Russia has been on Iran’s vice-president of the United States will States United the of vice-president situation? Undoubtedly, the former face ofthe international system. ican citizens confirm their policies in the polls, andonly about40percentofAmer of foreignpolicy isnotwellplacedinthe not be forgotten that Trump in the field middle andpoor Americans. Itshould tion race. In thiscase, Biden canbringthe elec presidential 2010 the insurance,in focus on social services, including health has also made efforts to confront Trump. but recentpollsshowhewaswrong! victory in next year’s presidential election, economy could lead to a definite Republican of 2020 athisownexpense. elections presidential the results of the and Wisconsincanmakethischangein such as Florida, Pennsylvania, Michigan The popularityofTrumpincrucialstates theircampaigntodefeatTrump. begun have president U.S. the of opponents 2020 presidential election. Meanwhile, to win White’s votes and gray votes for the with Americancitizens. state and public levels, has lost popularity UnitedStatesofAmerica,the bothat of 2016 in2020. election presidential formulathe same for United Statesistryingtoimplementthe a populistaspect. Thepresidentofthe public votes. Most of these actions have get to in order will takeanyaction He election.presidential upcoming the about White House.Trumpthe isnowworried at the crises manage the powerto lost a difficult path to re-election. the UnitedStatesshowsthatTrumphas overview of the results of recent polls in next year’s presidentialelections. An over concerns Republican exacerbated incorrectinmanycases!Thishas been States. Donald Trump’s calculations have has droppedinrecentpollstheUnited idential election.ThepopularityofTrump innextyear’spres Democratic candidates that Trumpwillbedefeatedbyallfour U to anend! Trump iscoming RT FRANCE How can Biden really overcome this Undoubtedly, Trumpwillnowtakesteps The mainpointisthatthePresidentof Former US Vice President Joe Biden Joe FormerVicePresident US Trump thoughthispopularityinthe have to appears Trump However, side in hard times: Zarif polls intheUnitedStatessuggest New worst possiblesituation! the in is Trump Donald .S.President Headof theTehran Times PERSPECTIVE Politics Desk Hanif Ghaffari be ‘more decisive’ nuclear commitments to Iran’s next step to reduce 7 7 WWW.TEHRANTIMES.COM - - - Pages 2 Sunday night: “Any Conservative MP who does handing controlofParliamenttoJeremyCorbyn”. stroying the Government’s negotiating position and to vote with the Government on Tuesday will be “de simple message” to Tory MPs on Monday that failing mainer Alliance’bidtochangethelawthisweek. up to 22 Tory MPs from backing the so-called ‘Re the ultimatesanctioninan11thhourbidtodeter Tuesday nightiftheytrytoblockaNoDealBrexit. willbethrownoutofthepartyasearly they them by telling against ToryRemainers out war all- TEHRAN —BORISJohnsonhasdeclared members, whilethedroneattacksinLebanon missile attacksinSyriamartyredtwoHezbollah targets inDamascusneighboringSyria.The came justhoursafterIsraeliforcestriedtohit Beirut. Hezbollah’sshootingdownofthedrones down two Israeli drones flying near the capital amilitary groupHezbollah. media headquarters ofpoliticalpartyandpar Aviv of carrying out a drone attack against the escalating lastSunday, afterBeirutaccusedTel go unanswered. not will Syria Lebanonor in Resistance on the ation isthatIsraeliattacksandanyaggression believes that the message of Hezbollah’s oper Lebanon of University the at Studies Political (MNA)–HeadoftheCenterfor TEHRAN Tehran Times/ Majid Asgaripour By MohammadFatemizadeh Price40,000Rials A senior source from the Whips’ Office said on The Sun reported: The PM has opted to threaten The Lebanese Resistance movement has shot IsraelandLebanonbegan Tensions between He has deployed his whips to deliver the “very “very the deliver to whips his deployed has He Johnson will throwJohnson No Brexit will Deal rebels out Party of48hours within the Conservative 1.00EURO act against Israel Hezbollah’s retaliatory Shamkhani hails ‘Hezbollah weakened Netanyahu’s‘Hezbollah weakened position’ 4.00AED - - - - 39thyear today’s meeting with Mr Johnson, the spokesman persuade peopletoabandontheirprinciples.” we’ve moved beyond the point where threats will cabinet have voted against the party whip. hypocrisy.sheer Almostaquarter ofthecurrent A spokesman for the rebel group said: “This is as independentcandidatesatthenextelection. as early as this week, with many vowing to stand No10’sthreattodeselectthem. despite stand as Conservative candidates in an election.” this will have the whip withdrawn and will not missiles were fired from Lebanon, scoring hits, firmed the report saying that several anti-tank border area.the Israeliregime’smilitarycon- least one Israeli regime’s military vehicle near price fortherecentaggression. the while warning thattheIsraelienemymustpay siles inLebanon foranyconfrontationwithIsrael, that Hezbollahhasenoughprecision-guidedmis theirattacksinSyriaandLebanon.alert after go unanswered. not will attacks Israeli the that Lebanon,saying and Syria in positions movement’s Resistance reacted totherecentIsraeliaggressionon bollah movement Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah has left nocasualties. Commenting on the move by No10 to cancel It sparkedfearsofaformalsplitintheToryparty Around 20 Tory Remainers remained defiant The Hezbollah leader said on Saturday evening He has also advised Israelis to remain on high In thisregard, theSecretaryofLebanese Hez But thisisaboutthenationalinterest, and On Sunday, Hezbollahmilitiadestroyedat No.13477 3

Tuesday

SEPTEMBER Bellinzona takes bronze at Iran’s Hassan Taftian - - 3,2019 that IsraeliattacksandanyaggressionontheRe- for being“discourteous”. ex-Chancellor snubbed the PM and blasted him ringleader,bel inforone-to-onetalksbutthe lunchtime Sunday in his Commons office. mond’s gang of 22 MPs that was scheduled for theplugonameetingwithPhilipHam pulled Tory Remainers were in tatters after Mr Johnson even prepared to meet them suggests there isn’t.” get a deal. The fact that the Prime Minister isn’t that thereisagenuineandsincereattemptto interested in compromise. “These MPs want proof days behaviour shows this is not a government said: “Aside from being deeply discourteous, to will deliver on them. themselves. Hezbollah insists on threats and it their attacks but Israelis have failed to protect also advised Israelis to remain on high alert after be answeredsotheywillnotdaretoattackagain. The Israelisunderstandthatanyaggressionwill sistance inLebanon orSyriawillnotgounanswered. ofthisHezbollahretaliatoryoperation? message Israeli drone strikes. What is the significance and to response in Zionistmilitias of number a targeted Political Studies at the University of Lebanon. out toDr. TalalAtrissi, HeadoftheCenterfor and Israeliforceswereresponding. published onSunday. Mohsen Momeni-Sharif said in a press release graphic designers,”and ArtBureaudirector artists 37 by works high-quality offers which tion from the 11 previous editions of the exhibit companions were martyred in Karbala in 680 CE. his and (AS) Hussein Imam which upon day of Muharram are on display at the exhibition. annually attheArtBureauduringmonth previous editions of the Ashura Art Exhibit held on Ashura. posters of exhibition an to host ing TEHRAN —TheArtBureauinTehranisplay See page2 See Ashura opens in ArtBureau “This yearwedecidedtodisplay aselec A collectionof40postersselectedfromthe On SundaynightrelationsbetweenNo10and The clearmessageofHezbollah’s operationis Following is the text of the interview with him: nta h ivtd r amn, h re the Hammond, Mr invited he Instead Another majorissueisthatHezbollahhas To shedmorelightontheissue,wereached Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram, the Muharram, of day 10th the is Ashura of posterson

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15 Younes Karfoul,duringameetinginTehran. Hemmati andhisSyriancounterpart, Hazem of Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Abdolnasser countries, IRIBreported. thetwo of bankingcooperationbetween standing (MOU) on Monday for expansion Syria signedamemorandumofUnder TEHRAN — CentralbanksofIranand urb, Sheikh Qassem added that ‘Isra- Ashura NightinBeirut’s southernsub bollah ceremonytomarkthesecond principle isbeingapplied. serting thatthe“eyeforaneye”retaliation againsttheZionistdeterrence enemy, as settlement of Avivim aimed at maintaining the Israeli military vehicle in the northern the Resistanceoperationtargeting that stressed Qassem Naim Sheikh General TEHRAN — TEHRAN — of artificial intelligence. at the14thplaceinworldarea articles aboutAIanditsusage,rankingit 1997 until 2017, Iran submitted 34,028 released bythejournalNature. data citing Monday, on reported Mehr in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), countries intermsofpublishingtoppapers is rankedatthe8thplaceamongleading Hezbollah to ‘Israel’:Eyeforan Tehran, Damascus inkMOUon Iran ranks 8thIran ranks fortoppapersinAI The MOU was signed by the Governor Delivering a speech during Hez during speech a Delivering Based ontheinformationgainedfrom Iran isthe8thcountryinworld 13 16

13

Muharram Hezbollah DeputySecretary The IslamicRepublicofIran banking cooperation 3,1441 - - - - - Memorial Award for Astrid Lindgren Iran selects nominees - - - - China not only imposed new tariffs on tariffs new imposed only not China oil imports. that it is considering new tariffs on U.S. time that it is coming into effect officially. trade war started, however this is the first oil hascomeupsomanytimessince the five percent tariffs on the U.S crude oil. levied China and televisions, flat-panel and watches footwear,smart including - percent tariffs on several Chinese goods oil in its tariffs. China officially started targeting U.S. crude the first time since the beginning of the row, other lastmonth,cameintoforceandfor United StatesandChinaimposedoneach escalating even more. hasbeen the tensionbetweentwosides ward pattern inthepastfewmonths,as of adismaleconomicfuture. kets have been shadowed by the concerns economies startedtoescalate, globalmar tension betweentheworld’s twobiggest hard-to-get U.S. crude. and expensive more the than rather oil cheaper andmoreaccessibleIranian of purchase their increase even to worthy the Chinese refineries might find it risk Islamic countrydespiteU.S. sanctions, nese buyersbacktowardIraniancrudeoil. from NorthAmerica,couldpushtheChi along with the heavy prices of shipping oil economically viable in long term. This wouldmakeU.S. oilimportsnot refiners will rise by about $3 per barrel. that thepriceofabarreloilforChinese Beijing hasimposedonU.S. oil, means by putting “crude oil” on its tariff list. actions, buttookthematterastepforward U.S. goodsinretaliationagainstTrump’s T industry?! disguise for Iran’s oil trade war, a blessing in Escalating U.S.-China mascus inDecember2018, intheSyriancapitalcityofDa- meeting Committee Economic Joint Iran-Syria between thetwocountriesduring14th cooperation. prerequisite for development of economic forexpansionofbankingtiesasa need the this field. in countries ten top the in East Middle articles andtheonlycountryfrom based onhighimpactandcitation this field. making itoneofthebestcountriesin highly citedpapersand5hotpapers, hot articles. andalso0.02intelligence percentofthe high citation articles in the field of artificial pation entity. remain tillthedemiseofoccu that the“eyeforaneye”formulawill raeli aggressionandgreed, adding Is the against Lebanon defend to the IslamicResistanceisalwaysthere exposed andfrustrated. 2006 war, confirmingthatitsplotwas in ordertocompensateitsfailure Lebanonagainst security operations el’ wantedtofollowapathofstealth Back inJune2018, Chinaannounced Oil prices have been following a down Since morethanayearago,whenthe As theyarealreadybuyingoilfromthe The issue of imposing tariffs on U.S. In late-August,theU.S. imposed15 the that tariffs new the Sunday, On The new tariffs on the U.S. crude oil, The five percent import tariff, which Mentioning an MOU which was signed two sidesstressed the Inmeeting, the Iran has submitted 1.3 percent of the The countryhasalsopublished271 Sheikh Qassem emphasized that Tradewarand newtariffs entered anewphaselastweekas entered been goingonformorethanayear, he U.S.-China tradewar, whichhas

Tehran Timesjournalist ARTICLE

Ebrahim Fallahi 11 5 5 16

4 - - - - - II NN TT EE RR NN AA TT II OO NN AA LL DD AA II LL YY POLITICSPOLITICS SEPTEMBER 3, 3, 2019 2019 ELECTION COUNTDOWN Foreign Ministry: Iran’s next step Government: Nuclear to reduce nuclear commitments to be ‘more decisive’ POLITICAL TEHRAN — Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas commitment is reciprocal deskMousavi said on Monday that Iran is ready to take next step in reducing nuclear commitments more decisively. Ali Rabiei says Iran’s return to full implementation of nuclear deal is dependent on European moves On May 8, exactly one year after the U.S. withdrawal, Tehran began reducing its commitments to the JCPOA at bi-monthly intervals. POLITICAL TEHRAN – The Iranian Afterwards, Washington re-imposed sanc- desk So far, Iran has taken two steps in reducing its nuclear commitments: government reiterated on tions on Iran that had been lifted under the increasing its stockpile of enriched uranium beyond the 300 kilograms Monday that Iran will return to full imple- deal and ordered new ones. allowed under the JCPOA, and enriching nuclear fuel to the purity mentation of the 2015 nuclear deal if Europe On May 8, exactly one year after the U.S. level of 4.5 percent as the Europeans missed a 60-day deadline to meets its obligations, saying commitment withdrew from the multi-nation nuclear agree- devise a concrete mechanism to protect the country from the U.S. is reciprocal. ment, Iran announced a partial withdrawal sanctions. “Commitment in response to commitment from some aspects of the pact, saying that “The third step has been devised and will be more decisive than is a strategy that we have now adopted,” gov- the country would no longer adhere to some the first and second steps,” Mousavi said. ernment spokesman Ali Rabiei told a press of the limits on its nuclear activities. It also However, he said, Iran will not take the third step if talks with conference. threatened to step up uranium enrichment the Europeans reach a result and they fulfil their commitments Under the nuclear accord, officially known if an agreement is not made within 60 days under the JCPOA. as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action to protect it from the sanctions’ effects. “If the situation is favorable, Iran may even revise the first and (JCPOA), Iran was obliged to put limit on its In follow-up to that deadline, on July 7 second steps and return to situation of the past several months and nuclear activities in exchange for termination Iran announced that it has started enriching meet its commitments fully,” the spokesman remarked. economic and financial sanctions. uranium to a higher purity than the 3.67% as U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned the nuclear deal in May “The two presidents [President Hassan the Europeans missed the 60-day deadline 2018 and returned the previous sanctions and imposed new ones. Rouhani and French President Emmanuel to devise a concrete mechanism to protect President Hassan Rouhani said on August 14 that Tehran will Macron] held serious talks in the past weeks. the country from the U.S. sanctions. start the next step of reducing nuclear obligations after the second Foreign Minister [Mohammad Javad Zarif] Rouhani said on August 14 that Tehran 60-day deadline. has held talks with the Europeans about the will start the next step of reducing nuclear The third step can include installation of more centrifuges, ways to implement their commitments. For- obligations after the second 60-day deadline. especially advanced ones. tunately, in most cases the views have become Iran should sell its oil and receive its money. staff Mahmoud Vaezi said on Sunday that The third step can include installation of In an interview with the Sueddeutsche Zeitung newspaper published closer,” Rabiei stated. This is the subject of our talks.” Araghchi’s visit to Paris is intended to discuss more centrifuges, especially advanced ones. on Tuesday, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said “Mr. Araghchi’s visit to Paris along with Zarif visited France on August 25 and a “proposal being discussed between Iran In an interview with the Sueddeutsche Tehran will begin suspending more of its commitments under the representatives from the Ministry of Pe- met with Macron. and France”. Zeitung newspaper published on Tuesday, nuclear deal on September 6. troleum and Central Bank is in line with Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Paragraph 36 of the JCPOA provided a mechanism to resolve implementation of the Europeans’ obliga- along with a delegation was also in Paris on Washington in May 2018 from the JCPOA, Zarif said the country will begin suspending disputes and allows one side, under certain circumstances, to stop tions,” he said. Monday. which was reached between Iran and six more of its commitments under the nuclear complying with the deal if the other side is out of compliance. He noted, “As it has been said earlier, President Hassan Rouhani’s chief of world powers in 2015. deal on September 6. In a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron late on Saturday, President Hassan Rouhani said that terms of the nuclear deal are unchangeable. “Terms of the JCPOA are unchangeable and all parties must be committed to its provisions,” Rouhani said. Russia has been on Iran’s side in hard times: Zarif He noted that Iran’s main approach is preserving the nuclear deal. POLITICAL TEHRAN – Iranian For- on its nuclear work in exchange for termi- the ... other participants of the JCPOA because On May 8, exactly one year after the U.S. “Full implementation of the commitments by all sides and security deskeign Minister Mohammad nation of economic and financial sanctions. we believe that Iran, Russia and China have withdrawal, Tehran began reducing its commit- of shipping in all waterways, especially the Persian Gulf and the Strait Javad Zarif on Monday called Tehran-Moscow “It is meaningless to continue unilateral never stopped cooperating ... So we consider ments to the JCPOA at bi-monthly intervals. of Hormuz, are Iran’s two main objectives in current talks,” he said. ties “strategic” and said Russia has always commitments to the deal if we don’t enjoy its Russia and China as partners that have ... ‘Iran welcomes Russian proposal He also said that the United States withdrew from the JCPOA to been beside Iran in difficult times. benefits as promised by the deal’s European held strong positions and who contribute to for security in Persian Gulf’ cause problems for Iran’s interaction with other countries. Zarif made the remarks upon arrival in parties,” Reuters quoted him as saying. the continued survival of the JCPOA,” Zarif Zarif also said that Tehran welcomes a “Unfortunately, the European countries have not taken practical Moscow, IRNA reported. He also ruled out possibility of renegoti- explained. Russian proposal for ensuring security in actions in line with implementing their obligations after the United Zarif said Tehran will never forget the ating the JCPOA. He expressed regret over European sig- the Persian Gulf. States’ unilateral action,” Rouhani lamented. friendly countries which have stood beside “It is not about renegotiating JCPOA natories’ failure to take necessary action to He said that security in the Persian Gulf is Rouhani noted that removal of all sanctions lays the grounds the Iranians in difficult days. because, as you and I know probably better fulfil their obligations under the deal. very important for Iran and Russia, and the for future talks. In his visit to Russia, Zarif held a meeting than anybody else, because both of us were “And that is why we have had to contin- two countries share close views in this respect. Elsewhere, he said that Iran will take the next step in reducing with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. involved in these negotiations from the very ue our conversations with them, including “We believe that security in this region its nuclear commitments if Europe fails to fulfill its obligations. Efforts to salvage of the 2015 nuclear deal, beginning, it is impossible to open this Pan- [during] my visits to France, in order to make can be maintained through cooperation of However, he said that Iran’s action is reversible. officially called the JCPOA, and security in dora box and close it again,” Sputnik quoted sure that the Europeans will be able to im- the littoral states and not through rivalry and Macron pointed to Zarif’s visit to France on August 25, saying the Persian Gulf featured high in the talks him as saying. plement their obligations under the JCPOA,” confrontation. Unfortunately, the United States the trip showed Iran’s efforts to meet its interests. between Zarif and Lavrov. Zarif also praised the partnership between Zarif noted. seeks to raise tension in the region through He noted that talks should continue till a favorable result is reached. Lavrov said that Russia welcomes any step Iran, Russia and China. U.S. President Donald Trump quit the sending forces,” Zarif said. in line with the situation around the JCPOA. “The nature of our relations with Russia nuclear deal in May 2018 and returned the He added, “Iran welcomes Russia’s initi- During a joint press conference, Zarif and China is different from our relations with previous sanctions and imposed new ones. ative for dialogue on security in the Persian Iran says explosion at space said that Iran will scale back its nuclear Gulf and is ready to support non-aggression commitments more and more if Europe- Zarif said, “It is meaningless to continue pact among the Persian Gulf countries.” center was technical ans fail to shield Tehran’s economy from Elsewhere, Zarif said that Iran-Russia sanctions reimposed by the United States unilateral commitments to the deal if we relations are in their “best shape” in view of POLITICAL TEHRAN – Iranian government spokesman after Trump’s administration’s withdrawal don’t enjoy its benefits as promised by the the past few decades. deskAli Rabiei said on Monday that an explosion at from the deal. The two countries make efforts to expand Semnan Space Centre on August 29 was due to a technical fault. Under the JCPOA, Iran agreed to put limits deal’s European parties.” interaction, he added. The launch pad in northeast Iran had been vacant when explosion occurred, Rabiei said. “The explosion was in the launch pad and a satellite had not yet been transferred there,” Rabiei said. Iran: Israeli “Fortunately, nobody was killed in this incident. It was a technical issue and experts agree on this and it’s now clear how this happened.” violation of He added that such incidents even happen repeatedly at techno- logically-developed countries. In a tweet on August 30, Trump called the explosion a “catastrophic Lebanon’s territorial Second Announcement accident” alongside a high-resolution picture pointing to apparent Iran Alumina damage at the site, AFP reported. integrity threatens Trump said the U.S. had no role in the explosion. ONE STAGE TENDER INTERNATIONAL CALL “The United States of America was not involved in the catastrophic international peace FOR PURCHASE OF 60,000 MT BAUXITE accident during final launch preparations for the Safir SLV Launch at th Semnan Launch Site One in Iran,” Trump said in the tweet. POLITICAL TEHRAN – Abbas Mousavi, TENDER No: 98/344 DATE.: 31 August ,2019 Rabiei said a media propaganda campaign was launched to “con- deskthe Foreign Ministry 1.Subject.: Iran Alumina Company (IAC) intends to purchase high quality baux- vey that they (foes) are capable of infiltrating our organizations for spokesman, on Monday condemned Israel for espionage and sabotage but our experts don’t confirm it”. violating Lebanon’s territorial integrity, saying ite in amount of 60,000 +/_10% MT for using in its Alumina Refinery Plant through The government spokesman also hit out at Trump over his tweet. such actions threaten international peace and “We don’t know why the U.S. president would... post a satellite photo, security. one stage Tender according to following conditions as mentioned in the relevant kind of treating the subject gleefully.” “The aggressive move of the Israeli regime Tender documents .: He added, “Fortunately, our knowledge in this field is increasing against Lebanon is an open violation of an by the day,” referring to the space program. independent country’s sovereignty and territorial Note: The basic level for Al2O3 should be 46% and for SiO2 should be 6% . integrity and a move against global peace and 2.:Bid Bond Guarantee.: 64,000€(sixty four thousands) Euro/or 8,000,000,000 Rials security,” he said. Australia does not agree with The spokesman went on to say that the 3.:Tender proposal.: Since the tendering is to be done in one stage ,thus the eligi- “bankrupt regime of Israel, under the meaningful ble Bidders should follow and regard the Tender instructions and present and sub- Washington’s stand on Iran: silence of the international community and unlimited support by the United States, is mit all of required justified documents and the mentioned Tender envelopes in one diplomat trying to undermine the glorious resistance of the Lebanese people who through a powerful package together. By staff and agency army… are seeking to protect their territorial 4.:Closing Date.: The eligible Bidders should submit their Bids/proposal to the cen- Australian Ambassador to Russia Graeme Meehan has said that Can- integrity and independence against the Zionist berra’s participation in the U.S.-led coalition in the Persian Gulf does regime’s invasions.” tral administration office as mentioned below and also in the Tender documents not mean that the country agrees with Washington’s stand on Iran. Mousavi urged the international community, th “We are quite careful to say that our participation in the maritime especially the United Nations, not to remain before 14:00 pm ,local time , on the day monday , 30 September ,2019 . action to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz doesn’t mean that silent against Israel “which is destabilizing 5.:Opening Date.: 2th October , 2019 we agree with all the actions that United States are taking in relation the stability and security of the region and to the nuclear deal. Of course, the two things are connected, but there the entire world.” 6.: The relevant cost of this publishing Tender call will be paid by the winner as the are also differences, and I think that is the same for some of the Eu- Last week, the Israeli regime orchestrated first ranking Bidder. ropean countries that are considering participating in the maritime a failed bombing mission through drones on act. The European countries don’t generally agree with the United Beirut’s Dahieh region, Fars reported. 7.: Contact information .: For more details and receiving the relevant Tender doc- States’ action of pulling out of the nuclear deal,” Sputnik quoted him The attack came to a swift end after a first as saying on Monday. drone fell on a building housing Hezbollah’s uments , the Bidders can refer to the following contact information. Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on August media office and a second one crashed in an Add.: Km 7 of Sankhast Road ,city of Jajarm , Northern Khorasan Province,IRAN,P.O. 21 that Canberra will take part in the U.S.-led coalition. empty plot nearby after being detonated in the air. “The government has decided that it is in Australia’s national Consequently, Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Box:1135-94415 ,Commercial department / legal and contractual Affairs . interest to work with our international partners to contribute. Our Nasrallah promised a strong response to the contribution will be limited in scope and it will be time-bound,” Al- attack. jazeera quoted Morrison as saying. The resistance movement attacked an Israeli Tel .: 0098-58-32605344 Fax.: 0098-58-32272487 The United States has called on its European and Asian allies to personnel carrier traveling near the illegal form a maritime force to supposedly monitor safe shipping in the settlement of Avivim on Sunday. website: www.iranalumina.ir E-mail.: [email protected] Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf. On Sunday, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme So far, only Britain, Israel, Australia and Bahrain have agreed to National Security Council (SNSC) Ali Shamkhani IRAN ALUMINA CO join the coalition. hailed recent retaliatory operation by the At least 15 percent of crude oil and up to 30 percent of refined oil Hezbollah, underlining that Hezbollah is acting en.iranalumina.ir destined for Australia transits through the Persian Gulf. to defend the interests of the Lebanese people. TECHNOLOGY

I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 IRAN IN FOCUS 3 Rouhani admin should have taken all Shamkhani hails Hezbollah’s retaliatory act against Israel

JCPOA-related steps at once: top MP POLITICAL TEHRAN – Ali Shamkhani, secretary of Iran’s deskSupreme National Security Council, has praised POLITICAL TEHRAN – Chairman the U.S. sanctions. the Lebanese Hezbollah for its Sunday attack on Israeli targets, saying deskof the Majlis National Se- Zonnour said Iran can further increase the retaliatory operation showed the resistance front’s resolve to curity and Foreign Policy Committee has its stockpile of enriched uranium. “In the combat threats posed by the enemy. criticized the Rouhani administration’s next step, we should restore the Arak reactor In a statement released on Sunday evening, Shamkhani described cautious approach with regard to reducing to its previous state,” he added. the retaliatory action, which occurred at the beginning of the days Tehran’s commitments to the 2015 nuclear He also said Iran’s next steps should of mourning for Imam Hussein (AS), as the embodiment of the deal, saying the administration should have be taken more decisively. highly-revered imam’s motto of “far from us is disgrace,” the IFP taken all the necessary measures in one step. President Hassan Rouhani said on Sat- news reported. “I believe that the administration, instead urday that Iran would further reduce its of giving time to the other side, should commitments under the JCPOA if Europe have taken all the necessary measures in does not abide by its obligations under one step, but given the current adminis- the deal. tration in power, even [reaching] the fifth In a telephone conversation with French and sixth steps is imaginable,” Mojtaba President Emmanuel Macron, Rouhani said Zonnour said, Mehr reported on Monday. Iran’s approach is to maintain the JCPOA, U.S. President Donald Trump abandoned but criticized the Europeans for not tak- the UN-backed nuclear accord of JCPOA ing any practical steps to live up to their in May 2018. He reimposed the previous commitments after the U.S. withdrawal. sanctions against the Islamic Republic and He also stressed that the third step will added new ones. be reversible like the two previous steps. On May 8, exactly one year after the Earlier, Foreign Minister Mohammad U.S. withdrawal, Tehran began reducing its Javad Zarif had announced that Iran would commitments to the JCPOA at bi-monthly begin suspending more of its commitments intervals. on September 6. “Countering the American So far, Iran has taken two steps in reduc- He added that Iran would reconsider its drone that violated the ing its commitments: increasing its stock- upcoming decision if it reaches an agree- Islamic Republic’s airspace pile of enriched uranium beyond the 300 enriching nuclear fuel to the purity level a 60-day deadline to devise a concrete ment with Europe and the European side kilograms allowed under the JCPOA and of 4.5 percent as the Europeans missed mechanism to protect the country from starts implementing it. and the Lebanese Hezbollah’s punishment for the Zionist regime translate into the U.S. not entitled to bar Zarif from Navy employs warships, resistance front’s resolve UNGA, Foreign Ministry says choppers in Caspian Sea war game to combat the threats and incendiary acts by the front of destabilizers in the region,” Supreme National Security Council secretary Shamkhani notes.

