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TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 / ZUL-HIJJAH 17, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17747 16 PAGES 150 FILS ‘Resilience in the face of adversity’

CBK details challenges Opinion he Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) held supporting and guaranteeing financing to in- Ta symposium launching the 9th Financial centivize the banking sector to lend, based on Stability Report for 2020 on Monday, 26 July which the Law No. 2 of 2021 on the Rescue To the Arab leaders ... He who constantly 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the CBK headquar- of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) ters as well as through online channels. The Impacted by the Repercussions of Covid-19 planned event intended to address the major Crisis became issued on 18 April 2021. monitors people will worry himself to death economic developments at both domestic and To this end, and in line with its sense of so- international levels, and presented an over- cial responsibility, the CBK in collaboration view on the financial sector in the State of with a number of banks took several initia- By Ahmed Al-Jarallah Kuwait. tives, chief among them were the following: The event hosted prominent economists ■ Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times Return to work protocols for the banking as panelists and discussants from locally and sector in collaboration with an international THE Arab revolutionary regimes Bronze to shooter Al-Rashidi globally renowned institutions. consultant to ensure the safety of banks’ cus- lost their way and condemned Dr. Mohammad Y. Al-Hashel, Governor tomers and staff. themselves to failure after they of the Central Bank of Kuwait, inaugurated ■ KD 10 million fund placed at the disposal made it their priority to monitor the event stating that the Financial Stability of the Cabinet. and spy on their own people. They Report 2020 gave both a broad and focused plunged into a whirlpool of fear The Governor mentioned that these mea- and terror and drowned their peo- examination of financial stability in Kuwait sures build on decade-long efforts by the ple with it after they established in a year of unprecedented challenges. The CBK to reinforce both monetary stability intelligence networks with its ne- covid-19 pandemic prompted many countries and financial stability by adopting prudential farious methods. Spying became to introduce preventive measures including policies that enhance the dream of citizens. partial and full lockdowns leading to a halt the resilience of the It was narrated that a Libyan in economic activity, as constraints material- Kuwaiti banking man, during the reign of the late ized on both supply and demand leading to system, which al- Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, unprecedented impact on both lives and live- lowed it to enter the had a dream in which he was hit- lihoods. crisis from a posi- ting one of the colonels. When he Dr. Al-Hashel added that given the wide- woke up, he told his wife what he tion of strength. had seen in the dream, and she told spread and accelerated transmission, including Mariam R. Ab- her neighbor Umm Salem about it. multiple waves of the virus and consequent dulsalam, CBK On the same night, a security impact on the economy, the economic out- Deputy Manager of patrol team arrived and arrested look was clouded to an unprecedented de- the Financial Stabil- the man for a week. Following gree, exceeding levels seen during the Global Al-Hashel ity Office, gave an his release, he returned home with Financial Crisis. This in turn led to frequent overview on the de- wounds of severe beatings and revisions of GDP projections by international velopment of the banking sector’s financial some fractures. economic bodies, including the International position and key soundness indicators. She Within an hour of his return, the Monetary Fund. Such uncertainty made it dif- explained that the Financial Stability Report same patrol team came again, and ficult for the fiscal, monetary and economic analyses the Kuwaiti banks on a consolidated he said to them, “I repent. I won’t policymakers to make effective decisions and have such dreams again.” basis. She pointed out that, unlike the previ- The patrol officers then said, Bronze medalist Abdullah Al-Rashidi, of Kuwait, celebrates after the men’s skeet at the develop plans to mitigate the crisis-induced ous crises during which banks needed support “Don’t worry, we are only here Asaka Shooting Range in the 2020 Summer Olympics, July 26, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP) repercussions, economic deterioration, and and sometimes propagated the initial shocks, to ask you the identity of the two drastic job losses. banks played a vital role during the pandemic people who were holding the colo- Refl ected towards economic recovery. Thanks to the nel while you were hitting him in ‘Remarkable’ The contraction in global GDP was un- support by the prudential oversight over the your dream.” The man responded, last decade and the pre-emptive measures for “It was my wife and our neighbor Newswatch paralleled in scale and speed, estimated to be around 3.3%, five times worse than dur- liquidity and capital that increased the lend- Umm Salem!” TOKYO, July 26, (Agencies): ing limits, the banking sector was able to This story is a classic case of the Kuwait’s shooter Abdullah Turgi ing the Global Financial Crisis. These effects reality of the Arab revolutionary were also reflected through job loss, with the continue to fulfill its intermediation role and Al-Rashidi won a bronze medal extend credit to the various economic sectors republics. In Egypt, after the suc- with a score of 46 in the Olympic KUWAIT CITY: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf US unemployment rate dramatically surging cess of the Free Officers Move- Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah on Monday received a to 14.7%. during the crisis. Despite the pandemic-driv- men’s skeet shooting competi- Abdullah II Jordan ment coup against King Farouk, tion on Monday. phone call from King of , inquiring The Governor added that Kuwait faced a en contraction in nominal GDP, the banking intelligence was given wide pow- about His Highness’ health. sector maintained a positive trajectory with The US’ Vincent Hancock The Jordanian Monarch wished His Highness the Amir dual crisis, where it needed increased medical ers such as arresting and kidnap- took the gold with an Olympic and strategic spending to mitigate the lock- total assets up 2.9% YOY, reaching KD 85.4 ping Egyptians, and spying even lasting wellbeing and the State of Kuwait further progress record score of 59 and Den- and prosperity. down implications and support vulnerable billion. Deposits witnessed an increase of on ministers. mark’s Jesper Hansen won the His Highness the Amir and King Abdullah discussed 4.1%, even with the historically low discount It is worth mentioning that one sectors of the economy, while simultaneously silver with 55. during the contact the solid brotherly relations between grappling with an alltime high estimated bud- rate, to reach an all-time high of KD 61.1 bil- of the ministers of Awqaf (Endow- Some 30 competitors took part the two countries and peoples, means of boosting further lion, of which 78.1% were sourced locally. ment) during the era of Jamal Ab- in the over two days from Sun- these ties at various levels, issues of joint interest and get deficit of KD 10.8 billion for 2020/2021, dul Nasser, a graduate of Al-Azhar i.e., 29% of GDP, attributable to the plunge The increase reflects individuals’ confidence day at the Asaka Shooting range, latest developments on the regional and international in local banks. The banking sector, on a con- University, had a mistress named with the top six advancing to the arenas. in Kuwaiti crude oil prices. Weakness in oil Susu. Every night he talked to her finals. His Highness the Amir expressed deep gratitude markets was best demonstrated by WTI fu- solidated basis, achieved a net increase of on the phone, but the intelligence Al-Rashidi pulled a Kuwaiti flag to King Abdullah for the gracious gesture and “this ture contracts, which fell in April 2020 into KD 2.5 billion in the credit portfolio at 4.8%, recorded these calls and sent them from his pocket and draped it over brotherly communication that depicts the historic and negative territory for the first time in history. which is considered a good sign given the se- immediately to the president. his shoulders, a huge smile beam- solid relations between the two countries and peoples.” This highlights Kuwait’s heavy dependence vere crisis, lack of consumer confidence, and One day, the minister violated ing beneath his bristly mustache. (KUNA) overall material uncertainty. ❑ ❑ ❑ on oil revenues and the deep-rooted financial, Abdul Nasser’s instructions con- The 58-year-old seven-time economic and structural imbalances that need Provisions cerning a ministerial matter due Olympian wrapped the black, KUWAIT CITY: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf to which Abdul Nasser intended to be addressed immediately. Abdulsalam mentioned that the banking sec- red, green and white cloth around Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable of condo- The Governor also explained the CBK’s to dismiss him. When the minister his face, kissed the corner and lences on Monday to the Saudi King Salman bin Ab- tor’s Non-Performing Loans Ratio remained arrived at the palace, the president raised his arms before waving to dulaziz Al-Saud over the death of the mother of Prince role and proactive measures taken since healthy at 2%. As provisions were utilized asked him, “How is Susu?”. The the crowd. Musab bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud. March 2020 to counter the fallout of the co- for write-offs, and coupled with the slight in- minister replied, “Susu is well. I Olympic protocols forbid His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- vid-19 pandemic. Such measures included, crease in non-performing loans, the coverage would like to submit my resigna- athletes from displaying their Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime but were not limited to, cutting the discount ratio declined, yet remained sturdy at 222%. tion, President ... goodbye.” country’s flag before the medal Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah rate to a historic low of 1.5% and releasing In Yemen, following the coup sent similar cables. (KUNA) Moreover, banks remain flush with liquidity as presentation. the capital conservation buffers. This led to reflected by the Net Stable Funding Ratio and against Imam Hamid Al-Din, Al-Rashidi didn’t care. He ❑ ❑ ❑ a reduction in financing costs and induced all presidents followed the same Liquidity Coverage Ratio, at 115% and 184% was not recognized as a Kuwaiti KUWAIT CITY: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf banks to lend more by increasing their maxi- trait. Brothers spied on brothers, athlete at the Rio de Janeiro respectively (against the required minimum of and wives spied on husbands. The Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent on Monday cables mum lending limits, thus empowering them 100%), while the regulatory liquidity levels Olympics five years ago and of condolences to the UAE Supreme Council member charges were tailored according to he couldn’t wait to honor his to continue to fulfill their intermediation role reached 27.5% against the required minimum and Ruler of Umm Al-Quwain, Sheikh Saud Bin in tighter economic conditions. The excep- the mood of the particular official country after winning a second Rashid Al-Mualla, and Sheikh Rashid bin Saud bin of 18%. She concluded her statement by pro- or officer. This led to the spread straight skeet-shooting bronze. Rashid Al Mualla, the Crown Prince of Umm Al Qu- tional nature of this crisis emphasized the viding assurance that, unlike many countries of maliciousness, which hindered “I am happy too much to see wain, on the death of Sheikha Maryam bint Ali bin CBK’s role as the government’s financial that faced a liquidity crunch and required cen- any attempts to develop the coun- my Kuwaiti flag and second Rashid Al Mualla. advisor, which was showcased when CBK tral bank intervention, the CBK, being the lo- try because fear prevailed among Olympic medal,” Al-Rashidi said His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- spearheaded efforts in the domestic economic everyone. cal monetary authority, opted to absorb rather after Monday’s skeet final at the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime recovery, implementing a slew of relief mea- than to inject surplus liquidity as is customary Even the ministers were not pre- Tokyo Games. Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sures announced under the Council of Min- senting any development project Al-Rashidi was a big hit on the sent similar cables. (KUNA) in times of crises. isters Resolution No. 455, forming a Higher Haya B. Al-Humaidi, CBK Manager of the out of fear that it would not con- Rio skeet range five years ago, ❑ ❑ ❑ Steering Committee for Economic Stimulus form to the interests of the ruling waving his arms and pumping Financial Stability Office, said that despite party or the Revolutionary Com- KUWAIT CITY: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf chaired by the Governor of the Central Bank his fists to work up the mostly- Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber al-Sabah has cabled Her Excellen- the unprecedented operating challenges, e.g., mand Council. It therefore fell Brazilian crowd. Shooting in his of Kuwait. The mandate of said committee, partial and total lockdowns, curfews, halt in cy Mary Simon, Canada’s Governor General, express- included, among others, the implementation behind after being at the forefront first Olympic final, the three-time ing deep congratulations on installing her as the nation’s economic activity and slump in real estate of the developing countries before world champion who trains fal- governor general. of stimulus for the local economy in the re- sector, which impacted banking custom- the coups. cons in his off time thrived on the His Highness the Amir expressed good wishes to her port produced by the economic team com- ers and resulted in increased defaults, loan At that time, those regimes took sport’s biggest stage, riding the and her nation. prising various public and private entities, the worst techniques of espionage moratoriums and all-time low interest rates, fans’ energy to a bronze medal. His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- and was entrusted to provide its insights to banks still managed to register healthy net and torture, which were used by After winning the bronze in Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime address the coronavirus-induced economic the Russian intelligence during the Rio, Al-Rashidi raised his arms Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah income attributable to shareholders, at KD and social impacts. The Committee presented 455 million. In addition, banks collectively reign of Lenin and Stalin against in the air, dropped to his knees addressed cables of identical content to Canada’s Gover- proposals and measures, including: the opponents of the Bolsheviks and kissed the ground. He rose nor General. (KUNA) ■ maintained a higher capital adequacy ratio of rule. However, the world today has and threw his hat in the air as the ❑ ❑ ❑ Support of the national workforce in the 19% at year-end, and did not need to use their become a small village thanks to private sector by doubling the allowance ex- crowd chanted in Portuguese: KUWAIT CITY: The Kuwaiti Cabinet on Monday decid- capital conservation buffers. They were able advanced technologies. Therefore, “Ole, ole, ole, Mustache!” tended to the national labor registered under to continually operate and contribute to the ed to cancel the decision on the closure of all commercial the Third and Fifth Chapters for six months, freedom of opinion and expres- The only disappointment: He activities at 8:00 pm as of Tuesday, head of governmen- domestic economy. sion is no longer confined within was considered an independent i.e. 72,000 employees. tal communication center and spokesman for the Cabinet ■ Continued on Page 7 the walls of homes; it has become athlete, not a Kuwaiti. Tareq Al-Mezrem said. Drafting a set of labor and rent laws, and common to all. Kuwait’s national Olympic This came in a news videoconference of Al-Mezrem Hence, the methods of dealing committee was suspended by the after the weekly Cabinet meeting at Seif Palace led by with opponents have changed. As- IOC for government interference His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled sassination has become morally so Al-Rashidi and his compa- Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. Debt arrest ends unacceptable. Arrest and kidnap- triots at the Rio Games had to The Cabinet decided to open all activities, except ping are no longer present except compete as part of an indepen- for gatherings, conferences, wedding parties, social By Jaber Al-Hamoud in Iraq where the sectarian militias dent team. That meant no team occasions, and all children actions as of Sept 1, he Al-Seyassah Staff affiliated with Iran operate in the uniform — he wore the jersey of added. same manner as the Iranian intel- the English soccer club Arsenal All vaccinated people are allowed to enter varied ac- KUWAIT CITY, July 26: As the ligence, that is physical assassina- — no Kuwaiti flag nor national tivities, and those who are unvaccinated can enter phar- executive regulations of the Bank- tion and disappearance in prison anthem should anyone win gold. macies, cooperative societies, parallel markets, and food ruptcy Law, which was approved by basements resembling medieval Some of the shine taken off his and catering centers, as of Aug 1, he noted. the National Assembly about a year caves. first Olympic medal, Al-Rashidi In addition, the Cabinet decided to resume direct fl ights ago, come into effect, about 80,000 Hezbollah tried to work accord- stood on the podium with his to Morocco and the Republic of Maldives as of Aug 1, people breathed a sigh of relief. This ing to this method in Lebanon, he made clear. (KUNA) is because it has become obligatory head down during the ceremony. ❑ ❑ ❑ and carried out a series of assas- Though Al-Rashidi is no for the General Department for Sen- sinations between 2005 and 2020, stranger to success, his latest ac- BEIRUT: Lebanon’s newly appointed Prime Minister- tences Enforcement at the Ministry Continued on Page 7 complishment was his first “un- designate Najib Mikati on Monday urged unity to begin of Justice to refrain from issuing any der the national flag,” making it recovery from a devastating economic and fi nancial melt- decisions for the issuance of arrest Email: [email protected] even more “remarkable”, added down roiling the country. He said he will strive to form a warrants against the debtors. Follow me on: the official. new government but the situation is too dire to overcome This comes after the cancellation The Kuwaiti shooter has dedi- alone. of Article 292 of the Procedure Code cated the feat to the Kuwaiti Mikati spoke to reporters shortly after he was appointed on which the decisions of arrest, sum- leadership and people, wishing to the post by President Michel Aoun, after Saad Hariri mons and imprisonment of debtors earlier this month gave up his monthslong attempts to [email protected] his compatriot Olympic athletes were based, pending the failure to the best of luck ahead of their re- form a Cabinet. (AP) implement all civil judgments issued maining outings. against them. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 2

In one room after another there are masterpieces of the calligrapher’s art from all parts of the Muslim world. Strategically-placed benches provide a place to sit and ponder the technical excellence and divinely-inspired beauty. CalligraphyTAREK RAJAB MUSEUM Prayer Pride

Photos and story by Claudia Farkas Al Rashoud Special to the Arab Times

n 2007 Tareq Rajab established the Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic actually flourished under Mongol patronage.” ICalligraphy, the first museum of its kind in the entire Arab world. Ziad recalls that his son Khaled once asked his grandfather, if An expert on antique Quranic manuscripts, Rajab single-handedly col- he could only keep one of the artifacts in his collection, which one lected some of the world’s finest examples of calligraphy, including would it be. Without hesitation Tareq Rajab replied that he would works of unsurpassed beauty by some of the Ottoman sultans. He also choose a work by the fifteenth century Ottoman calligrapher Ahmet designed the stunning museum premises in Jabriya which now stand Al Karahisari, who served in the Imperial Court of Suleyman I. as testament to his extraordinary vision and expertise. “The artifact my father was referring to is only a small panel of Tareq Rajab and his wife, Jehan, founded their first museum, the calligraphy and we really don’t know why he had such a particular world-renowned Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Arts, in 1980, also fondness for that calligrapher,” Ziad muses. in Jabriya. Jehan passed away in 2015 and Tareq died a year later. The story of Islamic calligraphy not only covers a wide timeframe The couple made tremendous contributions towards documenting but also a vast geographic area extending from China to the Atlantic and preserving Kuwait’s history and traditions and left behind a rich Ocean. The Muslim culture in China is one of Ziad’s particular inter- legacy in the fields of art, archaeology, Islamic culture and heritage, ests and an area in which he has done a lot of research. He has visited and education. some of the oldest mosques in China, including China’s first mosque The job of curating the magnificent collections fell to the Rajab’s in Guangzhou that dates from the eight century AD. He explains that son, Dr Ziad Rajab, and daughter, Nur. Stepping in to continue their Left: Arabic calligraphy on this cobalt blue and light blue jar made in India in while Chinese mosques are laid out according to traditional Islamic father’s life work, they are in the process of labeling artifacts and the 19th century says, ‘Write down knowledge in books.’ Right: A large Kashan specifications, many reflect the local architectural style. will produce a catalogue of the calligraphy museum. It is a monu- lusterware jug from early 13th century Iran. Like the mosques, Islamic calligraphy produced in China also has mental task. a distinctive Chinese look. Although the calligraphy uses the Arabic Calligraphy is undoubtedly the greatest and most beloved form of art in the Muslim world. Born of faith script it can immediately be identified as Chinese in origin due to the use of the horsehair brush as opposed and devotion and practiced with infinite patience and amazing technical skill, it beautifies a wide range of to the reed pen. materials. These include paper, vellum, ceramics, metal, wood, fabrics, glass, stone, and gems. Many su- Paper came into the Islamic world from China via Central Asia in the eighth century AD and was an perb examples of all of these can be found in the museum. important development for the art of calligraphy. Prior to the invention of paper, animal hides known as With one breathtaking artifact after another, the museum tells the tale of the development of Islamic cal- vellum, or papyrus, had to be used for writing. Vellum actually continued to be widely used in producing ligraphy. The story begins with samples of very early Kufic pieces from the first century after Hijra (eighth Qurans for quite some time as it was considered more durable than paper and many early as well as later century AD) and continues with works by the most renowned calligraphers throughout the ages. examples can be seen in the museum. “There are a few contemporary pieces but the emphasis is on historical examples,” Ziad remarks. The focal point of the museum is a large, central open area where six-meter long curtains from the Holy “Among the very important works in the collection in terms of the historical development of the Arabic Kaaba in Makkah are hung. Ziad explains that these precious curtains, formerly part of the kiswa, or cover- script is a book by Yaqut al-Musta’simi, a very well-known calligrapher who was a slave in the court of ing of the Holy Kaaba, were made in Egypt and embroidered with real silver and gold thread. They date the Caliph al-Musta’sim, the last Abbasid caliph. The calligrapher was in Baghdad and was captured by from the nineteenth century and were commissioned by Ottoman sultans. Over the years the silver thread the Mongols when they sacked the city in 1258. He spent the rest of his life in their employ and his career Continued on Page 3

editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 3

Weather Expected weather for next 24 hrs: light to moderate north westerly Jahra 49 38 Prayer Timings By Day: Very hot and humid over wind with speeds of 08-38 km/h and Salmiyah 44 35 Fajr ...... 03:35 Asr ...... 15:30 coastal areas with light to moderate some scattered clouds will appear. Ahmadi 45 37 Sunrise .. 05:05 Maghrib .. 18:44 south easterly wind to light variable Station Max Exp Min Rec Wafra 48 34 Zohr ...... 11:54 Isha ...... 20:12 wind with speeds of 12-38 km/h. Kuwait City 48 37 Salmy 48 35 By Night: Hot to rather hot and Kuwait Airport 48 39 Jal Aliyah 49 34 humid with light variable wind to Abdaly 49 34 Managish - 33

VACCINE REGISTRATION WEBSITE: https://cov19vaccine.moh.gov.kw/SPCMS/CVD_19_Vaccine_Registration.aspx Prayer Pride

