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WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 • 27 Safar 1437 • Volume 20 Number 6639 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780

Emir chairs SCEAI meeting Emir meets Emir to attend Tatarstan President DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani met at the Emiri Diwan yesterday with Presi- dent of the Republic of Tatarstan, GCC summit in Rustam Minnikhanov, and his accompanying delegation. Talks during the meeting covered bilat- eral relations, ways of enhancing Riyadh today them and issues of mutual con- cern. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani also Mideast crises top leaders’ agenda attended the meeting. See also page 2 DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim ing effort in several fellow Arab bin Hamad Al Thani will be trav- states. The previous GCC summit Emir condoles with elling to Saudi Arabia’s capital was held in Doha and one of the Riyadh today to attend the GCC main issues that was discussed Azerbaijan President Summit. was about how to achieve full Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Chairman of the Supreme Council for Economic Affairs and The Emir will be leading economic integration within the Investment (SCEAI), chaired the Council’s sixth meeting in 2015 at the Emiri Diwan yesterday. Deputy Emir DOHA: Emir H H Sheikh Tamim Qatar’s delegation to the 36th ses- GCC states. H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani, Vice-President of the Council, attended the meeting along with Prime bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a sion of the GCC Supreme Coun- The Economic and Financial cable of condolences to President Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Council’s Executive cil to be held in Riyadh, reports Affairs Committee of the GCC Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Member and members of the Council. Qatar News Agency. Council had recommended that Azerbaijan, to express heartfelt Earlier, the Emir received a as regards economic integration condolences and sympathy to the written message from the Cus- of the GCC states a study be victims of the blaze which broke todian of the Two Holy Mosques conducted to assess its feasibil- out on an offshore oil platform in King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al ity. The feasibility of a full-fledged Premier to open the Caspian Sea, praying to Allah Saud, inviting the Emir to attend regional common market was to MMUP aims to go paperless Almighty to accept them rest in the summit, to be held today and be studied. The study, according peace and to bless the injured tomorrow. to QNA, was completed and its Euromoney meet with healing and wellness. Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to draft was submitted to the com- by 2017, says Minister Qatar, Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al mittee which approved it. DOHA: Top global bankers, fin- QNA Aifan, handed the message invit- The study is now to be referred anciers and economic experts will DOHA: The Ministry of Munic- world with one of the highest ing the Emir to attend the GCC to experts for review. attend the two-day ‘The Eurom- ipality and Urban Planning Internet penetrations and where Summit. It was also decided that the oney Qatar Conference 2015’, (MMUP) aims to go paperless by e-database of all kinds were avail- TODAY’S UEFA CHAMPIONS The Emir received the Saudi GCC General Secretariat be pro- which opens today at Ritz Carlton 2017, says its minister in-charge. able. The country has advanced LEAGUE FIXTURES Ambassador at the Emiri Diwan vided the resources to provide Hotel. Prime Minister and Interior Speaking at an event here yes- technology and also boasts fast yesterday morning, said QNA. anti-money laundering training Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin terday, H E Sheikh Abdulrah- Internet services. The e-building Bayer Leverkusen vs Barcelona 22:45 A number of key issues are to entities and people concerned Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani will man bin Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al licence system is such that appli- likely to be taken up by the GCC in the member-states after the deliver the opening address. Thani said that by 2017 no paper cants can follow up and check the Roma vs Bate 22:45 leaders at their summit. They issue of money laundering in the The Euromoney Qatar Confer- will be used in the Ministry’s status of their application using include relations among their region has been studied in-depth ence is one of the most important transactions. All transactions will their mobile phones. Valencia vs Lyon 22:45 own countries, Yemen, the Syr- by experts. platforms for bringing national be made electronic, he said. The Minister said that the Gent vs Zenit St. Petersburg 22:45 ian crisis, the Palestinian ques- The study also aimed at evalu- finance leaders and international The Minister was speaking e-licensing system is also such tion, relations with Iran and the ating risks and then focusing banking executives together, and at the launch of Phase 2 of elec- that it wouldn’t accept an appli- Dinamo vs Bayern Munich 22:45 Libyan issue. on the need to make a common this year’s conference is being tronic services for building licens- cation for building licence if it is Chelsea vs FC Porto 22:45 QNA said, the Riyadh Summit regional study to prevent it and seen as one of the most important ing. Building licences will not be being made through an engineer- assumes immense significance as fight if it happened, said QNA. organised to date. issued on paper as the service has ing consultancy which has been Olympiacos vs Arsenal 22:45 it is being held in the backdrop Picture on page 2 See also page 21 been made completely electronic. blacklisted for some reasons. Dynamo Kiev vs Maccabi Tel-Aviv 22:45 of ongoing conflicts in the Arab The Minister said that Qatar world as also amidst rebuild- THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA was among the countries in the THE PENINSULA All fixtures in Qatar time WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Emir meets Saudi Ambassador PM meets Tatarstan President Condolences sent to Azerbaijan President DOHA: Deputy Emir H H Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani has sent a cable of condo- lences to President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, to expressing con- dolences and sympathy on the victims of the blaze which broke out on an offshore oil platform in the Caspian Sea, praying to Allah Almighty to accept them rest in peace and to bless the injured with healing and wellness. Prime Minister and Interior Minister H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani also sent a cable to President Ilham Aliyev.

QNA One dies,

Emir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani received a written message from the Custodian three hurt in of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, inviting the Emir to attend the 36th summit for GCC Supreme Council in Saudi Arabia today and tomorrow. Saudi Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al Thani residential Ambassador to Qatar Abdulla bin Abdulaziz Al Aifan handed the message at the Emiri yesterday held talks with President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov. They reviewed bilateral Diwan yesterday. relations and means to develop them and regional and international issues. facility fire DOHA: A 47-year old Filipina, wife of an employee of the Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) died and three others in her family were injured in a fire in a resi- ROTA marks International Volunteer Day dential facility on Monday, HMC said yesterday. “It is with great sadness that we inform you sev- 700 volunteers participated in ROTA activities last year eral of our HMC family members have been devastated by a resi- DOHA: Reach Out To Asia Volunteer Programme is community of people,” Al Naama dential fire yesterday,” HMC said (ROTA) recently celebrated dedicated to building a culture continued. in a statement. International Volunteer Day of volunteerism and community “I would like to thank ROTA “One of our team members, with a special event to recognise service which effectively engages for organising this event Rafael Pingul, 45, and his daugh- and reward the contributions with different communities and to celebrate International ter, Micaela, 13, are in critical made by local and international contributes to achieving the VolunteerDay and to recognise condition and his wife, Chona, 47, ROTA volunteers. Qatar National Vision 2030.” ROTA’s volunteers. In addition, has died as a result of the inci- Last year, around 700 “That we have achieved the we want to thank them for dent. Their son, Raffi, 15, also volunteers have been involved in success we have experienced giving us the opportunity remains under our care at this ROTA volunteering activities by is attributable to the amazing to participate and provide a time. Mr Pingul is an operating taking part in both international volunteers we at ROTA are able simplified presentation about theater technician and has been volunteer trips and initiatives in to call upon. the Qatar Volunteers Network with HMC since 1999,” it added. Qatar. Without their dedication, hard “TAMM,” said Ibrahim Al To ensure the safety and well- These included the Ramadan work and inspiration, achieving Balushi, Executive Director of being of other staff members and 2015 Project, the Reach Into our goal would be impossible and the TAMM Qatar Volunteers their families housed in the build- Qatar Project and the World we offer our heartfelt thanks Network — an online initiative ing, HMC has taken immediate Humanitarian Summit. for the important contributions designed to connect volunteers steps to provide suitable emer- Mohamed Al Naama, Acting that they make. We want to use with opportunities in Qatar. gency accommodation for them. Executive Director of ROTA, International Volunteer Day Mohamed Al Naama, Acting Executive Director of ROTA, awarding one of the said: “Reach Out To Asia’s to celebrate this remarkable THE PENINSULA volunteers. THE PENINSULA HOME WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 QF wins Informatics award from Kuwait QF’s social media presence in education honoured

DOHA: Qatar Foundation (QF) has won the award for the best social media presence in the edu- cation sector in the Arab region at the 15th Sheikh Salem Al Ali Al Sabah Informatics Award cer- emony in Kuwait. The award, which was presented by Emir of Kuwait H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, recognised QF’s pioneering role and outstanding performance in promoting education and scien- tific research through social media. Through its social media chan- nels, QF strives to provide an environment that fosters a pro- gressive society. By serving as a platform to promote education, science, and community devel- opment, QF is helping to unlock human potential and create a knowledge-based economy. Kuwait’s Emir H H Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah handing over Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi, the award to President of Qatar Foundation Engineer Saad Al Muhannadi. President of Qatar Foundation, attended the event, along with online channels serve as a plat- A number of prominent people Hissa Al Mesnid Al Mohannadi, form for our community to come attended the award ceremony, a member of the QF social media together, share, and discuss, and including Microsoft Co-Founder, team. this accolade highlights the great Bill Gates, who was awarded the After receiving the award on work of Qatar Foundation’s social ‘Informatics Medal’ for his contri- behalf of the Foundation, Engi- media team and their dedication bution to the field of communica- neer Saad said: “We are very to quickly and effectively dissemi- tion and technology. proud and incredibly honoured nating news and information to to have received this award. Our our audience.” THE PENINSULA

Ministry conducts surprise raids on hotels

DOHA: The Ministry of Economy Unaizah, Al Qatifah and The Pearl lishments to abide by the laws and and Commerce in collaboration during which five violations were regulations governing commercial with Qatar Tourism Authority detected. The violations varied permits to avoid being subjected to (QTA) conducted a series of sur- from using expired commercial legal action. It has also called on prise raids at a number of hotels permits to providing unlicensed the public to report any complaints and apartment hotels across the services to customers. Inspectors through Hotline: 16001, Twitter@ city. Fines were imposed on sev- issued three notices obliging hotels MEC_QATAR, Instagram: mec_ eral erring facilities. to renew their commercial per- qatar, Email: [email protected]. The inspectors conducted a mits, said a statement yesterday. total of 18 raids in Al Dafna, The ministry has urged all estab- THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Al Mahmoud QNRF event for attends Darfur deal signing AL FASHER: Sudanese First PhD women Vice-President Lieutenant Gen- eral Bakri Hassan Salih and Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Cabinet Affairs H E Ahmad bin Abdullah Al graduates Mahmoud attended yetersday at Al Fasher airport the signing of a number of agreements for Workshop on Women in Science implementing services and devel- opment projects in Darfur states DOHA: Qatar National Research ing and mathematics (STEM) at the cost of $88m, which was Fund (QNRF) of Qatar Founda- with female graduate students in extended by Qatar to the United tion Research and Development Qatar. Nations Development Program (QF R&D), recently held a two- “The event was very successful (UNDP). The agreements were day workshop in partnership in terms of giving the opportunity signed by Dr Amin Hassan Omer with CRDF-Gentitled ‘Women in for academic and industry leaders Participants at the recently organised ‘Women In Science’ workshop. for the Presidency of of Sudan, Dr Science’ at the Hamad bin Kha- to meet, face-to-face, and discuss Al Tigani Sessi for Darfur state, lifa University (HBKU) Student how to inspire women to pursue women to enter the fields of sci- the floor for three panel discus- the professional development the UNDP representative and Centre. careers in research,” said Dr ence and engineering, and net- sions addressing topics that are of female graduate students by Dr Ahmed Al Meraikhi, Direc- The initiative was designed to Abdul Sattar Al Taie, Executive work with some leading women relevant to women in science, offering them a chance to expe- tor of international Development provide mentorship opportunities Director, QNRF. researchers from Qatar and the such as challenges to pursuing a rience the reality of a career as a Department of Qatari Ministry in science and technology-related “The initiative aims to fill the US who could offer them men- career in science, where a number research scientist” she said. of Foreign Affairs. research to female scientists in gap between the number of suc- torship and guidance in their of prominent Qatari female scien- “The presentations we have Meanwhile, Sudanese Minister Qatar who have completed their cessful females graduating with research careers. tists enriched the different panel seen over the last two days on of Health Bahar Idris Abu Garda PhD studies in one of four main science degrees and the number of In her keynote speech Dr discussions with their experi- women’s contributions to science and Foreign Ministry’s State areas: the ecology of infectious females proactive in the research Asmaa Al Fadala, Director of ences. have been inspiring and now we Minister Obaidallah Mohamed diseases, environmental science, workforce, which represents a Research at the World Innovation Noor Al Merekhi, Direc- need to demonstrate the benefits Obaidallah hailed Qatar’s efforts cyber security, and materials sci- treasure trove that Qatar can Summit for Education (WISE) tor of Programmes at QNRF, of such a career choice to the next and initiatives under the direc- ence in energy. tap into for meeting the increas- and Assistant Professor at Qatar announced that QNRF would go generation of young scientists and tives of Emir H H Sheikh Tamim Over two days, female ing demand for scientists and University, highlighted her jour- on to develop a new programme engineers. After all, they will be bin Hamad Al Thani to bring researchers from the US and researchers.” ney in pursing her PhD from designed to provide internship the key players in transforming comprehensive peace to Darfur, Qatar discussed gender issues The specialised workshop was Cambridge University, including opportunities to female graduate Qatar into a knowledge-based develop the region and return and navigated cultural challenges designed to highlight opportuni- the challenges she faced and the students in the labs of prominent economy,” she said. refugees and the displaced back. related to careers in the fields of ties and develop recommenda- lessons she learned. researchers in the US. Abu Garda expressed his science, technology, engineer- tions on how to encourage more The keynote speech opened “QNRF is keen to promote THE PENINSULA delight at the visit of Al Mahmoud to Sudan and said his country appreciates the efforts of Qatar’s Emir, government and people to bring peace to Darfur and carry CNA-Q rewards academic excellence out development projects there.