The U.S. and the Zionist regime are making evil moves in the Persian Gulf region and the Levant, said Shamkhani. “Countering the American drone that violated the Islamic Re- public’s airspace and the Lebanese Hezbollah’s punishment for the Zionist regime translate into the resistance front’s resolve to combat the threats and incendiary acts by the front of destabilizers in the region,” he added. The top security official further praised Hezbollah as a genuine, smart and highly popular movement. “Safeguarding the Lebanese people’s interests and conforming to what is in their interest is a pivotal policy of Hezbollah in making political and defensive decisions.” Pressuring Israel is the only road to regional peace: POLITICAL TEHRAN – Foreign Last month, the U.S. blacklisted Zarif TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Iranian Navy Power” would be held in the near future. Qalibaf deskMinistry spokesman for acting on behalf of Leader of the Is- launched the second day of its massive “The war game aims to achieve and Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, a member of the Expediency Council Abbas Mousavi has said the United States lamic Revolution Ayatollah Khamenei, war game in the territorial waters of the preserve collective security and it is and former presidential candidate, also commented on the attack, has no right to deny entry to Foreign who is also subject to U.S. sanctions. Caspian Sea, employing its missile-launch- natural that the preparedness of forces, saying pressuring Israel is the road toward peace in the region. Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for the Ever since the announcement, there ing warships and helicopters as well as equipment, and weapons should always “Hezbollah’s yesterday response to the drone aggression showed upcoming session of the United Nations has been a huge torrent of support for Navy commandos. be at a significant level in order to reach how vulnerable Israel is compared to the past … and now is the time General Assembly in New York. the chief Iranian diplomat both at home According to Tasnim dispatches, security,” he said. to put maximum pressure on it,” Qalibaf said in a tweet on Monday. Washington has no right, in legal and abroad. during the military drill in the Caspian Iran’s Armed Forces hold routine “Pressuring Israel is the road toward serenity in the region.” terms, to ban the presidents or foreign Major General Qassem Soleimani, Sea on Monday, the Navy marines and military exercises throughout the year. The comments came after Hezbollah said it had targeted an Israeli military vehicle near the border with the occupied Palestinian ministers of other countries from taking commander of the IRGC Quds Force, commandos managed to capture the Iranian officials have repeatedly under- scored that the country will not hesitate lands, killing and injuring all forces on board. part in the annual meetings of the UN has said the sanctions demonstrated mock enemy’s vessels using all sorts of equipment and weapons, including high- to strengthen its military capabilities, According to Hezbollah, the operation was carried out on Sunday General Assembly, Tasnim on Monday the deep impact of the chief diplomat speed boats and rocket-launching frigates. which are entirely meant for defense, by two fighter groups, who targeted two Israeli vehicles. One of the quoted Mousavi as saying. on public opinion in the United States. The Navy commandos aboard two and that Iran’s defense capabilities will vehicles escaped the Lebanese fighters’ fire, but the other one was The 74th session of the UN General President Donald Trump has with- AB-212 helicopters and rocket launching be never subject to negotiations. totally destroyed leaving all those on board killed or injured, Press drawn the United States from the 2015 Assembly (UNGA 74) will open on Sep- warships also managed to counteract the Back in February 2018, Leader of the TV reported. tember 17. nuclear agreement (JCPOA), reimposed mock enemy’s offensive operations by Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Ali Khame- Hezbollah fighters “destroyed a military vehicle on the road to “If all goes well, the trip by Mr. Zarif the “harshest sanctions” on Iran and adopting combat strategies, relying on nei called for efforts to maintain and boost the Avivim barracks (in northern Israel), killing and wounding those and his accompanying delegation (to at the same time pushed for talks with intelligence monitoring, and employing Iran’s defense capabilities. inside,” the resistance group said in a statement, which was carried New York) will take place, and he will Tehran. radar jamming systems. “Without a moment of hesitation, the by Lebanon’s Al Mayadeen TV. be pursuing active diplomacy in New York Tehran says a U.S. return to the Commander of the Iranian Navy country must move to acquire whatev- Following the attack on Sunday, Israeli military sources con- on the sidelines of the UN General As- JCPOA and lifting of the illegal sanc- Rear Admiral Hossein Khanzadi said on er is necessary for defense, even if the firmed that a military vehicle has been targeted at the border with sembly and inside the United Nations,” tions are necessary prerequisites for Saturday that the four-day military drill whole world is opposed to it,” Ayatollah anti-tank missiles. Mousavi added. any dialogue with Washington. codenamed “Sustainable Security and Khamenei said at the time. Israel’s military sources claimed that several anti-tank missiles were fired from Lebanon, scoring hits, with Israeli forces responding, Reuters reported. “A number of anti-tank missiles were fired from Lebanon towards an (Israeli military) base and military vehicles,” an Israeli army Deputy FM: Iran waiting for results of talks with Europe to decide on next JCPOA step statement said, adding, “A number of hits have been confirmed. (Israel’s military) is responding with fire towards the sources of TEHRAN (FNA) – Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister JCPOA if it is not fully observed by the other members fire and targets in southern Lebanon.” for Economic Affairs Gholamreza Ansari warned that of the agreement. However, even these moves of us are Tehran is prepared to take the third step in modifying its also according to the JCPOA,” the top Iranian diplomat undertakings under the nuclear deal in case talks between reiterated. Tehran and the European states fail. Referring to the request of not putting into prac- Qatari nationals can obtain visas “As you know, a long phone talk was held between tice the third phase of scaling down of commitments the Iranian and French presidents last night (Saturday made by the remaining members of the JCPOA, who are upon arrival in Iran: report night) again and President Rouhani stressed again that now called 4+1, Zarif underlined that it is now within if we do not acquire the desired results, we will take the the remit and jurisdiction of the Islamic Republic to POLITICAL TEHRAN – Doha has announced that Qatari third step,” Ansari said on Sunday. whether operationalize the third step or not, “and as- desknationals who are willing to visit Iran can obtain He underscored Iran’s decisiveness in its decisions, suredly this step will be taken in line with the former visas upon arrival in the country. and said, “We hope that those sides who have remained ones if the other members of the JCPOA fail to meet Iran had decided to issue visa on arrivals for holders of the Qatari committed to the nuclear deal, specially the Europeans, their commitments.” passport, Press TV reported, citing a Saturday report on the Qatari adopt the necessary actions in the remaining days in a way Washington withdrew from the internationally-en- Foreign Ministry website. that Iran feels that its views on nuclear deal commitments dorsed nuclear pact on May 2018, reimposed the tough- Qatar has a sizable Shia Muslim population who normally visit are materialized.” est-ever sanctions against the country and started a Iran for paying homage to holy shrines in the country. Tehran has rowed back on its nuclear commitments plan to zero down Tehran’s oil sales. They also use Iran to travel to neighboring Iraq during the Ar- twice under articles 26 and 36 of the 2015 deal. Under the JCPOA, Tehran had undertaken to put limits ba’een period to attend huge processions meant to commemorate Iran says its reciprocal measures will be reversible as on its nuclear program in exchange for the removal of 40 days after the martyrdom anniversary in Karbala, where Imam soon as Europe finds practical ways to shield the Iranian nuclear-related sanctions. uranium produced at Natanz to Russia before it hit the Hussein’s shrine is located. economy from unilateral U.S. sanctions which were im- Yet, Iran continued compliance with the deal after the 300-kg limit and the U.S. measure leaves no way for Iran’s offering of visa to the Qataris comes more than two years posed last year when President Donald Trump withdrew U.S. withdrawal, stressing that the remaining signatories Tehran other than exceeding the ceiling for storing the after the small Persian Gulf country came under a blockade by Saudi from the 2015 nuclear deal. to the agreement, especially the Europeans had to work enriched uranium in violation of the 2015 nuclear deal. Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain over a diplomatic Early in August, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad to offset the negative impacts of the pullout for Iran if Also, the United States would no longer waive sanc- dispute. Zarif, in a meeting at the Iranian Parliament, reassured they want Tehran to remain in compliance. tions that allowed Iran to ship heavy water produced In the meantime, Qatar has sought to further boost its ties with that Tehran would undertake the third phase of curbing Iranian officials had warned that the European Un- at its Arak facility beyond a 300-ton limit set in the Iran as a country that could provide Qatar with a major economic its commitments to the nuclear deal under the prevailing ion’s failure in providing the needed ground for Tehran 2015 nuclear deal to Oman for storage which again lifeline during the blockade. circumstances. to enjoy the economic benefits of the nuclear deal would forces Tehran to store it inside country in violation of Recently, Iran and Qatar launched a new direct shipping route, Touching upon Iran’s expectations from the nuclear exhaust the country’s patience. the nuclear deal. connecting the southern Iranian port city of Bushehr to Qatar’s Doha. deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Almost a year later, however, the EU failed to provide In return, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council The shipping line is scheduled to operate once a week carrying Action (JCPOA), Zarif said, “All member states of the Joint Tehran with its promised merits. (SNSC) announced in a statement on May 8 that the both passengers and cargoes, Siavash Arjmandzadeh, the managing Commission of the JCPOA have unanimously reached the Then, the U.S. state department announced that it country had modified two of its undertakings under director of Bushehr’s Ports and Maritime Department, announced conclusion that the U.S. has been the cause of all tensions had not extended two waivers, one that allowed Iran the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action in return for on August 25. while Iran’s demands were clear and transparent from to store excess heavy water produced in the uranium the U.S. abrogation of the deal and other signatories’ Passengers can go on four- to five-day tours paying $200 to $500, the very beginning and Tehran did not expect anything enrichment process in Oman, and one that allowed Iran inability to make up for the losses under the agreement, he said, adding the tours take 12 hours to 20 hours depending on beyond the JCPOA.” to swap enriched uranium for raw yellowcake with Russia. warning that modifications would continue if the world weather conditions and the speed of the ships. “We have announced that we will partially abide by the Until May, Iran was allowed to ship low-enriched powers failed to take action in line with their promises. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 4 ECONOMY SEPTEMBER 3, 2019