Continued from Page 2 has tarnished and become dark. Some were two reasons for this. The first small holes in one of the curtains was a desire to protect professional were made by pilgrims who ripped secrets: the cutting of the reed pen out pieces to take home as souvenirs. was an art in itself, almost unobtain- “The kiswa is changed annually able except from a master willing to and it used to be transported by cam- demonstrate the technique. The sec- el from Cairo to Makkah in a big cer- ond reason was that it was believed emonial procession,” says Ziad. that possessing a pen prepared by a “The museum has a large collection master calligrapher for his own use of embroidered fabrics from both in- was a way of connecting to, and ac- side and outside the Holy Kaaba, in- quiring some part of, the master’s cluding the three large curtains from creativity, knowledge, energy, and the outside door, the large belt that power.” goes around the Kaaba, and some cur- Dr Safwat stated that since the tains from inside the Kaaba, including Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) was the curtain that covers the Door of Re- instructed by God to “obtain knowl- pentance.” edge from the power of the pen,” the The latter is an exquisite curtain writing instrument is held in high embroidered with heavy gold and esteem in the Islamic culture. Hence silver threads on red velvet. It cov- the expression, “A well-cut pen in ered the door that leads to the flight the hand of a master calligrapher is of steps ascending to the roof of the mightier than the sword.” Calligra- Holy Kaaba. phy developed into an art form as a Hanging in the same gallery as the result of Muslims trying to beautify curtain of the Door of Repentance their writing in order to make it wor- is a large panel painted in gold on thy of recording the Holy Quran. a black background by Sultan Mah- In room after room there are mas- moud Khan. Sultan Mahmoud ruled terpieces of the calligrapher’s art the Ottoman Empire from 1808 to from all parts of the Muslim world, 1839 and was an accomplished cal- evidence of how all Muslim coun- ligrapher. In days gone by, Muslim tries contributed to the art form’s sultans, kings, and emperors were all development with different styles. proud to become calligraphers, as the From Indonesia there is a Holy Quran The Tareq Rajab Museum of Islamic Calligraphy in Jabriya is the fi rst museum of its kind in the entire Arab world. It houses a magnifi cent collection art form possessed the highest status. inscribed on dried palm leaves with of some of the world’s fi nest examples of calligraphy, including works of unsurpassed beauty by some of the Ottoman sultans. To become a qualified calligrapher a hot nail, dated 1843 AD. Strips of under the guidance of a master was palm leaves were arranged in narrow considered an honor. A lengthy peri- horizontal panels and sewn together New ‘tragedy’ in offing od of study with many hours of prac- so that the book measures about a tice a day was required, culminating meter and a quarter across when in extremely difficult examinations. open. Al-Mutla’a housing project postponed indefinitely In a treatise on calligraphy by Sul- From Iran there is a delicate glass tan Ali, the Ottoman ruler advised ewer, decorated with a series of birds KUWAIT CITY, July 26: “The Board of Directors of Al-Mutla’a city until the implementation of the nies submitting several inquiries that were not the calligraphy student, “You will and an inscription that translates as of the Central Agency for Public Tenders (CAPT) project; otherwise the tragedies of the people of Sa- answered.” abandon peace and sleep, even from “blessing to the owner.” It was made rejected the request of the Ministry of Public Works bah Al-Ahmad Residential area will recur with the It is worth mentioning that the South Al-Mutla’a your tender years.” in Khorasan in the late eleventh or to reopen the bidding process for companies for the residents of Al-Mutla’a city.” City Purifi cation Plant Project, which has an esti- Another example of Sultan Mah- early twelfth century AD. In the same South Al-Mutla’a purifi cation plant project. This The sources indicated CAPT’s tendency to pos- mated cost of KD 175 million, is considered one of moud’s work is a ten-meter long cal- room is a wooden box in the shape of means that the housing project in Al-Mutla’a is sibly cancel the project and ask the ministry to re- the major development projects related to services now postponed indefi nitely”, reports Al-Rai daily submit it, revealing that the rehabilitation process is and infrastructure. ligraphic panel made with gold and a yurt, the tent dwelling of Central quoting informed sources from the Ministry of expected to take more than a year. The plant’s capacity reaches 400,000 cubic me- silver thread, which is also from in- Asian nomads. Quranic inscriptions Public Works as saying. Stressing that the ministry intends to submit a ters of water per day. The project also includes the side the Holy Kaaba. The calligraphy were carved into it and it dates from They went on to say, “This decision taken by the letter to the agency asking it to reconsider the is- design and construction of a main electrical trans- gives the full name of the Sultan and the same time period as the ewer. agency’s board of directors during its last meeting sue of opening bids, the sources called for “inves- fer station to produce 16 megawatts, and the design his ancestors and also bears his sig- A very fine cotton material with has left the ministry with no choice but to cancel the tigating the procedures for offering qualifi cation and construction of a control and distribution sys- nature. Quranic verses woven into it was project and re-propose it again. This will result in and the reasons that previously called for closing tem for treated water which will include a treated On display nearby is a large cabi- made in India in 1698 AD. One has postponing the housing of the owners of the plots the bidding door, despite the competing compa- water control center. net specially made for the safe keep- to marvel that such a fragile fabric ing of copies of the Holy Quran. It’s that looks as light as air, could have decorated with beautifully carved survived from the late Moghul pe- Quranic verses and was made in Ye- riod in such pristine condition. MP requests PM to men in 1581 AD. Stretching across an entire wall is Arabic calligraphy is also evident an incredible piece of incised callig- on a collection of Umayyad gold raphy on paper, made in Syria during dinars. The Islamic caliphate had re- the early twentieth century. The cal- formed the coinage of the region by ligrapher first wrote verses from the cancel 60s decision replacing pictures with words, with Holy Quran in neat, tiny rows across inscriptions generally being quotes seven meters of paper and then pro- from the Holy Quran. The printed in- ceeded to cut them all out. The re- ‘PAM move random, illogical’ formation beside the coins states that sult is an awe-inspiring testimony the first Islamic gold coin, or dinar, to what can be accomplished with By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh On the other hand, the parliamentary was minted during the reign of the tremendous skill and patience and a Education, Culture and Guidance Affairs Umayyad Caliph Abd Al Malik bin very sharp knife. Arab Times Staff Committee will discuss the return to school Marwan towards the end of 696 AD. Many scholars agree that out of KUWAIT CITY, July 26: MP plan for year 2021/2022 on Tuesday. The collection of gold dinars on dis- all the various dynasties that pro- KUNA photo Adnan Abdulsamad has called on Committee Chairman MP Hamad Al- play ranges from 697 AD to 749 AD, duced outstanding calligraphers, Firemen tackle the blaze at Al-Naeem scrapyard. Matar disclosed that senior offi cials at the His Highness the Prime Minister ministries of Education and Higher Educa- when the Umayyads were succeeded some of the most gifted and in- Sheikh Sabah Al-Khalid to cancel by the Abbasids. spired were the Ottoman Turks. tion, Kuwait University and private univer- ‘First of its kind’ what he regards as random and il- sities will attend the meeting; as well as the In the next room is a collection The Ottomans developed a script logical decision issued by the Pub- representatives of several non-governmen- of amber and other semi-precious called diwani, which refers to the tal organizations (NGOs). stones inscribed with Islamic callig- word diwan as used to describe a lic Authority for Manpower (PAM) to obligate expatriates -- who are He affi rmed the committee is keen on raphy. The tools of the calligrapher’s state council or government office. Project on cards to reopening schools and universities in the trade are also on display: reed, metal, This very elaborate, decorative 60 years old and above -- to pay upcoming academic year, indicating the and jade pens, knives, small spatula script characterised by diagonal KD2,000 for the renewal of their health protocols should be strictly imple- for mixing pigments, pen cases, ink flourishes, was used primarily for hone skills of locals work permits. mented like arranging classes throughout pots, and scissors. A video narration official documents by the Otto- He pointed out this decision is aimed the week to limit the number of students in explains the calligraphic process as mans and later also in Arab coun- KUWAIT CITY, July 26: The Public Authority for Youth Affairs at covering the real reasons behind the each classroom and social distancing. He announced the launch of the “Preparation and Qualifi cation of Le- warned that closing schools for a long pe- well as the art of paper-making and tries. The museum contains a room gal Assistants” program as part of the “Job creators” project, which lopsided demographic structure issue, riod is more harmful than covid-19. its preparation for the writing pro- featuring government documents is included in the state’s development plan. The aim of the program warning this will increase the cost of Also, Al-Matar clarifi ed on his Twitter cess. and letters issued by various Otto- is to qualify Kuwaiti youth and support their abilities in various technical services. account that the recent decision to close fa- In a book titled, “The Harmony of man sultans, Egyptian kings, and fi elds so that they are able to perform their duties and tasks to the Meanwhile, National Assembly Speaker cilities providing services to children is not Letters, Islamic Calligraphy from the other royalty, each one an exqui- fullest and contribute to the implementation of the state’s Kuwaiti- Marzouq Al-Ghanim congratulated Abdul- applicable to nurseries. Tareq Rajab Museum,” the scholar site work of art. zation plan, reports Aljarida daily. lah Al-Rashedi for winning the bronze He urged the Ministry of Social Affairs Dr Nabil Safwat remarks on the sim- Tareq Rajab once commented that The Director General of the Public Authority for Youth Affairs medal for Kuwait in the skeet shooting to remain committed to its decision to open Dr. Meshal Al-Shaheen explained that an intensive fi eld training competition at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. nurseries because of the essential services plicity of the calligrapher’s tools. even if you can’t read Arabic, you Al-Ghanim said the victory of Al-Rashe- He also points out the technical im- can look at calligraphy as you would program will be used to train Kuwaiti youth for employing 54 le- they provide to families. He revealed the gal assistants who hold a diploma in law. It will end with their di proves that the Kuwaiti youths are capa- ministry submitted its pledge regarding the portance of the pen and its symbolic a painting and enjoy it as you would appointment in lawyers’ offi ces and in legal advisory roles. This ble of having great achievements especially opening of nurseries to the committee be- power. abstract art. will happen with the cooperation of the Bar Association, which in the fi eld of sports. fore the Eid Al-Adha holiday. “It was believed that he who knew The Tareq Rajab Museum of Cal- oversees the training program and provides career opportunities In another development, Al-Ghanim Moreover, MP Thamer Al-Suwait sub- the art of trimming the pen knew the ligraphy is located in Jabriya, directly for the participants. greeted Speaker of the Parliament of Mal- mitted a bill to establish the Public Author- dives (People’s Majlis) Muhammad Na- ity for Urban Planning that will be affi liated art of writing,” Dr Safwat wrote. across from the New English School. Program “Indeed the traveling calligrapher, Visiting hours are from 9:00 a.m. to sheed on the occasion of the National Day to the Ministry of Finance with an indepen- apprehensive of the impending dan- 1:00 p.m. and from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m., This program is the fi rst of its kind in Kuwait. The profession of of Maldives. dent budget. legal assistant lawyer was created in coordination with the Public ger of highwaymen, used to blunt and on Fridays in the afternoon and Authority for Manpower and the Supreme Council for Develop- or chop off the nib of his pen. There evening only. Admission is 2 KD. ment and Planning. The professions of assistant fi nancial lawyer, administrative as- sistant, and legal assistant have been placed on the professional MEW team in Eid action lists approved by the Public Authority for Manpower in order to assist in the process of Kuwaitization of legal jobs in Kuwait, and to open the way for young Kuwaitis to work. Abandoned vehicles, boats lifted The authority is introducing the “Job Creator Project” with the aim of creating qualifi cation and employment opportunities for new- By Mohammad Ghanem the Electrical Networks Emergency ly graduated Kuwaiti youth from various disciplines and fi elds in the Al-Seyassah Staff Department and head of the team, development projects of the State of Kuwait after training and refi n- Faraj Al-Dosari, is doing his best to ing their capabilities in systematic ways through accredited training KUWAIT CITY, July 26: Deputy remove all obstacles that threaten qualifi cation programs that are supervised by specialists with curri- Head of the 2021 Emergency Team at the power distribution networks and cula that are in line with the latest technologies and modern scientifi c the Electrical Networks Emergency impede the uninterrupted power sup- methods as well as with the requirements of the labor market. Department of the Ministry of Elec- ply in cooperation and coordination The program “Preparation and Qualifi cation of Legal Assistants of Lawyers” is a sub-project within the “Job Creator Project” in- tricity, Water and Renewable Energy with the Kuwait Municipality, which Hamad Al-Mansouri said the team cluded in the state development plan of 2021/2025, which works spares no effort to provide support carried out a number of campaigns on preparing integrated programs within the projects of the nation- during the Eid Al-Adha holidays, and assistance to the team to accom- al youth policy, approved by the Council of Ministers, and charged plish its assigned tasks. with implementing the Public Authority for Youth. which resulted in issuing 27 warnings ❑ ❑ ❑ and lifting 7 abandoned vehicles and He explained the team “includes a boats from in front of the entrances to group of Kuwaiti engineers and tech- Children are not allowed to enter ski and bowling halls as per power transformers in the Farwaniya nicians known for their effi ciency and the decision of the Corona Emergency Committee and Council of Governorate. experience in their fi eld of work.” Ministers, reports Al-Qabas daily quoting sources. Al-Mansouri told the Al-Seyassah He said the Kuwaiti cadres have Sources warned the necessary measures will be taken against daily this impeded the entry of emer- been working hard and diligently to any establishment proven to have violated the directive, indicating gency engineers to these power sta- remove the infringements on the en- the ski and bowling halls are among the establishments banned tire electrical distribution network, from catering to children. tions when need be to carry out main- Sources explained the bowling halls of the Public Authority for tenance work during power outage to which is an important part of the elec- Youth Affairs are not closed, but the Corona Emergency Commit- homes and properties, especially in trical network in general, and main- tee sent a letter to the Council of Ministers on the need to take a Jleeb Al-Shuyoukh and Al-Rabiya. taining it and its integrity is one of the decision in this regard as these bowling halls continue to receive Al-Mansouri also said director of important national tasks. children. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 LOCAL 4 ‘KD 544m for 5 strategic projects implemented by MPW and PART’ KOC preparing to float set of tenders

By Mohamed Ghanem Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY, July 26: The budget report for 2021/2022 issued by the Ministry of Finance con- firmed that the Ministry KUNA photo of Public Works (MPW) HH the Amir (right), with the Chairman of the Municipal Council Osama Al-Otaibi. and the Public Author- HH Amir receives Municipal Council’s chief ity for Roads and Land Transport (PART) ac- His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf the Municipal Council Osama Humoud Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received Al-Otaibi. (KUNA) KUNA photos quired the biggest share From left: HH the Crown Prince with Speaker Al-Ghanim and HH the PM Sheikh Sabah Khaled. of budget on 10 strategic Monday, at Bayan Palace Chairman of Audiences of HH the Crown Prince projects (capital spend- ing projects), where MPW National Day greetings sent His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Meshaal Al- Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled and PART made the bulk Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received at Bayan Pal- Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. of the budget of 544 mil- HH Amir congratulates Maldives ace on Sunday National Assembly Speaker Mar- Separately, he hosted Deputy Prime Minister, lion dinars for 5 projects. zouq Ali Al-Ghanim. Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Boost- KUWAIT CITY, July 26, (KUNA): try’s National Day. His Highness the Crown Prince also received His ing Nazaha (integrity), Abdullah Al-Roumi. (KUNA) The report, a copy of which has His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf His Highness the Crown Prince been obtained by the Al-Seyassah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent, Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Kuwait to participate in UN’s Food Systems Summit daily, stated the budget of the Monday, a cable to the President of Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime expansion project at the Kuwait the Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed So- Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Ha- International Airport Terminal T2 was 360 million dinars, and a lih, congratulating him on his coun- mad Al-Sabah sent similar cables. German and French embassies thank budget of 74 million dinars was allocated for the New Maternity Hospital project, in addition to Kuwait for support during the floods allocating 50 million dinars for KUWAIT CITY, July 26, (KUNA): also thanking Kuwait Investment PAFN Chairman of the board the expansion project of Umm al- German and French embassies Authority for cooperating with Reem Al-Fulaij in a statement for Haiman power station and com- thanked His Highness the Amir the “One Planet Sovereign Wealth KUNA said that the UN’s summit plementary works. Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Funds” on the matter. targets scientific methods to en- The report indicated the budget for Al-Sabah for his kind feelings and These floods are the worst in the hance food systems. the Abdali Expressway development words regarding the victims of the past 100 years, they noted, adding She stressed on the importance of project was 30 million dinars, in ad- floods that hit Germany, Belgium, that Germany and France are work- this participation, and Kuwait will dition to another 30 million for the Luxembourg and Holland. ing hard to reduce emissions by 55 also partake in a conference (ahead construction of roads, bridges, rain In a joint statement on Monday, percent by 2030, as well as to build of the summit) today at the head- and sanitation works, and other ser- the embassies thanked Kuwait for international alliances to protect quarters of Food and Agriculture vices on the Cairo Street. its support during such hard times, biological diversity, fight desertifi- Organization of the UN (FAO). Stimulating calling on officials in Kuwait to ex- cation, and protect rain-forests and “This conference paves the way ert further efforts on cooperation to oceans. for the high-class event set to be For its part, well-informed sources fight climate change as part of the Meanwhile, Kuwait Public Au- held in September, it also aims to at the MPW clarified the strategic Paris agreement. thority For Food and Nutrition launch a number of new commit- projects implemented by it, in addi- Kuwait’s private sector plays a (PAFN) announced Monday that ments through cooperation and part- tion to the projects implemented by big role in environment-friendly Kuwait is participating in UN’s nerships to reinforce food security other parties, contribute to stimulat- investments, said the statement, Food Systems Summit in Rome. in the world,” she said. ing the economic growth and attract foreign investments. They also contribute to creating Enrollment limited to bachelor’s degree new job opportunities and support the state’s orientation towards maximiz- ing the role and participation of the Medical studies in HK allowed for Kuwaitis in 2 varsities private sector in economic activity. These projects also support the real- KUWAIT CITY, July 26: Minister of ization of the state’s vision of trans- Oil and Minister of Higher Education According to set percentage forming it into a financial and com- Dr Muhammad Al-Faris has decided mercial center. to suspend enrolling Kuwaitis for Meanwhile, the Kuwait Oil Com- studies in medical specialties in Hong Govt bodies resume their official pany (KOC) is in talks with the Indian Ambassador speaking at the event. Kong universities, with the exception Central Agency for Public Tenders of two universities, namely the Uni- (CAPT) with regard to float a set of Decision to benefit Indian students: George versity of Hong Kong and the Chinese working hours, staff attendance tenders over the next period, reports University of Hong Kong, provided KUWAIT CITY, July 26: Gov- Sources disclosed these min- Al-Anba daily. that the study in medical specialties is ernment agencies on Sunday istries witnessed a remarkable The daily learned from respon- Indian Embassy celebrates NEET Day limited to bachelor’s degree only, re- resumed their official working turnout of auditors who reported sible oil sources that the tenders are ports Al-Qabas daily. hours and employees’ attend- for work to complete transac- for a project to operate and maintain KUWAIT CITY, July 26: The Em- their parents expressing sincere grati- According to the decision issued ance according to the per- tions. chemical storage and handling facili- bassy of India in Kuwait celebrated the tude for this decision. He went on to by the minister Dr Al-Fares recently centage set by the Council of Sources said that through the ties, operational laboratories, and sur- ‘NEET Day Kuwait on July 27 under say this is a big achievement and will on the updated list of higher educa- Ministers in its latest decision; abovementioned decision of the plus water disposal stations in the ar- the initiative of Indian Professionals benefit Indian students. tion institutions accredited to enroll except the ministries of Elec- Council of Ministers, the Minis- eas of the Kuwait Oil Company, and Kuwaiti students for undergradu- tricity, Water, Renewable En- try of Electricity and Water has Network (IPN). The Indian ambassador also said a maintenance station in the south Speaking at the event the Indian the embassy will be celebrating a ate and graduate programs in Hong ergy and Public Works which been able to accelerate the pace and east of Kuwait, while the com- Kong, it highlighted that students recorded more than 90 percent of work, push for the implemen- pany also intends to float a tender for Ambassador to Kuwait HE Sibi lot of events over the coming days should be allowed to study at the of the total permitted working tation of its projects, complete the provision of maintenance services George said he is proud of the fact including the ICWF Day, the 75th two aforementioned universities in hours and employees’ attend- transactions electronically and for firefighting systems for the south that Kuwait is the first National El- India’s Independence Day and the all disciplines in undergraduate and ance, reports Al-Rai daily quot- those requiring the physical igibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) Onam Festival. ing sources. presence of auditors. and east regions, in addition to ex- graduate degrees, but their enroll- port, marine and Ahmadi subsidiary examination center outside India and He disclosed the embassy has also ment in medical specialties should of the company. thanked the government of India, launched various networks and to be limited to bachelor’s degree only. Kong Education Foundation. fi rst batch of the college that offered The KOC also intends to float particularly the Prime Minister Nar- name a few they are the Indian Busi- The decision approved the enroll- The decision stresses the need the program, and that the bach- a tender to provide operation and endra Modi and Education Minister ness Network, Indian Professionals ment of students in all disciplines for the academic program to follow elor, master and doctoral programs maintenance services for mechanical Dharmendra Pradhan for the historic Network, Indian Sports Network, for undergraduate and graduate pro- the traditional education system, should not be executive programs. equipment and air cooling systems grams, except for medical special- for the study to be a regular atten- However, the decision does not at the Al-Ahmadi Hospital, as well announcement. Cultural Network, Women Network, izations, in six universities - Hong dance system during the days of the apply to students who obtained an as another contract to provide com- This momentous decision, the am- Readers Network, etc. This is in ad- Kong for Science and Technology school week, that the program must approved acceptance from the Cul- prehensive maintenance and support bassador said, has evoked huge re- dition to conducting various activi- City in Hong Kong, Polytechnic, pass the study period specifi ed for tural Offi ce in Australia before the services for production facilities in sponse from the Indian community in ties within the limitations of the Co- Baptiste, Lingnan, and the Hong granting the scientifi c degree in the issuance of this decision. western Kuwait. Kuwait with thousands of students and vid-19 protocol. Higher education bodies in bid to prevent admission problems KUWAIT CITY, July 26: Several higher education institu- tions are currently coordinating their efforts to prevent ad- mission problems and to find the best way to accept high school students who meet the conditions, taking into consid- eration the increase in the number of admission applicants to these institutions and to ensure that no student who meets the conditions is deprived of the opportunity to enroll in the university he prefers, report Al-Qabas daily quoting sources. Sources disclosed that Minister of Oil and Higher Educa- tion Dr Muhammad Al-Faris issued a directive to find the best solutions to ensure the provision of adequate educa- tional opportunities for high school graduates. Sources said there is a tendency to increase the admission capacity in all higher education institutions. Sources affirmed that this started when the Ministry of Higher Education announced the increase in admission seats in the foreign scholarship plan, expecting that the local admission plan will witness a similar step. Sources expect the results of those admitted to Kuwait University to be announced soon, pointing out the university administration has been working hard to find the best way to increase the admission capacity. Sources also confirmed that the opening of college build- ings at Sabah Al-Salem University City in Al-Shaddadiya doubled the chances of increasing the university’s capacity. Power index records 15,250 MW By Muhammad Ghanem Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY, July 26: With the rise in temperatures, which touched 50 degrees Celsius, the electricity load index recorded a consumption of 15,250 megawatts. The Ministry of Electricity and Water announced that three sub-feeders from Qortuba Power Station A went out of service, which led to a power outage in many parts of Qortuba, indicating that work by the emergency teams was underway to restore the power supply as soon as possible. For its part, informed sources at the Ministry of Electricity and Water attributed the increase in the power load to the con- tinued rise in temperatures, which recorded 49 degrees Celsius Sunday in addition to people resuming work to full capacity af- ter the Eid holidays which increased load on the power network. Another factor is that most people are in the country who normally travelled to cooler places during the summer but last year and this year this did not happen to the restriction imposed by the Covid-19 pandemic. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 LOCAL 5 diwaniya A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION ‘Disliking for Kuwait remains reality ... work needed to promote Iraqi ties’