DOHA: College of the North ship, entrepreneurship, sport, or Accounting student, Farnaaz Katara to host Atlantic–Qatar’s (CNA-Q) top health and wellness. Safdar Khan, for the second year students were rewarded for their This year, 101 students, who in a row, to acknowledge her 97.3 gallery on academic achievements in the achieved a Grade Point Average of percent weighted average. academic year 2014-15 recently. 4.0, were entered into the Honour Highest Achievers from each Aleppo The 13th annual Rewarding Society. The cumulative averages of the College’s Schools – Engi- Excellence awards was sponsored of award winners this year are neering Technology, Business DOHA: Katara is set to host a by Oryx GTL, for the second year. higher than last year. Studies, Information Technol- gallery on Aleppo featuring pho- Oryx GTL offered four special Other awards presented ogy and Health Sciences – were tographs taken by Syrian jour- awards to students who demon- included the Highest Achiever also recognised with scholar- nalist Ammar Abed Rabbu. strated academic excellence as Scholarship, which was pre- ships. Ammar has worked in several well as a commitment to leader- sented to Business Management– Ahmed Heji, a Business Man- hot spots around the world, such Ahmed Heji receives the Highest Achiever Scholarship for the School of as Iraq, Lebanon, and Bosnia. He Business Studies from Hissa Al Aali, Associate Director of the CNA-Q has also covered a number of film Executive Committee. festivals and world known fash- ion shows. His virtual gallery on agement–Human Resource Man- a delight to see so many students Flicker has seen more than 1.5m agement student, was the highest acknowledged for their hard work visits. His photographs have been achiever for the School of Busi- and dedication to their studies,” on the covers of world magazines. ness. “I am proud to receive this said Dr Ken MacLeod. Katara General Manager Dr award and be recognised for my “We find great pride in par- Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti and hard work. I strive for success ticipating in these great events Ammar recently met at Katara and am encouraged along the way to reward students for their to discuss the expo to be held in by all my instructors. Each day effort, and we hope that it moti- March in collaboration with the at CNA-Q I am taught to learn vates others to achieve the high- French embassy. The artist said whole-heartedly and strive for est level of knowledge possible,” he was pleased to have the oppor- excellence,” he said. said Mohamed Al Enazi. “Educa- tunity to hold his photo gallery The ceremony opened with a tion is a central theme of Qatar’s in Katara about Aleppo. Dr Al messages from CNA-Q President National Vision 2030, and we are Sulaiti stressed that Katara is Dr Ken MacLeod, and Mohamed happy that we are headed on a the meeting point for cultures, Al Enazi, Chief Quality & HSE well set path towards a knowl- peoples, and innovators irrespec- Officer at Oryx GTL. edge-based economy.” tive of their artistic orientation. “This is one of the most rewarding events of the year. It is THE PENINSULA QNA / THE PENINSULA Best Story award for BQFP book DOHA: Mah and Me, published by Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Pub- lishing (BQFP), has won Best Story award at the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature. The winners were announced recently at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF). Written and illustrated by Ibtihaj Al-Harthi, Mah and Me is a sensitive explo- ration of life and loss, as seen through the eyes of a beloved grandson, Azzan. “As a first time author, I was very happy to hear that Mah and Me received the award,” remarked Al- Harthi. “I feel encouraged that both the judges and my publisher believed in the story even though it handles a sensitive topic that is nor- mally avoided in children’s literature. My biggest hope now is that children will read the story and that it opens up a safe space for parent-child discussions of deeper, more sensitive topics.” “This award exem- plifies the very best that Arabic children’s literature has to offer,” added Arend Kuster, Acting Director of Bloomsbury Qatar Founda- tion. THE PENINSULA

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QA first airline 6,000 rooms on cruise to fly Airbus A350 to the US DOHA: Qatar Airways has ships for World Cup become the first airline to fly the Airbus A350 to the United States. The ferry flight left Hamad Cruise tourism an enduring legacy, says QTA official International Airport yesterday at 0740 local time and will land in DOHA: At least 6,000 rooms on to attract more visitors; and, we prestigious cruise lines. at JFK International at approxi- cruise ships will be provided for are diversifying and enhancing The Forum confirmed that, mately 1400 local time. the 2022 FIFA World Cup. the products and services across within less than a decade, the Qatar Airways was the global “QTA is committed to provid- the entire industry. Arabian Gulf has become the launch carrier of the A350 and ing at least 6,000 rooms on cruise “For our part, QTA is working third most popular winter cruis- is the first to fly the aircraft to ships for the 2022 FIFA World with partners across the pub- ing destination with one million three continents; the airline’s Cup competition — in the rede- lic and private sectors, to plan, cruise passenger visits expected in fleet of seven A350s currently flies veloped Doha Port — reinforcing regulate, develop and promote GCC countries during the 2015- twice a day to Frankfurt, daily to cruise tourism as one of our most the tourism sector, with the aim 2016 season. Munich and three times a day to exciting and enduring legacies,” of achieving growth that is both Chris Hayman, Chairman Singapore from Doha. Hassan Al Ibrahim, QTA’s Chief exponential and sustainable.” of Seatrade, organisers of the An eighth A350 will join the Tourism Development Officer, has Meanwhile, Bahrain became Forum, said: “Over the two days fleet before the end of the year said. the latest country to confirm its of the Forum, we have repeatedly and is scheduled to fly daily to Speaking to delegates of the commitment to the Cruise Ara- heard from tourism and ports Hassan Al Ibrahim addressing the delegates yesterday. Philadelphia from January 1, 2016. Seatrade Middle East Cruise bia Alliance, which now has mem- authorities across the region As further A350s join the fleet Forum, Al Ibrahim stressed Qatar bership from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, that the cruise industry has goal of growing cruise tourism had been well addressed since throughout 2016, passengers will places huge importance on the Sharjah, Qatar and Oman. been identified as a crucial area and tackling the challenges faced, the last Forum in 2015. Security have the opportunity to experi- cruise industry, both to diversify The six-member alliance for growth in the coming years whilst taking advantage of the was also highlighted as a poten- ence this new-generation aircraft the tourism sector and Qatar’s encourages its members to and that many see this sector as opportunities that will arise in tial challenge as the perception of on flights to Boston launching on overall economy. share best practices and ensure an engine for sustainable devel- the coming years. passengers who have not been to March 16, and the new second daily “There are long-term plans to a region-wide level of service opment of their economies, and Amongst the challenges dis- the region was influenced by some flight to New York from April 1 and upgrade the country’s infrastruc- and standards offered to both as an important pillar that sup- cussed is the importance of each negative international media cov- Adelaide, Australia from May 2. ture, all of which will enable us the cruise lines and their pas- ports efforts to limit dependence destination to create shore excur- erage. “We are proud to be the first to tap into the potential of cruise sengers. on natural energy resources as a sions that are diverse and offer However, passengers who have commercial airline to land the tourism by developing Qatar’s The announcement came at a driver of GDP.” unique onshore opportunities for visited and seen that the Arabian Airbus A350 in the United States,” ports. timely point when the Kingdom of To achieve this, Hayman high- cruise line passengers. The ques- Gulf is a safe area with tight secu- said Qatar Airways Group Chief “We are building our infra- Bahrain also announced it would lighted the significance of the tion of obtaining visas was also rity can be ambassadors in pro- Executive Akbar Al Baker. structure and human capital; we be complementing the 2015/2106 Cruise Arabia alliance which is flagged as a challenge but was felt moting the region. “As the global launch customer have a new destination brand that cruise season with 68,000 pas- committed to its members work- that each destination was devel- of this new-generation aircraft, consolidates the industry’s efforts sengers and 32 calls from various ing together with the common oping wider flexibility and this THE PENINSULA we are excited to introduce it to the American market, where we will commence commercial flights from January 1, 2016 on our route from Philadelphia,” he added. “We are delighted that the A350 will bring its unbeatable econom- Three customs officials honoured ics and superior passenger com- fort to another continent,” said DOHA: Three customs officials on forged documents to enter the HIA, caught 1,113 drug pills which Fabrice Brégier, Airbus President have been given award for foil- country through the border check were kept in the handbag of a and CEO who will join the Qatar ing attempts to smuggle into the post. passenger who was coming from Airways celebrations in New York. country a large number of vehi- The official tipped off the some Asian countries. The pills “The A350 is the aircraft of cles on forged documents at Abu authorities concerned about the were wrapped up in four separate choice in its category and set to Samra boarder check post and malicious intention of the per- packets of medicines. But they become a reference among pas- Hamad International Airport son. The official was asked by the were packed in suspicious way sengers for its unrivalled cabin (HIA). authorities concerned to agree which created curiosity. A medi- comfort and quietness.” Qatar A miscreant approached a cus- with the miscreant to accept cal proscription produced by the Airways will be the first com- toms official on duty and offered bribe. An trap was set up and the passenger also looked forged. The mercial airline to land an Airbus to bribe him seeking his favour person was caught red-handed. official on duty decided to open A350 in NYC. and allow a number of vehicles Another customs official, at the packets. The Business Class cabin of the A350 has 36 seats featuring an The officers holding their certificates of appreciations with Ahmed bin Ali 80-inch fully-flat bed and 17-inch Al Mohannadi, Chairman of Qatar’s General Customs Authority. HD in-flight entertainment screen. Economy Class features 247 18-inch A consignment of six kilograms were given the award by Ahmed wide seats, each with a 10.6-inch of marijuana was also detected by bin Ali Al Mohannadi, Chair- in-flight entertainment screen, and a customs official at HIA from a man of Qatar’s General Customs more space at shoulder level for handbag of a passenger coming Authority for excellent work. passengers in window seats. from an Asian country. All the three customs officials THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

Entertainer Qatar launches promotion

DOHA: The Middle East’s best- The offers are valid from Aqua Park, Fun Ville, Biella are selling incentives brand launched January 2 to December 30, also taking part. The Entertainer the Entertainer Qatar 2016, which 2016 (excluding public holidays) Qatar 2016 has launched with features over 1,050 Buy One Get and can save customers up to special pricing for the App, which One Free offers for restaurants, QR270,000. Exciting new mer- is QAR100 less than the book. cafés, nightspots, attractions, lei- chants in 2016 include Spice Mar- In addition to the offers in the sure activities, spas, fitness and ket, Trader Vic’s, Caribou Coffee printed book, the App includes more in Qatar and hotel accom- and Six Senses Spa among others. access to more exclusive offers modation worldwide, a press Popular merchants such as Car- added each month, which includes release said yesterday. luccio’s, Wafi Gourmet, Nando’s, brunches, new restaurants and special promotions. The latest release of the app saw significant enhance- ments. New features include improved mapping, advanced search capabilities that allow you to search by product and filter against certain attributes, social sharing and integration with Trip Advisor and Uber. Customers who purchase the Entertainer Qatar 2016 will receive a free copy of the Entertainer Travel, which features over 300 ‘Buy One Room Night Get One Free’ offers in hotels throughout the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, the Indian Ocean and North America. This includes hotel brands such as Fairmont, InterCon- tinental, Shangri-La, Hyatt, Radisson, Sofitel, Sheraton, Ovolo Hotel etc.

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Ooredoo Minister opens SCH tent at Darb-El-Saii launches song Free medical check-ups, anti-flu vaccination available; Ministry of Economy sets up tent to celebrate

DOHA: A health tent at Darb-El- National Day Saii set up by the Supreme Coun- cil of Health (SCH) is offering DOHA: Ooredoo yesterday free medical check-ups for visi- launched an inspirational song for tors as well as vaccination against Qatar National Day celebrations, seasonal influenza. using a wealth of national stars, Minister of Public Health H E champions and members of the Abdullah bin Khalid Al Qahtani Ooredoo family. yesterday opened the activities The song is being showcased at the tent, in the presence of in a special film, shot at Katara senior officials from the SCH, Cultural Village, which began yes- Hamad Medical Corporation, terdayin the build-up to Qatar Primary Healthcare Corpora- National Day. tion, National Health Insurance The film will be promoted Company and a number of visi- across Ooredoo’s social media tors. National Day celebrations at channels using the hashtag Darb-El-Saii will continue until #WeAreAllQatar, as well as December 20. being screened on Ooredoo’s The Minister said on the side- Mozaic TV. lines that the SCH tent this year The film includes a host of has compiled all services in one national figures, including rally place and has activities suiting all champion and Olympic medal- age groups to raise health aware- winner Nasser Al Attiyah, the ness among the public. Ooredoo racing team of Fahad Al Vaccines for seasonal influenza Suwaidi and Meshal Al Noaimi, is offered for visitors in the after- Different attractions set up at Darb-El-Saii as part of the National Day celebrations. ABDUL BASIT Qatar national football team play- noon in addition to checkups for ers Meshal Abdullah and Khalid blood pressure, blood sugar, Body healthy studio allowing visitors for emergency cases and other fighting commercial fraud. Origi- Abdul Wahed Al Hammadi, Min- Muftah, and Qatari painter Has- Mass Index (BMI), among others. to take pictures in uniforms of health issues. nal and counterfeit goods will be ister of Education and Higher san buJassoum. A campaign dubbed Our nurses and doctors. There is The Ministry of Economy and displayed to demonstrate to the Education; and Rabia Mohamed To showcase the people of Future is Our Health seeks to also workshop for little doctors, Commerce is also taking part has public exactly how to distinguish Al-Kaabi, Undersecretary of the Qatar, Ooredoo employees and raise awareness about lifestyle little pharmacist, colouring com- also set up its tent at Darb-El- between them. Ministry of Education and Higher management are also featured and nutrition, importance of petition for children focusing on Saai, with activities focusing on Officials from the Ministry will Education. in the film, as well as number physical activity and dangers of health and cooking contest in raising public awareness on con- also acquaint visitors with the The dignitaries were given a of school boys and girls, Qatar energy drinks and smoking. healthy food. Doctors are in hand sumer rights and sound consump- young merchant program, which special presentation about Qatar Camaro Club, Qatar Cycling The pavilion also features a to educate the public on first aid tion habits. was developed by the Ministry to Foundation’s various activities Federation, and members across The Ministry’s programme promote trade and investment and events during the National Qatar’s community. will feature several interac- planning and to encourage future Day Celebrations. The VIPs Fatima Sultan Al Kuwari, tive activities, competitions and investment projects by providing walked around the tent as chil- Director Community and Public events targeting all age groups. information and advice to all age dren joyfully gathered and partic- Relations, Ooredoo Qatar, said: The activities will take place in groups including children. ipated in the array of festivities, “This year, we wanted to dem- the morning and in the evening Activities include Q&A com- such as the educational ‘Flag Flip onstrate our pride in our country at the Ministry’s pavilion at Darb- petitions that aim to raise public Board’ game presented by Geor- by bringing together a host of our El-Saii, which has been divided awareness about key services and getown University School of For- friends, partners and employees into three main stations; a trade areas covered by the Ministry of eign Service in Qatar (GUQ) and to showcase the diverse range of station, a consumer station and Economy and Commerce such as the ‘Robotics’ activity offered by talents present in Qatar. an economy station. Consumer Protection and Eco- Texas A&M University at Qatar Qatar National Day celebrates all A series of lectures titled “read- nomic Affairs. (TAMUQ). the amazing achievements of our compare — decide” designed to Meanwhile, Qatar Founda- This year, the activities are country, which are embodied in the raise awareness among the pub- tion (QF) officially kicked off its focused on five main themes: people of the nation, so our song lic about consumer rights, sound 2015 National Day celebrations at Education and Lifelong Learning; and film is a tribute to that spirit.” consumption habits and positive Darb-El-Saai yesterday. Research and Innovation; Culture For full details of Ooredoo’s shopping practices will be pre- QF’s tent was visited by H E and Heritage Preservation; Sus- Qatar National Day events, cus- sented. Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al tainability; and Sports, Health tomers can follow #WeAreAllQa- A workshop will be held to Thani; H E Salah bin Ghanem bin and Wellbeing. tar on the company’s social media familiarise the public with the Nasser Al Ali, Minister of Youth pages. role that field inspectors play in and Sports; H E Dr Mohammed THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME

Tunisian Days GCC forum on education kicks off in Cultural Village DOHA: Tunisian Days, organ- standardisation begins ised by the Cultural Village Foun- dation, Katara and the Tunisian Embassy, kicked off on Monday at Katara. Standardisation essential for realising prosperity: Minister Speaking at the launch event, Katara General Manager Dr By Mohamed Osman The forum represents a good laid the foundation for introduc- Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sulaiti opportunity for exchanging experi- ing the concept through educa- noted that Katara seeks to launch DOHA: The first GCC forum ences, practices, and for networking tional institutions in order to diverse cultural events in bid to on standardisation in education to enhance communication between produce, over the long-run, gen- shed light on different cultures kicked off here yesterday with the all concerned bodies including erations who are aware of stand- such as organizing events on participation of a large number national entities for standardisa- ardisation and its importance for Ethiopia, Palestine, Uzbekistan, of experts and officials from the tions, universities, research centres, all sectors. Morocco, Turkey, Ecuador, Korea GCC states and representatives ministries concerned and all stake- There is an urgent need to link and China. of specialist international organi- holders, he said. standardisation with education to Minister of Education and Higher Education H E Dr Mohammed Abdul He expressed hope that zations. Al Hammadi pointed out that achieve global performance, com- Wahed Al Hammadi (left), awarding contributors during the First GCC through these cultural events, “It is a unique initiative and the forum aimed to explore sci- petitively and ensure comprehen- Standardisation Forum on Education held at Katara. BAHER AMIN Katara will foster ties amongst first of its kind in the region. It entific practices to disseminate sive quality, said Dr Mohammed Arab countries in general. On the shows willingness and determina- the concept of standardisation in bin Saif Al Kuwari, Assistant All aspects need specifications He added that the plan is to Tunisian Days, he said, “We hope tion to promote standardisation education, strengthening coopera- Undersecretary for Laboratories and standardisation systems in introduce the subject beginning that through this event we convey and quality as strategic require- tion and to offer suggestions and and Standardisation at the Min- today’s world and that is why from high school to the university a vivid and integral image about ments for achieving all-round recommendations, in addition to istry of Environment. it has been introduced in the level. In the developed countries the Tunisian cultural scene.” development in all service insti- applicable initiatives to include Al Kuwari emphasised that education sector starting from they introduced the concept of Tunisian Ambassador Salah tutions including education,” said the concept of standardisation in education has a key role in grade one to university level in standardization from early stages Al Salhi noted that organizing H E Dr Mohammed Abdul Wahed certain topics of curricular in dif- spreading the culture of qual- the advanced countries, said Al of education but for us it is dif- the event is a part of the mutual Al Hammadi, Minister of Educa- ferent levels of education. ity and standardization and this Kuwari. ficult to do that because our edu- efforts to consolidate the ties of tion and Higher Education and Dr Nabil bin Amin Mulla, Sec- needs designing curriculum con- It is important for the labour cation system is not ready yet to cooperation between Qatari and Secretary General of Supreme retary General of GCC Standardi- tents to address the issue. market, and the GCC states have accommodate this concept now. Tunisian people. Education Council (SEC) sation Organisation (GOS), said Talking to The Peninsula Al begun adopting this idea and this Al Kawari told this daily that The Ambassador revealed the Addressing the two-day event as the broad concept of stand- Kuwari said the idea of standardi- first forum comes in this context to do so “we need to prepare edu- fact that the visit of the Tuni- held in Katara, he stressed that ardisation has become mainstay sation originated in the developed to address this issue in the region. cation staffers, the entire society sian Prime Minister to Doha standardisation in education has in many production aspects to countries. When these countries Qatar pays significant atten- as the concept is new for educa- and holding the sixth session of become an urgent need and essen- ensure development and quality found that students who joined tion to this initiative and this is tion here”. “There is a book of the Joint Qatari-Tunisian higher tial for realising prosperity and what makes raising awareness the labour market after gradua- clear from the presence of senior 80 pages prepared by ISO in this committee on December 9 and 10, social advancement. about standardisation is a press- tion had no idea about the concept education officials including the regard and we are going to trans- besides holding the partnership There is the need for concerted ing need for producers and con- of quality and standardisation and minister of education. The out- late it into Arabic and distribute day between the two countries are effort on the part of educational sumers in all aspects. they needed training to meet job come of this forum will be taken it to all concerned bodies includ- an illustration of the strong rela- institutions to enhance and dis- “Standardisation is essential requirements. This made some to the GCC states to introduce ing education sector” he added. tion between the two countries. seminate the concept of stand- for achieving scientific advance- of them not to find suitable work standardisation to the education The event which will con- ardisation, he added. ment and the GCC states have opportunities. system. THE PENINSULA tinue until Saturday witnessed the participation of 50 Tunisian artists and introduces visitors of to the richness of the Tunisian heritage and tradition through folkloric performances and tra- 17 Doha Film Institute-backed films feature at Dubai international film fest ditional fashion shows as well as a selection of fine arts. Tunisian DOHA: A record 17 Doha Film ents of the Institute’s Grants films supported by the Institute and represent the creative com- as the opening gala of the third artist Iman Mabrouk displayed Institute (DFI)-backed films programme. screening at DIFF. It under- petencies of the new generation Ajyal Youth Film Festival; and 10 fine art paintings to highlight are being showcased at the 12th “It is tremendously exciting lines the success of our mission of regional filmmakers,” said DFI Bilal directed by Ayman Jamal Tunisian landscape and tradition, Dubai International Film Festival to watch films supported by the to support Arab filmmakers and CEO Fatma Al Remaihi. and Khurram H. Alavi, which also while the painter Nawal Ashour (DIFF) which runs from today Doha Film Institute take wings emerging talent to enable them Headlining the line-up are screened during Ajyal where its participated with 10 abstract till December 16. and gain the spotlight at inter- to tell their stories to the world. The Idol, directed by Hany Abu- World Premiere was the closing impressionist paintings. The films include two co- national festivals. This year, we All 17 of these films showcased Assad, which marked its Middle night gala. financed projects and 15 recipi- have the largest contingent of at DIFF have a unique identity East premiere in Doha last week THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA QDF signs MoU with Unesco DOHA: The Qatar Development and Response aims to enhance gency Fund. We believe that our Fund (QDF) and the United Unesco’s ability to assist member contribution will act as a catalyst Nations Educational, Scien- states in reducing the risks to that will trigger multiple donors’ tific and Cultural Organisation their cultural and natural heritage engagement in safeguarding her- (Unesco) yesterday signed their and ensure a timely and effective itage that is in danger of being first Memorandum of Under- response in emergency situations lost forever through catastrophes, standing to support Unesco in to ensure their safeguarding. conflicts and neglect.” conserving world heritage sites in Irina Bokova, Director-General The Heritage Emergency Fund areas hit by natural and human- of Unesco said: “This contribu- will support capacity building made disasters. tion is a direct response to the and training activities for profes- The MoU provides a $2m grant destruction of cultural heritage in sionals in conflict situations and as part of a 2014 pledge by the times of conflict, and I take this emergency response activities. Prime Minister and Interior Min- as a call for all Member States Signed in the Unesco headquar- ister H E Abdullah bin Nasser bin and partners to join forces to halt ters in Paris, the agreement comes Khalifa Al Thani to donate $10m cultural cleansing.” as the 38th session of the General for implementation of Unesco’s Khalifa Jassim Al Kuwari, Conference of Unesco has adopted programme for protection of QDF’s Director General said: a comprehensive strategy for the cultural and natural heritage in “The Qatar Development Fund protection and promotion of cul- emergency situations. is committed to protecting and ture and pluralism in times of war. Unesco’s Programme for Her- preserving heritage globally, by itage Emergency Preparedness supporting the Heritage Emer- THE PENINSULA

QC holds health camp in Pakistan

DOHA: Qatar Charity held a health camp for its sponsored orphans in Pakistan with free medical checkup and activities to raise awareness about hygiene and environmental cleanliness. Hundred orphans benefited from the event. It was organised by QC office in Islamabad in coordination with “Al-Islah Center” that takes in the orphans sponsored QC in Mardan City- Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Prov- ince. The camp was supervised by a medical team that consisted of three doctors and nurses. The team spent a whole day examining over 100 orphans for weight, blood pressure, respiration, sensitivity, A boy receiving a hygiene bag from an official. and infectious and dermatological diseases. contained soap bars, shampoo, a QC had previously organised The doctors also examined the comb, a clipper, a towel, tooth- an educational and entertain- orphans’ teeth, eyes, and joints paste, and a toothbrush. ment day for 200 of its sponsored and secured the necessary medi- Director of Al-Islah Orphans orphans in Dheerkot region in cations. The “Islah Center” was Center thanked the administra- the province of Bagh – Kashmir. instructed to refer the ones with tion of QC office in Pakistan and During the few first months of diseases that required external the administration of QC in the the current year, QC’s office in treatment to nearby dispensaries main office in Qatar for offering Pakistan built 18 mosques, dug for follow-up. this medical examination to the 1,083 wells, and implemented The doctors distributed leaflets sponsored orphans. 103 income-generating projects. that included general instruc- QC provides for 3,870 orphans It also built a multi-service com- tions about personal and general in Pakistan and Kashmir, 1400 pound, a shelter for the orphans, cleanliness within the shelter. The of which live in seven shelters and a centre for handicraft train- camp also distributed a hygiene (internal departments) and 2,470 ing. bag to every orphan. Each bag live with their own families. THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 GULF / MIDDLE EAST www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 09

Turkey halts new Diyarbakir unrest troop deployment Turkey mulling retaliatory to Mosul, but will not withdraw sanctions on Russia: PM

ANKARA: Turkey has halted deploying troops to northern Iraq Cabinet discusses possible measures but will not obey Iraq’s request to withdraw those already there, the ISTANBUL: Turkish Prime never accept being dictated to.” moned Russia’s ambassador to foreign ministry said yesterday, Minister Ahmet Davutoglu said Moscow has imposed a series Ankara over images of a Russian insisting Iraq knew the went to yesterday his government was of economic sanctions on Ankara serviceman brandishing a rocket help fight Islamic State (IS). considering retaliatory measures after Turkish fighter jets shot launcher as his warship sailed The arrival of a heavily armed against Moscow, with whom it is down a Su-24 bomber on the through Turkish waters. Turkish contingent at a camp embroiled in a bitter dispute over Syrian border on November The Turkish foreign min- near the frontline close to the city Ankara’s shooting down of a Rus- 24, sparking the biggest crisis istry warned the ambassador of Mosul has added yet another sian warplane. between the two countries since that the Russian soldier’s hold- Riot police use water cannon as demonstrators throw fireworks during controversial deployment to a war “If we find it necessary, we will the Cold War. Russia’s sanctions ing the missile in the firing posi- a protest against the curfew in Sur district, in the Kurdish dominated against IS that has drawn in most introduce retaliatory sanctions,” include a ban on the import of tion had constituted a violation southeastern city of Diyarbakir, Turkey, yesterday. of the world’s major powers. Davutoglu told members of his some Turkish foods and a halt on of the Montreux Convention on Russia, already furious after ruling Justice and Development sales of Turkish holiday packages, Turkish straits, which governs Turkey shot down one of its jets Party (AKP), adding that cabinet a major blow to tourism in the international traffic through flying a sortie over Syria last had discussed possible measures Mediterranean country. the Bosphorus and Dardanelles UN to meet at Moscow’s request month, said it considered the at a meeting on Monday. Mehmet Simsek, deputy prime straits. But in Moscow’s first UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council will hold talks at Rus- presence of the Turkish forces “But we hope that the crisis minister in charge of the economy, reaction to the incident, foreign sia’s request on Turkey’s military operations in Iraq and Syria, diplomats in Iraq illegal. Ankara says its with Russia will be overcome and has warned that the current ten- ministry spokeswoman Maria said. The informal talks will be presided over by the US, which heads the troops are in Iraq to train Iraqi there will be no need to resort to sions with Russia could cost Tur- Zakharova said that the warship rotating presidency of the 15-nation council for the month of December. forces. “Training at this camp these measures,” he added. “We key’s economy nine billion dollars. had not violated a “single article” “We want the secretariat to tell us what is happening in the region,” said began with the knowledge of the are ready for all kinds of discus- In the latest escalation of ten- the 1936 convention. Peter Iliichev, Russia’s representative to the UN Security Council. Iraqi defence ministry and police,” sions with Russia but we will sions on Monday, Turkey sum- AFP AFP Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu told a meeting of deputies from his ruling AK Party. The foreign ministry said Tur- key had stopped the deployment two days ago due to the “sensitivi- ties” of the Iraqi authorities and Yemen factions prepare for week-long ceasefire that Ankara would do nothing to call into question the sovereignty ADEN: Yemen’s government Ould Cheikh Ahmed told tions will include representatives of Iraq, describing it as a “friend said yesterday that the country’s reporters that three delegations of President Abedrabbo Mansour and brother”. warring sides are preparing to would take part in talks likely to Hadi’s government, the Huthi In the last few days, Baghdad observe a week-long truce from be held outside Geneva and which rebels and officials from the Gen- has denied it knew about the mis- December 15 while UN-mediated will last “as long as it takes”. eral People’s Congress (GPC), who sion. Russia has asked the United peace talks take place in Swit- Talks will focus on four main are loyalists of former president Nations Security Council to hold zerland. areas, including the terms for Ali Abdullah Saleh. closed-door discussions on Turk- The United Nations has tried a permanent ceasefire and the Though not formally aligned, ish military action in both Iraq to bring pro-government forces withdrawal of armed groups from some GPC members have and Syria. and Iran-backed rebels to the the areas under their control. expressed support for the Huthis. In a phone conversation with table for months to end a war that Confidence-building measures A source in Hadi’s cabinet said his Iraqi counterpart, Turk- has killed thousands and plunged will be another area of dialogue, the truce would last seven days, as ish Foreign Minister Mevlut the impoverished nation into a including broadening humanitar- specified in a letter sent by Hadi Cavusoglu emphasised Ankara’s profound humanitarian crisis. ian access in the country where to the UN Security Council. respect for Iraq’s territorial integ- “An agreement on a ceasefire aid workers have been killed The agreement reached ahead rity, spokesman Tanju Bilgic told between the government and the and kidnapped. Delegates will of talks calls on the rebels to “lift reporters. putschists should enter into force finally try to hammer out a politi- the seige of towns, allow the entry “Cavusoglu said that our activi- on December 15 with the start of Yemeni President Abdrabuh Mansur Hadi (centre) joins officials and security cal future for Yemen, a country of humanitarian aid and free mili- ties aimed to contribute to the negotiations,” Foreign Minister guards at the funeral prayer of the Aden Governor Jaafar Saad and his six plunged into worsening chaos since tary and political detainees,” the struggle against Daesh in Iraq Abdel Malak Al Mekhlafi said. bodyguards who were killed in a car bomb blast on Monday. the insurgents overran the capital source said, adding that the truce and reiterated that the deploy- UN envoy Ismail Ould Cheikh Sanaa and expanded south, forc- “will be supervised by the UN and ment had stopped,” Bilgic said. Ahmed said on Monday that a ing the government to flee to Saudi could be extended if respected by swift halt to the fighting — which a Saudi-led coalition began bom- was imperative for those caught Arabia before it returned to second the (rebels)”. REUTERS has dramatically escalated since barding insurgents in March — up in the conflict. city Aden last month. The delega- AFP WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 10 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