STOCK MARKET Iran-Armenia economic ties not TEDPIX 283062.7 IFX 3714.8 Sources: tse.ir, Ifb.ir affected by U.S. sanctions By Mahnaz Abdi of the 16th Iran-Armenia Joint Economic Committee meeting.Based on the MOU, the TEHRAN – While the U.S. renewed sanc- two sides agreed to complete the construc- CURRENCIES tions on Iran are aimed at isolating the Islamic tion of Iran’s third electricity transmission USD 42,000 rials Republic both politically and economically, line to Armenia by 2020 in order to increase Iran’s relations, especially in the economic the country’s electricity exports to Armenia EUR 46,162 rials sectors, with its neighbors are seemed not to to over 1000 megawatts (MW). GBP 51,055 rials be affected by the sanctions. Construction of a 100-MW hydroelectric The northwestern neighbor Armenia is one power plant in Armenia was also agreed in AED 11,437 rials of the countries preserving and expanding its the meeting. The power plant will be funded Source: cbi.ir economic relations with Iran regardless of the by Armenia’s private sector in collaboration sanction condition. It has been several times with other interested countries and the pro- emphasized by the Armenian officials as dur- duced electricity will be purchased by Iran at ing a meeting with Iranian President Hassan a guaranteed price. Rouhani in Tehran in late February, Armenian The MOU also covers cooperation in a variety COMMODITIES Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan voiced his of areas including road and railway transportation, Brent $59.02/b country’s willingness to boost cooperation with customs, standardization, establishing free trade the Islamic Republic in all areas, including WTI $55.11/b zones as well as industry, mining and trade.Also agriculture, transport and tourism. on August 29, Iran’s Ambassador to Armenia OPEC Basket $60.24/b President Rouhani, for his turn, said Iran is Trade in national currencies on banking ties between the two countries. Kazem Sajjadi held talks with Minister of Ter- satisfied with Armenia’s stance on the irrational agenda During the meeting, the officials pointed to ritorial Administration and Infrastructure of the Gold $1,526.90/oz and illegal sanctions imposed against Iran by In a bid to expand their economic and trade holding banking seminars and symposiums as Republic of Armenia Suren Papikyan to discuss Silver $18.42/oz the United States. ties, the two countries are also investigating important and effective instruments for trans- electricity swap between Tehran and Yerevan. Also, during the visit of an Iranian press the possibility of trade with their national ferring the two sides’ knowledge and experience Border FTZs to facilitate bilateral Platinium $931.30/oz delegation to Yerevan at the invitation of currencies. in order for expansion of monetary and banking trade Sources: oilprice.com, Moneymetals.com Pashinyan on Saturday, the Armenian offi- “We have proposed to the Armenian pres- relations. In the way of expanding bilateral trade, Iran cial told Donyaye Eqtesad daily that the U.S. ident that the two sides establish a financial Reiterating his country’s readiness for de- and Armenia also take the advantage of their sanctions and its policy of most pressure on institution which would operate outside the two velopment of all-out relations with Iran, Java- free trade zones (FTZs) which are located on the Iran will have no effect on Iran-Armenia joint countries’ banking systems,” Hervik Yarijanian, dyan stated “Development of banking relations border with the other side. Tehran, Damascus ink MOU economic projects. the head of Iran-Armenia Joint Chamber of between Armenia and the Islamic Republic of During the 16th meeting of Iran-Armenia “The two countries are already fulfilling Commerce, said in mid-July. Iran is on Yerevan’s agenda and I hope that the Joint Economic Committee, which was held on banking cooperation their commitments in their joints projects”, Mentioning his recent meeting with the authorities of the two countries will show greater at Tehran on July 2, Iranian Energy Minister, he emphasized. Armenian President Armen Sarkissian, the impetus to enhance the transfer of experiences who is the Iranian chairman of the committee, “Armenia will never join an anti-Iran move- official noted that the president has positive from both sides.” emphasized the importance of border FTZs for 1 Hemmati welcomed the development of banking co- ment”, the prime minister further reiterated. attitude toward Iran and has called for increas- Electricity, a major field for expand- expansion of trade between the two countries operation between the two sides and called for an accelerated Bilateral trade hits record high ing mutual trade between the two countries. ing co-op and announced that joint events are about to be implementation of the MOU. As previously announced by Iran’s com- “Exchanging trade delegations, holding In the way of developing their cooperation in held on investment and trade in the free zones of According to the official, the signed MOU covers a variety of mercial attaché to Yerevan Mohsen Rahimi, exhibitions and maximum utilization of the different economic, trade and industrial sectors, Aras (in Iran) and Meghri (in Armenia). areas including development of strategic and long-term economic the value of trade between Iran and Armenia capacities of the two countries’ private sectors Iran and Armenia are paying special attention to Also, at the time of inaugurating Meghri Free cooperation between the two countries, the presence of the Iranian has hit a record high of $364 million in 2018. are among the two sides’ intended plans for the electricity sector.The two neighbors signed a Zone in December 2017, Armenpress reported private sector in Syria’s reconstruction, development of joint The official put the worth of Iran’s export boosting mutual trade,” Yarijanian said. memorandum of understanding (MOU) in Tehran that given its geographical position, commercial ventures in the field of transport, housing, services and so on. to its neighbor at $269 million and said that Expansion of banking ties required in early July to expand economic cooperation, and logistical capabilities, as well as Armenia’s natural gas, petrochemicals, iron and steel, In a meeting in Yerevan last week, Iranian especially in the field of electricity. multi-sector preferential trade regimes, the free tiles and ceramics, fruit and nuts have been the Ambassador to Armenia Kazem Sajjadi and The MOU was signed by Iranian Energy Min- zone can become a bridge linking Iran, Eurasian major Iranian products exported to Armenia Governor of Central Bank of Armenia Arthur ister Reza Ardakanian and Armenian Deputy Economic Union and European Union. It is also in the past year. Javadyan stressed the need for expansion of Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan at the end expected to strengthen economic ties with Iran. Iranian banks’ foreign Tehran City’s real estate deals down assets up 13% 73% in a month on year ECONOMY TEHRAN – The total ECONOMY TEHRAN – The deskvalue of Iranian banks’ desknumber of real estate foreign assets by June 21 stood at 9.245 deals in Tehran City fell 73.7 percent in quadrillion rials (about $220.11 billion), the fifth Iranian calendar month of Mor- registering a 13-percent rise compared with dad (July 23-August 22), compared to the the corresponding period of last year. same month in the past year, Tasnim news Governor of Central Bank of Iran (CBI) Abdolnasser Hemmati According to the latest data published agency reported citing the data released (R) and his Syrian counterpart Hazem Younes Karfoul signed by the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), the figure by Ministry of Transport and Urban De- a memorandum of understanding for banking cooperation in stood at 8.188 quadrillion rials (about $194.9 velopment. Tehran on Monday. billion) for the last year’s same time span, The number of deals during the fifth Karfoul for his part underlined Syria’s determination for ex- and it reached 9.171 quadrillion rials (about month of this year has been 2,931, fall- pansion of economic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran, $218.35 billion) at the end of the last Iranian foreign assets. ing from 11,154 in the same month of the endar year, compared to the same quarter adding that “As Iran stood by Syria in the battle against terrorism, calendar year (March 20, 2019). As reported, Central Bank of Iran’s foreign previous year. in the past year. it is now our duty to stay with Iran during the economic hardship Since the foreign branches of state-run assets, however, witnessed a slight 1.5-per- As previously announced by Ministry The ministry’s report said that the created by the unilateral U.S. sanctions.” banks are not considered in calculating the cent decrease in the said period, falling to of Transport and Urban Development, the number of deals during the first quarter foreign assets, private banks and non-bank 4.527 quadrillion rials (nearly $107.8 billion) number of real estate deals in Tehran City of this year has been 21,537, and the housing credit institutions account for the biggest from last year’s 4.594 quadrillion rials (about fell 44.8 percent in spring, which corre- price has risen 106 percent year on year share of the country’s banking system’s $109.4 billion). sponds to the first quarter of Iranian cal- in the capital city. Industry ministry takes steps to reform auto sector Iran’s 5-month non-oil exports at $17.8b ECONOMY TEHRAN – Iran ex- The country imported 14.126 million trade in the mentioned time span. ECONOMY TEHRAN – Iranian industry, mining and deskported $17.8 billion of tons of commodities worth $17.739 billion Iran plans to launch 15 mega export desk trade minister said reforming the country’s non-oil commodities during the first five in the said period. projects to identify more target markets, auto industry requires collaboration of all sectors and the ministry months of the current Iranian calendar China, UAE, Turkey, India, and Germany according to TPO former head. has taken steps in this regard, Shata reported. year (March 21-August 22), IRIB reported were top exporters to Iran with over $12.280 Mohammadreza Modoudi said with the “We have good plans for the auto industry, and we need the on Monday. billion worth of exports all together. implementation of these projects, which support of sectors to develop and reform this industry,” Reza The country exported 60.737 million As previously announced by the Islamic mainly focus on the markets of neighbor- Rahmani said in a meeting of the parliament`s committee on tons of non-oil commodities in the men- Republic of Iran Customs Administration ing countries, identifying professional industry and mining on Sunday. tioned time span. (IRICA), the value of Iran’s non-oil ex- trade and promoting export of non-oil Underlining the fact that most of the foreign automobile man- As reported, Iran’s total foreign trade ports stood at $44.3 billion in the previous commodities will be put on agenda, Mehr ufacturers have left the country under U.S. sanctions pressures, stood at $35.5 billion in the mentioned Iranian year, while $42.6 billion worth of news agency reported. the official noted that legal measures are underway regarding five months. commodities were shipped into the country. The official further referred to the the uncompleted contracts in this industry. The top five importers of Iranian goods Iran shares border with fifteen countries, Based on the data published by Trade $1.7 billion positive trade balance in Since the U.S. reimposed sanctions on Iran’s economy, most of in the mentioned period were China, Iraq, namely the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Promotion Organization of Iran (TPO), the country’s non-oil trade in the past the foreign companies have left the country on the fear of facing Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and Af- Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Russia, the value of trade with the neighboring Iranian calendar year (ended on March penalties for collaborating with Iranian partners. ghanistan, respectively, which imported Oman, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Kuwait, countries stood at over $36.5 billion in the 20, 2019), and said this positive balance So the government, which owns the country’s major carmakers, a total of more than $13.377 billion worth Qatar, Kazakhstan, Armenia, Bahrain, and past Iranian calendar year, which is about was achieved through cooperation with has been focusing on developing the domestic production to counter of commodities together. Saudi Arabia. 41 percent of the country’s total non-oil the private sector. the impact of the U.S. sanctions on this industry. However, the automobile industry has been recently under serious criticism for the poor quality of the cars and the high prices. In this regard, the ministry has been taking new steps to im- Germany’s economy is careening towards recession in Q3 prove the quality of the Iran-made cars and to lower the prices. economy. More than 20 percent of Germany’s economic Europe’s largest economy is sliding towards recession. Retail Supporting the domestic manufacturers of car parts has been growth stems for manufacturing and this sector has been continued to recover in June, making the July slump more one of the major policies that the ministry has put on the agenda. the hardest hit by Trump’s trade war against China. marked. German retail sales for the first seven months of In early August, Rahmani has said that the policy of domestic Analysts point to the fact that because manufacturing this year rose 2.8 percent in real terms. manufacturing of auto parts should be seriously followed up. supply chains are integrated worldwide, it is almost im- Data from the Statistisches Bundesamt (Federal Statistical Later that month, director general of the industry ministry’s possible for manufacturing to slow down in one country Office of Germany) shows seasonally adjusted sales in real automotive and transportation industries office announced that without also having a similar effect in another country. terms dropped 2.2 percent in July compared to June. This the ministry has allocated €844 million to support the country’s In 2018, almost one-fourth of all cars sold in China were was the largest slump since the 2.9 percent drop in December auto parts manufacturers. German. BMW and Daimler sold more than one-third of 2018, and larger than the 1 percent analysts had predicted. Seyed Reza Mofidi noted that according to the ministry’s plans, their total car sales in China. Volkswagen sold 40% of its The figure was also 4.4 percent higher year-on-year. domestic manufacturers are set to produce 1.3 million automobiles cars in China. Weak Q2 retail sales confirm household spending won’t by the end of the current Iranian calendar year (ends on March The bad news for Germany’s automotive industry is that be there to save the economy from plunging into a recession. 19, 2020) of which 310,000 was manufactured up to August 10. new car sales in China have fallen for 13 straight months. This Then, there’s the huge hit Germany’s economy took from According to the industry ministry, given the number debilitating slump began in the second half of 2018 when the economic mess that is Brexit. of vehicles that are anticipated to be manufactured in the the trade war between China and the U.S. -- triggered by Germany front-loaded its exports to the UK ahead of country during the current Iranian calendar year, the part Germany is again projected to grow by a scant 0.1% in the President Donald Trump in June 2018 -- began to intensify. the first Brexit deadline on March 29. When this deadline manufacturers will need 150 trillion rials of working capital third quarter -- the same rate as in Q2 -- plunging Germany Germany’s vehicle sales fell passed, the British drew down their inventories and Ger- (about $3.571 billion) for the purchase of raw materials and officially into an economic recession. In 2018, Germany’s vehicle sales in China fell by 3% many’s exports to the UK plummeted. other required items. As per en.businesstimes.cn, a recession is generally year-on-year. Passenger car sales sank by more than 4% “This suggests negative GDP data for both 2019 H2 Following the orders of the ministry, domestic car makers defined as two back-to-back quarters of negative growth. year-on-year -- the first decrease in over 20 years. quarters,” said a report by London-based financial firm TS have also started a research movement in recent months titled Germany’s last recession took place in the first quarter of In addition to this already sickening news, German Lombard. The firm estimates the third and fourth quarters “Domestic Manufacturing of Imported Parts”. 2008 when the Great Recession took down most of the consumer spending is on the wane. Retail sales account will likely witness a decline in German economic. The movement is aimed at creating the condition and oppor- world’s economies. Germany exited this recession in the for around half the German economy. Data released over the weekend by the federal govern- tunity for cooperation among domestic manufacturers, knowl- first quarter of 2009. It took a heavier hit in July than anticipated by econo- ment strongly suggest the German economy will continue edge-based companies and startups. The recession culprit this time around: Trump’s trade war that is severely hurting Germany’s export-dependent mists, falling to its biggest drop this year in the latest sign to slow in Q3. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 5 SEPTEMBER 3, 2019LIFE&SOCIETYENERGYSEPTEMBER 3, 2019 5 Escalating U.S.-China trade war, a blessing How floating solar power may in disguise for Iran’s oil industry?! help Modi government realize 1 Following that announcement Chi- According to the data from analytics its renewable energy dream nese refiners halted all their imports and companies Refinitiv and Kpler, Sinopec is As land availability presents a challenge, water surfaces may China’s imports of U.S. crude oil hit nearly expected to ship in eight million barrels of play a role in the Union government getting close to its target of zero in July 2018. U.S. crude in September and October. 175,000 MW of renewable energy (RE) capacity by 2022, with A look at the 2018 situation can tell a So, if Asia’s biggest refiner doesn’t manage the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy planning to add 10 lot about the probable reaction of Chinese to get a waiver on U.S. oil imports, it would GW of such capacity across the country. refineries to the new, actual tariffs. So it definitely seek to replace the U.S. oil with As stated by financialexpresas.com, this is part of a global trend won’t be inconsequent to expect them to crude from other sources, and Iran would which has seen floating solar gain traction with policy-makers and consider Iranian oil as a reliable and eco- be the most probable option. developers — the global installed capacity is projected to reach nomically reasonable source for supplying Less expensive and more accessible Ira- 4,600 MW by 2022 from 1,100 MW in 2018. their needs. nian oil makes it so attractive that it would The latest data released by the Chinese be hard not to consider it at the time that customs indicates that the imports of U.S. the increase in the U.S. oil prices and the oil in the first seven months of 2019 stood distance from the United States is making at 126,000 barrels per day, a 63 percent the American crude less and less attractive fall from the figure for the last year’s Jan- for the Asian country’s market. uary-July period. Let’s not forget that, despite all the Trump’s The cuts clearly reflect the impact of attempts and threats, China hasn’t stopped its the trade war on Chinese oil imports from oil imports from Iran even after the waivers the U.S. even before Beijing imposed the on imports of oil from Iran expires in May. new tariffs. Now considering the recent escalations An opportunity for Iran of the trade war between U.S. and China, The Uttar Pradesh cabinet recently cleared a 150-MW floating A few days after Beijing announced its it is more than likely that China would not solar project on the Rihand dam, requiring an estimated invest- decision on imposing new tariffs on U.S. only supply the needs of its refineries by ment of Rs 750 crore. According to sources, the Damodar Valley crude, the country’s refineries started to increasing oil purchases from Iran, but also Corporation is planning to install 100-MW of floating solar plants look for ways to evade the consequences For instance, in late August, China Pe- the government to be exempted from the challenge one of Trump’s most important at its dams in Maithon, Panchet and Tilaiya, located in Jharkhand of the decision. troleum & Chemical Corp (Sinopec) asked tariffs imposed on the U.S. oil. foreign policies. and West Bengal. As per industry estimates, utilizing only 10-15% of India’s water resources for floating solar plants could generate up to 300,000 MW of power. The Solar Energy Corporation of Oil falls as U.S., China add more tariffs in trade war India has already called for tenders to build 150 MW of floating solar capacity on the Getalsud and Dhurwa dams in Jharkhand, Oil prices weakened on Monday after new tariffs imposed by fuel had been targeted since the world’s two largest economies besides inviting bids for a 250-MW floating plant in Tamil Nadu. the United States and China came into force, raising concerns started their trade war more than a year ago. Significantly, while floating solar plants can be set up on any about a further hit to global growth and demand for crude. “Despite President Trump dismissing concerns about freshwater surface, building them on the reservoirs of hydroelectric As per reuters.com, Brent crude slipped 22 cents, or 0.4%, a protracted trade war, we are of the view that the latest dams helps utilize existing transmission infrastructure and lower to $59.03 a barrel by 0620 GMT, while U.S. oil was down escalation would not result in a trade deal anytime soon,” construction costs.In this mode of renewable power, panels are 2 cents at $55.083 at barrel. said Samuel Siew, investment analyst at Phillip Futures in mounted on floating platforms anchored either to the shore or the The United States began imposing 15% tariffs on a variety Singapore. water bed. Though 70% of the earth’s surface is covered by water of Chinese goods on Sunday - including footwear, smart Elsewhere, oil output from members of the Organiza- bodies, the existing technology is not able to tap the enormous watches and flat-panel televisions - as China put new duties tion of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) rose in opportunities offered by the oceans. High turbulence presents on U.S. crude, the latest escalation in a bruising trade war. August for the first month this year as higher supply from one challenge, being detrimental to the stability of panels, though U.S. President Donald Trump said both sides would still Iraq and Nigeria outweighed restraint by top exporter Saudi the industry is exploring ways to overcome the problem. meet for talks later this month. Trump, writing on Twitter, Arabia and losses caused by U.S. sanctions on Iran, a Reuters Also, since corrosion of solar structures can be harmful to the said his goal was to reduce U.S. reliance on China and he survey found. marine ecology, researchers are trying to make the technology again urged American companies to find alternate suppliers In the United States, energy companies cut drilling rigs more eco-sensitive. Higher upfront investment costs— $0.92-2.9 outside China. for a ninth month in a row to the lowest level since January per watt depending on the location and technology requirements– Beijing’s levy of 5% on U.S. crude marks the first time the last year. pose another challenge. “Due to the use of special components like floats/pontoons, mooring systems and submerged water cables, the costs of a floating solar plant are 20-25% more than for ground-mounted solar at present,” says Sunil Rathi, director, China eyes stake in Southeast Asia’s newest oil frontier Waaree Energies. Says Kuldeep Kumar Jain, business unit head-EPC, Vikram Solar, Boundaries in the Timor Sea’ on August 30, 2019. By Tsvetana Paraskova “besides the set-up required for a conventional ground- mounted Australia is expected to control 30 percent of the system, a floating system installation requires specialists for under- One of the world’s youngest countries, East Timor Greater Sunrise area. water anchoring piling and special machinery for underwater work”. in Southeast Asia, could turn to Chinese investment Majority of the fields His company had implemented a 10 kilo-watt floating solar project to help it develop a large oil and gas field estimated Yet, development of the Greater Sunrise oil and gas in Kolkata in 2015. The “1-MW floating solar plant being executed to hold $50 billion worth of resources. fields would need more partners after majors Shell and by us for Hindustan Zinc is one of the first MW-scale private floating At present, the projects for development of the ConocoPhillips sold their stakes in the fields earlier this projects in India,” he adds. According to Bridge to India, a renew- Greater Sunrise fields and related energy infrastructure year, leaving the majority of the fields in the hands of able energy consultancy firm, “sufficient domestic manufacturing would be too risky economically for the tiny Pacific East Timor’s state-held energy company, Timor Gap. capacity and growing volumes are expected to help reduce the cost nation sitting just 400 miles north of Australia’s north ConocoPhillips sold its 30-percent interest in the disadvantage for floating solar projects to 10-15% by 2020”. coast, politicians in Timor-Leste, as East Timor is also Greater Sunrise Fields to the government of East Timor In what constitutes an advantage, floating solar projects produce known, told the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. for $350 million plus customary adjustments. Shell 3-5% more power compared to land-based assets of a similar size, That’s why politicians from the ruling and oppo- also sold its 26.56-percent stake to the government, owing to the cooling effect of the water surface on panels. They can sition parties say that they would welcome Chinese saying that “We understand the importance of this also help in water conservation by lowering the speed of evapora- investment — or any other additional investment for resource to the Timor-Leste nation and respect the tion from water surfaces. As Eicke Weber, professor, UC Berkeley, that matter — in the $15-billion Tasi Mane project as Government’s determination to pursue an alternative mentioned in his keynote address to the International Floating Solar part of the Greater Sunrise development. path to development through an onshore facility.” Symposium in 2017, “more water evaporates from reservoirs than East Timor’s Minister for Legislative Reform and Timor Gap, however, will need a lot of financial resourc- is consumed by humans”. Parliamentary Affairs and acting Minister for Eco- nese influence in its backyard, Canberra will have a es to start tapping the oil and gas resources in Greater nomic Affairs, Fidelis Magalhães, told the Sydney stake in the fields in the Greater Sunrise area, which Sunrise fields. Morning Herald that any investor willing to partner are estimated to contain 5.13 trillion cubic feet of gas The government’s main revenue gener- with the state-owned oil and gas company Timor Gap and 225.9 million barrels of condensate, according ator is the oil and gas from the Bayu-Undan is welcome, yet any decision regarding Chinese or to operator Woodside. gas-condensate field in the Timor Sea, op- other participation would be “based on a commercial Early last year, Australia and East Timor reached erated by ConocoPhillips. decision.” an agreement in their long-running dispute over their Oil and gas extraction account for a massive Australia has been wary of growing Chinese in- maritime border and on a pathway to develop the gas 80 percent of East Timor’s gross domestic fluence across the Pacific and in Southeast Asia in fields in the Greater Sunrise territory they share. product (GDP). Second Announcement Iranian Offshore Oil Company (P.J.S) particular. China, for its part, is claiming resources Since East Timor gained independence in 2002, However, the Bayu-Undan field is en- INVITATION TO PUBLIC TENDER (Pre-Qualification) and territory in the South China Sea. Australia and East Timor have been unable to establish tering the final phase of its life cycle and CHARTERING OF ONE FIREFIGHTING TUG BOAT Last week, the United States accused China of permanent maritime borders to regulate how much is expected to stop producing oil and gas TENDER No. 97/072/OT/T1 interfering with oil and gas drilling operations off each of the countries should receive in revenues from sometime between 2021 and 2023, according 1398،3387 the coast of Vietnam in the disputed waters of the the Greater Sunrise basin within their borders—rev- to ConocoPhillips. Iranian Offshore Oil Company (IOOC) intends to open Pre-Qualification for South China Sea. enues estimated at billions of dollars. This suggests that East Timor’s govern- above tender with the following conditions: Untapped oil and gas resources Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison visited ment revenues will continue to diminish and Scope of work: According to the U.S., China’s actions in the basin East Timor this week to strengthen the partnership the country will need partners — be it China have blocked its neighbors’ access to an estimated between the two countries and to bring into force or others — in its new ambitious projects to Chartering Of One Firefighting Tug Boat $2.5 trillion in untapped oil and gas resources. the ‘Treaty Between Australia and the Democratic develop the Greater Sunrise fields. Location: While Australia is concerned about growing Chi- Republic of Timor-Leste Establishing their Maritime (Source: oilprice.com) IOOC Oil Fields in Persian Gulf Performance Period: 2 Years Other item shall be considered: New wind farm boosts renewable energy for South Burnett benefits are equally important,” Mr. in construction and 860MW of renew- 1: Ability of submission Bid Bond as in the amount of Iranian Rial 10,635,774,720 Dick said. able generation capacity.” for Iranian bidders and EURO 85,992.00 for foreign bidders. “As more people call Queensland This includes Coopers Gap Wind 2: Ability of submission 10% of total Contract Price value as performance guarantee in home, we need to continue to support Farm, 250km north-west of Brisbane case of winning according to Company's procedure. sustainable ways to provide power to between Dalby and Kingaroy, which 3: Proposals should be submitted with no condition, incomplete, ambiguous or adverse of existing and new houses and businesses. has a total capacity of 453MW. It is Package specification in deadline. “This project will deliver 16 new the largest wind farm by capacity in 4: Company shall reserve the right to accept or reject any or all of proposals or part(s) turbines and, coupled with the 123 Australia with enough energy to power thereof according to Tender Law. turbines in nearby Coopers Gap, that’s 264,000 homes. 5: The validity of the submitted financial proposals shall be 3 months from the Financial nearly 140 turbines delivering power A spokesperson for Australia Ener- Bids opening Date and extendable for one further period. to the region.” gy Windarm said construction would 6: for invitation to above tender, it is necessary to achieve the determinate minimum Minister for Energy, Dr. Anthony commence as early as March 2020. score in the Pre-qualification. Lynham, said this project added to the “Once constructed, the wind farm is Bidders who have ability and are willing to participate in the Pre-qualification are The South Burnett Regional Council energy projects,” Mr. Dick said. state’s numerous renewable projects, expected to generate enough energy to requested to submit a written request to Contract Department, within One Week from area in Queensland is set to receive a “During construction, 100 new jobs placing further downward pressure on power the equivalent of around 35,000 Second Announcement by representative and collect the Pre-Qualification Forms. renewables boost, with the Queens- will be created and there will be a further electricity prices and taking the state homes and will reduce carbon dioxide land government announcing it has five ongoing jobs once the wind farm closer to its renewables target of 50 output by an estimated 150,000 tons Closing Date for submission of the Pre-Qualification documents shall be up to 14 days approved a new $128 million wind is operational. percent by 2030. each year,” the spokesperson said. after the deadline of collecting Pre-Qualification documents. Place and time of submission farm for the area. “It’s a huge jobs boost for the area “Queensland’s renewable revolution “Wind farm technology has sig- and opening of proposals will be stated in Tender Documents. According to utilitymagazine.com.au, and will help us achieve our renewable is full steam ahead, and we continue to nificantly advanced during recent Address for willing to participate and submission Pre-qualification Documents: 5th Minister for State Development, Manu- energy target.” show the way for the rest of the nation,” years, and the 16 turbines on site Floor, #12, Touraj St., Khakzad st., Vali-e-Asr Ave., after Balal Mosque, before facturing, Infrastructure and Planning, Mr. Dick said, once complete, the Dr. Lynham said. will each produce between 4-5.5MW Modarres Crossroad, Tehran, Iran. Tel: +9821-23942510 Cameron Dick, said the wind farm is 64MW wind farm would be the second “This project is one part of over $1.6 of energy.“Before operations com- Note: Additional information is available at IOOC website address: www.iooc.co.ir expected to be operational by 2020. one in operation in the area, with Coop- billion worth of renewable energy invest- mence, we will be upgrading local on the day of Second Announcement. The “Queensland government is ers Gap initially approved in 2017.“Wind ment underway or recently operating roads leading to the site and deliv- committed to supporting investment farms don’t just provide an economic in the Darling Downs and South West ering the associated infrastructure Iranian Offshore Oil Company Public Relations in regional Queensland and renewable boost for the state, the environmental regions, creating more than 1,000 jobs such as a substation.” I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 6 INTERNATIONAL SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 U.S. prefer to maintain ISIS Western glorification of violence in Hong Kong against Syria:Rick Sterling TEHRAN (FNA) – On Saturday, a group of Hong Kong pro- By Damir Nazarov Is it true that public figures living in testers waved American flags, sang the US national anthem and the West and criticizing the activities of the urged President Donald Trump to “liberate” the city from China. WEST SIBERIA/ TYUMEN – Rick “White helmets” often face threats? More than a dozen men wearing masks to hide their identities Sterling is a journalist and member of A:Those who criticize the western narrative carried the flags as tens of thousands of demonstrators defied a the Syria solidarity movement. on Syria, including the White Helmets, used to police order to rally in downtown Hong Kong. China has accused Below is the full text of the interview: be harshly criticized and sometimes threatened. the US of stoking the protests that began in June against a bill What do you think is connected with Supposedly the opposition wanted “freedom allowing extraditions to the mainland. the sudden activity of businessmen from and democracy” in Syria but opposition sup- Trump in recent weeks has tied the protests to his trade nego- the UAE in Damascus? porters would try to shut down anyone who tiations with China, telling reporters that the talks were “keeping A:It was good to see the United Arab questioned their narrative. down the temperature” in Hong Kong. Speculation has risen that Emirates re-open its Syria embassy last Sometimes they issued threats of physical Hong Kong’s government may invoke emergency powers or seek December. harm. help from Chinese troops to stem the unrest. Now it is good to see them at the Damas- Even though the media broadcast their As is, the city is still up in flames. In Hong Kong, violent cus International Fair which is taking place narrative 95% of the time,. they tried to shut activists hurl petrol bombs in the direction of police officers, as now. We will see if they make significant down and threatened people who presented well as targeting high-profile properties. High-profile activists, investments or not. the facts. as well as the Western media, appear to glorify the events rather Just the other day, the US issued a Now that the Syrian government has prevailed, than expressing concern for the widespread damage and threat warning. and the facts about the White Helmets have been to public safety. The US is threatening repercussions more widely seen, opposition supporters are on against any country or company which the defensive and not so outspoken and aggressive. does business in Syria. Are there reasonable politicians in the US We will see if the UAE business com- Congress who support the Syrian Government munity stands up to this bullying or not. in the fight against international terrorism? We hope that the UAE will stand up to A:On the national level Tulsi Gabbard has the USA and invest in redevelopment and tried to get Congress to pass the “Stop Arming reconstruction in Syria. some form of US sanctions. ers of seven different opposition groups Terrorists in Syria” resolution. The US imposed sanctions on a Leb- Regarding Syria, the US wants to prolong in Damascus. She understands the US has been colluding anese Bank Jammal Trust Bank, formerly the conflict and prevent the Syrian people This is the real moderate opposition as with terrorists like Al Qaeda. Washington has sanctioned individuals as- from recovering. Thus they maintain the opposed to the armed militants. She is trying to make the public aware of sociated with the official Damascus and sanctions and try to bully other countries These individuals, both men and women, this and open it up to debate. Most Americans businessman Samir Faza. into compliance. were very impressive. agree with her but the political establishment For what purpose is the US pursuing a They don’t care if it hurts ordinary They wanted changes in Syrian policy in does not. They are trying to derail her candidacy policy of sanctions against Syria? civilians. various ways. Some of them said that they to be the Democratic Party nominee and to The BBC praised the protesters as “strategic, organized and A:Economic sanctions have been used The purpose is to punish countries that supported President Assed in the current stop the discussion that she wants to initiate. increasingly willing to resort to violence” – painting their ac- by Washington to punish many countries. disobey the US dictates and make an ex- crisis; some did not. Bernie Sanders is another national politician tivities purely in the light of self-defense from the police. The In Chile under Salvador Allende the US ample as a warning to others. But all of them denounced the armed who would probably stop US collusion with West believes that it truly has what is best for Hong Kong, and set out to “make the economy scream” in In April 2014, as part of an inter- opposition and said it was foreign funded. terrorism in Syria. is willing to proclaim that loudly and clearly. However, what it preparation for the 1973 coup. national delegation, you visited several They called for dialogue and stopping As for the rest of candidates, we don’t know is encouraging and supporting today has become nothing short In Nicaragua the Sandinistas were pun- cities in Syria. the foreign funding of armed groups. The but they seem compliant to the foreign policy of monstrous. ished in the 1980’s and again now. Iraq in Could you tell us briefly whether the groups called “moderate rebels” in the West establishment which is unduly influenced by Far from the self-proclaimed “Asia’s World City” – activists the 1990s was under horrendous sanctions protesters had “political leadership”? And do not exist. Israeli interests. and enablers have now created a morbidly dystopian war zone as the US prepared to invade. what were the local, so-called “moderate It is a pretense to allow the West to con- Israel and the US prefer to maintain Al Qa- where unprecedented levels of violence, destruction and chaos Today we have Iran, North Korea, Rus- opposition”? tinue supporting fanatics and mercenaries eda and ISIS as a tool and threat to the Syrian have become the norm of interaction. If continued, these “scorched sia, Venezuela and many countries under A: Yes, in April 2014 we met with lead- who are the armed opposition. government. earth” strategies will surely mark the end of the city as a global financial and capital hub – destroying its reputation, credibility and iconic image.The behavior of many protesters in Hong Kong is enabled by the blanket support of the Western media. It is very No chance for Washington to attack Iran: Federico Pieraccini much an established convention that no matter what the protesters do, no matter how destructive or contemptible it may be, they By Damir Nazarov the various power lobbies, Trump tries to avoid this event, still will receive blanket and uncritical support from governments creating profits for the MIC with the creation of a new force, in WEST SIBERIA/ TYUMEN – “Federico Pieraccini” and journalists who will frame it as justified response against this case a Space Force. is a freelance writer specialized in International Affairs, the state and police, fighting for a noble cause. In the case 3rd World War as a whole are clear main key Conflicts, Politics and Strategies. Last night was perhaps one of the strongest examples of that. players. Liberal Western World led by the US and China-Russia Career.As of 2019 Pieraccini was writing exclusively for the The images of carnage are hailed and praised, even though alliance. But what about India, Pakistan and North Korea? They Strategic Culture Foundation and L’Antidiplomatico.His works few would tolerate it so frequently in their own neighbourhood. also have Weapon of mass destruction and regional problem. have been translated into dozens of languages and republished. Anywhere else in the world, arson, which can be defined as the A:In the case of a third world war, therefore a clash between Below is the full text of the interview: deliberate initiation of fire with the intent of causing harm or military superpowers, the chances of an exchange of Nuclear The USA has an advantage in all major types of weapons of damaging property, is a serious crime punishable by imprison- weapons is very high. In case of an atomic exchange between mass destruction. Why did Washington initiate a new arms race ment. Yet in Hong Kong, it is something to be treated as a normal superpowers, the world in which we live in would be completely with regard to Space ? and noble means of resistance in the view of the Western media. different, as many scientists have pointed out. A:I do not agree that the United States has a military advantage If the police fight back to secure public order, safety and stop The consequent climatic changes and the radiations, ignoring in all major weapon systems. In the nuclear field, Moscow boasts the perpetrators, they are depicted as the ones in the wrong. If the destruction caused from the nukes, would provoke a complete first-rate systems of equal North American capacity if not higher they turn hoses at activists causing fires, it is apparently “police change of the global scenario. For these reasons the hypothesis in some areas, with the new RS-28 ICBM in development. Not brutality.” Up is down, white is black and left is right. of a third world war between superpowers is to be considered to mention areas such as Hypersonic missiles, with Moscow and However, what will the “prize” be to Hong Kong in the end? improbable, even in an uncertain context such as the multipolar Beijing in clear advantage, even according to assessments made These activists will not get what they want, but they will literally one we live in. public by the United States congress. In the field of missile defense, and metaphorically burn their city to the ground. Scenes like Although historically multipolarity results in instability in a Moscow boasts an undisputed primacy with the A-135, A-235 this do not reflect Hong Kong as the iconic “Asia’s world city” geopolitical framework, with the current technology, transformed systems and the various S-300, S-400 and the future S-500 system. famed for its prestige business, financial opportunities and iconic into nuclear deterrence called ‘MAD’, the nuclear factor stabilizes This goes without mentioning other weapon systems presented cultural traits. international relations, avoiding the possibility of a clash between A:I see no chance for Washington to attack Iran, essentially by Putin on March 1, 2018, in the famous conference on Russia’s They increasingly show it to be a dystopian, dysfunctional powers or superpower. for two basic reasons. If Trump unleashes a war, he loses the military response to the US’s violation of the ABM and INF treaties. and destitute place marked with destruction and desolation. In the specific case of a war between Pakistan and India it 2020 elections. This hypothesis seems to be shared by the vast The United States with President Trump has decided to create Investors will stay away and tourists will think twice. The stain is unlikely for these reasons, just as a US intervention in North majority of US policy experts and from what we can pick up, the a sixth force, called Space Corp. Trump’s intention is to invest to its credibility will run deep, and things may never be quite the Korea proved impossible due to the nuclear (and conventional) administration and Trump are aware of this possibility. tens of billions of taxpayers money to finance the creation of same again. It’s what the West wants, after all. deterrence posed by Pyongyang. The other main reason that prevents Washington’s aggression some kind of space-based weapons systems. It’s the prosecution Western propaganda regular say about “Russian lobby in against Iran has to do with two aspects: the first is the cost of this of Ronald Reagan’s weaponizing of space. It remains to be seen Europe or China threat”. But no proof. How you think Europe aggression in terms of human lives for the United States, the second African continent is no place when these systems will be operational, how much they will cost really have parties or organizations who have “anti EU and anti is the economic cost to be borne. Iran is capable of severely damaging and how effective they will be. The Latest US military productions US” agenda? both Israel and Saudi Arabia, as well as closing the Strait of Hormuz, for Japan-China rivalry in terms of cost and efficiency leave much to be desired with the European countries in the EU have no military sovereignty, or in any case raising the costs of insurance of oil ships to the point of super ship Gerald Ford and its known propulsion problems, the given that most of them are in NATO. European countries lack boosting the price of oil to levels that would cause an economic crisis By Hu Weijia alleged Zumwalt stealth ship and it’s engine problems. Take for economic and financial sovereignty in a system like the Euro where of vast proportions, coupled with the first signs of a global recession. example the US Anti-Ballistic Missiles Systems (ABM) failed the central bank is one for all countries and lives in the shadow Trump is aware that in the event of an economic disaster caused China has no intention of making Africa a forward position for a tests or the repeated missiles launched by the Houthis in Yemen of the decisions taken by the FED in New York. by a war with Iran, all the blame would fall on him, both by his jostle with Japan, but any Japanese provocation against China is that successfully violated Saudi Airspace, defended by US Pa- A:The treaties signed over the last 20 years by European voters for the electoral betrayal of not starting new wars, both by his a dangerous game. triot systems. All this, without mentioning the already known countries have deprived national parliamentary decisions that detractors that would hold him responsible for the financial disaster. A three-day conference attended by top leaders of more than 40 problems of the F-35. no longer have the economic, financial or military levers to make A global financial crisis, fueled by a devastating war, would African countries concluded recently in Yokohama, Japan, where As I have written in various articles, the United States suffers autonomous decisions in their own interest. In this sense I do not lead Washington isolated. The Saudis, devastated by the conflict Prime Minister Shinzo Abe warned Africa against accumulating from an enormous military spending that floods the few companies see socially relevant parties or groupings in EU countries that can with Iran and betrayed by Washington that could not protect Riyad too much debt. What was the target of Abe’s words? Many believe (totally private) that develop weapons, with tons of money. This understand the historical turning point in which we are, with the from Tehran’s retaliation, could even decide to dump the dollar. The he was trying to provoke disputes between Africa and China, as the creates the conditions for little competition between companies and attention that must be turned to the east towards Russia, India, Europeans and the rest of the world would agree in a nutshell, moving latter’s lending has been described by some in the West as “debt- leaves open huge margins for corruption and failed projects. The China, Iran and other markets. to a basket of alternative currencies to the petrodollar for the sale of oil. trap diplomacy.” creation of a space force should be seen more in the perspective of Europe is the victim of its own foreign policy decided in Wash- This would lead to the collapse of the United States in a short period While Abe warned Africa about debt, he encouraged Japanese Trump, which seeks to ingratiate itself as much as possible with ington, in the interests of the Pentagon and the FED, and as long of time. The petrodollar system is a red line that the Pentagon and investors to lend more to projects in Africa. According to the Ja- the North American military industrial complex (MIC), covering as it remains subordinate to the United States it will not be able the Fed cannot afford. It is the source of their status as a superpower pan Times, Abe on Wednesday pledged to aggressively promote them with gold, possibly avoiding at the same time satisfying their to take decisions in its own interest. (the USD being world currency reserve) and not even a war on Iran private-sector investment in Africa, although he failed to set a new wishes for a new war for new profits. How you think, is there an risk aggression vs. Iran from with strong Saudi and Israeli interests pressing on Trump will lead numerical target on funds to be funneled to the continent. The MIC always pushes a US president to war, along with trio US-Israel-Saudi Arabia? to such an obvious suicide of U.S. hegemony. China is a key factor in Japan’s Africa policy. This may explain why there is an inherent contradiction in Abe’s words. He warned about debt because he wants to reduce China’s business presence in Africa, but he is also trying to increase Japan’s influence by lending HK situation shows sign of change, but remains complex more to the continent. Japan’s policy on Africa may make the con- GLOBALTIMES – This past weekend, Hong close, their momentum can overwhelm the Fourth, there were a lot of arson incidents differences between the interests of Hong tinent a new strategic tool of geopolitical competition with China. Kong remained chaotic, with many violent arrogance of the mob. Thugs are still afraid of in Hong Kong this weekend. Some of these Kong society and those of the US and Britain. Abe said that he hopes to cooperate with African countries to demonstrations taking place. But the number the police, wherever the cops start clearing, arson fires were provocative, and didn’t cause Seventh, Hong Kong is not out of kilter. safeguard the Indo-Pacific, which connects Africa and Japan, ac- of people involved in the demonstrations has the mobs disperse. serious damage. Rioters set things ablaze Chaos occurs at specific times and places, cording to the Japan Times. It seems Japan is not only a support- come down significantly, and the techniques Second, the composition of the people to brush up their presence and boost their although the spillovers are also significant. er of the US-led Indo-Pacific strategy, but it also wants to play an used by radical protesters to break the order involved in the demonstration is complex. morale and put pressure on the HKSAR The HKSAR government and the police force important role in the strategy, or even replace US leadership and and foment chaos with the help of flash mobs In the absence of mass rallies, the average government and the public. still have more legal resources and means take the helm, pushing it forward in line with Japan’s own national have become more obvious. The situation protesting crowd is small, at least for this Fifth, the media professionals whom we at their disposal, but that does not mean interests. China is always glad to see Africa building diversified in Hong Kong is showing signs of change, weekend. met with in Hong Kong generally agreed that restoring order will be easy. cooperation partnerships with different countries including Japan. but remains highly complex. Third, the demonstrators are mostly young. violence is wrong. But their logic is that the Eighth, more than two months of turmoil China hopes Africa’s economic cooperation with China and Japan The Global Times reporting team in Hong They tend to act in unison and are clearly government’s disapproval of the five major in Hong Kong has had a serious impact on the can be complementary. However, Japan’s policy makes that almost Kong has the following impression of the organized. There was another illegal rally demands of the demonstrators is the cause economy, especially on the tourism indus- impossible. Japan’s strategy has a tendency to contain China. situation. at the airport on Sunday. On our way to the of the violence. try in general, making life difficult for many China is unlikely to turn a blind eye to Japan’s implicit hostility. First, Hong Kong police are more reso- airport, we saw a bus next to us almost en- Sixth, Western public opinion still has a people. There is no doubt that the negative We advise Japan to rethink its strategy on Africa and make sure that lute and the morale appears to be high. In tirely filled with young people. They dressed huge impact on Hong Kong society. Media impact of violent demonstrations is increas- its own presence in Africa, along with other countries’, can coexist in addition to stepping up arrests in recent days in black as they approached the protest site. people who sympathize with the opposition ing. The most important thing is to help the harmony instead of clashing. If Japan deliberately adopts a strategy for inciting, organizing and participating in We filmed them and they immediately turned and demonstrators value their shared values general public of Hong Kong realize that it to counter China’s influence, this will work against the interests of illegal protests, they have also been more away their faces. It seems they’re wary and with Western media organizations and pol- is the result of the unrest itself, rather than Africa and harm regional cooperation. decisive in dealing with the situation. Up afraid of showing their face. iticians, but generally fail to understand the having people misinterpret those shocks. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 ANALYSIS & INTERVIEW 7