“We presume that the Kuwaiti-Iraqi relations have entered a stage of evolution “In this connection, we would like to point out, that the Iraqis had seemingly “However, under similar circumstances and in reality what we heard from and consolidation since 2003 on both the Kuwaiti and the Iraqi popular levels, in forgotten what was done by the State of Kuwait through the Donors Meeting for some Arab countries during the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait where Kuwaitis – poli- reality what we see is the opposite, because these relations still lack ‘renovation’ the Reconstruction of Iraq which had been hosted by the State of Kuwait in 2018. ticians and intellectuals -- indicated that the developmental assistance that was in all aspects and fi elds,” columnist and former President of London based Kuwait “Given the above, one may observe that all the parties are working through extended by the State of Kuwait to these countries had served the corrupt re- Information Center, Dr Khaled Ahmad Al-Tarrah, wrote for Al-Qabas daily. non harmonious methods or traditional reaction policy. Likewise, we have ob- gimes and not the common man. “However, once again, I am positive there is some kind of default and narrow ho- served that the Kuwaiti diplomacy and the consecutive governments have failed “We also discovered how Saddam enjoyed the Arab acceptance and solidarity rizon in the Kuwaiti offi cial political, informational and strategic behavior towards to learn how to recruit what is in the possession of the Kuwaiti Center for Re- just because he paid for printing some booklets and school curricula, but to the the neighboring and sisterly country Iraq, since the down- searches and Studies on both the informational and political levels represented contrary the Arab public was seemingly not aware of the volume of the money fall of the regime of the despot Saddam Hussein until date. by a huge archive that was taken from various sources in various languages. Kuwait gave generously to fi nance the development projects in the relevant “In this connection, I refer to the televised program These parties have failed to benefi t from the experienced people as well as from countries and this could be attributed to the absence of a strategy and the faulty ‘The Decision Is Up To You’ presented by the Iraqi Sat- what was submitted personally by me during my tenure as the president of Lon- media and the diplomacy to highlight there Kuwaiti efforts. ellite TV Channel recently, the dialogue in which I par- don based the Kuwaiti Information Center from 2000 to 2007. “As a matter of fact, the Kuwaiti media machinery needs to be active in Iraq ticipated saw a wide gap which currently prevails in the “With a reckless stroke of pen and without awareness of the prospective con- and cover all areas to build necessary channels of joint understanding and not Iraqi media in general over the Kuwaiti attitude either sequences and outcomes that are likely to happen all Kuwaiti foreign informa- take the issues lightly because what we see is hatred for the State of Kuwait from prior or post the downfall of Saddam Hussein. tion centers were done away with in 2007 and the relevant decision was seem- some Iraqi groups.” “I also perceived another most painful default that falls ingly not studied. on the shoulders of the Kuwaiti diplomacy, particularly “In this context, we have observed that the consecutive Kuwaiti governments Also: in the absence of accurate monitoring of the deep gap and the selective diplomacy had confi ned its communication with some Iraqi “‘We have to shave our heads before others shave’, this phrase is attributed and the wounds as well as the misguided opinions pro- groups by extending fi nancial support to the latter without paying attention to to the former president Ali Abdullah Saleh,” columnist and attorney Hassan moted by the Saddamist media machinery that has lasted Khaled Al-Tarrah the reality of the Iraqi people in general, particularly since the people are suffer- Al-Issa wrote for Aljarida daily. for many years in addition to what is fed to various Iraqi ing for many years ago of the severe consequences of the political turmoil, the “This was said during the days of the so-called ‘The Arab Spring’, in the con- denominations to promote the allegations and lies against the State of Kuwait. sectarian division and the Iranian infl uence in the state institutions. text of his attempts towards self reform before it was imposed on the Arab states “I was expecting prior and post to the downfall of Saddam the challenges and “Such being the case, the Kuwaiti diplomacy should review its policies -- the by foreigners. But, did not achieve the necessary reforms, rather, he weaved a offi cial Kuwaiti shortsightedness in terms of dealing effi ciently with the oppor- worn out policies towards Iraq and ultimately keep in mind that the stability and coalition with the Houthis, and he didn’t shave his head, rather he was killed by tunities to bring our relationship with the Iraqi people in general to a higher level the security of Iraq, will be directly refl ected on the State of Kuwait, as such any his allies, but it is needless to say that his wisdom in question, still exists. How- not with the intellectual and political elite only particularly those who specifi - leniency in dealing with this equation can be deemed as leniency towards the ever, the talk here is about the OPEC (cartel) states. cally belong to the Iraqi opposition in a selective Kuwaiti manner. stability of the State of Kuwait. “There is a confl ict between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United “In other words, we should have concentrated on the Kuwaiti offi cial planning “In this context, we suggest not only the sound of grenades and bombings but Arab Emirates (UAE) over the volume of the oil output, where the Kingdom and cooperation with the Iraqi civil and informational institutions as well as with also the sound of fi reworks happening in South Iraq will be heard in Kuwait and wants to maintain the current price of the oil barrel by going ahead in terms of the various Iraqi communal denominations of various ages and diplomatic and as a result will have a big impact given the fact that what is happening in Iraq is defi ning the output ceiling by OPEC member states, while the UAE wants to media culture in a bid to directly address the Iraqi minds and consciences and the gross Iranian intervention in Iraq. increase its oil output in order to increase its fi nancial potential, otherwise, and build robust bridges, not temporary ‘edifi ces’. “Once again, I say in my opinion and what I said during the televised inter- has threatened to leave OPEC. This prospective development is likely to weaken “Given the above, it was not strange to see the dialogue sending us back to view about Kuwaiti assistance to Iraq during its war with Iran – the war that was the oil organization, and there is a possibility of OPEC dismantling.” square one given the role played by the Kuwaiti assistance and grants given to begun by the despot Saddam, we should avoid such illusions that this assistance lessen the sufferings and torments facing the Iraqi people. had helped the Iraqi people. — Compiled by Zaki Taleb Other Voices 95 visa peddlers held in 6 mths The end of 66 years of love Kuwaiti shot, police hunt assailants By Ahmad alsarraf country which is not at war and yet has KUWAIT CITY, July no insurance coverage. Whose home or ebanon, in its current state, is a vic- 26: Statistics issued by furniture is burnt, or car is broken down the Kuwaiti Ministry Job support for 2,607 citizens suspended Ltim of three parties -- its politicians, in a traffi c accident, or his workshop col- its brotherly Arabs, and before this and lapses under the ruins of a building, will of Interior, on the ac- that, its entire people. tivity of the General KUWAIT CITY, July 26: Minister government data. He added, the rea- fi nancial support, and Article 9 of the often get a generous compensation in of Commerce and Industry, Abdullah son for stopping support for 601 was resolution speaks of suspension of the There is no dispute over the damage dollars to deposit it in his bank account, caused by politicians. Perhaps there is Department of Resi- Al-Salman, revealed the suspension of due to the expiration of the work per- disbursement of that support. but he will not be entitled to withdraw it also no doubt that the Arabs have used dence Affairs Investi- disbursement of labor support to 2,607 mit. The disbursement is suspended im- Lebanon to settle their differences, so and has to spend out of his pocket to buy gations for the fi rst half citizens during 4 months from January Regarding stopping employment mediately in implementation of the pro- they supported this leader, fought that his house furniture and fi x his car. of this year, showed 1 to April 30, 2021. support, the minister explained that visions of the aforementioned Council feudal, fi nanced the leader of one party There is no individual, as far as I Al-Salman said this in response to the fi fth article of Cabinet Resolution of Ministers decision in the event one know, more intelligent and creative than 95 suspects have been and armed the the query submitted by MP Marzouq No. 391 of 2001 about granting social of the conditions for disbursement set the Lebanese. There are no people more arrested for issuing head of the mili- Al-Khalifa. He said support for 1,779 allowance and children’s allowance forth in Article V are violated, or one tia, and this is all stupid than them; they are fi t for every- residence permits for thing except to be patriotic. Patriotism was suspended citing resignation of to professionals and craftsmen and of the suspensions mentioned in Arti- that they could money, 53 misdemea- the employee, and 11 because of their workers in non-governmental institu- cle IX of the aforementioned decision do best to shift requires teamwork, and they have be- come completely unable to do so. nors cases related to registration as students according to tions include conditions for disbursing becomes available. the gun from one work permits (expira- shoulder to an- I think or hope that the Lebanese, af- other, but about ter reaching the bottom for a while, will tion of residence) and the responsibility come out of this current tragedy, but it is 7 forgeries in offi cial of the poor Leba- painful that he will return again and for documents, reports Al- nese? a third time to his sect and canton. There is absolutely no guarantee that he will Qabas daily. The answer According to a state- will not satisfy alsarraf learn from the ordeal, especially since those who refuse there are stalkers, armed militias and ment issued by the Direc- to admit the truth. The deep-rooted re- displaced persons in millions. torate General of Public ligious and sectarian fear, militias, and Thus, the Lebanese has no options as Relations and Security other matters disturbing the security of the black joke says: Media Department of the the homeland have prompted the Leba- Either to go to Rafi k Hariri Hospi- Interior Ministry, Sun- nese -- for decades -- to be led by their tal for treatment or leave the homeland day, said 24,547 orders instincts unconsciously, to elect some- through the Rafi k Hariri Airport, in had been issued to list, lift one who provides them with personal search for another homeland! Or still restrictions, and inspect safety, often across the sect, not the na- better meet the fate of Rafi k Hariri. companies and commer- tional interest. Iran and America may reach an agreement, and things may calm down cial establishments. It swept Lebanon at times to the north The ministry stated 84 and at other times to the south and found in Syria, Saudi Arabia and the Islamic persons were deported in co- everyone complaining about the corrup- Republic may reconcile but the chronic operation with the Ministry tion of their leaders, but everyone re- Lebanese disease that has exacerbated of Health. The deportees fell elected them eventually. This is how the over centuries through accumulated his- in the category of ‘UNFIT’ Lebanese destroyed Lebanon with their torical errors will remain alive. due to sicknesses they car- hands, their electoral vote, and their po- The feudal lord, the politician and the ried. This is in addition to sition, the political class that we see and head of the party need a lot of money 4,896 persons who have been the same has attitude has run supreme to maintain his fi efdom, for his party to deported for staying in the for half-a-century or more, and that will continue and for his leadership to take country illegally. remain as long as Lebanon remains. root and this money does not come with- The ministry indicated We see no silver lining on the hori- out corruption. 2,326 illegal residents who zon for real reforms or any breakthrough I set my foot at the Beirut Airport for had overstayed their legal pe- in the situation for a common man to the fi rst time in July 1956, and have not riod have rectifi ed their status breathe a sigh of relief. The elderly stopped since that day. Lebanon became after paying fi nes. know that reform means accountability, my horse stable and a source of imagi- The sources pointed out and they do not want that to happen or nation and fondness, a child and a teen- the ministry carried out 95 rather will not allow it to happen. ager, and my passion as a young man, a inspections tours and ar- They also know that hard currency husband and a father, and then a mature rested 36 wanted criminals. has become scarce, fuel will soon disap- man who plans to spend the rest of his In addition, 149 hotels were pear, cooking gas will evaporate, bread life there, perhaps to die and be buried inspected, 106 complaints will dry out, price of medicine will soar among pine trees, and let the chirping of were looked into, 44 fake do- and its existence will become non-exist- birds, the scent of roses, and the voice mestic workers offi ces were ent, and the Lebanese will do nothing or of Fayrouz be the last things I will ever shut and 4 local liquor-man- rather best to say they can do nothing. experience, but it seems that the course ufacturing dens were busted. Lebanon will be the fi rst country in of things may inevitably be the end in ❑ ❑ ❑ the world where the army will starve, a part of the barren and dusty land of Kuwaiti shot: The Jahra de- and whoever watches the manifestations homeland, at the end of the sixty-six of amusement, clothing, parties on its tectives are looking for two years of love. unidentifi ed persons, who channels will be perplexed by this con- ❑ ❑ ❑ tradiction. have gone into hiding after It would also be perhaps the fi rst email: [email protected] one of them shot a Kuwaiti man in the back, reports Al- Rai daily. The daily added, the vic- 4 teams tackle tim has been admitted to the admitted to the intensive care scrapyard ‘fi re’ unit (ICU) of the Jahra Hos- pital. KUWAIT CITY, July 26, According to security (Agencies): Four teams sources the victim entered the from the Kuwait Fire Force Diwaniya of a Kuwaiti man in (KFF) controlled on Sun- the suburb of Saad Al-Abdul- day a blaze, which erupted lah and said he had been shot in the Na’ayeem scrapyard by an unidentifi ed person and earlier this morning. the former rushed him to the A press statement by the area health center and since KFF said that an emergency his condition was critical he call alerted the fi refi ghters was immediately referred to of the incident in which sev- the Jahra Hospital. eral discarded vehicles went A security source said ini- up in fl ames. tial investigations show the The teams addressed victim is 23 years old and the the situation and managed suspects are unknown. to contain the fi re with no The victim told police he human casualties reported, does not know the one who shot at him and that he had concluded the statement. not seen the person before. He Acting on information added, he only saw two men in fi refi ghting engines from a Japanese-made four-wheel- the Hawalli and Shuhada er, one of whom was driving Fire Centers rushed to the and the man in the passenger Rawdah Cooperative Socie- seat shot him in the back. ty last Thursday and put out A case of attempted mur- fi re, reports Al-Seyassah der has been registered at the daily. area police station. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 LOCAL 6

A strategic digital transformation initiative to enhance employee engagement Burgan Bank launches its HR mobile application ‘Burgani’

KUWAIT CITY, July 26: Burgan solutions. As Burgan Bank views its ductivity by reducing or eliminating mation related to their career path and bank’s objectives”. She added “We HR more insight into employees’ trends, Bank announced the launch of “Bur- employees as the most important asset paperwork. These more environmen- team’s structure. are extremely proud of reaching this and allow us to respond with more ac- gani”, its HR mobile application as of the organization, the HRD Group tally friendly processes also support Commenting on the App launch, new strategic milestone in the process curacy and higher influence.” part of its strategic digital transfor- works continuously on increasing HR Burgan’s vision and strategy of a sus- the Group Chief Human Resources of digital transformation, and we look Burgan Bank revealed that the ap- mation initiative aiming to automate capabilities and enhancing the means tainable operating model at all busi- & Development Officer, Mrs. Halah forward to further achievements.” plication will be smoothly deployed in HR processes and boost employee’s of communication and collaboration ness levels and in all areas. El Sherbini, said “As mobile technol- Mr. Peter Atef Abdelshahid, Senior phases to guarantee an uninterrupted engagement. Burgan HR application with the workforce. Burgan HR application also pro- ogy is increasingly changing the way Manager-HR projects, underlined the fluid use. The development of the App is a new milestone that translates the The new platform that was con- vides various other convenient and people connect and interact with each importance of using technological solu- will continue to add more practical bank’s vision to maximize its stake- ceived to automate most of the tasks useful functions that will further con- other and reshaping organizations op- tion to enhance the bank’s human capital features including additional function- holder value by leveraging operational in the human resources function,offers tribute to saving the employees time erations, the dynamic HRDGroup at performance, and stressed “Our Burgan al HR processes such as learning and and technological capabilities and sup- the employees a very convenient expe- and effort and help them focus on Burgan Bank keeps focusing on en- human resources strategy is focused on development, leave management au- port internal corporate functions. rience by simplifying and easing HR tasks that generate greater value for hancing our HR strategy around the boosting employees’ engagement, and tomation, and attendance monitoring. The application was developed processes. Burgan HR application al- the organization. Employees can for digital domain that supports the suc- this HR mobile application represents Burgan keeps working towards opti- through a robust collaboration between lows employees to request and access instance have access through Burgan cess of both the bank and its employ- a great addition to our employees’ pro- mizing the use of smart technologies to the HRD Group and the IT Group that various HR related documents easily, HR App to interactive learning on the ees. When employees are engaged, ductivity and efficiency. It will help keep speed up the bank’s digital transforma- helped design the application’s fea- which guarantees faster and more ef- go,HR news, announcements, surveys, they are more motivated and eager them connected, well informed and au- tion that supports its sustainability and tures using advanced technological fective processes and increases pro- job vacancies, as well as to other infor- to do their best to help achieving the tonomous. Such evolution will also grant development strategy. Transfer of all services to Jahra Medical City ‘complete’: Health

Integrated medical edifice, says Health Minister

KUWAIT CITY, July 26, (KUNA): Kuwaiti Minister of Health Sheikh Dr Basil Al-Hamoud Al-Sabah an- Halah El Sherbini, Group Chief Hu- Peter Atef Abdelshahid, Senior nounced on Monday the man Resources & Development Of- Manager-HR projects at Burgan completion of transfer of ficer at Burgan Bank Bank all medical, support and administrative depart- ‘Limit COVID-19 spread’ ments from the old Jahra Hospital to the Jahra Med- ical City (the new hospital). The minister told KUNA this re- Closure of activities related fl ects the strength and capacity of the health system calling it an inte- to children comes into force gral civilized edifi ce that has been implemented using the latest medi- KUWAIT CITY, July 26, tion. When they contract corona, cal technology — an important and (KUNA): Dr. Ahmed Al-Mutawa, they may not show symptoms of vital addition to the health system a member of the main committee the disease clearly, or the symp- that falls within the lofty visions to monitor the implementation of toms are mild, and thus cause the the requirements related to com- infection to be transmitted to those of the political leadership and the bating the spread of Covid-19, said around them faster. state’s development plan in com- that the Cabinet’s decision to close He called on all children’s ac- pleting major health projects to im- all activities related to children, tivities owners to adhere to the prove the level and quality of the including nurseries and summer aforementioned Cabinet decision, health service in the country. clubs, has entered into force as of stressing that anyone who violates He added that Jahra Medical City is Sunday. this decision will be held account- built on an area of 235,000 square meters, Al-Mutawa, director of the In- able. has a total area of 724,000 square meters. fection Prevention Department He stressed the importance of He called it an integrated medical edifice at the Ministry of Health, added parents’ commitment to apply- designed and implemented according to in a statement to Kuwait News ing health requirements to young KUNA photo Agency (KUNA) that the commit- children, as they are to adults, and Jahra Medical City the best international standards and speci- fications and is equipped with the latest tee stressed in its meeting headed not to be lenient in this matter by medical devices and supplies. by its deputy chairman, Director reducing gatherings and social He explained the medical depart- General of Kuwait Municipality events. ments that have completed their tran- Ahmed Al-Manfouhi, the impor- Al-Mutawa stressed that adher- sition and have become operational tance of its field teams following ence to health requirements is the from today, boast of highest levels of up and monitoring all activities most powerful weapon currently efficiency in terms of quality standards. related to children and issuing vio- to confront COVID-19 until the These include the general surgery, the lations against the owners of these largest number of citizens and tract unit, orthopedics, ENT, internal activities in the event of a violation residents are vaccinated in order to medicine, physical medicine, intensive of the decision of the Council of reach community immunity. care, anesthesia, medical imaging, and Ministers. The Council of Ministers had the accident and emergency depart- He explained that the aforemen- taken a decision in its meeting held ment, while the first phase of the tran- tioned Cabinet decision aims to on the twelfth of July to close all sition included gynecology, obstetrics, limit the spread of the coronavirus activities for children, including children and premature babies sections. in the country, “because children summer clubs, from Sunday until are a factor in transmitting infec- further notice. Transition The Minister of Health indicated the completion of the transition process also included the supporting medical departments, including nutrition, food, pharmacy, laboratory and physical ther- apy, in addition to the administrative departments, including hotel services, information systems, public relations, social service, the Quality and Recog- nition Department, and administrative and financial affairs departments. He stressed efforts are continuing to confront the Corona epidemic, another epic that stems from the pillars of improv- ing the quality of health service provided to citizens and residents and supporting all efforts to improve medical expertise, increase the clinical capacity of hospitals and enhance healthy lifestyles. He explained the completion of the transition is accompanied by the digi- tal transformation of the work system and the preparation of digital capabili- ties that support health care operations or services, better data management, increased interaction potential, better ways to measure results, and gover- nance of administrative performance, which contributes to improving the The Guest Show poster quality of services provided to citizens and residents, improving work envi- ronment and procedures, and provid- TGS hosts Arab Times’ Senior Editor ing support for the industrial process. Minister Al-Sabah thanked HH the THE Guest Show (TGS) on Radio the prosaic world of journalism. Amir, HH the Crown Prince and HH Kuwait is excited to present our first On our Guest Show, Marlon will the Prime Minister for continuously sup- Filipino guest — Marlon Aquino speak of his life as the child of ex- porting the Health Ministry to confront Malinao. pat parents in the Philippines, his the Covid-19 pandemic and in the imple- Senior Editor at the Arab Times, growing up years, his journey with mentation of the Ministry’s plans and ef- Kuwait’s leading English daily, Mar- the Arab Times including the men- forts to improve the health services. lon is a man of many different parts toring and learning, the different He also thanked the medical staff — each of them exceptional. Cho- and interesting life path he chose in the various health facilities for their sen by Illustrado magazine as one for himself — from optometry to unique and unlimited ‘giving’, espe- of 100 Most Influential Filipinos in journalism to a creative being. And cially the medical staff members who the Gulf, Marlon belongs to many how he is the sum of it all. contributed to completing the transi- different worlds, one of them being Tune in this coming Thursday. tion process.

KUNA photos Left: Part of Jahra Medical City departments. Right: A section of Jahra Medical City. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 LOCAL/INTERNATIONAL 7

To the Arab

Continued from Page 1 starting with the martyred Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and ending with the outspoken Shiite activist Luqman Salim. But this did not work in silencing the Lebanese who stood against everything after Hezbollah tightened its grip on the political class and the economy, and used all this to serve its interests. It had led to an increase in popular resentment that is manifested today in demonstrations and sit-ins, in addition, of course, to the flood of stinging criticism against Hassan Nasrallah personally on social media. The dawn pick-ups of dissidents by intelligence officers who were active in revolutionary countries are no longer operating during the dawn. They have instead become spies behind screens, recording every tweet and picture posted by anyone on those sites. They tailor them according to their interests and vision, or based on the mali- cious instructions issued by certain influential individuals or offi- cials. Nevertheless, in the end, such malice fades away immediately when met with the greatness of the truth that cannot be obliterated. Therefore, if the Arabs want to move to a new era, they must rem- edy themselves by getting rid of the syndrome of monitoring people’s gossip and charging people’s intention. We want to remind the Arab rulers that – “He who constantly monitors people will worry himself to death.” ‘Resilience in

