent and was the main support for the benchmark. rebound in the last few weeks, which benefits petro- obtained a license to provide sharia-compliant leas- Heavyweight property developer Ezdan Holding, chemicals, a major sector on the local stock market. ing products in the Saudi Arabian market. Abu which will announce its earnings and dividend later With oil now looking weak again, investors may be Dhabi inched down 0.1 percent as most large banks this month, also gained 1.7 percent. — Reuters ROISSY: Travellers walk at the TGV train station of Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in Roissy in the northeastern suburbs of Paris yesterday. — AFP BUSINESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 News Kuwait’s annual inflation in brief

Dollar stable against edged up to 3.9% in 2014 Kuwaiti dinar at 0.295 KUWAIT: The exchange rate of the US dollar against the Kuwaiti dinar was stable yesterday at KD 0.295 while the euro traded at KD 0.334 com- pared to Tuesday’s exchange rates, said the daily bulletin of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK). The sterling pound exchange also stabilized at KD 0.450, while the Swiss Franc dropped to KD 0.318, and the Japanese yen remained unchanged at KD 0.002.

Investcorp takes stake in Turkish mobile firm DUBAI: Bahrain’s Investcorp has agreed to acquire a majority stake in Arvento Mobile Systems, a Turkish firm that specializes in vehicle tracking systems, the alternative investment firm said yesterday. Investcorp did not reveal the value of the deal. Arvento is the fourth acquisition Investcorp has made in Turkey after Namet, producer of fresh cut and packaged processed red meat products, luxu- ry retailer Orka Group, and agriculture com- modities trader and supply chain manager Tiryaki Agro. Investcorp’s chief financial officer earlier this month said the company is inter- ested in buying European companies, which could benefit from the falling euro. The Turkish lira is at an all-time low against the NBK ECONOMIC REPORT dollar, losing 6.9 percent so far in 2015 after an 8.9 percent tumble in 2014. The founders KUWAIT: Inflation in the consumer price index (CPI) set to ease further in the near-to medium-term on further of Arvento will retain their holdings as minori- eased in December while core inflation saw an uptick. softening in international food inflation. This should help ty shareholders and will also remain as part of Core inflation was led higher by a pickup in housing infla- limit upward pressures on the headline inflation rate in the management team in the roles of chief tion. Headline inflation eased as the rise in housing infla- the coming months. executive officer and chief technology officer, tion was offset by a slowdown in the CPI’s other major Inflation in the clothing & footwear and furnishings & the statement said. components, food inflation in particular. Food inflation household maintenance maintained their downward softened in December, in-line with international food trend in December. Price growth in the clothing & prices. The stronger dinar against currencies other than footwear segment witnessed a slight contraction of 0.2 the US dollar also kept overall inflation in check. percent y/y in December, following the 1.1 percent y/y Egyptian pound steady Inflation slowed from3.1 percent year-on-year (y/y) in rise in the previous month. Furnishings & household for 6th straight dollar sale November to 3.0 percent y/y in December. Core inflation maintenance inflation slowed further, from 4.4 percent CAIRO: Egypt sold dollars at 7.53 pounds per dollar came in higher during the same period, rising from 3.0 y/y in November to 3.5 percent y/y in December. yesterday for the sixth central bank auction in a row percent y/y to 3.2 percent y/y. Inflation remained Inflation in the ‘other goods and services’ component and the pound was also steady on the black mar- between 2.7 percent and 3.0 percent throughout most of continued to recover in December. Inflation in this com- ket. The bank has let the official exchange rate 2014, with headline inflation logging in an annual aver- ponent, which includes prices of personal care products weaken since Jan. 18 in an effort to wipe out black age of 2.9 percent, just a tad higher than the nine-year and jewelry and certain business charges, jumped from market trading, alongside government efforts to low of 2.7 percent posted in 2013. 1.0 percent y/y in November to 2.0 percent y/y in bolster the economy and burnish Egypt’s image Inflation in housing services climbed from 4.4 percent December. Inflation in the ‘restaurants & hotels’ compo- ahead of a major investment conference next y/y in November to 5.0 percent y/y in December, driving nent also moved higher, with inflation rising from 3.5 per- core inflation higher. Inflation in this sector is only updat- cent y/y in November to 4.0 percent y/y in December. month. The central bank said it offered $40 million ed and reported once every quarter, with the latest figure Changes in inflation in this segment, like inflation in yesterday and sold $38.4 million at a cut-off price of covering price movements during the final quarter of housing services, are apparently reported once every 7.5301 pounds per dollar, the same level as a sale 2014. The higher inflation rate could be attributed to con- quarter. The December jump, 3.5 percent m/m, in infla- on Monday. The rates at which banks are allowed to tinued healthy demand levels in the sector towards the tion in this segment is typical of year-end, when many trade dollars are determined by the results of cen- end of 2014. restaurants and hotels revise their prices. Although price tral bank sales, giving the bank effective control Inflation in the food price index slid from 3.3 percent changes are much tamer the other 11 months of the over official exchange rates. There remains an y/y in November to 2.6 percent y/y in December, in-line year, firm December or Q4 prices indicate good demand active black market, where the pound initially with weaker global food inflation. Local food inflation is in the sector. weakened alongside the bank’s official deprecia- tions. The black market has recently strengthened and then been largely stable since the bank stopped its depreciations last week. QNB to pay 60 UAE’s Tabreed reappoints bps margin Steve Ridlington as CFO for $3bn loan DUBAI: Dubai-listed Tabreed has reappointed Steve Ridlington as chief financial officer after LONDON: Qatar National Bank (QNB) will pay a margin of around 60 a four-year hiatus abroad, the United Arab basis points (bps) over Libor on its $3 billion, three-year unsecured term Emirates utility said yesterday. Ridlington, loan, one banker close to the deal said. who was CFO from 2009 to 2011, will return Barclays Bank and HSBC are acting as coordinators on the deal, with to Tabreed - formally called National Central Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, Deutsche Bank, Mizuho Bank, Standard Cooling Co - and reassume the role on Feb. Chartered Bank and SMBC acting as initial mandated lead arrangers and 22, according to a statement from the Abu bookrunners. The deal is QNB’s biggest syndicated loan to date, accord- Dhabi-based company. Ridlington, who held ing to Thomson Reuters LPC data and proceeds will be used for general a similar position at London-based oil and gas corporate purposes. exploration firm Buried Hill in the intervening The deal will be launched to all of QNB’s relationship banks as well as a number of other banks, the banker said. QNB could not be immediate- years, will replace outgoing CFO Adrian ly contacted for comment. QNB’s loan is expected to be the first of a Kershaw, who will remain at Tabreed until the small wave of deals for Middle East banks in the first half of 2015, the end of March. Tabreed has 69 district cooling banker said. A handful of banks are looking to lock in the excess liquidity plants in the Gulf, mostly in the UAE, that pro- available in the market as loan pipelines remain thin across others areas vide air conditioning to residential develop- in the CEEMEA region. The 60 bps margin on QNB’s loan will be reserved ments and commercial and government facil- for only the top Middle East names. “The 60 bps figure is at the tightest ATHENS: Posters showing German Chancellor Angela Merkel and former Greek prime minister Antonis ities. end of the pricing spectrum and smaller banks would expect to come Samaras and reading “No More” are pasted on the window of a shut down car dealership in Athens yes- outside of that figure,” said the banker. —Reuters terday. Greece’s new government was headed for a showdown with skeptical European partners as it took its demands to renegotiate its huge bailout to crunch talks in Brussels. — AFP

EXCHANGE RATES

Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. UAE Exchange Centre WLL Syrian Pound 2.710 Philippine Peso 0.006518 0.006798 Nepalese Rupees 3.945 Sierra Leone 0.000065 0.000071 Malaysian Ringgit 87.645 Singapore Dollar 0.217588 0.223588 ASIAN COUNTRIES COUNTRY SELL DRAFT SELL CASH South African Rand 0.019592 0.028092 Japanese Yen 2.490 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 48.035 Australian Dollar 232.53 229.53 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001861 0.002441 Indian Rupees 4.750 Thai Bhat 9.885 Canadian Dollar 249.90 250.90 Taiwan 0.009151 0.009331 Pakistani Rupees 2.927 Turkish Lira 131.225 Swiss Franc 293.82 291.82 Thai Baht 0.008641 0.009191 Srilankan Rupees 2.221 Euro 350.75 351.75 Nepali Rupees 2.973 US Dollar 294.90 297.90 Arab Singapore Dollar 221.410 Sterling Pound 449.01 451.01 Bahrain Exchange Company Hongkong Dollar 38.009 Bahraini Dinar 0.775237 0.783237 Japanese Yen 2.53 2.55 Bangladesh Taka 3.768 Egyptian Pound 0.038222 0.041322 Bangladesh Taka 3.778 4.048 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 6.577 Iranian Riyal 0.000082 0.000083 Indian Rupee 4.746 5.046 Thai Baht 8.979 Europe Iraqi Dinar 0.000195 0.000255 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.227 2.662 Irani Riyal transfer 61.555 Belgian Franc 0.007677 0.008677 Jordanian Dinar 0.411598 0.419098 Irani Riyal cash 121.740 Nepali Rupee 2.964 3.499 British Pound 0.439910 0.448910 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Pakistani Rupee 2.926 2.790 Czech Korune 0.004327 0.016327 Lebanese Pound 0.000146 0.000246 GCC COUNTRIES UAE Dirhams 80.14 80.60 Danish Krone 0.042869 0.047869 Moroccan Dirhams 0.024074 0.048074 Saudi Riyal 78.618 Bahraini Dinar 782.70 784.77 Euro 0.342978 0.350978 Nigerian Naira 0.001199 0.001834 Qatari Riyal 80.995 Egyptian Pound 41.12 41.72 Norwegian Krone 0.034122 0.039322 Omani Riyal 0.759434 0.765114 Omani Riyal 766.050 Jordanian Dinar 419.01 424.66 Romanian Leu 0.084531 0.084531 Qatar Riyal 0.080236 0.081449 Bahraini Dinar 783.050 Omani Riyal 764.77 772.07 Slovakia 0.008649 0.018649 Saudi Riyal 0.077950 0.078650 UAE Dirham 80.289 Qatari Riyal 81.21 81.76 Swedish Krona 0.032541 0.037541 Syrian Pound 0.001748 0.001968 Saudi Riyal 78.55 78.95 Swiss Franc 0.283655 0.293855 Tunisian Dinar 0.153277 0.161277 ARAB COUNTRIES Turkish Lira 0.127301 0.134301 Turkish Lira 0.127301 0.131301 Egyptian Pound - Cash 41.517 UAE Dirhams 0.079254 0.080403 Egyptian Pound - Transfer 41.132 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Australasia Yemeni Riyal 0.001331 0.001411 Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.370 Australian Dollar 0.232286 0.243786 New Zealand Dollar 0.222732 0.232232 Tunisian Dinar 156.380 Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Jordanian Dinar 414.370 Al Mulla Exchange US Dollar 291.750 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 1.978 America Canadian Dollar 260.085 Syrian Lira 2.101 Canadian Dollar 0.241272 0.249772 Sterling Pound 456.630 Morocco Dirham 32.278 US Dollars 0.290600 0.295300 Currency Transfer Rate (Per 1000) Euro 366.500 US Dollars Mint 0.291100 0.295300 US Dollar 293.950 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Swiss Frank 303.035 Euro 351.450 Bahrain Dinar 775.760 US Dollar Transfer 294.700 Asia Pound Sterlng 447.150 UAE Dirhams 79.330 Euro 350.100 Bangladesh Taka 0.003454 0.004054 Canadian Dollar 249.900 Qatari Riyals 80.935 Sterling Pound 448.240 Chinese Yuan 0.046034 0.049534 Indian Rupee 4.650 Saudi Riyals 77.975 Canadian dollar 247.340 Hong Kong Dollar 0.035911 0.038661 Egyptian Pound 41.095 Jordanian Dinar 411.660 Turkish lira 129.000 Indian Rupee 0.004404 0.004805 Sri Lankan Rupee 2.223 Egyptian Pound 40.707 Swiss Franc 291.350 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000019 0.000025 Sri Lankan Rupees 2.225 Bangladesh Taka 3.749 Australian Dollar 241.950 Japanese Yen 0.002417 0.002597 Indian Rupees 4.716 Philippines Peso 6.528 US Dollar Buying 293.500 Kenyan Shilling 0.003278 0.003268 Pakistani Rupees 2.867 Pakistan Rupee 2.920 Korean Won 0.000263 0.000278 Bangladesh Taka 3.759 Bahraini Dinar 782.700 GOLD Malaysian Ringgit 0.079761 0.085761 Philippines Pesso 6.481 UAE Dirham 80.050 20 gram 238.100 Nepalese Rupee 0.003012 0.003182 Cyprus pound 715.865 Saudi Riyal 78.500 10 gram 121.740 Pakistan Rupee 0.002739 0.003019 5 gram 61.560 Japanese Yen 3.480 *Rates are subject to change BUSINESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 European economy picking up amid noise over Greece

BRUSSELS: With all the noise and uncertainty the apparent improvement. Foremost is the surrounding Greece, it’s been easy to overlook sharp fall in the price of oil since last summer. the growing signs of economic recovery in The Brent international benchmark for crude Europe. A raft of indicators have pointed to a is around 50 percent lower than in June. pick-up in activity that puts the 19-country Weaker oil prices are like an immediate tax cut euro-zone economy in a position to do better for consumers. Those 20 euros saved filling up than expected this year - provided it doesn’t the family car are 20 euros that can be spent stumble into a messy Greek exit from the euro on something else. or relations deteriorate between the West and Another source of stimulus has been the Russia over the conflict in Ukraine. euro’s descent to near 11-year lows against Fourth quarter figures on Friday aren’t the dollar - to the cheer of the region’s expected to show a big improvement yet, exporters - in the wake of the ECB’s decision to with most economists predicting mild growth buy government bonds. Though 60 percent of of 0.2 percent for the second quarter running. trade in the euro-zone takes place between Moving forward, though, most expect the countries in the currency zone, the remaining pace of growth to pick up from a low level for 40 percent will benefit by becoming more a number of reasons, including the sharp falls cost-competitive in international markets. in the price of oil and the euro. The ECB stimulus itself should be a boon Ben May, economist at Oxford Economics, once it starts in March. The ECB is preparing a says 2015 will be the year that the recovery 1 trillion euro stimulus, mainly through the finally gets going. “Recent news from the purchase of government bonds, to push infla- euro-zone supports the view that domestic tion up from dangerous lows. The stimulus healing continues,” he said. should keep a lid on borrowing rates, benefit- ing businesses and households. It can also The evidence increase wealth by potentially boosting the For years, the euro-zone has been in inten- value of some financial assets, such as stocks sive care, sliding into two recessions as it and housing. That can help drive consump- struggled with a debt crisis that raised ques- tion in the future, too. tions over the survival of the euro. Since ECB President Mario Draghi said in July 2012 that The risks the bank would do “whatever it takes” to save If the last five or six years are any guide, the KENSINGTON: Mannequins are seen inside the last operating department store at White Flint Mall yesterday in Kensington, Maryland. The “shopping mall,” the euro, tensions in financial markets have recovery won’t be smooth. The Greek crisis is traditional symbol of the consumer in the 1960s, with trendy name brand stores all under one roof, are becoming the thing of the past in the US. — AFP eased. Despite that, the euro-zone, which perhaps the biggest uncertainty. Though the emerged from its last recession in the spring prevailing view is that the new Greek govern- of 2013, has faltered, with even Germany ment will reach a compromise with its bailout US shopping mall culture: slowing down. But recently, there’s been evi- creditors in the euro-zone and the dence of a turnaround. International Monetary Fund, no one is 100 Retail sales across the euro-zone have risen percent sure. “Grexit” - or Greece’s exit from for three straight months, meaning the sector the euro - remains a possibility. How that Dying or just changing? will contribute to growth in the last quarter of would affect the euro-zone is anyone’s guess, 2014. Though high at 11.4 percent, unem- though the uncertainty is ployment has edged down over the past year likely to hurt investor confidence. Many ‘Consuming differently in different places’ and surveys are pointing to a pick-up in hiring. policymakers think the euro-zone is better That’s been particularly noticeable in Spain, protected than three years ago to deal with FAIRFAX, United States: Cierra Dorsey has hap- ways connected suburban homes to futuristic George Ritzer, author of a book on consumption, which along with Greece witnessed a huge the fallout of a Greek exit, but again, no one py memories of hanging out at the mall as a urban shopping centers. When they were first “Enchanting a Disenchanted World.” increase in joblessness, particularly among can be sure. All eyes are on Wednesday’s teenage girl, an adolescent rite of passage under introduced, outfitted with sleek glass, shiny tiles, “They are becoming more entertainment the young. emergency meeting of the 19 euro finance threat in parts of the US as old-fashioned malls escalators and indoor fountains, they were an complexes,” Ritzer said. Developers are turning Germany’s closely watched Ifo survey of ministers in Brussels. close their doors. While high-end malls thrive, antidote to outdated open-air strip malls. “We away from the traditional mall model and now business confidence rose to a six-month high Another hot topic is the conflict in many others have been unable to keep up with must remember that the 1950s and 1960s were opening “mixed use” complexes, often outdoors, in January, auguring well for Europe’s biggest Ukraine. The European Union’s 28 leaders changing shopping demands of American con- bathed in the desire for the modern, and in this that feature shops, restaurants and green space. economy. Financial information company will discuss the crisis Thursday, with some sumers, leading to obituaries in the US press light the newness of malls gave them a real edge That is the idea behind “CityCenterDC,” a mix of Markit said its purchasing managers’ index, a urging an extension of sanctions on Russia. with headlines such as “A dying breed: The over the old downtowns and open-air shopping commercial, residential and business complexes gauge of business activity, spiked to a six- Moscow has yet to deploy its key retaliatory American shopping mall,” and “Shopping Malls centers,” sociologist David Roelfs, from the in the US capital. month high for the euro-zone in January. It weapon against the West - stopping oil and In Crisis.” University of Louisville, told AFP. David Dochter from Cushman & Wakefield’s was particularly positive on Spain and Ireland. gas sales - for fear of damaging the Russian About 80 percent of the country’s 1,200 malls The mall also found a spot in popular culture. Retail Services Group, the company behind the There are signs of life in the auto market, economy further. If it were to limit such are considered “healthy,” which means store It was featured in several 1980s films, including project, said consumers are looking for a differ- which grew in 2014 for the first time since sales, all talk of recovery in the euro-zone vacancy rates of 10 percent or less, according to “Back to the Future,” and “The Terminator.” The ent experience. 2007. Ford revealed plans to increase produc- would be extinguished. “An energy embar- CoStar Group data published in The New York first mall in the United States-still open today-is “They want a social environment in where tion 40 percent at its plant in Valencia, Spain. go, even if it were temporary, would send Times. the Southdale Center in Minnesota, which they are shopping they want an experience, not the euro-zone into its third recession since That’s down from 94 percent in 2006 and opened in 1956. just a product,” he said. The “Mosaic” complex in The reasons 2008,” economists at Wells Fargo Bank said in there is even a website dedicated to document- Victor Gruen, a pioneer for mall design, creat- Fairfax, Virginia is a mixed-use space featuring a A number of causes have been cited for a report to investors. — AP ing what some are calling the death of the shop- ed them as a social-gathering point. But the plaza, shops, food market and a children’s the- ping center, deadmalls.com, keeping tabs on the social dimension was quickly eclipsed. “The mall ater on a 20-hectare footprint outside latest closures across the country. Dorsey quickly morphed into a more consumerist ven- Washington. remembers the old-style mall with nostalgia. ue, where people went to be seen in the act of “We wanted to create a gathering place for “The first time my mom allowed me to go out conspicuous consumption, more than to build the community,” said Reed Kracke, development by myself, it was in a mall,” said Dorsey, a sales- relationships with their neighbors,” said Roelfs, associate at EDENS, which built the complex. woman at a natural products shop in Fairfax, who claims that no malls have been built in the “It’s not the hectic environment you might see in outside the US capital. “I do have fond memo- US since 2009. a crowded indoor traditional shopping mall,” he ries.” told AFP. “We really feel if we could capture the New mall model people’s time, their wallets will follow, if they Changing tastes “It’s not that consumption is going down, spend their time there, they will spend their Most of America’s malls were built in the consumption is going up, we’re consuming dif- money here as well, so we are really after captur- 1950s and 1960s as a growing network of high- ferently in different places,” said sociologist ing people’s time.” — AFP