U.S. shoots Americans Trump is coming to an end! in the foot 1 Biden, meanwhile, specializes in foreign pol- GLOBALTIMES — The US imposed fresh tariffs of 15 icy, and his vision is more than approved by American percent on $125 billion of Chinese imports starting mid- citizens. Meanwhile, Biden’s only concern is the tramp night Sunday. China applied new tariffs ranging from 5 control in the economy. to 10 percent on the first batch of $75 billion US goods on Here’s a look at some of the latest news and analy- the same day as a countermeasure. As the US is bent on sis on Trump and America’s latest political situation: provocation, the US-launched trade war against China Trump’s worst 2020 poll yet has once again escalated. As Wasington Post reported, Trump hasn’t seen However, the new wave of tariffs is a turning point in many good polls these days, but he might have just the trade war. seen his worst of the 2020 election cycle. First, a vast majority of ordinary US families will direct- A new Quinnipiac University poll has plenty of bad ly face the impact of tariffs on imported Chinese goods. news for Trump — from his 2020 matchups with Dem- The Chinese products range from smart watches, shoes, ocrats, to his own personal image, to his biggest asset diapers, sporting goods to meat and dairy products, all in the 2020 race: the economy. closely bound up in daily American life. The poll shows him trailing all five Democrats tested The Washington DC-based Peterson Institute for In- by between nine and 16 points. He trails Joe Biden 54 ternational Economics estimated in a report on August to 38, Bernie Sanders 53 to 39, Elizabeth Warren 52 to 14 that the US September 1 duties will hit 77 percent of 40, Kamala D. Harris 51 to 40 and Pete Buttigieg 49 to the country’s clothing imports from China and 45 percent 40. These represent his biggest deficits to date against of footwear. “For the first time, [US President Donald] all five candidates, according to RealClearPolitics’s Trump’s trade war is likely to directly raise prices for a lot compilation of polls. of household budget items,” the report said. The poll also shows his approval/disapproval de- Second, Washington is almost at the end of its wits. It clining to 38/56, with just 27 percent approving of is clear about the consequences of rising tariffs on daily him strongly and 50 percent disapproving strongly. consumer goods and had been trying to avoid targeting That’s the worst those splits have been in Quinnipiac these products. However, the US underestimated China’s polling since February 2018. resilience in the trade war. Therefore, Washington would He earns the approval of just 32 percent of inde- rather damage itself now in an attempt to make China pendents and the disapproval of 60 percent. In every surrender. matchup with a Democrat, he trails among independ- occurred in the 2018 midterms: Republican House the first Democratic debate, which could mean that Third, growing voices against the trade war have been ents by at least 18 points. This is a demographic that candidates got the same share of the votes as Trump’s the Democrats helped his cause, perhaps as a result of emerging in the US. There is unprecedented opposition in he won in 2016 by four points. approval rating, 45%. voters assessing his performance through the lens of the US public opinion to Washington’s sudden move of going The bad news extends, perhaps most significant- Trump has time to turn his reelection ship in the right alternative. Democrats might have been particularly back on its own word by imposing more tariffs on Chinese ly, to the economy. While six in 10 registered voters direction. But in the 10 months since the Republicans helpful to Mr. Trump if they repelled some persuadable products. Even some cabinet members who are tough on still regard the economy as “excellent” (18 percent) or lost the House in 2018, he’s in no better shape. You voters by focusing on busing, ending private health China do not support the fresh tariffs. Not to mention the “good” (43 percent), for the first time since June 2016 could even argue he’s in a worse position. insurance, extending health insurance to undocumented US industries. more Americans say the economy is getting “worse” Two polling methods, Two views of Trump’s 2020 immigrants, or decriminalizing unauthorized entry It is worthy of attention that mainstream Western media (37 percent) than say it’s getting “better” (31 percent). re-election chances into the United States. outlets have been highlighting the latest tariffs’ damage to As recently as one year ago, more than twice as many As New York Times reported,There are two major Since then, the president’s ratings have dropped Americans, implicitly or explicitly pointing out that Wash- people thought the economy was getting better as theories about President Trump’s standing heading by several points, and there is no shortage of potential ington’s paranoid trade war is becoming increasingly un- thought it was getting worse.The poll also shows, for into his re-election campaign. Over the last few months, explanations: his verbal attacks on four congresswom- popular. The Trump administration acts as if it doesn’t care the first time, slightly more Americans say Trump’s they have found backing from two very different kinds en; mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton; growing about these voices, but it actually does, especially when the policies are “hurting” the economy (41 percent) than of polls. concern about the economy and the trade war. A de- 2020 election campaign is underway. Washington dares say they are “helping” (37 percent). One theory holds that Mr. Trump is fundamentally cline in the president’s ratings wouldn’t be good for not go against mainstream public opinion in the US. The economic findings may be the most ominous like any other president. This would be good news for his chances, of course, but it nonetheless suggests Fourth, the US economy cannot sustain its superficial of the entire poll for Trump. While we have yet to his chances in 2020: Many presidents have gone on that public opinion is at least somewhat responsive prosperity and is facing a bigger risk of decline. US GDP see a significant downturn in the American economy, to win after having approval ratings like Mr. Trump’s to events, the economy and his conduct. If his ratings growth was 2.1 percent in the second quarter of 2019, 1 there are increasing signs that it’s a possibility, and today, and many presidents have won after a midterm can go down, they can also go up. percentage point lower than the first quarter. The trade analysts are tying those growing odds to Trump’s trade drubbing. The state of the economy could be pivotal; It’s hard to know which set of polls is right. Live-in- war’s impact on US imports and exports becomes more war with China. The economy is by far Trump’s best if it stayed strong, he would have a real chance to win. terview polls have long been considered the gold stand- and more apparent. issue: His approval is 38 percent or less on every other His approval rating could rise, like that of prior pres- ard in survey research. But they’re increasingly rare, This is the result of Washington’s own action and of issue tested, including immigration and trade, but 46 idents, once voters began to assess his presidency in which makes it harder to be sure of where they stand Beijing’s resolute resistance under the former’s maximum percent on the economy. If it does decline, he’ll lose comparison with the alternative. His relative advantage at any given time. They also aren’t typically weighted pressure. his most compelling case for reelection on an issue in the Electoral College could put him over the top. by a measure of partisanship, like party registration, The Trump administration has shot Americans in the that is generally the most important to voters. Another theory holds that President Trump and so they’re more susceptible to shift with changes in foot. When more and more Americans feel the pain, maybe This is but one poll, and we’ll have to see if other this polarized era are unique. In this view, Mr. Trump which groups are likeliest to respond to polls. it will be time for Washington to recover rationality. polls suggest a similar decline for Trump. A Suffolk is deeply unpopular, and opinions of his presidency University/USA Today poll also released Sunday are entrenched. The economy cannot save him from showed Trump’s approval remaining at 44 percent, defeat. After all, his approval ratings are poor despite and Trump has yet to trend downward in RealClear- low unemployment; nothing short of fundamental Politics’s polling average. changes in his conduct could improve them. In this نوبت اول But a new EPIC-MRA poll in Michigan on Wednesday view, the 2018 midterm election, when Democrats won the national House vote by almost nine percentage also showed Trump trailing every Democrat in that Second Announcement crucial state, which Trump narrowly won in 2016, by points, would be a harbinger of the general. between three and 10 points. And pretty much every Of course, the truth could be somewhere in be- high-quality national poll, including a Fox News poll tween (and probably is). But these two theories have Khouzestan Steel Company earlier this month, has shown Trump trailing his top different consequences for how to think about the would-be 2020 opponents, including by large margins campaign in 2020. IN THE NAME OF GOD with the better-known ones. In the more traditional view, Mr. Trump would INVITATION TO INTERNATIONAL TENDER There’s plenty of time, and polls aren’t predictive, have a solid chance following the same playbook as No. :407313 George W. Bush and Barack Obama, at least if the but for now it appears he’s starting from behind. KHOUZESTAN STEEL COMPANY INTENDS TO PURCHASE economy stayed strong enough. He would attack his Trump trails Democrats by a historically large margin 6000 MT MEDIUM CARBON FERRO MANGANESE opponent and use wedge issues (like immigration) As CNN reported, The Quinnipiac poll was the second WITH THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATIONS: probability poll that meets CNN standards and was to both mobilize his base and lure back some voters conducted in August which found Trump down by at who are dissatisfied with his performance. Demo- Si 1.2 % Min crats, meanwhile, would want someone who could least 5 points against all his most likely challengers. Mn 78 % Min In both the Fox News poll out earlier this month and keep voters focused on why they’re dissatisfied with Quinnipiac’s latest, he trailed his most likely challenger, the incumbent’s conduct, defuse wedge issues, and S 0.02 % Max Biden, by double-digits. In fact, in an average of all appeal to the sort of Obama-Trump voters who have C 1.5 % Max the August polls (those that meet CNN standards and soured on the president. P 0.25 % Max not), Biden was up by a 49% to 39% margin. But if Mr. Trump and this era are unique, then 2020 We’re still over a year away from the 2020 general might hinge on turnout: In a polarized environment 20-60 mm Min 90 % Size Of Pieces election, so don’t take these polls to the bank. with few persuadable voters left, little else would matter. <20 mm Max 10 % Still, it’s worth pointing out the historically bad Democrats might not need to worry about whom they position Trump is in. No incumbent president has nominate, as long as they can energize irregular voters. Packing Bulk in Container ever polled this poorly against his likely challengers In the extreme, you could argue that the president has September ــــــــ August ــــــ Delivery Date July at this point in the campaign. basically already lost re-election: Voters have made up I went all the way back to World War II era in the their minds, and too many dislike him for him to win. 2019 (2000 MT) (2000 MT) (2000 MT) These theories are impossible to test before the Roper Center archive to see how presidents were poll- INTRESTED BIDDERS MAY OBTAIN SET OF DOCUMENTS, CONTAINING THE RELEVANT TERMS election. But the main evidence for the polarization ing at this point against their eventual challengers. I AND CONDITIONS BY SUBMISSION OF A WRITTEN APLICATION AND PAYMENT OF A NON- theory comes from the polls. They have always shown selected the worst poll for the incumbent if there was REFUNDABLE FEE OF: more than one poll taken in order to give Trump the the president’s approval ratings well under water, with most generous comparison. In years in which no polls around half of voters saying they strongly disapprove EUR 50 "FIFTY EURO" TO THE ONE OF BELOW ACCOUNT No.: were taken in August the year before the election (i.e. of his performance. If that ever stopped being true, it 1) ACCOUNT No.0100013543943 AT "EXPORT DEVELOPMENT BANK OF IRAN AHVAZ CENTERAL when the last poll for 2020 was conducted), I chose would essentially disprove the theory. BRANCH" the poll taken closest to this point. What Draws Hundreds to This Lake Bed? Spell- 2) ACCOUNT No.1902-750-4019644-1 AT "EGHTESAD NOVIN BANK- OF IRAN AHVAZ SHARIATI What’s clear is the vast majority of incumbents binding Crystals BRANCH" OR were ahead at this point in the campaign: nine of the ‘I Looked Around and Saw a Man Holding His Phone 11 were ahead. And for the average incumbent, they Up Surreptitiously’ Rials 2,000,000,"TWO MILION RIALS" TO THE ONE OF BELOW ACCOUNT No.: led their eventual challenger by 12 points at this point. Leslie Jones Is Leaving ‘S.N.L.’ Here Are Her 10 1) ACCOUNT No.0102513186002 AT "MELLI BANK OF IRAN AHVAZ KSC BRANCH" Again, Trump trails Biden by 10 points in the average Funniest Moments. 2) ACCOUNT No.0100304453001 AT "SADERAT BANK OF IRAN AHVAZ KSC BRANCH" Since the end of the government shutdown, the August poll. Trump has not been ahead of Biden in a AND PRESENT THE PAYMENT RECEIPT TO THE FOLLOWING ADDRESS: single national poll taken this entire cycle. president’s approval rating has been stable in online Only two of 11 incumbents in past years, Jimmy polls, but far more variable in telephone surveys. Es- RAW MATERIAL & ENERGY PURCHASING DEPARTMENT Carter in 1979 and Barack Obama in 2011, were behind timate is calculated using polls taken both before and KHOUZESTAN STEEL COMPANY (KSC) at this point. They were down by 4 points and 1 point after the date.That’s why movement in the polls has KM 10 AHWAZ – BANDAR IMAM KHOMEINI ROAD respectively to their eventual challengers (Ronald been particularly interesting lately. Over the last few P.O.BOX: 1378 Reagan and Mitt Romney). Carter went on to lose months, online polls and live-interview polls have split POST CODE: 61397-31398 reelection. Obama went on to win with a small ree- in a way that would either support or undermine each AHWAZ– IRAN lection margin -- and there were many polls at this of these theories, depending on which set of polls you point that had him ahead. (Remember, I’m looking believe. Note1: ALL BIDS MUST BE INFORMED US WHICH PARTICIPATE IN OUR TENDER UP TO 8thSEP, at the worst poll for past incumbents.) The online polls support the polarization story: 2019. WHEN YOUR COMPANY IS CONFIRMED AND THE TENDER DOCUMENT IS SENT TO YOU, YOU Put another way, Trump’s worst poll against any of They show that the president’s approval rating has MUST BE DELIVERED TO THE AFORESAID ADDRESS ON OR BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE the top five Democrats at this point is 5 points worse been astonishingly steady throughout his presidency, 28thSEP,2019.THE OPENING DATE OF ENVELOPES WILL BE AT 10 AM ON THE 29thSEP,2019 IN THE than the worst poll for any incumbent since World including over the last month. BUYER'S CONFERENCE ROOM LOCATED AT THE HEAD OFFICE OF KSC AHWAZ-IRAN AND THE War II against his eventual challenger. It’s 12 points But the telephone polls have been more variable, BIDDERS OR THEIR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVES CAN ATTEND THE MEETING OF THE worse against his most likely challenger, Biden. particularly over the last few months. In June and July, TENDER. As I’ve already mentioned, we don’t know if these live-interview polls seemed to show the president’s Note 3: FOR MORE INFORMTION PLEASE CONTACT WITH FOLLOWING DETAILS: polls will hold. What is notable, though, is that Trump approval rating matching the highest level of his term. is not punching above his approval rating right now. If that’s accurate, it undermines the polarization the- Tel No. : +98 61 32908115 / 32136159 Trump’s approval rating has been consistently below ory and suggests the president still has the ability to Fax No. : +98 61 32908115 his disapproval rating, just like he has been consistently broaden his appeal. Mr.M.FARZINEJAD EMAIL : m.farzinejad @ksc.ir OR VISIT:http://WWW.KSC.IR The president’s peak came in early July, just after been polling behind Biden. That lines up with what I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 8 ADVERTISEMENTS SEPTEMBER 3, 2019