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Editorial Trump doesn’t care

VERYBODY knows that the US Republican Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate presidential candidate Donald Trump is capable of sinking into the most abominable, unimaginable Edepths in his venom-spitting spree. But even by those standards, his statement yesterday was a shocker. The Republican frontrunner boldly and shamelessly made a call to ban all Muslims from entering the United States, comparing his plan to the World War II detainment of US weighs cyberwar Japanese-Americans and others. As expected, the statement created a global tsunami of outrage and leaders in the US and abroad reacted in disbelief. Exultant and triumphant at this achievement, Trump went one step ahead and defended his proposal. Trump being Trump, the world and its Muslims, options on Islamic State especially American Muslims, can now wait with bated breath for the next venom of nuclear proportions from this maverick. By Eli Lake that wants to do something to shut it ogy executives without success to take Like what? That all Muslims in America should be expelled? down,” Mike Flynn, who directed the down web pages that explain in detail FTER the massacre at Defense Intelligence Agency from 2012 how to make a bomb at home. Or, he will send his forces everywhere to rid the world of this San Bernardino, President to 2014, told me. “The intelligence com- Part of the problem facing US coun- ‘cancerous threat’? Or, order the closure of all embassies in Obama’s national security munity often says: ‘Oh, no. We don’t terterrorism officials is that the Islamic the Islamic world to rescue his countrymen from the ignominy Aadvisers are re-examining want to give up that good intelligence.’” State has become very good at setting of working in a land infested with bigots? Anything is possible. when to ask Internet companies to Because of this tension, current and up mirror accounts that crop up almost At least the leaders of Muslim countries can heave a sigh of take down jihadi propaganda and social former US intelligence officials tell as soon as one account is taken offline. relief -- Trump has spared them, until at least, he changes his media accounts, according to US offi- me there is usually a kind of ad hoc Some estimates say the Islamic State cials. approach to jihadi social media. Face- today controls as many as 46,000 Twit- mind. The issue is not book, Twitter and other social net- ter accounts. It’s easy to condemn Trump, and the outrage his outburst new. Al Qaeda working companies have taken down Michael Smith, the chief operat- has created at home and abroad is understandable. It’s the and its franchises accounts at the request of the US gov- ing officer for Kronos Advisory, a firm American leaders who are most have used the ernment. But there has been no con- that tracks jihadi activity online, told Part of the Internet system- certed effort to deprive these groups of me the volume of online communica- It will be embarrassed at his statement. White House has condemned it in atically for more this online space. tions coming from the Islamic State is excruciatingly problem than a decade. On Sunday, Hillary Clinton called “deafening.” “They are overwhelming a fiery language, and Trump was But the Islamic on the government and the tech sector the system in terms of the capability to interesting to see disowned by his own party’s top facing US State has flooded to do just that. The Democratic presi- review all threat-specific communica- leadership and faced calls to drop counterterrorism social media like dential candidate said it was time to tions,” he said. an America that his White House bid. The Pentagon Twitter and Face- deprive “jihadists of virtual territory, Nonetheless, the US government has will bar entry to rightly said that the rabble-rouser officials is that book to provide just as we work to deprive them of tried to attack the problem in other future recruits actual territory.” ways. US counterterrorism officials told is feeding into the Islamic State the adherents IS has become all over the world But this approach has risks. “The me that Obama has targeted Islamic narrative that the United States a steady stream cyber-world presents the same situa- State leaders who have coordinated of the second is at war with the Muslim faith. very good at of slickly pro- tion you see in many intelligence opera- the group’s online propaganda efforts. largest religion in His statement has also been setting up mirror duced material tions,” Rep Mike Pompeo, a Republican For example, in August a US air strike dubbed unconstitutional and one that encourages member of the House Permanent Select killed Junaid Hussain, who is described the world, whose that would disqualify him from accounts that the kind of do-it- Committee on Intelligence, told me. in a recent White House fact sheet as yourself ter- “One has to make a decision when to both a “senior leader” and an “online number now becoming president. crop up almost rorism that has shut the intelligence operation and take recruiter” for the Islamic State. exceeds a billion. But beyond this condemnation plagued Europe down the target, knowing that when And as terrifying as the Islamic and outrage, we need to look at as soon as one and the United you do this, you have exposed to the tar- State’s online propaganda is, what the layers that lie underneath his account is taken States in recent get the knowledge you have and you are really scares US counterterrorism statement, Those are the layers created by the Republican years. no longer able to develop the knowledge officials is when a recruit is lured into Party and its fanatic fringe with their virulently anti-Muslim offline. Some The problem surrounding the network.” “dark spaces” enabled by encrypted for US policymak- The FBI made a similar calculation communications that cannot be easily bias, aided and abetted by a media that has been revelling in estimates say IS ers is whether to this year when it began to capture more penetrated. The FBI director, James Islamophobia, led by Fox News, and propped up by the nation’s treat this flood of terrorism suspects, rather than moni- Comey, has pleaded with technology intelligence agencies with their selective profiling of Muslims. controls 46,000 social media as a tor them. companies to come up with a way for This has created a fertile soil for Trump to flourish. If he is Twitter accounts. cancer that must A senior administration official told the FBI to crack this encryption for law emboldened and shameless enough to sink into further depths, be eradicated or a me Obama’s national security team will enforcement investigations, but so far source of valuable be “intensifying” its review of policies to that has not happened. that’s because of the political dividends this bigotry will bring. intelligence on the plots and techniques track and combat the caliphate online. With Clinton’s call to action, the He is the Republican frontrunner by a long distance, and if he jihadis use to attack the West. Sen Dianne Feinstein, the vice chair- debate has now shifted, from the hid- wins the final race, it will be excruciatingly interesting to see “There has always been a tension in man of the Senate Select Committee den spaces of digital communications an America that will bar entry to the adherents of the second the intelligence community between on Intelligence, vented frustration last to the jihadi sites and accounts that are largest religion in the world, whose number now exceeds a the intel side that wants to exploit the month on this issue after the terror out in the open for all to see. billion information from social media and the attack in Paris when she told reporters . operational or the policy community that she has personally lobbied technol- BLOOMBERG The other side Quote of Blueprint for future of brotherhood with Africa the day HAT President Xi Jinping the principles of “sincerity, real results, ers. And such brotherly feelings did not And, unlike others, China does not pledged $60 billion in affinity and good faith” in the country’s come out of nowhere: Itself a victim interfere in the internal affairs of African development aid for African Africa policies and achieving the “right of foreign aggression and suppression, countries. Chinese aid comes with no countries took many by balance between upholding principles this country supported the struggles political strings attached. Because, Tsurprise. After all, it is triple the amount and pursuing benefits”. of African countries for independence. unlike others who are keen on dictat- China promised at the last China-Africa Like the United States, India, and And both the government and peo- ing local affairs, Chinese believe Afri- cooperation summit, and comes at a many others, China, too, sees Africa ple of China cherish profound gratitude can people are capable of and have Nato must use time when the Chinese economy is as a land of opportunities. But unlike to African countries for their support the right to make their own choices. slowing. those of any other country, China’s that allowed the People’s Republic of The latest cooperation package Xi its authority to However, it is in line with the ambi- Africa policies are not just about secur- China to take its due seat in the United announced is a fresh show of sincerity, tious 10-area cooperation blueprint ing access to African resources and Nations. Chinese aid programs to Africa because it focuses on capacity build- urge Turkey to Xi unveiled in Johannesburg to help markets. started way before the country found ing. The tailor-made training programs withdraw industrialise African economies, mod- Xi’s talk about China and Africa anything to gain from that remote con- and pilot projects will substantially help ernise local agriculture, upgrade local being “good friends, partners, and tinent. And besides such infrastructure boost local capacity, better serve local immediately from infrastructure, improve public health brothers” was not just empty diplo- landmarks as the Tanzania-Zambia needs, and bring long-term changes to and eradicate poverty on the continent. matic rhetoric. Railway, numerous Chinese medi- the African economic landscape. Iraqi territory. Such a commitment is essential The average Chinese is indeed cal teams have served the needs of Haider Al Abadi given Xi’s promise of adherence to accustomed to calling Africans broth- patients in African communities. CHINA DAILY Iraqi Prime Minister WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 OPINION www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 11 Donald Trump’s bigotry on full display

Trump’s narcissism, one can imagine, prompted him to wrench back the limelight, as he has done in the past when falling off the media radar screen. His favourite technique is appealing to anger, fear and bigotry. So we get the Muslim ban.