British watchdog says bank competition still falls short

LONDON: Moves to improve competition within Britain’s banking industry have not yet had the desired effect, the head of the competition watchdog said, raising the prospect that the country’s biggest banks could be broken up. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating the market for personal current accounts and small business banking services and will decide ATHENS: Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras speaks during a parliament session ahead what measures must be taken by May 2016. Its Chief of the confidence vote of the new government on Tuesday in Athens. Tsipras said that the Executive Alex Chisholm said in a submission to New country “cannot return to an age of bailouts and suppression,” ahead of critical talks with City Agenda, an independent political think tank, that Athens’s EU creditors. — AFP the CMA could order banks to sell assets or tell them to provide clearer pricing and comparisons between MUMBAI: US Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew (L) looks on as Anand Mahindra, Chairman different products. and Managing Director of India’s Mahindra and Mahindra Group, speaks during an inter- Unlike previous investigations into the industry, action with Indian business leaders in Mumbai yesterday. Lew is in India on a two-day Australia’s Commonwealth the CMA has the power to order banks to take actions official visit. — AFP rather than just make recommendations, Chisholm Bank H1 profit jumps 8.0% said, and those actions may also require changes to current laws and regulations. Chisholm said moves to Pilots’ union calls strike at stimulate competition, including ensuring customers SYDNEY: Australia’s biggest company divisions, earnings from its core retail bank- can switch banks in seven working days, had not had Commonwealth Bank yesterday posted an ing operation, which includes home lend- the desired effect. Lufthansa’s Germanwings eight percent rise in first-half net profit to ing, credit cards, and personal loans, “They don’t seem to us yet to have had the trans- BERLIN: A long-running row between to retire at 55 and still receive a portion of Aus$4.53 billion ($3.51 billion), while warn- jumped 12 percent to Aus$1.99 billion, formative effect hoped for, and the long-standing Lufthansa management and German pilots their pay until regular state pension pay- ing weak consumer confidence was start- while revenue from its business banking concerns about competition in retail banking largely union Vereinigung Cockpit (VC) over pay ments kick in. Lufthansa wants to increase ing to hurt business. The bank’s result for arm rose eight percent to Aus$743 million. remain,” he said. and conditions shows no sign of ending the earliest age at which its new pilots can the six months to December 31 was up But while posting another encouraging Britain’s biggest four banks-Lloyds, Royal Bank of soon after the union called for a two-day retire to reflect increasing life expectancies from Aus$4.21 billion in the same period result, Narev warned that weak confidence Scotland (RBS), Barclays and HSBC- control more than strike at the group’s budget airline and cut costs. the previous year. Cash profit, a measure levels were threatening the Australian three quarters of current accounts and provide nine Germanwings. Lufthansa said almost all points of con- often preferred by financial institutions, economy as it deals with the end of a min- out of 10 business loans. The VC pilots staged 10 strikes last year, tention for the early retirement scheme also jumped eight percent to Aus$4.62 bil- ing investment boom and called on the Paul Pester, chief executive of new bank TSB, said affecting hundreds of thousands of passen- had been resolved and that a mediator lion. government to do more. yesterday that medium-sized banks could merge to gers and wiping up to 200 million euros could have easily resolved the outstanding As investors focus on higher-yielding “Weak confidence is a significant eco- give them the scale to compete with bigger rivals. ($226 million) from 2014 operating profit at issues. stocks in Australia’s low interest rate envi- nomic threat. Businesses need the cer- “It’s a possibility,” he told Reuters at an event in par- Lufthansa, which is under pressure to Shares in Lufthansa were up 0.5 percent ronment, the bank announced an eight tainty to invest to create jobs, and house- liament organized by think tank New City Agenda. reduce costs to keep up with rivals. at 1055 GMT, outperforming a 0.2 percent percent rise in its interim dividend to $1.98 holds need a greater feeling of security,” “Scale is important. Giving some of these mid-tier The pilots said late on Tuesday the weaker Dax blue-chip index. “The positive per share. The bank’s shares, which have he said. “That requires implementation of banks enough teeth to really compete is going to be strike, affecting departures across side of the story is that Lufthansa is driving soared more than 10 percent in the past a coherent long-term plan that clearly important.” Some lawmakers blame a lack of choice for Germany, would run from 2300 GMT on the a hard bargain for its cost reduction efforts, few weeks, ended 0.79 percent lower at addresses target government debt levels scandals that have engulfed the industry in recent night of Wednesday until 2259 GMT on which might succeed in the long term,” Aus$91.86 in a falling market. and timeframes, infrastructure priorities, years including the mis-selling of loan insurance and Friday, Feb 13. Equinet analyst Joachen Rothenbacher Chief executive Ian Narev said the result foreign investment, business competitive- complex hedging products and shoddy treatment of VC said attempts to reach agreement wrote in a note. from the country’s largest lender was driv- ness policies and, above all, job creation.” small businesses in financial difficulty. had failed. “Lufthansa thus demonstrates The pilots have also requested that en by solid revenue growth and low Australia’s central bank last week cut its State-backed RBS and Lloyds could come under again that it does not want an agreement management enter mediation talks on charges for bad debts. “Our ongoing focus forecasts for economic growth and infla- particular scrutiny in the investigation. Lloyds is and is therefore responsible for more plans for the expansion of low-cost flights, on long-term strategic priorities-people, tion this year and warned unemployment Britain’s biggest provider of personal current accounts, strikes,” said Joerg Handwerg, a spokesman which Lufthansa has refused. The pilots technology, strength and productivity-con- would likely rise as the economy makes a while RBS provides services to more UK small busi- for VC. oppose the way in which Lufthansa is tinues to benefit our customers, our share- transition from its mining investment nesses than any rivals. Germanwings said it expected to oper- pushing through the expansion by using a holders, our people and other key stake- boom. In a further submission to the think tank, Tesco ate over half of the 900 flights normally small business that is not subject to the holders,” he said. The Reserve Bank of Australia said gross Bank’s Chief Executive Benny Higgins criticised the scheduled for the strike period by using same collective labour agreements as pilots “The group’s revenue momentum has domestic product would expand 2.25-3.25 way some of Britain’s biggest banks treated cus- volunteer pilots or by chartering planes at its Lufthansa and Germanwings brands. continued, while our focus on productivity percent in 2015, compared with a tomers. “Many of the banks get away with offering from other airlines. Like rival Air France-KLM, Lufthansa wants has delivered a further $300 million of cost November estimate of 2.50-3.50 percent. their customers a very poor deal-generating billions The row between pilots and manage- to increase low-cost operations to win back savings over the last 12 months. “We have The Commonwealth bank’s business year of pounds in revenue for themselves as a result,” he ment concerns early retirement benefits market share lost to the likes of Ryanair and also maintained the strength of the group’s ends in June, compared with September for said. — Reuters balance sheet in terms of capital, liquidity, its main rivals-ANZ, Westpac and National that Lufthansa wants to change for new easyJet, which are expanding in its home deposit funding and provisioning.” Among Australia Bank. — AFP starters. The current scheme enables pilots market. — Reuters BUSINESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 Unease over Greece hits European shares Oil slips below $56 on PARIS: European shares slipped yesterday, EU leaders meet on the same issue today. Cussac. On the earnings front, aluminium pro- with investors uneasy over how euro-zone Jean-Louis Cussac, head of Paris-based ducer Norsk Hydro rose 4.2 percent after post- fears of oversupply ministerial meetings on Greece’s debt crisis Perceval Finance, said the lack of clarity over ing higher profits and announcing a bigger- will pan out. National Bank of Greece dropped how the Greek situation would play out was than-expected dividend. LONDON: Oil slipped below $56 a barrel Brent crude futures were down 90 cents at yesterday, pressured by expectations that $55.53 by 1037 GMT. US crude traded at 9.4 percent, Bank of Piraeus shed 4.7 percent causing some investors to hesitate over buy- Dutch bank ING Group advanced 2.9 per- oversupply in world markets would per- $49.52, down 50 cents, having reached a while Athens ATG equity index fell 3.2 per- ing into European equities. cent after saying it will resume paying a divi- sist and an industry report saying US high of $51.14 earlier in the session. cent, giving up ground following an 8 percent However, the underlying backdrop dend in 2015, the first in seven years, while life crude stocks rose from a record high. After more than halving since June, oil rise on the Athens market on Tuesday. remained relatively positive, given the sciences company DSM rose 6.6 percent after The American Petroleum Institute said prices have rallied by over 20 percent in The Athens market lagged a 0.3 percent European Central Bank’s planned quantitative saying it expected 2015 earnings to be higher on Tuesday crude stocks increased by 1.6 the last four weeks. Kuwait’s Oil Minister decline on the pan-European FTSEurofirst 300 easing program of government bonds pur- than last year’s level. million barrels last week. Stocks are Ali Al-Omair said yesterday that crude index. Greece’s Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras chases to boost the region’s economy. Europe’s earning season has been mostly already at a record, according to the US prices could rise to $60 a barrel by the comfortably won a confidence vote on can- “There’s a bit of hesitation on the market, positive so far. About a third of STOXX 600 government’s Energy Information end of the year. But analysts agreed with celling its bailout program before euro-zone but there’s no real selling pressure and the index companies have reported, of which 61 Administration (EIA), which issues its lat- IEA predictions that following the crash, finance ministers meet later in Brussels to dis- pull-backs are good buying opportunities. percent have met or beaten analyst fore- est report yesterday. oil prices would stabilise well below the cuss how to proceed with financial support With the quantitative easing program coming, casts, according to Thomson Reuters Crude had come under pressure on highs of more than $100 a barrel seen in for the country. it’s difficult to see a correction in stocks,” said StarMine data. — Reuters Tuesday from International Energy the last three years. Agency (IEA) forecasts of continued sup- Jefferies Bache analysts said Brent and ply growth in the United States to 2020 US crude, known as West Texas despite lower prices, and of a possible fur- Intermediate (WTI), would fall in the short ther rise in stocks to a record high this term as the market responded again to year. oversupply. “The supply growth in 2015 is likely to “We still expect fresh WTI lows and an continue unabated, albeit at a somewhat ultimate decline towards the $40 area,” lower rate,” Fereidun Fesharaki at Facts they said in a note to traders. “Assuming Global Energy said in a note to traders. our $40 WTI target is achieved, a nearby “This all means a weak market in 2015 Brent price in the $48 area would be and even lower oil prices. Demand implied.” “All in all, we are maintaining a rebound will not save the oil market.” bearish stance.” — Reuters :HGQHVGD\)HEUXDU\

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KUWAIT: Mubarak Naser Al-Sayer, Faisal Bader Al-Sayer, Mark Templin, Takeaki Kato, Takayuki Yoshitsugu and other chief guests during the unveiling of the all-new Lexus NX by Mohamed Naser Al-Sayer & Sons. —Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat Lexus amazing in motion unveils the all-new NX ‘A new star is born’ Lexus enters compact crossover segment with all-new turbocharged NX 200t

KUWAIT: Mohamed Naser Al-Sayer & Sons, one of the Lexus, Mark Templin Executive Vice President Lexus headlamps and daytime running lamps firmly express fold system pairs cylinders according to their expan- suite of active and passive safety features. The Al-Sayer Group Holding Companies held an official International said “We are investing in innovative and Lexus’ bold design language. A roofline peak towards sion or compression stroke to reduce pumping losses Panoramic View Monitor, introduced into a Lexus press conference event to launch the all-new Lexus exciting products, services and experiences. We are the back of the vehicle provides ample headroom and and eliminate exhaust gas interference. This results in vehicle for the first time, helps the driver avoid other NX. The car was revealed by Mubarak Naser Al-Sayer, showing a more emotional side of Lexus through our accentuates the side profile, creating a tight silhou- improved acceleration response and wide torque vehicles and pedestrians approaching from the CEO Al-Sayer Group Holding in the presence of Vice passion for great design and innovative technologies. ette. Lexus has designed a new range of 17-inch and band. The turbo engine produces 235 hp at 4800 - sides. This system combines video from four cam- Chairman Faisal Bader Al-Sayer, Mark Templin, And most importantly, we remain commitment to you optional 18-inch alloy wheels specifically for the NX 5,600 rpm with35.7 kg-m of torque from 1,650-4,000 eras mounted to the front and rear sides of the vehi- Executive Vice President Lexus International, Takeaki our valued customers and guests. On behalf of Lexus 200t, with designs that evoke exotic sports cars rather rpm. Combining the cylinder head, exhaust manifold cle, offering a view of everything happening around Kato, Chief Engineer Lexus NX, Takayuki Yoshitsugu, International, Thank You for helping us build our than SUVs. The wheels are housed in bold, flared and intercooler with variable wastegate control also the car, including in blind spots. The display is auto- Chief Representative, TMC MENARO and an accompa- incredible brand over the past 25 years and we hope wheel arches that set the vehicle in a crouching, mus- enhances low speed torque fuel economy. matically adjusted based on gear-stick operation, nying delegation. you’re as excited as we are about the next 25.” cular stance. The NX 200t has been designed for handling sta- with the system able to display enlarged views from The launch of the all new Lexus NX “the birth of a According to NX chief engineer Takeaki Kato, “The The look and feel of Lexus luxury detail begins bility, turning posture and ride comfort. The vehicle above the vehicle. The Dynamic Radar Cruise new star” was witnessed by a large number of guests NX 200t is a Premium Crossover combining perform- before you enter the NX 200t. A single LED elegantly employs specialized Lexus manufacturing techniques Control with All-speed Tracking Function maintains including ministry officials, Privileged Lexus ance, numerous on-board technologies and an allur- streams a welcoming beam of light along the top of such as body adhesives and laser-screw welding to inter-vehicle distance within a set speed and sup- Customers and Representatives of the press and ing design to make it desirable for customers. Luxury the handle and also to the ground as the driver improve the rigidity of the suspension system as well ports the driver by detecting the vehicle ahead and media. Later, an unveiling event for the public was is epitomized by attention to even small but impor- approaches the vehicle. The vehicle also encompasses as the body, enhancing overall driving performance. ensuring that an appropriate distance is maintained held at the Grand Avenues Mall where the NX will be tant details like the courtesy lights, the feel of the an innovative outer mirror and a world-first door han- The Drive Mode Select dial on the center console lets from cruising speeds down to a stop. Also offered on displayed for one week. switches and other innovations that set new stan- dle mechanism with hidden key barrel. The gap the NX 200t driver tailor the vehicle’s responses and the NX 200t is the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Having pioneered the luxury-utility crossover cate- dards for future Lexus models. This SUV represents the between the handle and the cover has been eliminat- driving feel to suit driving conditions or just the dri- Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and the Lane gory more than a decade ago with the original mid- ultimate in premium urban sports gear and is ed and the keyhole has been removed, realizing a ver’s mood. The system adjusts parameters for multi- Departure Alert that warns the driver when it deter- sized RX 300, Lexus is now poised to disrupt the SUV designed to support an active lifestyle on the week- seamless and dynamic design. This keyhole-less con- ple systems, including throttle response and the pow- mines that the vehicle is about to veer from a traffic segment once again with the all-new NX 200t - the end while also complementing daily life on the move.” struction is a world-first for a straight pull type door er steering assist curve. lane. brand’s maiden entry into the growing compact handle. A touch sensor type Smart Entry system is The engineering team’s racing experience comes crossover segment. Inspired by performance vehicles, Youthful personality available, conveying an excellent appearance and through in the way the Lexus NX 200t handles curves F SPORT the turbocharged NX combines the expertise of racers Takayuki Yoshitsugu, Chief Representative, Middle operability compared to a conventional push-button and bumps. A newly developed shock absorber, capa- The F SPORT variant promises a special driving within the engineering team and the impeccable East and North Africa Representative Office, TOYOTA type system and this adds to the luxury appearance. ble of controlling even the smallest micro-level fluctu- experience with its aggressive looks such as a grille touch of Lexus luxury through an exciting and sporty Motor Corporation, said, “With the NX 200t, our aim Stepping into the NX 200t will feel like stepping ations, contributes to excellent stability and ride com- that’s even bolder than on the standard model. The design to set a new benchmark in the automotive was to introduce a vehicle with a youthful personality into a sports car. The cabin design combines structural fort. Additionally, the NX 200t features a new Adaptive L-mesh black grille integrates with a metallic coated world. Following in the tire tracks of the new-genera- and premium feel that would appeal to a broad audi- elements with luxurious yet functional materials and Variable Suspension (AVS) that is capable of variable lower bumper molding, and black side mirrors tion Lexus GS and IS sedans, the 2015 NX 200t and the ence. The NX 200t continues the brand’s strong emo- textures. The center console is the undeniable focal control in 30 stages. match the grille. Exclusive wheels, cabin styling and F Sport version offer dramatic design alternatives to a tional link with a stirring design and turbocharged point, framed by bold silver-colored architectural ele- trim and bolstered sports seats add to the F SPORT segment populated by boxy offerings to reveal the performance to set the stage for a vehicle that is a ments and featuring kneepads on both sides. Leather- Best-in-class Technology repertoire in the NX 200t. boldest interpretation yet of the signature Lexus spin- departure from anything seen before. The vehicle wrapped metal over high contrast metallic colors pro- The NX 200t’s array of technology innovations sets How much added sportiness you want in the F dle grille and L-finesse design. packs in more agility along with the versatility needed vides visual depth. The NX 200t dashboard and con- new standards for future Lexus models. The NX 200t SPORT ride depends on the wheels you choose. A Mubarak Naser Al-Sayer, CEO Al-Sayer Group to navigate urban streets, while conveying the per- sole continue the Lexus concept of display and opera- features the first application of a new Lexus Remote 10-spoke 18-inch alloy design combines black paint Holding said, “Mohamed Naser Al-Sayer is extremely formance and functionality of a premium, compact tional zones. The seats, inspired by sports car design, Touch Interface (RTI) with a touch pad, letting the driv- on the lateral edges with a luminous machine- proud to represent Lexus in Kuwait as one of the best vehicle.” coddle driver and passenger as you’d expect from a er access various functions without changing the driv- brushed finish and features 225/60R18 all-season world class luxury brands. Guaranteed durability, Looking more sports-car than sport-utility, the NX Lexus. ing position or taking the eyes away from the view in tires. The second design, with a dark metallic finish exceptional quality, comfort and luxury have always 200t features numerous firsts in a Lexus, including A neat-looking switch layout and aesthetic sur- front of the vehicle. For zero-distraction, the front-seat and high-gloss Y-shaped spokes, uses lower profile been the core of Lexus development philosophy. We keyhole-less outside door handle; power reclining and faces epitomize the NX 200t’s interior concept - “tradi- passenger can also easily operate the RTI. 235/55R18 summer tires. are committed to provide the best products and serv- power folding 60:40 split rear seat; cylinder head with tional luxury accentuated by simple functional beau- A highly visible and easy-to-understand naviga- Body-hugging, quilted NuLuxe seats are exclu- ices to our customers in Kuwait matching internation- integrated exhaust manifold, a Wireless Charging Tray ty”. Driving-related switches such as the Drive Mode tion screen enables users to confirm a range of infor- sive in the F SPORT, which offers an exclusive interior al standards in customer care. Since its inception in for compatible phones and devices; the new Lexus Select switch, VSC OFF switch, and EPB switch are mation at a glance. The navigation system’s conven- color, Rioja Red. The driver grips a perforated F 1989, Lexus has elevated the standards of luxury and Remote Touch Interface (RTI) with a touch pad and a grouped together on the console, enhancing the ience enables audio and other information to be dis- SPORT steering wheel and brushed metallic has pushed all other manufacturers to tough competi- Pre-Load Differential to control differential torque. operability and visual recognition. played on a 4.2-inch Multi-Information Display in the gearshift. The unique instrumentation and drilled tive zone as we today celebrate the launch of all new meter. non-slip aluminum pedals and footrest were NX - new benchmark of luxury. The NX embodies 25 Bold and Sporty Styling Outstanding performance The NX 200t is the first Lexus to offer a Qi Wireless inspired by the Lexus LFA supercar. The tachometer years of Lexus research and development having the The striking angles and smoothly flowing contours For its first-ever turbocharged gasoline engine, Charging Tray inside the console box: just placing a red line is even more clearly marked in this model. best-in-class craftsmanship and state-of-the-art tech- of the NX 200t lend it a distinct visual appeal. From its Lexus created an all-new engine architecture. The 2.0- compatible smartphone or tablet in the tray will The NX 200t F SPORT is also available exclusively nology. This is the reason we are marketing the NX dramatic spindle grille and L-themed headlights to a liter, four-cylinder port and direct-injection turbo recharge its battery. The charger can be turned on or with a Multi Information Display which heightens launch in Kuwait as “the birth of a new star”. body that appears carved from a single chunk of met- engine uses an advanced valve control system to off by pressing the power button. When a Qi compati- your driving experience by displaying a G sensor Developed at all stages from the perspective of al, there will be no mistaking the NX 200t for anything switch between Atkinson cycle and Otto cycle opera- ble mobile device is placed in the charging area, with steering angle, accelerator opening and brake young, urban, luxury drivers as the Premium Urban else in its class. Sculpted to look nimble while hinting tion to optimize performance. The new engine was charging begins and the indicator color changes from hydraulic pressure bars in addition to a turbo boost Sports Gear SUV to set new standards for future Lexus at the incredible power concentrated inside, the NX tested extensively on various road conditions and green (standby) to amber. When charging is complete, meter with oil temperature and pressure gauges. models, the all new NX is poised to succeed in this 200t embodies an aggressive form that makes its harsh environments, and comes with a world-first the indicator color changes from amber to green. The F SPORT also features Active Sound Control segment through emotionally appealing to affluent functionality and higher performance evident at a combination of water-cooled cylinder head integrated (ASC) to enhance the auditory experience. The youth.” glance. Front and rear flares fuse with the diamond- exhaust manifold and twin scroll turbo charger. To Advanced safety features engine note volume resonating through the cabin Highlighting the changing brand perception of shaped body at the spindle grille, and innovative LED minimize turbo lag, the four-into-two exhaust mani- The Lexus NX 200t comes with a comprehensive can be adjusted when the driver turns on ASC. BUSINESS THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 Teenager wins KD 75,000 with Kalyan Jewellers 15-year-old girl walks closer to realizing her dreams

KUWAIT: Kalyan Jewellers, one of the most trusted Managing Director, Kalyan Jewellers. Kalyan Jewellers recently opened three show- ence in the market of over two decades. It has set an jewellery brands has announced the winner of its KD A smiling and shy Aishwarya was quite over- rooms in Kuwait and has nine in the UAE. It has a industry benchmark in quality, transparent pricing 75,000 campaign. Aishwarya Sudhakar Rao, a 15- whelmed by the occasion. She said, “It’s amazing total of 77outlets spread across West Asia and India. and innovation. Kalyan offers an array of traditional year-old girl won the prize money. that I won the prize. To be honest, I don’t think I did The showrooms, curated in close partnership with and contemporary jewellery designs in gold, dia- “We are delighted that the winner of our KD anything to deserve this prize. My parents put my designers and stylists offer an exquisite and exten- monds and precious stones catering to the distinct 75,000 initiative is a young girl. I hope that Aishwarya name in the draw. It would have been nice if some- sive collection of jewellery, with stunning designs. needs of the customers. As on December 2014, under the guidance of her parents can realize some one needy had won it. I will use a part of the prize Headquartered in Thrissur in the state of Kerala, Kalyan Jewellers has grown to 77 showrooms across of her goals. The KD 75,000 campaign was launched money for charity and save the rest for my educa- Kalyan Jewellers is one of the largest jewellery man- India and West Asia. Recently, Warburg Pincus, a with the objective of providing our customers with tion. Sudhakar Rao, the father of Aishwarya was ufacturer distributors in India. The company lever- leading global private equity investor invested $200 an opportunity to fulfill some of their most cherished beaming with pride. He said, “Aishwarya has always ages its strong roots, of over a century, in the busi- million for a minority stake in the company. Kalyan dreams. We believe that we have taken one more been lucky for us and now she is lucky for herself. ness of textile trading, distribution and wholesaling. Jewellers continues to adhere to the founding prin- step to building a closer relationship with the com- She plans to start a fundraising project in her Starting with the first jewellery showroom in 1993, ciples of its forefathers of pursuing fair and ethical munity,” said T S Kalyanaraman, Chairman and school.” Kalyan Jewellers has enjoyed a long-standing pres- business practices. Gulf Insurance Group reports KD12m in net profit for 2014 BOD recommends 33% cash dividend