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Physicists mash quantum and gravity Fly fossils might challenge the idea of ancient trilobites’ and find time, but not as we know it crystal eyes By Susan Milius A University of Queensland-led international “There would be a new way for the Fossil crane flies found in Denmark have crystals in their eyes team of researchers say they have discovered order of events to unfold, with neither of — individual, see-through mineral pieces where the living eyes’ “a new kind of quantum time order.” the events being first or second -- but in a lenses once were. UQ physicist Dr. Magdalena Zych said genuine quantum state of being both first Those little crystals of calcium carbonate are renewing a fuss the discovery arose from an experiment the and second,” she said. about more mysterious ancient animals, the trilobites. Fossils of team designed to bring together elements of UQ researcher Dr Fabio Costa said those extinct, shield-shaped invertebrates also have crystalized the two big — but contradictory — physics although “a superposition of planets” as mineral lenses in their eyes. There are no living trilobites, but theories developed in the past century. described in the paper -- may never be since at least the 1970s, scientists have been imagining how “Our proposal sought to discover: what possible, technology allowed a simulation crystal lenses might have worked for the creatures when they happens when an object massive enough of how time works in the quantum world were alive. Now the crane fly researchers argue that crystal to influence the flow of time is placed in a -- without using gravity. lenses, in crane flies as well as in trilobites, are just quirks of quantum state?” Dr. Zych said. “Even if the experiment can never be done, fossilization. She said Einstein’s theory described how the study is relevant for future technologies,” Living crane flies don’t have crystal lenses, the researchers the presence of a massive object slowed time. Dr Costa said. note online August 15 in Nature. Neither do other known liv- “Imagine two space ships, asked to fire at “We are currently working towards ing insects or any of the bigger group of jointed-legs animals, each other at a specified time while dodging quantum computers that -- very simply the arthropods, says coauthor Johan Lindgren, a molecular the other’s attack,” she said. speaking -- could effectively jump through paleontologist at Lund University of Sweden. These animals “If either fires too early, it will destroy time to perform their operations much sometimes grow tinier calcite crystals in their eyes or in their the other.” more efficiently than devices operating in rigid exoskeletons for strength, but not “one big crystal basically “In Einstein’s theory, a powerful enemy fixed sequence in time, as we know it in our in each individual lens,” he says. could use the principles of general relativity ‘normal’ world.” In these fossilized crane fly eyes, dark, lacy networks out- by placing a massive object — like a planet — Stevens Institute of Technology line the many pale spots where individual lenses once lay in closer to one ship to slow the passing of time.” and the University of Vienna scientists the living fly. “Because of the time lag, the ship furthest quantum mechanics, says any object can Dr. Zych said using the theory of quantum were co-authors on Bell’s Theorem for In the new eye study, Lindgren and colleagues focus on away from the massive object will fire earlier, be in a state of “superposition” mechanics, if the enemy put the planet into a Temporal Order, published in Nature beautifully preserved crane fly specimens of several ancient destroying the other.” “This means it can be found in different state of “quantum superposition,” then time Communications. kinds. The fossils were found in 54-million-year-old sediments Dr. Zych said the second theory, of states -- think Schrodinger’s cat,” she said. also should be disrupted. (Source: Science Daily) in what was once a waterway in today’s Danish peninsula of Jutland. Like modern crane flies, the fossil ones look a bit like mosquitoes, but with longer legs. Ancient farmers irreversibly altered Earth’s face by 3000 years ago By Mohi Kumar project leader and an environmental scientist at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. When we think of how humans have altered the planet, The timing suggests the Anthropocene, a newly greenhouse gas warming, industrial pollution, and proposed epoch that marks when humans first started nuclear fallout usually spring to mind. But now, a new to leave their geological mark on Earth, needs an earlier study invites us to think much further back in time. start date, writes Neil Roberts, who studies environmental Humans have been altering landscapes planetwide for change and archaeology at the universities of Plymouth thousands of years: since at least 1000 B.C.E., by which and Oxford in the United Kingdom, in an accompanying time people in regions across the globe had abandoned editorial. foraging in favor of continually producing crops. The Anthropocene Working Group (AWG), a group of “This is the first project of its kind within archaeology,” mostly earth scientists tasked with defining the epoch’s One surprise in studying the fossils was their eye-shade says Lucas Stephens, an archaeologist and environmental start, have generally agreed on the mid-1950s, when pigments. Several kinds of lab analyses identified signs of researcher at the Environmental Law & Policy Center radioactive particles from hydrogen bombs embedded eumelanin, a form of melanin, in the flies “despite the fact in Chicago, Illinois, and the lead author of a study transitioned from foraging to farming and whether themselves in sediments across the globe, where they that they’re not supposed to have it,” Lindgren says. Curious that presents the expert opinions of hundreds of they developed pasturelands for grazing animals. The will linger for tens of thousands of years. about living insects’ pigments, Lindgren and colleagues checked archaeologists around the world. “There’s never been survey also asked how confident the archaeologists AWG chair Jan Zalasiewicz, a geologist at the a modern species, the tiger crane fly. They found eumelanin a global synthesis like this.” were in their answers. University of Leicester in the United Kingdom, calls there too, adding to the case that ancient relatives could have Scientists have long sought to model ancient land use The 711 responses from 255 archaeologists the new study “useful” but says it “doesn’t show anything had it as well. to accurately inform modern climate reconstructions (researchers could take the survey multiple times if dramatically new.” There’s no doubt humans have altered Colors added to a highly magnified image of a fossil crane and to set a start date for when humans first made they were experts in multiple regions), were weighted landscapes throughout prehistory, he explains, but fly eye show hexagonal pieces found to contain lots of calcium their mark on the planet. The most commonly used according to confidence and then aggregated. The results for the Anthropocene to be recognized as a formal (pink), indicating mineralized lenses. Rims contain abundant model, however, uses estimates of estimates: It takes of this ArchaeoGLOBE project—which counted 112 of geological epoch, it needs to show a distinct signature carbon (green) and other elements as expected from a screening other scientists’ guesses of the human populations of the respondents as co-authors—reveals that hunter- in the rock record, which the study doesn’t provide. pigment. various regions, then estimates how much land would gatherer lifestyles declined globally between 10,000 The authors do, however, show a unique approach Vertebrates use forms of melanin to screen their eyes from be required to sustain them. That model places the and 3000 years ago as they were replaced by continuous to crowdsourcing data collection, says Ruth Duerr, a stray light that’s not focused by the lens. But biologists had start date for continuous global farming at only 500 farming, the researchers report this week in Science. data management researcher at the Ronin Institute thought that while insects and other arthropods use melanins years ago. By about 1000 B.C.E., all of the world’s regions that for Independent Study in Westminster, Colorado, and for body coloring, among other functions, these animals just had To pinpoint a more accurate date, researchers now practice farming were annually cultivating crops. former head of the Earth and Space Science Informatics a different kind of eye-shading pigment, called ommochromes. divided Earth’s land into 146 regions covering every Those trends also imply that ancient humans may section of the American Geophysical Union. She says the Crane flies are the first of any arthropod group, living or extinct, continent except Antarctica. They then invited more have been influencing climate by raising livestock and robust survey methods, the mass authorship, and the shown to have a melanin pigment in their eyes, Lindgren says. than 1300 archaeologists with expertise in ancient land razing forests to create croplands. Researchers debate crowdsourced open data make the study a “model” model. So far, the evidence looks “suggestive” of eumelanin in the use to complete a roughly 80-question survey, asking the size of the climatic impact, but by 3000 years ago “There are lots of crowdsourced citizen science projects extinct crane fly eyes, says biophysicist Doekele Stavenga from how humans in each region used land for the past the effects were significant, “albeit smaller than those out there,” she says, “but here they’re crowdsourcing the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, who wasn’t 10,000 years. Questions included when ancient people of today,” says co-author Erle Ellis, ArchaeoGLOBE’s from experts. The methodology is just so cool.” involved in the study. He would like to see some more kinds of tests identifying the fossil pigment. Unlike with the pigment, crystal lenses don’t show up in living crane flies — a result that doesn’t surprise Lindgren. “There Trapping the tiniest sound AI uncovers new details about Old are only deficits of having rocks in your eyes,” he says. For one, Master paintings crystals of calcium carbonate have optical quirks that need just the right alignment with incoming light to avoid double images. By Leila Sloman Artificial intelligence has been used to Some mollusks known as chitons have calcite-lensed eye spots analyses high-resolution digital x-ray images that can pick up spatial information about looming predators. Researchers have gained control of the of the world famous Ghent Altarpiece, as That’s not fancy vision, but it may be enough for mound-shaped elusive “particle” of sound, the phonon. part of an investigative project led by UCL. animals creeping around the sea floor instead of flying. Although phonons—the smallest units The finding is expected to improve If crane flies’ lenses fossilized into calcite lumps, the of the vibrational energy that makes our understanding of art masterpieces assumption that trilobite eyes likewise calcified after death up sound waves—are not matter, they and provide new opportunities for art seems “more probable,” says Gerhard Scholtz, a zoologist can be considered particles the way investigation, conservation and presentation. specializing in arthropod evolution at Humboldt University photons are particles of light. Photons Researchers from the National Gallery, in Berlin. “I always had doubts about the calcitic nature of commonly store information in prototype Duke University and UCL worked with trilobite eye lenses.” quantum computers, which aim to harness technical images acquired from the brothers But physiologist Brigitte Shoenemann at the University of quantum effects to achieve unprecedented Review X. One difference is speed: sound Van Eyck’s Ghent Altarpiece, a large and feast days to reveal the four central panels. Cologne in Germany is sticking with the idea that living trilobites processing power. Using sound instead travels much slower than light. Sletten complex 15th-century altarpiece in St Bavo’s The painting has survived near destruction saw through lenses that were mainly calcium carbonate. One may have advantages, although it would and his colleagues took advantage of this Cathedral, Belgium. over the centuries and seizure by the Nazis advantage is the mineral’s power to strongly bend incoming light require manipulating phonons on very to coordinate circuit-phonon interactions The paper, ‘Artificial Intelligence for in the 1940s. underwater, a help in collecting and focusing ample illumination. fine scales. that sped up the current. They trapped Art Investigation: Meeting the Challenge X-ray images are a valuable tool for Also, she says that trilobite eyes that fossilized under a variety Until recently, scientists lacked this phonons of particular wavelengths (called of Separating X-ray Images of the Ghent examining and restoring paintings as they of conditions nonetheless show such lenses. She’s prepared ability; just detecting an individual phonon modes) between two acoustic “mirrors,” Altarpiece’, demonstrates how academics can help to establish a piece’s condition and to accept that crane flies didn’t see through mineral crystals destroyed it. Early methods involved which reflect sound, and the relatively used a newly developed algorithm to study provide insights into an artist’s technique. but is not ready “to raise this singular finding, as excellent as converting phonons to electricity in long time sound takes to make a round mixed x-ray images containing features However the penetrating nature of it may be, to a general principle touching trilobites.” Clearly, quantum circuits called superconducting trip allowed the precise coordination. from the front and back of the painting’s x-rays means that everything in its path the debate goes on. qubits. These circuits accept energy in The mirrors were a hair’s width apart— double-sided panels, which scientists have will contribute to the resulting image, which specific amounts; if a phonon’s energy similar control of light would require deconstructed into two clear images. is informative but can produce images that matches, the circuit can absorb it— mirrors separated by about 12 meters. These images are part of a comprehensive are difficult to interpret. This is particularly 50 years ago, scientists destroying the phonon but giving an Sound’s “slowness” also let the set of high resolution pictures acquired using true for panels painted on both sides, or thought they knew why energy reading of its presence. experimenters identify phonons of different imaging techniques as part of where an artist has re-used a canvas. In a new study, scientists at JILA more than one mode. Typically, Sletten the altarpiece’s on-going conservation by By separating the complex x-ray images, geckos had sticky feet (a collaboration between the National says, quantum computers increase the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage the new algorithm enables art historians, Institute of Standards and Technology and their capacity through additional (KIK-IRPA), providing a wealth of data to conservators and heritage scientists to better The secret of what enables the agile gecko lizard to stroll upside- the University of Colorado Boulder) tuned superconducting qubits. But having interrogate and interpret. understand Old Master paintings, and the down across glass and perform other remarkable sticky-footed the energy units of their superconducting just one qubit process information with “This approach demonstrates that information revealed can help experts when feats has been revealed…. Microscopic suction cups provide qubit so phonons would not be destroyed. multiple modes could achieve the same artificial intelligence-oriented techniques protecting and restoring delicate pieces. Gekko gecko his phenomenal grip. Using a scanning electron Instead the phonons sped up the current result. —powered by deep learning — can be used Deep learning approaches are now being microscope, Joseph F. Gennaro observed that the chevron- in the circuit, thanks to a special material “This is definitely a milestone,” says to potentially solve challenges arising in art used to address challenges arising in other shaped pads on the lizard’s toe were composed of an array of that created an electric field in response Yiwen Chu, a physicist at ETH Zurich, who investigation,” commented lead academic sectors including healthcare, fintech, defense brushlike structures called setae … capped by minute suction to vibrations. Experimenters could then was not involved in the study. Analogous Dr Miguel Rodrigues (UCL Electronic & and security. cups which help the lizard cling to the surface. detect how much change in current each experiments with light were a first step Electrical Engineering). Hélène Dubois, Head of the Conservation Gennaro was partly correct. Gecko feet don’t have suction phonon caused. toward much of today’s work on quantum “We’d like to see the impact that the Project of the Ghent Altarpiece, Royal cups, but the feet have enough tiny setae — hundreds of “There’s been a lot of recent computers, she notes. development of similar AI-oriented Institute for Cultural Heritage (KIK-IRPA) thousands — to increase adhesion via van der Waals forces, and impressive successes using Similar applications for sound are approaches will have on our ability to reveal said: “The application of AI to x-ray image which are very weak forces between molecules. Collectively, superconducting qubits to control the far off, however: among other things, other hidden features in a painting, such as processing will provide very useful tools the hairs create enough adhesive force for the reptiles to stick quantum states of light. And we were scientists must find a way to keep phonons earlier concealed designs,” he continued. to decrypt complex technical images. The even to slick surfaces, scientists discovered in 2000. Gecko curious—what can you do with sound alive much longer than they currently The Ghent Altarpiece originally consisted structural weaknesses of the wooden supports feet have inspired new materials and technology, such as a that you can’t with light?” says Lucas can—about 600 nanoseconds. Eventually, of twelve panels. The two wing sections, each and of the ground and paint layers could be robotic gripper for grabbing space junk and hand pads to help Sletten of U.C. Boulder, lead author of though, the research could open new paths originally made of four panels -- painted diagnosed with more precision. people climb glass panes. the study published in June in Physical forward in quantum computing. on both sides -- could be opened fully on (Source: Science Daily) (Source: Sciencenews.org) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 10 HERITAGE & TOURISM SEPTEMBER 3, 2019

Iran-Iraq border open to Dutch archaeology show Arbaeen pilgrims

TOURISM TEHRAN — Iran-Iraq border crossing of deskKhosravi was opened to Arbaeen pilgrims on Sunday in order to facilitate the commute of people who in Tehran wraps up want to visit the holy city of Karbala. HERITAGE TEHRAN — A signifi- Talking about the Tehran exhibit, the offi- Iran’s Police Chief Brigadier General Hossein Ashtari said deskcant exhibition of arts cial added, “This achievement owes much to the border crossing was opened based on a previous agree- and archaeological objects, which was on the fruitful cooperation of the two museums ment between Iran and Iraq, adding that this year, Iranian loan from the Drents Museum, has come in establishing intercultural communication pilgrims could cross from Chazzabeh, Shalamcheh, Mehran to an end at the National Museum of Iran, just like that the Drents Museum succeeded and Khosravi borders, Mehr reported. CHTN reported on Sunday. in hosting the exhibition ‘Iran: Cradle of Civ- The exhibit, which was officially wrapped ilization’, it introduced the rich culture and up on August 31, pulled in some 66,000 visi- art of Iran to the people of the Netherlands tors since the opening date on October 2, 2018. and other foreign tourists…” A total of 66,669 people visited the ex- Back in March, Harry Tupan, the director hibit titled “Dutch Archaeology and Art: of the Drents Museum paid a visit to the Highlights from the Drents Museum”, said National Museum of Iran, saying that he Jebreil Nokandeh, director of the National was thrilled to visit such a museum. Museum of Iran. “I am very happy that I was able to visit The show, which was primarily arranged this museum today and am excited to see to end on April 6, showcased 331 objects these amazing historical works,” CHTN including stone tools, jewelry, and nat- quoted Tupan as saying. ural human mummies in three sections He also called for strengthening cul- of archeology, pottery, and paintings, the tural cooperation between Iran and the latter is dedicated to artworks of the 18th Netherlands. to the 20th centuries. The Dutch museum also won an audi- “This cultural event was able to present ence prize from New York’s prestigious its visitors a different image of the rich and Global Fine Art Awards on March 12 for File photo shows thousands of Shia pilgrims, reuniting in ancient culture of the Netherlands and to its contribution to host such an enormous the holy city of Karbala to commemorate Arbaeen, the end change their views of Europe’s history and exhibit of the history of Persia. of a 40-day mourning period after the martyrdom of Imam civilization in Europe, which dates back to “Iran, Cradle of Civilization” is currently Hussein (AS). over 50,000 years,” Nokandeh said. age-old culture in Europe, he noted. Iranian antique items in an exhibit titled on show at the Archeological Museum of Many of its visitors, either foreign or Alicante (MARQ) in southeastern Spain, Another agreement has come into effect, based on which visa The Drents Museum, which is located “Iran – Cradle of Civilization”. The exhibit domestic, were not familiar with such an running from March 14 to Sept. 1. requirements are removed for the pilgrims, Ashtari said, describing in Assen, in return, showcased some 200 was running from June to November 2018. it as a “positive step” toward paving the way for Iranian pilgrims visiting the neighboring country. Iraqi armed and defense forces are endeavoring to ensure the security of the pilgrims, he added. 47 pre-Islamic gold plaques seized According to the latest official data, some 102,000 Iranians have so far registered to participate in the Arbaeen pilgrimage. from smugglers The event, aka Arbaeen trek, is a characteristic spiritual exercise in which hundreds of thousands of Shia and Sunni HERITAGE TEHRAN — Iranian authorities have of clothing or leather,” said Parastoo Qasemi, a provincial Muslims, even Christians and Zoroastrians, etc. from various deskseized 47 pieces of gold plaques dating official in charge of museum complexes. nationalities participate. back to pre-Islamic era, which were kept unlawfully by Talking about the gold relics, Qasemi added that “Malileh The long trek will be destined to Karbala, where Imam Hussain smugglers in Zanjan, western Iran. [tapestry] motifs are evident in these works.” (AS), the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), is laid to rest. “51 objects, including 47 gold plaques, were recovered Iran is a major center of ancient culture. It is rich in Arbaeen marks an end to the 40-day mourning period fol- from smugglers while making a deal,” CHTN quoted Abolfazl valuable natural resources, especially metals, and played lowing martyrdom of the Imam and his loyal companions at the Moradi, a police official in charge of protecting cultural an important role in the development of ancient Middle Battle of Karbala on Muharram 10 in the year 61 AH (680 CE). heritage, as saying on Tuesday. Eastern civilization and trade. This year, Arbaeen falls on Saturday, October 19. Along with the gold plaques, police also seized From prehistorical times, Persia (Iran) was home to a platter, a belt buckle and clay vessels, that later talented and well-trained artisans and goldsmiths who proved not bearing historical importance, the of- were able to produce intricate yet delicate jewelry without ficial added. any modern tools. They made everything from necklaces A super new moon is coming “These plaques date from the pre-Islamic era, and ac- and bracelets to finger rings, anklets and hair pins in both — and a stunning crescent cording to [our] investigation they were attached to a piece gold and silver. moon will follow Have Instagram influencers ruined travel for an entire generation? On Friday the moon will be at its closest to Earth since February What a great platform Instagram has been complimentary lifestyles sold to whoever and will cause ‘king’ tides across the world. for influencers to show off the world’s pays the most—paid for, in kind, by their Some natural phenomena can’t be seen with the naked eye, best destinations. Inspiring wanderlust followers. but their effects can be. Such a phenomenon happens this Friday and uncovering new hidden gems. Then, Would that be considered false ad- when our satellite swings particularly close to Earth. It will do so almost overnight, everyone seemed to vertising? Perhaps, but that’s a different just a few hours after a new moon, which will bring rare “king” want to do the same thing. Become an topic altogether. The very problem here, tides… and will even send a huge wave backwards up a mighty influencer, whilst missing the part about and with the never ending push for in- river. So what is a super new moon, and why is it so important? actually being influential. fluencers to get more ‘wow’ content, is What is a super new moon? Images became less about the destina- that what we are seeing visually, is rarely New moon is when our satellite’s orbit takes it between the tions, and more about pretty and edited what we are likely to experience when Earth and the sun. It’s not a precise match-up — that would be images where individual egos and a drive we travel in reality. a solar eclipse — but when the moon is close to the sun as seen for self-fame took over from the over- So what happens when we see this from Earth, only its far side is illuminated. riding message of inspiring travel. The visual stimulation? We as the audience This happens every 29 days, once per lunar orbit, but this destination took a back seat, and in an see someone’s supposedly perfect life and month’s new moon is a little different. It’s closer than any other ever increasing attempt for ‘insta-fame’ we wonder why and how this person has new moon of 2019 at precisely 357,175 km from Earth. That people portrayed perfect lives of 365 days these amazing experiences and we don’t. makes it a super new moon. travel a year. Recent stories that have Importantly, we see all these amazing (Source: travelandleisure.com) surfaced of apparent influencers editing destinations and when we as the audience the same pictures of clouds into different make that once in a lifetime trip to them, images does little to throw any water it leads to disappointment that said des- ROUND THE GLOBE on the flames of the current argument. tination isn’t how we have been made to Almost overnight, the word influencer believe it looks like. The book ‘Narrative became one of the most toxic words on of the life of Frederick Douglass’ gives an Vilnius historic center the internet. The audience woke up to the influencer and being influential. Grant- you actually remember the name of any interesting insight into this. Douglass talks fact that entitled ‘influencers’ actually have ed, that certainly exists—there are many resorts you see though in the Maldives or about slaves never being made to feel wor- Political center of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania from very little qualification to tell their audience people on social media that have built-up the hotel captured in those perfectly set thy. This hypothesis can be translated to the 13th to the end of the 18th century, Vilnius has had what to buy, where to go and what to think, an adorning audience that cares about up floating breakfast tray shots in Bali, how influencers make an audience feel, a profound influence on the cultural and architectural simply because they take set-up pictures. what they have to say, and where they with overly edited pictures? that they have got it so ‘right’. We as an development of much of Eastern Europe. And rightly so people have woken up go, but it has now become increasingly Looks great doesn’t it? Double tap audience seeing all these beautiful des- Despite invasions and partial destruction, it has pre- to this reality. There are plenty of influ- difficult to distinguish these people in images, and then move on with your tinations feel less worthy and over time, served an impressive complex of Gothic, Renaissance, ential people on social media - that is amongst the wider noise. day. The remaining marketing message we actually need this ‘expert’ even more, Baroque and classical buildings as well as its medieval very different to ‘influencers’ who have Having followers doesn’t translate that you have been left with is that you so we can figure out how they are doing so layout and natural setting. They constitute a townscape seemingly largely now renamed them- to actual influence. This was recently want to go to said promoted destination, well. We need to buy their product, their of great diversity and yet at the same time demonstrating selves to ‘content creators’ - simply dis- demonstrated by the revelation that an eventually. We are being sold a dream of service, their presets even! But no you an overarching harmony. counting from the actual talented content ‘influencer’ with over 2 million Instagram a room that costs thousands of dollars a don’t, you categorically don’t. Because creators ranging from photographers to followers couldn’t sell 20 T-shirts to her night, by people that (largely) couldn’t and that’s how so many of these ‘influencers’ videographers out there. audience. wouldn’t be able to afford to stay there off are able to portray such beautiful images The crowd pilling into the ‘influencer’ How many times have you seen a their own accord, without complimentary onto us and continue this lifestyle. The bandwagon also unfortunately discounted beautiful picture of an overwater villa nights to market the message—influencers audience inevitably pays. from those that could be classified as an in the Maldives on Instagram? Could have been using a follower count to live (Source: Forbes) Burned buildings reveal sacking of ancient Turkish city 3,500 years ago More than 3,500 years ago, a rising kingdom called the Hittite The site, located at Zincirli (pronounced “Zin-jeer-li”) Empire was expanding, testing the limits of its strength. It in southern Turkey, has been excavated by the OI since would soon destroy Babylon, but first, its army sacked and 2006 (in collaboration with the University of Tubingen burned a city nestled in the mountains of modern-day Turkey in Germany since 2014). Millennia ago, it was the city called Sam’al—located on a major route of trade between of Sam’al, and the excavation has documented its rise The Vilnius historic center began its history on the Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean Sea. and fall as an Iron Age kingdom. glacial hills that had been intermittently occupied from The charred ruins from that fateful day were uncovered Finding an earlier Bronze Age layer beneath it was a sur- the Neolithic period; a wooden castle was built around for the first time in millennia during an excavation by the prise, the scholars said. But their latest field season revealed 1000 CE to fortify Gedimino Hill, at the confluence of the University of Chicago’s Oriental Institute, which is celebrat- a clear destruction layer, including two burned buildings Neris and Vilnia rivers. The settlement did not develop ing its 100th anniversary this year. The excavation is part that had been sealed under collapsed bricks and roof de- as a town until the 13th century, during the struggles of of the OI’s mission to understand the ancient Middle East, bris. Inside were 10 rooms, small figurines, and shattered the Baltic peoples against their German invaders. which has helped shape our picture of Western civilization. but complete sets of pottery. “You can tell the burning was By 1323, when the first written reference to Vilnia “It’s an incredibly lucky find. Every archaeologist hopes intense,” Schloen said; for example, several storage pots occured, it was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithu- for an intact destruction layer because it gives you a snap- had deeply burned debris around them as though they had ania. At this time, some brick structures had apparently shot of a day in the life of this town,” said David Schloen, a contained flammable materials like oil or wine. In another been erected on a small island formed when the Vilnia professor of Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations and room, a dagger lay on the floor where its owner had dropped changed its course. By the 15th century, the Grand Duchy situated with its capital near modern-day Ankara in Tur- a leading scholar of the ancient Middle Eastern world who it millennia ago. of Lithuania, with its capital Vilnius, had become the key. At its largest, the empire stretched across what is now co-directs the excavation. “Pottery is still sitting inside the And unusual for such a finding, the team named the largest country in Europe, stretching from the Baltic Sea Turkey and northwestern Syria. In the early 17th century buildings where the inhabitants left it in 1650 BC. You know likely culprit. “We’re ready to say a well-known Hittite king, in the North to the Black Sea in the South. B.C. the Hittites were testing their ambitions—and Sam’al that everything is where it would be on a typical day, which named Hattusili I, did it,” Schloen said. (Source: UNESCO) was in their radius. is really valuable cultural knowledge.” Hattusili was a founding ruler of the Hittite Empire, (Source: phys.org) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 TECHNOLOGY 11