By Jennifer Rubin when falling off the media radar screen. ous an “overreaction” as the president’s His favourite technique is appealing to “underreaction.” Coming later in the n Monday, Donald Trump’s anger, fear and bigotry. So we get the evening, Sen Marco Rubio’s, R-Fla, state- campaign put out a statement: Muslim ban. But we should not be sur- ment was weirdly restrained, consider- “Donald J Trump is calling prised for another reason. This past sum- ing Trump was most likely playing off Ofor a total and complete shut- mer, as soon as he went after Hispanic Rubio’s declaration the night before that down of Muslims entering the United immigrants as criminals — and many in there is no widespread discrimination States until our country’s representatives the party were mute or defensive — we directed toward Muslims. (“I disagree can figure out what is going on. According knew he’d play the bigotry card whenever with Donald Trump’s latest proposal. His to Pew Research, among others, there is convenient. If he was willing to go after habit of making offensive and outland- great hatred towards Americans by large Hispanics, then POWs and women, surely ish statements will not bring Americans segments of the Muslim population. Most he would have no problem directing his together.”) recently, a poll from the Center for Secu- venom toward Muslims. There were two notable exceptions. rity Policy released data showing ‘25pc of Those in talk radio, micro-blogs and Sen Ted Cruz, R-Texas, would only say Supporters listen as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks to the crowd USS Yorktown on those polled agreed that violence against even mainstream conservative publica- that Trump’s policy wasn’t his policy, at Pearl Harbor Day Rally on Monday in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. Americans here in the United States is tions who showed interest in him and and Sen Rand Paul’s, R-Ky, spokesman justified as a part of the global jihad’ and even admiration for him share some of ignored Trump, choosing to cite his own the Republican National Committee — nomena such as Donald Trump. Watch- 51pc of those polled, ‘agreed that Mus- the responsibility for creating the Trump credentials. (“Sen Rand Paul has led on which has gone too far for some in tol- ing his rally in South Carolina — where lims in America should have the choice phenomenon. And even if they are not the issue of border security, proposing erating Trump — was mute. Former VP he decried the press as “scum,” focused of being governed according to Shariah.’ conservatives or even voting Republicans, real solutions.”) Maybe these two fresh- Dick Cheney appearing on Hugh Hewitt’s his attention and ire on a particular “Mr. Trump stated, ‘Without looking the people who turn out at his events men senators simply did not understand radio show declared that Trump’s plan female reporter present at the event and at the various polling data, it is obvious have built up a dangerous demagogue who the moral implications of Trump’s pro- “goes against everything we believe in.” brought the crowd to its feet in support to anybody the hatred is beyond compre- sullies the reputation of his party and posal or lacked the courage to call him Does any of this hurt Trump — or Cruz of his anti-Muslim scheme — one could hension. Where this hatred comes from his country. out, for fear of incurring a bully’s wrath. and Paul? Paul is already in low single see how an audience becomes a mob. His and why we will have to determine. Until The good news is that most of the More likely, they — especially Cruz — are digits, so he does not have far to fall. As audiences are not victims; they are par- we are able to determine and understand GOP presidential candidates swiftly fishing for Trump voters, willing to tiptoe for Cruz and Trump, even if their devoted ticipants in an ugly movement and should this problem and the dangerous threat it condemned his comments. New Jersey up to the anti-immigrant line just far followers — who are inured to or even be held accountable for their — and his poses, our country cannot be the victim of Governor Chris Christie on “The Michael enough, they hope, to entice some angry supportive of the xenophobic appeals — — rhetoric and actions. Republicans who horrendous attacks by people that believe Medved Show” called the idea “ridicu- voters. Their lack of stature was evident. are not going to be turned off, these two know better made excuses for Trump for only in Jihad, and have no sense of reason lous” and denounced it as “the kind of Cruz, who has been under fire for a phony have capped their appeal. Beyond their too long and failed to denounce him when or respect for human life. If I win the thing that people say when they have “no amnesty” plan that is no different core support, they have no sell. Main- he first singled out a group (Hispanics) election for President, we are going to no experience and don’t know what than other candidates’ (eg, he’s unwill- stream and somewhat conservative for invective. They avoided scrutinising Make America Great Again.’ they’re talking about.” He added, “We ing to round up millions of people and voters outside the Trump crowd (dispro- his daft proposals and unintelligible dec- A spokesman later clarified he meant do not need to endorse that type of activ- deport them by force), was not about to portionately poorer with less than a high larations for months. all Muslims — presumably tourists, citi- ity, nor should we.” Jeb Bush called him put any more distance between himself school education) are not going to join Mainstream Republicans need to zens, diplomats, soldiers and foreign lead- “unhinged.” Sen Lindsey Graham, SC, and Trump. up with these two; unless Trump and/or assert themselves, wrest back control of ers. (Later on a Fox News appearance, tweeted a plea for fellow Republicans Other leaders spoke up as well. Rus- Cruz can turn out hordes of previously the party and elect a respectable nom- Trump suggested military personnel to “condemn” Trump. Ohio Governor sell Moore, who heads the Southern non-voting Republicans, their upside in inee. Cruz does not want to ruffle the could return.) John Kasich, who has been lambasting Baptist Convention, tweeted, “Anyone the race is limited. feathers of the mob, but more responsible No one should have been surprised Trump for weeks, put out a statement, who cares an iota about religious liberty Nevertheless, some soul-searching in and principled Republicans should call on by Trump’s spasm of hatred. On Mon- saying, “This is just more of the outra- will denounce the reckless, demagogic. many quarters — among Cruz and Trump voters to be better, wiser and kinder than day afternoon, a Monmouth poll show- geous divisiveness that characterises his . . plan for Muslims.” The head of the defenders, right-wing media and right- Trump. Otherwise, the 2016 election will ing him slipping to second place in Iowa every breath and another reason why he New Hampshire GOP state party, Jen- wing moneymaking groups — is long over- be lost and (deservedly) the GOP will be came out. Trump’s narcissism, one can is entirely unsuited to lead the United nifer Horn, also spoke out: “It is un- due. In perpetuating a sense of betrayal on the brink of collapse. imagine, prompted him to wrench back States.” Carly Fiorina also criticised Republican. It is unconstitutional. And and fanning the flames of conspiracy the limelight, as he has done in the past Trump, calling his proposal as danger- it is un-American.” As of this writing, and know-nothingism, they create phe- THE WASHINGTON POST Putin trumps Obama in Syria stakes Venezuela’s step By Walter Pincus collecting information on Russians who had toward democracy joined to fight for the Islamic State. he United States and Russia are on slip- Washington and Moscow have a mutual pery slopes by increasing their military interest in destroying the Islamic State lead- By Mac Margolis can Dialogue, told me. “It allows Tinvolvement in the Syrian civil war and ership and overcoming their appeal to radi- Maduro to claim that Venezuela pursuit of Islamic State fighters in reaction to cal jihadists who may attack Russian or US leventh-hour wage hikes, is a democracy.” separate terrorist provocations. citizens anywhere in the world. Both have soldiers forcing polling Maduro had inspiration. Think Despite last week’s horrific San Bernardino responded to recent Islamic State terrorist Eplaces open after hours, of Hugo Chavez, circa 2007, when shootings, the stakes at home for Russian acts outside Syria by sending in modest special permits revoked for election the cagey founder of what he President Vladimir Putin are much higher forces units. Iran’s Fars New Agency reported observers: Hand it to Venezuelan called 21st-century socialism lost than they are for President Barack Obama, on Sunday that more than 60 Russian Marines President Nicolas Maduro for a referendum to abolish presiden- and the prospects for Moscow eventually get- had arrived in Syria’s Homs Province to advise trying. tial term limits. Chavez humbly ting more deeply involved in the ground war and assist Syrian Army units fighting near In the end, however, none of his pledged to honour the outcome, fighting are therefore much greater. Palmyra. Yanqui bashing or authoritarian then tightened his grip on power “The militants in Syria pose a particularly Defence Secretary Ashton Carter last Tues- sleights of hand made much of a and critics. Two years later term high threat for Russia” because “many of them day announced a “specialised expeditionary difference for his sinking govern- limits were gone, clearing the way are citizens of Russia” or from former Soviet targeting force” would be going after Islamic ment in legislative elections on for Chavez to stay in power indefi- republics, Putin told his Federal Assembly State leaders in Iraq and Syria. Sunday. nitely. on Thursday in what was his equivalent of These minimal force increases and stepping After 16 years under the spell When Chavez died of cancer the annual State of the Union address in the up of Russian and US coalition air attacks of the so-called Bolivarian revo- in 2013, Maduro inherited the United States. do not solve the basic internal problems in lution, Venezuelans turned out comandante’s tricks but not his “We know what aggression of international Syria and Iraq that feed the Islamic State’s in convincing numbers to say skills. And that is a mixed bless- terrorism is,” Putin said, referring back to attraction. enough. By yesterday morning, ing for the new leadership com- attacks and suicide bombings in the mid-1990s “There is no meaningful official reporting on with all but a few ballots counted, ing to Congress. A recent Pew that involved Islamist jihadists and “took thou- the progress in creating effective Iraqi govern- candidates aligned with the Research Center survey showed sands of lives. . . . This evil is still out there.” ment forces, the strengths and weaknesses of Democratic Unity Roundtable, Venezuelans dissatisfied with In October, Putin put the number of Rus- the Iraqi Army to date, the success or failure the lead opposition bloc, had won Maduro but hardly enchanted sian and former Soviet republic fighters who of efforts to create Arab Sunni forces, and the race to control the National with his opponents, a 27-party had gone to Syria to join the Islamic State at the strengths and weaknesses of Iraqi Kurd- Assembly by a landslide: 107 seats patchwork splintered by rivalries. “an estimated 5,000 to 7,000.” He added at ish forces,” wrote Anthony Cordesman, the to 55 for government allies, with The sitting legislature steps that time, “We certainly cannot allow them to strategy expert at the Center for Strategic 5 seats still undecided. down on January 5, leaving plenty use the experience they are getting in Syria and International Studies, in an essay released Opposition leader Henrique of time for mischief. There’s on home soil.” on Thursday. Capriles Radonski predicted ample precedent. Just this Octo- Russian President Vladimir Putin (left) with US During his Nov 26 joint news conference He added that there also was no “credible that the opposition had won even ber, for example, the government with French President Francois Hollande, President Barack Obama during the World plan or mix of US, Arab, and Turkish efforts bigger, taking 112 seats, or two- convinced 13 supreme court Putin returned to the direct threat to Rus- Climate Change Conference 2015 (COP21) in or . . . a meaningful rebel force in Syria to deal thirds of the unicameral body. judges to take early retirement, sia. He described Russian nationals in Syria as Paris. with IS — or the Assad forces.” That would be enough to change allowing Maduro the opportunity “international terrorists” and justified Russian That’s been the dilemma for the adminis- the constitution, censure or sack to restack the high bench with- military actions in northwest Syria as “work- October 31 over Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. That tration the past three years, developing local ministers and make life miserable out interference from a hostile ing in this quadrant to prevent the possible forced Putin, who had earlier withheld judg- forces in Iraq and Syria. As Obama put it on for the president. congress. return of the people to Russia’s territory to ment on the cause of the crash that killed 244 Sunday, “The strategy that we are using now The margin of victory wasn’t Maduro recently hinted at commit crimes.” Russian men, women and children, to respond — air strikes, Special Forces and working with the only surprise. “We have invoking the Popular Power law, Putin further explained: “This is why it has by saying, “We will find them anywhere on the local forces who are fighting to regain con- come with our honour to recog- ginned up by Chavez in 2010 in been decided to launch a military operation planet and punish them.” trol of their own country — that is how we’ll nise these adverse results,” said a case the revolution went south. It there based on an official request from the At the same time he ordered missile attacks achieve a more sustainable victory.” startlingly gracious Maduro as he created a network of citizen com- legitimate Syrian authorities. Our military in Syria and sent more Russian aircraft and The question is whether Russia and/or acknowledged the rout late Sun- munes, theoretically empowered personnel are fighting in Syria for Russia, for protective ground troops there. Russia’s intel- the United States can avoid what Obama day night. “The constitution and to set up a parallel government the security of Russian citizens.” ligence agency, the FSB, announced a $50m described as being “drawn once more into a democracy have triumphed.” and overrule Congress. Russia has faced internal threats before reward for help in discovering the perpetra- long and costly ground war in Iraq or Syria.” For anyone familiar with the The days when tyrants can from Islamist radicals who are part of the tors. The Islamic State has continued its anti- He correctly said the Islamic State leaders official script out of Caracas, steal elections and smother overall Muslim population that make up Russian campaign. “know they can’t defeat us on the battlefield. this was strange. Where was the democracy without consequence between 10 percent and 15 percent of Rus- On Wednesday, one day before Putin’s . . . But they also know that if we occupy for- chest-thumping strongman who appear to be numbered, however. sia’s 140 million population. state of the nation speech, the Islamic State eign lands, they can maintain insurgencies for vowed to “go out on the streets” Recently, Luis Almagro, head In response to Russia initiating bombings in released a video that allegedly showed the years, killing thousands of our troops, draining to save the revolution? of the Organization of Ameri- Syria in September, the Islamic State issued a beheading of a Russian from Chechnya who, our resources and using our presence to draw Don’t be fooled. What may can States, warned Venezuelan series of videos threatening a response, includ- on the video, claimed to have spied on behalf new recruits.” sound like a death-bed conver- authorities to fix the skewed ing one on Nov 12 that said there would be of Russian intelligence in Syria. The bearded Walter Pincus reports on intelligence, defence sion is more likely a strategic electoral system, which he said attacks in Russia “very soon.” individual, who said he was 23-year-old Mago- and foreign policy for The Washington Post. retreat. “Taking the high road imperiled a free and fair vote. On Nov 17, the Islamic State took credit for med Khasiev from Gronzy, claimed he worked makes sense,” Michael Shifter, the bomb that blew up the Russian airliner on undercover in Syria and Iraq for the FSB THE WASHINGTON POST president of the Inter-Ameri- BLOOMBERG WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 12 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com GULF / MIDDLE EAST UN urges Jordan to let in 12,000 stranded Syrian refugees GENEVA/AMMAN: The United 12,000 from 4,000 in recent weeks, the Russian bombing of IS-controlled areas have been reported. There are signs of according to UNHCR. Jordan still hosts Nations urged Jordan yesterday to allow office of the UN High Commissioner for in eastern Homs, such as Palmyra, as well acute malnutrition among children and 632,228 Syrian refugees, severely strain- in 12,000 Syrian refugees stranded at the Refugees (UNHCR) said. Human Rights as in Raqqa province and city. outbreaks of diarrhoea. ing its infrastructure and economy, Flem- border in deteriorating humanitarian Watch said Jordan was putting many A Jordanian official declined comment. The UNHCR is appealing to Jordan to ing said. conditions and offered to help reinforce lives at risk by blocking 12,000 refugees, “It includes elderly people, it includes allow in the most vulnerable cases, Flem- She said Jordan had legitimate security security at registration points. most of whom it said were women and people who are sick and wounded, it ing said. Diplomats say refugee numbers concerns but those could be addressed The Syrians are fleeing escalating air children. includes children, women and others in Jordan have fallen sharply in the last by properly assessing each case, and strikes on their battered homeland as “Jordan should stop stranding peo- who are vulnerable and really need help,” 18 months as tens of thousands have UNHCR was prepared to upgrade secu- well as punishments imposed on civil- ple in remote border areas for months UNHCR spokeswoman Melissa Fleming returned to Syria or emigrated while only rity of the registration area at Jordan’s ians by Islamic State (IS) militants in on end and swiftly screen them in the told a briefing. a trickle are now allowed in. Azraq camp to allow for comprehensive the north, including forced marriages, country’s well-established transit cen- “We’re concerned that women have Jordanian officials have closed scores screening. “If refugees are not admitted beheadings and floggings, it said. tres,” Nadim Houry, deputy Middle East had to give birth at the berm in very of unofficial border crossings since May to Jordan and substantial assistance is The number of refugees at Syria’s and North Africa director of HRW, said unsanitary and unhygienic conditions,” 2013 and say the kingdom has reached its not provided, the lives of refugees will remote northeastern border with Jor- in the statement. Aid workers and two she said. limit in absorbing more refugees. be at risk in the coming months,” Flem- dan, where many are gathering near Jordanian relief officials attributed the Respiratory tract infections, gastroen- The numbers entering Jordan have ing said. an earthen wall or berm, has jumped to sudden rise in refugees at the border to teritis and skin diseases such as scabies slowed to fewer than 50 a day this year, REUTERS Syrian oppn gathers Iraq forces retake large part for difficult unity talks of Ramadi city from IS BAGHDAD: Iraqi security forces recaptured a large part Talks begin in Riyadh today; security stepped up of the city of Ramadi from the Islamic State group yesterday, RIYADH: Syria’s divided rebel western Syria do not trust the to support Damascus while a officials said, scoring a significant and opposition groups are trying main Kurdish militia, the YPG, US-led coalition has stepped up breakthrough in their fightback to forge a common stance to oust because they say it cooperates strikes against Islamic State tar- against the jihadists. President Bashar Al Assad but with Damascus rather than fight- gets from the crowded skies over Baghdad’s forces have been the absence of prominent activ- ing it. the country. Increased bloodshed, fighting for months to secure ter- ists and a main Kurdish force “It is not all-encompassing. It an influx of Syrian refugees into ritory around Ramadi, the capital from their talks in Riyadh today is not the consolidated, overall Europe, and a wave of interna- of the vast Anbar province, and shows that unity remains elusive. opposition platform,” a Western tional attacks claimed by Islamic retaking the Al Tameem area is Saudi Arabia, a strong sup- diplomat following Syria said of State revived international efforts an important step in the battle porter of rebels fighting for four the Saudi meeting. to contain the violence. for the major city west of Bagh- years to topple Assad, is hosting “I do not expect Riyadh to be “This is the first meeting where dad. the opposition this week in the a constructive step ... The whole we have all the opposition, the Warplanes from the US-led most ambitious attempt yet to thing has been very acrimonious, politicians and the armed groups,” coalition battling IS have backed find an agreed platform ahead of and it looks like a Saudi-Turkish said Hadi Al Bahra, a member of them in the fighting, carrying out talks with the government to end wish-list.” the Turkey-based SNC opposition more than 45 air strikes in the Syria’s conflict. Alongside Saudi Arabia, Turkey coalition. Ramadi area in the past week. Bringing the fragmented is one of the main foreign backers Those talks should start by “Today, our forces completely opposition together is seen by its of the rebellion against Assad. January 1, under the terms of cleared the Al Tameem area backers as a crucial step to end a Syrian Kurdish, Arab and an agreement reached by world after a fierce battle against Daesh civil war which started with pro- Turkmen groups held their own powers and regional states at a gunmen,” Sabah al-Noman, the tests against Assad in 2011 and opposition conference in the meeting in Vienna a month ago. spokesman for Iraq’s counter- quickly drew in rival Sunni and Kurdish-controlled town of Al Participants invited to the terrorism service, said using an Shia Muslim powers across the Malikiya at the Syrian-Iraqi bor- Riyadh meeting include Islamist Arabic acronym for IS. Middle East. der yesterday. factions Islam Army and Ahrar IS fighters “had no choice Shia Iran, Assad’s main Haytham Manna, an activist Al Sham, a group whose founders except to surrender or fight and regional supporter, has criticised in exile, said he would not attend had links to Al Qaeda. they were completely destroyed,” the meeting in the kingdom, say- the Riyadh meeting because it Ahrar Al Sham fights along- Noman said. Smoke billowing in the rural town of Husayba, in the Euphrates Valley east ing it is designed to harm efforts included “people who support an side the Nusra Front, Al Qaeda’s Major General Hadi Irzayij, of Ramadi, where Iraqi government forces have been closing on Islamic to reach a peaceful solution to a Islamic emirate”. Syrian wing, while espousing a the police chief for Anbar, con- State (IS) group militants who seized the Anbar province’s capital in May. war which has killed 250,000 peo- With Iran decrying the meeting nationalist agenda. A dozen rebel firmed that Al Tameem had been ple and displaced 12 million. as harmful to peace prospects and groups who fight under the ban- retaken as did Brigadier General clear bombs planted by IS — a dan and Saudi Arabia to the west- At a Riyadh hotel where the Western countries concerned by ner of the Free Syrian Army Yahya Rasool, the spokesman for favoured tactic of the jihadists ern approach to Baghdad. talks will start today, security was the role that Islamists will play, are also due to attend, includ- the Joint Operations Command. that means they can kill secu- Shifting parts of Ramadi, stepped up and journalists were Saudi Arabia may struggle to ing groups vetted by the United “The liberation of Al Tameem rity personnel and civilians long located 100km from Baghdad, ejected as fighters and opposi- unite the enemies of Assad. States that have received foreign will greatly help in speeding up after they have withdrawn from had been held by anti-government tion leaders gathered. Special For Saudi Arabia, Syria has military aid. the liberation of the city of Ram- an area. “The process of removing fighters since the beginning of forces soldiers with body armour been secondary to Yemen this Syria has become the pre- adi,” Rasool said. “Iraqi forces are bombs from the houses and roads 2014, but IS did not succeeded in and assault rifles manned check- year as the main cockpit in an eminent global incubator for a ready and close to entering the has begun,” Irzayij said. completely overrunning it until points. overarching struggle for regional new generation of militants after centre of the city,” Irzayij said. Rasool said large amounts of May of this year. On Monday, coa- An initial list of 65 invitees to influence with Iran, but the rul- Islamist groups more than dou- Al Tameem lies to the south- weapons and supplies had been lition aircraft targeted IS units, the Riyadh talks has grown sub- ing Al Saud continue to regard bled their recruitment of foreign west of IS-held central Ramadi found, as well as explosives-rigged fighting positions, vehicles and stantially, but critics say it still the Syrian civil war as a pivotal fighters to as much as 31,000 and Iraqi forces now need to vehicles. supplies, as well as machineguns falls short of a fully inclusive battlefield in the rivalry. over the past 18 months, accord- make matching advances to the IS overran large parts of Iraq and a mortar system used by the meeting. The Kurdish adminis- Fighting has escalated in ing to a former British spy chief. north in order to attack the in June 2014, including major ter- jihadists, according to a statement tration that runs swathes of north Syria in recent weeks and Rus- jihadists from both sides. ritory in Anbar, which stretches on the strikes. Syria was not invited. Rebels in sian warplanes have intervened REUTERS For now, they are working to from the borders with Syria, Jor- AFP