Continued from Page 1 She added that the pandemic was a true test of the resilience of the banking sector. Despite the banking sector successfully navigating the fi rst year of the crisis, the CBK continues to ensure that such achieve- ments revolving around the integrity and resilience of the sector are sustained well into the future. Thus, the CBK conducts quarterly stress tests. Last year, the CBK, in cooperation with a global consulting fi rm, updated the stress-testing framework to fi t the shifting economic land- scape of the crisis. The new framework is highly dynamic and enables fl exible scenario setting that incorporates macro and micro economic variables. This stress-testing tool enables the CBK to identify vulner- abilities of individual banks so that, if necessary, it can take corrective actions to address any potential issues. Two women run through Parliament Square in central London, Sunday, July 25, 2021. Thunderstorms bringing lightning and torrential rain to the south are set to Al-Humaidi further explained that the new stress testing framework continue until Monday as per forecast. (AP) involves three main phases, where phase one entails hypothetical sec- toral shocks (e.g. defaults in loan portfolios, changes in interest rates, London cleans up after fl ash fl ooding drenches homes and a drop in stock prices and real estate prices). In phase two, the di- rect and subsequent impacts of shocks on the sector are measured. The Londoners were cleaning up Monday England and Scotland could see more eo footage showed water surging the water.” direct impact involves higher credit and market risks resulting from after torrential rain left homes, roads thunderstorms over the next few days. through a concourse and up stairs. London Mayor Sadiq Khan said the deterioration in asset quality, and pressure on the interest margin. This and several subway stations fl ooded, Whipps Cross Hospital in the north- Residents used buckets, brooms city was seeing “increasing incidents is followed by a subsequent shock in the form of a liquidity crunch, the second unseasonal inundation in east of the city canceled all planned and wooden boards to create make- of extreme weather events linked to which would result from expected deposit withdrawals and higher cost as many weeks. surgery and outpatient appointments shift fl ood defenses for their homes as climate change.” of funds, ultimately transforming into a solvency issue if not adequate- The Met Offi ce weather agency on Monday after basement fl ooding storm drains were overloaded in parts “This is not the fi rst time in recent ly addressed. Phase three involves analyzing the effect of the shocks said 41.6 centimeters (16 inches) of damaged its electrical systems, and of the city. “Having been born and weeks that London has been hit by ma- on the sector’s fi nancial position and on the key indicators of fi nancial rain - almost a month’s worth - fell in was diverting ambulances to other raised in London, I have never seen jor fl ooding,” he said. “Despite having soundness, allowing the CBK to take appropriate prudential action at a central London on Sunday afternoon. hospitals nearby. anything quite like it,” said south Lon- limited powers in the area, it remains sectoral or individual bank level. Monday was drier, but the Environ- Eight subway and train stations don resident Eddie Elliott. “It stands a key priority for myself and London’s ‘She added that the framework is based on three scenarios covering ment Agency said four fl ood warnings were closed Sunday because of out as the worst I’ve experienced per- council leaders that more is done ur- a period spanning three years. The fi rst scenario hypothesizes a strong remained in place for southeast Eng- fl ooding, including Pudding Mill Lane, sonally ... totally shut down the whole gently to tackle fl ooding and the other blow to a single sector in the real economy. The second consists of a land, and the Met Offi ce said parts of an above-ground station where vid- road with buses stood broken down in impacts of climate change.” (AP) wider multi-sectoral shock in the real economy on the country-level. The third scenario hypothesizes a wideranging global crisis. She con- cluded that the stress tests revealed the resilience of the Kuwaiti bank- ing sector, which maintained a CAR higher than the BCBS minimum America requirement of 8% - even under the harshest scenario. In the last section of the presentation, the Governor discussed the outlook amidst the unprecedented uncertainty that the crisis has caused globally. He stated that the economic turbulence that the world is ex- periencing, at its core, is an unfortunate health crisis, which should be ‘Pressure mounts’ remedied fi rst and foremost. He confi rmed that the COVID-19 pan- demic is the defi ning global health crisis of our time and should be addressed by expanding vaccine rollouts and guaranteeing equitable access to vaccines to achieve herd immunity. However, only 12% of Senators race to seal infrastructure deal the world population is fully vaccinated, and more efforts should be WASHINGTON, July 26, (AP): Sena- boosting public transportation, which broadband funding, as well as whether expended to ensure that more people are inoculated. tors are racing to seal a bipartisan in- includes subways, light-rail lines and to tap into the leftover COVID relief frastructure deal as soon as Monday, buses, in line with Biden’s original funds previously passed by Congress, Cost as pressure is mounting on all sides infrastructure proposal and the push to continue to be discussed, the aide said. The cost to world authorities in ensuring that individuals and compa- to show progress on President Joe address climate change. Democrats are seeking a compro- nies battle through the pandemic amounted to around USD 20 trillion Biden’s top priority. The bipartisan group originally ap- mise to pay for the package after they (24% of global GDP) through fi scal, monetary, and macroprudential Heading into a make-or-break week, peared to be moving toward agree- rejected a hike in the gas tax driv- instruments. However, a signifi cant portion of support was funded by key senators and staff spent the week- ment on more money for transit. But ers pay at the pump and Republicans borrowing, with world debt reaching an all-time high of USD 289 tril- end trying to reach a fi nal agreement. Pennsylvania Sen. Pat Toomey, the dashed a plan to boost the IRS to go lion, i.e. 360% of the global GDP (an increase of USD 30 trillion in Pastor Kenny Menendez poses at the One major roadblock is how much top Republican on the Senate Bank- after tax scoffl aws. 2020 alone). Asset purchase programs and massive liquidity injections Open Door Baptist Church in Anchor- money should go to public transit. But ing, Housing and Urban Affairs Com- Three rounds totaling nearly $70 have driven the strong recovery of stock markets. As per the IMF state- age, Alaska. The church has replaced spending on highways, water projects, mittee, which oversees public transit, billion in federal COVID-19 emergen- ments, the liquidity injected in 2020 by the central banks exceeded a strip club that used to beckon peo- broadband and others areas remains raised questions. He cited, in part, pre- cy assistance, including $30.5 billion ple off the highway. (AP) those injected over the last decade. unresolved, as is whether to take un- vious COVID-19 federal relief money that Biden signed into law in March, To explain the effect on the markets, the Governor introduced a com- spent COVID-19 relief funds to help that had already been allocated to pub- pulled transit agencies from the brink parison with the Global Financial Crisis (GFC) during which the stock pay for the infrastructure. Late Sunday, lic transit. of fi nancial collapse as riders steered market recovered post the initial shock. For example, while MSCI took the Democrats and the White House “Nobody’s talking about cutting clear of crowded spaces on subway 1,890 days to return to its precrisis level during the GFC, it took only sent a “global” offer to Republicans transit,” Toomey said Sunday. “The cars and buses. That federal aid is ex- 196 days after the Coronavirus economic shock to not only recover but on remaining issues, according to a question is, how many tens of billions pected to cover operating defi cits from to increase 88% from its lowest level recorded in March of last year. Democratic aide close to the talks and of dollars on top of the huge increase declining passenger revenue and costly The direct fi nancial support and pent up demand during the lockdown granted anonymity to discuss them. that they have already gotten is suffi - COVID-19 cleaning and safety proto- periods led to a strong rebound of personal consumption exceeding The lead Republican negotiator, cient? And that’s where there is a little cols through at least 2022. pre-crisis levels. These measures and actions identifi ed certain vulner- Ohio Sen. Rob Portman, said the two disagreement.” But Democrats and public transit abilities that represent a classic concern of dealing with a crisis, which sides were “about 90% of the way advocates see expanded public transit is to risk planting the seeds of another crisis. there” on an agreement. Formula systems as key to easing traffi c con- The Governor shed light on the concerns of rising infl ation and the A top Democrat, Sen. Mark Warner Typically, spending from the federal gestion, combating climate change and importance of caution in setting the time for unwinding the support of Virginia, said he was hopeful a fi nal Highway Trust Fund has followed the curbing car pollution. measures, particularly for other economies given the interconnected- Fauci Pope Francis bill would be ready Monday afternoon traditional formula of 80% for high- Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., the ness of the global markets. In this regard, the Governor said that any - though others were not so sure. ways and 20% for transit. Democratic chairman of the House Transportation swift and disorderly reduction of fi nancial support by reducing sub- The week ahead is crucial. Senate Sens. Sherrod Brown of Ohio and Tom and Infrastructure Committee, recently sidies, loan guarantees, or ceasing payment deferrals may lead to in- Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D- Carper of Delaware say they will op- sent a letter with 30 Democrats on the creased bankruptcies. In addition, any prompt action by the monetary News in Brief N.Y., has said he wants to pass the pose the deal if transit funding falls panel warning that the Senate pro- authorities to mitigate the asset purchase programs and gradually in- nearly $1 trillion bipartisan package as below that. posal was inadequate and that any deal crease the interest rates would tighten fi nancial conditions and increase Vatican trial opens: A cardinal who well as the blueprint for a larger $3.5 The White House has declined to should incorporate the House-passed the borrowing costs, adversely affecting the ability of individuals and allegedly induced an underling to lie to trillion budget plan before the Senate say whether Biden would push for the $715 billion infrastructure bill, which corporates to serve their debts. Similarly, if the regulatory authorities prosecutors. Brokers and lawyers who leaves for its August recess. He held additional funding for transit. includes more money for rail and tran- opt not to reduce the capital and liquidity requirements, some banks pulled a fast one over the Vatican No. 2 a procedural vote last week to begin “Transit funding is obviously ex- sit. may curb the extension of credit in order to meet stricter regulatory to get him to approve a disastrous real debate on the bipartisan framework, tremely important to the president - the “The historical share for public tran- requirements, and the resultant fi nancial conditions would be tighter. estate deal. A self-styled intelligence ana- but all 50 Senate Republicans voted ‘Amtrak President,’ as we may call sit from the Highway Trust Fund is In addition, Dr. Al-Hashel explained that there are other risks that lyst who bought Prada and Louis Vuitton against it, saying they needed to see him,” White House press secretary Jen 20%,” Paul Skoutelas, president of the could stem from cross-border economic contagion. For example, if items with the Vatican money that she the full details of the plan. Psaki said Friday. “But we believe that American Public Transportation Asso- measures are not retracted in a country, the early tightening of mon- was supposed to send to rebels holding a The White House wants a biparti- members can get this work done and ciation, said Sunday. “It is the absolute etary policy by a central bank in any of the major economies, such as Catholic nun hostage. san agreement for this fi rst phase, but can work through these issues quite minimum acceptable level to help sus- the Federal Reserve, would lead to capital outfl ows in the emerging But the prosecutors’ case also suggests as talks drag on anxious Democrats, quickly.” tain our nation’s public transportation markets that may have been under pressure. Oil prices and geopolitical that Pope Francis and his top lieutenants who have slim control of the House The fi nal package would need the systems. It is imperative that we make challenges are also potential concerns. were not only aware of some of the key and Senate, could leave Republicans support of 60 senators in the evenly robust, forward looking investments to transactions, but in some cases explicitly behind and try to go it alone. If it fails, split 50-50 Senate to advance past a modernize and expand public transit Concluded it could be wrapped into the broader fi libuster - meaning at least 10 Repub- authorized them, even without full docu- that will assist in our economic recov- Dr. Al-Hashel concluded that Kuwait has a small, but relatively open package of Biden’s priorities that licans along with every Democratic ery from the COVID pandemic and get economy that will inevitably be impacted by developments in major mentation or understanding the details. Democrats are hoping to pass later. member. Last week’s test vote failed Americans back to work.” economies, as well as highlighting the present structural imbalances Given the hierarchical nature of the Holy The bipartisan package includes along party lines. Portman appeared on ABC’s “This that need deliberate remedies. He assured that CBK, so far, effective- See and the obedience required of under- about $600 billion in new spending on The aide said there are other remain- Week,” Toomey was on CNN’s “State ly deployed its monetary and macroprudential instruments and tools lings to their religious superiors, ques- public works projects. Democrats want ing issues still unresolved around how of the Union” and Warner spoke on to ensure monetary and fi nancial stability despite the unprecedented tions also remain about why some people to see more of the money go toward to pay for it. For instance, details on “Fox News Sunday.” pandemic-induced shocks. The CBK shall continue its close monitor- were charged and others not. (AP) ing and early intervention to preserve these achievements. Monetary ❑ ❑ ❑ stability and fi nancial stability on their own are, however, insuffi cient Belgian party calls for probe: A politi- United States is in an “unnecessary predica- said Dr. Anthony Fauci, describing him- with suppressed immune systems who have in ensuring a stable and sustained economy. There is an urgent need cal party in Belgium on Monday requested ment” of soaring COVID-19 cases fueled self as “very frustrated.” He said recom- been vaccinated, Fauci said. (AP) for immediate and decisive actions and the consolidated efforts of all the appointment of a parliamentary com- by unvaccinated Americans and the virulent mending that the vaccinated wear masks is ❑ ❑ ❑ delta variant, the nation’s top infectious dis- “under active consideration” by the govern- stakeholders to adopt effective fi nancial and structural reforms to main- mission to investigate the deadly fl oods that 7 killed in 20-car pileup: At least seven tain inclusive sustainable prosperity. ravaged several towns in the country earlier eases expert said Sunday. ment’s leading public health offi cials. Also, “We’re going in the wrong direction,” booster shots may be suggested for people people were killed in a 20-vehicle pileup The fi rst discussant was Daniel Kanda, The IMF Mission Chief for this month. crash during a sandstorm Sunday afternoon, Kuwait who joined via a video intervention. At the outset, Kanda thanked The Humanist Democratic Centre (CDH) Utah Highway Patrol said. the Governor and mentioned that the well-written 2020 Financial Stabili- said it does not want to launch a “witch The crashes happened on Interstate 15 ty Report provides valuable input to policymaking at this critical juncture hunt” but hopes to shed the light on the near the town of Kanosh, according to a of economic recovery. It provides an in-depth discussion of the impact of disaster that killed 37 people in Belgium news release. Several people were report- the pandemic on the fi nancial sector, fi nancial sector vulnerabilities and and left several missing. Together with the edly taken to hospitals in critical condition. risks, and the performance of the banking sector, real estate and capital deaths in Germany, the death toll from the Ground and air ambulances were used to markets. He commended the skillful regulatory oversight of the Cen- fl ooding exceeded 210. transport crash victims. The pileup occurred tral Bank of Kuwait and the pre-crisis strong buffers with banks that Meanwhile, groups of Belgian citizens during a period of high winds that caused a are considering taking legal action against dust or sandstorm which reduced visibility, remained well-capitalized and liquid during the pandemic. He also com- the state for its alleged failure to protect the highway patrol said. (AP) mended the CBK’s close monitoring of fi nancial sector developments them. (AP) and risks, and pre-emptive and proactive approach to assess and mitigate ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ any unexpected shocksto fi nancial sector resilience. Kanda concluded that credit risks remain given substantial uncertainty on the outlook, and Pakistan plans to refl oat ship: Pa- Afghan soldiers fl ee attack: Dozens kistani authorities said Monday they were of Afghan soldiers slipped across the border the need to remain vigilant, as this challenge is not unique to Kuwait. into northwestern Pakistan, the Pakistani Maxim Rybnikov, EMEA Director, from Standard & Poor’s (S&P) working on plans to refl oat a cargo ship that ran aground off the coast near the southern army said Monday. The Afghan troops were Sovereign Ratings Team participated via a video and mentioned that fl eeing after their border post was overrun, Kuwait banking sector risks compare favorably with peers not just re- port city of Karachi last week amid bad weather. apparently by the Taliban. gionally, but globally, and the Kuwaiti banking system has historically The statement said a total of 46 members been well-regulated. He added that S&P regularly publishes banking The Heng Tong 77 was en route to Istan- bul from China when it drifted and got stuck of the Afghan forces, including fi ve offi c- industry country risk assessments, which rank banking sector risks on ers, crossed the border late Sunday near the a scale of 1 to 10, with one being the strongest and 10 the weakest. in shallow waters Wednesday near the coast in Pakistani territory, authorities said. The Pakistani border town of Chitral in Khyber Kuwait banking sector currently in group 4, on par with banking event raised fears the oil being transported Pakhtunkhwa province. systems of Ireland, Poland and Spain. Kuwait’s banking sector risks in the vessel could spill, potentially damag- Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty, front, left, stands be- The Afghan “soldiers have been provided are only one category higher in their view than those for Australia, ing the environment. (AP) side Jessica Holiday, Danialle Whitehat, Lynn Bia and Tonya Grass, victim ad- food, shelter and necessary medical care as France, Germany, UK and the US that are in group 3. Within the GCC, ❑ ❑ ❑ vocates for the Utah Navajo Health System, who received a community leader- per established military norms,” the Pakistani only Saudi Arabia ranks in group 4, with other banking systems rank- ship award from the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Montezuma Creek, Utah army said, adding that it had informed Afghan ing weaker. ‘US heading in wrong direction’: The on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. (AP) authorities of the development. (AP) HCA Q2 profit surges as patients return to hospitals

The first major hospital chain pected earnings in the quarter ologists. The seven-day rolling total admissions during the to post second-quarter results and a raised forecast for 2021. average for daily new cases quarter. That’s down from 10% In this file photo, Sam surprised Wall Street with how “With the effects of the pan- has nearly tripled over the past in the first quarter. Hazen, CEO of HCA much it has grown since a rap- demic moderating ... we expe- two weeks to 34,730, according Overall, HCA’s adjusted Healthcare, speaks idly spreading pandemic cur- rienced a strong rebound in de- to Johns Hopkins University. earnings before interest, taxes, about the coronavirus tailed surgeries and other care mand for services,” CEO Sam The company said that inpa- depreciation and amortization in the Rose Garden of last year. Hazen said. tient surgeries at established grew about 21% to $3.22 billion. the White House, in HCA Healthcare said that That rebound happened locations grew 15% compared That compares to $2.67 billion Washington. (AP) admissions to its hospitals largely before COVID-19 cas- to last year’s second quar- in last year’s quarter, when the soared while COVID-19 related es started climbing around ter, and outpatient surgeries company also booked $822 care fell in the three-month win- the country over the past few soared more than 52%. million in government stimulus dow that ended June 30. That weeks, drawing concern from Meanwhile, COVID-19 pa- income that it has since paid contributed to better-than-ex- federal officials and epidemi- tient admissions fell to 3% of back. (AP)

Market Movements 26-07-2021 Change Closing pts Change Closing pts SAUDI - Tadawul +21.51 10,897.87 UK - FTSE 100 -2.15 7,025.43 JAPAN - Nikkei +285.29 27,833.29 EUROPE - Euro Stoxx 50 -6.51 4,102.59 EGYPT - EGX 30 +42.56 10,697.32 UAE - DFM -15.41 2,758.82 PHILIPPINES - All Shares -148.13 6,372.61 INDIA - Sensex -123.53 52,852.27 PAKISTAN - KSE 100 -120.39 47,672.68 SINGAPORE - Straits Times STI -18.08 3,138.97 Business US economy is growing briskly in wake of the pandemic recession Fed to discuss a pullback in economic aid with inflation up WASHINGTON, July 26, (AP): With would consider reducing the bond pur- infl ation uncomfortably high and the chases. To make up for years of infl ation COVID-19 Delta variant raising eco- remaining below 2%, Powell said, the nomic concerns, a divided Federal Fed wants infl ation to moderately ex- Sales of new US homes Reserve will meet this week to discuss ceed its 2% average infl ation target and when and how it should dial back its to show signs of remaining above it for ultra-low-interest rate policies. an unspecifi ed time. In recent months, as For now, the U.S. economy is grow- consumer demand has exceeded the sup- ing briskly in the wake of the pan- ply of goods and services in some indus- demic recession, and the pace of hir- tries, infl ation has topped 2%. ing is healthy, which is why the Fed’s Federal Reserve Board Chair Je- Powell suggested during his con- drop by 6.6 pct in June rome Powell testifies before Sen- policymakers will likely move closer gressional testimony last week that the toward acting soon. In particular, the ate Banking, Housing, and Urban economy was “still a ways off” from offi cials are expected to discuss the Affairs hearing to examine the achieving that progress. On Wednes- Shortage of homes fueling price rise timing and mechanics of slowing their Semiannual Monetary Policy Re- day, when the Fed issues a policy state- $120 billion-a-month in bond pur- port to Congress, Thursday, July ment and Powell holds a news confer- 15, 2021, on Capitol Hill in Wash- chases - a pandemic-era policy that is ington. (AP) ence, any signal that such progress is WASHINGTON, July 26, intended to keep long-term loan rates near could mean that the Fed is getting (AP): Sales of new homes low to spur borrowing and spending. dent Joe Biden’s $1.9 trillion stimulus closer to reducing its bond purchases. This week’s meeting occurs against package, which was enacted in March. Nathan Sheets, chief economist fell for a third straight the backdrop of a risky policy bet by In his testimony, Powell largely at PGIM Fixed Income and a former month in June, dropping Fed Chair Jerome Powell. Powell is stood by his view that higher infl ation director of international fi nance at the gambling that the central bank can en- will prove temporary. His reasoning is Fed, said the divide on the Fed refl ects by 6.6% to the lowest level gineer an exceedingly delicate task: To two sharply different ways of viewing in more than a year. that recent high price increases - for keep the Fed’s short-term benchmark things like used and new cars, hotel the economy. Those offi cials who sup- rate pegged near zero, where it has port an earlier taper are likely focused The June sales decline left sales rooms and airline tickets - have been at a seasonally adjusted annual rate been since March 2020, until the job on current levels of high infl ation and market has fully healed, without fuel- driven mainly by supply shortages the fact that the economy has nearly re- of 676,000, the Commerce Depart- ing a sustained bout of high infl ation. related to the swift reopening of the turned to its pre-pandemic size. ment reported Monday. That fol- Yet the stakes around that bet are economy. But he also stated more ex- Hiring is robust and is being held lowed a 7.7% sales decline in May rising, with consumer prices having plicitly than before that the Fed won’t back mostly by a shortage of workers, and a 10.1% fall in April. jumped 5.4% in June from a year ago, hesitate to raise rates should it decide rather than a lack of demand for them, The pace last month was down the biggest increase in 13 years. Last that infl ation is getting out of control. Sheets said. Under this view, the Fed 19.4% from a year ago and the slowest month’s surge marked a fourth straight After a period of broad agreement dur- can’t do much about labor supply. since April 2020. Housing has been a ing the pandemic crisis, the Fed’s policy- A real estate sign is posted in front of a newly-constructed single fam- month of unexpectedly large price in- “The economy is, bottom line, much stand-out performer since the econo- creases, heightening fears that persis- makers appear divided over how soon to better than it was a year ago,” Sheets ily home, Thursday, June 24, 2021 in Auburn, New Hampshire. US home start reducing - or “tapering,” in Fed par- my began emerging from the steep but prices soared in April at the fastest pace since 2005 as Americans bid up tently higher infl ation will erode the said. “It is getting harder and harder short pandemic recession in April last prices on a limited supply of available properties. (AP) value of recent pay raises and under- lance - its monthly bond purchases. Sev- for the Fed to explain why it needs to year. mine the economic recovery. eral regional Fed bank presidents support keep buying $120 billion of assets a The median price of a new home A shortage of homes on the mar- from the pandemic. The main concern is that the Fed tapering soon, including James Bullard month.” sold in May was $361,800, up 6.1% ket and rising costs for material such Rubeela Farooqi, chief U.S. econo- will end up responding too late and too of the St. Louis Fed, Patrick Harker of Yet Powell and the rest of the Fed’s from a year ago. but down 5% from as lumber and also higher labor costs mist at High Frequency Economics, aggressively to high infl ation by quick- the Philadelphia Fed and Robert Kaplan leadership - notably Richard Clarida, vice May, suggesting the surge in prices had fueled a sharp jump in prices. noted that new home sales averaged ly jacking up interest rates and perhaps of the Dallas Fed. chair of the Fed’s board, and John Wil- may be slowing a bit as builders in- But analysts said the trend for sales 728,000 at an annual rate in the April- causing another recession. Last week, Powell has said that the central bank liams, president of the Federal Reserve crease inventories. The number of new and price gains has clearly slowed June quarter, down sharply from a Republicans in Congress peppered wants to see “substantial further prog- Bank of New York - will likely stick to homes for sale at the end of June in- from the red-hot pace seen over the monthly average of 926,000 in the Powell with questions about infl ation, ress” toward its goals of maximum em- a go-slow approach toward withdrawing creased to 353,000, up 7% from May. past year as the economy emerged fourth quarter of last year. for which they largely blamed Presi- ployment and price stability before it economic support, Sheets said. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 BUSINESS 9