Iranian product cuts Iran ranks 8th for top papers in AI

1 Half of the highly cited papers submitted by Iran agricultural water usage by half have been conducted with the help of researchers from other countries, but only 0.74 percent of them are the TECHNOLOGY TEHRAN — Researchers actions will be hundreds more efficient than result of collaborating with the industry sector. deskat the International Uni- the government,” he said. The Islamic Azad University raked at the 17th place versity of Imam Khomeini have manufac- Using water more sensibly is one of the among the top 20 institutions with the greatest output of tured a product, capable of reducing water most effective factors in preventing environ- top papers on AI, above Hong Kong Polytechnic Univer- consumption in farms by 20 to 50 percent. mental degradation, he added. sity, Max Planck Society and the University of California, Due to the fact that high water usage in Meanwhile, Saeed Pourali, an Iranian Berkeley. the agricultural industry is one of the big- professor of cross-cultural environment gest problems facing the country, the Iranian management at the Phoenix University, said researchers have made the product known in July 2018 that considering the current as the “flow control valve for reducing water situation, discussing water management and usage,” IRNA reported on Monday, citing the finding solutions is required more than ever. vice-presidency for science and technology. If water scarcity is not resolved urgently, This product has passed the conventional its impacts will soon bring heavier and irrepa- testing procedures and has proven that when rable damage to all sectors in the country, he applied to the irrigation systems, it is capable stated, warning the harmful consequences of reducing water usage by 20 to 50 percent. caused by lack of proper planning would grad- One of the problems with the modern ually affect the entire country. irrigation systems that are currently being “According to the Food and Agriculture used is the uneven water distribution which Organization, agricultural water usage in causes loss of water, but with the above men- Iran is 22 percent above the global average tioned invention, water is distributed evenly while water productivity [crop yield per cubic throughout farms. meter of water consumption] is one-third of Iran, located in an arid and semi-arid area, world average”, he said, adding, “In other is facing water shortage due to low precipi- words, the agricultural sector generates about Based on the latest data published by SCImago Journal tation amounts and climate change coupled ment Issa Kalantari said in August 2018 that the country is facing. 10 percent of the country’s gross domestic & Country Rank (SJR), Iran took the first place among with shortsighted managerial decisions. the government must tell the people the truth “People need to know the truth about the product, but consuming 92 percent of the the Middle-Eastern countries for the highest number of The chief of the Department of Environ- about water shortage as a serious challenge environmental issues, as if they know, their country’s fresh water”. citable documents in 2017. In 2017, Iran with 54,388 documents, 51,614 citable documents and 28,813 citations in the international papers, ranked first among the Middle-Eastern countries which were assessed for their production of scientific documents. Construction industry embraces online technology to solve problems In a period of 7 years, Iran managed to remain in the Construction is a complex and highly competitive sector to be completed in 24hrs instead of three or four days. Ad- first place in the Middle-East region. buffeted by external pressures that can threaten profit mar- ditionally, an online accounting package made sure that gins, overheads, and cashflow. invoices kept the cashflow topped up, and a VoIP phone How is technology making Those challenges have been amplified as economic uncer- system saved further money. tainty delays contracts; the possible end of free movement “The move to digital meant working patterns changed digital marketing more shrinks labour forces; and concerns around materials and for a lot of staff and that took a while to get used to. But now funding aren’t yet fully understood. everyone is fully onboard, and the investment has already exciting? So, it is little wonder businesses in the supply chain are paid for itself,” says Morgan. turning to technology to control those things they can. “We moved to larger premises because we used a bespoke Technology has always enabled digital marketing in new Has digital found a place in bricks and mortar as contract management system with mobile app to increase and interesting ways — be it advertising, campaign man- firms reinforce foundations during turbulent times? productivity by 20% and won new significant contracts with agement, or even features such as personalization and Research from Cardiff University’s Digital Maturity Survey the help of an updated website…” Sharon Smith, Hazelwood. localization. for Wales 2018, indicates last year saw a seismic shift in the Like many others, the civil and structural engineering firm Not every company uses digital in the same way. And However, it seems as though marketers that love tech- number of smaller construction businesses using some form from Cardiff had an ambitious strategy for growth that relied Hazelwood Carpentry, which employs 29 people and works nology are in for a treat as blockchain and artificial intel- of online technology to solve problems. Some for tighter on projects running quickly and smoothly. So, it decided for some of the biggest building contractors across Wales ligence (AI) are set to make a big impact on the industry. supply chain management and quicker accreditation to meet to transform the way the company operates and embraced and the South West of England, decided to go bespoke. Gartner, in a recent forecast, said that their study of the regulations. Others to streamline processes using online digital in 2015. It introduced Building Management software “The decision has allowed us to manage projects more market shows that four technologies have the capability to project management and contract management systems. to offer clients digital visualisation models, real time project efficiently by giving the team full transparency of costs and transform how marketers run their technology ecosystems And a large number looked to stabilise cashflow with better management updates, and better supply chain management. schedules across all live jobs in real time. On-site supervisors and, ultimately, deliver meaningful customer experiences. accounting packages, or to win new contracts and attract And, also adopted an online accountancy package to manage can log in remotely via an app on their phone and monitor “Marketers today must strike the right balance between new employees using digital marketing. cash flow, reduce admin, and to plan projects effectively. what is being done in the office, so we minimise duplication. delivering meaningful customer experiences that differ- Can an industry associated with tradition learn “We’re not saying digital is the only reason we’ve made It’s replaced around 15 different spreadsheets that were entiate their brands and focusing on providing real value from those who adopt modern technology? such great gains, but it has simplified our internal processes being completed by people in various parts of the business to the business,” said Gartner’s Marketing Practice VP Many of the benefits can be evidenced by companies that and given us an edge in a competitive industry,” says Sparks. on pieces of paper, so it’s huge,” says Smith. Mike McGuire. have taken advantage of the free training Superfast Business “Our online invoicing and electronic reporting save us So, despite a digital mindset being in its nascent years Wales provides. They include Intrado, which grew by 300% 2000 hours a year, which gives us time to manage the greater for some in the construction industry others are reaping the over three years and took on 6 new staff. Celtest, which number of enquires coming through our updated website benefits. And the good news is that 63% of smaller Welsh unlocked 2,000 hours a year through efficiency savings. or cheaper VoIP phone system …” Iwan Morgan, Celtest businesses in this sector have taken the first steps on their And, Hazelwood, which increased productivity by 20% and Celtest saw similar results. The company produces thou- digital journey. Has the current uncertainty in this complex future-proofed its business against the changing demands of sands of reports for construction firms, civil engineers, and and highly competitive sector stirred a feeling that it makes the industry. So, what can we learn from those companies quarrying and aggregate companies to test for compliance sense to control the things businesses can? And is the sector who adopt modern technology despite being in an industry with the required standards for materials. These include ready to follow Intrado, Celtest, and Hazelwood in their associated with more traditional methods? soil, concrete, asphalt and aggregate. approach to solving the challenges by turning them into “Online accounting manages cashflow and reduces ad- A year ago, the firm decided to literally shred the paper opportunity gains through digital fitness? The findings in min and BIM allows us to plan projects effectively and win- and move to digital wholesale. It took on a digital marketing Cardiff University’s research, and on the ground feedback over clients and the supply chain. We were able to grow by strategy and upgraded its website to attract new customers. from Superfast Business Wales, suggests confidence is grow- 300% and take on 6 new staff…” Darren Sparkes, Intrado And moved to cloud technology so its technicians could ing and help is out there for businesses who want to adapt. Consulting Engineers relay information to the office in real time, allowing reports (Source: businessnewswales.com)

Innovation in technology is key for sustainability of farm businesses Glasgow-based agri-entrepreneur Yanik Mr Ferguson, who has been working Nyberg was looking for farm businesses to with the Royal Bank of Scotland on its “Event-triggered and real-time marketing will have the partner with last year on his project to cul- Entrepreneur Accelerator programme in biggest impact on marketing activities in the next five tivate degraded coastal land with seawater Scotland to help young people to develop years. However, before marketers can realize the benefits and high value crops. their business ideas, said the effective use of these technologies, they must first become proficient After initial scepticism, he noticed a change of data to maximise profitability on-farm in predictive analytics and delivering personalized com- among farmers after last summer’s drought. has barely started yet. munications.” He said: “People had seen what happened “We are probably at a point with robotic According to Gartner’s analysts, AI for marketing is at and the thousands they had spent on irriga- milking where the mechanisation will plateau its peak and they expect that the interest in the technology tion so it became much easier for us to have to a point, but data is where the change is will not fade quickly as AI continues to be the buzzword a conversation about innovation and trying really happening. used to describe a host of features to augment the func- out a more profitable crop. It is a massive opportunity if we can start tions performed by marketers — from automated content They were receptive to new approaches.” linking up different parts of the farm system tagging to real-time personalization. The first farm he partnered with in Ayrshire to help decision-making. It is a tap that is yet Over the next 20 years, the power that AI holds with leased out a one-hectare site to Nyberg and to be fully turned on. marketers is forecasted to drive pervasive shifts across the his company Seawater Solutions to grow Sam- Everyone is trying to work out what to do to marketing technology ecosystem, effectively transform- phire in land which had previously been used The challenge now is to make robots as use of sensors, recording of feeding and outputs, save money,” he said. Roddy McLean, director ing the marketing practice. for potatoes. smart, or nearly as smart as humans, said and virtual feeding to control animals’ use of of agriculture at NatWest and Royal Bank of A Gartner 2018 survey revealed that 11 percent of mar- A first harvest of the crop is due at the end food and farming robotics specialist Janneke land and feed and enhance decision-making. Scotland, added: “We all have to continue to keting technology executives reported AI as their top choice of August, which will be sold to small-scale de Kramer, from Wageningen University. Much of this innovation is already hap- look forward to where the industry might be as the technology that would have the most impact on their retailers and the food service sector. “Humans can detect a lot of things you pening in bigger farm businesses and ‘will in 20 years. marketing efforts in the next five years. Across the North Sea and into mainland need to put into the AI part of the robot to defuse in time,’ said Ms Ferrier. “Given the political and economic uncer- Blockchain for advertising is another technology that Europe, researchers at Wageningen Univer- recognise from the pixels it sees. For example, “The biggest barrier is around under- tainty that currently exists, it has never been Gartner’s analysts see holding tremendous promise for sity, the country’s main agricultural research which crop is ripe and the way to pick them, standing the possibilities enough to go and more important for farmers to futureproof marketers. institution, are engaged in a different kind the different diseases or bugs, and how you investigate and work out if it is something you their businesses and increase their resilience. However, significant challenges with scalability, perfor- of innovation. can distinguish between crops and weeds,” can do. With any new technology the early And that means being open-minded to mance and adoption must be overcome before blockchain Driven by the Netherland’s ageing farm- she said. adopters are inevitably taking a risk,” she said. innovation and opportunities to bring in new can alter the status quo. er population and chronic labour shortages, For any farm business considering how to For Dumfries and Galloway dairy farm- ideas and technology.” According to Gartner’s analysts, dozens of companies researchers are developing a range of new innovate, be it new ventures, equipment or er Colin Ferguson, that risk was installing A major stumbling block when it comes have launched experimental blockchain platforms for ad- machines to take over manual tasks on-farm. practices, there will be risks. But every busi- an automatic dipping and flushing system, to more farm managers and staff making vertising, but none have been able to demonstrate ongoing Close to commercialisation is Sweeper, a ness needs to be open to opportunities, said improving hygiene and reducing cross-con- use of data-driven innovation has been its viability. sweet pepper harvester. Its robotic arm can NFU science and regulatory affairs adviser tamination in the parlour. user-friendliness, or lack of it. But that is Despite the skepticism, blockchain seems to be gaining move up and down a greenhouse, using cameras Helen Ferrier. “It is expensive, but it has reduced both our changing, said Mrs Ferrier. momentum through support from organizations such as and sensors to spot and pick ripened peppers. “That could mean considering new crops cell count and rates of mastitis by 50%. It will “Most farmers are not in their early 20s and the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and emerging Not only can it distinguish colour, it can or machinery. But looking ahead, much of the pay back in terms of milk loss and treatment have always used computers and understand innovations from technology companies such as IBM, also recognise ripe peppers hidden behind new technological innovations available to costs within five years. all the apps on their mobile phone. Comcast, and Amazon, which are working with industry leaves. The robot was able to harvest a pepper farm businesses are likely to be data-driven And it’s also taken away the pressure on But the interface of users is really improv- leaders on the buy and sell-side of media. in 15 seconds in tests last year and is expected ones around measurement and precision,” us on antibiotic use under our milk contract,” ing as companies realise its importance for Disruptive challengers from outside the industry are to be on sale for Dutch farmers within the next said Ms Ferrier. he said. “If you had asked my father 20 years maximising uptake. How farmers input data also adding urgency, said Gartner. three to four years. For arable businesses that means preci- ago, would he have predicted what the farm has to be easy. In the future, technology is expected to make the field While humans can, at present, pick pep- sion-application of inputs and combining field would look like today? If it is difficult, they will not do it and they of digital marketing more vibrant — especially with new pers more quickly, the robots are able to work mapping and ATV ariel images to understand We never thought we’d have GPS on our won’t get enough data to get good results,” and emerging technologies challenging professionals to non-stop and overnight. And progress will what you should be doing and when on farm. tractors. In another 20 years, maybe the man she said. think outside the box to capture the attention of customers. not stop there. While for livestock farms, it means greater in the parlour will be the past.” (Source: www.fginsight.com) (Source: techwireasia.com) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 12 SOCIETY SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 New plan replaces banned exploitation Fars province sets high-tempera- ture record in past month of endangered Hyrcanian Forest ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN — While almost all Iranian provinces deskexperienced temperature rise over the Iranian ENVIRONMENT TEHRAN — A new plan and diseases or prone to wildfire, Fakhari calendar month of Mordad (July 23-August 22), Fars province deskon sustainable manage- said that all of these areas will be identified set the record high as the country’s hottest place, the director of ment of Hyrcanian Forest and natural re- and different plans will be drawn up to over- the national center for drought and crisis management, affiliated sources has been prepared; through which come the issue. to Meteorological Organization, has said. exploitation of the endangered forest will He concluded that the sustainable man- The highest temperature recorded in the country over the last re-continue in line with sustainability, deputy agement of Hyrcanian Forest plan is to elicit month was in Lamerd county, located in Fars province, amount- director for the Forests, Range, and Watershed cooperation of local communities for forest ing to 51.6°C, ISNA quoted Sadeq Ziaeian as saying on Monday. Management Organization has announced. management. This is while the coolest city of the country was Urmia, located in The new plan will substitute for the Yousefali Embrahimpour, commander of “breathing plan” which banned any wood the protection unit of natural resources and exploitation in the endangered forest, ISNA watershed management department of West quoted Mohammad-Ali Fakhari as saying Azarbaijan province said in February that on Monday. the law banning exploitation of endangered In January 2017 in line with the laws regu- forests in northern part of the country has lating all aspects of policy making and project led to illegal smuggling of logs; the lack of managements with regard to environmen- forest forces, not enforcing laws and low fines tal factors Majlis [Iranian parliament] has were the other factors led to illegal timber prohibited any exploitation of endangered smuggling. forest by the fourth year of implementing Over the past decade generally some 10 the sixth five-year national development tons of smuggled log have been seized, but plan (2016-2021). the number have grown 15-fold this year, With 157 MPs voting for the bill, exploita- he added. tion of forests for commercial and industrial Recently designated as a World Heritage purposes will be brought to a halt by 2020. site by UNESCO, the Hyrcanian Forest cover West Azarbaijan province, with a temperature of 4.2°C, he added. By that time all exploitation contracts will with no environmental consequences will how be interpreted as mismanagement, but the northern slope of the Alborz Mountain in He went on to state that in the second month of summer, be expired and none will be renewed. determined, he explained. the alternative plan will propose an annual Iran at the southern edge of the Caspian Sea province of Yazd experienced the highest temperature variation, All exploitation projects will be banned He went on to add that finally, through action plan for each watershed, he added. and it contains very rich ecosystems due to the being warmer by 2.5°C compared to the long term average. with the exception of broken branches, fallen the second phase, a comprehensive action The forest must be managed in a way that particular orographic and climatic situation Meanwhile, province of Khorasan Razavi experienced 2.4°C or damaged trees which can be only author- plan is prepared. preserves its natural shape and ensures eco- (precipitation rich, warm-temperate, high temperature rise which set the record high for the highest tem- ized by the Forests, Range, and Watershed In the sustainable management of Hyr- system stability, he stated. moisture from the Caspian Sea and damming perature variation after Yazd province, he explained. Management Organization. canian Forest plan, all the capacities of the Referring to logging according to the new effect of the Alborz Mountain range). Pointing out that some provinces across the country experi- Under the plan, wood logging will re-con- natural resources and the watershed are plan, he said that the purpose of the plan According to UNSESO, the forest contains enced the highest temperature drop compared to their long-term tinue but only in the reforested areas; not on used, not merely logging, he said, adding, in not producing wood, but it is to improve the most important and significant natural mean, he noted that provinces of Golestan, Gilan, Alborz and those natural ones, Fakhari noted. the previous plan managed all the northern forest health; so that logging is allowed if the habitats for in-situ conservation of biological Mazandaran, experiencing a temperature drop of 0.9°C, 0.3°C, The plan will go into effect by the next forests using a common approach, but the region’s ecosystem can bear wood harvest; diversity, including those containing threat- 0.1°C and 0.1°C, respectively, were among those with lowest two years, he further highlighted. new plan is in accordance with the ecological, while only in reforested areas. ened species of outstanding universal value temperature variation. It consists of two phases, first is basic economic and social potential of each region Broken branches, fallen or damaged trees from the point of view of science or conser- Ziaeian said that during last month, the coolest weather in scientific studies which investigates the eco- of the northern forests. due to increasing wildfire risk are also included vation. It also contains superlative natural Tehran was recorded in Firouzkooh county, amounting to 7.5°C, logical, social and economic potential of the Unfortunately, in the past, there was a in exploitation, Fakhari noted. phenomena or areas of exceptional natural however, while the warmest city was Varamin with a tempera- natural resource, and then land use changes multi-management system that could some- Pointing to the forests infected with pests beauty and aesthetic importance. ture of 43.9°C. Iran short of rain by 1.6 mm last month Elsewhere in his remarks Ziaeian noted that in the second Berlin zoo celebrates rare birth of River Thames home to 138 baby seals, latest month of summer, Iran has received 1.8 millimeters (mm) of panda twins count finds rainfall while the long-term averages are 3.4 mm; However, last year during the same period, 1.4 mm of precipitation reported Berlin zoo has said its resident panda Meng It has been a highway, a sewer and was nationwide. Meng has delivered twins, the first time declared biologically dead in the 1950s Mazandaran, Gilan and Golestan provinces with 22 mm, 18 one of the endangered animals has given but the River Thames is now a nursery mm and 10 mm, respectively, ranked the first three provinces in birth in the country. for 138 baby seals, according to the first terms of highest precipitation las month, he said. “Meng Meng became a mom – twice! comprehensive seal pup count. Noshahr city in Mazandaran province also hit the record high We are so happy, we are speechless,” the Scientists from the Zoological Society of precipitation over the past 24 hours; as the city received 86 zoo tweeted on Monday, posting a video of London analysed photographs taken mm of rain in a day, he added. of Meng Meng guiding one of her pink from light aircraft to identify and count Moreover, Tehran rainfall over the last month hit 0.6 mm, cubs to feed. harbour seal pups, which rest on sand- which was reported 1.7 mm in the previous year and 4.2 mm in Pandas are notoriously difficult to breed, banks and creeks in the Thames down- the long run. Therefore, it demonstrates that the capital is short making such births rare. The zoo pays $15m in a 15-year contract stream from London during the summer, Anna Cucknell of ZSL said: “The restored of rain compared to the same period last year, as well as the long The panda delivered its first cub on to host them, with most of the money go- shortly after they are born. ‘Mother Thames’ – as we call her – is an term average, he concluded. Saturday evening. About an hour later, a ing towards a conservation and breeding “We were thrilled to count 138 pups born essential nursery habitat. Harbour seal pups second baby was born. research programme in China. in a single season, said the conservation can swim within hours of birth, which means “Meng Meng and her two cubs coped well The cubs born in Berlin must be re- biologist Thea Cox. “The seals would not they are well adapted to grow up in tidal WORDS IN THE NEWS with the birth and are all in good health,” turned to China within four years after be able to pup here at all without a reliable estuaries, like the Thames. By the time the the zoo’s director, Andreas Knieriem, said. they have been weaned. food source, so this demonstrates that the tide comes in they can swim away on it. Grey At birth the pink cubs, with their fine China has previously given three pandas Thames ecosystem is thriving and shows seals, on the other hand, take longer to be Macedonian Rebels Surrender white down and disproportionately long to Germany but the last one, Bao Bao, just how far we have come since the river comfortable in the water, so breed elsewhere Weapons tails, bear little resemblance to the adult died in Berlin in 2012 at the age of 34, was declared biologically dead in the 1950s.” and come to the Thames later to feed.” black and white bears. having become one of the oldest male The Thames is home to both grey seals ZSL has conducted Thames seal popu- (August 29, 2001) Their sexes have not yet been determined, pandas in the world. and harbour seals, although only the latter lation estimates annually since 2013. The The Secretary-General of NATO arrives in Macedonia to observe the zoo said. They weighed 136g and 186g. About 1,864 pandas remain in the wild breed there. The seals can feed on more most recent results, from 2017, recorded progress in NATO’s operation to collect weapons from ethnic On loan from China, Meng Meng and in China, up from around 1,000 in the late than 120 species of fish in the Thames, 1,104 harbour seals and 2,406 grey seals Albanian rebels. This report from Jackie Rowland. the male panda Jiao Qing arrived in Berlin 1970s, according to the environmental including salmon, two species of shark, across the estuary. Ethnic Albanian fighters lined up tohand in their weapons on in June 2017 to great fanfare. group WWF. short-snouted seahorses and the European The surveys show that seal numbers the second day of NATO’s operation. British, French and Dutch In what is known as “panda diploma- Just over 400 pandas live in zoos eel, which is critically endangered. Other are rising but it is not yet known if this is soldiers had set up a temporary collection center in a private cy”, China has dispatched its national around the world, in conservation pro- marine mammals spotted in the Thames due to resident seals having pups or adults house behind rebel lines in the north-west of the country. Most treasure to about a dozen countries as a jects set up with Beijing. include porpoises, dolphins and “Benny” moving in from other areas. of the weapons surrendered were assault rifles, but there were symbol of close relations. (Source: The Guardian) the beluga whale. (Source: The Gurdian) also a few heavier weapons. NATO officials said the operation went smoothly, but they didn’t expect to match the yield of the first day when they received more than four hundred guns, mortars and landmines. The ENGLISH IN USE Macedonians are following the process closely. Many of them suspect the rebels are holding back a lot of guns including their LEARN NEWS TRANSLATION best equipment. The NATO Secretary-General, Lord Robertson, flies to Macedonia on Wednesday to observe day three of the operation. He’ll be lobbying Macedonian political leaders to make sure they stand 97% of Iran affected by long-term 97 درصد مساحت ایران تحت تاثیر خشکسالی است by their side of the bargain. The Macedonian parliament has promised to give greater rights to the Albanian community drought: expert once the rebels have surrendered their arms. But with ongoing صــادق ضیائیــان رئیــس مرکــز ملــی خشکســالی و مدیریــت بحــران arguments about the size of the rebel arsenal, constitutional Based on the dada collected over the past decade approximately ســازمان هواشناســی اعــام کــرد: بررســی دادههای ۱۰ ســاله خشکســالی ,reform cannot be taken for granted. 97 percent of the country is affected by long-term drought Words director of the national drought warning and monitoring بیانگــر آن اســت کــه ۹۷ درصــد مســاحت ایــران تحــت تأثیر خشکســالی hand in: give (to someone in authority), surrender behind rebel lines: inside territory held by the rebels. Rebels center, Sadeq Ziaeian, has said. بلندمــدت اســت. are people who are fighting against their own country’s army in Some 12.7 percent of the country is hit by extremely severe ضیائیــان در گف توگــو بــا ایســنا گفــت: از ایــن مقــدار ۵۳.۶ درصــد order to change the political system drought, 53.6 percent of the country is affected by severe drought assault rifles:a rifle used for fighting, not for sport مســاحت کشــور بــا خشکســالی شــدید، ۱۲.۷ درصــد بــا خشکســالی match the yield of the first day:equal the number [of weap- while 24.8 percent of the country is facing moderate drought ons] surrendered on the first day and 5.9 percent of the country is withstanding mild drought, بســیار شــدید، ۲۴.۸ درصــد مســاحت بــا خشکســالی متوســط و mortars: short cannons which fire missiles high into the air ISNA news agency quoted Ziaeian as saying on Wednesday. ۵.۹ درصــد مســاحت بــا خشکســالی خفیــف مواجــه هســتند. and for short distances landmine: an explosive mine laid on or just under the surface He went on to say that extremely severe long-term drought وی ادامــه داد: ۲ درصــد جمعیــت ایــران بــا خشکســالی بســیار شــدید of the ground has had negative effects on 14.2 percent of the country’s total lobbying: trying to persuade population, severe long-term drought has hit 47 percent of the بلندمــدت اســت همچنیــن ۴۷ درصــد جمعیــت کشــور بــا خشکســالی stand by their side of the bargain: keep to what they have agreed. If you stand by an earlier agreement, you do not change it country’s population, 30.7 percent of the country’s population شــدید، ۳۰.۷ درصــد جمعیــت بــا خشکســالی متوســط و ۵.۱ درصــد arms: weapons is affected by moderate long-term drought and 5.1 percent جمعیــت بــا خشکســالی خفیــف دســت و پنجــه نــرم می کننــد. .arsenal: a store of weapons, all the weapons or military equip- of the population is stricken with mild drought ment which a group has constitutional reform: the means by which changes are made to the way that the UK is governed, it can include devolution, reform to the House of Lords and etc. PREFIX/SUFFIX PHRASAL VERB IDIOM cannot be taken for granted: if you take something for granted, you assume that it is certain to happen, without questioning it “fore-” Hack somebody off Bring something/nothing (Source: BBC) Meaning: before, front Meaning: to annoy someone to the table For example: Can dreams foretell the future? For example: His attitude really hacks me off! Explanation: if you participate in negotiations and Without bring nothing to the table, you have nothing of interest to offer the other side earth no For example: “We’ll never reach an agreement if we birth! don’t all bring something to the table.” I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 WORLD IN FOCUS 13 Syrian MP Discloses Erdogan’s Abundant Johnson will throw No Deal Brexit rebels out of the Compromises on Idlib in Russia Visit Conservative Party within 48 hours TEHRAN (FNA) — A senior Syrian leg- implement its promises, the Russian and islator said that Turkish President Recep Syrian armies will resume their military 1 Downing Street cancelled Sunday’s showdown talks Tayyip Erdogan has in his recent visit to operations towards the towns of Ma’arat with rebels after former Justice Secretary David Gauke said Russia made big compromises over Idlib. al-No’eman and Saraqib on Hama-Idlib he would vote for the rebel bill to delay Brexit this week even Safwan al-Qorbi, the representative of international road. if it meant losing the Tory whip. Idlib province in the Syrian parliament, told The Syrian Army on Saturday agreed to His hardline stance was blamed for the PM’s decision to the Arabic-language al-Watan newspaper ceasefire in the demilitarized zone of Idlib cancel the meeting. on Monday that Erdogan is in a bottleneck after making massive advances in the South- Mr Gauke said: “Sometimes there is a point where politically on the situation of Idlib province. ern part of the province. you have to judge between your own personal interests He underlined Russia’s role in harnessing The Arabic-language SANA news agency and the national interest and the national interest has Turkey’s uncontrollable performance in Idlib, quoted a battlefield source as saying that the to come first.” and said the Turkish convoys were attacked Syrian Army has declared implementation In another sign of the Government’s hardball approach, in the countryside of Idlib and the residents of truce in the demilitarized zone while reit- Michael Gove refused to rule out the Government breaking of these regions blame the terrorist groups erating that it will respond to any violation the law to force through a No Deal Brexit on October 31. and Ankara for their dire conditions. of ceasefire by the terrorists. The key Cabinet Minister in charge of No Deal planning left Al-Qorbi referred to Erdogan’s recent visit After taking full control of al- open the prospect of Mr Johnson ignoring fresh legislation to Moscow, and said, “Certainly, the Turkish Tamane’ah strategic town, the Syrian requiring him to seek another Brexit extension. president has made big compromises and it Army continued its advances in Southern Asked if the PM would obey such a law, Mr Gove told the was a hasty meeting to decrease the fire of Idlib and regained control of the towns of Andrew Marr Show on Sunday: “Let’s see what the legisla- the Syrian army attacks. They thought that al-Khovein al-Kabir, al-Sakiat, Eastern tion says.” taking back certain regions in Idlib needs and Western Farms of al-Tamane’ah, Tal His comments sparked fresh outrage from Remainers, one month in practice but the Syrian army group in Northern Syria to return to the They said that the ceasefire declared by Turki, Tal Sayyed Jafar and strategic with Labour’s Brexit chief Sir Keir Starmer blasting: “For liberated it within days.” earlier-agreed Sochi agreement. the Syrian army on Saturday was also in Sayyed Ali Hilltop just one kilometer to ministers not to confirm that this Government will accept and Hence, Turkey came to develop the panic al-Watan newspaper quoted sources line with the agreement, adding that one of the North of al-Tamane’ah that overlooks comply with legislation lawfully passed is breathtaking. The that if it doesn’t make major compromises, close to the National Liberation Front and the conditions demanded by Syria was its al-Azizieh-Tahtaya Road. Prime Minister must make a statement on this straightaway. Idlib would soon be captured altogether by Tahrir al-Sham as saying that Erdogan has army’s control over a vast area of Hama-Idlib The battlefield sources also report- No Government is above the law.” the Syrian army, he added. in a recent meeting with his Russian coun- international road. ed that the Syrian Army troops killed Boris Johnson made the decision to effectively sack Tory MPs Relevant reports said on Sunday that terpart Vladimir Putin vowed to dissolve The sources underlined possible oppo- at least 37 Tahrir al-Sham al-Hay’at, who rebel this week over Sunday lunch with Tory whips at his Ankara had promised Moscow to dissolve Tahrir al-Sham and other affiliated terrorist sition of Tahrir al-Sham to Turkey’s agree- Haras al-Din and Turkistani terrorists Chequers country estate. Tahrir al-Sham al-Hay’at (the Levant Liber- groups, including Horras al-Din and Ansar ment with Russia, saying that based on the and destroyed several of their military They plotted the hardball tactics as they munched on spiced ation Board or the Al-Nusra Front) terrorist al-Touhid, within 8 days. agreement, in case of Ankara’s inability to vehicles and equipment. lamb served with potatoes and vegetables and a plum tart and custard dessert. On Sunday night a senior source from the Whips’ Office said: “There is a chance of a deal on October 17 only because Red Cross Says over 100 Killed in Saudi Strike on Yemen Prison Brussels realises the Prime Minister is totally committed to leaving on October 31. All MPs face a simple choice on TEHRAN (Tasnim) – More than 100 people are believed Footage obtained by AFP showed heavy damage to the Tuesday: to vote with the Government and preserve the to have been killed in an airstrike by Saudi warplanes on a building and several bodies lying in the rubble, as bulldozers chance of a deal or vote with Corbyn and destroy any chance detention center in Yemen, according to the International worked to clear away huge piles of debris. of a deal.” Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). The Saudi-led coalition claimed in a statement on Meanwhile The Sun can reveal that Philip Hammond is trying Following the strikes by Saudi-led jets, the ICRC rushed Sunday that its aerial assaults on Dhamar had target- to rush through the process of being re-selected as a Tory MP to the scene in the city of Dhamar with medical teams and ed a military site belonging to the Houthi Ansarullah before he gets kicked out for rebelling against a No Deal Brexit. hundreds of body bags. movement. All Tories must get formally re-nominated by their local party “The location that was hit has been visited by ICRC Saudi Arabia and its allies launched the war on Yemen association in a process the MP alone can trigger. before,” said Franz Rauchenstein, the committee’s head in March 2015 in an attempt to reinstall the Riyadh-allied Mr Hammond is sending his application in early because he of delegation for Yemen. former regime and crush the Houthi Ansarullah movement wants to get on the front foot amid attempts by local members “It’s a college building that has been empty and has -- objectives that have failed to materialize due to Yemenis’ to de-select him. been used as a detention facility for a while. What is most stiff resistance. He is expected to write to his association chiefs this week to disturbing is that (the attack was) on a prison. To hit such a Since the war began, there have been tens of thousands of ask to be re-nominated. building is shocking and saddening – prisoners are protect- civilian casualties. Millions of Yemenis now subsist beneath If they refuse, then it goes down to a vote of all local Tory ed by international law,” he said, The Guardian reported. the poverty line and hundreds of thousands of children are members. Rauchenstein said more than 100 people were estimated suffering and dying from malnutrition. Mr Hammond confirmed to The Sun that he was beginning to be dead and at least 40 survivors were being treated for ICRC teams collecting bodies were “working relentlessly The Western-backed military aggression, coupled with a the reselection process. their injuries in hospitals in the city, south of the capital, to find survivors under the rubble”, he said, but cautioned naval blockade, has also destroyed Yemen’s infrastructure He said: “Yes I will be doing that.” Sana’a. that the chances of finding any were very slim. and led to a massive humanitarian crisis. Russia voices regret over ‘Hezbollah weakened Netanyahu’s position’ U.S. cruise missile test in 1 be elected in the upcoming elections. The Hezbollah declared and delivered on southern Lebanon. It means that the Zion- violation of INF treaty Do you think Hezbollah’s attack will Hezbollah attacks weakened Netanyahu its threat. Hezbollah killed and wounded ists were reluctant to kill civilians in order affect the popularity of Netanyahu before in Israel. a number of Israeli troops in its recent at- to prevent Hezbollah from responding, as TEHRAN (MNA) – The recent test-firing of a ground-based the Israel parliamentary elections? What is the impact of Seyyed Hassan tack, but Netanyahu failed to respond for well as escalating clashes. cruise missile by the United States is “regrettable”, said Russian Hezbollah’s response certainly under- Nasrallah’s threats and statements on the a second time. Netanyahu announced at a news con- Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Tuesday. mines Netanyahu’s position in the upcoming Zionist regime? Can the recent clash between the Leb- ference the end of the military operation election because he could not protect his The attacks of Resistance killed and anese Resistance forces and the Zionists despite the readiness of his army. So all troops. Netanyahu intended to show him- wounded the Zionists, and Netanyahu cannot result in a major war? the issues show that the confrontation is self strong enough to protect Israel against ignore the reality. The results of Netanyahu’s This confrontation will not result in a limited and will not result in a longer and Syria and Lebanon by carrying out aggres- attacks on Lebanon and Syria were not in wider war in the region because Israel avoided wider battle between Lebanon and Israel sion against Beirut and therefore, he must his favor. targeting residential areas when it bombed in the region.