Al Jazeera Six Afghan children mourns death of 14 rescued from drown off Turkey cameraman in Syria ISTANBUL: At least six children flooded Gaza tunnel died yesterday when a boat carry- DOHA: Al Jazeera Media net- ing Afghan migrants sank in Turkish work mourned the loss of it Ara- GAZA CITY: Fourteen Pal- for several hours in the tunnel waters while on its way to Greece, local bic channel’s cameraman Zakaria estinians were rescued yester- when water flooded through media reported. The Turkish coastguard Ibrahim, after he was injured by day after being stranded for its earthen walls. recovered the bodies of the children, sniper fire while covering a Syr- hours in a tunnel in the Gaza Israel imposed its blockade including a baby, and were still looking ian army bombardment in the Strip near the Egyptian bor- on Gaza in 2006 after Palestin- for two other migrants reported missing, province of Homs and died from der when it flooded and par- ian Islamist movement Hamas the official Anatolia news agency said. his injuries on Monday. Zaka- tially collapsed, officials and captured an Israeli soldier, and The inflatable dinghy sank in strong ria was in the village of Teldo media said. The Palestinians tightened it a year later when winds and high waves near the town to report on what was expected were “working in the tunnel” Hamas took control of the of Cesme in western Izmir province, to be a ceasefire there between east of the Rafah border post strip. During a war in sum- Anatolia said. It was apparently heading rebels and the forces of President when it flooded, the Gaza civil mer 2014, Israeli warplanes for the Greek island of Chios. Bashar Al Assad. defence agency said. destroyed a large part of the Eight other migrants, all wearing life He joined Al Jazeera as a cam- Further details were not underground network of tun- jackets, were rescued, Dogan said. In a eraman in early 2014 and had available, but Egypt has previ- nels used by Gazans. separate incident, the body of Sajida Ali, filmed numerous clashes and ously been accused of flooding At the end of 2014 Egypt a five-year-old migrant girl, washed up peace agreements in Homs. tunnels to close illegal smug- began the construction of a on a beach in Cesme on Monday. Commenting on his death, Al gling routes into and out of buffer zone in the northern Turkey hosts more than two million Jazeera Arabic Managing Direc- Gaza, which faces an Israeli Sinai Peninsula, on the border refugees from the Syrian conflict and is Israeli border policemen detain a wounded Palestinian protester who tor Yaser Abuhilalah said: blockade and the closure of with Gaza, including destroy- the main launching point for migrants “It is tragic that we have lost was shot by police during clashes with Israeli troops in the outskirts of its border with Egypt. ing hundreds of tunnels. coming to Europe, via Greece. many colleagues in the line of the West Bank city of Bethlehem, yesterday. Fourteen men were trapped AFP AFP duty this year, the latest being our cameraman in Homs, Zaka- ria Ibrahim. We depend and will continue to depend on our teams in Syria, who never left their besieged and demolished hometowns. They were citizen Lebanese politician casts doubt on presidential deal journalists who initiated contact with Al Jazeera and only asked BEIRUT: Talks aimed at end- region-wide conflict. Under the ers that are in conflict across the smoothly at the current time. We most basic decisions. Aoun, who to cover the hardships of their ing Lebanon’s 18-month-long plan, Hariri would become prime Middle East, expressed their sup- have a responsibility as Lebanese himself covets the presidency — families and those around them. presidential vacuum are not going minister, while Suleiman Fran- port for a settlement in Lebanon. leaders in general, and as Chris- which in Lebanon is reserved for Al Jazeera endeavoured to bring smoothly, a Christian leader said jieh, a friend and ally of Syrian Both wield influence over rival tians in particular. We cannot a Maronite Christian — is seen them in and provided them with yesterday, casting doubt on the President Bashar Al Assad, would Lebanese factions. leave the country to stumble in as vital to the success of any deal the support to enhance their outlook for a power-sharing pro- become Lebanese head of state. But former president Amin this way,” Gemayel said. due to the support his candidacy capabilities. posal aimed at reviving the para- A senior member of Hariri’s Gemayel said there were no Political rivalries have caused enjoys from the powerful Shia Zakaria Ibrahim is the sixth lysed government. Future Movement has warned “ready solutions” to the crisis almost complete deadlock in Hezbollah, which is backed by Al Jazeera staff member who has The proposal tabled by Sunni that the alternative to the deal after he met Michel Aoun, a vet- Lebanon’s sectarian-based sys- Iran. Hezbollah has stuck by its been killed in the line of duty Muslim politician Saad Al Har- could be civil strife. eran Christian politician whose tem of government. The current support for the 80-year-old Aoun while covering the conflict in iri marks the most serious effort The prospects of a deal seemed blessing is seen as crucial to prime minister, Tammam Salam, despite its close relationship with Syria since 2011. yet to resolve a political crisis good last week when both Iran concluding the deal. “It appears heads a cabinet of national unity Franjieh. THE PENINSULA that has been exacerbated by and Saudi Arabia, regional pow- that matters are not going very that has failed to take even the REUTERS WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 ASIA / AFRICA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 13 Aquino urges passage US agrees to deploy spy plane in Singapore amid China tensions of Muslim self-rule law WASHINGTON: The United “I think this kind of increase ties and the announcement of the States has agreed with Singa- in military deployment by the P8 deployment was part of an pore on a first deployment of United States and pushing enhanced Defence Cooperation Law would break cycle of violence, poverty: President the US P8 Poseidon spy plane in regional militarization does not Agreement signed by Carter and Singapore this month, in a fresh accord with the joint long-term Ng, which also covers cooperation MANILA: Philippine President The Bangsamoro Basic Law is response to China over its pursuit interests of the countries in this in fighting transnational terror- Benigno Aquino urged legisla- crucial to implementing a frag- Clash claims of territorial claims in the South region,” Chinese Foreign Ministry ism and piracy. tors yesterday to pass a draft law ile peace treaty aimed at ending China Sea. spokeswoman Hua Chunying told Washington has criticized Chi- aimed at ending a decades-long a Muslim separatist insurgency six lives in China, which is at odds with a daily news briefing. na’s building of artificial islands in Muslim revolt, citing the growing that has claimed over 100,000 Washington over the South China China believes that Singapore, the South China Sea’s disputed threat of global terrorism as one lives since the 1970s. Sea, said yesterday the move was like other countries in the region, Spratly archipelago, and has con- reason to do so. Aquino wanted it passed this Philippines aimed at militarizing the region. wants to see a peaceful and pros- ducted sea and air patrols near Aquino, who has been strug- year, but the timetable was set COTABATO: At least six people In a joint statement after a perous Southeast Asia, she added. them recently. gling to get the law passed before back severely following pub- were killed when suspected Mus- meeting in Washington on Mon- The United States already Last month, US President his term ends next year, told law- lic outrage over the death of 44 lim guerrillas clashed with armed day, US Defence Secretary Ash operates P8s from Japan and the Barack Obama called on countries makers it would break “the cycle police commandos in an encoun- Christian settlers in the southern Carter and Singapore Defence Philippines, and has also con- to stop building artificial islands of violence and poverty that has ter with Muslim separatist guer- Philippines yesterday in a feud Minister Ng Eng Hen welcomed ducted surveillance flights from in the sea and militarizing their stalled peace and progress” in the rillas in January. over land, police said. the inaugural deployment of Singapore’s neighbor, Malaysia. claims. He said the United States southern island of Mindanao, said Adding to the time pressure is At least 30 armed men, sus- the aircraft in Singapore from The statement said the P8 would continue to assert its free- his spokesman Herminio Coloma. parliament’s scheduled adjourn- pected to be from a Muslim rebel December 7 to 14. deployment in Singapore would dom-of-navigation rights. The law would create a Mus- ment in February before the cam- group, descended on the south- A US defence official said fur- “promote greater interoperability China responded by saying it lim autonomous area and grant a paign for presidential and other ern town of Tulunan on Mind- ther deployments in Singapore with regional militaries through would continue to build both mili- measure of self-rule to the minor- elections in May. anao island and began harassing could be expected. The move participation in bilateral and mul- tary and civilian facilities on the ity in the south of the largely Coloma said the prospects of Christian farmers at noon, said comes at a time of heightened tilateral exercises, while provid- islands. Christian nation. However several peace were already attracting Senior Inspector Ronnie Dillera, tensions in the South China Sea. ing timely support for regional Last month, US B-52 bomb- congressmen are reluctant to pass investment to Muslim-populated the town police chief. China claims almost the entire HADR and maritime security ers flew near some of China’s the draft law and have deleted areas and many foreign countries The Christians fought back, energy-rich waters, through efforts.” artificial islands and at the end crucial provisions, prompting were closely watching whether triggering a gun battle that lasted which more than $5tr of maritime HADR is an acronym for of October a US guided-missile Aquino to call the special meeting. the Philippines would succeed in about three hours and left three trade passes each year. The Phil- Humanitarian and Disaster Relief destroyer sailed within 12 nautical “He (Aquino) said that pass- the peace effort. villagers and three Muslim gun- ippines, Brunei, Vietnam, Malay- operations. miles of one of them. ing the (law) now has become He did not say if any of the leg- men dead, he added. The clash sia and Taiwan have overlapping The United States and Singa- more imperative in view of the islators expressed renewed sup- was an offshoot of a dispute over claims. pore have long-standing defence REUTERS increased threats posed by glo- port for the law. a 10-hectare lot between Chris- bal terrorism and radicalisation,” Security officials say there is tians and Muslims in the area, Coloma told reporters. no sign of recruitment of Filipino the police chief added. Although “The president urged the mem- Muslims by the Islamic State the Philippines is largely Catho- bers of Congress to rise to the group, but some local Muslim lic, there is a significant Mus- challenge of being able to ‘change outlaw groups have publicly lim minority which counts the Pistorius granted the narrative’ of conflict between pledged allegiance to IS. southern region as its traditional Muslims and Christians,” Coloma homeland. bail, will appeal added. AFP AFP murder conviction PRETORIA: Former Paralym- pic champion Oscar Pistorius was released on bail yesterday, as he vowed to appeal against his mur- Najib says ‘conscience clear’ der conviction for shooting dead his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013. South African judges last week as party tension mounts found him guilty of murder and overturned his earlier conviction KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian unidentified donor in the Middle as part of a broader, wide-ranging on the lesser charge of culpable Prime Minister Najib Razak said East. investigation into the fund. 1MDB General Ricardo Marquez (centre), the Philippines national police chief, homicide for killing Steenkamp, he had done nothing wrong in “Firstly, the 2.6bn ringgit is says it has never been contacted speaks during a forum with the Foreign Correspondents Association of the a model and law graduate. receiving hundreds of millions neither public funds nor 1MDB’s by the FBI. Philippines in Manila yesterday. Pistorius, 29, wearing a dark of dollars into his personal bank money. This was confirmed by the The scandals have shaken suit, white shirt and black tie, accounts, as a senior party rival MACC,” Najib said in an inter- investors in Southeast Asia’s appeared relaxed at the bail hear- called on him to step aside over a view with state television TV3. third-biggest economy and rocked ing in the Pretoria High Court, festering funding scandal. “It’s a donation, a gift. A dona- public confidence in the coalition Philippine police raise chatting with his legal team Najib has so far weathered calls tion is not illegal under any legal led by Najib’s UMNO, which has before standing in the dock to for him to quit over allegations provision.” held power since independence in hear the judge’s ruling. of graft at state fund 1Malaysia Malaysia’s Central Bank was 1957. He was released from jail in Development Berhad (1MDB) aware of the accounts’ existence, Backing for the government budget amid crime fears October to live under house arrest and his receipt of 2.6bn ringgit he said, adding the donor did not among the ethnic Malay major- at his uncle’s house in Pretoria ($610.8m) in what he says was a see it as a bribe and expected ity that forms the bedrock of MANILA: The Philippine With the new equipment, after serving one year of his five- political donation. nothing in return. UMNO’s support sank to new national police will have more Marquez said police hope to cut year prison sentence for culpa- But pressure mounted on Najib The Wall Street Journal said lows in October, according to a money next year to modernise the volume of crime faster than ble homicide -- the equivalent of as his United Malays National in July that the funds had been poll from research firm Merdeka the force and fight lawlessness the current five percent annual manslaughter. Organisation (UMNO) gathered discovered in Najib’s accounts Center. amid a pervasive fear of crime reduction. Under the new conviction for on Tuesday for its annual meet- by investigators probing accusa- In a speech to his supporters that has dominated the political Aside from the new equip- murder, he faces a minimum ing, after UMNO’s deputy leader tions of financial irregularities at on Monday night, UMNO’s Dep- scene, officials said yesterday. ment, the police will install 15-year jail term that may be called on members to remove a 1MDB. Najib, who chairs 1MDB’s uty President Muhyiddin Yassin The legislature has approved lamps in dark alleys and build reduced due to time already spent “cancer” from the long-ruling advisory board, has denied the called on the prime minister to a 88.1bn peso ($1.87bn) budget 280 new police stations, he said. in jail and as he is a first-time party that looks increasingly at money came from 1MDB, which step aside until the investigations for the police force next year, Increased police patrols this offender. risk of losing the next election in is being investigated by several were completed. 13 percent higher than this year in Metro Manila, the capi- “The applicant is released on 2018. foreign agencies. Muhyiddin was ousted as dep- year. This includes 3.5bn pesos tal city of 12 million people, had bail of 10,000 rand ($690),” judge In his most detailed explana- The Wall Street Journal uty prime minister earlier this for modernisation, a 75 percent halved the incidence of crimes Aubrey Ledwaba said, adding Pis- tion since the scandal erupted in reported in September that the year for his criticisms of Najib increase over this year, said such as murder and robbery and torius would remain under house July, Najib said his conscience was FBI had launched an investiga- over the 1MDB affair. Director General Ricardo Mar- police hope to duplicate this feat arrest. Ledwaba said Pistorius “absolutely clear”. tion into allegations of money- UMNO said yesterday that quez, the national police chief. nationwide, he said. would be electronically monitored Malaysia’s Anti-Corruption laundering at the 1MDB. The Muhyiddin’s speech would be This will cover new patrol Despite police statements to track his location, but would Commission (MACC) questioned following month, an FBI spokes- scrutinised by a special commit- cars, surveillance equipment that the crime rate is falling, be allowed to leave the house at Najib over the deposits at the woman said the US government tee to see if it violated the party’s and a computerised crime surveys show many people fear set times with official permission. weekend and said on Monday was reviewing Goldman Sachs’ laws. reporting system, the first in becoming victims. that it had also interviewed the business relationship with 1MDB REUTERS the country. AFP AFP