KUWAIT: Gulf Insurance Group(GIG) announced yes- to reach KD 106.8 million ($364.6 million) as at terday that it has achieved a net profit of KD 12 mil- December 31, 2014. This increase of KD 8.9million lion ($41million), or66.42fils per share for the financial ($30.5 million) represents a growth of 9.1 per cent, year ended December 31, 2014. The results represent and aims to sustain the Group’s operational activities, a growth of 17.6 per cent with amount of KD1.8 mil- as well as protecting policy holders’ rights, to ulti- lion ($6.1million) compared to KD 10.2 million ($34.8 mately strengthen GIG’s ability to cover emergencies million)achieved in 2013. and risks that may rise in the future. The Board of Directors has recommended the dis- Total assets increased by KD 26.8 million ($91.5 tribution of 33 percent cash dividend (33fils per million) to reach KD 347.2 million ($1.2 billion) as at share) for the financial year ended 31 December, December 31, 2014, representing a growth of 8.4 per- 2014, subject to the approval of GIG’s General cent compared to the same period in 2013. Assembly and other concerned regulatory authori- Farqad Al-Sane, GIG’s Chairman, said: “Our results ties.GIG’s book value per share has increased for the year2014 reflect the growth we have achieved to469.3fils per share compared to 428.4filsreported in and the strengthening of our ability to preserve 2013. stakeholders’ benefits and protect their rights. This is GIG increased its shareholder’s equity by KD 5.7 also in line with our constant endeavor to provide the million ($19.4 million) to reach KD KD84.2 million best insurance services to our valued customers in all ($287.4 million), representing a 7.2 per cent growth markets we operate in, supported by our proven PARIS: French Economy minister Emmanuel Macron (left) gestures during the session rate as at December 31, 2014compared with strategy which aims at expanding our distribution of questions to the government yesterday at the National Assembly in Paris. — AFP KD78.5million ($268 million) in 2013. networks, and our regional expansion plan to acquire Gross written premiums grew 11per cent com- greater market share locally and regionally. During pared to last year, with an increase of KD 16.6 million 2014, GIG established Algerian Gulf Life Insurance ($56.5 million) to reach KD 173.6 million ($592.7 mil- Company (AGLIC) in Algeria with capital of DZD 1 bil- Stronger US growth seen in lion)as at December 31, 2014. lion (approximately equivalent to $12.7 million) Net cash and investment portfolio reached wherein GIG’s share is 42.5 percent and is expected to 2015; Fed rates hike likely KD190.9 million ($651.9 million) as at December 31, launch its operations during the first half of 2015,” he 2014,with a 12.6per cent growth amounting in added: WASHINGTON: The US economy is set to December. For economists the data signals KD21.4 million ($ 73.2 million) compared to 2013. “We thank our clients for these achievements, as record its best performance in a decade that a pick-up in wage growth, the missing Net investment and other income reached KD 11.6 well as the unlimited support from our sharehold- this year as a rapidly strengthening labor piece in the jobs recovery, is imminent. million ($39.6 million) as at December 31, 2014, with ers, especially KIPCO - Kuwait Projects Company market buoys domestic demand, giving the a37.5 per cent growth amounting to KD 3.16 million (Holding) - and Fairfax Middle East Ltd. I would also Federal Reserve the confidence to start INFLATION ($10.8 million) compared to 2013. like to express my sincere appreciation to our dedi- tightening monetary policy, a Reuters poll Thirty-six of the economists in the sur- GIG’s net technical reserves were raised from KD cated employees for their efforts and all the con- showed. vey expected a June rate hike, while 18 said 97.9 million ($334.1million) as at December 31, 2013 cerned regulatory authorities in Kuwait.” GIG Chairman Farqad Al-Sane The poll of 82 economists, which was it would happen only in September. That published on Wednesday, forecast gross breakdown is similar to both the results of domestic product (GDP) growing an aver- a survey of economists taken last month age 3.2 percent this year, which would be and the findings of a Wall Street primary IMF: Egypt reforms the fastest since 2005. dealers poll published on Friday. Economists are maintaining their lofty And 39 of 54 respondents in the latest starting to spur forecasts despite the economy having hit a poll said their conviction over the timing of speed bump in the fourth quarter and the first rate hike has remained the same rebound in economy appearing to have remained in the slow over the last month. lane at the start of 2015. “It will take higher wages to bring the CAIRO: The International Monetary Fund said yesterday “There may be a few ups and downs this labor market back into equilibrium. We are that Egypt’s structural and monetary reforms were starting year, but the economy’s fundamentals are hearing more Fed members talking about to produce a turnaround in the economy, which has been very strong and they are going to outweigh raising rates mid-year and the tightening in hit by persistent turmoil since 2011. The uprising that top- the issues from abroad. Three percent GDP the labor market is a major reason,” said pled Hosni Mubarak four years ago hit the country’s econo- (growth) is achievable,” said Ryan Sweet, a Joel Naroff, chief economist at Naroff my hard, discouraging investors and tourists and slashing senior economist at Moody’s Analytics in Economic Advisors in Holland, growth to below 2 percent in 2010/2011. West Chester, Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania. Egypt’s current government has since embarked on a US economic growth has been undercut The US central bank has kept its key series of reforms, and asked the IMF to assess its financial by slowing Asian and European economies, short-term interest rate near zero since and economic condition in the hope that a positive report which have hurt US exports. At the same December 2008. While inflation is expected would boost its image ahead of an international investors time, a collapse in global crude oil prices to drift further below the Fed’s 2 percent conference in March. “The measures implemented so far, has forced some businesses to either delay target this year, economists expect price along with some recovery in confidence, are starting to or cut back on capital expenditure. pressures to gradually rise in the coming produce a turnaround,” said the IMF in a press release at the Most economists in the poll said slower years as the effects of cheaper energy and a conclusion of its consultations. RIO DE JANEIRO: The foreign currency board of a bureau de change in Rio de Janeiro yes- global growth and disinflation, a result of stronger dollar fade. Egypt’s finance minister described the report as “very terday indicates an exchange rate of 2.83 and 3.00 reals —buy and sale respectively— for falling crude prices and weak demand, The survey forecast an average 0.4 per- balanced”, adding that it was not currently planning to dis- USD, a 2% raise in only one day, the highest in the last ten years. — AFP were the biggest risks to US growth. cent rise in the consumer price index (CPI) cuss a new loan deal with the IMF. The IMF Mission Chief to Oil prices have nearly halved since June, this year, picking up to 2.2 percent in 2016. Egypt, Chris Jarvis, stressed that Egypt needed to create sending US gasoline prices tumbling to That compared to average increases of 0.9 jobs, in a country where the unemployment rate is 13 per- multi-year lows. percent and 2.3 percent, respectively, in the cent. “The most important economic priority for Egypt is US businesses brace for Cheaper fuel and a strong jobs market January poll. Core CPI, which strips out jobs. Egypt needs to find a way of creating good jobs for its are expected to provide a strong tailwind volatile food and energy prices, was fore- people while at the same time reducing its budget deficit oil investment downturn for consumer spending this year, possibly cast averaging 1.7 percent in 2015 and 2 and maintaining foreign exchange reserves,” he told offsetting the Fed’s concerns about low percent next year. The forecasts were little reporters. inflation and encouraging policymakers to changed from the January survey. “A lot of The Arab world’s most populous country has received LONDON: Oil and gas production is fundamen- prices will have a measurable negative effect on start raising interest rates at their June the lower inflation we are seeing now is billions of dollars in aid from Gulf states since ex-army chief tal to the US economy. The sharp downturn in the economy. meeting. The economy has added more energy prices, which is transitional,” said Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi ousted President Mohammad Morsi of prices will have a negative impact on business than a million jobs over the past three Scott Brown, chief economist at Raymond the Muslim Brotherhood in July 2013. The aid has kept the investment in the short term before the positive OUTSIZED CONTRIBUTION months, a feat last achieved in late 1997. James & Associates in Petersburg, Florida. economy afloat as the government introduces reforms, impact on consumer spending takes over fur- Oil and gas producing industries directly A key gauge of labor market slack - the “For the Fed, they are looking ahead. The seeking to restore growth while controlling inflation and ther down the line. employ fewer than 500,000 individuals out of a number of job seekers for every open posi- Fed is considering taking the foot off the curbing its budget deficit. The IMF projected growth to Oil and gas producers accounted for almost total nonfarm workforce of 140 million, less than tion - hit its lowest level since 2007 in gas at this point.” — Reuters reach 3.8 percent in 2014/15 and to rise to 5 percent over $1 in every $8 of new business investment in the half of one percent, according to the Bureau of the medium term. Although an improvement from the US economy in 2013, according to new data Labor Statistics. lows hit after the turmoil began, at these growth rates the published by the Census Bureau. Businesses Yet direct investment by the oil and gas country will still struggle to create enough jobs for its rapid- engaged in oil and gas extraction invested $159 industry dwarfed capital expenditures by the ly growing population. billion in wells, structures and equipment in more iconic industries beloved by economists The lender said it expected fiscal consolidation to bring 2013, according to the Annual Capital and policymakers such as motor manufacturing the budget deficit below 8 percent of GDP by 2018/19. Expenditures Survey. ($27 billion), aerospace ($7 billion) and comput- Lower fiscal deficits will also “support the targeted reduc- Companies engaged in oil and gas produc- er systems design ($10 billion). tion in inflation to 7 percent over the medium term”. Egypt’s tion support activities invested a further $20 bil- Oil and gas jobs are, moreover, among the gross domestic product is expected to grow 4 percent in lion, taking the oil and gas sector’s share of best-paid in the economy for highly skilled and the current financial year to the end of June, up from 2.2 economy-wide new investment to almost 13.5 semi-skilled workers as well as casual labour. percent last year, Prime Minister Ibrahim Mehleb said yes- percent. Back in 2003, oil and gas extraction and Average wages in the oil and gas extraction sec- terday. support activities accounted for just 5.3 percent tor, at nearly $160,000 in 2013, were almost of whole-economy business capital expendi- three-times the private sector average, accord- NO LOAN TALKS RIGHT NOW tures. ing to the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Even in The IMF said there was a need to broaden tax rev- Capital investment in oil and gas in 2013 was the support sector, average wages and salaries enues, including by enacting value-added tax (VAT), while almost as large as the next three biggest sectors were more than 50 percent higher than average. the decline in oil prices reflected an opportunity to accel- combined: electricity ($86 billion), hospitals ($51 erate energy subsidy reforms. In July, Egypt slashed subsi- billion) and wired telecoms, broadband and EXTENSIVE SUPPLY CHAIN dies that have long weighed on state finances, causing cable suppliers ($49 billion). The figures for 2014 Raw payroll statistics understate the indus- energy prices to rise but signalling the government was are likely to have been similar, at least until oil try’s importance to the whole economy in sup- ready to take tough decisions. The IMF and Egypt have prices plummeted in the second half of the year. porting a multitude of other jobs in sectors sporadically discussed a loan worth up to $4.8 billion to Investment in oil and gas is often under-rat- ranging from steelmaking (oil country tubular help the economy since the 2011 uprising dried up its two ed by economists and policymakers because it is goods) and heavy engineering (rig and pressure main foreign currency sources-tourism and foreign invest- associated with climate change and pollution pump construction) to transportation (railroads, ment. Finance Minister Hani Kadry Dimian said on and has none of the favorable connotations of trucks and aviation) and construction (pipelines Wednesday however, that this was not priority. “We’re fashionable sectors like clean energy, computers and roads). open to all types of collaboration with all institutions, with and the film industry. Oil and gas production is For example, North Dakota’s tiny Sloulin Field all sources of financing as needed. But there are no con- also concentrated in parts of the country like International Airport in Williston, right at the crete plans for the time being to talk about, or to consider, Texas and North Dakota that are a long way geo- heart of the Bakken shale oil play, boarded an IMF financing package,” he said. Jarvis said the IMF graphically and culturally from the universities in almost 100,000 passengers in 2013, up from stood willing to help Egypt. “If Egypt asks for financial sup- California, the Northeast and Chicago where 40,000 in 2012, and just 12,000 in 2008, making port, we can offer that, together with the credibility that most prominent macroeconomists are it one of the fastest-growing airports in the comes with having an IMF program, but I should stress employed. country. that this is a choice for Egypt.” In its release, the IMF wel- But the oil and gas industry, and its associat- Sloulin Field, which uses the code ISN for KABUL: Afghan shoe-shine boy Sameiullah (right), 11, competes in an impromptu comed recent movements in the exchange rates “as an ed supply chain, support an unusually large reservations, ticketing and baggage handling, egg-eating competition with his young colleagues at the Karta-e-Sakhi cemetery in important step in the right direction”.—Reuters number of well-paid jobs and the sudden slow- has plans for a big construction upgrade to han- Kabul yesterday. — AFP down in spending as a result of the collapse in dle the increased numbers.—Reuters THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 TECHNOLOGY Big US defense blimp stirs privacy jitters

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, US: On a crisp defense technology projects. winter’s day, a tethered blimp almost as big as a Last year, the Government Accountability football field slowly rises into the blue Maryland Office estimated the cost of the JLENS program sky, casting its radar eye over greater Washington at $2.8 billion so far. Congress, meanwhile, nearly and well beyond. The Joint Land Attack Cruise halved JLENS’ $54 million budget for fiscal 2015. Missile Elevated Netted Sensor System, better Nearly a decade in development, only two known as JLENS, is intended to spot low-flying JLENS blimps are operational-the one now flying, cruise missiles amid thousands of aircraft in this and another that is to go aloft nearby in a matter corner of the US east coast. of months, but which is currently folded up in a “This balloon is a radar that covers, oh, (a shipping container “like a burrito,” as one soldier radius of) 300 miles (485 kilometers) — about put it. Together the pair make up an “orbit,” with the size of Texas — to allow us to see threats at a the ground crew of one aerostat assigned to 24/7 further distance out,” said Colonel Frank Rice, surveillance and the other tasked with directing commander of air defense operations for the US air defense missiles to intercept a cruise missile in capital region. “It provides a downward-looking mid-flight. view and integrates into a much larger air Each blimp can stay aloft up to 30 days at a defense system,” Rice told AFP as the blimp time, tethered to a dark green mobile mooring began to soar 10,000 feet (3,300 meters) above station, coming down to Earth only for mainte- this military test site 50 miles (80 kilometers) nance-like a fresh shot of compressed helium-or northeast of Washington, where JLENS is under- extreme weather. The main JLENS contractor is going a three-year trial. Raytheon, which ironically also makes the US mil- Not everyone is happy with the bulbous itary’s sea-launched Tomahawk guided cruise unmarked white helium-filled blimp with a missile. On its website, it calls JLENS a relative tumor-like radome on its belly, tied to Earth by a ABERDEEN: An aerostat is seen from its mobile mooring station as it is deployed at the Aberdeen bargain, at a time when President Barack Obama single Kevlar-like cable barely more than an inch Proving Ground in Maryland. The Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor has asked Congress for $585 billion for defense in (2.5 centimeters) thick. System (JLENS) uses traditional technologies like radar while overcoming limitations by deploying his 2016 budget. On social media, local residents have won- the sensors in the air using a pair of tethered blimps. — AFP dered aloud if the aerostat-the correct name for a guarantee that JLENS won’t be used for ground said. The Pentagon strongly denies that JLENS is Costs way more tethered airship — isn’t Big Brother invading surveillance. equipped to look out for any non-flying targets, “A fixed-wing surveillance aircraft is 500-700 their privacy with its electronic 360-degree Instead, it came across contracts stating that stating in an information document that the cur- percent more expensive to operate than a JLENS sweep. “The JLENS military surveillance/defense “the technology was specifically designed to vaceous blimps “cannot see people and do not during that same time period because of man- blimp is floating just across the Susquehanna integrate very high definition video” to track and have cameras on board.” power, maintenance and fuel costs,” the compa- (river) from me,” said freelance illustrator Bri identify people and vehicles in a five-kilometer “We don’t even have a camera on top of it that ny says. Mercedes Weidner on Twitter. “Cool or creepy?” (three mile) radius,” McCall said. From the would tell us if there was snow or ice up there,” Some also question the need to guard against Aberdeen Proving Ground, a seaside patch of Rice told AFP over the roar of the big ventilation cruise missiles in a post-Cold War era when Shared concerns marsh and woodlands filled with white-tailed fans that cool the JLENS’ electronic innards. groups like al-Qaeda and Islamic State are per- Civil liberties activists echo those concerns. deer and unexploded World War II ordnance, ceived as greater security threats to the “There is a particular visceral reaction to looking such an area could include the busy Interstate 95 Not what it’s for American homeland. up in the sky and seeing someone or something highway that links Washington with New York. Asked if JLENS could still, in theory, be fitted Rice contends, however, that one never knows staring back at you,” said Ginger McCall of the “It’s important that we have ironclad checks later on with high-def video gear, Rice acknowl- what fresh new threat might be lurking over the Electronic Privacy Information Center in and balances so that we can be assured that this edged that “anything’s possible-but that’s not horizon. “Technology is growing by leaps and Washington. Combing through thousands of powerful technology is not being used for what we’re using it for.” JLENS also faces a threat bound for everybody... We’re just trying to stay pages it obtained through the Freedom of domestic surveillance,” lawyer Jay Stanley of the of its own-getting sustained funding from ahead of our adversaries with this capability,” he Information Act, the non-profit group found no American Civil Liberties Union in Washington Congress, in competition with other high-price said. — AFP Fear of missing out drives net addiction in Japan

Ever-present smartphone means you are plugged in 24/7

TOKYO: For Japanese teenager Sumire, chatting almost unable to function without the comforting with friends while she sits in the bath or even on prop of a smartphone or tablet to connect them to the toilet is nothing out of the ordinary. An ever- the online world. His treatment involves repeated present smartphone means she, like much of her Cognitive Behavioural Therapy sessions aimed to generation, is plugged in 24-7 — to the growing alter the way patients think about and respond to concern of health professionals. technology. He also incrementally limits the time “I’m online from the moment I wake up until I go they can spend connected. “I have them write to sleep, whenever I have time-even in class,” the down daily timetables so that they can see how 18-year-old, who gave only her first name, said. “I’m much they are controlled by smartphone and the always messaging friends on ‘Line’, even when I’m Internet,” he added, warning it usually takes at least in the bath. I guess I feel lonely if I’m not online, sort six months for a recovery. of disconnected,” she said, referring to a Japanese This screen shot provided by Microsoft shows the Android version of the company’s chat app used by about 90 percent of high school ‘I never left my room’ Powerpoint app. Microsoft’s Office 365 subscription will appeal to people who use students here, according to a recent survey. While In many ways, he says, the new trend of behav- the Office programs, such as Word for text documents and Excel for spreadsheets, on Sumire acknowledges that she probably uses her ior mirrors how Japanese society as a whole works, a variety of traditional Windows or Mac computers or Windows tablets. But those iPhone too much, she is far from alone in a country where the idea of harmony is prized. “Japan is a who primarily use mobile devices such as iPhones, iPads and Android devices can where young people are frequently glued to a society of conformity. This means in other words probably stick with the free offerings, even though a subscription unlocks additional screen. High school girls in Japan spend an average people do not necessarily have their own opinions features. —AP of seven hours a day on their mobile phones, a sur- but simply go with the flow of the group,” Sumioka vey by information security firm Digital Arts said. Computer teacher and technology addiction revealed this week, with nearly 10 percent of them counsellor Miki Endo, said she frequently meets putting in at least 15 hours. Boys of the same age people who are more comfortable communicating Generation Z: Born average just over four hours mobile phone use a online than in real life. day, the research found. She began giving advice after watching a young The problem has become so grave a whole field woman in her class transform when using an online in the digital age of medicine has developed to wean them off their chat forum. “She suddenly became like a different digital props. “This is what we call the conformity person,” Endo recalled. “As soon as she got onto a PARIS: Facebook? Of course. Books? to use new stuff via self-help videos on type,” psychiatrist and leading net addiction spe- Japanese college student Masaki Shiratori message board, the woman, usually a very quiet Definitely not. Video games? For sure. YouTube. As for the web, violence, porn, cialist Takashi Sumioka said. “This type of obsession using the Internet on a smart phone. High person, started talking and laughing to herself. Sport? No way. Speed? Yes. Patience? Not so they’ve already seen it all. is caused by the fear that they will get left out or school girls in Japan spend an average of seven “She seemed to forget that I was there, and did- bullied in a group if they don’t reply quickly.” n’t notice I was talking to her.” It is clear technology much. This, in a nutshell, is the life of the hours a day on their mobile phones, a survey by Recent research by the Shanghai Mental Health addiction has evolved-less than a decade ago those “Generation Z”-independent, stubborn, What they watch Center assessing brain scans of youths with tech- information security firm Digital Arts revealed afflicted were mainly ‘gamers’ who locked them- pragmatic and always in a rush. According to US consultancy Sparks and nology addiction showed it caused neurological this week, with nearly 10 percent of them put- selves away to play on their consoles. As an 11- Numbering around two billion, these Honey, the average Generation Z-er spends changes similar to those who have alcohol and ting in at least 15 hours. — AFP year-old, Masaki Shiratori spent up to 20 hours a youngsters, born after 1995 and unaware of more than three hours a day in front of a cocaine dependency. that someone has a problem.” In a 2013 govern- day battling the monsters that roamed the land- a world without Internet, live a life that screen. They live in constant “FOMO”, fear of ment survey conducted on some 2,600 young scapes of “Arado Senki”, a game known in English as seems a million miles removed from the missing out. They can’t stand the idea of not ‘Digital Detox’ adults, 60 percent of Japanese high school students “Dungeon Fighter Online”. “I never left my room hopes, dreams and morals of previous gen- being in the loop when something new and Despite greater awareness of such pitfalls, the showed strong signs of digital addiction. except for the times I used the bathroom,” he said. erations. They are so hooked into the digital exciting comes out. potential for digital addiction has multiplied, pre- Authorities are now rolling out special technolo- The change came at 14, when his parents put him in world that some academics have nick- Facebook is their main poison, despite senting a growing problem for today’s teenagers- gy “fasting” camps to research what can be done to a special hospital, cutting all access to the game as named them “the mutants”. Here are a few its flagging popularity among some the so-called Generation Z-whose digital immer- get the plugged-in unhooked. The number of peo- doctors helped him break his addiction. of the habits of Generation Z: Americans. Photos on Instagram, quick sion started early. “More people now are addicted ple Sumioka treats for this specific problem at his Shiratori, now 20, has a much healthier relation- messages on Snapchat. Twitter and Tumblr to using tablets, rather than (desktop) computers,” dedicated technology-addiction facility also tripled ship with screens. He is studying computer science Daily life are omnipresent. But it’s not all passive: psychiatrist Sumioka said. “They no longer need to between 2007 and 2013. at a university near Tokyo, and wants one day to be They want everything, everywhere and Generation Z are also putting themselves lock themselves in a room, because they carry Sumioka, who treats patients with a therapy able to make a living out of it. “This is the only thing I immediately. They surf on two screens out there on YouTube or “Vlogging” (video smartphones with them. It’s more difficult to see called “digital detox”, says many patients arrive am better at than other people,” he said. — AFP simultaneously. They don’t mind paying blogging), hoping to become the next through the nose for the latest smart phone “Fred” (Lucas Cruikshank), who made his but turn up their nose at paying for a film or name at the grand old age of 13. IBM: Dating apps pose US corporate security risk a song when you can get that for free Everyone surfs the web while watching online. Aged 13 to 20, they get all the latest the TV and they think that everything is WASHINGTON: The millions of people using advantage of users waiting eagerly to hear IBM warned could be used to eavesdrop on trends from social media and find the possible with technology. But, they have a dating apps on company smartphones could be back from a potential love interest by sending personal conversations or confidential business morals of their elders out-of-date. short attention span and tend to skim-read exposing themselves and their employers to bogus “phishing” messages to glean sensitive meetings. Vulnerable GPS data could also lead Their fashions are those found world- rather than read properly, which can lead to hacking, spying and theft, according to a study information or install malware, IBM said. A to stalking, and a user’s billing information wide over the web: they watch American difficulty at school. by International Business Machines Corp. IBM phone’s camera or microphone could be turned could be hacked to purchase things on other blockbusters like “Hunger Games” or security researchers said 26 of 41 dating apps on remotely through a vulnerable app, which apps or websites. —Reuters “Divergent”, listen to Korean K-pop and, Generation Z at work they analyzed on Google Inc’s Android mobile when they dance, they “twerk”. This is a generation that wants to create platform had medium or high severity vulnera- When they speak, their vocabulary is their own company-between 50 percent bilities, in a report published on Wednesday. peppered with acronyms, incomprehensi- and 72 percent want to run their own start- IBM did not name the vulnerable apps but ble to those not in the know. “Swag” is the up. The idea of “business” brings up nega- said it had alerted the app publishers to prob- new “cool”. And their new idols are Internet tive responses: “complicated”, “brutal”, “a jun- lems. Apps such as Tinder, OkCupid and Match stars, like PewDiePie, who has the world’s gle”. They believe success comes from their have become hugely popular in the past few most subscribed YouTube channel. “network” rather than from qualifications years due to their instant messaging, photo and and they prefer a flat organization to a hier- geolocation services. About 31 million Their friends archy at work. They want to succeed and Americans have used a dating site or app, People from Generation Z find it easier achieve, with 76 percent aiming to make according to a 2013 Pew Research Center study. to talk online than in person. Their friends their hobby their job. IBM found employees used vulnerable dating on social media are as important to them as apps in nearly 50 percent of the companies sam- their friends in real life but sometimes they The future of Generation Z pled for its research. Using the same phone for do actually meet up in person with these These are children of the crisis and it work and play, a phenomenon known as “bring “virtual” pals. More than eight out of 10 are shows in their outlook. Most of them say your own device,” or BYOD, means users and hooked on social networks and more than they are “stressed out” by what they see as a their employers are both open to potential half of them think that this is where their bleak future, especially in terms of economy cyber-attacks. real social life takes place. They are on dat- and environment. Given the same pay, 25 “The trouble with BYOD is that, if not man- ing websites from the age of 16 — some- percent of the Generation Z in France would aged properly, the organizations might be leak- times before. choose the most “fun” company, 22 percent ing sensitive corporate data via employee- the most innovative and 21 percent the owned devices,” said the IBM report. What they know most ethical. But like any idealistic genera- IBM said the problem is that people on dating PARIS: Anne Lauvergeon (left), president of the administrative council of Sigfox, a French com- Even as young as they are, they have tion, they want to change the world and apps let their guard down and are not as sensi- pany providing technologies to ensure communication between connected devices, speaks already seen so many technologies become love the idea of volunteer work, which a tive to potential security problems as they might next to CEO of Sigfox Ludovic Le Moan during a press conference yesterday in Paris. Sigfox has obsolete. For this reason, they have become quarter of Americans in their late teens are be on email or websites. raised 100 million euros from investors to help build its networks in more countries in Europe, the ultimate “self-educators”, learning how already doing. — AFP If an app is compromised, hackers can take Asia, North and Southern Americas. — AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE Eating right still at core of dietary guidelines