Thousands of Iraqi Izadis Still in ISIL’s Captivity in Syria

TEHRAN (FNA) — A sum of 3,000 Izadis are still in custody Izadi Kurds. of the ISIL terrorists in Syria, an Iraqi parliamentarian said. The region was recaptured in November 2015, during an The representative of Izadi in the Iraqi parliament told operation by Kurdish Peshmerga forces and Izadis fighters. the Arabic-language al-Ma’aloumeh news website that the The Office of Kidnapped Affairs in the Northern Iraqi terrorists still have 3,000 abducted Izadi people in their city of Dohuk said last year that around 3,500 Izadi Kurds captivity. were still being held captive by Daesh, adding that a large He underlined that all the abducted Iraqi Izadi people proportion of the abductees were women and children. He also added that the launch of the missile by the U.S. a day are still held by the ISIL (also known as ISIS or DAESH) The Endowments and Religious Affairs Ministry of earlier showed that America had long been planning to abandon in Syria. Kurdistan Regional Government announced last August a bilateral nuclear treaty with Russia, according to Press TV. The Izadi people of Iraq became target of crimes of ISIL that Daesh’s genocide against Izadis had forced nearly The U.S. Defense Department announced on Monday that it terrorists in 2014. 360,000 members of the minority to flee their home- had tested a cruise missile for the first time since Washington Back in August 2014, Daesh terrorists overran the town towns, and another 90,000 to leave Iraq and take refuge scrapped the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) of Sinjar, killing, raping, and enslaving large numbers of in other countries. earlier this year. The missile blasted from a launcher on San Nicolas Island, a Navy test site off the coast of Los Angeles, California, and sped above the Pacific Ocean for more than 500 kilometers before striking its designated target, the Pentagon said in a statement. Al-Jolani Collaborating with Washington to Prevent Dissolution of Tahrir Al-Sham “Data collected and lessons learned from this test will inform TEHRAN (FNA) — Ringleader of Tahrir was declared and after the Russian-Turkish The Syrian Army on Saturday agreed to the Department of Defense’s development of future intermedi- al-Sham al-Hay’at (the Levant Liberation meeting in Moscow is aimed at making in- ceasefire in the demilitarized zone of Idlib ate-range capabilities,” it added. Board or the Al-Nusra Front) Abu Mohammed effective Ankara’s efforts under the Sochi after making massive advances in the South- The test marks a new period for the American military fol- al-Jolani has collaborated with Washington agreement. ern part of the province. lowing the August 2 demise of the INF agreement, which had in the recent air raids on affiliated terrorist Relevant reports said on Sunday that The Arabic-language SANA news agency been signed in December 1987 by the then-U.S. President Ronald groups in Idlib with the aim of defeating Ankara had promised Moscow to dissolve quoted a battlefield source as saying that the Reagan and Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev, eliminating Turkey’s efforts to dissolve Tahrir al-Sham Tahrir al-Sham al-Hay’at terrorist group in Syrian Army has declared implementation an entire class of nuclear-capable missiles. in Northern Syria. Northern Syria to return to the earlier-agreed of truce in the demilitarized zone while reit- The pact forced the rival superpowers to scrap more than The Arabic-language al-Watan newspaper Sochi agreement. erating that it will respond to any violation 2,600 land-based missiles considered destabilizing to Europe quoted sources affiliated to Tahrir al-Sham al-Watan newspaper quoted sources close of ceasefire by the terrorists. due to their capability to launch a nuclear strike from anywhere as saying on Monday that the recent US to the National Liberation Front and Tahrir After taking full control of al-Tamane’ah without early warning. airstrikes against the terrorists’ command al-Sham as saying that Turkish President strategic town, the Syrian Army continued It was not clear how the U.S. would proceed to employ the centers between the towns of Kafraya and Recep Tayyip Erdogan has in a recent meeting its advances in Southern Idlib and regained new weapon. Ma’arat Misrin in Northern Idlib were carried with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin control of the towns of al-Khovein al-Kabir, However, U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper has indicated out through the intel provided by al-Jolani vowed to dissolve Tahrir al-Sham and other al-Sakiat, Eastern and Western Farms of that the chance for a deployment now exists in Asia as a deterrent. to the US. affiliated terrorist groups, including Horras al-Tamane’ah, Tal Turki, Tal Sayyed Jafar “The Department of Defense will fully pursue the develop- They added that he has given the Amer- al-Din and Ansar al-Touhid, within 8 days. and strategic Sayyed Ali Hilltop just one ment of these ground-launched conventional missiles.” Asked by icans a list of the bases and weapons and They said that the ceasefire declared by kilometer to the North of al-Tamane’ah that reporters when such missiles would be deployed in Asia, Esper equipment caches of Tahrir al-Sham and the Syrian army on Saturday was also in ment with Russia, saying that based on the overlooks al-Azizieh-Tahtaya Road. said he preferred them to be installed in “months.” other affiliated groups, including Ansar line with the agreement, adding that one of agreement, in case of Ankara’s inability to The battlefield sources also report- Back on August 6, Russian President Putin had said that Moscow al-Touhid and Horras al-Din which had the conditions demanded by Syria was its implement its promises, the Russian and ed that the Syrian Army troops killed would be forced to start developing short and intermediate-range under Turkey’s pressure declared their army’s control over a vast area of Hama-Idlib Syrian armies will resume their military at least 37 Tahrir al-Sham al-Hay’at, land-based nuclear missiles if the U.S. started doing so after the defection from Tahrir al-Sham. international road. operations towards the towns of Ma’arat Haras al-Din and Turkistani terrorists termination of an arms control treaty by the U.S.. The sources said that Washington’s mil- The sources underlined possible oppo- al-No’eman and Saraqib on Hama-Idlib and destroyed several of their military He had also warned that Washington’s endeavors to dismantle itary intervention in Idlib after the ceasefire sition of Tahrir al-Sham to Turkey’s agree- international road. vehicles and equipment. the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty can result in an unrestrained arms race. I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y 14 WORLD SPORTS SEPTEMBER 3, 2019

Messi, Ronaldo, Van Dijk in Djokovic says ‘life goes on’ as FIFA The Best final 3

Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has been shortlisted for the 2019 FIFA Men’s The Best award, alongside Juventus forward Cristiano injury wrecks US Open defense Ronaldo and Barcelona’s Lionel Messi. The trio were also nominated for the UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award, with Van Dijk coming out on top. Top-ranked defending champion Novak “Now it’s a matter of keeping my body Two members of the United States’ World Cup-winning side have Djokovic said “life goes on” after a shoulder and mind in shape and trying to still peak been shortlisted for the FIFA Women’s The Best award in Megan Rapi- injury forced him to quit Sunday’s clash with at these kind of events that are majors and noe and Alex Morgan, with England’s Lucy Bronze also in contention. Stan Wawrinka in the last 16 of the US Open. that are the most significant in our sport.” Wawrinka, the 23rd seed and 2016 It marked just the second time in the past champion, led Djokovic 6-4, 7-5, 2-1 when decade Djokovic had pulled out of a Grand the Serb quit with a nagging left shoulder Slam match, having last retired during a 2017 problem that had troubled him since the Wimbledon quarter-final against Tomas start of the tournament. Berdych with an elbow injury. “The pain was constant for weeks now. That setback prompted him to shut it down Some days higher, some days with less for the remainder of the season and led to intensity and obviously taking different questions about his future. His spectacular stuff to kill the pain instantly,” Djokovic said. return to form 12 months later silenced those “Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn’t. concerns, and he is hopeful of a swift recovery. You just know when you know, I guess, when “This season is not yet over,” he said, you feel like you’re not able to hit the shot reflecting on a year in which he added another USWNT manager Jill Ellis is up against England’s Phil Neville anymore.” Australian Open and Wimbledon title to his and Netherlands’ Sarina Wiegman for the Women’s coach award. Djokovic refused to expand on the nature of collection. The Men’s coach award is dominated by the Premier League with his injury, which had caused him considerable “Obviously Grand Slam season is done Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola, Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp and Tot- pain during a second-round win over Juan for me. I mean, I won two Slams out of four tenham’s Mauricio Pochettino making the final three. Ignacio Londero. Wawrinka but soon threw in the towel, the ‘Long road ahead’ and played semis in French. I had a really Liverpool’s Alisson, Manchester City’s Ederson and Barcelona’s “I retired and I told you it’s left shoulder. sixth time he has retired at a Grand Slam But Djokovic, winner of four of the past five good Grand Slam season. I cannot complain, Marc-Andre ter Stegen have been nominated for the Men’s Best I have nothing more to talk about,” he said. tournament. Slam events and 16 overall, remained bullish not at all. Goalkeeper award, with Sweden’s Hedvig Lindahl, Chile’s Christi- “I don’t want to talk about my injuries. “It is frustrating. Very frustrating. about his chances of eventually catching and “There is plenty of big tournaments ahead. ane Endler and Netherlands’ Sari van Veenendaal in contention for I said that in the past. I’m sticking to that.” Obviously not the first, not the last player surpassing long-time rival Roger Federer, Rankings-wise, plenty of points to defend the Women’s award. Djokovic had claimed he felt “almost to get injured and to withdraw from one of who holds the men’s record of 20 major titles. for me and try to withhold that ranking of Messi was also on the shortlist for FIFA’s Puskas award for the best pain-free” following a straight-sets defeat the biggest events in sport,” he said. “But “It’s no secret that I have of course desire number one. goal of 2019 alongside Daniel Zsori and Juanfer Quintero. of Denis Kudla in round three, but the obviously I just came off the court, so of and a goal to reach the most Slams and reach “I just hope I’ll get a chance to be competing, FIFA’s The Best award has been around since 2016 and is a renova- problem resurfaced against Wawrinka in course it hurts. Roger’s record,” Djokovic said. because once I’m healthy I actually like my tion of the FIFA World Player of the Year honour, which had merged the first meeting between the pair since the “Obviously I’m in the midst of unfortunate “But at the same time, it’s a long road ahead chances playing in Asia. And also indoor season, with the Ballon d’Or from 2010 to 2015. final here three years ago. situation, and I have to, you know, suffer hopefully for me I hope I can play for many I play historically pretty well in those last Ronaldo claimed the first two Men’s The Best awards in 2016 and The world number one received treatment the consequences of that. And as I said, I’m more years. I’m planning to. I don’t see an couple months of the year.” 2017, but his former Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric is the holder before the start of the third set against not the first nor the last one. Life goes on.” end behind the corner at all. (Source: AFP) after he helped Los Blancos win a third successive Champions League and he later reached the World Cup final with Croatia. Van Dijk helped Liverpool win the Champions League in 2019, while Ronaldo and Messi won the league titles in Italy and Spain Rear gunner Vettel helps team mate Racist abuse mars Lukaku’s winning respectively. Leclerc to victory penalty for Inter Messi, who was twice a runner-up to Ronaldo for this award, won the European Golden Shoe with 36 goals in La Liga last season. (Source: Soccernet) Mike Bryan fined $10,000 for gun gesture at US Open

American doubles player Mike Bryan was fined $10,000 by the US Open on Sunday for his using racquet his to make a shooting gesture at a line judge. Bryan, playing alongside twin brother Bob, held his racquet upside down and pointed it towards the official after successfully challenging an incorrect call. Chair umpire Mariana Alves issued a code violation against Mike Bryan for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Bryan brothers, winners of 16 Grand Slam doubles titles as a team, went on to win the second-round match 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 against Roberto Carballes Baena of Spain and Argentina’s Federico Delbonis. It is the highest fine received by a male player so far at this year’s tournament. “I apologize for any offense I may have caused. We won the point Four-times Formula One champion and second in Formula One, Leclerc has Inter Milan’s Belgium international like that and it’s not nice.” and the gesture was meant to be playful,” Bryan said in a statement Sebastian Vettel found himself in the increasingly had the measure of Vettel, who Romelu Lukaku was subjected to racist Lautaro Martinez had opened the scor- cited by the New York Times. unfamiliar position of playing rear gunner has looked a shadow of the driver that won abuse as he scored a second-half penalty to ing just before the half-hour only for the “But given the recent news and political climate I understand how to young Ferrari team mate Charles Leclerc four titles on the trot between 2010-13. earn his new side a 2-1 victory at Cagliari hosts to level through Joao Pedro soon my gesture could be viewed as insensitive. I promise that I will never in Sunday’s Belgian Grand Prix. Aside from taking Ferrari’s first win of in Serie A on Sunday. after the break. do anything like this again.” The German, who started second the year, Leclerc has three pole positions The former Manchester United striker Inter lead Serie A after two rounds on Seven people were killed in Texas on Saturday in the latest of several alongside Leclerc, struggled from the outset to Vettel’s one and has qualified ahead of appeared to be the target of monkey chants six points along with Torino and cham- mass shootings to occur in the United States this year. to extract the race-leading speed the 21-year- the German for the last six races. from the home crowd at the Sardegna pions Juventus, while Cagliari have yet (Source: AFP) old, who went on to win ahead of Lewis After his win on Sunday, he lies just 12 Arena as he prepared to take the decisive to pick up a point. Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas, was pulling points behind the 32-year-old in the overall spot kick. The Milan club had got their season off out of his Ferrari. standings. Former Juventus forward Moise Kean to the perfect start with a 4-0 home win International break leaves Hoping to end a victory drought stretching Used to being a team’s undisputed was also on the receiving end of racist over promoted Lecce, but they struggled Zidane with just 12 players to last year’s Belgian race, any chances Vettel number one, Vettel, leading after the pitstops abuse by Cagliari fans at the same stadium to find the same swagger against a Cagli- had vanished after Mercedes tricked Ferrari at one stage, was even asked to make way last season. ari side featuring former Inter midfielder Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane is facing a conundrum ahead of into pitting him early. for Leclerc. The 26-year-old Lukaku sent goal- Radja Nainggolan. his side’s next LaLiga Santander match at home to Levante, due to “For the team, yes, I’m happy,” said Vettel, “It is never an easy call, I have to say,” keeper Robin Olsen the wrong way with “It was a different game to the win multiple players being busy on international duty and others facing who finished fourth after making a second said Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto, 20 minutes remaining to mark his second against Lecce, as I had warned everyone injury. pitstop in the closing stages of the race. explaining the decision. goal in as many games for his new club this would be tough,” Conte added. Los Blancos will host Paco Lopez’s team in two weeks’ time, where “For myself I’m not happy. “I think there were not many choices before turning to glare at the home fans “Coming to Cagliari is never a walk they are tasked with returning to winning ways after their 2-2 draw “From the first stop onwards, it was clear today. responsible for the taunts. in the park. Let it be known, I am very against Villarreal. we wouldn’t be in the fight. “We had to anticipate Seb’s pit to protect “I think that in Italy we must improve demanding and there is a lot we need to As he prepares for that match, Zidane is missing 14 players and “So all I could do by then is serve the team.” himself from the Mercedes otherwise a lot and be more educated and respectful do in order to improve, but I also say we their focus will now be switched from club to country. His hopes of victory dashed, Vettel Hamilton would have stopped and would towards those doing their job,” Inter coach are glad to have won in a difficult arena.” Just 12 players will remain with Zidane, although five of them switched to a supporting role to help his team have undercut. Antonio Conte told a news conference. Martinez headed the visitors in front are injured. mate clinch Ferrari’s first win of the season. “So they were on different strategies and “In other countries you support the after 27 minutes but his celebrations were That means only Alvaro Odriozola, Nacho, Marcelo, Ferland Mendy, Left out on fading tyres, Vettel had just early on we thought we were losing time team, you don’t insult the opposition like cut short by a raised offside flag, although Karim Benzema, Mariano and Lucas Vazquez will be reporting to enough to hold Hamilton up and allow Leclerc and that would not be the best thing for this. There must be the maximum respect. the goal was awarded after a lengthy Video Valdebebas over the next week. to win by less than a second. the team on that occasion.” “Today I was treated well and wasn’t Assistant Referee (VAR) review. (Source: Marca) In only his first season with Ferrari (Source: Mirror) insulted, other times it hasn’t happened (Source: Reuters) ‘Is it worth it?’ Ricciardo reflected after Hubert death Wawrinka returns to top form two years after knee surgery Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka is finally phere. That’s why you play. I understand the enjoyment of Daniel Ricciardo says he considered pulling out of the Belgian Grand feeling great again two years after knee surgery, and that’s that, not only in positive but also in negative. You always Prix after the death on Saturday of Formula 2 racer Anthoine Hubert. about to become a major headache for his US Open rivals. look for something, and that’s going to be interesting.” It was the first death at a Grand Prix weekend since Ayrton Senna and The 34-year-old Swiss advanced to the US Open quarter- A great atmosphere’ Roland Ratzenberger were killed at the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix. finals on Sunday when world number one and defending Medvedev won his only match against Wawrinka in the 2017 Jules Bianchi died in July 2015 from injuries he sustained at the champion Novak Djokovic retired with a left shoulder injury first round at Wimbledon, just before Wawrinka’s surgery. 2014 Japanese Grand Prix. trailing Wawrinka 6-4, 7-5, 2-1. Last month, Medvedev won at Cincinnati and was runner- Australian Ricciardo, who was a friend of Bianchi and raced on “I was feeling good on the court,” Wawrinka said. “I up at Montreal and Washington in the biggest US Open that day at Suzuka, admitted he had to ask himself if he really wanted was playing well. The more the match was going, better I tune-up events. to compete given what was going through his head. was playing, I was hitting really hard the ball. I was feeling “He has been playing amazing tennis, making final af- “You question, is it really worth it?” said the Renault driver after great on the court. ter final, winning Cincinnati,” Wawrinka said. “It’s going finishing 14th on Sunday. “I’m super happy with the level. For sure it’s very special to be interesting match to play against him. I’m looking “At the end of the day, it is a simple question but a pretty honest to play the number one player in the world. Sorry he had forward for it. It’s going to be, for sure, a great level. I’m one as well. to retire to finish the game like that. the first few rounds, but if I get the win, if I can pass those excited to play.” “It’s our job and it’s our profession and it’s our life, but also it’s “But for me, most important is the way I’m playing, the matches, I know my confidence gets better. Wawrinka’s potential semi-final foe is compatriot still just racing cars around in circles.” way I’m moving. Tonight I think was really high level.” “I’m happy with the way I’m playing so far and hope- Roger Federer, a 20-time Grand Slam winner who owns He added that the sight of Hubert’s family at the minute’s silence It’s the same level Wawrinka showed in beating Djokovic fully I can keep going.” a 23-3 career record over Wawrinka with seven wins in a held at the circuit on Sunday morning had given him strength. in the 2016 US Open final and 2015 French Open final. He Wawrinka reached a Tuesday matchup against Russian row since Wawrinka’s last win in the 2015 French Open “I could not imagine being in their position, I felt they were a lot also won the 2014 Australian Open over Rafael Nadal for fifth seed Daniil Medvedev, who made an obscene gesture quarter-finals. stronger than any of us.” his first Grand Slam crown. in his third-round match to get the crowd booing him and But for now, Wawrinka is enjoying the US Open spotlight. Belgian authorities opened a manslaughter inquiry on Monday Wawrinka underwent 2017 knee surgery and has spent reveled in the jeers again in his fourth-round win. “All I can think is about the atmosphere, about to be into the circumstances around Hubert’s fatal accident as the sport’s two years recovering that form. “I saw a lot of drama happening this year at the US back in the night session,” Wawrinka said. “Here it’s always ruling body said improved safety standards and research into better “I have been practicing now since many months,” Waw- Open, but it’s a lot of fun also to watch for everybody,” something special, always a great atmosphere, and I was protection for drivers would never stop. rinka said. “I know how I feel in Grand Slam. I know how Wawrinka said. really happy to be back.” (Source: France 24) I get to my best level. Sometimes I struggle a little bit in “I understand how you can get (energy) from any atmos- (Source: Eurosport) I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 SPORTS 15