Beijing slashes traffic in pollution red alert Boko Haram torches village BEIJING: Half of Beijing’s pri- smog, which can include multiple near abducted girls’ town vate cars were ordered off the pollutants. streets yesterday and many con- It was the first time Beijing KANO: Boko Haram gunmen ing and herding community at struction sites and schools closed authorities declared a “red alert” have torched almost an entire vil- about 6am on Sunday, shooting after authorities in China’s smog- since emergency air pollution lage near the northeast Nigerian indiscriminately and setting fire shrouded capital responded to plans were introduced two years town of Chibok from where over to homes. scathing public criticism with ago, although levels were far from 200 schoolgirls were kidnapped, a “They burnt more than 100 their first-ever red alert for pol- the city’s worst. resident who fled and a local elder homes in the village. Only five lution. Last week it was enveloped said yesterday. houses were spared the inferno,” A grey haze hung over the city in a toxic soup, cutting visibility The raid in Takulashi village said a resident who fled to the of around 21.5 million people, severely and sending PM 2.5 lev- happened on Sunday and saw nearby town of Askira Uba. with levels of PM2.5 -- harmful els as high as 634 micrograms per the Islamists loot food supplies, The attackers loaded food sup- microscopic particles that pen- cubic metre. two days after fighters stole more plies onto four vehicles they took etrate deep into the lungs -- at Under the alert an odd-even than 200 cattle from the same from the village and burnt four times above 300 micrograms per number plate system bans half location. more they were unable to take cubic metre according to the US the city’s roughly 4.4 million pri- A group of insurgents on bicy- with them. embassy, which issues independ- vate vehicles from the streets on cles and on foot invaded the farm- AFP ent readings. alternate days. The World Health Organiza- Outdoor construction work is China’s Shenyang city was covered in smog yesterday as levels of fine tion’s recommended maximum barred and some industrial plants particles in the air rose six times higher than the safe limit of 25 micrograms exposure is 25. were told to cease or reduce oper- per cubic metre set by the World Heath Organisation. The alert coincided with glo- ations, with some schools also bal climate change talks in Paris, urged to close. no choice but to leave them at onstrate that its inspectors were Arroyo granted holiday furlough where China is in the spotlight as The measures, while wel- home alone,” Li Jianguo, a pri- working hard to ensure clean air. MANILA: Jailed former Philippine president Gloria Arroyo will be the world’s biggest polluter. comed by many, created difficul- mary school caretaker, said. The Administrators said they were allowed home over the Christmas and New Year holidays, the Supreme Most of the country’s green- ties for working parents who had school would be closed all week, “dealing with” businesses that had Court decided yesterday. Arroyo, who is being held in a government house gas emissions come from nowhere to send their children. he added. violated the orders and had dis- hospital after being arrested for alleged graft, would be allowed to go the burning of coal for electricity “Some parents still brought On its social media feed, Bei- ciplined several factories, in one home from December 23 to 26 and December 30 to January 2. “Not- and heating -- particularly bad their children this morning, jing’s environmental protection case with a 30,000 yuan ($4,700) withstanding the furloughs the petitioner shall remain under preventive when demand peaks in winter hoping that the teachers could bureau posted a steady stream of fine. custody of the law,” said a court spokesman. -- and is also the main cause of at least mind them, but they had comments in an attempt to dem- AFP AFP WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 14 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / PAKISTAN

Taliban storm Slim hopes from Afghan peace talks airport complex in Kandahar US wants Pakistan to help resuscitate Taliban talks KANDAHAR: Taliban militants stormed the airport complex in ISLAMABAD: A conference will hang over proceedings. fly to the conference. But chances Afghanistan’s southern Kanda- aimed at shoring up support for The Afghan Taliban and the of a resumption of talks soon har city on Tuesday, triggering war-ravaged Afghanistan opened government held inaugural talks appeared remote given the tur- gunfights and explosions as a in the Pakistani capital yesterday, in Pakistan in July, but the effort moil within the Taliban. Pakistan conference kicked off in Pakistan with a top Afghan official calling to end the 14-year insurgency denies being able to influence the with hopes of reviving peace talks for an urgent, united response to stalled when after news leaked militants who are fighting to expel with the insurgents. the global menace of militancy. that Taliban leader Mullah foreign forces and bring down the There was no immediate The “Heart of Asia” meeting, Mohammad Omar had been dead Western-backed government in information on casualties in the an annual gathering of Asian and for two years. News of Omar’s Kabul. Afghan President Ashraf ongoing attack, the second major other countries, comes months death triggered a violent split in Ghani will attend the second day assault in a span of 24 hours in after the first, inconclusive talks the Taliban, further undermining of the conference today. the city recognised as the birth- between the Afghan government hopes for the negotiations. Cooperation between Afghani- place of the Taliban. and the Taliban. Last week, the new leader of stan and Pakistan is seen as essen- Taliban gunmen were targeting “The wave of terrorist activi- the main Afghan Taliban faction, tial for improving stability in the residential blocks housing gov- ties, including those of Daesh in Omar’s deputy, Mullah Akhtar region but hopes for warmer ties ernment employees and the joint Pakistan Foreign Minister Sartaj Aziz (left) speaks to US Deputy Secretary various parts of the region and Mansour, was reported killed or after Ghani was inaugurated were Afghan-Nato military base at the of State Antony John Blinken (second from right), during their meeting in the world, once again reminds wounded by rivals. A weekend quickly dashed, largely because of airport, said Samim Khpalwak, us of the gravity of this menace audio message claiming to be from a series of bomb attacks in Kabul Islamabad, Pakistan, yesterday. a spokesman for the Kandahar confronting today’s humanity and Mansour refuted the reports, but in August. provincial governor. the urgency for a united position some Taliban have questioned its Many Afghans, including Each nation accuses the other three months after cancelling “Several insurgents managed to against this evil phenomenon,” authenticity. Ghani’s political opponents, of supporting insurgents across talks. The two countries have breach the first gate of the com- Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister The United States hopes Paki- accuse Pakistan of backing the their border as proxy forces. fought three wars since independ- plex,” he told AFP, as the battles Hikmat Khalil Karzai told the stan will help resuscitate the Taliban, restricting Ghani’s On a more positive note, Indian ence from British colonial rule continued. conference. The Islamic State talks, a senior US official said. efforts to improve relations with Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj in 1947. Their rivalry has spilled “They have taken up position militant group is also known as “Pakistan has real influence Pakistan after years of acrimony. will attend the Islamabad gather- into Afghanistan, where Pakistan in a school inside the complex.” Daesh. with the Afghan Taliban, and our Pakistan denies supporting ing. The first visit by India’s top is deeply suspicious of increasing Local residents, who were told The two-day meeting will hope is that it will use that influ- the militants and says it wants a diplomat to Pakistan in three Indian influence. India and many to hunker down in their homes, focus on energy, infrastructure ence to encourage the Taliban peaceful neighbour over its west- years raises hopes that relations Afghans say Pakistan supports reported loud explosions and a and investment deals to shore to engage in the reconciliation ern border. Last Monday, Ghani between the nuclear-armed rivals the Afghan insurgency to main- heavy volley of gunfire. up commitment to Afghani- process,” US Deputy Secretary of said Afghanistan and Pakistan might improve. tain influence there. Mohammad Mohsin Sultani, stan but the threat of an inten- State Antony Blinken told Reu- had been fighting a 14-year-long Their national security advisers the military spokesman in Kanda- sifying Taliban insurgency ters in India as he prepared to “undeclared war”. met on the weekend in Bangkok, REUTERS har, Afghan troops were engaged in a heavy firefight to beat back the attackers, although their exact numbers were unclear. The Taliban appear to be ramp- ing up attacks on government and foreign targets despite the onset Muslims in Asia Pakistan seminary slams shooting of the harsh winter season, when the fighting usually winds down. MULTAN: The women’s semi- ist links, though critics accuse it that is 100 percent against Islam”. The Taliban claimed responsi- nary in Pakistan where California of a Taliban-like ideology. She enrolled in the Multan bility for yesterday’s attack. denounce Trump’s attacker Tashfeen Malik studied Malik’s attendance at the branch of the seminary on April “A number of martyrdom seek- for over a year condemned the deeply conservative school, which 17, 2013, the statement said, and ers armed with heavy and light massacre yesterday, saying there was visited by counter-terror and left on May 3, 2014 — telling her weapons entered Kandahar air- is “no space for such acts in the intelligence officials on Monday, teacher she was to be married in base undetected and have begun call for ‘US ban’ name of Islam”. appears to offer fresh insight into two months. engaging the large number of for- Malik, 29, a Pakistani national, her journey towards Islamic radi- Al Huda, founded in 1994 by eign invaders and their hirelings ISLAMABAD: Muslims in are not as advanced as the US, we pledged allegiance to the Islamic calism. Farhat Hashmi, mainly targets inside,” the Islamist group said on Pakistan and Indonesia yester- have never elected such people to State group before she and her Yesterday the school rejected Pakistan’s influential middle and their website. day denounced Donald Trump’s power in Pakistan.” husband Syed Farook shot dead any responsibility for the massa- upper-class women seeking to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah call for a ban on Muslims enter- Tahir Ashrafi, the head of the 14 people in California last week. cre, condemning such acts any- come closer to Islam. Mujahid on Twitter claimed that ing the United States, dismissing Ulema Council, Pakistan’s big- Malik studied at a university in where in the world. A spokeswoman said yester- “150 Afghan and foreign soldiers” the US Republican presidential gest council of Muslim clerics, the central Pakistani city of Mul- Malik was a “hardworking, day the organisation would now had been killed in the fierce fight- front-runner as a bigot who pro- said Trump’s comments promoted tan from 2007 to 2012, and in 2013 friendly, helping, obedient and be “more careful” when admit- ing. moted violence. violence. formally enrolled in Al Huda, one positive-minded student”, the ting students, trying to assess The insurgents are regularly Trump’s statement on “pre- “If some Muslim leader says of the country’s most high-profile institute said in a statement, both their purpose in joining and known to exaggerate battlefield venting Muslim immigration” there is a war between Christians religious seminaries for women. expressing disbelief that she their mental state. claims. drew swift and fierce criticism and Muslims, we condemn him. Al Huda has no known extrem- could “do such a horrible thing AFP AFP from many directions at home, So why should we not condemn an including from the White House American if he says that?” and rivals for the 2016 Republican Indonesian Foreign Ministry presidential nomination. spokesman Armanatha Nasir German-Afghan meet Trump, responding to last said his government would not week’s California shooting spree comment on election campaigns Dozens reported killed by two Muslims who the Federal in other countries, while adding Bureau of Investigation said had that his country had made known been radicalised, called for a com- its position on terrorism. plete block on Muslims entering “As the country with the big- as rival Taliban groups the United States “until our coun- gest Muslim population in the try’s representatives can figure world, Indonesia affirms that out what is going on”. Islam teaches peace and toler- clash in Afghanistan “It’s so absurd a statement that ance,” he said. I don’t even wish to react to it,” Din Syamsuddin, chief of Indo- HEART: More than 50 people Akhund, which he said was con- said Asma Jahangir, one of Paki- nesia’s Muhammadiyah, the sec- have been killed and dozens more tinuing. stan’s most prominent human ond-largest Muslim organisation wounded in renewed fighting The clashes follow days of rights lawyers. in the country, said Trump’s com- between rival Taliban factions in confusion over the fate of Mul- “This is the worst kind of big- ments were a joke. Shindand district near the west- lah Mansour. Reports that he otry mixed with ignorance. I would “It is laughable that there is a ern Afghan city of Herat, a local had been seriously wounded in imagine that someone who is hop- person in this modern, globalised police spokesman said yesterday. a shootout with other Taliban ing to become president of the US era who is so narrow-minded as The latest clashes underlined commanders were rebutted in doesn’t want to compete with an to ban some people from entering the fragmented state of the Islam- an audio recording purporting to ignorant criminal-minded mullah America,” he said. ist movement since the Taliban show he was still alive. of Pakistan who denounces people German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen (left) looks on as Afghan confirmed in July that its founder, It was not immediately possi- of other religions ... Although we REUTERS acting Defence Minister Mohammed Masoom Stanekzai speaks during Mullah Mohammad Omar, had ble to obtain a comment from the a news conference in Kabul, Afghanistan, yesterday. died more than two years earlier Taliban about the latest fighting. in 2013. Rival groups have rejected Separately, a video apparently the authority of Omar’s succes- from an Afghan member of the sor Mullah Akhtar Mansour and Islamic State movement accused called for a new process to choose the Taliban of operating under the Bangladesh ‘militant’ admits to Japanese murder a leader. There has been intermit- control of Pakistani intelligence tent fighting in which scores have services and ignoring sharia, as DHAKA: A suspected local in court in the northern city of The 66-year-old farmer’s death the attack. Police blame the JMB been killed. well as allying itself with Shi’ite militant confessed yesterday in Rangpur accused of being a com- in October came just days after for the recent violence while Ehsanullah Hayat, a police Iran. The message, from a mili- a Bangladesh court to murder- mander of local banned outfit the gunning down of an Italian aid Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s spokesman in Herat, said 54 tant identified as Abdu Yasir al- ing a Japanese farmer, police said, Jamayetul Mujahideen Bangla- worker in the capital Dhaka, one government accuses the main insurgents had been killed and Afghani, highlighted the growing one of a string of recent attacks desh (JMB). of several attacks to be claimed by opposition party and its Islamist around 40 wounded in the fight- rivalry between supporters of IS in the country blamed on Islamist “The militant operative admit- the Islamic State group. ally of trying to trigger anarchy ing between commanders loyal and the Taliban. extremists. ted he was the key person, accom- The Bangladesh government in the country. The parties reject to Mullah Mansour and his Masud Rana, 22, was arrested panied by two others, who shot says there is no evidence that the claims. Bangladesh has been rival Mullah Mohammad Rasool REUTERS last week over the killing of a Kunio dead in a rickshaw,” north- Islamic State has a presence in roiled by the rising unrest which minority Sufi Muslim leader in ern police chief Humayun Kabir the traditionally moderate Mus- has seen four atheist bloggers and November and later questioned said. lim-majority country, which has a publisher hacked to death this over the shooting of Japan’s Hoshi “We recovered a huge cache of been left reeling from the attacks. year, while several minority Sufi Kunio in northern Bangladesh handmade explosives and sharp Five other men remain in police Muslim leaders and two police- one month earlier. weapons from his possession,” custody over Kunio’s death, but men have also been killed. Tajikistan quake kills Rana, a former student at a investigating detective Jahidul officers say they are still hunt- local Islamic seminary, appeared Islam said of his arrest. ing for the mastermind behind AFP two, injures dozens