WASHINGTON: Dietary advice can be confus- limits on sugar consumption for the first time. Why they’re important president of the American Heart Association, ommendations absurd. The committee has ing. Is it OK to eat meat and eggs? Is fat in or Still, despite some revisions, the main The dietary guidelines are issued every says there’s not enough evidence to make also discussed the idea of including sustain- out? What about grains? How much salt? An advice never changes: eat more fruits and five years. The federal government uses them good recommendations on cholesterol right ability as a dietary goal. The advisory panel advisory committee’s recommendations for vegetables and whole grains, and eat less sat- to set standards for school lunches and other now, but “no evidence doesn’t mean the evi- said in its draft recommendations that there is the nation’s dietary patterns are due soon, and urated fats, salt and sugar. The Agriculture and federal feeding programs, and they serve as dence is no.” “compatibility and overlap” between what is some advice may be changing. The commit- Health and Human Services Departments will the basis for information on the nutrition People can enjoy high-cholesterol egg good for health and what is good for the tee is expected to downplay the importance use the advisory committee’s report to write facts panel on the backs of food packages. yolks in moderation, he advises, but “a three- environment. of lowering cholesterol intake and may put the final version of the 2015 dietary guide- They’re also used to create the government’s to four egg omelet isn’t something I’d ever A diet higher in plant-based foods and less emphasis on eating lean meats. The panel lines, due by the end of this year. A look at the “My Plate” icon, which replaced the food pyra- recommend to a patient at risk for cardiovas- lower in animal-based foods is “more health could also tweak its recommendations on upcoming dietary guidelines, and what they mid and recommends a variety of fruits and cular disease,” he says. There’s also some new promoting and is associated with lesser envi- exactly how much salt is too much and put mean for consumers: vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and science on salt. The 2010 dietary guidelines ronmental impact than is the current average low-fat dairy. Doctors and nutritionists use recommend that people eat less than 2,300 U.S. diet,” the draft recommendations said. the guidelines when giving advice, and food milligrams a day. That is reduced to 1,500 mil- Environmentalists have been pushing those companies use them to make claims about ligrams for some people at risk of heart dis- recommendations, while Congress is pushing their food. ease. A 2013 report by the Institute of back. Language attached to a massive year- Medicine said that while lowering salt intake end spending bill enacted in December noted Evolving with science is important for heart health, there is no good the advisory committee’s interest in the envi- The guidelines evolve as science evolves. evidence that eating less than 2,300 mil- ronment and directed Agriculture Secretary Take cholesterol. In December, the advisory ligrams a day of sodium offers benefits. The Tom Vilsack “to only include nutrition and panel said in its preliminary recommenda- advisory panel’s discussions hint that they dietary information, not extraneous factors” in tions that cholesterol is no longer “considered may not include the lower recommendation final guidelines. a nutrient of concern for overconsumption.” for certain groups. That would be a change from previous guide- What won’t change lines, which said Americans eat too much Political battles The “My Plate” isn’t expected to change cholesterol. This follows increasing medical While they are based on dietary science, much - the guidelines issued at the end of the research showing how much cholesterol is in the guidelines aren’t immune to politics. This year will most certainly recommend putting your bloodstream is more complicated than year, the battles have already started over fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean pro- once thought, and depends more on the meat. Current guidelines advise that people teins on your plate, accompanied by low-fat kinds of fats that you eat. Medical groups eat lean meats as a healthy way to get pro- dairy. In its draft recommendations, the panel have moved away from specific targets for tein, but the advisory panel has debated said the problem it is trying to solve is high cholesterol in the diet in recent years. whether lean meats should be included. In rates of “preventable chronic disease” and It’s unclear if the recommendation will addition, the draft recommendations say a obesity. The panel said the gap is an American make it into the final guidelines. Dr Robert healthy dietary pattern includes fewer “red diet too high in sodium, saturated fat, refined CONCORD: Photo shows roasted garlic, turnip and sweet potato soup in Eckel, a professor of medicine at the and processed meats” than are currently con- grains, added sugars and calories, and too low Concord, NH. —AP University of Colorado in Denver who is a past sumed. The meat industry called the draft rec- in vegetables, fruit and whole grains. —AP SpaceX Dragon ship capsule returns from space station Satellite to monitor the sun-lit side of Earth

CAPE CANAVERAL: A SpaceX southwest of Long Beach, California, company’s Falcon 9 launch attempt GMT later to launch the US govern- Dragon cargo ship made a parachute about 5.5 hours later. at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in ment’s Deep Space Climate return into the Pacific Ocean on The Dragon is loaded with nearly Florida. The rocket was grounded by Observatory, or DSCOVR. The satellite Tuesday, while high winds in Florida 4,000 pounds (1,814 kg) of returning high upper-level winds. is designed to serve as weather buoy scrapped plans for the company’s science experiments and equipment, “Extreme wind shear over Cape to provide about an hour’s advance Falcon rocket launch, NASA said. The including two faulty components Canaveral. Feels like a sledgehammer notice of potentially dangerous solar Dragon capsule departed the from spacesuits that NASA wants to when supersonic in the vertical,” storms, which can disrupt radio com- International Space Station at 2:10 analyze before clearing astronauts for SpaceX founder and Chief Executive munications, satellite signals and pm EST/1910 GMT and splashed a trio of spacewalks later this month. Elon Musk posted on Twitter. SpaceX power grids on Earth. down about 260 miles (418 km) Dragon’s return overlapped with the will try again at 6:03 p.m. EST/2303 It also will monitor the sun-lit side of Earth, tracking volcanic plumes, measuring ozone and monitoring droughts, flooding and fires. The launch of DSCOVR was planned for Sunday, but was delayed due to a problem with an Air Force radar sys- PARIS: A picture taken in Paris shows a bowl of popcorn. To most people, it tem needed to track the Falcon rock- may be just a fun food to munch while watching a movie. But to a couple of et during flight. Once the satellite is French investigators, popcorn is a biomechanical enigma waiting to be on its way to orbit, eventually reach- ing 930,000 miles from Earth, SpaceX explained. —AFP plans to attempt to land the Falcon launcher’s spent first stage, part of Physics of food shows ongoing efforts to develop reusable rockets, potentially slashing launch costs. the secrets of popcorn The booster is programmed to separate itself three minutes after PARIS: To most people, it may be just a fun nautical engineer at the elite Ecole liftoff, turn around, make two brak- food to munch while watching a movie. Polytechnique. The first thing to emerge ing burns and touch down on a plat- But to a couple of French investigators, from the fractured shell is a limb-shaped form floating about 370 miles north- popcorn is a biomechanical enigma wait- structure-a “leg”-that comes into contact east of the launch site. The last ing to be explained. In an unusual study with the surface of the pan and starts to Falcon rocket to fly nearly made it published yesterday, engineers Emmanuel compress under the heat. Tensed and then back intact, but it ran short of Virot and Alexandre Ponomarenko carried released, the “leg” causes the corn to leap hydraulic fluid to maneuver steering out experiments into what makes popcorn, up-a height ranging from a few millimeters fins and it crashed into the platform. well, pop. Cameras recording at 2,900 to centimeters (tenths of an inch to several For the second attempt, engineers frames per second helped show what inches)— and emit a “pop” from the sud- added an extra reservoir of hydraulic happened when a kernel of corn strutted den release of water vapor. fluid, but the rocket will be coming its stuff. When the temperature reached A few milliseconds later, the granules in with nearly twice the force and 100 degrees Celsius (180 degrees spewing from inside expand to form a four times the heat, SpaceX said. Fahrenheit), some of the moisture inside spongey flake. Evolution from fracture to “Rocket re-entry will be much the corn started to turn into steam, the flake takes less than 90 milliseconds - tougher this time around due to researchers found. As the temperature 0.09 of a second. The popcorn’s leap SPACE: Image from NASA TV shows the SpaceX Dragon undocking from the International Space deep space mission,” Musk wrote on Station (ISS). —AFP rose to around 180 C (356 F), pressure results from an intriguing combination of Twitter.—Reuters built to around 10 bar, or 10 times the thermodynamics and fracture mechanics, atmosphere at sea level. rather than just the blast of pent-up gas- Unable to withstand the stress, the out- es. “A piece of popcorn has a singular way er shell broke open, causing a dramatic of jumping, midway between explosive Colorado’s pot tax tally has drop in pressure that forced the kernel’s plants such as impatiens, and muscle- starchy innards to expand and protrude. based animals such as human beings,” “We found that the critical temperature is the researchers said. The study appears in about 180 C (356 F), regardless of the size a British journal, the Royal Society lessons for other US states or shape of the grain,” said Virot, an aero- Interface. —AFP

DENVER: Marijuana makes money. But legal- each month. Things will speed up as more Washington state, medical marijuana isn’t izing it doesn’t eliminate the black market or states legalize pot and can look to Colorado taxed. It is in Colorado, but all adults are Poland’s dream of shale solve a state’s budget problems. Those are and Washington for regulatory guidance. But allowed to grow up to six plants on their the lessons from Colorado’s first full year of legal weed isn’t an overnight flood of tax own. That means the states’ new marijuana gas riches begins to dim tax collections on recreational pot. The year- money. “Everyone who thinks Colorado’s markets had legal competition from Day end report, released Tuesday, tallied about rollin’ in the dough because of marijuana? One. And that doesn’t account for the black WARSAW: Poland’s dream of becoming a esting as it was thought to be.” He attrib- shale gas “El Dorado”, bringing untold rich- uted the retreat of global oil giants to the $44 million in new sales taxes and excise tax- That’s not true,” said state Sen Pat Steadman, market, which of course is completely free of es and assuring energy independence, is disappointing results of exploration, the es from recreational pot. Add fees and pre- a Denver Democrat and one of the taxes and regulations. Lawmakers in both turning into a mirage as Western firms drop in global fuel prices, more interesting existing taxes from medical pot, which has Legislature’s main budget-writers. Colorado and Washington are looking for abandon prospecting efforts, citing poor extraction opportunities elsewhere in the been legal since 2000, and Colorado’s total ways to drive pot smokers out of the lower- results. “We can no longer talk of a new El world, Polish bureaucracy and planned tax 2014 pot haul was about $76 million. Figure out how to tax it taxed medical pot market and into the recre- Dorado,” said Grazyna Piotrowska-Oliwa, a hikes in Poland’s energy sector. Fifteen Colorado was the first government anywhere Washington and Colorado set vastly differ- ational one. But obstacles are stiff. “If there is former president of Poland’s PGNiG gas firms are still in the game, including US in the world to regulate marijuana produc- ent tax rates, both based on a percentage of untaxed medical pot, the taxes are voluntary. utility. “The hopes and promises were major ConocoPhillips, PGNiG and Polish oil excessive,” she said, even though the offi- group PKN Orlen. tion and sales, so other governments are the pot’s value. The states then had to imme- When you make it voluntary, people won’t cial results of the explorations have yet to watching closely. Estimates varied widely for diately set a value for a product with no legal necessarily pay,” Oglesby said. be published. Pipe dream how much money Colorado would make, sales history. What’s the right price? Optimistic estimates suggested Poland Chevron said plunging oil prices had and the final hard numbers have important Colorado’s pot regulators have struggled to Things will change could have up to 1.92 trillion cubic metres prompted severe spending cuts in world- lessons for other states considering legal establish a wholesale pot price to collect The marijuana market is far from settled. (67.8 trillion cubic feet) of exploitable shale wide exploration. But energy sector weed markets. excise taxes. “Taxing a percentage of price Colorado benefited from first-in-the-nation gas deposits, fuelling interest from top expert Andrzej Szczesniak says “it was the may simply not work,” said Pat Oglesby, a for- curiosity and marijuana tourism. As more energy giants around the world. But those geological conditions that were decisive”. forecasts were “exaggerated”, and now “Of the 68 exploratory drillings carried out Money doesn’t come overnight mer congressional tax staffer who now stud- states legalize, Colorado and Washington “there’s disappointment” in Poland, accord- to date across Poland, not a single one Colorado started selling recreational weed ies marijuana’s tax potential at the Chapel will face competition. “Colorado is probably ing to analyst Grzegorz Kus of the consul- brought positive results in terms of prof- on Jan 1, 2014. But its first month of sales Hill, NC, Center for New Revenue. He pointed kind of a best-case scenario” for pot tax col- tancy PwC. Leading Polish geology schol- itability,” he said. However, Szczesniak said: resulted in only $1.6 million for the state. By out that the two latest legal weed states - lections, said Jeffrey Miron, a Harvard ars also say that the country’s shale “It’s not yet officially over,” adding that “any December, that figure was $5.4 million. The Alaska and Oregon, both still working on University economist who studies the drug deposits are structured so differently from discovery of profitable deposits will revive reason for the increase? Regulatory delays. retail regulations - will tax marijuana by market. “If a number of other states legalize - those found in the United States that hopes.” The spokeswoman for Poland’s Red tape meant stores opened slowly, with weight, similar to how tobacco is taxed. and two of them already have - then bit by extraction technologies developed there environment ministry, Katarzyna cannot be applied in Poland. Pliszczynska, also remained hopeful, many municipalities waiting months before bit, Colorado revenue is likely to decline.” US energy major Chevron was the latest telling AFP: “At this stage, it is premature to allowing pot shops to open. In Washington Not everyone will pay There’s an even bigger uncertainty looming to pull the plug on shale gas prospecting speak of the results of the drilling.” New state, delays were even more pronounced. Every state in the union, liberal to conser- for states considering legal weed - a new in Poland. ExxonMobil, Marathon Oil and official assessments of exploration are Washington voters legalized pot at the same vative, has a market for marijuana. And mak- president in 2016. “The huge unknown is still Talisman Energy had led the exodus, fol- expected this year. “The drilling will con- time Colorado did, in 2012. But retail sales in ing pot legal doesn’t guarantee those con- federal policy,” Miron said. “A new president lowed by French oil giant Total and Italy’s tinue. We’re going ahead with explo- Washington didn’t start until June, with sumers will leave the black market and hap- can radically change state policies toward Eni last year. “It’s not a surprise and it’s not rations, even if the last ones weren’t suc- stores slowly opening and sales increasing pily sign up to start paying taxes. In legalization.” —AP the last withdrawal,” Kus said of Chevron. cessful,” Polish Prime Minister Ewa Kopacz “It turns out that this market is not as inter- said last week. —AFP WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 HEALTH & SCIENCE Is climate change fuelling war?

PARIS: For years, scientists and secu- Others have drawn a link between and climate sciences at Columbia already having an effect, it’s that Morisetti, “poses a risk to political its overview report. The Pentagon rity analysts have warned that global the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings and University in New York, said there belt north and south of the equa- geo-stability.” Whether or not they agrees. “Rising global temperatures, warming looms as a potential source climate change-induced heatwaves was “a strong case” to link discon- tor... this is where a lot of raw mate- agree that the effects are evident, changing precipitation patterns, of war and unrest. Storms, droughts, in cereal-exporting countries. Russia, tent in Syria to the drought which in rials are, where the world’s supply the experts are united in their climbing sea levels, and more floods, and spells of extreme heat or Ukraine and Kazakhstan took their 2007-2010 was the worst ever chains and trade routes run, and heralding of worse to come. “Human extreme weather events will intensi- exceptional cold: all can destroy grain off the global market-and recorded there. But he pointed to a where ultimately a lot of the num- security will be progressively threat- fy the challenges of global instability, wealth, ravage harvests, force people within four months, global food problem: ascribing a role for climate ber of the markets and emerging ened as the climate changes,” the hunger, poverty and conflict,” it said off land, exacerbate ancient rivalries prices hit their second record peak change, usually discernible over powers are.” UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on in a 2014 Global Climate Change and unleash a fight for resources, in three years. decades, to a single weather event. And a volatile world, said Climate Change (IPCCC) warned in Adaptation Roadmap. —AFP they say. These factors are predicted This may have lit the fuse in pow- Furthermore, “it is impossible to to become more severe as carbon der-keg Arab countries burdened by look at any single conflict and argue emissions interfere with Earth’s cli- poverty, youth unemployment and conclusively that it wouldn’t have mate system. Yet some argue there is authoritarian rule, according to this happened but for a drought or evidence that man-made warming is view. Former US vice president Al some other climate anomaly,” Cane already a driver in some conflicts. Gore, now a Nobel-honored climate told AFP by email. Governance and “In a number of African countries campaigner, believes climate other factors also weigh in, he not- the increase in violent conflict is the change was a factor, among others, ed. What magnified the impact of most striking feature of the cumula- in the Syrian conflict. Syria’s drought, for instance, was tive effects of climate change,” South “From 2006 to 2010, there was a gross waste of water and a surge in Africa’s Institute for Security Studies climate-related historic drought that population, other experts have said. (ISS) warned in 2012. “In the Sahel destroyed 60 percent of the farms in region, desertification is causing Syria, 80 percent of the livestock and Risk factor clashes between herders and farm- drove a million refugees into the Scientists are cautious about ers because the availability of culti- cities, where they collided with declaring a link between conflict vated land is being reduced. another million refugees from the and climate change until the evi- “Climate-related effects of this Iraq war,” Gore said in Davos last dence is overwhelming. In the mili- nature are already resulting in vio- month. tary, though, it’s different. Armed lent conflicts in northern Nigeria, Caution forces have to respond swiftly and Sudan and Kenya,” it added. The idea Climate scientists are cautious cannot wait until the proof is all leapt to prominence in 2007, when about drawing a causal link there, which is why climate is now a UN chief Ban Ki-moon said violence between global warming and cur- risk factor in their planning. In many in Sudan’s Darfur region was rent conflicts-as opposed to future countries, military analysts already sparked in part by a two-decade- ones. “The example of Darfur is include climate change in risk man- long decline in rainfall that devastat- often put forward to illustrate the agement, Neil Morisetti, a former ed cattle herds. effect of climate on conflict British admiral and climate advisor Arab nomads were pitched between groups,” French climatolo- to the British government, now against settled farmers in a rivalry gist Jean Jouzel writes in a new director of strategy at University for grazing and water. The tensions book. “But the reality is more com- College London said. bloomed into full confrontation plex, and most researchers acknowl- “Some will say it (the risk) is here GENEVA: Picture shows a general view of the United Nations headquarters in Geneva. UN cli- between rival militias-an escalation edge that the political and econom- already,” he said. “If you look at mate negotiators have been urged to show urgency and compromise in crafting a draft by next due “to some degree, from man- ic context was the prime factor.” where climate change is going to week for a global pact to be signed in December. —AFP made global warming,” Ban argued. Mark Cane, a professor of Earth have its greatest effect, and is

Survival for some endangered Arctic Ocean shoal species hinges on ‘Frozen Zoo’ declared off-limits ESCONDIDO: Whenever an endangered zoo is basically re-arranging the deck insurmountable for critically endan- animal dies at the San Diego Zoo, chairs on the Titanic,” said Paul Ehrlich, a gered species or possibly recently researchers race out, regardless of the senior fellow at the Stanford Woods extinct species, said Barbara Durrant, hour, to remove its sperm or eggs, Institute for the Environment at Stanford director of reproductive physiology at Plateau recognized as a biological hot spot maybe a bit of ear or eyeball, and care- University. The San Diego Zoo Institute for fully freeze the cells in liquid nitrogen. He noted the world needs to address Conservation Research, which houses ANCHORAGE: A plateau on the able oil, and many Alaska leaders leases and exploration. Alaska offi- Today, the survival of the northern white the problem’s root causes, such as popu- the Frozen Zoo. “We’re not so much rhinoceros and dozens of other species lation growth and climate change. interested in bringing back dinosaurs Arctic Ocean floor, where thousands are eager to begin drilling in the cials have failed to get drill rigs onto could hinge on the collection amassed “Screwing around with science to save a or mammoths,” she said. “There’s really of Pacific walrus gather to feed and area to create jobs and generate the ANWR coastal plain for three over nearly 40 years that has become white rhino might be fun and I would no place for them now.” The Frozen Zoo raise pups, has received new protec- revenue. decades, under presidents from the largest gene bank of its kind: The like to see it preserved and am all for bio- holds the cell cultures from 12 north- tions from the Obama administra- About 90 percent of Alaska state both parties. The president cannot Frozen Zoo. diversity, but it’s so far down the list of ern white rhinos - more than the living tion that recognize it as a biological revenue comes from oil taxes or designate wilderness areas in the The icy vials may someday even be things we should be doing first,” he said. population: “There have been other hot spot and mark it off-limits to fees, and with the price drop of refuge, and cannot open it to used in experiments to resurrect recent- With species going extinct at a faster species that have come back from future oil drilling. But the announce- nearly $60 per barrel since April, the drilling; only Congress has that ly extinct animals, like the Hawaiian rate, zoos are taking on greater conser- numbers that small so we think there is ment from Interior Secretary Sally state faces a $3.5 billion budget authority. Po’ouli bird. The stainless steel tanks hold vation roles and facing deciding which good reason we can do this with the the genetic material of more than 10,000 animals are worth focusing efforts on northern white rhino,” she said. Jewell triggered an uproar from deficit next year. Leaders in Alaska Environmental groups bitterly individual animals from more than 1,000 saving. Some may be extinct by the time Sperm from the Frozen Zoo has Alaska leaders, angry that the feder- want to find new drilling opportuni- oppose Arctic Ocean drilling and species and subspecies. The Frozen Zoo’s another one is reproduced and possibly been used in artificial insemination to al government was making a deci- ties to offset those losses. Jewell’s contend oil companies cannot clean work has taken on renewed urgency never live in the wild. reproduce endangered animals from sion that they said would harm the move late last month, adding Hanna potential spills. They applauded the since the San Diego Safari Park lost 42- The northern white’s natural habitat the giant panda to the Chinese monal state’s economy. “This administra- Shoal to four other Arctic Ocean removal from future sales of Hanna year-old Angalifu to cancer in December, is in war-torn countries like Sudan and pheasant. Its frozen cells also were tion has effectively declared war on areas that won’t be offered for Shoal, where the Bureau of Ocean leaving only five northern white rhinos Congo, which have been unable to used to clone two endangered types of Alaska,” Sen. Lisa Murkowski said. future oil lease sales, came just two Energy Management has spent left in the world - and all unable to repro- stop poachers. The horn is coveted in cattle. The gaur lived only a few days duce. Asia as an aphrodisiac, creating a mar- while the banteng survived for seven Hanna Shoal rises from the shal- days after President Barack Obama about $10 million on studies in the Scientists are racing against the clock ket that threatens all rhino species. years before being put down after low Chukchi Sea and teems with declared he would seek wilderness last three years. Researchers say the to find the best way to utilize the bank’s There’s also the hurdle of producing breaking a leg. Both animals, however, plankton, clams and marine worms protection for the Arctic National shoal rises from the shallow conti- frozen sperm to produce another one enough offspring to avoid inbreeding. had genetic defects. The northern that attract walrus and bearded Wildlife Refuge, including its coastal nental shelf. It interrupts ocean cur- before the northern white goes extinct, “We can do all kinds of razzle dazzle white rhino and the drill monkey were seals. The remote area lies 80 miles plain, which holds an estimated 10 rents and creates eddies where which could happen within a decade. things but it’s one thing to make the first endangered animals to have off the state’s northwest coast, billion barrels of oil. plankton, algae and other organic their cells transformed into stem cells Critics question whether it’s worth another animal or two or three, but it’s beyond even sparsely populated The announcements change very materials swirl and fall, nourishing spending millions of dollars on species quite another to make a sustainable and stored at the Frozen Zoo. that are down to so few. The bank is val- population from a genetic standpoint,” Theoretically stem cells can produce subsistence whale-hunting towns little for current oil exploration. The bottom feeders that are in turn eat- ued as a genetic archive that has helped said George Seidel, a Colorado State any body tissue. That means thawed such as Barrow, the northernmost newly removed section covers en by walrus and seals. The shoal is advance artificial insemination, in vitro University professor who has written stem cells from a male rhino could pro- community in the US. Federal esti- about 2,500 square miles. incredibly rich biologically and fertilization, cloning and stem cell tech- about resurrecting the woolly mam- duce both sperm and egg in the lab, mates, however, show that the Meanwhile, more than 184,000 important habitat, Jewell said. “Like nology. But debate is stirring over how moth. but the method has been done only Chukchi and Beaufort seas could square miles of Arctic Ocean territo- Bristol Bay,” she said, “there are some far such research should go. “The frozen The challenges, however, are not once - in a mouse. —AP hold 26 billion barrels of recover- ry remain available for future oil places too special to drill.” —AP WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Movenpick Al-Bida’a invites guests to enjoy unforgettable Valentine’s Day Love is in the air at Kuwait’s premier beachside resort

uests are invited to enjoy the most petals and candied chunks, and a lot more.” drive home, the hotel is offering a getaway romantic celebration of the year with a “We are raising the bar this year by creating package for just KD 119 per room, per night - Gmouth-watering dinner at the beach, more customized and unique experiences for including a Valentine’s dinner for two and a special room packages and a relaxing spa offer. those who are looking to rekindle the spark.” special set up inside the room. Maged Gubr, General Manager of the resort, The romantic dinner will be complemented And to arrive in good time on the 14th, the announced a romantic dinner under the stars by live music and discreet service in a truly offer also includes an early check-in, a romantic on the year’s dreamiest day. “We are preparing pleasing ambience. The hotel will set up gift and a hearty buffet breakfast the following an enticingly romantic five- course menu this romantic tents on its private sandy beach, morning. year,” he said. “The menu includes seafood and draped with red and white velvet curtains, and Likewise, for the entire month of February, coconut clear soup with clam and crab meat, decorated with flowers and candles, to create The Spa provides a special romantic package sea bass fillet with passion fruit sauce, the perfect mood for love. that includes full body massage, romance crys- caramelized baby leek, shrimp mousse and For couples who wish to stay after their spe- tal bath, purity ritual facial and mini-manicure conchiglioni pasta, rose panna cotta with cial meal and cherish the moment rather than or mini-pedicure. Glorious Honeymoon Escape with compliments of Holiday Inn Salmiya, Almadina travel agency

oliday Inn Kuwait - Salmiya recently professional and dedicated team pays attention tain many international and oriental dishes pre- released an exciting wedding package to every detail, and provides maximum flexibility pared by a team of superb chefs. To feel more Hwhere all couples will get the chance to and creativity that makes you spend a memo- relaxed, Holiday Inn Salmiya provides you with a enter a raffle draw to win a memorable honey- rable night. facial, body and nails care, plus hairdo and make- moon escape to Malaysia including 2 return tick- In addition to that Holiday Inn Salmiya offers up that makes your beauty shine. All this and ets sponsored by Al Madina Travel Agency and 4 multiple fancy options for your Kosha design more we have complied in one place. Nights stay at a luxurious IHG hotel. that will suite your taste and DJ from different Holiday Inn Salmiya team and management The Holiday Inn Salmiya offers two state-of- nationalities with the latest songs and mixes. are keen on providing every guest with a distinc- the-art ballrooms equipped with a luxurious Add to that delicious layered wedding cakes in tive and incomparable hospitality experience at decoration, great ambiance and unrivalled serv- which you have the full freedom to choose your very competitive prices to suit all tastes and ices to host your special day. Our outstanding, own design, and characterized menus that con- budgets. McDonald’s Kuwait introduces premium Grand Chicken Spicy

cDonald’s Kuwait announces a new addition to its together in a tasty artisan bun. ents in the quick-service restaurant sector, and food quali- core menu, the premium Grand Chicken Spicy. Commenting on the new premium offering from ty is considered a top priority. All products served at MThe newest member of the Grand Chicken range McDonald’s, Sherif Coutry, Marketing Director, said: “The McDonald’s restaurants in the region are Halal certified, will be available at McDonald’s starting now. new high quality product in our permanent menu comes inspected and approved by local authorities and Halal offi- McDonald’s premium Grand Chicken Spicy beautifully in response to customers’ demand for additional spicy cers at the countries of export and customs officials at the brings together a combination of ingredients curated chicken sandwiches. At McDonald’s, we are committed to port of entry. All meat used in McDonald’s restaurants can especially for this new spicy creation. The Grand Chicken providing our loyal customers with favored flavors using be traced back to a trusted supplier that shares the com- Spicy patty, complemented with the delicate heat of the only quality ingredients, as they have come to expect from pany’s dedication to the highest quality standards. For Dijon mustard, two melted slices of Emmental Cheese, us.” more information on the premium Grand Chicken Spicy, fresh lettuce cuts, blush-red tomatoes, are all brought McDonald’s is committed to serving the best ingredi- please visit mcdonaldsarabia.com. ANNOUNCEMENT ACK students complete internship in ‘Al Futtaim Group’