Iran lose to Tunisia at 2019 Iran’s Hassan Taftian takes bronze at Bellinzona

SPORTS TEHRAN — Iranian athlete Hassan Taf- FIBA World Cup desktian claimed a bronze medal at the men’s SPORTS TEHRAN — Iran failed to recover from 100m at the Galà dei Castelli in Bellinzona, Switzerland, deskdisappointing opening loss against Puerto on Sunday. Rico at the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019 and lost to Reigning world champion Justin Gatlin won the event Tunisia 79-67 in their second match on Monday. dipping under the 10 seconds barrier with 9.97 on the Team Melli see their qualification chances getting brand new track, edging out last year’s Bellinzona winner trimmed since they are facing Spain in the last match of Michael Rodgers, who finished second with 10.00. the round in Group C. Taftian claimed a bronze medal, clocking 10.16. Tunisia will meet Puerto Rico in the match that will Gala dei Castelli has drawn top athletes from Switzer- determine which team will advance. land and the rest of the world to Bellinzona every summer Former Real Madrid player Salah Mejri led the winners since 2011. with a huge double-double of 22 points and 15 rebounds. Aaron Geramipoor scored 18 with 8 boards for Iran, Haddadi finished with 13 on 5-of-12 shooting at the Guang- zhou Gymnasium. Iran taekwondo win title The tournament takes place in China and features 32 at World Martial Arts teams from around the globe. After playing the other three teams in the group, the Masterships top two teams from each group will advance to the second round of the group phase. Teams will play two games each MNA — Iranian taekwondo team won the team kyorugi in the second group-phase round, and the top two teams event competition of 2019 Martial Arts Masterships in from the four groups will advance to an eight-team, sin- South Korea. gle-elimination tournament. In the final bout, the Iranian team overpowered Russia The 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup is the 18th tourna- 26-14 to obtain the title and also to secure 2020 Tokyo ment of the FIBA Basketball World Cup for men›s national Olympics quota where team kyorugi will be held as a test basketball teams. event. The tournament will also act as qualification for the In the group stage, Iran defeated South Korea 28-11 and 2020 Summer Olympics, which will take the top two teams Chinese Taipei 23-16 to advance to the next round. The from each of the Americas and Europe, and the top team team gained a 16-13 victory over Morocco in the semifinal. from each of Africa, Asia and Oceania, alongside the tour- Chinese Taipei and Morocco claimed bronze medals nament›s host China. of this category. The Iranian team comprised of Amir Mohammad Bakhshi, Erfan Nazemi, Kimia Hemmati and Kimia Alizadeh. The international martial arts competition kicked off in Chungju of North Chungcheong Province, about 150 Iran Olympic president Salehi Amiri asks kilometers southeast of Seoul, on Friday for an eight-day run, bringing together about 4,000 martial arts masters Saeid Mollaei to return to his home and officials from 100 countries worldwide, according to Yonhap News Agency. SPORTS TEHRAN — Iranian Olympic Commit- pic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and said IJF Competitions is taking place in a total of 20 non-Western desktee president Reza Salehi Amiri says that President Marius Vizer has threatened Mollaei from re- martial arts, including taekwondo, wushu, judo, kendo, Saeid Mollaei can go back to Iran without any problems. turning to Iran. muay thai, jujitsu and kickboxing. Dubbed the Martial The International Judo Federation (IJF) said late Sunday “Vizer tries to convince Mollaei to compete under a ref- Arts Olympics, the South Korean government-approved that the Iranian judo athlete was ordered to withdraw from ugee flag at Tokyo 2020. Without a doubt, the IJF head has event is also sponsored by the Global Association of In- last week’s competition by Iranian deputy sports minister attempted to persuade Mollaei to request asylum in Germany ternational Sports Federation (GAISF). Mohammadreza Davarzani. and that’s why our jodoka failed to show his good perfor- The Chungju masterships is the second competition The IJF said Mollaei was then called by Salehi Amiri to mance in the world championship,” Salehi Amiri writes. held in the central South Korean province, after the first throw the match to avoid Israeli representative. “Saeid Mollaei can go back to Iran without any problems competition was hosted by Cheongju, the capital of the Salehi Amiri has written a letter to International Olym- and we welcome him with open arms,” he adds. province, about 140 km south of Seoul, in August 2016.

Opening win will set us up nicely, says Uzbekistan’s Cuper Iranian students win Asian Uzbekistan coach Hector Cuper is hoping “It’s always very important to start with a good result.” “There is no team to be underestimated Futsal C’ships his side can kick off their FIFA World Cup three points, because a favorable result Uzbekistan face Palestine in Group in our group,” he said. “In theory, Saudi Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China will lay the foundation for the next victo- D, which also features five-time FIFA Arabia may seem to be the main contender 2023 Asian Qualifiers campaign with a ries,” the Argentinian told the-AFC.com. World Cup qualifiers Saudi Arabia as to win the group as they were in the first MNA — Iranian students’ national futsal team won the win over Palestine on Thursday to set the “Talking about Palestine, I should state well as Singapore and Yemen, who meet pot during the draw, but now they need Asian Schools Championship in Thailand on Sunday. tone for the Central Asian side’s challenge. that they are a really tough and aggres- in their opening game in Singapore on to prove it on the pitch also. East Azarbaijan student futsal team who attended Asian Uzbekistan have established themselves sive opponent who will be trying to take Thursday. “Therefore, we need to treat all our Schools Championship in Thailand as representative of Iran among the upper echelon of Asian football advantage of playing in front of their fans. And while Cuper acknowledges the opponents very seriously and to show our became champions by defeating the student team of Thailand. but have yet to represent the Continent on “Moreover, playing on an artificial pitch Saudis will go into the second round of best to qualify for the next round of the The Iranian squad defeated Thailand and Indonesia the game’s greatest stage and Cuper – who is always unpleasant for players who are qualifying as favorites to claim pole po- Qualifiers. In my opinion, all the teams in the group stage of the tournament and reached the led Egypt to the FIFA World Cup in Russia not accustomed to playing on this kind sition in the group, he believes it is up to in our group have an equal chance to go semi-final. in 2018 – is determined to make a strong of surface conditions. But we are going Herve Renard’s side to prove themselves to the next phase.” They also defeated China in semi-final and beat Thailand start to their challenge later this week. to do everything possible in order to get on the pitch. (Source: the-afc) 5-2 in their last encounter on Sunday morning and won the Asian Schools Championship. The 2019 Asian Schools Championship started on August Head coaches set for battle of wills 26 and wrapped up on September 1, 2019. From wily veterans to willing novices, the men charged with leading the 40 nations seeking to advance to the next Esteghlal club knew phase of qualifying for the the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup China 2023 will be putting the about my travel to Italy: finishing touches to the preparations as the countdown to kick off the second round of the Asian Qualifiers ticks Stramaccioni ever louder. The range in know-how between those taking part is PLDC — Esteghlal Coach Andrea Stramaccioni says the vast, and no one brings more experience to the campaign Iranian club were well informed about his travel to Italy. than Marcello Lippi, the man who led Italy to their fourth Stramaccioni was going to fly back home during the world title in 2006 and who is charged with ending China Persian Gulf Pro League break for international duty but PR’s lengthy FIFA World Cup drought. Iranian police held him and his three Italian staff mem- Lippi, of course, has been here before. The 71-year- bers at the airport, claiming their three-month tourist old was appointed China coach in November 2016, two visas had expired. games into the final phase of qualifying for Russia 2018 This was a surprise to Stramaccioni and his men, who and immediately sparked an upturn in the team’s fortunes have been working for Esteghlal since mid-June. before narrowly missing out on qualification. Esteghlal club announced that their Italian coach didn’t The former Juventus head coach will be looking to build want to leave Iran but Stramaccioni denied the club’s claim. on that showing as he leads his team through Group A, “After Foolad match, I went to the airport with my as- which also features a Syria side led by the experienced Fajr sistants to spend a couple of days in Italy with our fam- Ibrahim, Philippines who will be led by Goran Milojevic and ilies after about two months of intense work. The club Scott Cooper, the Maldives with Germany’s Petar Segrt at the side led by Nizam Pakeer Ali in Group H. Kong and Keisuke Honda’s learning curve as Cambodia was perfectly informed of this, having also organized the helm and a Guam team coached by Australian Karl Dodd. Korea Republic will be seeking a 10th consecutive ap- coach – alongside Felix Dalmas – will no doubt continue transfer to the airport. Unfortunately, for bureaucratic At the other end of the spectrum from Lippi is Afghan- pearance in the FIFA World Cup, having enjoyed a fairy- to fascinate as the former Japan international increasingly and administrative reasons it was not possible to leave the istan’s Anoush Dastgir. At just 29 years of age, he is the tale run to the semi-finals of the 2002 edition which they shifts his focus to life on the sidelines. country,” the Italian coach said in an interview with ANSA. youngest coach to be working in the Asian Qualifiers, co-hosted with Japan. Graham Arnold remains in charge for former AFC Stramaccioni’s job has been considered at risk after having replaced the well-travelled Otto Pfister midway Herve Renard , who tasted success with Zambia and Asian Cup champions Australia after their quarter-final just one point from the opening two games. through last year. Ivory Coast when he won the 2012 and 2015 African Cup exit at the 2019 Continental championship and he will be Dastgir faces a major challenge in an evenly matched of Nations, shifts his attention to Asia having taken the looking to outwit Vital Borkelmans, who steered Jordan Group E, where his team meet Felix Sanchez’s AFC Asian reins in Saudi Arabia and where he will lock horns with to victory over the Socceroos in the group phase in the Cup champions Qatar as well as an India side under new Uzbekistan’s Hector Cuper. UAE in January. Reza Ghoochannejhad head coach Igor Stimac, Erwin Koeman’s Oman and a The pair last faced off in the quarter-finals of the 2017 Belgian Borkelmans recently extended his contract with Bangladesh side coached by Englishman Jamie Day. African Cup of Nations in Gabon, when Cuper’s Egypt the Jordanians and he will be keen to ensure he builds reaches agreement with In the space between the extremes of Lippi and Dastgir handed Renard’s Morocco a 1-0 defeat to advance to the on the fine work done earlier this year in Group B, where lies an abundance of coaching talent. last four. The Frenchman will no doubt be looking to avenge Australia and Jordan also meet a Kuwait side coached PEC Zwolle Bert van Marwijk returns for another qualifying cam- that loss when their new teams meet in November and by Romeo Jozak, Louis Lancaster’s Chinese Taipei and paign, almost a decade after leading his native Netherlands June next year. Nepal, now led by Sweden’s Johan Kalin. TASNIM — Iran forward Reza Ghoochannejhad has to the final of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Saudi Arabia and Uzbekistan have been drawn in Group And finally, Hajime Moriyasu will attempt to extend reached an agreement with Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle, He takes charge of the United Arab Emirates as they D and will also play Palestine, Yemen and Singapore. Japan’s run of consecutive FIFA World Cup qualifications De Stentor reported. seek to book a ticket for their first Finals since 1990 and Marc Wilmots, meanwhile, has been asked to fill Carlos to seven as he leads the Samurai Blue into Group F while Gucci will return to the Netherlands after fourteen months. take on Park Hang-seo’s Vietnam, a Thai side led by Akira Queiroz’s enormous shoes as head coach of Islamic Re- also juggling the demands of coaching the country’s team The 31-year-old Iranian switched from SC Heerenveen Nishino, who took Japan to the Round of 16 in Russia last public of Iran, with the Belgian charged with maintaining at next year’s Tokyo Olympic Games. to APOEL Nicosia in the summer of 2018. year, as well as Simon McMenemy’s Indonesia and Tan a run that saw the country qualify for each of the last two He will butt heads with Aleksander Krestinin, the talent- He then left the team to join Sydney FC on loan in the Cheng Hoe’s Malaysia. FIFA World Cup Finals. ed Russian coach who impressed with Kyrgyz Republic at second half of the A-League season. Paulo Bento will be sizing up a return to the FIFA World The Iranians will be favourites to progress from Group the AFC Asian Cup UAE 2019, a Turkmenistan side led by Gucci played 10 matches for the Australian team but Cup, too, having led his native Portugal in Brazil in 2014 and C, with Iraq as potential challengers while Bahrain have Usmon Toshev as well as German veteran Michael Weiss scored just one goal. he will feel well equipped as head coach of a talented Korea undergone a coaching change following the departure of in Mongolia and ex-Lebanon coach Miodrag Radulovic, Ghoochannejhad started his football career at SC Republic side that takes on Liviu Ciobotariu’s Lebanon, Miroslav Soukup, who has been replaced by Helio Sousa. the current coach of Myanmar. Heerenveen in 2005 and has also played at Belgian teams DPR Korea, Ante Mise’s Turkmenistan and a Sri Lanka Mixu Paatelainen will seek to shake things up with Hong (Source: the-afc) Sint-Truiden and Standard Liège. Prayer Times Noon:13:04 Evening: 19:48 Dawn: 5:11 (tomorrow) Sunrise: 6:38 (tomorrow) SEPTEMBER 3, 2019 ART&CULTURE I N T E R N A T I O N A L D A I L Y www.tehrantimes.com Managing Director: Ali Asgari Editor-in-Chief: Mohammad Ghaderi Editorial Dept.: Fax: (+98 21) 88808214 — 88808895 Bangladeshi troupe performs [email protected] Switchboard Operator: Tel: (+98 21) 43051000 Advertisements Dept.: Telefax: (+98 21) 43051450 Public Relations Office: Tel: (+98 21) 88805807 Subscription & Distribution Dept.: Tel: (+98 21) 43051603 plays on Sadi in Dhaka www.eshterak.ir Distributor: Padideh Novin Co. Tel: 88911433 ARTTEHRAN — The Webmaster: [email protected] deskBangladeshi theater Printed at: Jame Jam Bartar Borna - 44197737 troupe Chandrakala has performed its new production “Sheikh Sadi”, a play Tehrantimes79 Tehrantimesdaily about the life story of Persian poet Sheikh Muslih od-Din Sadi Shirazi, at the National No. 18, Bimeh Alley, Nejatollahi St., Tehran, Iran Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala P.o. Box: 14155-4843 Zip Code: 1599814713 Academy in Dhaka. Bangladeshi Minister of Cultural Affairs, K. M. Khalid, Iran’s acting cultural attaché, Mohammad-Mehdi Hosseini, and a number of cultural officials of the country attended the opening performance of the play held on last Thursday, Iran’s Islamic Culture and Relations Organization announced on Monday. “Although Sadi is an international character, we are proud that his words and GUIDE TO ideas are deeply ingrained in Bangladeshi SPIRITUAL AWAKENING society and his stories and poems are discussed in educational and religious centers,” Hosseini The eye is the sentinel of the body, it looks said before the performance. ahead to prevent falling back. “The troupe has held numerous rehearsals and sessions to give performances that Sadi Imam Ali (AS) deserves,” he added. He pointed to the use of Sadi’s original poems by Bangladeshi people during their religious rituals and said, “This attitude shows the Bangladeshi people’s profound “Monster” comes to Iranian understanding of Sadi as a true mystic.” bookstores He also expressed his hope that “Sheikh Sadi” will be highly regarded by theatergoers CULTURE TEHRAN— American writer Walter Dean during its performances in Bangladesh. deskMyers’ novel “Monster” has recently been On his part, Khalid also said that he feels proud that his country is organizing published in Persian by Peydayesh Publications in Tehran. H. R. Anik plays the role of Persian poet Sheikh Muslih od-Din Sadi Shirazi in “Sheikh Sadi” the National Theatre Hall a performance on Sadi and added that the Translated by Sheida Ranjbar, the 1999 young adult’s novel in Dhaka, Bangladesh on August 29, 2019. is about 16-year-old Steve Harmon, who has been charged with Persian poet has never been a stranger in the murder of a drugstore owner in Harlem. his country as Bangladeshi people have troupe’s great efforts to prepare the play for H. R. Anik is the director of the play is the set designer of the group. To occupy his mind while always regarded his poems and stories in performance. written by Apurba Kumar Kundu. Anik also One of the greatest figures of classical he is in prison waiting for the their daily life. He also announced his plan to stage the plays the role of Sadi. Hamidur Rahman Persian literature, Sadi is famous worldwide trial, Steve starts writing his Chandrakala president Mamunur play in India and several other countries Pappu has collaborated in the production for his Bustan (The Orchard) and Gulistan life story and experiences in a Rashid also gave a speech elaborating his in the future. as a composer while Fazle Rabbi Sukarna (The Rose Garden). screenplay form. If Steve is found guilty, the judge might pronounce a sen- Iran selects nominees for Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award tence of anywhere from twenty ARTTEHRAN — Iran has announced its The Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award amounts to SEK years in prison to death. His at- desknominees for the 2020 Astrid Lindgren 5 million (about €570,000), making it the world’s largest torney, Kathy O’Brien, believes Memorial Award, a prestigious Swedish honor to promote award for children’s and young adults’ literature. that Steve is innocent, but also children’s and youths’ literature in the world. The award was established in 2002 by the Swedish National believes that he must portray The nominees are celebrated writer Mohammadreza Council for Cultural Affairs to commemorate writer Astrid himself as such and not give the Shams and children’s literature expert and reading promoter Lindgren and to promote children’s and youths’ literature jury any reason to believe he was Mehdi Hajvani. from around the world. involved in the crime. Because The nominees have been selected by the Iranian Association The list of the candidates will be presented at the Frankfurt Steve is African-American, there of Writers for Children and Youth. Book Fair in October 2019. Front cover of the Persian ver- is a fear that race may be a fac- The decision was announced in a meeting held at the The Iranian literati Jamshid Khanian, Ali-Asghar sion of American writer Walter tor in how the jury responds to association by deputy director Mahmud Barabadi on Monday. Seyyedabadi, Farhad Hassanzadeh and Hushang Moradi Dean Myers’ novel “Monster”. the case. Shams is the writer of the acclaimed books “Wedding” Kermani were Iran’s nominees for the 2019 Astrid Lindgren Meanwhile, the prosecutor, Sandra Petrocelli, begins calling and “Lazy Hero”. Also among his credits are “A Basket of Memorial Award. her witnesses, one by one, in an attempt to show that Steve Apple”, “Dream and the Boy”, “Legend of Sly Fox” and “Fox Iran’s nominations for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial is guilty of murder. and Rooster”. Award are selected every year by the Institute for Intellectual “Monster” was nominated for the National Book Award Hajvani is a writer and researcher. He is most famous for Development of Children and Young Adults, the Iranian for Young People’s Literature. It won the Michael L. Printz his reviews of children’s books. He is also the author of the Association of Writers for Children and Youth, and the Award in 2000 and was named a Coretta Scott King Award This combination photo shows Iranian writers Mehdi children’s books “Mr. Ahmad” and “Late King, New King”. Children’s Book Council of Iran. Honoree the same year. Hajvani (L) and Mohammadreza Shams. American filmmaker Anthony Mandler made a screen adaptation of the book in 2018, starring Jennifer Hudson, Kelvin Harrison Jr. and Jennifer Ehle. Iran to hold 4th Arbaeen Pilgrimage Intl. Theater Festival ARTTEHRAN — Iran’s Art conference in Tehran. embark on a journey to the Iraqi city of deskBureau announced on The plays will be staged in Persian, Karbala to observe the holy day of Arbaeen Exhibition of posters on Monday it will organize the 4th edition Arabic, Urdu, English and Turkish for at the holy shrines of Imam Hussein (AS), of the Arbaeen Pilgrimage International the pilgrims in different Iranian and the third Imam of the Shia, and his brother, Ashura opens in Art Bureau Theater Festival during the large gathering Iraqi cities. Hazrat Abbas (AS). of Shia Muslims in Iraq. The festival will open in Iran with Arbaeen, which will be observed on 1 “The artists have made better and much varied works Several theater troupes from various onstage and street performances and October 19 this year, marks the end of during the previous editions,” he added. countries will perform during the festival, tazieh (Iranian passion play), and it will the 40-day mourning period following Fatemeh Hakimi, Ahmad Dindar, Pedram Farrokhnia, Reza Kurosh Zarei, the director of the bureau’s come to an end in Karbala on October 16. the martyrdom of the Imam and his loyal An Iranian troupe performs tazieh in an Shabani, Simin Honarvar, Abbas Sadi, Mehdi Tamizi and Farhud Center for Dramatic Arts said in a press Hundreds of thousands of Iranians companions on Ashura. undated photo. Moqaddam are among the artists whose works will be placed on exhibit until September 21 at the Abolfazl Aali Gallery of the bureau located on Somayyaeh St., off Hafez Ave. Joaquin Phoenix discusses preparing for role in “Joker” VENICE, Italy (AP) — Joaquin Phoenix is having a “We were discovering new aspects about his hard time defining the Joker, but then again, he doesn’t personality up to the very last day,” Phoenix said. Actress Valerie Harper of really want to. Sometimes the discoveries resulted in debates about The actor spent eight months exploring how a struggling whether or not to go back and reshoot. “Mary Tyler Moore Show” stand-up comedian named Arthur Fleck becomes Batman’s On the long road to making “Joker” happen, that was dies at 80 antagonist, the villain with a chilling laugh and a love of par for the course. Phillips said in developing the script chaos. Preparing for the role involved losing quite a bit he and co-writer Scott Silver pushed each other every day of weight, studying personality disorders and practicing to “come up with something totally insane.” LOS ANGELES (Reuters) — Actress Valerie Harper, who the laugh over and over again. The movie itself is a massive departure from the current won four Emmy awards playing budding feminist Rhoda ?(It’s) very difficult to distill into a soundbite,” Phoenix mode of DC Comics films from Warner Bros, like “Wonder Morgenstern on the classic 1970s TV series “The Mary Tyler said Saturday in advance of the world premiere of “Joker” at Woman” and “Justice League.” It’s not bound by the Moore Show” and her own spinoff sitcom, died on Friday at the Venice International Film Festival. The film is competing comics or informed by past portrayals (“This joker’s goal the age of 80. for the Golden Lion award at the prestigious festival before was not to watch the world burn,” Phillips said) but strives Harper died on Friday morning, her daughter Cristina Cacciotti launching in theaters on Oct. 4. to be something entirely new. said, declining to give further details. Harper’s husband, Tony The extreme weight loss — reportedly over 50 “It was a hard movie for us to get made and to convince Cacciotti, said in July that doctors advised that the actress, pounds — led to a kind of madness that helped him DC and the studio,” Phillips said. “And in fairness the who was suffering from brain cancer, be placed in hospice care. Actor Joaquin Phoenix, left, greets director Todd Phillips get ready for the role, as did a book breaking down the at the photo call for the film “Joker” at the 76th edition studio took a bold swing with the movie and let us do Harper had revealed to People magazine in March 2013 personality types of political assassins. But Phoenix exactly what we wanted...there really were no rules she had leptomeningeal carcinomatosis - cancer cells in the of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy, Saturday, wanted to create a criminal psychopath who wasn’t Aug. 31, 2019. (AP/Joel C Ryan) and boundaries for it.” membrane of her brain. easy to categorize. Phillips describes it as a character study in the vein She made a surprising comeback after the 2013 diagnosis, “I didn’t want a psychologist to be able to identify went on for an uncomfortable amount of time. of the 1970s movies he grew up with, such as Martin which had given her only months to live. Just seven months what kind of person he was,” he said. ”(I) wanted there The character constantly evolved, even into the Scorcese’s “Taxi Driver” and “The King of Comedy.” later she competed on the “Dancing With the Stars” program to remain a mystery about the character.” shoot. Composer Hildur Guðnadóttir’s haunting score Set in the late 1970s and early 1980s, with New York and in 2015 made an appearance on the sitcom “2 Broke Girls.” And he was so nervous about getting the laugh right — which she began writing off the script — became a playing Gotham City, his R-rated “Joker” is bounded by Harper, who also was diagnosed with lung cancer in that he asked writer-director Todd Phillips to come to key motivator during the process. Phillips often played gritty realism. It’s led to some early concerns about the 2009, stayed busy campaigning for cancer research and his place so he could “audition” a few, which apparently snippets on set to help set the tone. violence that audiences can expect from the film. taking occasional acting and voice-over jobs as recently as earlier this year. Harper was still relatively inexperienced as an actress in 1970 when she was cast on “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” - one Panama Papers revisited in Soderbergh’s star-studded “The Laundromat” of the most honored U.S. television shows of the 1970s - as VENICE, Italy (Reuters) — A holiday trag- Film Festival on Sunday, seeks to explain Speaking directly to viewers, Oldman and as well as corruption via China, the United Rhoda Morgenstern, the best friend and neighbor of Moore’s edy sends Oscar winner Meryl Streep on a the debacle via lessons from characters’ Banderas portray lawyers Jurgen Mossack States, Mexico and the Caribbean. Mary Richards character in Minneapolis. puzzling probe of ambiguous financial dealings personal stories. and Ramon Fonseca who try to give their “We’re living in a moment where the Rhoda was a Bronx-born career girl who was constantly trying in Steven Soderbergh’s “The Laundromat”, a The so-called Panama Papers, consisting side of the story. news cycle is racing and we are racing to to lose weight, find a boyfriend and dodge her meddling Jewish drama based on the massive leak of offshore of millions of leaked documents from the In a similar manner to “The Big Short” keep up with current events and this is an mother. She had a brassy Bohemian streak, as exemplified by financial data known as the Panama Papers. Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca in about the 2007 financial crisis, the two quirkily entertaining, flash, funny way of telling a her trademark headscarves, and a grasp of emerging feminist With a cast also including Gary Oldman, April 2016, provoked a global scandal after explain the world of shell companies and very, very dark black hearted joke, a joke concepts but her self-deprecating wisecracks showed her Antonio Banderas and Sharon Stone, the revealing how the rich and powerful used offshore accounts to the audience, who are that’s being played on all of us,” Streep told vulnerabilities. Netflix film, which premiered at the Venice offshore corporations to evade taxes. also taken on a journey of illicit dealings a news conference.