Xsolla launches game investment platform

Xsolla announced the launch of its innova- opers and give them access to capital. Intro- portunities in this ever-expanding segment try. Yet available capital to back this seg- game investing to the next level. The Xsolla tive solution for game developers and in- duce accredited investors to game projects of the gaming market,” said Chris Hewish, ment of the industry is fragmented, which Game Investment Platform will connect ac- vestors - Xsolla Game Investment Platform. selected by Xsolla’s experts. Align the inter- President of Xsolla. “Our expertise in video makes it diffi cult for independent devel- credited investors directly with game devel- The company’s video game commerce ests of independent game developers and game monetization, combined with a large opers to fi nd the right investor to support opers with projects already in development tools have already helped more than 1,500 accredited investors through a revenue-split network of indie game developers, enables their efforts. The Xsolla Game Investment and awaiting additional funding. developers and publishers elevate their ef- structure. Investors have the opportunity us to leverage our position to link developers Platform will offer game developers an- The terms of the investment opportuni- forts to market, sell, connect and optimize to diversify capital and risk across multiple with serious, accredited investors - and we other avenue to obtain funding to fi nish and ties that are planned for the Xsolla Game over 2,400 games. Its goal is to help bring projects. “We’re very pleased to announce can’t wait to see the next big game take off launch, while maintaining control over their Investment Platform will be revenue split- even more promising games to market a new class of securities that earn a return because of it.” product. Rather than spending time to seek based, which will offer investors the po- through the Xsolla Game Investment Plat- from game revenues. Independent game Background and Context The gam- out investment opportunities in the games tential to receive returns from the sales of form. developers have few ways of bringing their ing industry hit $174.9 billion in 2020, with market, investors can fi nd them and their games rather than waiting for a liquidity The platform is designed to simplify the projects to life, and many investors have no smaller independent developers making up projects on the Xsolla Game Investment event in the case of equity-based invest- fundraising process for independent devel- easy way to fi lter and understand the op- a growing and important part of the indus- Platform. Xsolla is taking the idea of video ments. (Agencies) US indexes wobble, hold near records Investors await Fed meet for policy cues Ford, Argo inks NEW YORK, July 26, ‘deal’ with Lyft (AP): Stocks wobbled be- DETROIT, July 26, (AP): Ford Motor tween small gains and loss- Co. and a self-driving vehicle com- es on Wall Street Monday pany it partly owns will join with the as investors pause after the Lyft ride-hailing service to offer au- tonomous rides on the Lyft network. market rallied to more re- The service using Ford vehicles and cord highs last week. a driving system developed by Pitts- The S&P 500 index rose 0.2% as burgh-based Argo AI will begin in Mi- of 11:44 a.m. and is hovering close ami later this year and start in Austin, to the record it set on Friday. The Texas, in 2022. It will start with human Dow Jones Industrial Average rose backup drivers and go fully autono- 30 points, or 0.1%, to 35,090 and mous at an unspecifi ed date. the Nasdaq rose less than 0.1%. The cars will gather data to lay the Big technology and health care groundwork to deploy 1,000 robot- stocks were the biggest weight on the axis on the Lyft network in multiple markets during the next fi ve years, the market. Chipmaker Nvidia fell 1.4% companies said Wednesday in a state- and insurer UnitedHealth Group fell ment. 1.2%. Until April, Lyft was developing Chinese technology companies its own autonomous vehicle systems, slipped as China increases restric- but the company ended up selling its tions on internet apps and other unit to Woven Planet, a Toyota Mo- companies. China’s industry minis- tor Corp. subsidiary, for $550 million. try announced a 6-month campaign The sale closed on Tuesday. Under the to clean up what it says are serious Ford deal, Lyft will get a 2.5% equity problems with internet apps violating stake in Argo AI in exchange for rider- consumer rights, cyber security and ship and safety data. “disturbing market order.” Internet Lyft CEO Logan Green said in the giant Tencent’s U.S.-listed shares statement that the deal is the fi rst time all fell 5.1% following orders by regula- pieces of the autonomous vehicle puz- tors to end exclusive contracts with zle have come together. “Each company music copyright holders. brings the scale, knowledge and capabil- Investors are still monitoring a ity in their area of expertise that is neces- steady fl ow of corporate earnings this sary to make autonomous ride-hailing a week and listening for any statements business reality,” he said. from the Federal Reserve about po- Ford and Volkswagen are major tential policy changes on bond pur- investors in Argo, which is working chases and interest rates. The central on technology that will let Ford start bank will meet this week and a state- an autonomous ride-hailing service. Pittsburgh-based Argo is testing au- ment on interest rate policy is sched- Trader Edward McCarthy works on the fl oor of the New York Stock Exchange, Friday, July 23, 2021. Stocks wobbled between small gains and losses on uled for Wednesday. Wall Street Monday as investors pause after the market rallied to more record highs last week. (AP) tonomous vehicles with human backup Investors are looking for more in- drivers in six U.S. cities. formation on how the Fed will react report its latest fi nancial results The future for the Dow industrials in July from 48 in June, on a scale 3,240.46. The deal is the latest in a string of after the market closes. Investors slipped 0.6% while the contract for of 1-100 where 50 marks the break Hong Kong’s Hang Seng sank partnerships and consolidation in the to continued economic growth, but autonomous vehicle business. In De- with the virus pandemic still linger- are awaiting earnings reports from the S&P 500 shed 0.4% to 4,385.70. between expansion and contraction. 3.5% to 26,374.26 after Chinese cember, Lyft rival Uber announced it ing as a threat. Wall Street expects several large companies this week. Investors are awaiting a meeting Manufacturing remained in expan- regulators said they were further would sell its autonomous vehicle de- the central bank to eventually taper Google’s parent company, Alphabet, of the Federal Reserve this week for sion, but fell to 50.5 from 50.7 in tightening restrictions on technology velopment arm in a stock deal. its support, but is looking for clues will report earnings Tuesday, along indications of future policy as new June, said the au Jibun Bank survey. companies, requiring a “rectifi ca- on how much of a pullback will oc- with Apple and Microsoft. Pfi zer outbreaks of coronavirus threaten the It said new export orders declined, tion” of misleading pop-up windows cur and how soon. and Boeing report their results on U.S. and global recoveries from the possibly refl ecting supply bottle- and other practices by software ap- “The mood still revolves around Wednesday. Shares were mostly lower in Asia necks. Output fell at the fastest pace plications, or apps. The Shanghai infl ation and whether it is transitory Electric vehicle company Lucid on Monday, where Tokyo advanced in six months. Composite index dropped 2.3% to or not,” said Keith Buchanan, senior Motors rose 12% in its public debut while markets in Hong Kong and “Short-term disruption to activity 3,467.44. With roughly a quarter of portfolio manager at Globalt Invest- after being bought by blank-check Shanghai fell sharply. is likely to continue until the latest all the profi t reports in from S&P 500 ments. company Churchill Capital Corp. Fresh news of regulatory moves wave of COVID-19 infections passes companies, nearly 90% have topped A wide range of companies re- The price of Bitcoin rose 12% to against Chinese IT and education and restrictions enacted under the Wall Street’s already high expecta- ported earnings. While the results $38,500, according to Coindesk. industry companies pulled shares state of emergency laws are lifted,” tions for the spring. have been mostly solid, Wall Street’s Amazon is reportedly considering lower in Hong Kong and Shanghai. Usamah Bhatti, economist at IHS Companies in the index are on In this fi le photo, a sign marks the reaction has been mixed. Elevator accepting it as payment and consid- In Japan, preliminary factory and Markit, said in a report. pace to report roughly 74% growth pick lane for Lyft car share service maker Otis was mostly unchanged, ering its own cryptocurrency for pur- service activity surveys showed a Nonetheless, Tokyo’s Nikkei 225, for earnings in the second quarter outside the Pepsi Center in down- despite reporting solid fi nancial re- chases. slowdown linked to recent tightening tracking Wall Street’s strong fi nish from a year earlier, according to town Denver. Ford Motor Co. and a sults, while toymaker Hasbro jumped Britain’s FTSE 100 lost 0.4% to of pandemic precautions due to surg- on Friday, gained 1% to 27,833.29. FactSet. That would be the strongest self-driving vehicle company it part- 10.8% after handily beating analysts’ 6,998.08 and Germany’s DAX de- ing coronavirus cases. In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was growth since the economy was ex- ly owns will join with the Lyft ride- profi t forecasts. clined 0.7% to 15,567.11. In Paris, The fl ash purchasing managers in- unchanged at 7,394.30, while the ploding out of the Great Recession at hailing service to offer autonomous Electric vehicle maker Tesla will the CAC 40 lost 0.6% to 6,526.86. dex for the services sector fell to 46.5 Kospi in Seoul declined 0.9% to the end of 2009. rides on the Lyft network. (AP) NBK rallies 22 fi ls, Humansoft Holding dips Kuwait index extends gain, volume rises By John Mathews Co was down 6 fi ls at 383 fi ls. Jazeera whereas International Financial Ad- Arab Times Staff Airways recorded a 5 fi ls lift and visors tripped 1 fi l after pushing 14.8 ALAFCO inched 1 fi l into green. Inte- million. Arzan Financial Group rose 5 KUWAIT CITY, July 26: Kuwait grated Holding added 2 fi ls whereas fi ls to 157 fi ls whereas Kuwait Finan- stocks notched strong gains on Mon- Aznour stood pat at 224 fi ls. YIACO cial Centre (Markaz) was down 6 fi ls day, extending last session’s upswing. Medical soared 42 fi ls to 734 fi ls. at 176 fi ls. Noor Financial Investment The All Shares Index, after a quite The market opened on a tame note paced 5 fi ls whereas Tamdeen Invest- start, rallied 66.10 points to 6524.78 and edged slightly higher before slip- ment Co shed 9 fi ls. points led by heavyweights even as the ping into a shallow trough. The main Kuwait Cement Co was unchanged overall mood remained upbeat. index headed north thereafter amid at 246 fi ls and Kuwait Portland Ce- The Premier Market soared 84.48 strong buying spurt in some of the ment clipped 1 fi l to close at 887 fi ls. points to 7094.15 pts while Main Mar- blue chips and plateaued briefl y past Kuwait Foundry Co trimmed 1 fi l ket scaled 25.29 points. The BK Main the mid-session before closing with whereas Metal and Recycling Co was 50 index climbed 30.39 pts to 5684.93 hefty gains. up 5 fi ls at 164 fi ls. ACICO Industries points. The volume turnover mean- Top gainer of the day, YIACO dialed up 2 fi ls on back of 1.6 million while rose for the third straight session Medical galloped 9.91 pct to 466 shares and Shuaiba Industrial fell 2 fi ls to breach the 400 million mark. Over fi ls while Aayan Real Estate sprinted to 165 fi ls. Hilal Cement added 1.3 fi ls 403 million shares changed hands – up 5.92 pct to stand next. Kuwait Hotels whereas HEISC paused at 491 fi ls. 9.5 pct from the day before. skidded 12.93 percent, the steepest de- Kuwait and Gulf Links Transport The sectors closed mostly in green cliner of the day and Bareeq topped the Co ticked 0.7 fi l up to 52 fi ls while Ed- turf. Banking sector outpaced the volume with 75.84 million. ucational Holding Co scaled 7 fi ls. Ku- rest with 1.53 percent gain whereas Mirroring the day’s gains, the win- wait Hotels Co shed 11.9 fi ls whereas Technology shed 1.92 pct, the worst ners vastly outnumbered the losers. Sultan Centre climbed 5 fi ls to 205 fi ls. performer of the day. Volume wise, 66 stocks advanced whereas 53 closed United Projects Co took in 1 fi l and Financial Services continued to top lower. Of the 141 counters active on Automated Systems Co clipped 2 fi ls. with 254.9 million shares while Bank- Monday, 22 closed fl at. 14,175 deals KCPC and Independent Petroleum ing dominated in value with KD 26.49 worth KD 71.38 million were transact- Group were unchanged at 558 fi ls and million. ed during the session. In the banking 615 fi ls respectively whereas Arabi Among the prime movers, sector sector, Gulf Bank and Kuwait Interna- Group Holding gave up 4 fi ls. Burgan bellwether National Bank of Kuwait rallied 22 fi ls to 889 fi ls on back of tional Bank took in 1 fi l each while Company For Well Drilling paused at 10.6 million shares and Boubyan Bank Ahli United Bank BSC gained 4 fi ls 183 fi ls while Combined Group Con- galloped 21 fi ls to 767 fi ls extending with brisk trading. Warba Bank paced tracting Co gained 6 fi ls. Egypt Kuwait last session’s robust gains. Kuwait Fi- 6 fuiils whereas Commercial Bank di- Holding Co climbed 5 fi ls to 320 fi ls. nance House added 3 fi ls after pushing aled up 1 fi l. Al Ahli Bank climbed 6 The market has been buoyant so far 9.7 million shares and Burgan Bank fi ls to 220 fi ls and Ahli United Bank during the week, rallying 128 points followed suit to close at 227 fi ls. Hu- Kuwait took in 2 fi ls. in last two sessions. It has rallied 138 mansoft Holding however dipped Kuwait Investment Co rose 3 fi ls to points from start of the month and is 28 fi ls to KD 3.512 partly erasing Sun- 236 fi ls on back of 1.8 million shares up 954 points year-to-date. day’s gains. Zain rose 2 fi ls to 590 fi ls on back of 4.9 million shares and Ooredoo scaled Lordstown gets $400m investment 7 fi ls before settling at 632 fi ls. stc climbed 8 fi ls to 863 fi ls while logis- LORDSTOWN, Ohio, July 26, (AP): hedge fund YA II PN Ltd agreed to tics major Agility sprinted 6 fi ls to 947 Lordstown Motors has received a to buy $400 million of stock. fi ls after moving 1.3 million shares. $400 million investment as the strug- Shares of the company, which are KIPCO paused at 160 fi ls whereas gling electric truck maker continues down more than 60% this year, rose Mabanee Co added 2 fi ls to close at to push toward production of its new about 2% Monday. Lordstown’s op- 718 fi ls. Mezzan Holding eased 1 fi l to pickup this fall. erations have been under increasing 633 fi ls while Boursa Kuwait Securi- ties paced 9 fi ls. The Ohio company, which has scrutiny in recent months after the National Industries Group rose 4 been under scrutiny over the claims company said it had no fi rm orders fi ls to 227 fi ls on back of 11.5 million it has made about the number of or- for its vehicles just after saying it shares and Gulf Cable climbed 10 fi ls. ders it has received for its trucks, said had enough to maintain production Boubyan Petrochemical Co took in 1 in a fi ling Monday with the Securi- through 2022. The company’s CEO fi l whereas Al Qurain Petrochemical ties and Exchange Commission that and chief fi nancial offi cer resigned. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 BUSINESS 10

Electrify America to double EV charging stations by 2025

Electrify America, an electric vehicle charg- Automakers have ramped up produc- stations in the US, but only about 5,000 are ing network funded with money paid by tion of electric vehicles that can go farther considered direct-current fast chargers, ac- In this fi le photo, Volkswagen as punishment for its emis- and charge faster, but are concerned that cording to the Department of Energy. The a Chevrolet Bolt sions cheating scandal, says it plans to consumers interested in EVs may wait to rest require roughly eight hours to fully charges at an more than double its number of charging buy until there’s better, faster charging in- charge longer-range batteries. Electrify America stations throughout the United States and frastructure. The higher cost of fast-charging stations site outside Colo- Canada. The latest generation of EVs, many with is an issue President Joe Biden’s adminis- rado Mills outlet The expansion will include 1,800 fast- ranges around 300 miles (480 kilometers) tration will have to take into account as it mall in downtown charging stations and 10,000 individual per charge, can accept electricity at a much develops incentives to encourage compa- Lakewood, Colo- chargers to be installed by 2025 and is part faster rate than previous models could, but nies and governments to build more charg- rado. (AP) of Electrify America’s previous commitment most charging stations can’t keep up with ing stations. The administration’s goal is to to invest $2 billion over 10 years on EV infra- the vehicles’ advanced technology. have 500,000 charging stations nationwide structure, education and access in the US. There are about 42,000 public charging by 2030. (AP)

Biden is pushing to extend the credit through 2025 Free money for all? Mayors hope local tests bring big change By Sara Burnett American Rescue Plan, which they able. said was too expensive and not fo- But he says there’s a fl aw in using y triggering $1,400 stimulus cused specifi cally enough on COV- the pilot projects as a “proof of con- Bchecks for millions of people ID-19’s health and economic crises. cept.” Most are for one to two years and expanding the child tax credit for Former Stockton Mayor Michael and give money to a narrow slice of many families, the pandemic offered Tubbs, who started Mayors for a the population that knows the cash a clear takeaway for some offi cials: Guaranteed Income in June 2020, will eventually stop, so participants That putting tax dollars in people’s launched a guaranteed income pro- may be more likely to seek fulltime pockets is achievable and can be a gram using private funds in his employment during that period than lifeline to those struggling to get by. Northern California city in 2019. if they knew the cash was permanent. Now a growing number of mayors An independent study found full- Zwolinski also questions whether and other leaders say they want to time employment for participants people in the US are willing to sup- determine for sure whether programs grew in the first year of the pro- port a national program that gives like these are the best way to reduce gram more quickly than it did for money to people who could work but poverty, lessen inequality and get those not receiving cash, a finding aren’t doing so. people working. Tubbs argues contradicts conserva- “That really rubs a lot of people In experiments across the coun- tive arguments against them. Some the wrong way,” he said. try, dozens of cities and counties — recipients were able to complete Even in the smaller pilots there some using money from the $1.9 tril- classes or training and get full-time have been hiccups. In many cases, lion COVID relief package approved jobs that provided more economic waivers are needed to ensure the new in March — and the state of Califor- stability than cobbling together gig income doesn’t make recipients inel- nia are giving some low-income resi- employment. igible for other benefi ts they receive. dents a guaranteed income of $500 to Mayors for a Guaranteed Income Wausau, Wisconsin, Mayor Katie $1,000 each month to do with as they started with 11 founding mayors and Rosenberg said that snag has delayed please, and tracking what happens. now has more than 50. Two dozen the city’s program from getting up A coalition known as Mayors for a pilot programs have been approved, and running. Guaranteed Income plans to use the from Los Angeles County — the “I don’t want to hurt people,” data — collected alongside a Univer- most populous county in the US — Rosenberg said. sity of Pennsylvania-based research to a county in upstate New York and Gary, Indiana, started its pilot pro- center — to lobby the White House the cities of Wausau, Wisconsin, and gram in April, providing $500 per and Congress for a federal guaran- Gainesville, Florida. month to 125 households for one teed income or, for starters, to make Last week, California lawmak- year. Burgess Peoples, the pilot’s the new $300 per month child tax ers approved a state-funded guaran- executive director, said recipients re- credit that’s set to expire after this In this fi le photo, people walk on one of the main streets in Ellenville, New York, in Ulster County. Though pretty, teed income plan with a unanimous ceive “wraparound services,” includ- year permanent. there are pockets of poverty. The county is working with the Center for Guaranteed Income Research at the Uni- vote that showed bipartisan support. ing help with fi nding jobs. Already The surge in interest in these versity of Pennsylvania on a pilot program funded by private donations. One hundred households making less It will provide monthly payments it’s making a difference, she said. so-called free money pilot pro- than $46,900 a year in May began receiving a $500 payment each month for a year. Recipients of the money can to qualifying pregnant people and Two women used their first grams shows how quickly the con- spend it as they wish, but will be asked to participate in periodic surveys about their physical health, mental health young adults who recently left foster checks to pay what they owed for cept of just handing out cash, no and employment status. (AP) care. college tuition, allowing them to strings attached, has shifted from Some pilot programs have been keep working toward their degrees. far-fetched idea to serious policy popular politically. Biden signed in March, increased and those who generally have no in- funded privately — Twitter founder One man got his car repaired so he proposal, even as critics blast the “The pandemic showed us what is the child tax credit for one year to come to report. Jack Dorsey has donated over $15 could get to work without paying programs as unaffordable or dis- possible,” said Los Angeles Mayor $3,600 annually for children under Biden is pushing to extend the million to MGI. Other places, like for a Lyft ride. couraging people from going to Eric Garcetti, whose latest budget 6 and $3,000 for ages 6 to 17, with credit through 2025, and ultimately Minneapolis, are using federal dol- Peoples hopes more local experi- work. Supporters say it’s all due included a $24 million guaranteed the fi rst six months of the credit ad- make it permanent. Republicans lars from the American Rescue Plan. ments will pressure the federal gov- to COVID-19, which cost millions income program to give 2,000 poor vanced via monthly payments that argue doing so would create a dis- Matt Zwolinski, director of the ernment to change the way it assists of people their jobs and prompted families $1,000 per month. “We’re started this month. Last year the incentive for people to work, and Center for Ethics, Economics and poor people. the federal government under both now going to be a pretty potent lob- credit was $2,000 per child, and only lead to more poverty — an argument Public Policy at the University of “That way they can get help the Presidents Donald Trump and Joe by to get the child tax credit perma- families that owed income taxes to similar to what critics say about the San Diego, has studied guaranteed way they need it,” she said, “not just Biden to cut checks to rescue the nent.” the government could receive it. guaranteed income programs. No income policy for over a decade and the way the government thinks it economy — relief that was hugely The American Rescue Plan, which That excluded low-income families Republicans voted in favor of the says the increased interest is remark- should be.” (AP) US, Germany seal deal on Russian gas pipeline

Poland, Ukraine express displeasure over decision

WASHINGTON, July 26, (AP): The United States and Germany have announced a deal to allow the comple- tion of a controversial Rus- sian gas pipeline to Europe without the imposition of further US sanctions. The agreement aims to stanch fears about European de- pendence on Russian ener- gy, but it was immediately assailed by critics who said it doesn’t go far enough. Under the terms of the deal, the US and Germany committed to countering any Russian attempt to In this fi le photo, President Joe Biden meets with German Chancellor An- use the Nord Stream 2 pipeline as a gela Merkel in the Oval Offi ce of the White House in Washington. The Unit- ed States and Germany have reached a deal that will allow the completion political weapon. And, they agreed of a controversial Russian gas pipeline to Europe without the imposition of to support Ukraine and Poland, further US sanctions, a senior US offi cial said Wednesday, July 21. (AP) both of which are bypassed by the project and fear Russia’s inten- curity situation in Europe, perpetuating statement said, would help to contrib- tions, by funding alternative energy divisions among NATO and European ute up to $1.7 billion of European Un- and development projects. Union member states,” the Polish and ion funding for the initiative through “The United States and Germany are Ukrainian foreign ministers said in a 2027. united in their determination to hold joint statement. Despite the agreement, there re- Russia to account for its aggression The agreement is not a clear politi- mains strong bipartisan opposition to and malign activities by imposing costs cal win for either President Joe Biden the pipeline in Congress, as well as via sanctions and other tools,” they said or German Chancellor Angela Mer- in Ukraine and Poland, and like the in a joint statement that covered Nord kel, an unabashed supporter of the Trump administration before it, the Stream 2 as well as Russia’s support pipeline who will step down later this Biden administration also says it op- for separatists in Ukraine. year. For Biden, he risks appearing poses the pipeline. US offi cials have “Should Russia attempt to use en- weak as it relates to Russia, and Mer- said sanctions won’t stop it. ergy as a weapon or commit further kel’s governing party faces a serious The top Republican on the House aggressive acts against Ukraine, Ger- challenge from Germany’s Green Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Mi- many will take action at the national Party, which opposes the pipeline, in chael McCaul of Texas, said he had no level and press for effective measures September elections. doubt Russia “will use the Nord Stream at the European level, including sanc- Still, the two sides committed to sup- 2 pipeline as a weapon of coercion tions, to limit Russian export capabil- porting a $1 billion fund for Ukraine to against Ukraine and transatlantic ener- ities to Europe in the energy sector,” diversify its energy sources, of which gy security as soon as it is operational. it said. Germany will provide an initial $175 Promises to invest in future Ukrainian The Nord Stream 2 project has posed million grant. And, Germany guaran- energy projects and ambiguous threats a major foreign policy dilemma for teed that it would reimburse Ukraine of consequences won’t change that re- the Biden administration. US offi cials for gas transit fees it will lose from be- ality.” from both parties have long feared that ing bypassed by Nord Stream 2 until Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, also ob- it would give Russia too much power 2024, with a possible 10-year exten- jected, calling it “weak,” and several over European gas supplies. But the sion. Democrats, including Senate Foreign pipeline is almost completed and the The Kremlin said Russian President Relations Committee Chairman Bob US has been determined to rebuild ties Vladimir Putin spoke with Merkel and Menendez of New Jersey and Sen. with Germany that were damaged dur- they discussed the possibility of ex- Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, ing the Trump administration. tending a deal on transit of Russian gas have been consistently critical of the Poland and Ukraine expressed their via Ukraine after 2024. administration’s approach. displeasure over the decision to allow In a nod to Poland, Germany also “I am not yet convinced that this the pipeline’s completion and said the agreed to sign onto the “Three Seas agreement — or any bilateral agree- efforts to reduce the Russian security Initiative,” an EU and US-promoted ment — can suffi ciently provide as- threat were not suffi cient. scheme that aims to boost investment, surances to our European allies and “This decision has created a political, infrastructure development and ener- minimize the considerable economic military and energy threat for Ukraine gy security among the countries bor- impact and security implications of this and Central Europe, while increasing dering the Baltic, Black, and Adriatic pipeline’s completion,” Shaheen said Russia’s potential to destabilize the se- seas. The German government, the in a statement. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 SCIENCE 11