Indian Embassy notice hree Marketing students from the received while engaged with local industry The Indian Embassy would like to inform that the Australian College of Kuwait had the helped to cement their underpinning class- EdCIL (India) Limited, a Government of India Texperience of a lifetime as they com- room knowledge through practical applica- Enterprise, formerly known as Educational pleted an internship program with the “Al tions” said Marcelle de la Roche, Instructor Consultants India Limited (Ed.CIL), has been desig- Futtaim Group”. at the School of Business. “The store nated as the “Nodal Agency” to promote Indian Headquartered in Dubai, Al-Futtaim is Managers and HR personnel at “Al Futtaim” one of the most progressive regional busi- were extremely helpful and encouraging to education abroad. nesses operating more than 65 companies our students thereby supporting the cul- EdCIL has been assisting NRIs, PIOs and foreign across various sectors and industries, ture of care value endorsed by ACK”, she nationals for pursuing Under-graduate courses, employing more than 20,000 people across added. Post-Graduate Courses and Doctoral Programs in the GCC, Europe and Asia. ACK delivers a unique mix of vocational Indian Institutions. Details of assistance provided by The internship program consisted of and theoretical curriculum, therefore the EdCIL to Indian Diaspora as well as foreign nationals work opportunities at Al-Futtaim’s College strongly believes in providing are available on their website ‘www.edcilindia.co.in’. renowned retailed stores such as “Marks internship opportunities to its students, and Spencer”, “Toys R us” and “Intersport”. such as this, to experience things taught in Those interested may please contact Dr Shaik The students were required to conduct a the classroom and how they are applied in Suleman, Head, Placement and Secondment, EdCIL marketing audit, research local and interna- a professional setting, while also providing (India) Ltd, EdCIL House-18-A, Sector-16-A, NOIDA - tional trends, and lastly, evaluate the mar- them with invaluable skills and knowledge 201301, UP (Tel 0091-120-2515281, Fax: 0091-120- keting environment. to further their development and prepare 2515372, E-mail: [email protected], place- “The experience that our students them for their professional careers. [email protected]), for further information.

Trinity music fest Ragamalika Ragamalika Kuwait is presenting a day-long music Kuwait presents fest on February 13 at Salmiya Indian Community School (Senior). Renowned musician Shenkottai Trinity music fest Harihara Subramahnya Iyer will present a classical musi- cal concert accompanied by visiting mridangam artiste agamalika Kuwait is presenting a day-long music fest Changanassery TS Satheeshkumar and local artists. The on February 13 at Salmiya Indian Community School R(Senior). Renowned musician Shenkottai Harihara program starts at 9 am. Subramahnya Iyer will present a classical musical concert accompanied by visiting mridangam artiste Changanassery TS Satheeshkumar and local artists. The program starts at 9:00 am. What’s On - Submission Guidelines Voice Kuwait new All photos submitted for What’s On committee members should be minimum 200dpi. iswakarma Organization for Ideal Career and Articles must be in plain text and Education (VOICE Kuwait) elected new central com- should include name and phone Vmittee members for the year 2015-2016. Surendran numbers. Articles and photos that Mathur presided over the function which was held at Rhythm auditorium. fail to meet these requirements will The following are new committee members: PG Binu not be published. (president) AR Sathyan, P Sasidharan (vice president) Baiju Vijayan (general secretary), Anil Kumar Kakkoth, Arun Please send them to Anand (secretary), Reghunathan Achari (treasurer), Keloth Vijayan (joint treasurer), P Chandrasekharan (organizing [email protected] secretary), Pramod Kakkoth (welfare secretary), P Aravindakshan (arts secretary) Girive P Kumar (press and Artist Johnarts Kalabhavan presents a caricature to Dr Toby and Dr Ansu a newly married couple. public relations). WHAT’S ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Hussein Al-Shaheen with Mubarak Najadah City of Lights opens this Saturday in Mishref

By Faten Omar Al-Jaber Al-Sabah as the leader of humanitarian new creative idea. We worked in coordination be free of charge, and it will include many cul- dream come true for doing something special works. “This celebration is held under the with the Supreme National Committee for the tural, social and literary activities in addition to for Kuwait. The City of Lights will have national ader Campaign, a volunteer group, patronage of His Highness the Prime Minister celebrations, headed by the Minister of lighted garden and cafÈ,” he said. landmarks such as the Council of the nation announced the opening of City of Lights, Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, Information and Minister of State for Youth “The team worked within a very short peri- and the Kuwait Towers and the Interior Ban illuminated area with cultural presen- and will be opened by the Minister of Affairs, and we were able to get all the govern- od. It was challenging,” Vice-chairman of Bader Ministry building. The high interface of the city tations, next Saturday. This was announced dur- Information and Minister of State for Youth ment approvals for the establishment of this Campaign Hussein Al-Shaheen said. He is 13 meters and there are also 470 illuminated ing a press conference Tuesday evening. The Affairs Sheikh Salman Sabah Salem Al-Sabah,” national project.” thanked all authorities for their cooperation trees.” He added that the project will include cultural space will have an area of 30,000 Mubarak Najadah, the head of Bader He explained that the presentation is 40 per- and support to achieve this idea that indicates games for children and spaces for families and meters in Mishref to celebrate Kuwait’s Campaign, said. He added that: “Bader cent of the lights energy that will work at full the love for the homeland. shopping with 120 stalls participating, as well Independence and National Day, and to honor Campaign began working on the city of lights capacity next Saturday. “The event will start Yasser Kamel, the owner of City of Lights as an exhibition of 70 classic cars on the open- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad project 45 days ago, which is short time for a from 14 to 28 February at 7pm. The entry will concept, said: “What you are seeing now is a ing day.

Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan’s lecture draws thousands to Grand Mosque

everal thousand people attended acclaimed has ordained such a magnanimous knowledge of the American Islamic Scholar Ustad Nouman Ali Khan’s things constitutes the building block of human life and Slecture at Grand Mosque, a spectacular event its progress story”. organized by Indian Muslim Association (IMA) in coordi- He also asserted that the world of Islam today is pass- nation with ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and ing through a critical period of its history. “We are con- Grand Mosque of Kuwait. Lecture on the subject ‘Dirt and fronted with many problems and find ourselves in a diffi- Fire - Lessons from the Story of Adam (AS), was part of cult situation. We, therefore, need to locate the key prob- his maiden lecture tour of Middle East. Nouman Ali’s lems the Muslim Ummah faces today and identify our innovative and attractive lectures circulated through the duties,” he said. His hour-long lecture was followed by an Net has made him highly popular, particularly among intensive question and answer session. People from vari- youth from all over the world including Gulf countries. ous walks of life attentively participated. Founder and CEO of US-based Bayyinah Institute, As a part of his lecture tour Khan also addressed Khan serves as a lead instructor at Bayyinah TV. His elo- another gathering of Indian dignitaries the following day quence and humor as a Quran and Arabic teacher moti- at royal tent of the Grand Mosque of Kuwait. During the vated and inspired people to learn the Book of Allah. lecture, he highlighted on the importance cultivating an During his lecture, Khan said that the “human being has intimate relationship with Quran and living up to its req- amazing and immense potential to do right or to choose uisites as it provides solutions to individual and social evil. The first human being Prophet Adam whom Allah problems.

Dine with Love at Sheraton Messila hosts Kuwait and Four Points Nadiya Mustafa

heraton Kuwait, a luxury collection the Grand Avenue, The Avenues. The tradi- concert Friday hotel and Four Points by Sheraton tional and timeless Lebanese, Le SKuwait, invite you to dine with your Tarbouche; exotic and spiced aromatics of he Touristic loved ones during this special occasion. the Indian Bukhara; the eloquent Iranian, Enterprises Especially prepared by our renowned chefs Shahrayar; and the marvelous and charm- TCompany (TEC) our dining venues offer the exquisitely pre- ing English Tea Lounge, featuring a delight- will host the Egyptian pared culinary flavors that your heart fully elegant harpist performing for dinner singer, Nadiya Mustafa desires. in Sheraton; all offering the most spectacu- tomorrow, Friday, Experience exceptional dining in lar dinner. Take a first class trip around the February 13. A concert Sheraton Kuwait; filled with enriching his- world with Sheraton’s most impressive and a recreational party tory, the first fine dining, bona fide, international dining experience in Al will be held at the Messila grandeur and luxurious Italian restaurant in Hambra. Four Points, international Asseef, beach, a spokesperson Kuwait; Riccardo serves its unrivalled, offering its special dinner buffet, specifical- announced. remarkable cuisine with an authentic ly prepared for the occasion. To enjoy a TEC’s PR and Media Italian duo performing for dinner. Indulge down to earth dining experience, the Four Manager Sager Al-Bader stressed that the concert would start in delicious cuisines from around the globe Points La Mamma Pizzeria is still serving at 7 pm and would last till about 10:30 pm. The concert will and outstanding hospitality at any of our the best pizza in town, especially prepared have other singers like Hamsah Arkan Fuad, Saif Allah Magdy, dining venues conveniently located at both by our specialty Italian pizza chef for the Nourulislam Mohammed, Ibtisam Saleh in addition to holding the Sheraton property in Kuwait City or at most genuine flavors. many other recreational activities for the visitors. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 TV PROGRAMS

13:30 The Liquidator 05:15 Murdoch Mysteries 02:00 Legends 13:55 Auction Hunters 06:10 Please Marry My Boy 03:00 Grimm 14:20 Marooned With Ed Stafford 07:05 James Nesbitt’s Ireland 05:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter 15:10 Philly Throttle 07:30 Midsomer Murders 06:00 Covert Affairs 01:00 At Any Price-PG15 16:00 Fast N’ Loud 09:20 The Chase 07:00 Witches Of East End 00:50 Bite Of The Living Dead 04:45 The Expatriate-PG15 16:50 How It’s Made 10:15 Murdoch Mysteries 08:00 Parenthood 06:30 The Hunger Games: 01:45 Wildest Middle East 17:15 How It’s Made 11:10 Emmerdale 10:00 Marvel’s Agent Carter 02:40 Tanked Catching Fire-PG15 17:40 Dual Survival 11:35 Emmerdale 11:00 Witches Of East End 09:00 Man Of Tai Chi-PG15 03:35 Wildest Africa 18:30 Airplane Repo 12:00 Coronation Street 12:00 Emmerdale 04:25 Wildest Middle East 11:00 The Monuments Men-PG15 19:20 Street Outlaws 12:30 The Hungry Sailors 12:30 Coronation Street 13:00 Quartet-PG15 05:15 Treehouse Masters: Boxtrolls 20:10 The Liquidator 13:25 Please Marry My Boy 13:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Special 15:00 Madea’s Witness Protection- 20:35 Auction Hunters 14:20 James Nesbitt’s Ireland 14:00 Parenthood PG15 06:02 Call Of The Wildman 21:00 Street Outlaws 14:45 Murdoch Mysteries 15:00 Covert Affairs 06:25 Call Of The Wildman 17:00 Man Of Tai Chi-PG15 21:50 Street Outlaws 15:35 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 16:00 Emmerdale 19:00 Delivery Man-PG15 06:49 Wildest Africa 22:40 Hellriders Of Dogs 16:30 Coronation Street 07:36 The Wild Life Of Tim 21:00 Ride Along-PG15 23:30 Dual Survival 16:00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 17:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 23:00 Rush-18 Faulkner Of Dogs 18:00 Parenthood 08:00 The Wild Life Of Tim 16:30 The Chase: Celebrity 19:00 Suits Faulkner Specials 20:00 The Flash 08:25 Too Cute! 17:15 Get Your Act Together 21:00 American Idol 09:15 Wildest Africa 18:20 Please Marry My Boy 22:00 24: Live Another Day 10:10 Call Of The Wildman 19:10 Coronation Street 23:00 Grimm 10:35 Call Of The Wildman 01:15 Little Gobie 00:00 Violetta 19:35 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 11:05 Gator Boys 02:45 Barbie In The Nutcracker 00:45 The Hive Of Dogs 12:00 Too Cute! 04:30 Unstable Fables: The 00:50 Art Attack 20:00 Paul O’Grady: For The Love 12:55 Wildest Africa Goldilocks & The Three Bears 01:15 Art Attack Of Dogs 13:50 Treehouse Masters: Boxtrolls 06:00 Garfield’s Fun Fest 01:40 Jungle Junction 20:30 The Chase: Celebrity Special 08:00 Hammer Boy 01:50 Jungle Junction Specials 14:45 Wildest Middle East 10:00 Cinderella 02:05 Jungle Junction 21:15 Get Your Act Together 01:00 Good Morning America 15:40 Tanked 11:30 The Missing Lynx 02:15 Jungle Junction 22:20 Coronation Street 05:00 Good Morning America 16:35 Megalodon: The Monster 13:00 Barbie In The Nutcracker 02:30 Violetta 22:50 Emmerdale 10:00 Emmerdale Shark Lives 14:30 Everyone’s Hero 03:10 The Hive 23:15 Emmerdale 10:30 Coronation Street 18:25 Treehouse Masters: Boxtrolls 16:00 Jelly T 03:20 Art Attack 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show Special 18:00 Cinderella 03:45 Art Attack 15:00 Live Good Morning America 19:20 Deadly Islands 20:00 Dr. Seuss’ Horton Hears A 04:10 Jungle Junction 19:00 Drop Dead Diva 20:15 Tanked Who 04:20 Jungle Junction 20:00 Chicago Fire 21:10 Shamwari: A Wild Life 22:00 Everyone’s Hero 04:35 Jungle Junction 23:00 Justified 21:35 Shamwari: A Wild Life 23:30 Jelly T 22:05 Treehouse Masters: View 04:45 Jungle Junction 00:00 Dangerous Encounters From Above 05:00 Art Attack 01:00 Rebuilding Titanic 23:00 Deadly Islands 05:25 Art Attack 02:00 Mega Factories: Supercars 23:55 Swamp Brothers 05:50 Mouk 03:00 Swamp Men 06:00 Kim Possible 04:00 Going Deep With David 00:00 In The Blood 06:25 Austin & Ally Rees 02:00 Double Jeopardy 00:15 Badges Of Fury-PG15 06:50 Girl Meets World 04:30 Going Deep With David 04:00 40 Days And Nights 02:00 High Moon-PG15 07:15 Liv And Maddie Rees 06:00 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & 04:00 Limitless-PG15 07:40 Jessie 05:00 Street Genius Wolverine 06:00 Cloudy With A Chance Of 08:05 Dog With A Blog 05:30 Street Genius 08:00 Fast & Furious 6 Meatballs 2-PG 00:40 The Weakest Link 08:30 Good Luck Charlie 06:00 Sea Patrol 10:15 The Sanctuary 08:00 Someday This Pain Will Be 01:25 Eastenders 08:55 Good Luck Charlie 07:00 Animal Intervention 12:00 40 Days And Nights Useful To You-PG15 01:55 Doctors 09:20 Sonny With A Chance 08:00 Dangerous Encounters 14:00 Appleseed: Alpha 10:00 Magic Journey To Africa- 02:25 Lark Rise To Candleford 09:45 Sonny With A Chance 09:00 Rebuilding Titanic 15:45 Fast & Furious 6 12:00 Limitless-PG15 03:15 Rev. 10:10 Suite Life On Deck 10:00 Mega Factories: Supercars 18:00 The Sanctuary 14:00 The Music Never Stopped- 03:45 Saxondale 10:35 Suite Life On Deck 11:00 Caught In The Act 20:00 Bad Company PG15 04:15 The Weakest Link 11:00 That’s So Raven 12:00 Prehistoric Predators 21:56 G.I. Joe: Retaliation 16:00 Someday This Pain Will Be 05:00 The Green Balloon Club 11:25 That’s So Raven 13:00 The Indestructibles Useful To You-PG15 05:25 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 11:50 A.N.T. Farm 13:30 The Indestructibles 18:00 R.I.P.D.-PG15 05:45 Me Too! 12:15 A.N.T. Farm 14:00 Animal Autopsy 20:00 Svengali-PG15 06:05 Garth And Bev 12:40 Hannah Montana 15:00 Outback Wrangler 22:00 Trance-R 06:15 The Green Balloon Club 13:05 Hannah Montana 16:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 06:40 Mr Bloom’s Nursery 13:30 Wizards Of Waverly Place 17:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 00:00 Double Jeopardy-18 07:00 Gigglebiz 13:55 Wizards Of Waverly Place 18:00 Secrets Of The Great 02:00 40 Days And Nights-PG15 07:15 The Weakest Link 14:20 Jessie Escape Revealed 04:00 Marvel’s Hulk vs. Thor & 08:00 Rev. 15:00 Austin & Ally 19:00 Outback Wrangler Wolverine-PG 00:00 Dubai World Cup Carnival 08:30 Dad’s Army 15:20 Austin & Ally 20:00 Big, Bigger, Biggest 06:00 Fast & Furious 6-PG15 03:00 Live NHL 09:00 Eastenders 15:45 Liv And Maddie 21:00 Ultimate Airport Dubai 08:15 The Sanctuary-PG15 06:00 Golfing World 09:30 Doctors 16:10 Violetta 22:00 Secrets Of The Great 10:00 40 Days And Nights-PG15 07:00 Live PGA European Tour 10:00 Lark Rise To Candleford 09:00 Total Rugby 17:00 Austin & Ally Escape Revealed 12:00 Appleseed: Alpha-PG15 ICE SOLDIERS ON OSN MOVIES ACTION HD 10:50 The Weakest Link 17:25 Jessie 23:00 Caught In The Act 13:45 Fast & Furious 6-PG15 09:30 Volvo Ocean Race Highlights 11:35 Rev. 17:50 Liv And Maddie 16:00 The Sanctuary-PG15 10:00 Golfing World 12:05 Dad’s Army 18:15 Girl Meets World 18:00 Bad Company-PG15 11:00 Live PGA European Tour 05:30 Cricket in Color 12:35 2 Point 4 Children 18:40 Austin & Ally 19:56 G.I. Joe: Retaliation-PG15 14:00 Snooker - The Masters 07:00 ICC Cricket 360 13:05 Eastenders 19:05 Austin & Ally 22:00 Ice Soldiers-PG15 17:00 European Tour Weekly 07:30 New Zealand v Pakistan ODI 13:35 Doctors 19:30 Violetta 17:30 Live Dubai World Cup H/L 14:05 Lark Rise To Candleford 20:20 A.N.T. Farm Carnival 10:00 Cricket in Color 14:55 The Omid Djalili Show 21:30 Sevens World Series 11:30 ICC Cricket 360 20:45 A.N.T. Farm 00:30 The Daily Show With Jon 00:40 How It’s Made 15:25 Rev. Highlights 12:00 Big Bash League T20 H/L 21:10 A.N.T. Farm Stewart 01:05 How It’s Made 15:55 Dad’s Army 21:35 A.N.T. Farm 22:00 Golfing World 15:00 ICC Cricket 360 01:30 Alien Mysteries 01:00 Modern Family 00:00 Girl In Progress-PG15 00:40 Scorned: Crimes Of 16:25 The Weakest Link 22:00 Suite Life On Deck 23:00 Live PGA Tour 15:30 Cricket in Color 02:20 Through The Wormhole 17:10 Eastenders 01:30 Brickleberry 02:00 Stand Off-PG15 17:00 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales Passion 22:25 A.N.T. Farm With Morgan Freeman 17:40 Doctors 02:00 It’s Always Sunny In 04:00 The World’s End-PG15 17:30 New Zealand v Pakistan ODI 01:30 LA: City Of Demons 22:50 Shake It Up 03:10 How Do They Do It? 18:10 Lark Rise To Candleford Philadelphia 06:00 Straight Talk-PG15 H/L 02:20 Police Women Of 23:10 Wolfblood 02:30 South Park 03:35 How Do They Do It? Memphis 19:00 Dad’s Army 23:35 Wolfblood 08:00 Dumb And Dumberer: When 19:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 19:30 The Omid Djalili Show 03:00 New Girl Harry Met Lloyd-PG15 00:00 Golfing World 20:00 Cricket in Color 04:00 Food Factory 03:10 True CSI 20:00 Stella 03:30 The Michael J. Fox Show 10:00 See Spot Run-PG 02:00 Snooker The Masters 04:24 Food Factory 04:00 Solved 20:45 Waking The Dead 04:00 Raising Hope 12:00 Stand Off-PG15 07:00 Total Rugby 04:48 Magic Of Science 04:45 Scorned: Crimes Of 21:35 Waking The Dead 04:30 The Tonight Show Starring 14:00 Standing Ovation-PG15 07:30 HSBC Sevens World Series 05:12 Mind Control Freaks Passion 22:25 Lead Balloon Jimmy Fallon 16:00 Dumb And Dumberer: When 13:00 Golfing World 05:36 Dynamo: Magician 05:30 LA: City Of Demons 05:30 My Boys 19:00 WWE NXT 06:20 Solved 22:55 Zen 00:00 House Of DVF Harry Met Lloyd-PG15 Impossible 06:00 The Goldbergs 20:00 WWE SmackDown 07:10 True Crime With 00:55 Extreme Close-Up 18:00 Chalet Girl-PG15 06:24 Weird Connections 06:30 Better Off Ted 22:00 Live Premier League Darts Aphrodite Jones 01:25 Kourtney And Khloe Take 20:00 The Internship-PG15 06:48 How Tech Works 07:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 07:12 Food Factory 08:00 Nightmare Next Door The Hamptons 22:30 The Love Guru-18 00:45 Body Bizarre 08:00 Raising Hope 07:36 How Do They Do It? 08:50 Fatal Encounters 02:20 E! News 01:35 Extreme Couponing 08:30 My Boys 08:00 Weird Connections 09:40 Murder Shift 03:40 #RichKids Of Beverly Hills 02:00 My 600lb Life 09:00 New Girl 08:25 How Tech Works 10:30 I Was Murdered 04:10 E!ES 09:30 Community 02:00 HSBC Sevens World Series 02:50 Say Yes To The Dress 08:50 Mega Builders 10:55 Stalked: Someone’s 00:05 DIY SOS: The Big Build 05:05 E!ES 10:00 Hot In Cleveland 07:00 Dubai World Cup Carnival 03:15 Little People, Big World Watching 06:00 Kourtney And Kim Take 09:40 Food Factory 01:00 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 10:30 Better Off Ted 01:15 Nebraska-PG15 10:00 World Cup of Pool 03:40 What Not To Wear 11:20 Forensic Detectives Miami 10:05 How It’s Made Taylor 11:00 The Tonight Show Starring 03:15 Straight A’s-PG15 11:00 World Cup of Pool 04:30 Cake Boss 12:10 Solved 06:55 Kourtney And Kim Take 10:30 Magic Of Science 01:25 Nigellissima Jimmy Fallon 05:00 Temptation: Confessions Of 12:00 World Pool Masters 05:00 Sister Wives 13:00 Disappeared Miami 10:55 Mind Control Freaks 01:55 Baking Mad With Eric 12:00 The Goldbergs A Marriage Counselor-PG15 15:00 Golfing World 13:50 True Crime With 07:50 E! News 06:00 17 Kids And Counting Lanlard 12:30 Men At Work 07:00 August: Osage County-PG15 16:00 HSBC Sevens World Series 11:20 Dynamo: Magician Aphrodite Jones 09:15 Giuliana & Bill 06:25 Secret Eaters 02:15 Masterchef: The 13:00 My Boys 09:00 All Is Lost-PG15 19:30 World Cup of Pool Impossible 14:40 Who On Earth Did I 10:15 Giuliana & Bill 07:15 Say Yes To The Dress Professionals 13:30 Better Off Ted 11:00 Temptation: Confessions Of 20:30 World Cup of Pool 12:10 Mythbusters Marry? 11:10 House Of DVF 07:40 Little People, Big World 02:45 Bargain Hunt 14:00 The Michael J. Fox Show A Marriage Counselor-PG15 21:30 World Pool Masters 13:00 Weird Connections 15:05 Who On Earth Did I 12:05 E! News 08:05 Sister Wives 03:30 The Little Paris Kitchen 14:30 Community 13:00 Straight A’s-PG15 22:30 Total Rugby 13:25 How Tech Works Marry? 13:35 Fashion Police 08:55 Brides Of Beverly Hills 03:55 Come Dine With Me 15:00 Hot In Cleveland 15:15 Chasing Mavericks-PG15 23:00 Live Super League 13:50 Mega Builders 15:30 Solved 14:05 Style Star 09:20 Brides Of Beverly Hills 04:25 DIY SOS: The Big Build 15:30 The Daily Show With Jon 17:15 All Is Lost-PG15 14:40 Food Factory 16:20 I Was Murdered 14:30 Style Star 09:45 Cake Boss 05:15 Nordic Cookery With Tareq Stewart 19:15 The English Teacher-PG15 15:05 How It’s Made 16:45 Stalked: Someone’s 15:00 Keeping Up With The 10:10 Sister Wives Taylor 16:00 Modern Family 21:00 How I Live Now-PG15 15:30 Magic Of Science Watching 05:45 Nigellissima Kardashians 11:00 What Not To Wear 16:30 The Goldbergs 23:00 Lovelace-18 00:00 NHL 15:55 Mind Control Freaks 17:10 Murder Shift 06:10 Masterchef: The 16:00 Keeping Up With The 11:50 Oprah’s Master Class 17:00 Late Night With Seth Meyers 02:00 Bellator MMA 16:20 Dynamo: Magician 18:00 Disappeared Professionals Kardashians 12:40 Secret Eaters 18:00 New Girl 07:00 Monster Jam Impossible 18:50 Fatal Encounters 06:40 The Little Paris Kitchen 17:00 E!ES 13:30 Bakery Boss 18:30 How I Met Your Mother 08:00 The World’s Strongest Man 17:10 How Do They Do It? 19:40 Forensic Detectives 07:05 DIY SOS: The Big Build 17:30 Christina Milian Turned Up 14:20 Mormon Half Love 19:00 Black-Ish 12:00 NHL 17:35 How Do They Do It? 20:30 True Crime With 08:00 Bargain Hunt 18:00 E! News 15:10 Cake Boss 19:30 Hot In Cleveland 15:00 WWE Vintage 18:00 Through The Wormhole Aphrodite Jones 08:45 Come Dine With Me 19:00 E!ES 15:35 Little People, Big World 20:00 The Tonight Show Starring 16:00 WWE Raw With Morgan Freeman 21:20 The Will: Family Secrets 09:10 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 20:00 House Of DVF 16:00 Hoarding: Buried Alive Jimmy Fallon 01:00 American Gangster-18 19:00 NHL 18:50 How It’s Made Revealed Taylor 21:00 House Of DVF 16:50 Say Yes To The Dress 21:00 The Daily Show With Jon 03:45 Stalingrad-PG15 22:00 WWE NXT 19:15 How It’s Made 22:10 Who On Earth Did I 09:35 Nigellissima 22:00 E! News 17:15 17 Kids And Counting Stewart 06:00 Mandela: Long Walk To 23:00 WWE Smackdown 19:40 Food Factory Marry? 10:00 DIY SOS: The Big Build 23:00 The Soup 17:40 Sister Wives 21:30 Modern Family Freedom-PG15 20:05 Food Factory 22:35 Who On Earth Did I 10:55 Baking Mad With Eric 23:30 Fashion Bloggers 18:05 Sister Wives 22:00 Family Guy 08:30 Before And After-PG15 20:30 Magic Of Science Marry? Lanlard 18:30 What Not To Wear 22:30 It’s Always Sunny In 10:30 Searching For Sugar Man- 20:55 Mind Control Freaks 23:00 The First Kill 11:15 Masterchef: The Philadelphia 19:20 Oprah’s Master Class PG15 21:20 Dynamo: Magician 23:50 Reel Crime/Real Story Professionals 23:00 South Park 20:10 Secret Eaters 12:00 The French Minister-PG15 Impossible 11:45 Delicious Iceland 23:30 Late Night With Seth Meyers 00:30 ICC World Cup Warm-Up 21:00 Happily Ever Laughter 14:00 Mandela: Long Walk To 22:10 How Do They Do It? 12:10 The Little Paris Kitchen 00:40 The Hungry Sailors H/L: ENG v PAK 21:25 Happily Ever Laughter Freedom-PG15 22:35 How Do They Do It? 12:35 Bargain Hunt 01:30 James Nesbitt’s Ireland 01:30 New Zealand v Sri Lanka 21:50 Brides Of Beverly Hills 16:30 Before And After-PG15 23:00 Magic Of Science 13:20 Come Dine With Me 02:00 Emmerdale ODI H/L 22:15 Brides Of Beverly Hills 18:15 The Words-PG15 23:25 Mind Control Freaks 13:45 DIY SOS: The Big Build 02:25 Emmerdale 02:30 Mid-ODI Tri-Series H/L 22:40 Extreme Couponing 20:00 Quiz Show-PG15 23:50 Dynamo: Magician 14:35 Nordic Cookery With Tareq 02:55 Coronation Street 00:00 Covert Affairs 03:30 ICC Cricket World Cup Tales 23:05 My 600lb Life 22:30 Her-PG15 Impossible Taylor 03:25 Midsomer Murders 01:00 The Killing 05:00 ICC Cricket 360 23:55 Oprah’s Master Class 15:00 Nigellissima DISNEY JUNIOR 15:30 Baking Mad With Eric 00:10 Zou Lanlard 00:25 Mouk 15:50 The Little Paris Kitchen 00:35 Jungle Junction 16:20 Masterchef: The 00:50 Art Attack Professionals 01:15 Julius Jr. 16:50 Delicious Iceland 01:25 Calimero 17:15 Bargain Hunt 01:40 Henry Hugglemonster 18:00 Come Dine With Me 01:50 Zou 18:25 DIY SOS: The Big Build 02:05 Mouk 19:15 Fantasy Homes By The Sea 02:15 Jungle Junction 20:00 Food & Drink 02:25 Art Attack 20:25 Rachel Khoo’s Kitchen 02:50 Julius Jr. Notebook: London 03:00 Calimero 20:50 Sweet Baby James 03:15 Henry Hugglemonster 21:15 Nigel Slater’s Simple 03:25 Zou Cooking 03:40 Mouk 21:45 Masterchef: The 03:50 Jungle Junction Professionals 04:00 Art Attack 22:35 Bargain Hunt 04:25 Julius Jr. 23:20 Come Dine With Me 04:35 Calimero 23:45 Planet Cake 04:50 Henry Hugglemonster 05:00 Zou 05:15 Mouk 05:25 Jungle Junction 05:35 Art Attack 06:00 Julius Jr. 06:10 Calimero 00:20 Fast N’ Loud 06:25 Henry Hugglemonster 01:10 The Carbonaro Effect 06:35 Zou 01:35 The Carbonaro Effect 06:50 Mouk 02:00 The Big Brain Theory 07:00 Jungle Junction 02:50 You Have Been Warned 07:10 Art Attack 03:40 Auction Hunters 07:35 Julius Jr. 04:05 The Liquidator 07:45 Calimero 04:30 Auction Hunters 08:00 Jungle Junction 05:00 How It’s Made 08:10 Zou 05:30 How It’s Made 08:25 Henry Hugglemonster 06:00 Marooned With Ed Stafford 08:35 Julius Jr. 06:50 Philly Throttle 08:50 Mouk 07:40 Fast N’ Loud 09:00 Calimero 08:30 Auction Hunters 09:15 Art Attack 08:55 The Liquidator 09:40 Henry Hugglemonster 09:20 Auction Hunters 09:50 Doc McStuffins 09:45 How It’s Made 10:05 Zou 10:10 How It’s Made 10:15 Julius Jr. 10:35 The Carbonaro Effect 10:30 Zou 11:00 The Carbonaro Effect 10:40 Julius Jr. 11:25 The Big Brain Theory 10:55 Minnie’s Bow Toons 12:15 You Have Been Warned 11:00 Sofia The First 13:05 Auction Hunters AMERICAN GANGSTER ON OSN FESTIVAL HD 11:25 Sheriff Callie’s Wild West Classifieds

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

KNCC PROGRAMME FROM THURSDAY TO WEDNESDAY (12/02/2015 TO 18/02/2015)

SHARQIA-1 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 7:30 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 6:30 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:30 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 10:00 PM SON OF A GUN 8:45 PM STONEHEARST ASYLUM 3:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:30 AM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 11:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 5:15 PM SON OF A GUN 1:15 AM STONEHEARST ASYLUM 7:45 PM FANAR-5 TEMPER (Telugu) 3:30 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 10:00 PM TAKEN 3 1:00 PM TEMPER (Telugu) 6:30 PM STONEHEARST ASYLUM 12:30 AM SHAMITABH (HINDI) 3:30 PM TEMPER (Telugu) 9:30 PM TEMPER (Telugu) 3:30 PM SON OF A GUN 12:30 PM SHARQIA-2 SHAMITABH (HINDI) 6:30 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:30 AM TEMPER (Telugu) 6:30 PM 360º- 3 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 2:00 PM TEMPER (Telugu) 9:30 PM YELLOWBIRD 12:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 4:30 PM TAKEN 3 12:30 AM YELLOWBIRD 3:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 7:00 PM YELLOWBIRD 5:15 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 9:30 PM MARINA-1 YELLOWBIRD 7:30 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:05 AM YELLOWBIRD 11:30 AM THE GAMBLER 9:45 PM BIG EYES 1:30 PM THE GAMBLER 12:05 AM SHARQIA-3 STONEHEARST ASYLUM 3:45 PM BIG EYES 11:30 AM BIG EYES 6:00 PM AL-KOUT.1 BIG EYES 1:45 PM STONEHEARST ASYLUM 8:15 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:00 PM YELLOWBIRD 4:00 PM BIG EYES 10:30 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 2:30 PM YELLOWBIRD 6:00 PM STONEHEARST ASYLUM 12:45 AM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 5:00 PM TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 8:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 7:30 PM BIG EYES 10:30 PM MARINA-2 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 10:00 PM BIG EYES 12:45 AM TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 12:15 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:30 AM YELLOWBIRD 1:00 PM MUHALAB-1 TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 3:00 PM AL-KOUT.2 STONEHEARST ASYLUM 11:30 AM YELLOWBIRD 5:30 PM TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 1:00 PM STONEHEARST ASYLUM 1:45 PM TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 7:30 PM YELLOWBIRD 1:30 PM ROY (HINDI) 4:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 10:00 PM YELLOWBIRD 3:30 PM TEMPER (Telugu) 4:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:30 AM YELLOWBIRD 5:30 PM ROY (HINDI) 7:00 PM Plan B (ARABIC) 7:30 PM TEMPER (Telugu) 7:00 PM MARINA-3 TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 9:30 PM TEMPER (Telugu) 10:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:30 AM TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 12:05 AM STONEHEARST ASYLUM 10:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 2:00 PM STONEHEARST ASYLUM 1:00 AM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 4:30 PM AL-KOUT.3 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 7:00 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:30 PM MUHALAB-2 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 9:30 PM STONEHEARST ASYLUM 3:15 PM TEMPER (Telugu) 1:30 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:05 AM JUPITER ASCENDING 5:30 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:45 PM YELLOWBIRD 3:30 PM AVENUES-1 STONEHEARST ASYLUM 8:00 PM YELLOWBIRD 5:30 PM YELLOWBIRD 11:45 AM JUPITER ASCENDING 10:15 PM BIG EYES 7:30 PM YELLOWBIRD 2:00 PM STONEHEARST ASYLUM 12:45 AM JUPITER ASCENDING 9:45 PM YELLOWBIRD 4:15 PM BIG EYES 12:15 AM YELLOWBIRD 6:30 PM AL-KOUT.4 Plan B (ARABIC) 8:45 PM BIG EYES 11:30 AM MUHALAB-3 Plan B (ARABIC) 11:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 1:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:15 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 1:15 AM BIG EYES 4:30 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 2:45 PM BIG EYES 7:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 5:15 PM AVENUES-2 BIG EYES 9:15 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 7:45 PM TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 12:00 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:45 PM FOR SALE ACCOMMODATION KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 10:15 PM TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 2:45 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:45 AM TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 5:30 PM BAIRAQ-1 TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 8:15 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 11:30 AM Mitsubishi Galant 2009 - Ideal for working ladies, a FANAR-1 TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 11:15 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 2:00 PM blue color, (4 clr) full semi furnished room avail- TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 12:15 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 4:30 PM options, km 125000, KD able for a single to share TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 2:45 PM AVENUES-3 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 7:00 PM 1300. Mob: 50994848. with a small family in a 2BR Plan B (ARABIC) 5:15 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 12:30 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 9:30 PM central AC flat with sepa- Plan B (ARABIC) 7:15 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 3:15 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:00 AM (C 4926) TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 9:15 PM Plan B (ARABIC) 6:15 PM 11-2-2015 rate bathroom. Nice loca- TESTAMENT OF YOUTH 11:45 PM JUPITER ASCENDING 8:45 PM BAIRAQ-2 tion building on main road, JUPITER ASCENDING 11:30 PM YELLOWBIRD 12:30 PM very close to a garden and FANAR-2 YELLOWBIRD 2:45 PM TUITION bus stop. Contact: JUPITER ASCENDING 11:30 AM AVENUES-4 JUPITER ASCENDING 4:45 PM 67060429. JUPITER ASCENDING 2:15 PM BIG EYES 12:15 PM YELLOWBIRD 7:15 PM Arabic teacher for non- AMERICAN SNIPER 4:45 PM TAKEN 3 2:30 PM (C 4922) JUPITER ASCENDING 9:15 PM native. Arabic teacher for 7-2-2015 JUPITER ASCENDING 7:15 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 4:45 PM AMERICAN SNIPER 11:45 PM Plan (ARABIC) 9:45 PM TAKEN 3 7:15 PM diplomats & non-native JUPITER ASCENDING 12:05 AM BIG EYES 9:45 PM speakers. All levels begin- AMERICAN SNIPER 12:15 AM BAIRAQ-3 Prayer timings FANAR-3 STONEHEARST ASYLUM 1:30 PM ners and advanced - GCSE STONEHEARST ASYLUM 11:45 AM 360º- 1 BIG EYES 3:45 PM STONEHEARST ASYLUM 6:00 PM & IGCSE A1 and A2 - you BIG EYES 2:00 PM BIG EYES 12:00 PM Fajr: 05:10 YELLOWBIRD 4:15 PM BIG EYES 2:15 PM BIG EYES 8:15 PM will speak fluent Arabic YELLOWBIRD 6:15 PM BIG EYES 4:30 PM STONEHEARST ASYLUM 10:30 PM through 20 lesson - KD 10- KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:45 AM Shorook 06:30 BIG EYES 8:15 PM BIG EYES 6:45 PM for an hour - free books STONEHEARST ASYLUM 10:30 PM BIG EYES 9:00 PM Duhr: 12:02 BIG EYES 12:45 AM BIG EYES 11:15 PM PLAZA contact Mr Khaled YELLOWBIRD 3:15 PM 99619998 email Asr: 15:11 FANAR-4 360º- 2 THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 3:30 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 12:00 PM SON OF A GUN 11:45 AM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 5:15 PM [email protected] Maghrib: 17:35 KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 2:30 PM THE ATTICUS INSTITUTE 2:00 PM ANEGAN (Tamil) 7:45 PM (C 4927) KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 5:00 PM SON OF A GUN 4:15 PM KINGSMAN: The Secret Service 10:45 PM 11-2-2015 Isha: 18:53

Directorate General of Civil Aviation Home Page (www.kuwait-airport.com.kw)

Arrival Flights on Thursday 12/2/2015 SVA 500 Jeddah 14:30 Departure Flights on Thursday 12/2/2015 QTR 1079 Doha 15:05 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 057 Dubai 14:30 Airlines Flt Route Time FDB 058 Dubai 15:10 KAC 502 Beirut 00:05 MPH 951 Amsterdam 14:35 AIC 976 Goa/Chennai 00:05 AGY 685 Sohag 15:15 JAI 574 Mumbai 00:10 KAC 538 Sohag 14:50 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:40 KNE 473 Jeddah 15:20 JZR 239 Amman 00:25 RJD 135 Abu Dhabi 14:55 FDB 072 Dubai 00:45 GFA 222 Bahrain 15:45 JZR 267 Beirut 00:30 KNE 470 Jeddah 14:55 JAI 573 Mumbai 01:10 KAC 773 Riyadh 15:50 KLM 411 Amsterdam/Dammam 00:40 GFA 221 Bahrain 15:00 KLM 411 Amsterdam 01:55 KNE 471 Jeddah 15:50 JZR 539 Cairo 00:40 KAC 788 Jeddah 15:10 DLH 637 Frankfurt 02:15 SVA 505 Jeddah 16:00 THY 772 Istanbul 00:45 OMA 645 Muscat 15:25 SAI 442 Lahore 02:30 MPH 951 Dubai/SIN 16:05 FDB 069 Dubai 00:55 UAE 857 Dubai 15:45 THY 773 Istanbul 02:55 RJD 136 Abu Dhabi 16:05 QTR 1084 Doha 01:00 ABY 127 Sharjah 15:45 PGT 859 Istanbul 03:25 KAC 501 Beirut 16:15 RJA 642 Amman 01:05 FDB 051 Dubai 16:00 MSC 404 Sohag 03:30 OMA 646 Muscat 16:25 KAC 546 Alexandria 01:10 KNE 460 Riyadh 16:00 KAC 381 Delhi 03:40 ABY 128 Sharjah 16:25 DLH 637 Dammam 01:15 JZR 535 Cairo 16:10 UAE 854 Dubai 03:50 SAI 441 Lahore 01:30 JZR 779 Jeddah 16:10 FDB 068 Dubai 03:55 KAC 613 Bahrain 16:35 PGT 858 Istanbul 01:35 NIA 251 Alexandria 16:15 ETD 306 Abu Dhabi 04:05 KNE 481 Taif 16:50 MSC 403 Sohag 02:30 KAC 562 Amman 16:20 MSR 613 Cairo 04:10 KAC 741 Dammam 17:00 GFA 211 Bahrain 02:30 JZR 257 Beirut 16:30 KKK 6508 Istanbul 04:10 FDB 052 Dubai 17:00 UAE 853 Dubai 02:35 RJA 640 Amman 16:55 OMA 644 Muscat 04:25 JZR 266 Beirut 17:05 JZR 553 Alexandria 02:45 ETD 303 Abu Dhabi 16:55 QTR 1085 Doha 04:30 NIA 252 Alexandria 17:15 JAI 526 Chennai/Abu Dhabi 02:50 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:15 MSC 406 Sohag 05:05 JZR 156 Dubai 17:35 FDB 067 Dubai 02:55 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 JZR 560 Sohag 05:10 JZR 538 Cairo 17:45 MSR 612 Cairo 03:10 JZR 777 Jeddah 17:55 QTR 1077 Doha 05:15 UAE 858 Dubai 17:45 ETD 305 Abu Dhabi 03:10 UAL 982 IAD 17:55 THY 765 Istanbul 05:40 ETD 304 Abu Dhabi 17:50 KKK 6507 Istanbul 03:20 UAE 875 Dubai 18:00 FDB 070 Dubai 06:30 RJA 641 Amman 17:55 OMA 643 Muscat 03:25 JZR 177 Dubai 18:20 JAI 525 Abu Dhabi/Chennai 06:35 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:15 QTR 1076 Doha 03:45 KAC 118 New York 18:30 JZR 164 Dubai 06:55 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 MSC 401 Alexandria 04:05 AFG 415 Kabul 18:30 RJA 643 Amman 07:05 JZR 184 Dubai 18:40 JZR 503 Luxor 05:25 ABY 121 Sharjah 18:40 JZR 240 Amman 07:15 JZR 238 Amman 18:50 THY 770 Istanbul 05:35 FDB 063 Dubai 18:40 GFA 212 Bahrain 07:15 JZR 134 Bahrain 19:10 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:40 KAC 786 Jeddah 18:45 THY 771 Istanbul 07:30 UAL 982 Bahrain 19:15 BAW 157 London 06:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:50 KAC 537 Sohag 08:20 ABY 122 Sharjah 19:20 KAC 412 Manila/Bangkok 07:10 KAC 618 Doha 19:15 FDB 054 Dubai 08:25 AFG 415 Jeddah 19:30 TAR 327 Tunis 07:45 AXB 393 Kozhikode 19:15 TAR 327 Dubai/Tunis 08:35 UAE 876 Dubai 19:40 FDB 053 Dubai 07:45 KAC 774 Riyadh 19:15 BAW 156 London 08:45 QTR 1081 Doha 19:50 QTR 1086 Doha 07:50 KAC 542 Cairo 19:25 IRA 672 Ahwaz 08:50 FDB 064 Dubai 19:55 IRA 673 Ahwaz 07:50 KAC 674 Dubai 19:25 QTR 1087 Doha 08:50 AXB 393 Kozhikode 20:15 SVA 512 Riyadh 07:55 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:30 SVA 513 Riyadh 08:55 GFA 218 Bahrain 20:15 IRA 667 Esfahan 08:10 KAC 176 Geneva/Frankfurt 19:45 JZR 256 Beirut 09:05 KAC 283 Dhaka 20:30 KAC 352 Kochi 08:10 KAC 104 London 19:55 IRA 668 Mashhad 09:10 KAC 302 Mumbai 08:20 KAC 742 Dammam 20:00 JZR 534 Cairo 09:15 KAC 361 Colombo 20:50 KAC 206 Islamabad 08:25 KAC 614 Bahrain 20:00 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:25 KAC 343 Chennai 20:55 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:30 JAI 572 Mumbai 20:00 KAC 671 Dubai 09:25 JAI 571 Mumbai 21:00 UAE 855 Dubai 08:40 MSR 618 Alexandria 20:05 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 MSR 619 Alexandria 21:05 KAC 362 Colombo 08:45 OMA 647 Muscat 20:20 KAC 101 London/New York 09:50 JZR 554 Alexandria 21:05 KAC 284 Dhaka 08:50 FDB 061 Dubai 20:20 UAE 856 Dubai 09:55 KAC 331 Trivandrum 21:10 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 ABY 123 Sharjah 20:35 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 10:20 ABY 124 Sharjah 21:15 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 09:20 DLH 634 Frankfurt 20:50 KAC 561 Amman 10:25 KAC 351 Kochi 21:15 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 ALK 229 Colombo 21:10 JZR 778 Jeddah 10:30 FDB 062 Dubai 21:20 QTR 1070 Doha 10:00 MEA 402 Beirut 21:20 FDB 056 Dubai 10:35 OMA 648 Muscat 21:20 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:30 QTR 1071 Doha 11:00 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 GEC 8379 Sharjah 10:45 FDB 073 Dubai 21:35 KAC 165 Rome/Paris 11:15 ALK 230 Colombo 22:10 UAE 873 Dubai 11:00 UAE 859 Dubai 21:40 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:25 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 IZG 4161 Mashhad 11:10 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:45 RBG 554 Alexandria 11:55 KAC 301 Mumbai 22:15 RBG 553 Alexandria 11:15 QTR 1074 Doha 21:55 KAC 541 Cairo 12:05 MEA 403 Beirut 22:20 MSC 405 Sohag 11:25 KNE 480 Taif 22:00 IZG 4162 Mashhad 12:10 KAC 203 Lahore 22:20 JZR 165 Dubai 11:30 JZR 135 Bahrain 22:05 JZR 776 Jeddah 12:20 FDB 074 Dubai 22:30 JZR 561 Sohag 11:45 JZR 157 Dubai 22:10 MSC 402 Alexandria 12:25 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:30 MEA 404 Beirut 11:55 KLM 417 Amsterdam 22:15 GEC 8379 Frankfurt 12:30 UAE 860 Dubai 22:50 SYR 341 Damascus 12:00 ETD 309 Abu Dhabi 22:15 UAE 874 Dubai 12:30 KNE 461 Riyadh 22:50 QTR 8646 Doha 12:30 FDB 059 Dubai 22:30 MEA 405 Beirut 12:55 KAC 205 Islamabad 22:55 UAE 871 Dubai 12:50 AIC 981 Chennai/Hyderabad/Ahmedabad 22:30 KAC 785 Jeddah 13:00 ETD 310 Abu Dhabi 23:00 JZR 241 Amman 12:55 BBC 043 Dhaka 23:10 SYR 342 Damascus 13:00 QTR 1075 Doha 23:05 MSR 610 Cairo 13:00 UAL 981 Bahrain 23:10 JZR 176 Dubai 13:45 KLM 417 Dammam/Amsterdam 23:15 KAC 382 Delhi 13:45 JZR 185 Dubai 23:15 QTR 8647 Doha 13:45 KAC 543 Cairo 23:20 KAC 672 Dubai 13:55 AGY 684 Sohag 23:20 MSR 611 Cairo 14:00 QTR 1078 Doha 14:05 THY 764 Istanbul 23:35 UAE 872 Dubai 14:15 KAC 415 Jakarta/Kuala Lumpur 23:25 AGY 680 Alexandria 14:15 PIA 205 Lahore 23:40 KAC 617 Doha 15:00 KAC 411 Bangkok/Manila 23:30 KNE 472 Jeddah 14:25 FDB 071 Dubai 23:45 KAC 673 Dubai 15:00 FDB 060 Dubai 23:55 DIAL161 FOR AIRPORT INFORMATION stars34 THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 CROSSWORD 813 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22)