Coronavirus

From proud father to beggar Virus leaves Indians mired in huge debts NEW DELHI, July 26, (AP): As coronavirus cases ravaged India this spring, Anil Sharma visited his 24-year-old son Saurav at a private hospital in northwest New Delhi every day for more than two months. In May, as India’s new COVID-19 cases broke global records to reach 400,000 a day, Saurav was put on a ventilator. The sight of the tube running into Saurav’s throat is seared in Sharma’s mind. “I had to stay strong when I was with him, but immediately after, I would break down as soon as I left the room,” he said. Saurav is home now, still weak and recovering. But the family’s joy is tempered by a mountain of debt that piled up while he was sick. Life has been tentatively returning to normal in India as new coronavirus cases have fallen. But millions are embroiled in a night- mare of huge piles of medical bills. Most Indians don’t have health insur- ance and costs for COVID-19 treat- ment have them drowning in debt. Sharma exhausted his savings on paying for an ambulance, tests, medi- cines and an ICU bed. Then he took out bank loans. As the costs mounted, he borrowed from friends and relatives. Then, he Modi turned to strangers, pleading online for help on Ketto, an Indian crowd- funding website. Overall, Sharma says he has paid over $50,000 in medical bills. Anil Sharma shows a photograph of his son Saurav who is being treated for COVID-19 at a private hospital in New Delhi, India, July 1. Life is tentatively returning The crowdfunding provided $28,000, but another to normal in India as coronavirus cases fall. But millions are embroiled in a nightmare of huge piles of medical bills. (AP) $26,000 is borrowed money he needs to repay, a kind of debt he has never faced before. “He was struggling for his life and we were struggling to provide him an opportunity to survive,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “I was a proud father — and now I have Coronavirus become a beggar.” The pandemic has devastated India’s economy, bringing fi nancial calamity to millions at the mercy of its chronically underfunded and fragmented healthcare system. Experts Spaniards put faith in COVID-19 vaccines say such costs are bound to hinder an economic recovery. Insurance “What we have is a patchwork quilt of incomplete public US headed in ‘wrong direction’: Fauci insurance and a poor public health system. The pandemic has shown just how creaky and unsustainable these two WILMINGTON, Del., July 26, (AP): get vaccinated,” Fauci said. strongly in the benefi ts of vaccines. things are,” said Vivek Dehejia, an economist who has The United States is in an “unneces- Hutchinson, also speaking on CNN, We have always strongly encouraged studied public policy in India. sary predicament” of soaring COV- said he did not know whether he might children from a very young age to get Even before the pandemic, healthcare access in India ID-19 cases fueled by unvaccinated have underestimated the hesitancy of their vaccines.” was a problem. Americans and the virulent delta vari- people to get the vaccine, but acknowl- He said general vaccination rates for Indians pay about 63% of their medical expenses out- ant, the nation’s top infectious diseases edged that “the resistance has hard- children in Spain were over 95%. of-pocket. That’s typical of many poor countries with in- expert said Sunday. ened in certain elements and is simply Spain’s public health care system, adequate government services. Data on global personal “We’re going in the wrong direc- false information. It is myths. As I go which has suffered budget cuts in the tion,’’ said Dr. Anthony Fauci, de- into these town hall meetings, some- past decade, buckled last year under medical costs from the pandemic are hard to come by, but scribing himself as “very frustrated.” one said: `Don’t call it a vaccine. Call the fi rst wave of the virus, which has in India and many other countries treatment for COVID is He said recommending that the vac- it a bioweapon.’ And they talk about claimed at least 81,000 lives in the a huge added burden at a time when hundreds of millions In this July 27, 2006 file photo, WTN cinated wear masks is “under active mind control. Well, those are obvi- country. of jobs have vanished. Radio talk show personality Phil Val- consideration’’ by the government’s ously erroneous. Other members of the In India, many jobs returned as cities opened up after entine hosts a town hall meeting in leading public health offi cials. Also, community correct that.” Hesitate a severe lockdown in March 2020, but economists worry Liberty Hall at The Factory at Franklin booster shots may be suggested for ❑ ❑ ❑ But fears that the health system about the loss of some 12 million salaried positions. Shar- in Franklin, Tenn. Valentine, a conser- people with suppressed immune sys- wouldn’t be up to the job of manag- vative talk radio host from Tennessee Like many of Spain’s 20-some- ma’s job as a marketing professional was one of them. who had been a vaccine skeptic until tems who have been vaccinated, Fauci ing a massive vaccine rollout proved When he asked his son’s friends to set up the campaign said. things, Sergio Rosado has seen the unfounded. Eligibility information he was hospitalized from COVID-19 new, more contagious coronavirus on Ketto to raise funds, Sharma hadn’t seen a paycheck in now says his listeners should get vac- Fauci, who also serves President was widely disseminated, and people 18 months. Between April and June this year, 40% of the cinated, July 25. (AP) Joe Biden’s chief medical adviser, told strain strike those too eager to cut didn’t hesitate to sign up when it was 4,500 COVID-19 campaigns on the site were for hospitali- CNN’s “State of the Union” that he has loose when authorities rolled back their age group’s turn. Vaccination zation costs, the company said. taken part in conversations about alter- health restrictions with vaccinations lines generally moved swiftly, and un- The pandemic has driven 32 million Indians out of the ing the mask guidelines. picking up pace. like France, there was no paperwork middle class, defi ned as those earning $10 to $20 a day, He noted that some local jurisdic- But the 22-year-old student shares to get in the way when people went to tions where infection rates are surg- the country’s widespread public trust their local clinics or mass vaccination according to a Pew Research Center study published in in the vaccines, and Rosado plans March. It estimated the crisis has increased the number of ing, such as Los Angeles County, points. are already calling on individuals to to get his shots as soon as his turn It also helped that no politician, India’s poor — those with incomes of $2 or less a day — by wear masks in public regardless of comes. not even on the fringes of the right 75 million. vaccination status. Fauci said those Controlled or left, sowed doubts about the vac- “If you’re looking at what pushes people into debt or local rules are compatible with the cines. The only political issue re- poverty, the top two sources often are out-of-pocket health Centers for Disease Control and “I have friends that have caught garding the vaccines was when they expenditure and catastrophic costs of treatment,” said K Prevention recommendation that COVID-19 at big parties. Lots of peo- weren’t arriving fast enough, and re- Srinath Reddy, president of the Public Health Foundation the vaccinated do not need to wear ple I know have caught it,” Rosado gional health authorities in charge of of India. Almeida Ley masks in public. said. “I did go out too, but to places administering them demanded more In the northeastern city of Imphal, 2,400 kilometers Nearly 163 million people, or 49% without many people and in controlled quicker. (1,490 miles) away, Diana Khumanthem lost both her of the eligible US population, are vac- spaces, and with face masks.” “This is not a question of progres- mother and sister to the virus in May. cinated, according to CDC data. Spain, like its fellow European Un- sives or of conservatives. It is a pub- Treatment costs wiped out the family’s savings, and Environment “This is an issue predominantly ion members, got off to a slow start in lic health question,” Spanish Prime when the private hospital where her sister died wouldn’t among the unvaccinated, which is the administering shots compared to Brit- Minister Pedro Sánchez told MSNBC release her body for last rites until a bill of about $5,000 reason why we’re out there, practically ain and the United States after regula- while on a visit last week to the United was paid, she pawned the family’s gold jewelry to mon- pleading with the unvaccinated people to tors approved the fi rst vaccines. But States. Retiro, Prado join Heritage list: go out and get vaccinated,” Fauci said. once deliveries by drugmakers started Unlike Germany or France, Spain eylenders. Madrid’s tree-lined Paseo del Prado When that wasn’t enough, asked her friends, relatives Fauci said government experts are fl owing to meet demand, the country doesn’t have a big anti-vaccine move- boulevard and the adjoining Retiro park reviewing early data as they consider quickly made up ground. ment. More than 90% of Spain’s and her sister’s colleagues for help. She still owes some have been added to UNESCO’s World After only fully vaccinating 10% of $1,000. whether to recommend that vaccinated public health workers have been vac- Heritage list. individuals to get booster shots. He its adults from January until the end of cinated, compared with 42% of public A health insurance scheme launched by Prime Minister The UNESCO World Heritage Com- suggested that some of the most vul- April, now nearly 54% of its adults, health workers in France. Narendra Modi in 2018 was intended to cover around 500 mittee, holding an online meeting from around 25 million people, have re- Fuzhou, China, backed the candidacy on nerable, such as organ transplant and So while France and Greece have had million of India’s 1.3 billion people and was a major step cancer patients, are “likely” to be rec- ceived two vaccine jabs, making Spain to pressure skeptics and procrastinators toward easing medical costs. But it doesn’t cover the pri- Sunday that highlighted the green area’s introduction of nature into Spain’s capi- ommended for booster shots. one of the inoculation leaders in the into getting their shots by making vac- mary care and outpatient costs that comprise most out-of- 27-nation European Union. cines mandatory for people working tal. The infl uence the properties have had Vaccination pocket expenses. So it hasn’t “effectively improved access on the designs of other cities in Latin The program is built on Spain’s effi - certain jobs, such as paramedics and to care and fi nancial risk protection,” said a working paper America was also applauded by commit- He also praised Republicans, includ- cient public health care system, a well- nursing home workers, Spaniards have by researchers at Duke University. tee members. ing Govs. Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas ordered vaccination plan that stuck so far needed very little prodding. strictly to age groups, and a populace Disparities “Collectively, they illustrate the as- and Ron DeSantis of Florida, and the In methodically working its way piration for a utopian society during the second-ranking House leader, Rep. Ste- confi dent in the safety of childhood from the most elderly downward, The program also has been hobbled by disparities in how height of the Spanish Empire,” UNESCO ve Scalise of Louisiana, for encourag- immunizations and therefore largely Spain achieved its fi rst goal: stop- various states implemented it, said Shawin Vitsupakorn, said. ing their constituents to get vaccinated. resistant to skepticism about COV- ping the most vulnerable from dying. one of the paper’s authors. The Retiro park occupies 1.2 square Their states have among the lowest vac- ID-19 jabs. But the emphasis on vaccines as the Another paper, by the Duke Global Health Institute and kilometers (1.3 square miles) in the center cination rates in the country. “Vaccination forms part of our ge- salvation could also have contributed the Public Health Foundation of India, found costs of ICU of Madrid. Next to it runs the Paseo del “What I would really like to see is nome,” Amós García, president of to Spain’s young letting down their hospitalization for COVID-19 are equivalent to nearly 16 Prado, which includes a promenade for more and more of the leaders in those the Spanish Association of Vaccinol- guards as curfews and face mask re- months of work for a typical Indian day laborer or seven to pedestrians. The boulevard connects the areas that are not vaccinating to get out ogy, told The Associated Press. “Our quirements were lifted, just as the delta heart of Spain’s art world, bringing to- and speak out and encourage people to professionals have always believed variant arrived. 10 months for salaried or self-employed workers. gether the Prado Museum with the Thys- Meager funding of healthcare, at just 1.6% of India’s sen-Bornemisza Museum and the Reina GDP, is less, proportionately, than what Laos or Ethiopia Sofía Art Centre. spends. At the outbreak’s peak in May, hospitals every- The boulevard dates back to 16th cen- But Norway moved amendments that impact of climate change can be man- committee had fi nalized its own climate where were overrun, but public facilities lacked the re- tury while the park was originally for put the reef back on the committee’s aged. change policy made no sense. (AP) sources to handle the fl oods of patients coming in. royal use in the 17th century before it was agenda at its annual meeting next June. Australian Environment Minister Sus- ❑ ❑ ❑ “The result is a suffering public health system, where the fully opened to the public in 1848. In the meantime, a monitoring mission san Ley told the virtual meeting that “Today, in these times of pandemic, in will visit the reef to determine how the downgrading the reef’s status before the Venice avoids designation: Ven- provision of care is often poor, prompting many to fl ock to ice and its lagoon environment avoided private hospitals,” said Dehejia. a city that has suffered enormously for the past 15 months, we have a reason to cel- placement on UNESCO’s list of world A public hospital treated Khumanthem’s mother, but her ebrate with the fi rst world heritage site in heritage sites in danger following Italy’s sister Ranjita was admitted to a private one that cost $1,300 Spain’s capital,” said Madrid mayor José ban on massive cruise ships traveling per day. Luis Martínez-Almeida. through the city’s historic center. Preser- Ranjita was the family’s only earner after Khuman- The site is number 49 for Spain on the vation groups immediately criticized the them left her nursing job last year to return home during UNESCO list. decision by UNESCO’s World Heritage Also on Sunday, the committee added Committee. the first wave of the virus. She’s now hunting for work The committee, which is meeting in while looking after her father and her sister’s 3-year-old China’s Emporium of the World in Song- Yuan, India’s Kakatiya Rudreshwara China instead has asked Italy to submit son. by December 2022 an update on efforts At her home in Imphal, Khumanthem grieved for her Temple, and the Trans-Iranian railway to the World Heritage list. (AP) to protect Venice from excessive tourism, mother by remembering her favorite food — chagem pom- ❑ ❑ ❑ population decline and other issues that ba, a type of gruel made with vegetables, rice and soybeans. will be considered at a meeting in 2023. Every few minutes, she looked toward the front gate. Australia avoids ‘downgrade’: Aus- The Italian government moved this “This is usually the time Ranjita would return home tralia garnered enough international sup- month to avoid the danger designation, from work,” she said. “I still keep thinking she could walk port to defer an attempt by the United Na- pledging to reroute massive cruise ships through the gate any moment now.” tions’ cultural organization to downgrade starting Aug. 1 from the city’s historic Back in New Delhi, Sharma sighed in relief as an am- the Great Barrier Reef’s World Heritage center to an industrial port still within status because of damage caused by cli- the Venice lagoon. The ships’ passage bulance brought his son home from the hospital last week. mate change. through St Mark’s Basin and the Giu- Saurav needs physiotherapy to build up his weakened mus- UNESCO had recommended that decca Canal, which resumed recently cles, a daily nurse and a long list of medications. It may its World Heritage Committee add the after a long pandemic pause, was among be weeks before he will be able to stand on his own, and world’s largest coral reef ecosystem the reasons UNESCO had cited for listing months before the ambitious lawyer who graduated among off the northeast Australian coast to the Venice’s status as at risk. the top of his class will be able to go to court again. World Heritage in Danger list, mainly due Italian Culture Minister Dario Frances- The costs will continue. to rising ocean temperatures. In this undated photo provided by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, chini welcomed UNESCO’s decision and “Our fi rst priority was to save him,” Sharma said. “Now Australian-proposed amendments to a diver monitors the health of the Great Barrier Reef off the Australian coast. credited the government’s recent move to we will need to fi gure out the rest.” the draft decision at a committee meeting Australia on July 23, garnered enough international support to defer for two ban ships over 25,000 tons from Venice in China on Friday would have deferred years an attempt by the United Nations’ cultural organization to downgrade the waterways facing St Mark’s Basilica and the “in danger” question until 2023. Great Barrier Reef’s World Heritage status. (AP) the Doges Palace. 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IMAX screeningofDenisVilleneuve’s“Dune”tofollowitspre- Morissette documentary“Jagged.”Thefestivalwillalsohostan rent’s “TheMadWomen’sBall,”andAlisonKlayman’sAlanis Antoine Fuqua’s“TheGuilty,”writer-director-actorMélanieLau- “Belfast,” TahirRana’s“DionneWarwick;Don’tMakeMeOver,” debut “Violet,”starringOliviaMunn. Lowden andPeterCapaldi,aswellJustineBateman’sdirectorial “Benediction,” aboutEnglishpoetSiegfriedSassoon,starringJack offi A fewselectionsfromCanneswillalsoscreenincludingJoachim Previously announcedpremieresincludeKennethBranagh’s The festivalwillalsohosttheworldpremiereofTerenceDavies’ ce withanestimated$16.5millioninticketsales.(AP) Documentary isbookendedbytragedy Documentary lm anda line “Thedistancebetweenheavenandhellisthe tobiography “I’mYourHuckleberry”—likethe him diffi expect andforcesustoquestionwhywethought to freakouthisson.Heismuchfunnierthanwe late mother’sjewelryandpretendingtopassout String athislovedones,sobbingasheputson trayed asaquirkysoul.HeisshownshootingSilly out inawheelchair. ing station,atoweloverhisheadashe’srushed looks fragileataComic-Con,pukingsign- with afl children, heisshownlaconicallyslappingbugs tranged wifebickerovercustodyoftheirtwo The fi Kilmer —enigmatictotherestofusispor- This isnoglamourproject.Heandhises- in cheapBatmanandRobincostumes. images areforced,aswhenfatherandsondressup area withthemiddle-agedKilmer.Sometimes family hikinginthe’80sandthenrevisitsame the oldmovies.They’llshowimagesofKilmer’s ily home—andthenmeltbackintimebyusing Juilliard SchoolinNewYorkoraformerfam- er tothesceneofafavoriteplace—say,The be heard. and endingitpost-surgeryasKilmerstrugglesto look atthestar’scareer,marriageandfatherhood, er’s childhoodandthengivingusanunvarnished mostly chronologicalprofi Hill in“Goodfellas.”Hegotneitherpart. and alsomadeanauditionvideotoplayHenry voices totryseducedirectorStanleyKubrick Metal Jacket,”hefi nest auditionsforroleshenevergot.For“Full Tribute The fi Directors TingPooandLeoScotthavespuna lm leansonKilmer’s2020bestselling au- yswatter poolsideinmiddleage,andhe cult atall. lmmakers haveatendencytobringKilm- reviewed thetwonew fi coming weeks. will continuetoplaywellinthe of thebestinindustry.” is anamazingfi distribution. “M.NightShyamalan said Neither audiences norcritics Orr saidhealsoexpects“Old” “It’s anextraordinarydebut,” Jim Orr Glamour lmed himselfusingmultiple , Universal’sheadof lmmaker andone le, startingwithKilm- lms malan’s ‘Old’easilywonaslowerweekendattheNorthAmericanbox lm celebrating hiscareeratthistime.” TIFF, sowefeelaspecialclosenesstohim.Itiswonderfulbe statement. “Overtheyears,Denishasbroughtmanyofhisfi incredible levelofexcellenceontheworldstage,”Baileysaidina fi ing atthefestivalafteritsworldpremiereinVenice. fi “Blade Runner2049”andwasnominatedforanOscarthe2016 expand totherestofworldbySept7. cinated UScitizensandpermanentresidentsonAug.9will Canadian governmenthassaiditwillopenitsbordertofully-vac- Winslet andSirAnthonyHopkins. of work.” recognized asanationaltreasurebecauseofherextraordinarybody Alanis bringsawarenesstovitalIndigenousissuesandiswidely “As agifteddocumentaryfi creating aunionbetweensocialimpactandcinema,”Vicentesaid. of theAbenakiNation. years, exploringthelivesofFirstNationspeoples.She’samember lmmaker. Hehasawonderfulbodyofworkandoperatesatan lm “Arrival.”Hisnewfi Villeneuve isknownfordirectingfi Obomsawin, meanwhile,hasbeenmakingfi “There isnoquestionDenisanaccomplishedandoutstanding TIFF isscheduledtorunasanin-personeventSept.9-18.The Previous TIFFAwardwinnershaveincludedChloéZhao,Kate “The JeffSkollAwardinImpactMediarecognizesleadership place with$11.6million, bringing Widow” creptahead tothird well forlong-termpotential. which historicallydoesnotbode Tomatoes withaB-CinemaScore, is currentlyat42%onRotten CinemaScore, while“SnakeEyes” on RottenTomatoesandgotaC+ especially well.“Old”hasa52% Disney andMarvel’s “Black bed withiceforthefi played DocHollidayin“Tombstone,”hefi “Top Gun.” structed abackstoryforthearrogantIcemanin “doomed.” He’ssuchaMethodactorthathecon- documents why“TheIslandofDr.Moreau”was calls anearlyrolein“TopSecret”just“fl and SeanPennslowlymooningthecamera.He Boys” onBroadway,withco-starsKevinBacon the camera. basically myoldself,career,”hesaysto memorabilia. “Idon’tlookgreatandI’mselling fan eventfor“Tombstone”signingphotosand punch becauseofthefootage. distance betweenfaithanddoubt”—buthasmore four. (AP) time: 109minutes.Threeandahalfstarsoutof available onPrimeVideoAug.6.Running for language.IthittheatersonFridayandis argue back. a magicallife,”Kilmerconcludes.It’shardto dren, whoclearlyadoretheirdad.“I’velived especially hisrelationshipwithadultchil- with legacyanddeathinhis60s. the lossofKilmer’svoicemeanshemustgrapple home moviesthetwomade,heartbreakingly.And and thedocumentaryreturnsagainto died accidentallyatage15hangsovertheactor of lossafterKilmer’syoungerbrotherWesley riage. Doors forayear,neitherofwhichhelpedhismar- he woreleatherpantsallthetimeandblastedThe ing ofdyingfromtuberculosis.ToplayMorrison, Kilmer isanintenseactor,tobesure.Whenhe Tune intoseebackstagevideofrom“Slab In oneoftherawestscenes,Kilmerattendsa “Val,” aAmazonStudiosrelease,isratedR Even so,arelentlessoptimismcomesthrough, The fi lm isbookendedbytragedy.Theweight lm, anadaptationof“Dune,”willbeplay- lmmaker andimpassionedstoryteller, nalscenetomimicthefeel- for $30.(AP) scribers canrent“Black Widow” HBO Max,while Disney+ sub- “Space Jam”isstreamingon available towatchathometoo: from lastweekend.Bothare grossed $9.6million,down69% “Space Jam:ANewLegacy” while lastweek’sNo.1fi its globaltotalto$314.9million, lms like“Prisoners”and lms forover50 uff” and lled his lms to lm ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Books