Your mind is open and insisting to be fed! This is a great day to study and You might feel a bit lost today. Try to avoid making really important decisions learn new things, as well as to assess your own position. Others’ points of view will be crystal with finality just now. Become aware and do your best to steer clear of unfamiliar surround- clear, as will be yours to them. This is a good day to begin a business trip. Your ability to ings or circumstances. You may have to work hard to create a balance for now. However, this communicate your true feelings to friends and family is also accented. This period marks an time also marks a time when many projects come to a completion, especially large ones. You excellent time to be with loved ones, whether at work or at play. This afternoon is a most should resist taking shortcuts, however, just to finish work. Away from work this afternoon, favorable time to go on a family outing or engage in some type of social activity with friends. you will find the perfect place to relieve stress. Work on building a group of friends that can Being outdoors is most stimulating today. It is not a wildly romantic time, but one where be available for each other in time of need and think about gathering from time to time for small-scale endeavors will meet with success. Incredibly romantic feelings are fostered in group celebrations. Doing just about anything with friends or family will bring much joy. you, intensifying love relationships. Romance is heightened this evening.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Everything is coming up roses and optimism rules the day. Life is for living and This is a good day for making plans-your mind is clear. Working with others you cannot wait to partake of all those new and rewarding experiences that are waiting to proves to be quite successful. You may be sought after as just the person for a particular job. captivate you. Do not go overboard, but have fun. Your energy is high and your creative Focus on getting ahead in some way. Your vigor and confidence are strong. Your manage- mind is busy, ready to be applied to the work at hand. If you give your best effort now, much ment and directional abilities are in high focus. Those around you are watching and you can be accomplished. Your communicative abilities are emphasized. This is an excellent time receive credit for the things you do, even though you may not be seeking approval or recog- to sway others to your cause through speeches and other communications. Your thinking is nition. This evening you will find yourself feeling generous toward your loved ones and this most lucid and grasping. Be careful, though, of taking it to the extreme in trying to find a log- will reflect back on you. Now marks a time when relations with a spouse or business partner ical reason for every event that occurs, especially the actions of co-workers. Friendships are are on a solid ground. Expressing affection should come easily at this time. The word today is most rewarding now. harmony.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) Your heart is as big as all outdoors today, not only for those close to you emo- You are supersensitive today and that can be rewarding or damaging. If you tionally, but for the general public as well. Your nerves are calm and your focus on others, your understanding will enable you to fit into any group. This ability is help- sense of humor is intact-ready to help customers or others and pass along your good- ACROSS California border. ful in any job. If, however, you become caught up in your own feelings, you are likely to see natured attitude. It is important during this time to effectively communicate your ideas to co- 1. Headdress that protects the head from 79. A member of a Mayan people of south- only what you want to see. This attitude can cause lots of problems. In any event, save the workers and those who work under you. Your happy-go-lucky mood continues this after- bad weather. western Guatemala. decisions that require clear logic for another day. It is, however, a favorable time for financial noon and generally marks a great day in which all relationships are exalted. Besides being 4. Narrow and long and pointed. 80. A Turkish unit of weight equal to about dealings. Your social life also should blossom during this time, perhaps including a new love creative and affectionate, you are very sociable and magnetic to the opposite sex. There is a 11. Little known Kamarupan languages. 2.75 pounds. interest. Avoid the extravagance and self-indulgence that may come now. Your ability to desire for outdoor, physical activity this afternoon, but depending on the weather you will express affection to friends and family could become distracted. You are not trying to put out probably find a partner to play squash or some other similar activity at the gym. 15. The compass point that is one point 81. Characterized by an absence of force or a fire so . . . Save your comments. south of due east. forcefulness. 16. Of or relating to or denoting numbers. 82. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 17. Rock that in its molten form (as magma) from aba cloth. issues from volcanos. Cancer (June 21-July 22) Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 18. A flat wing-shaped process or winglike DOWN part of an organism. 1. A collection of objects laid on top of each Today you may be slowed down enough to be realistic about your abilities and What would life be without a few challenges now and then hopefully, you have done your homework and can reassure others of the validity of your position. Your ideas may 19. Small genus of Australian shrubs or other. expectations for success. Balancing your time and commitments may be difficult but neces- sary if you wish to keep everything running smoothly. You feel the need of some time off but not be as clear as you would like. Back away and then come back to the subject at a later time trees. 2. In a competent capable manner. you resist because you take a serious attitude to just about all aspects of your life. In the work- to gain a better perspective. This is a good time to exercise caution and care in business deal- 20. Either of two muscles of the abdomen 3. A male monarch or emperor (especially place today, much can be accomplished. You have what it takes to tackle any problem ings-both in the physical and financial realm. It may be time to take it easy and let others have and pelvis that flex the trunk and rotate the of Russia prior to 1917). involved with work. This afternoon is for you and a few friends! You crave to socialize and their way. Demanding what you want could lead to frustrations and ill feelings. You will feel thigh. 4. French dramatist noted for his reinterpre- make new friends. Others in turn are attracted to you, and this can bring all sorts of good the urge for excitement and should consider traveling at this time-avoid extravagance. 21. Moths whose larvae are corn borers. tations of Greek myths (1910-1987). things into your life. 23. A very light colorless element that is 5. Deserving a curse. one of the six inert gasses. 6. Expel, as of gases and odors. 24. (usually followed by `to') Having the 7. Small genus of mediterranean shrubs. Aquarius (January 20- February 18) necessary means or skill or know-how or 8. A metal-bearing mineral valuable Leo (July 23-August 22) authority to do something. enough to be mined. Renewal, reform and principle are your paths to growth and gain now. New, The right words can help make life more understandable today but could also 25. Injured by bites or stings. 9. (Japanese) Very thinly sliced raw fish. futuristic ideas are part of this, but it’s much more than that: putting them into practice is add some bewilderment and frustration, particularly when we seek to communicate with peo- 26. Japanese ornamental tree with fragrant 10. Angular distance above the horizon essential. This may mean a break from the past-a willingness to move away from the regular ple outside our realm of understanding. You may come across this scenario all year . . . It is best white or pink blossoms and small yellow (especially of a celestial object). routine. You are entering a phase of emotional directness, one marked by powerful feelings. to sort out the problems as they occur. It could be that you will travel to a foreign country or fruits. 11. A region of northeastern France famous Emotional beginnings-a fresh start, perhaps the establishment of new habit patterns-will set learn and practice sign language, or understand gang or cult communication; all in all, you will 29. A clique that seeks power usually for its wines. the tone for quite some time to come! Being appreciated for your gifts and talents is a power- be successful and will gain much insight into the many people of this world. Slang, phrases and through intrigue. 12. African tree having an exceedingly thick ful need. Taking chances can bring big rewards. You may find a new hobby or pastime this words that may be construed with more than one meaning are important and can also be an month . . . Some wonderful creative endeavor is where you are headed. There is no obstacle important part of your insight. You are popular and tonight, your presence is wanted. 32. A human limb. trunk and fruit that resembles a gourd and to slow you. 33. An early form of modern jazz (originat- has an edible pulp called monkey bread. ing around 1940). 13. Rounded like an egg. 36. Feeling or caused to feel uneasy and 14. Tear down so as to make flat with the Virgo (August 23-September 22) self-conscious. ground. Pisces (February 19-March 20) 39. Being one more than two. 22. Lower in esteem. You may be selected for a particular job. You know you can do the new job or Your expertise in handling difficult matters puts you on the will-call list for 41. An intensely radioactive metallic ele- 27. A trivalent metallic element of the rare project but you may be a little nervous about beginning. The nervous beginning keeps you assisting in problem-solving situations. Careful, this could inflate your ego-take care to avoid ment that occurs in minute amounts in ura- earth group. on your toes and makes you careful; you can do it and will find your efforts successful. Extra being temperamental and touchy. If you channel this energy, you can become quite influential. nium ores. 28. A religious belief of African origin responsibility today will mean an addition to your paycheck. Begin now to set aside a little of You know that it is best to rely on facts rather than feelings and can hold classes on problem- 42. Fail to keep or to maintain. involving witchcraft and sorcery. everything you earn. You will want to secure your future. Your generous nature may be a solving abilities. While shopping this afternoon or evening, major purchases that could increase 43. Being or befitting or characteristic of an 30. On a ship, train, plane or other vehicle. problem so take care to guide others in their moneymaking adventure instead of handing in value would be a good bet. An announcement or letter reveals good news that you may infant. 31. An oil port in southern Iraq. out your hard-earned money. Reserve some time to enjoy a favorite hobby this evening. want to share. You enjoy spending time with friends-this evening is not the best time to spend 46. A river in north central Switzerland that 34. A severe or trying experience. There may be a way to make some extra money with your hobby to help send a child to a time alone. Friends and loved ones give you good feedback this evening. special school or give some other help. runs northeast into the Rhine. 35. An archaic name for Easter or Passover. 47. Mythical bird of prey having enormous 37. Very dark black. size and strength. 38. The capital and largest city of 48. A condensed but memorable saying Bangladesh. WORD SEARCH PUZZLE Yesterday’s Solution embodying some important fact of experi- 40. Complacently or inanely foolish. ence that is taken as true by many people. 44. A member of an extinct North American 51. An international organization of Indian people who lived in the Pit river val- European countries formed after World War ley in northern California. II to reduce trade barriers and increase 45. A lion-headed goddess. cooperation among its members. 49. Any of a group of Indic languages spo- 52. (informal) Exceptionally good. ken in Kashmir and eastern Afghanistan 54. A state in southeastern United States. and northern Pakistan. 55. (Judaism) An eight-day Jewish holiday 50. Of or related to the genital and urinary commemorating the rededication of the organs or their functions. Temple of Jerusalem. 53. Mentally or physically infirm with age. 57. A public promotion of some product or 56. Preaching the gospel of Christ in the service. manner of the early church. 58. A highly unstable radioactive element 59. A city in west central Washington on an (the heaviest of the halogen series). arm of Puget Sound south of Seattle. 60. Lighted up by or as by fire or flame. 61. A ketone that forms the nucleus of cer- 62. Goddess of the dead and queen of the tain natural yellow pigments like riboflavin. underworld. 63. An anti-TNF compound (trade name 65. English theoretical physicist who Arava) that is given orally. applied relativity theory to quantum 64. Of or relating to or containing cerium mechanics and predicted the existence of especially with valence 4. antimatter and the positron (1902-1984). 66. A republic in the Middle East in western 72. A constellation in the southern hemi- Asia. sphere near Telescopium and Norma. 67. Resembling a box in rectangularity. 73. Germanic barbarian leader who ended 68. Large burrowing rodent of South and the western Roman Empire in 476 and Central America. became the first barbarian ruler of Italy 69. Surrealist Spanish painter (1904-1989). (434-493). 70. Someone who works (or provides work- 76. Aircraft landing in bad weather in which ers) during a strike. the pilot is talked down by ground control 71. God of love and erotic desire. using precision approach radar. 74. A doctor's degree in education. 77. A room equipped with toilet facilities. 75. A rotating disk shaped to convert circu- 78. A city in northwestern Mexico near the lar into linear motion.

Yesterday’s Solution

Daily SuDoku Yesterday’s Solution THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 information

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Afghanistan 0093 Luxembourg 00352 GOVERNORATE PHARMACY ADDRESS PHONE Albania 00355 Macau 00853 Algeria 00213 Macedonia 00389 Ahmadi Sama Safwan Fahaeel Makka St 23915883 Andorra 00376 Madagascar 00261 Sabah Hospital 24812000 Abu Halaifa Abu Halaifa-Coastal Rd 23715414 Angola 00244 Majorca 0034 Amiri Hospital 22450005 Danat Al-Sultan Mahboula Block 1, Coastal Rd 23726558 Anguilla 001264 Malawi 00265 Maternity Hospital 24843100 Jahra Modern Jahra Jahra-Block 3 Lot 1 24575518 Antiga 001268 Malaysia 0060 Madina Munawara Jahra-Block 92 24566622 Argentina 0054 Maldives 00960 Mubarak Al-Kabir Hospital 25312700 Capital Ahlam Fahad Al-Salem St 22436184 Armenia 00374 Mali 00223 Chest Hospital 24849400 Khaldiya Coop Khaldiya Coop 24833967 Australia 0061 Malta 00356 Austria 0043 Marshall Islands 00692 Farwaniya Hospital 24892010 Farwaniya New Shifa Farwaniya Block 40 24734000 Ferdous Coop Ferdous Coop 24881201 Bahamas 001242 Martinique 00596 Adan Hospital 23940620 Modern Safwan Old Kheitan Block 11 24726638 Bahrain 00973 Mauritania 00222 Ibn Sina Hospital 24840300 Bangladesh 00880 Mauritius 00230 Hawally Tariq Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25726265 Barbados 001246 Mayotte 00269 Al-Razi Hospital 24846000 Hana Salmiya-Amman St 25647075 Ikhlas Hawally-Beirut St 22625999 Belarus 00375 Mexico 0052 Physiotherapy Hospital 24874330/9 Hawally & Rawdha Hawally & Rawdha Coop 22564549 Belgium 0032 Micronesia 00691 Ghadeer Jabriya-Block 1A 25340559 Belize 00501 Moldova 00373 Kindy Jabriya-Block 3B 25326554 Benin 00229 Monaco 00377 Ibn Al-Nafis Salmiya-Hamad Mubarak St 25721264 Mishrif Coop Mishrif Coop 25380581 Bermuda 001441 Mongolia 00976 Kaizen center 25716707 Salwa Coop Salwa Coop 25628241 Bhutan 00975 Montserrat 001664 Rawda 22517733 Bolivia 00591 Morocco 00212 Bosnia 00387 Mozambique 00258 Adaliya 22517144 Botswana 00267 Myanmar (Burma) 0095 Khaldiya 24848075 Brazil 0055 Namibia 00264 Brunei 00673 Nepal 00977 Kaifan 24849807 Bulgaria 00359 Netherlands 0031 Shamiya 24848913 Burkina 00226 Netherlands Antilles 00599 Burundi 00257 New Caledonia 00687 Shuwaikh 24814507 Cambodia 00855 New Zealand 0064 Abdullah Salem 22549134 Cameroon 00237 Nicaragua 00505 Canada 001 Nigar 00227 Nuzha 22526804 Cape Verde 00238 Nigeria 00234 Industrial Shuwaikh 24814764 Cayman Islands 001345 Niue 00683 Central African 00236 Norfolk Island 00672 Qadsiya 22515088 Chad 00235 N. 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Gossip

Irina looking for ‘an honest man’

he Sports Illustrated model, who recently Madrid player, 30. Asked if she is doing anything that felt like Valentine’s for me. It was really nice.” split from soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo special for the romantic holiday, she told E! Cristiano and Irina split over the Christmas peri- Tafter five years of dating, wants her next News: “Not yet but you know, maybe it’s going to od and he is rumored to have already moved on boyfriend to be “loyal.” The Russian beauty said: come up. Maybe today here I’m going to find the with Spanish TV presenter Lucia Villalon. The “What I’m looking for in a man is - I think I love plans, you never know.” Irina also revealed her Portuguese star recently released a statement honest men and I love a man who is loyal to ideal date would include “a lot of food” and an confirming their split, adding: “I wish Irina the women. I think this is [the] most important thing “expensive bottle of champagne, because I’m greatest happiness.” in [a] man.” The 29-year-old star admits she does- Russian. I love an expensive bottle of cham- n’t have any plans for Valentine’s Day next pagne.” She added: “Chocolate and [a] cool Saturday, but hinted she is already over the Real movie. Like yesterday I saw ‘Pretty Woman’ and

Jonas not sure Aniston believes she about another child wasted her potential he US actress - who was snubbed for an Oscar nomination for her role in ‘Cake’ as a suicidal woman addicted to painkillers - admits Tshe doesn’t have enough “ambition” and also believes she’s missed out on some praise because comedy movies don’t receive as much acclaim as serious films. She said: “I’ve never been looking for it. I mean, maybe that’s half the problem. I don’t have a lot of ambition. “I don’t have that desperation of, ‘I’ve got to have it!’ I know how hard it is to be an actor just to begin with, but to be a working actor - you should just be grateful. “And I love making people laugh. I find that is just as valuable as making people want to kill themselves.” The TV beauty - who turned 46 yesterday - insists she hasn’t starred in as many drama films because oth- er actresses get the parts instead of her, but admitted after appearing in 2006 movie ‘The Break-Up’ she wondered whether she had been doing Legend thinks Kanye’s something wrong by playing so many comical characters. She added to Metro newspaper: “I felt all of a sudden, ‘What have I been doing for the last 20 years?’ “You scratch your head and go, ‘Was that just disrespectful critics need to chill and horrible?’ “Because obviously, comedy is not as revered as drama. But I think comedy is really hard. “I was on a show for 10 years [‘Friends’], he ‘All of Me’ hitmaker “thought it was thought better of it and walked off the and I saw a lot of the dramatic actors come in and try to be funny. “It was funny” when the rapper stormed the stage before speaking. Despite standing up like, ‘See, not that easy is it?’ But it looks so effortless.” Tstage at the Grammy Awards on for Kanye, 37, John believes “Beck won his Sunday in protest after Beck won Album of award fair and square.” The R&B star told the Year instead of his friend BeyoncÈ. UsMagazine.com: “Beck is super talented Asked about the incident, the 36-year-old and I have several of his albums and I’ve lis- singer said: “I thought it was funny. I looked tened to him for a long time. I think people he former Jonas Brothers star, who has 12-month-old at it as just a funny thing that people were were surprised that he won but that daughter Alena with wife Danielle Jonas, admits they origi- going to talk about.”It didn’t hurt anybody. I doesn’t mean he does not deserve it, that Tnally wanted to have lots of children, but now doubt their think anybody who is upset just needs to just means people thought other people plans. He said: “Every couple of months with Alena we’re like, relax. It was funny.” The ‘New Slaves’ rapper, were going to win too.” ‘Maybe just her, she’s kinda awesome!’ “But the 27-year-old who famously interrupted Taylor Swift’s singer says his wife would like to add at least one more to their acceptance speech at the MTV Video Music brood. He told E! News: “We’ve talked about it. She’s got baby Awards in 2009 after she won Best Female brain, it’s crazy. She was holding one the other day and she gave Video instead of BeyoncÈ, almost repeated me that look. Now that she’s walking it’s like she’s a toddler so it’s the incident with Beck on Sunday, but like, ‘Oh now we need a baby again!’ “Danielle added: “First it was four [kids], now it’s three.” Meanwhile, the couple is looking for- ward to celebrating Valentine’s Day together next weekend. Kevin said: “I realized that we have yet to go away together since, like, the last year but we’re actually going to be going to the Hollywood Domino event that I hosted last year with [Artists for Peace] so...I’m actually going to bring my teammate along with me this time.”

he 42-year-old actress, who announced her sepa- ration from the Coldplay frontman last March Tafter 10 years of marriage, admits she discreetly Pharrell enjoys Swift’s asked her ‘Mortdecai’ co-star about how he ended his relationship with Vanessa Paradis, with whom he has daughter Lily-Rose, 15, and son Jack, 12, in 2012 after 14 years together, in a bid to learn how to break the dance moves news to their children, Apple, 10, and Moses, eight. The blonde beauty told Marie Claire Australia: “Nobody

knew what Chris and I had been going through, so I Beyonce’s didn’t say ‘Hey, this is what’s happening.’ But I did ask from racism

him mostly children-centric questions, like ‘How is it on father suffered them? How did you do it?’ “Although she and Chris only announced their separation last year, the magazine he ‘Pretty Hurts’ hitmaker, who previ- rights campaigner] Dr. [Martin Luther] King claims Gwyneth purchased a new ously hinted she’s had a difficult rela- and my father was among the first genera- house for herself in Ttionship with Matthew Knowles since tion that attended an all-white school. My Brentwood, California as long he stopped managing her career in 2011, father has grown up with a lot of trauma ago as 2012 and then went admits he was one of the people who from those experiences. I feel like now I can through “a year of quiet inspired her performance of ‘Take My Hand, sing for his pain. Now I can sing for my separation.” The ‘Iron Man Precious Lord’ at the Grammy Awards on grandparents’ pain.” Matthew, 63, and 3’ star has been linked to Sunday (08.02.15) because he was racially BeyoncÈ parted ways professionally in ‘Glee’ and ‘American Horror abused during his school days. In a new 2010, shortly after he split from her mother, Story’ co-creator Brad behind-the-scenes video about her per- Tina Knowles, because he fathered a son, Falchuk since last July, formance, she said: “The first time Nixon, with Alexsandra Wright. The 33-year-

from Johnny Depp while Chris, 37, is now I heard ‘Precious Lord,’ I was old singer hinted in early 2013 that they

sought divorce advice dating 24-year-old actress a kid and my mother were still in the process of rebuilding their Jennifer Lawrence. he ‘Happy’ hitmaker was caught on camera looking unim- sang it to me. She sang relationship, but she and her sister, pressed by the 24-year-old singer’s dance moves at the the song with her eyes Solange Knowles, failed to attend his Tstar-studded ceremony on Sunday, but claims he was just closed and she was a wedding to Gena Charmaine Avery, in “soaking it all in.” The 41-year-old star said: “She’s awesome. vessel. It was like June of that year, and Matthew was Taylor knows the words to every song. It’s amazing.” Asked if he God speaking, recently rumoured to be selling sou- was tempted to get up and join the ‘Blank Space’ hitmaker, he using her body to venirs from her career in his garden. told E! News: “That’s her thing, that’s her thing thing. I’m just kind speak and to heal. BeyoncÈ also performed at the of soaking it all in. It’s always a new experience for me. She was “My grandparents Grammys with an all-male choir as she kind of born in it [showbusiness]... she was damn near raised in marched wanted to “show the strength and the it, so for her it’s kind of like her vacation. She has a great time.” with vulnerability in black man” after the con- When his ‘The Voice’ USA co-star Blake Shelton suggested the [civil troversial deaths of Michael Brown glamorous event was like the “prom” for Taylor, Pharrell added: “It and Eric Garner by white police offi- really is. It’s a great time for her, and I love that she has that cers in the US. She said: “I wanted to moment.” The blonde beauty previously admitted she is a huge find real men that have lived, have fan of the ‘Girl’ hitmaker and called him “a sorcerer of happiness.” struggled, cried, have a life and a She also joked that anyone who talks to him usually ends up spirit about them. feeling “really good for about two weeks straight.” Paltrow Miller finds ‘peace’ in motherhood

he ‘American Sniper’ star has a two-year-old on her career and personal happiness. Speaking to still so little, but I think that we have the same daughter, Marlowe, with her fiancÈ Tom the new issue of German magazine Myself, she sense of humor. I’m always surprised again if I TSturridge and she insists becoming a parent explained: “I don’t have the chance any more to be look in the eyes of my two-and-a-half-year-old changed her entire outlook on life and gave her a a rebel. Either I work or I take care of my daughter. child and find out that she’s laughing grounding. When asked how she feels being a In between I’m just tired. My stormy times are about the same stuff like I do.” mother, Sienna said: “It brought me down to earth, behind me. I’m calmer now and have settled I found my peace. These are feelings I didn’t know down.” The 33-year-old actress - who was previous- —Bangshowbiz before. I’m much more aware of everything. I final- ly in relationships with Jude Law and Rhys Ifans - ly have something steady in my life.” Sienna says enjoys seeing her child change as she gets older parenthood stopped her from partying so much and she has been shocked by how much she and and has instead given her the opportunity to focus Marlowe have in common already. She said: “She is lifestyle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

My ideal make up brushes kit

very girl struggles with finding the right make up brushes kit to use. Many The brushes are things vary from one girl to the next, the way you hold the brush, the hand E05 - Eye Liner: Creates smooth and even lines. You can use it with gel or liquid liners. Eyou’re comfortable using while applying make-up and also how you feel E30 - Pencil: Softens and smokes out lines. Softens pencil liners along the top and bot- about using it. Many people prefer different brands. Personally, I love brushes tom lash lines, or use to highlight the inner corner of your eyes. that have multiple purposes. I tend to use an eye shadow brush to define my E40 - Tapered Blending: For a softy blended crease. Using just the tips to apply color, contour on my cheeks sometimes, a powder brush to highlight, and even lip sweep back and forth through the crease for a diffused and blended finish. brushes to define the eye shadow on my lower lashes. It’s all about what is E55 - Eye Shading: Even application of color. Place the color across the whole lid for an more comfortable to use, and with thousands of options to choose from, it even and strong application of the product. can get a bit confusing. E60 - Large Shader: Uniformly covers the whole lid with the product. Apply a cream A few things you should consider before purchasing your shadow base or cream shadows for a quick and even coverage. brushes are; always go for the tug-test, which is a gentle E65 - Small Angle: Creates precise lining. Moves fluidly and easily across the upper and pull of the tip of the brush. If hairs start falling off or the lower lash lines. You can use this brush with gel, cream or powder liners. brush isn’t firmly glued or placed on the wand properly, E70 - Medium Angled Shading: For soft application of color. Use for brow highlighting change the brand. You would also want to avoid brushes or to blend the crease. with blunt edges, unless you specifically want a firmer F30 - Large Powder: Evens out the powder application. Uniformly blends powder brush for application purposes, only because softer products onto the face and body, such as translucent powders and pressed pow- and dome-shaped edges work better at blending and ders. applying the make-up. Try making the decision by F40 - Large Angled Contour: Used for subtle cheek application. Use the angle to softly looking for the best brush for you, which is often a contour the cheekbone. It can also be used to apply blush. matter of trial and error. If you’re an animal lover, F50 - Duo Fibre: Creates an airbrush effect onto the skin. It can be used with powders, you would want to avoid the natural bristles, and go liquids or cream products. for synthetic ones. Natural brushes tend to be more F60 - Foundation: Smooths the foundation application. You can also use it to apply liq- expensive, as they are made of natural hairs from vari- uid or cream products such as foundation and primer. ous animals, they also tend to hold make up better. It F70 - Concealer: Conceals small areas. It conceals the hardest to reach areas such as is always a good idea to invest in a good make up around the nose and eyes. brushes kit, and make sure you keep them clean and This kit is the most basic and most essential brushes kit anyone can use. Professional dust free but of course this would be after you’ve tried a make-up artists and younger girls who just started applying make-up can use it, few brands to make that choice. because it has everything you need from brushes for powders, to liquids and creams. My current favorite make-up brushes kit is The Sigma With time, the more you get used to the brushes the more ways you will figure out to Beauty- Essential kit. It includes 12 essential brushes that use the brushes for different purposes and that’s why I love this kit. you can use from foundation to contouring and eye Again, always discover your options before making a heavy purchase! make-up. I seriously purchased the same kit again, just to Till next week xo have two of every brush.

Beyonce, Gaga, Pharrell honor Stevie Wonder

he official after-party for the Grammy Awards was a tribute their voices as high as possible; Babyface and Ariana Grande were ple” to sing, but learned it wasn’t. “I did my best just to say I love the Key of Life - An All-Star Grammy Salute.” It will air Monday on concert for Stevie Wonder. Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Pharrell soft on “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours”; and Wonder’s you,” the Italian tenor said, as the crowd was in awe. Other per- CBS. Wonder ended the night with a medley of his songs and was Tand Annie Lennox were part of the all-star acts who paid daughter, Aisha, sang the song written about her - “Isn’t She formers included John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, the Band Perry joined onstage with all of the performers and presenters for tribute to the piano-playing icon at a concert Tuesday night in Lovely” - with R&B singer Ne-Yo. “I love you, Daddy,” Aisha said, and Tony Bennett, who delivered the goods on “For Once in My “Happy Birthday,” which happened after a video played showing Los Angeles, just days after the Grammys aired. Beyonce kicked now standing next to her father who sat in the front row. The rest Life,” and Lennox, who was top notch during “My Cherie Amour.” Wonder campaigning to have the birthday of Martin Luther King off the taped event presented by the Recording Academy by of the night played like a love letter to Wonder. Even some of the presenters were musical: Tyler Perry sound- Jr. become a national holiday. Another video earlier in the night walking up an isle of the Nokia Theatre LA Live and singing Gaga said she remembered putting in her first CD into the CD ed like a promising singer after delivering some of Wonder’s showed Paul McCartney calling Wonder “an incredible musician,” “Fingertips.” Ed Sheeran joined the diva on “Master Blaster player - a Wonder disc. “You truly are the reason that I’m here lyrics, and actor-comedian Craig Robinson, who is also musician, “genius” and a “total inspiration.” — AP (Jammin’)” and Gary Clark Jr jumped in on “Higher Ground.” today. Thank you so much,” said 28-year-old Gaga, who earned a also sang before he introduced a video of Wonder’s silly side. The night was full of collaborative highlights: A trio of standing ovation with her rendition of “I Wish.”Andrea Bocelli, “Y’all clapped when Tyler sang,” Robinson said to laughs. Jay Z, India.Arie, Janelle Monae and Jill Scott shined like a seasoned girl who was impressive when he sang “I Just Called to Say I Love Jamie Foxx, Maya Rudolph, Gladys Knight, Big Sean and Berry group on “As”; Pharrell and OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder stretched You,” told Wonder and the crowd he assumed the song was “sim- Gordy attended the concert, dubbed “Stevie Wonder: Songs in

Beyonce performs with Ed Sheeran during ‘Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life - An All-Star Grammy Salute,’ at Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds and Ariana Grande perform together. the Nokia Theatre. — AP Photos

Honoree Stevie Wonder performs during the finale of the concert. lifestyle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Photo shows television host Jon Stewart during a taping of “The Daily Stewart holding the award for Outstanding Writing for a US President Barack Obama and host Jon Stewart speak during a break in the live taping of ‘Daily Show Show with Jon Stewart” in New York. — AP Photos Variety, Music or Comedies Series in the press room during with Jon Stewart’. the 63rd annual Primetime Emmy Awards. Jon Stewart leaving ‘The Daily Show’ The phony newsman exit a loss to real news

on Stewart, who turned his combination of biting and Emotional night,” David Axelrod, former adviser to President poked fun at politicians but spent even more time on the But undoubtedly anchor slots at “Daily Show” would be hard free-wheeling humor into an unlikely source of news and Barack Obama, posted on Twitter. Stewart’s departure repre- media establishment covering them. The most recent exam- for them to turn down if offered. Janalysis for viewers of “The Daily Show,” said he’s leaving sents a second big blow for Comedy Central: Colbert left “The ple was Monday night, when he tut-tutted NBC’s Brian Bee has been with “Daily Show” since 2003; Jones joined as host this year. His departure was announced by Comedy Colbert Report” last year to take over for CBS late-night host Williams for being caught exaggerating about the danger he the roster two years later. Other female names mentioned Central President Michele Ganeless after Stewart, host of the David Letterman when he retires in May. Wilmore’s “The faced covering the Iraq War. On Tuesday, NBC announced that included Amy Schumer, who has scored with the Comedy show since 1999, broke the news to the studio audience at Nightly Show” replaced Colbert’s show. Williams was being suspended as “Nightly News” anchor and Central audience with her “Inside Amy Schumer” series. Amy Tuesday’s taping in New York. managing editor for six months without pay. Stewart, howev- Poehler also has ties to the cabler as an exec producer of Stewart, slapping his desk and blinking back tears, told the Templates for a comedic form er, had more withering criticism for the reporters covering “Broad City,” and she’s just wrapped her seven-season run as audience that he had signed on to “The Daily Show” 17 years The Stewart and Colbert shows created templates for a Williams, joking that finally the media was criticizing someone the star of NBC’s “Parks and Recreation.” Sarah Silverman could ago, and “17 years is the longest I have ever in my life held a comedic form that offered laughs along with trenchant politi- for misleading the public during the Iraq War. be a contender, as could “Daily Show” alum Olivia Munn. job, by 16 years and five months.” “This show doesn’t deserve cal and social satire. Authors and politicians were as common Kevin Convey, chair of journalism at Quinnipiac University, Another current “Daily Show” player, Aasif Mandvi, has an even slightly restless host, and neither do you,” he said. It’s as Hollywood celebrities on the self-described “fake news” called Stewart’s announcement a milestone. His departure is been a regular since 2006 and has experience as a writer and yet to be decided when he’ll leave or what comes next for programs. Stewart took a several-months-long hiatus in 2013 “the end of an era that saw an entire generation turn to a in numerous stage and film productions. Jessica Williams is a him, Stewart said, with one exception. “I’m gonna have dinner, to direct “Rosewater,” a well-reviewed film about an Iranian- comedian for news and views for the first time - a reign that fast-rising star who signed on in 2012, but she may be seen as on a school night, with my family,” he said. Ganeless called born journalist who was imprisoned for 118 days in Tehran presaged Twitter and other forms of social media” that provide not having enough experience yet to take the helm of the Stewart, 52, a “comic genius.” She did not specify his exit date and accused of being a spy. The Comedy Central statement “equal parts information and attitude to millions,” Convey said. “Daily” machine. Sources close to the situation said that or what led to his decision. did not indicate what his plans are after leaving. Comedy Central honchos are still far from a decision and that “Through his unique voice and vision, ‘The Daily Show’ has In a November interview with The Associated Press for What’s next for The Daily Show? all options-from existing “Daily” players and alumni to estab- become a cultural touchstone for millions of fans and an “Rosewater,” Stewart was asked about his future with the Comedy Central execs have been preparing for the possi- lished names to newcomers-will be considered. Chris unparalleled platform for political comedy that will endure for Comedy Central show. He replied that the format he works in bility that Stewart would move on as his most recent contract Hardwick is in the Comedy Central family as host of “@mid- years to come,” Ganeless said in a statement. Stewart’s influ- doesn’t matter. “It’s a journey. It’s a conversation,” he said. “One wound down this year. Whoever follows him on the show will night,” the pop culture quiz and chat show that follows the ence is seen in the work of Stephen Colbert, John Oliver and thing I won’t do is write music or sing.” Mindy Kaling blamed face the extremely tricky task of keeping it vital in the political “Daily Show/”Nightly Show With Larry Wilmore” block. But his Larry Wilmore, who went on to earn shows of their own. Other the lure of filmdom. “I knew when Jon Stewart left to direct and cultural arenas. Stewart’s gift has been to tackle headline- persona as a fan’s fan might not be the right fit for the show “Daily Show” alumni include Steve Carell, Ed Helms, Josh Gad that movie he was gonna try something like this,” Kaling post- making subjects with humor but also enough bite and per- that tackles weighty issues and non-celebrity interviews at and new “Saturday Night Live” Weekend Update anchor ed on Twitter. When he returned from his filmmaking break, spective to make the show relevant to the national conversa- times. Michael Che. “Shocked & sad to see the man who gave me my Stewart played a tape of President Barack Obama urging mili- tion on everything from presidential campaigns to divisive Established comedians including Joel McHale and Ricky big break on @TheDailyShow is ready to hang it up,” “Frozen” tary action against Syria because of last month’s poison gas social issues. Stewart, by many accounts, is not only is the face Gervais could be in the mix as well. One name that is not actor Gad posted on Twitter. attack.”America taking military action against a Middle East of the show but also the driver of many editorial decisions. on the market is John Oliver, the “Daily Show” alum who Stewart leaves a substantial void for Comedy Central, regime,” Stewart said. “It’s like I never left.” In 2010, Stewart and The immediate speculation about possible successors scored with his own weekly newscast-style show for HBO, which has no heir apparent to replace him - unless Oliver bolts Colbert drew a crowd to the Washington Mall for their Rally to ranged from the show’s existing pool of correspondents to “Last Week Tonight.” Oliver has a long-term contract with his HBO show to return to the fold. For political junkies who Restore Sanity and/or Fear. They tackled familiar topics - the female candidates given the lack thereof in the late night are- HBO for the show, which bowed last year to generally rave depended on Stewart for his acumen as well as comic relief, partisan gridlock in the nation’s capital and the political talk na. Some speculated that “Daily Show’s” husband-and-wife reviews. — Agencies the 2016 presidential election may be looking bleak. Reaction show culture that encouraged it. correspondent team Samantha Bee and Jason Jones could was swift from Stewart’s past targets as well as admirers. Stewart was credited with effectively killing one cable pro- take over with a dual-anchor format, which would be a first for “Just had the honor of being the great Jon Stewart’s guest gram - CNN’s “Crossfire” - when his withering criticism of its the show. The two shot a family comedy pilot for TBS, (on ‘The Daily Show’), where he announced he’s leaving. partisan squabbling hit a nerve, and CNN soon canceled it. He “Vacationland,” late last year that they co-wrote and star in. Pros and cons of Oscar’s best-picture contenders

here is no clear front-runner in Oscar’s best-picture race: Of Challenges: The film is just as topical as some other 2014 con- eight contenders, four seem like neck-and-neck favorites, tenders but has stirred up less debate, which is good/bad news. Twhile any of the others could pull a “Chariots of Fire”-style The Weinstein Co has been reminding people of the injustices of switcheroo. So, as Oscar voting begins Friday and runs to Feb 17, that era, and should continue to emphasize Turing’s oddball hero- awards strategists have put campaigns in high gear. Here are the ism, at a time when the world is in desperate need of heroes. strengths and vulnerabilities of some of the best-picture nomi- nees. Selma Strengths: Incredibly, Paramount’s “Selma” is the first big American Sniper screen movie about Martin Luther King Jr; it goes behind the pub- Strengths: The film appeals to a wide range of viewers, lic image to show his life as a human being and as a strategist, and whether they think it’s pro-war, anti-war, or simply pro-warrior. is a reminder of his huge obstacles. It also has positive messages And there’s one thing that everyone seems to agree on: This is that an individual can make a difference, though it’s crucial that expert filmmaking. Challenge: Warner Bros. needs to make sure people work together. Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson attend a special fan screening of ‘Fifty Shades of voters ignore all the noise (positive and negative) and concentrate Challenges: Like “Sniper,” the film needs voters to clear their Grey’in New York. — AP on the craft, storytelling and its themes of PTSD and support for heads of the distracting noise. Par is smartly underplaying paral- veterans. They should also emphasize that the film is hitting so lels with current racial turmoil, since voters are already aware. But many nerves because it’s well done. the studio needs to combat the perception that the film’s chances ‘Fifty Shades of Grey’ are slim with only two Oscar nominations. Birdman Strengths: Its originality, below-the-line innovations, perform- The Theory of Everything whips up box-office ances, and its filmmakers’ high degree of difficulty. It also has a Strengths: The performances of Eddie Redmayne and Felicity subject matter that will hit home with voters: A person’s worth is Jones are the driving force here, but there are many other virtues ifty Shades of Grey”, the long-antici- azine, said the “glossy, well cast” film was “not not measured by career success or the opinion of others. to the film. Spanning 25 years, the Focus Features movie earns the pated movie version of the bestselling exactly whip-smart, but... in many ways a signifi- Challenges: Fox Searchlight should continue to emphasize audience’s tears without being manipulative. And while Stephen “Ferotic novel, began its worldwide roll- cant improvement” on a novel trashed by critics the script and the fact that self-doubt is not the domain of show- Hawking is the more famous half of the pair, Jane is central: She’s out yesterday, with France one of the first to for its low literary quality. Its supposedly risque biz but a universal struggle. more than just “the wife,” she is one of the strongest women in catch a glimpse. The film, starring Jamie Dornan scenes turned out to be “fairly mild provocation 2014’s films. as a billionaire with a penchant for S&M and in this porn-saturated day and age”. The movie is Boyhood Challenges: “Theory” is sometimes seen as an actor’s vehicle A screen grab Dakota Johnson as a virginal student who falls slick, with many scenes shot like ads for luxury Strengths: The backstory of the 12-year shooting schedule is or a disease-of-the week film. But Focus should remind people from Best-Picture for him, is being marketed as a torrid touchstone products, and the leading actors and the female irresistible. And in a year of global strife, the film’s conflicts are that the movie goes beyond that. It shines the spotlight on care- contender ‘The for a generation too young to remember “9 1/2 director, Sam Taylor-Johnson, proving compe- gentle and thoughtful, with meditations on life, family and the givers and unselfish love-and it offers a matter-of-fact look at an Theory of Weeks” or “Last Tango in Paris”. tent despite the thin plotting. There was little on- idea of learning to treasure small moments. unconventional household that’s almost bohemian yet totally Everything’. While the official premiere was to take place screen evidence of the rumored trouble on set Challenges: It’s seen as a “little” film, both a plus and a disad- relatable.—Reuters late Wednesday at the Berlin film festival, movie amid tensions between the actors. vantage. IFC Films and their team have maintained heat on theatres across France, Germany, Belgium, The story focuses on the fictional billionaire “Boyhood” since its debut at Sundance 2014. So in the next few Serbia and the Philippines were already screen- Christian Grey, who despite his 27 years is weeks they need to keep reminding people why they liked it. ing the steamy picture from early in the day. accomplished in a staggering number of fields. Most other countries were to show the movie He is the handsome tycoon at the head of a The Grand Budapest Hotel from Thursday or-in the case of key target mar- sprawling empire that boasts his name, a heli- Strengths: In a year of dark and heavy films, this one is a rarity: ket of the United States-Friday. The release was copter pilot, a virtuoso pianist. And his dark It’s fun. “Budapest” is beautiful to look at and cleverly written, full timed for this weekend’s Valentine’s Day and was secret is that he spurns all relationships, prefer- of serious ideas addressed with a light touch. The film seems to being heavily advertised as a perfect date ring domination sex games in a room equipped connect with people in a personal way; they don’t just admire it, movie. with handcuffs and whips. Dornan, a 32-year-old they love it. At one of the first morning showings in Paris, married British actor and former male model, Challenges: Fox Searchlight needs to help awards voters over- however, several fans of the 2011 novel by picked up the leading role after the first choice, come their guilt about having fun. The studio should emphasize British author EL James gave mixed responses. “I fellow Brit actor Charlie Hunnam, who stars in the film’s substance, as Wes Anderson’s intricate script offers was disappointed. I didn’t think the actors or the the US television series “Sons of Anarchy”, observations on everything from sex to political repression to the script was up to the level of what was in the dropped out. Dornan’s co-lead, as the shy litera- importance of good manners. book,” said one 70-year-old viewer who gave her ture student Anastasia Steele who ultimately first name as Christine. A 20-year-old in the same stands up to Grey, is Johnson, the 25-year-old The Imitation Game audience, Elena Radu, said: “It’s very good. The daughter of actress Melanie Griffith and “Miami Strengths: The film did extremely well in guild votes, which is book was better, but the film is also good.” Vice” actor Don Johnson. —AFP a testament to its classical style of filmmaking. It’s a complex tale (three distinct time periods, multiple story arcs) that is clearly told. Mixed reviews And it mixes the personal (Alan Turing’s battles both with the gov- Early published reviews captured that ernment and himself) and the big picture (millions of lives saved, ambivalence. Variety, the US cinema trade mag- in a little-known key moment in WWII). lifestyle THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015

Madrid Fashion Week

Models display the Autumn/Winter design collection by Maria Escote and Agatha Ruiz De La Prada at the Madrid Fashion Week. — AP Photos Jon Stewart leaving ‘The Daily Show’

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2015 38

Honoree Stevie Wonder performs during the finale of the concert, Stevie Wonder: Songs In The Key Of Life - An All-Star Grammy Salute, at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles. — AP New Zealand celebrates 175 years with canoes and dance

housands of New Zealanders watched indigenous Maori dancers twirl white “poi” balls in a blur of Tmotion and take to traditional canoes, or waka, in the picturesque Bay of Islands as the country celebrated its 175th anniversary over a three-day weekend. The national day, which was marked on Friday, is a mix of protests, music, celebration and reflection. Known as Waitangi Day, it commemorates the signing of New Zealand’s founding document, the Treaty of Waitangi. The agreement between British royalty and Maori chiefs gave Britain sovereignty over the fledgling nation. It also guaranteed Maori certain rights over their traditional lands and fisheries. The contents and meaning of the treaty have been hotly debated since it was signed on Feb 6, 1840, including whether Maori ever ceded sovereignty. Different versions in Maori and English meant different things. For the past 25 years, New Zealand’s govern- ment has been compensating Maori tribes that have brought grievances under the provisions of the treaty. “I think it’s a day to reflect,” said Te Ururoa Flavell, the Minister of Maori Development. “Reflect on where we are as a nation in 2015. Reflect on the dreams and aspi- A crowd watches rations of our people 175 years ago.” from a bridge as canoeists hold Food and tradition their paddles aloft He said the treaty is not just about Maori but is about in a traditional the relationship between all New Zealanders. Each year, Maori canoe, or waka. the tiny town of Waitangi in the far north of the country Dancers twirl hosts a popular festival on the grounds where the treaty white “poi” balls as was signed. While some paddle, other groups perform part of an indige- traditional Maori dance, or kapa haka, which includes nous Maori per- manipulating the “poi,” or a ball on a string. Traditionally formance. “poi” were seen as an extension of a performer, who — AP Photos conveyed poetic meanings through movements, ges- tures and emotions, according to the Museum of New Zealand. Festival goers are also treated to the aroma of fried bread and barbecued seafood delicacies like mussel frit- ters. Protests are a feature of Waitangi Day. However, this year’s protests did not cause any disruptions. The country’s politicians have been targeted in the past, but Prime Minister John Key was able to walk onto the Te Tii Marae, a revered Maori gathering place, and talk in a meeting house. Key said statistics show that many aspects of life for Maori are improving, whether the measure is longevity or school participation. He said the financial settlements made to tribes were noted by oth- er nations that last year voted in favor of New Zealand taking a temporary seat on the UN Security Council. “Quite a lot of countries who had studied New Zealand congratulated us on our indigenous rights and, as part of that, what we were doing around treaty set- tlements,” Key said. “I think for some countries it was one of the reasons they voted for us.” — AP