‘Survive’ a twisty thriller Can the mighty FB control false info? By Jeff Rowe n Ugly Truth,’ by Sheera Frenkel and Ce- ‘Acilia Kang (Harper) Authors Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang in “An Ugly Truth” build a compelling case that Facebook has grown far past its origins as a sharing place for birthday parties, vacation pictures and news of fam- ily and friends into a delivery system perfectly suited for the propagation of extremist views and outright untruths. It’s worth keeping in mind that in signing up for Facebook, we all willingly surrender personal in- formation that provides the fundamental net worth to Facebook’s computer al- gorithms’ ability to guide tar- geted messages to us. How to curate and check the range of postings and ads produced by Facebook users, good and bad? The book details how it took the company months to fi nd the origins of some of the ads that Russian interests had placed during the 2016 presi- Zuckerberg dential campaign. One ad, for example, featured a doctored image of Hilary Clinton in a hijab, a veil that Muslim women wear. You can imagine the reception to that ad among conservative Americans. From the beginning, Zuckerberg envisioned an Chance the Rapper performs on stage at the Pre-Grammy Gala And Salute To Industry Icons on Jan. 25, 2020, in Beverly Hills, Calif. The Grammy winner is bringing online site that would connect the world, a place a secret concert fi lmed four years ago to the big screen next month. Titled ‘Magnifi cent Coloring World,’ the fi lm premieres Aug. 13, 2021, in select AMC Theatres. where people could share their lives, hopes, favorites (AP) and news. No one seems to have anticipated that Fa- cebook and other social media could become such powerful tools for disinformation campaigns. Re- cently, many have argued that it allows outright fi c- Music tion about COVID-19 vaccines to fl ourish. Facebook says it is promoting authoritative vac- cine information. Moreover, Facebook says neither the FBI nor any US intelligence agency knew the extent of Russian interference efforts in the 2016 Eilish concert fi lm coming election. Can Congress regulate Facebook and other social media giants? As the authors write, in a 2018 Senate hearing, many senators didn’t seem to grasp the ba- Chance to bring concert to big screen sics of how Facebook operated. It’s tempting to con- clude from Frenkel and Kang’s book that Zuckerberg LOS ANGELES, July 26, (AP): When “There’s just something different “love the ability to experience live lacks the leadership and management skills to guide Chance the Rapper fi lmed a secret about going to see something in theat- music.” the colossus he created. Where would he get those concert four years ago, he intended to ers, instead of watching it in your bed “Watching a performance of mine skills? He started Facebook in college and has been make a movie for the big screen but or whatever,” he said. “I always knew from four years ago, I’m like ‘I would the boss ever since then. ended up shelving the project after not that I wanted this to be experienced have done this’ or ‘I would have done Did the ads with outright lies sway the 2016 presi- knowing how to edit all the footage. in a group and on a huge screen with that,’” he said. “I’m saying to myself dential election? We don’t know – yet. And we may But while hunkered down in his crazy surround sound.” ’I can’t wait to perform this particular never, but Frenkel and Kang offer a compelling argu- home during the pandemic, the Gram- Chance led the fi lm’s editing pro- song now. I’m looking at it as a per- my winner took the opportunity to cess and self-distributed the fi lm former, but also as a fi lmmaker.” ment that in the interest of preserving democracy, we educate himself about the craft of fi lm- through his House of Kicks umbrella, Chance drew inspiration to create must take steps to purge Facebook of outright false- making. Chance hosted and performed which reimagines music, fi lm and vir- his project from other musicals and hoods, hate and disinformation now. This cover image released by Harper in several virtual concerts including tual experiences. His partnership with concert fi lms such as “Roger Waters: No one has quite fi gured out how to do that yet. “Chi-Town Christmas” — which he the theater chain marks the fi rst time a The Wall” in 2014 and Michael Jack- ❑ ❑ ❑ shows ‘An Ugly Truth: Inside Fa- cebook’s Battle for Domination’ by wrote and directed — giving him music artist has independently distrib- son’s 1988 “Moonwalker.” He thinks “Survive the Night,” by Riley Sager (Dutton) Sheera Frenkel and Cecilia Kang. enough confi dence to revisit the idea uted a fi lm through AMC. more musicians should look to directly of making his own fi lm. distribute to theaters. Confused and depressed Charlie can’t bear to stay (AP) Appreciation at Olyphant University anymore — not since her “I had a lot of editing notes and ide- The rapper plans on stepping be- best friend was stabbed to death by a serial murderer as, but I didn’t know how to edit,” he “The appreciation for Chance’s daz- hind-the-camera more as a fi lmmaker. known as the Campus Killer. So she drops out, packs recalled. “But during the pandemic, I zling creation is a genuine demonstra- “The climate makes us feel like we up her stuff, kisses her college boyfriend goodbye, started doing virtual concerts and actu- tion of the power and emotional con- have to go straight to VOD or do a and puts a ride share request on the school bulletin ally directing them myself. I picked up nection audiences have with Chance, smaller festival circuit sometimes,” he board. all these skills that fi lmmakers have — and how they feel while watching his said. “But I think the theater business That leads her to Josh, a somewhat older guy who one of them was fi guring how to edit work on the big screens of AMC,” could use it. The industry of fi lmmak- says he is going her way. Charlie is unsure if she can and work with editors. I needed that.” said Adam Aron, CEO and president ers could use it too.” trust him, but her need to get away is so strong that Now, Chance’s fi lmmaker aspira- of AMC Entertainment said. “This is tions are coming into fruition with a reminder of the uncharted program- Also: she gets into his car for the long drive from New Jer- his concert fi lm “Magnifi cent Color- ming possibilities at AMC, and we are LOS ANGELES: The Billie Eilish con- sey to Ohio. ing World,” which premieres Aug. 13 thrilled to blaze this path with Chance cert fi lm “Happier than Ever: A Love For a thriller that starts off with two strikes against in select AMC Theatres. The concert The Rapper and his team.” Letter to Los Angeles” will premiere it, Riley Sager’s “Survive the Night” turns out to be was fi lmed in his hometown of Chi- “Magnifi cent Coloring World” fea- on the Apple TV+ streaming service a fi rst-rate read. The strikes? First, Sager asks read- Batali Wu cago during his Magnifi cent Coloring tures a variety of stages designed by on Sept. 3. ers to believe that a young woman obsessed with her World Tour in 2017, shortly after win- Chance and was fi lmed on a sound- The fi lm will highlight the July 30 roommate’s murder would get into a car with a stran- ning three Grammys through his 2016 stage within three and a half weeks. release of “Happier Than Ever,” Eil- ger. Second, a young woman stuck in a car with scary Variety independent project “Coloring Book,” The rapper said he wanted to tell a ish’s follow-up album to her smash stranger is an overused trope of crime fi ction. We’ve which won best rap album. The pro- unique story with each frame with the “When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do seen this movie before. ject became the fi rst streaming-only help of director Jake Schreier, who di- We Go?” That may be so, Sager seems to be telling us, but NEW YORK: Celebrity chef Mario Batali, album to win the award. He also took rected the 2015 fi lm “Paper Towns.” Directed by Robert Rodriguez and you haven’t seen anybody do it like this. his business partner and their New York home the best new artist trophy and While developing the concert fi lm, Oscar-winner Patrick Osborne, the The author (Riley Sager is a penname for New City restaurant company have agreed best rap performance for his song “No Chance said watching it made him fi lm will also include animated ele- England author Todd Ritter) spins his yarn at a fran- to pay $600,000 to resolve a four-year Problem” featuring 2 Chainz and Lil eager to perform in front of a live au- ments, “taking viewers on a dreamlike tic pace. A sense of dread arrives the moment Char- investigation by the state attorney general’s Wayne. dience. He’ll make his fi rst and only journey through Billie’s hometown of lie enters the car and never stops building. And the offi ce into allegations that Batali, restaurant The concert fi lm will celebrate the in-person performance this year at Los Angeles and its most iconic back- twists, few of which readers are likely to see coming, managers and other workers sexually fi ve-year anniversary of “Coloring Summerfest in Milwaukee in Septem- drops,” according to the announce- arrive in such abundance that they are head-spinning. harassed employees. Book.” ber. ment. From moment to moment, neither Charlie nor The money will be split among at least Chance could have gone the stream- “It made me super thirsty,” the rap- It will also feature her Grammy the reader is ever sure how much danger she is in 20 former employees of B&B Hospitality ing service route, but he elected to per said before adding that watching winning producer-brother Finneas, the or whether Josh (if that is his real name), or perhaps and their Manhattan restaurants Babbo, pitch his concert fi lm idea to AMC the fi lm also helped him tweak certain Los Angeles Children’s Chorus and someone else, is the person to be feared. Lupa and the now-closed Del Posto, all of Theatres a few months ago with hopes parts of his onstage performance. He Brazilian guitarist Romero Lubambo, Compounding the problem is that Charlie, from which Batali co-owned with Joseph Basti- of immersing moviegoers into his full said music festivals like Summerfest with orchestra arrangements by David whose point of view the story is told, has a tenuous anich until March 2019, Attorney General concert experience. are needed for him and people who Campbell. grip on reality. A movie major, she is prone to sud- Letitia James has announced. The company must also revise employee den waking hallucinations that usually take the form training materials and submit reports to of scenes from the noir fi lms she loves. To stop them, the attorney general’s offi ce for the next In 2018, New York City police said they Beijing police. June and obtained information that allowed she was prescribed some medication, but she stopped three years documenting harassment and were investigating allegations of sexual The announcement added a bizarre twist him to pretend to be her in order to ask taking it. As a result, neither she nor the reader can be discrimination training and policies. misconduct against Batali after a woman to a scandal that cost Wu endorsement Wu’s lawyer for money, the Beijing Public certain which events in the narrative are real. Batali, whose high-fl ying career crum- told “60 Minutes” he drugged and sexu- contracts with brands including Porsche Security Bureau said in a statement. It said The tale comes to a violent conclusion, or at least bled amid myriad sexual harassment and ally assaulted her in 2005. Batali denied and Bulgari. The former member of Korean the man tricked both sides, indicating the so it seemed. But then, with four fi nal pages, Sager misconduct allegations. assaulting the woman and no charges have boy band EXO has denied the accusation, woman played no part in the fraud. reveals a fi nal surprise that is stunning yet somehow Chefs and managers at the Batali-owned been fi led. (AP) which prompted an outpouring of support Wu’s mother sent the woman 500,000 feels exactly right. restaurants were accused of degrading ❑ ❑ ❑ for the woman online and criticism of Wu. yuan ($77,000), and then the man, pretend- women with misogynistic comments and Louis Vuitton became the latest brand to ing to be Wu’s lawyer, tried to persuade the Also: BEIJING: A man has confessed to defraud- woman to send the money to him, the state- showing favoritism to male employees. ing Chinese-Canadian pop singer Kris end its contract with Wu. NEW YORK: Charles Oakley has a memoir coming Juliana Imperati, a former line cook at ment said. It said he tried unsuccessfully out next year that includes a brief assist from former Wu over a teenager’s accusation he had ... A man who saw rumors about the to obtain an additional 2.5 million yuan Del Posto, said in a statement that the restau- with her when she was drunk, according to incident online contacted the woman in Chicago Bulls teammate Michael Jordan. rants leadership made employees feel “as if it ($390,000) from Wu’s real lawyer. Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, is a rite of passage to be harassed at work.” The man, identifi ed only by the surname has announced recently that it will publish Oakley’s Messages seeking comment were left Liu, was arrested in Nantong, near Shang- “The Last Enforcer” on Feb. 1, 2022. The book will for lawyers for Batali and Bastianich. Both hai, after the singer’s mother complained be co-written by longtime NBA writer Frank Isola. men’s signatures appeared on the settle- to police the family had been defrauded, Jordan is contributing a foreword. ment agreement. according to the police statement. It said he “I want people to know that on and off the court, I In a statement, James said Batali and confessed. always tried to do the right thing and protect those that Bastianich permitted “shameful behavior” The woman had been quoted by the in the workplace. internet portal NetEase as saying Wu I care about,” Oakley said in a statement Wednesday. encouraged her to drink too much at a party Throughout the years I’ve told my B and C stories. “Celebrity and fame does not absolve someone from following the law,” James in December and she woke up in his bed. With this book, I brought my A stories.” said. “Sexual harassment is unacceptable In a statement on his social media account, Oakley, a power forward known for his rebound- for anyone, anywhere — no matter how Wu said he met the woman but denied en- ing skills and confrontational ways, played for 19 powerful the perpetrator.” couraging her to drink and said other parts years in the NBA, the fi rst three with Jordan. Accord- Batali, known for his orange Crocs and of her account didn’t happen. ing to Gallery Books, Oakley will bring “his signa- ponytail, stepped down from day-to-day op- The woman was quoted as saying other ture, unfi ltered style to stories about dustups on the erations at his restaurant empire and left the women told her Wu seduced them with court and controversies off it.” since-discontinued ABC cooking show “The promises of jobs and other opportunities. “From indelible experiences fi ghting for rebounds Chew” in December 2017 after four women Police are investigating allegations Wu and respect during the golden era of physical play to accused him of inappropriate touching. “repeatedly deceived young women into relationships and run-ins with Michael Jordan, LeB- Batali apologized that month, saying the sexual relations,” the police statement said. ron James, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing, Phil allegations “match up” with ways he has Brands cut ties with Wu the day after the Jackson, Pat Riley, James Dolan, Donald Trump, acted. NetEase report, refl ecting their sensitivity and many others, Oakley shares behind-the-scenes “I have made many mistakes and I am to public opinion after the ruling Com- so very sorry that I have disappointed my munist Party stirred up anger at shoe and details that will solidify his status as a hard-nosed fan friends, my family, my fans and my team,” clothing brands in retaliation for Western favorite who left it all on the court — and now puts it Batali said in an email newsletter. “My be- (From left), Edgar Ramirez, Emily Blunt and Dwayne Johnson, cast members in reports of human rights abuses in the all on the page,” Gallery Books said. (AP) havior was wrong and there are no excuses. ‘Jungle Cruise,’ pose together at the world premiere of the fi lm, Saturday, July mostly Muslim region of Xinjiang in the I take full responsibility.” 24, at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif. (AP) northwest. (AP) ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 SPORTS 14 S. Korean men claim archery gold in Tokyo

Teen leads way ChiSox top Brewers, avoid sweep TOKYO, July 26, (AP): The teenager just couldn’t Red Sox storm past Yankees stay still. He was constant- BOSTON, July 26, (AP): Held hitless ly moving around and ap- into the eighth inning by Domingo plauding his older South Germán and looking feeble, Alex Ver- Korean teammates on good dugo and the Boston Red Sox suddenly erupted for fi ve runs and stormed past arrow shots (of which there the New York Yankees 5-4. were many). Verdugo opened the eighth with a In turn, the veterans fed off long double for Boston’s fi rst hit. Later, 17-year-old Kim Je-deok’s youth- Kiké Hernández slid home headfi rst on ful spirit - and relied even more Xander Bogaerts’ sacrifi ce fl y with the go-ahead run to cap the rally. on his clutch arrow shooting (of The Red Sox won for the 10th time which there was plenty). in 13 games against the Yankees and Led by the steady shooting of the reclaimed fi rst place in the AL East, a nation’s newest standout, South Korea game ahead of Tampa Bay. New York defended its Olympic men’s archery fell nine games behind Boston. team title at the Tokyo Games on Boston trailed 4-0 when Verdugo Monday. He came up big in the semi- doubled to deep right, and Germán was fi nals to hold off host nation Japan and lifted after the hit. Jonathan Loaisiga Boston Red Sox’s Martin Perez deliv- then again in a 6-0 win over Taiwan (7-4) relieved, and Boston broke loose ers a pitch against the New York Yan- during the gold-medal match at Yu- with four straight hits. Hunter Renfroe menoshima Park Archery Field. kees in the first inning of a baseball had an RBI double, Christian Vázquez game, on July 25, in Boston. (AP) “The hero of today,” 39-year-old singled home a run and Hernández fol- Oh Jin-hyek said of his younger team- lowed with an RBI double, cutting it to and Miami earned a split of its four- mate. “Every time we had any chal- 4-3. game series against San Diego. lenges and diffi culties, he shot the Brandon Workman (1-2) earned the Anthony Bender (2-1) allowed one bull’s-eye and got the perfect score. win and Matt Barnes got the fi nal three run in two innings on a bullpen day for He really lifted our morale.” outs for his 21st save. Miami. Seven pitchers combined to al- From left, gold medal winners South Korea’s Kim Je Deok, Kim Woojin, and Oh Jinhyek celebrate during the men’s Rougned Odor had a solo homer and low fi ve hits. team medal ceremony at the 2020 Summer Olympics, on July 26, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP) RBI single for New York. Royals 6, Tigers 1 OLYMPICS White Sox 3, Brewers 1 In Kansas City, Mo., Jorge Soler hit to fi gure out an inconsistent wind on day. decided we’re going to show off all we In Milwaukee, Lance Lynn allowed two home runs, Salvador Perez added So much energy, too. Then again, the eve of a possible typhoon moving The Taiwanese team made up Deng have prepared. We said we’re going to one run over six innings and hit a two- a three-run blast and Daniel Lynch that’s precisely what Oh and fellow into the region. The impending high Yu-Cheng, Tang Chih-Chun and Wei do our best.” run single to lift Chicago over Milwau- pitched eight scoreless innings for his veteran Kim Woojin wanted. wind and rain has already led to mov- Chun-Heng beat China and the Neth- The South Korean men’s team has kee. fi rst major league win as Kansas City “The two told me, ‘Let’s go crazy ing some of Tuesday’s matches to a erlands before falling to South Korea. now won a medal in eight of the last Lynn (10-3) allowed six hits, struck beat Detroit for its fi fth straight win. today. Let’s be a crazy team,’” Kim different day. Taiwan’s men’s team falls to 4-13 all- nine Olympics. The lone exception out six and walked none, outdueling The Royals fi nished the afternoon Je-deok said. “If we’re too anxious But South Korea had no trouble with time in head-to-head matchups with was a fi fth-place showing at the 1992 Brandon Woodruff in a matchup of All- with eight hits and only two left on base we might not get the intended results. the variant breeze in the fi nal, scoring South Korea. Barcelona Games. Star right-handers. in sweeping the three-game series. So let’s try to keep up our morale and a 10 on 13 of their 18 arrows to take In the bronze-medal match, Hiroki On the horizon, some possible bad Michael Kopech pitched a scoreless Astros 3, Rangers 1 keep up our spirits.” home the nation’s sixth overall Olym- Muto helped Japan beat Netherlands weather. The Olympic archery sched- inning for Chicago and Liam Hen- In Houston, Zack Greinke threw six He had a vivid dream before the pic gold medal in the men’s event. in a shoot-off with a walk-off arrow ule was adjusted for Tuesday - just in dricks tossed two for his 24th save in solid innings, Abraham Toro homered match, too, about fi ghting with his “He was a great asset to the team that nearly landed in the heart of the case. The morning sessions involv- 28 chances. and Houston sent Texas to its 12th friend. and very grateful for him,” Oh said of target. He was hugged by teammates ing fi rst- and second-round individual Phillies 2, Braves 1 straight loss. Close. It turned out to be “along- the youngster. Takaharu Furukawa and Yuki Kawata. matches were delayed until noon lo- In Philadelphia, Aaron Nola came The Rangers’ skid is tied for second- side” and “with friends.” This was also the second gold in The match before, Japan lost in a cal time and the afternoon session within one out of a shutout, and Phil- longest in team history and the fi rst “We’re all able to get along,” Kim three days for Kim Je-deok. He helped shoot-off to South Korea, with Kim postponed. The plan is to make up the adelphia splits its four-game series time they’ve dropped a dozen in a row Woojin, 29, said of the bond despite South Korea win in the Olympic de- Je-deok’s arrow being closest to the matches Wednesday and Thursday. against Atlanta. since 1982. The Texas record is 15 the age difference. “Je-deok didn’t but of the mixed team competition. center. The individual fi nals for the men straight losses in September 1972. The seem to feel uncomfortable around us. His powerhouse archery nation is now So close to an upset. and women at the Tokyo Games are Rangers’ 0-10 road trip was the worst Je-deok was always cheering us on.” 3 for 3 in gold medals at the Tokyo “We fought against the Koreans,” still scheduled for Friday and Satur- BASEBALL in team history. One of the tricky things was trying Games. The women’s team won Sun- Furukawa said. “We came this far. We day. Angels 6, Twins 2 Nola allowed four hits and struck out In Minneapolis, Shohei Ohtani hit nine in 8 2/3 innings. Ranger Suarez got his major league-leading 35th home run Canada headed to bronze medal game against Mexico the fi nal out for his fourth save of the and Los Angeles beat Minnesota. season. Ohtani, had two hits, and his solo Jean Segura hit a solo homer in the homer in the sixth snapped a 2-all tie. fourth and Ronald Torreyes homered in Max Stassi had three hits and drove in Stewart’s walk-off HR lifts US over Japan for 5-0 record the eighth for the Phillies. three runs for the Angels. Orioles 5, Nationals 4 Cubs 5, Diamondbacks 1 YOKOHAMA, Japan, July 26, (AP): In Baltimore, Ryan McKenna scored In Chicago, Kris Bryant, Anthony Kelsey Stewart has a knack for walk- on a sharp grounder by Ramon Urías Rizzo and David Bote homered, Tre- off hits in Japan. for the winning run as Baltimore com- vor Williams pitched effectively into Stewart hit a game-ending home run Japan upset China for table pleted a three-game sweep of Washing- the seventh inning, and Chicago beat leading off the seventh inning, and the ton. Arizona. United States rallied late to beat Japan Trey Mancini, Maikel Franco and Bryant and Bote each hit two-run 2-1 Monday and win the Olympic soft- tennis ‘mixed doubles’ gold McKenna hit solo homers for the Ori- shots as Chicago took two of three in ball group stage - and with it the right oles, who improved to 1-51 when trail- the series. to bat last in the gold medal game. TOKYO, July 26, (AP): The host China got off to a fast start, con- ing after eight innings. Giants 6, Pirates 1 In August 2018, Stewart’s single country knocked off a heavyweight vincingly - and quickly - winning Cardinals 10, Reds 6 In San Francisco, LaMonte Wade capped a three-run 10th inning off for Olympic gold in table tennis on the fi rst two games 11-5 and 11- in Cincinnati, Harrison Bader and Jr. homered twice and San Francisco Japan ace Yukiko Ueno that gave the Monday. 7. Japan fought back in the third Dylan Carlson homered during a sev- beat Pittsburgh to avoid a three-game U.S. a 7-6 win at the Women’s Softball Japanese pair Jun Mizutani and game, winning 11-8, and then took en-run burst in the fourth inning and St. sweep. Mima Ito ended China’s recent two more close games, 11-9 in the Wilmer Flores and Thairo Estrada World Championship in Chiba, earn- Louis beat Cincinnati. dominance in the sport by beat- fourth and 11-9 in the fi fth. Nolan Arenado hit his 20th home run also went deep for San Francisco. The ing the Olympic berth. ing Xu Xin and Liu Shiwen 4-3 for China then won the sixth game, and tripled, and Tyler O’Neill also con- Giants improved to a majors-best 62-37 Mexico’s Victoria Vidales hits a the mixed doubles title. The upset 11-6, to set up a deciding seventh nected for the Cardinals. and maintained their slim lead over the OLYMPICS RBI double during a softball game comes fi ve years after China swept game, which Japan dominated, tak- Indians 3, Rays 2 Dodgers in the NL West heading into a against Australia at the 2020 Sum- all four table tennis tournaments at ing an 8-0 lead and holding on for In Cleveland, Bobby Bradley’s sac- series between the two division rivals mer Olympics, on July 26, in Yoko- the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. an 11-6 win - and the gold. rifi ce fl y in the eighth inning capped this week at Oracle Park. She had been 1 for 12 with no RBIs hama, Japan. (AP) Hopes were still high for Japan China’s table tennis team is so Cleveland’s comeback and ended the Dodgers 3, Rockies 2 at the Olympics before she drove the entering the match. Mizutani won strong that Liu, the women’s world Indians’ 11-game losing streak to Tam- In Los Angeles, Will Smith hit a go- 98th pitch from Yamato Fujita (0-1) for der a rout rule. bronze in singles in Rio, and Ito is champion, didn’t even make the pa Bay. ahead home run in the eighth inning the first U.S. home run of the tourna- Larissa Franklin drove in three runs considered by some to be China’s women’s singles’ team and is only The Indians managed just one run in and Los Angeles beat Colorado. ment. Yuka Ichiguchi climbed the right for Canada (3-2), which headed to a biggest threat in the female ranks. playing team events. seven innings against Tampa Bay start- Chris Taylor added a pair of home field wall trying for a spectacular grab. bronze medal game against Mexico. er Ryan Yarbrough and rallied in the runs and the short-handed Dodgers won American players ran onto the field Lawrie, the 34-year-old sister of eighth off reliever Matt Wisler (3-4). consecutive games against the Rockies to celebrate their second straight walk- former major leaguer Brett Lawrie, Franklin hit an RBI double in the five-hitter, a day after the 29-year-old third, and errors by shortstop Joey Lye right-hander beat Italy with a one-hit Mets 5, Blue Jays 4 with just four total runs. off win. allowed an unearned run and four In New York, Pete Alonso homered, Mariners 4, Athletics 3 Trying to bounce back from their 3-1 hits in three innings. Regula (1-0), the and reliever Alexia Lacatena led to shutout, and Mexico (2-3) advanced three unearned runs in the fifth, which with a tournament-high 11 hits. pinch-hitter Jeff McNeil broke a tie In Seattle, Kyle Seager hit a two-out, loss to Japan in the 2008 gold medal 39-year-old sister of retired All-Star with a two-run double and New York two-run single as part of Seattle’s four- game, the Americans finished the Jason Bay, struck out five in three hit- included Franklin’s first sacrifice fly Brittany Cervantes singled in the beat Toronto in a successful debut for run third inning and Marco Gonzales group stage 5-0 while Japan dropped less innings. and an RBI single by Jenn Salling, who second and scored when Suzannah new starter Rich Hill. won his second straight decision in a to 4-1. Jen Gilbert, who had been hitless is 7 for 12. Brookshire lined the ball down the left- Alonso hit three homers as New victory over Oakland. Canada 8, Italy 1 in seven at-bats, had a go-ahead home Victoria Hayward hit a two-run dou- field line and it rebounded off the low York took two of three in the series. Seattle took three of four in the se- Danielle Lawrie and Lauren Regula, run over the center-field cameras in the ble in the sixth and Franklin followed fence in foul territory, bouncing past Marlins 9, Padres 3 ries. The Mariners (54-46) are eight sisters of former Major League Base- second. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatch- with another sacrifice fly.. Jade Wall. Brookshire sped to third for In Miami, Deven Marrero and Brian games over .500 for the fi rst time since ball players, combined on a four-hitter ewan, the 29-year-old Gilbert lives in Mexico 4, Australia 1 a triple and scored on Victoria Vidales’ Anderson homered off Yu Darvish, April 2019 and improved to 23-8 in in a game shortened to six innings un- Denton, Texas. Dallas Escobedo (2-2) pitched a single. who allowed four runs in fi ve innings, one-run games. Pidcock dominates mountain bike race

Tom Pidcock won the Olympic men’s moun- Pidcock, who splits time between the road Gold medalist Thomas tain bike race in the hilly countryside south- and mountain biking, won the World Cup race Pidcock of Great west of Tokyo on Monday, extending Britain’s at Nove Mesto earlier this year to become an Britain bites his medal dominance from the road and track to the dirt. Olympic favorite. But then he was hit by a car on the podium during Leaving reigning champion Nino Schurter and broke his collarbone on a training ride, a medal ceremony and his Swiss teammate Mathias Flueck- keeping him off a bike for about a week in for the men’s cross iger behind on the fourth of seven laps, the June, and some wondered whether he’d have country mountain 21-year-old multidiscipline prodigy proceeded the same legs for the Tokyo Games. bike competition at to dominate the toughest course in Olympic Turns out they were even better. the 2020 Summer history. Olympic organizers originally wanted to Olympics, on July 26, Flueckiger gave chase in vain and was left carve out a mountain bike course at Yu- in Izu, Japan. (AP) with a silver medal. David Valero Serrano of menoshima, a district in Tokyo, on an artifi cial Spain won a surprise bronze. island built upon landfi ll waste. (AP)

ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021

15

13-year-old Nishiya wins gold, becomes Japan’s youngest medalist Skateboarding teens blaze trail for women at Tokyo Olympics TOKYO, July 26, (AP): On the Olympic podium stood three riding it down rails taller than she is. She said she’d celebrate dress with angel wings. teenage girls - 13, 13 and 16 - with weighty gold, silver and by asking her mother to treat her to a dinner of Japanese ya- “Skateboarding is for everyone,” she said. bronze medals around their young necks, rewards for having kiniku barbecue. But that hasn’t always been true for young girls, even landed tricks on their skateboards that most kids their age The silver went to Rayssa Leal, also 13 - Brazil’s second among the 20 female pioneers who rode the rails, ramps and only get to see on Instagram. silver in skateboarding after Kelvin Hoefl er fi nished in sec- ledges at the Ariake Urban Sports Park. After decades in the shadows of men’s skateboarding, the ond place on Sunday in the men’s event. The fi eld included Leticia Bufoni of Brazil, whose board future for the sport’s daring, trailblazing women suddenly was snapped in two by her dad when she was a kid to try to looked brighter than ever at the Tokyo Games on Monday. stop her from skating. She was 10. It’s anyone’s guess how many young girls tuned in to “I cried for hours,” she recalled. “He thought girls watch Momiji Nishiya of Japan win the debut Olympic SKATE BOARDING shouldn’t skate because he had never seen a woman skate skateboarding event for women, giving the host nation a before.” Bufoni added, half-joking, that getting him to relent sweep of golds in the street event after Yuto Horigome won Both Nishiya and Leal became their countries’ youngest had been harder than qualifying for the Tokyo Games. the men’s event. ever medalists. The bronze went to 16-year-old Funa Nakay- “So I want be that girl that the little girls can show their But around the world, girls trying to convince their parents ama of Japan. parents and be like, ’She can skate. I want to be like her,’” that they, too, should be allowed to skate can now point to “Now I can convince all my friends to skateboard every- Bufoni said. Gold medal winner Momiji Nishiya of Japan holds her the 13-year-old from Osaka as an Olympic-sized example of where with me,” Leal said. Annie Guglia of Canada said she didn’t see any other girls medal after winning the women’s street skateboarding skateboarding’s possibilities. She fi rst caught the skateboarding world’s attention as a skate during her fi rst two years on her board. The fi rst contest fi nals at the 2020 Summer Olympics, on July 26, in To- A champion of few words - “Simply delighted,” is how 7-year-old with a video on Instagram of her attempting, and she entered, at the age of 13, had no women’s category, so kyo, Japan. (AP) she described herself - Nishiya let her board do the talking, landing, a jump with a fl ip down three stairs while wearing a organizers had to create one for her. Olympic Medalists Judo’s elusive star Shohei Ono ARCHERY Men’s Team GOLD: South Korea (Je Deok Kim, Woojin Kim, Jin- hyek Oh) SILVER: Taiwan (Yu-Cheng Deng, Chih-Chun Tang, Chun-Heng Wei) BRONZE: Japan (Takaharu Furukawa, Yuki Kawata, Hiroki Muto) ‘dominates’ another Olympics CANOE SLALOM Men’s Canoe GOLD: Benjamin Savsek, Slovenia SILVER: Lukas Rohan, Czech Republic ‘I had some fear going into golden score’ BRONZE: Sideris Tasiadis, Germany DIVING Men’s Synchronised 10m Platform TOKYO, July 26, (AP): GOLD: Britain (Thomas Daley, Matty Lee) SILVER: China (Aisen Chen, Yuan Cao) Shohei Ono made two of BRONZE: Russia (Aleksandr Bondar, Viktor Mini- his fi rst three opponents baev) FENCING cry when he returned to Men’s Foil Individual judo at the Tokyo Olym- GOLD: Ka Long Cheung, Hong Kong pics after 18 mysterious SILVER: Daniele Garozzo, Italy BRONZE: Alexander Choupenitch, Czech Republic months away. Women’s Sabre Individual These were not small tears, GOLD: Sofi a Pozdniakova, Russia either. Loud, body-shaking SILVER: Sofya Velikaya, Russia sobs emanated from the men BRONZE: Manon Brunet, France who had to walk behind Ono ARTISTIC GYMNASTICS in defeat through the oth- Men’s Team erwise hushed halls of the GOLD: Russia (Denis Abliazin, David Belyavskiy, Ar- tur Dalaloyan, Nikita Nagornyy) Budokan, giving voice to SILVER: Japan (Daiki Hashimoto, Kazuma Kaya, the anguish of extraordinary Takeru Kitazono, Wataru Tanigawa) athletes whose lifetimes of BRONZE: China (Chaopan Lin, Wei Sun, Jingyuan preparation had still left them Zou, Ruoteng Xiao) unequipped to survive four JUDO minutes against Japan’s elu- Men — 73 kg GOLD: Shohei Ono, Japan sive judo superstar. SILVER: Lasha Shavdatuashvili, Georgia Turkey’s Bilal Çiloğlu, the BRONZE: Changrim An, South Korea world’s No. 9 lightweight, BRONZE: Tsogtbaatar Tsend-Ochir, Mongolia screamed and put his fi sts to his Women — 57 kg head after Ono pinned him help- GOLD: Nora Gjakova, Kosovo lessly to the tatami for an ippon, his SILVER: Sarah Leonie Cysique, France wails echoing down the corridors. BRONZE: Tsukasa Yoshida, Japan Azerbaijan’s Rustam Orujov, BRONZE: Jessica Klimkait, Canada second ranked in the world and CYCLING MOUNTAIN BIKE top-seeded in Tokyo, dried his eyes Men’s Cross-country with his untucked gi after Ono end- GOLD: Thomas Pidcock, Britain ed the rematch of their gold medal SILVER: Mathias Flueckiger, Switzerland bout in Rio de Janeiro with two BRONZE: David Valero Serrano, Spain waza aris 65 seconds apart. SHOOTING Shohei Ono of Japan, (right), and Tsogtbaatar Tsend-Ochir of Mongolia compete during their men’s - 73kg judo semifi nal match, at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan, on July 26. Inset: Gold medalist Shohei Ono of Japan poses after the medal ceremony. (AP) Skeet Men GOLD: Vincent Hancock, United States SILVER: Jesper Hansen, Denmark JUDO BRONZE: Eric Delaunay, France Medvedev and Zverev advance BRONZE: Abdullah Alrashidi, Kuwait Ono is the most dominant player Skeet Women on a Japanese judo team that might GOLD: Amber English, United States be the best in Olympic history. SILVER: Diana Bacosi, Italy Osaka, Djokovic raise profi le at Tokyo Games His combination of brute ferocity BRONZE: Meng Wei, China and tactical invention have kept SKATEBOARDING TOKYO, July 26, (AP): Naomi Osaka has the him unbeaten since 2015, even in Women’s Street hopes of the entire host nation resting on her. an Olympic weight class stacked GOLD: Momiji Nishiya, Japan Novak Djokovic is attempting to accomplish Gjakova wins gold on mourning day for Kosovo SILVER: Rayssa Leal, Brazil with incredible talents - only one of something that no man has done before in ten- whom has ever even scored a point BRONZE: Funa Nakayama, Japan nis. PRISTINA, Kosovo, July 26, (AP): Nora pic history. Majlinda Kelmendi won the fi rst SWIMMING Gjakova brought some semblance of joy to at Rio de Janeiro in 2016, also in judo. against Ono. Both players are after something special at The 29-year-old Ono is now a Men’s 100m Breaststroke Kosovo by winning its second Tokyo Olym- Gjakova had reached the fi nal with a the Tokyo Olympics and both produced con- pics judo gold medal on Monday. shock victory over Japan’s Tsukasa Yoshi- two-time Olympic champion after GOLD: Adam Peaty, Britain vincing victories Monday to reach the last 16 at SILVER: Arno Kamminga, Netherlands With her country in mourning following da. winning fi ve straight matches at BRONZE: Nicolo Martinenghi, Italy Ariake Tennis Park. the death of 10 people in a road accident The 1998-1999 war in Kosovo, then a the Budokan, completing his return Osaka crushed winners off both wings - fore- Men’s 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay on Sunday, the 28-year-old Gjakova took Serbian province, ended after a NATO with a superiority over his peers hand and backhand - seemingly at will in a 6-3, the title with an ippon victory over France’s military intervention that forced Serbia to that only he can boast in the mod- GOLD: United States (Brooks Curry, Blake Pieroni, 6-2 victory over 49th-ranked Viktorija Golu- Bowen Becker, Zach Apple, Caeleb Dressel) Sarah-Leonie Cysique in the women’s withdraw its forces. The United Nations ran ern sport. SILVER: Italy (Alessandro Miressi, Santo Condorelli, bic of Switzerland. Then Djokovic dispatched 57-kilogram division. the territory for nine years before Kosovo in Not even two-time Olympic Lorenzo Zazzeri, Manuel Frigo, Thomas Ceccon) 48th-ranked Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany She joined Distria Krasniqi, who took the 2008 declared independence, a move that champ Teddy Riner, the massive BRONZE: Australia (Cameron McEvoy, Zac Incerti, 6-4, 6-3. 48kg crown on Saturday, as the second Serbia doesn’t recognize. French heavyweight who went a Alexander Graham, Kyle Chalmers, Matthew Temple) Despite this being her fi rst tournament back and third gold medalists in Kosovo’s Olym- Kosovo has a population of 1.8 million. decade between losses, is as domi- Women’s 100m Butterfl y from a two-month mental health break, Osa- nant as Ono now. GOLD: Margaret Macneil, Canada ka’s strong start is hardly a surprise considering This is Osaka’s fi rst event since she with- drousova of the Czech Republic, who beat Mi- Ono is also idiosyncratic: He de- SILVER: Yufei Zhang, China that the Olympic tournament is being played on cided not to compete between the BRONZE: Emma McKeon, Australia drew from the French Open in May, revealing haela Buzarnescu of Romania 6-1, 6-2. hard courts - the surface on which she has won that she has dealt with depression. She then sat In windier, cooler and more overcast conditions start of the coronavirus pandemic Women’s 400m Freestyle all four of her Grand Slam titles. out Wimbledon. than the sweltering opening two days of the com- and the Olympics, choosing a path GOLD: Ariarne Titmus, Australia It was similar to the way Osaka over- Two more wins and Osaka will be in line for petition, Osaka compiled 29 winners to Golubic’s to gold that would seem foolish to a SILVER: Kathleen Ledecky, United States whelmed Zheng Saisai of China a day earlier more honors in her Olympic debut - a medal. 14 and had only 11 unforced errors to her oppo- judoka without his abilities. BRONZE: Bingjie Li, China and it extended her momentum after carrying The second-ranked Osaka will next face nent’s 21. Perhaps more telling was that Osaka re- Ono has followed this strategy TAEKWONDO 2019 French Open runner-up Marketa Von- quired only 65 minutes to dispatch a player coming before: He skipped two straight Men — 80kg TENNIS off a quarterfi nal appearance at Wimbledon. world championships after Rio, GOLD: Maksim Khramtcov, Russia A few other top women struggled. but returned at the Budokan in SILVER: Saleh Elsharabaty, Jordan 2019 to claim his third world ti- BRONZE: Toni Kanaet, Croatia Donna Vekic of Croatia beat third-seeded BRONZE: Seif Eissa, Egypt Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (3), tle. out the ultimate honor at the Games’ opening Ono apparently feels he ben- Women — 67kg Alison van Uytvanck of Belgium rallied past ceremony by lighting the Olympic cauldron. 2016 bronze medalist Petra Kvitova of the efits more from hard training in GOLD: Matea Jelic, Croatia The Japanese superstar, who grew up in the Czech Republic 5-7, 6-3, 6-0, and Paula Ba- Japan’s peerless domestic system SILVER: Lauren Williams, Britain United States, was asked in March to handle BRONZE: Ruth Gbagbi, Ivory Coast dosa eliminated sixth-seeded Iga Swiatek of than on tournament trips to far- BRONZE: Hedaya Wahba, Egypt the fl ame honors but said she “didn’t feel pres- Poland 6-3, 7-6 (4). flung locations, and his results sure” about the assignment. TRIATHLON In men’s action, second-seeded Daniil Med- are unquestionable. If Djokovic can win four more matches, he’ll vedev of ROC and fourth-seeded Alexander “I was not in a match for a long Men’s Individual not only have won his fi rst Olympic title, he’ll time, but I decided to be practical,” GOLD: Kristian Blummenfelt, Norway Zverev of Germany each advanced quickly. SILVER: Alex Yee, Britain also be four-fi fths of the way to a Golden Slam Medvedev beat Sumit Nagal of India 6-2, 6-1 Ono said through a translator. “I BRONZE: Hayden Wilde, New Zealand - victories in all four Grand Slam tournaments and Zverev eliminated Daniel Elahi Galan of tried to engage in the training. I was TABLE TENNIS and Olympic gold in the same calendar year. Colombia 6-2, 6-2. not idle. I stayed focused.” The Serb already won the Australian and In the evening, Ono’s two fi ghts Mixed Doubles Meanwhile, the International Tennis Federa- GOLD: Japan (Jun Mizutani, Mima Ito) French Opens as well as Wimbledon this year. tion announced that Dutch player Jean-Julien were tougher. His gold medal SILVER: China (Xin Xu, Shiwen Liu) Now he needs the Tokyo title and the U.S. Rojer tested positive for COVID-19 and was bout was an epic showdown with BRONZE: Taiwan (Yun Ju Lin, I Ching Cheng) Open trophy to complete the unique collection. withdrawn from the doubles tournament with Georgia’s Lasha Shavdatuashvili, WEIGHTLIFTING Steffi Graf was the only tennis player to partner Wesley Koolhof. a fearless veteran who secured his Women’s 55kg achieve the Golden Slam in 1988. Novak Djokovic, of Serbia, reacts after The eighth-seeded pair were scheduled to third Olympic medal while getting GOLD: Hidilyn Diaz, Philippines Djokovic’s next opponent will be 16th- winning a point off Jan-Lennard Struff, of play Marcus Daniell and Michael Venus of Ono into several dangerous situa- SILVER: Qiuyun Liao, China seeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain, Germany, during the second round of the New Zealand. Daniell and Venus received a tions. BRONZE: Zulfi ya Chinshanlo, Kazakhstan who defeated John Millman of Australia 6-4, tennis competition at the 2020 Summer walkover into the quarterfi nals and Rojer was “I had some fear going into gold- 6-7 (4), 6-3. Olympics, on July 26, in Tokyo, Japan. placed in isolation. en score,” Ono admitted. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, JULY 27, 2021 16

Benjamin Savsek of Slovenia celebrates as he crosses the fi nish line to win gold medal in the Men’s C1 of the Canoe Slalom at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. (AP) Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com RUSSIA EDGE JAPAN, CHINA IN MEN’S GYMNASTICS FINAL Philippines’ Diaz wins historic gold as Titmus ends Ledecky golden run

Egypt’s Seif Eissa reacts after defeating Unit- ed States’ Paige McPherson, to win a bronze medal for the taekwondo women’s 67kg match at the 2020 Summer Olympics in To- kyo, Japan. (AP)

Silver medalist Jordan’s Julyana Al-Sadeq Hidilyn Diaz of Philippines competes in the women’s 55kg weightlifting event, at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. (AP) holds his medal. (AP) English sets record; Daley, Lee claim diving title Oly Medals Table TOKYO, July 26, (AP): Hidilyn Yufei (55.64) for the top spot. Australia’s en’s skeet champion Diana Bacosi of Italy. Diaz became the fi rst Olympic Emma McKeon took the bronze in 55.72, beat- English, ranked No. 1 in the world, hit 56 of TOKYO, July 26, (AP): Olympic Games medals ing American teenager Torri Huske by one- 60 targets to bounce back from just missing the table on Monday. gold medalist from the Philip- hundredth of a second. U.S. Olympic team for the 2012 and 2016 G S B T Japan 8 2 3 13 pines after winning the women’s Huske went out fast, as is her style, and Games. United States 7 3 4 14 55-kilogram weightlifting catego- appeared to be close to the front with about 10 Bacosi matched English by hitting 47 of 50 China 6 5 7 18 meters to go. But she faded on her final strokes shots to reach the final, but missed on her third Russia 4 5 3 12 ry at the Tokyo Olympic Games Britain 3 3 1 7 and just missed a spot on the podium. attempt and a chance to repeat as Olympic South Korea 3 0 4 7 on Monday . The U.S. team was denied a medal for the champion. Australia 2 1 3 6 first time in the swimming competition. China’s Wei Meng took bronze after tying a Kosovo 2 0 0 2 Diaz overtook Liao Qiuyun of China on Italy 1 4 4 9 her last lift in the clean and jerk to win with Defending champion and world-record world record in qualifying. France 1 2 2 5 a total 224 kilograms. That was one more holder Sarah Sjöström of Sweden was seventh. Japan ended China’s overwhelming domi- Canada 1 2 1 4 Britain’s Adam Peaty repeated as Olympic nance in table tennis by winning Olympic gold Hungary 1 1 0 2 than Liao. champion in the men’s 100-meter breast- Tunisia 1 1 0 2 China had won all three events so far and in mixed doubles in a major upset. Croatia 1 0 1 2 stroke. was hoping to sweep the gold medals in the Jun Mizutani and Mima Ito beat a Chinese Slovenia 1 0 1 2 Peaty was perhaps the surest best at the Austria 1 0 0 1 eight competitions its athletes have entered. team that has often seemed unbeatable. China Olympic pool, being the first man to break won all four gold medals at the 2016 Rio de Ecuador 1 0 0 1 Liao came into the competition as the world both 58 and 57 seconds in his signature event. Hong Kong 1 0 0 1 record holder with a total 227kg. Janeiro Games and the team of Xu Xin and Liu Iran 1 0 0 1 He posted the fifth-fastest time in history Norway 1 0 0 1 Zulfiya Chinshanlo of Kazakhstan took Shiwen was a heavy favorite this time. (57.37 seconds) to blow away the field. Mizutani won bronze in singles in Rio and Philippines 1 0 0 1 bronze with 213kg. Chinshanlo won what was Arno Kamminga of the Netherlands claimed Thailand 1 0 0 1 then the 53-kilogram class at the 2012 London Ito is considered by some to be China’s biggest Ariarne Titmus, of Australia holds up her Uzbekistan 1 0 0 1 the silver in 58.00, while the bronze went to threat in the female ranks. Taiwan 0 2 2 4 Olympics, but was stripped of her gold medal Italy’s Nicolo Martinenghi in 58.33. American medal after winning the fi nal of the wom- Netherlands 0 3 0 3 after a positive test for two banned steroids. en’s 400-meters freestyle at the 2020 Sum- Brazil 0 2 1 3 Michael Andrew was next in 58.84 - the sec- Germany 0 0 3 3 Katie Ledecky strolled onto the deck first, ond straight final in which a U.S. swimmer OLYMPICS mer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan. (AP) which meant she was headed to the second Kazakhstan 0 0 3 3 finished fourth and was denied a medal. was gold for Lee Lai Shan in women’s wind- Georgia 0 2 0 2 spot on the medal podi- Czech Republic 0 1 1 2 Caeleb Dressel led off an American victory China won the first two games 11-5 and surfing in 1996. um. in the men’s 4x100-meter freestyle relay. Indonesia 0 1 1 2 What a strange place 11-7 but Japan took the next three 11-8, 11-9 Alexander Choupenitch won bronze for the Serbia 0 1 1 2 Dressel gave the U.S. a lead it never relin- and 11-9. China then won the sixth game 11-6 Czech Republic after beating Takahiro Shikine Spain 0 1 1 2 for her to be. Switzerland 0 1 1 2 quished, swimming the first leg in a blistering to set up a deciding seventh game which Japan of Japan 15-8. For the first time in a 47.26 seconds. Egypt 0 0 2 2 brilliant career, Ledecky dominated. The host country took an 8-0 lead Slovenia’s Benjamin Savsek won gold in Mongolia 0 0 2 2 Blake Pieroni and Bowe Becker kept the and held on for an 11-6 victory. Turkey 0 0 2 2 wasn’t the first swimmer the men’s canoe slalom ahead of the Czech Ukraine 0 0 2 2 Americans out front before Zach Apple turned China’s table tennis team is so strong that Republic’s Lukas Rohan and Germany’s to touch the wall in an in an anchor leg of 46.69 to leave no doubt at Belgium 0 1 0 1 individual event at the world champion Liu didn’t even make the Sideris Tasiadis. Bulgaria 0 1 0 1 the end. Colombia 0 1 0 1 Olympics. women’s singles’ team and is only playing Savsek is ranked No. 7 in the world. He The U.S. won gold in 3 minutes, 08.97 sec- team events. Denmark 0 1 0 1 She had nothing to be onds, the third-fastest relay in history. Italy knew he had the time to beat after a clean run India 0 1 0 1 ashamed of. She swam Cheung Ka Long won Hong Kong’s second with no time penalties, and pumped his first as Jordan 0 1 0 1 Daley took the silver in 3:10.11, with the bronze Romania 0 1 0 1 one of the best races of Olympic gold medal in its history by beating he crossed the finish line. He didn’t have long going to Australia in 3:10.22. defending champion Daniele Garozzo 15-11 in Ivory Coast 0 0 1 1 her career on the biggest stage. She was simply The team representing the Russian Olympic to wait to see his time of 98.25 seconds hold up Estonia 0 0 1 1 the men’s foil fencing final. Israel 0 0 1 1 beaten in the 400-meter freestyle by someone Committee rode remarkable performances by as the winner. who was a bit better on this day. Cheung secured the win with a video review Rohan’s run included a gate touch and Kuwait 0 0 1 1 Artur Dalaloyan and Nikita Nagornyy to edge for the last point and then ran to celebrate with Mexico 0 0 1 1 Still, it was a bit jarring. Japan and China in a taut men’s team gymnas- 2-second penalty and he finished 3.71 seconds New Zealand 0 0 1 1 It wasn’t quite good enough to beat his coach. Garozzo earlier needed medical off the lead. Tasiadis, who came in ranked No. Note: Table reads as gold, silver, bronze and tics final. treatment after straining a thigh muscle when total. (AP) Australia’s Ariarne Titmus, who chased down The victory marked the first Olympic title 1 in the world and won silver in 2012, was a Ledecky over the final two laps to win in 3 for the Russians since the 1996 Atlanta Cheung led 6-5. distant 5.45 seconds slower than Savsek. minutes, 56.69 seconds. Games. Hong Kong’s only previous Olympic win Tom Pidcock won the Olympic men’s mountain bike race, extending Britain’s domi- It was the second-fastest time ever recorded, Russia’s total of 262.500 points was just nance from the road and track to the dirt. surpassed only by Ledecky’s world record of good enough to hold off the sport’s other two Leaving reigning champion Nino Schurter 3:56.46 at the 2016 Rio Games. superpowers. Japan used a brilliant high bar and his Swiss teammate Mathias Flueckiger Ledecky touched in 3:57.36, her fastest time routine by Daiki Hashimoto in the final rota- behind on the fourth of seven laps, the 21-year- in three years and fourth-fastest in the history tion to surge past China for second with a old multidiscipline prodigy proceeded to dom- of the eight-lap event. score of 262.397. inate the toughest course in Olympic history. Of course, most people will focus on where The Chinese were undone by a fall from Lin Flueckiger gave chase in vain and was left she finished. Chaopan on floor exercise during the first rota- with a silver medal. David Valero Serrano of Ledecky has been second before - in relays tion. Spain won a surprise bronze. and at big-time meets such as the world cham- Britain’s Tom Daley and Matty Lee won Sofia Pozdniakova won an all-Russian fenc- pionships. gold in men’s 10-meter synchronized diving, ing final 15-11 to take goal in women’s saber But this was a first at the Olympics. ending any chance of a sweep by China at the and consign teammate Sofya Velikaya to a Ledecky won her only individual event at Tokyo Aquatics Centre. third consecutive silver medal in the event. the 2012 London Games, stunningly taking Daley and Lee sealed their victory with a Pozdniakova is the daughter of Russian gold in the 800 free as a relatively unknown brilliant final dive and received one perfect 10 Olympic Committee president and four-time 15-year-old. She was a big star by Rio, where from the judges. Every other mark but one was gold medalist Stanislav Pozdnyakov. He was she backed up the hype by sweeping the 200, a 9.0 or 9.5. watching in the arena. Russia is competing 400 and 800 free. Daley and Lee finished with a total score of under the guise of the ROC at the Tokyo That streak ended at the Tokyo Aquatics 471.81 points, edging China’s Cao Yuan and Games in the latest doping-related sanctions Centre, but Ledecky was more focused on the Chen Aisen by a mere 1.23. It was the first from the Court of Arbitration for Sport. time beside her name, not the number in front Olympic gold for Daley, long the star of Velikaya was the individual saber runner- of it. British diving. He had previously claimed a up at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics. She also Maggie MacNeil captured Canada’s first pair of bronze medals. has a team gold from 2016. gold medal at the pool with a victory in the The bronze went to Russia’s Aleksandr Manon Brunet of France won the bronze women’s 100-meter butterfly. Bondar and Viktor Minibaev with 439.92. medal after beating Anna Marton of Hungary The reigning world champion touched first American shooter Amber English set an Nikita Nagornyy, of the Russian Olympic Committee, performs on the pommel horse during 15-6. in 55.59 seconds, edging out China’s Zhang Olympic record to knock off reigning wom- the artistic gymnastic men’s team fi nal at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. (AP) Medalists – See Page 15

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