DUSHANBE: At least two peo- killed include a truck driver and ple were killed and dozens injured a policeman who were travelling Lanka defends de-listing of groups with terror links when a powerful 7.2-magnitude along perilous mountain roads earthquake struck dangerously in the remote region after the COLOMBO: The Sri Lankan Ruwan Wijeywardena as saying. cleared of links to terrorism. individuals. The then government close to a high-altitude lake in quake triggered landslides, the government yesterday defended The study concluded that the He said even the Global Tamil raised concerns over the alleged eastern Tajikistan, authorities country’s emergency services the de-listing of several diaspora diaspora groups and individuals Forum, a powerful Tamil diaspora activities of the Tamil diaspora, in the Central Asian state said committee said. Dozens more groups and individuals earlier who were de-proscribed recently group based in London, which saying they could fund another yesterday. are feared injured, the committee accused of having terror links. were not involved in terrorism- was de-listed, has not publicly war in Sri Lanka. The new gov- The tremor hit at 7.50 GMT spokesman said. A statement by The de-listing was carried out related activities, Wijeywardena denounced separatism and con- ernment said it was willing to in the ex-Soviet country yester- the presidential press service also following a comprehensive study said. Opposition parliamentar- tinues to promote “Eelam” on its negotiate with the diaspora and day, 109km west of the town of said that “more than 500 homes” conducted on the groups and indi- ian Dullas Alahapperuma earlier official website. work with them instead of side- Murghob at a depth of 28km, the were destroyed in the quake. viduals by a high-level committee, questioned the basis on which Sri Lanka in March 2014 pro- lining them. US Geological Survey said. Xinhua quoted Defence Minister the groups and individuals were scribed 16 organisations and 424 IANS Those known to have been AFP WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 ASIA / INDIA www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 15 Moderate expectations, low chance of major pact at CoP21 PARIS: As negotiations at the the United Nations Framework had done in the beginning, no emissions, and that they could climate change conference went Convention on Climate change agreement could be reached. not take a position that only the into the second day of the high- should not be tinkered with and “You have to change your posi- developed countries should do it. level segment, the chances of the requirement of differentiated tions. If it remains the same, He said the Kyoto Protocol, which a strong agreement emerging responsibility should not be done what’s the point in negotiating,” called upon the developed nations appear to be low, with the devel- away with. he said ahead of his meeting with to cut emissions, had failed pre- oped countries insisting that all “It’s for the developed world the French Foreign Minister Lau- cisely because of this. developing countries must also to give money and technical sup- rent Fabius. For his meeting, he He also called upon the nego- concede to cut emission of green- port, and it’s for the developing had noted a few points including tiators to come out with a trans- house gases. countries to receive,” Javadekar that the Western countries must parent and robust monitoring Indian Environment, Forests said adding that it’s because “they show flexibility at this point if the mechanism to ensure that prom- and Climate Change Minister have it” and the developing coun- world is to see a Paris agreement. ises made by every country, for Prakash Javadekar, who is head- tries are the “have nots”. He apparently also told Fabius changes to be brought in their ing the country’s delegation, here He said that no much headway that India had not yet officially got emissions or emission intensites did not seem to be too upbeat has been made in finance or tech- the text of a possible agreement must be set up. Without that, about an agreement. nical support. These are the two that had been widely talked about, there will be no successful out- “Unfortunately, the commit- pillars or the agreement, if one although the text had been circu- come, said Kerry. ment made by the developed were to emerge in Paris, which lated unofficially. It still has sev- It is also unlikely that any Environmental ministers from China, India and South Africa are seen at countries on finance and tech- would determine the success or eral points on which agreement large commitment of money may a news conference during the World Climate Change Conference 2015 nical support has not come,” he otherwise of the conference. So still eludes. The bone of conten- come from the US, as the Con- (COP21) at Le Bourget, near Paris, France, yesterday. told a press conference called by far, the chances seem low. tion may have been underlined by gress in Washington DC, which the four-member BASIC group Earlier, Javadekar had said that US Secretary of State John Kerry, controls the purse strings, may countries to actually cut emis- them is imperative till alternative of Brazil, South Africa, India and negotiations were proceeding well, who told the media that devel- not approve payment of large sions. This is unlikely to happen methods are available. China. but added that if countries stick oping countries must also make amounts without any strong as developing countries have said He said the basic principles of to their stated positions, as they adequate contribution to reduce commitment from developing that fossil-fuel based growth for IANS

‘Two-wheelers, diesel-run Delhi unveils vehicle formula vehicles too need curbs’ Kejriwal to hold review meeting; Environmentalists welcome new plan NEW DELHI: The Delhi gov- There are many private buses and ernment’s ambitious plan to regu- trucks running on diesel. With- NEW DELHI: In a change from to 15 to see if it succeeds. There late vehicular traffic is a welcome out checks on all these, the even- its earlier plan, the Delhi gov- has also been no decision yet on step to curb the alarming levels odd formula wouldn’t be efficient ernment yesterday said private the hundreds of thousands of two- of pollution in the city, but the enough to clear Delhi air.” vehicles with odd and even reg- wheelers which environmentalists move will be effective only when According to a study by CSE, istration numbers will ply on odd say also contribute to pollution there is a check on two-wheel- two-wheelers make up for 32 and even dates respectively from and need to be curbed. ers, diesel-run trucks and buses, percent of the particulate mat- January 1. The complete blueprint for experts say. Two-wheelers in the ter pollution in the air, while cars “It will be date-wise,” Trans- the ambitious odd-even formula, city make up to two-thirds of the contribute 22 percent, diesel-run port Minister Gopal Rai said, days including categories that would motor vehicles in the city, accord- trucks 28 percent, and Com- after the government said odd be exempt, would be ready by ing to the Delhi Pollution Control pressed Natural Gas-run (CNG) numbered vehicles would ply on December 25, Rao said. Board (DPCB). So, of the 90 lakh buses 4 percent of the city’s air Mondays, Wednesdays and Fri- The Delhi government said vehicles registered in the city, pollution. days and those with even num- it had held detailed discussions some 60 lakh are two-wheelers. “The situation is getting worse bers on Tuesdays, Thursdays and with Delhi Traffic Police and Besides, over 1,400 vehicles are with an increasing number of die- Saturdays. Delhi Metro in a bid to coordinate being added each day to the city’s sel vehicles. An increase in diesel Rai clarified that odd num- what is expected to be a mam- existing vehicular numbers, says cars is also increasing lung cancer bered vehicles would be allowed moth exercise. the Centre for Science and Envi- risk in the city,” the study added. on the roads on odd dates “like Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal ronment (CSE). Environmental activist Akash 1, 3, 5 and so on” and even num- will hold a further review meeting An aerial view of New Delhi’s Connaught Place, as it is surrounded by But experts argue that since Vashishtha states, “There is a bered vehicles on even dates “like of all departments on December two-wheelers are the highest con- need to convert the existing smog yesterday. 2, 4, 6 and so on”. 10. tributors of vehicular pollution, diesel-run trucks and buses into The rationing of the huge bulk The Delhi announced the there is a need to keep a tab on CNG. The government should of vehicles on Delhi’s roads, aimed odd-even formula in response to also Chief Justice of India T S steeply on the roads from Janu- scooters and motorcycles as well. have done something to curb the at curbing alarming levels of air judicial warnings of rising air pol- Thakur. Criticism from opposi- ary 1. Vikrant Tongad, an envi- vehicular explosion long ago.” pollution, would not apply on Sun- lution, and after the Delhi High tion parties has since abated. Delhi has nearly 90 lakh regis- ronmentalist working with “Considering their high emission days when all vehicles can ply, the Court said that the national capi- Minister Rai said 1,000 low- tered vehicles, almost a third of Delhi-based Social Action for levels, there needs to be a review minister said. tal was becoming a “gas cham- floor buses would be bought them cars. Some 1,500 new vehi- Environment and Forest (SAFE), of two-wheelers in the govern- The restrictions will apply from ber”. immediately in a bid to meet the cles are added every day. said, “The scooters and motorcy- ment’s decision,” he added. 8am to 8pm. The formula would The plan has been widely wel- need for more public transport cles are the highest contributors be experimented from January 1 comed by environmentalists, and when the number of vehicles fall IANS of vehicular emissions in the city. IANS

Army stunt After Modi and Doval, Sushma Eye camp victims to get Rs5000 to now engage with Pakistan pension: Shivraj BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh NEW DELHI: India and Paki- visit from India to its South Asian edented, round of diplomacy at Chief Minister Shivraj Singh stan are set to hold the third neigbbour since the then exter- the very highest levels,” the Dawn Chouhan yesterday announced bilateral engagement at the nal affairs minister S M Krishna newspaper said in an editorial that the people who lost their top level in less than 10 days went to Pakistan in 2012. But the ahead of the Indian minister’s eyesight during an eye camp in with External Affairs Minister visit is likely to include more. visit. Badwani district recently will get Sushma Swaraj reaching Islama- After the Bangkok meeting “The meetings must, first and Rs5,000 as monthly pension. bad yesterday for a conference on between India’s Ajit Doval and foremost, be welcomed by every Chouhan also ordered a high- Afghanistan. Naseer Khan Janjua of Pakistan, right-thinking Indian and Paki- level probe of the incident that Following an impromptu meet- along with foreign secretaries stani. Not talking to each other led to 40 of the 86 patients losing ing between Prime Ministers S Jaishanker and Aizaz Ahmad should be an unacceptable state of their eyesight after undergoing Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif Chaudhry, Swaraj is also expected affairs when it comes to the two cataract surgery. in Paris on the margins of a glo- to take up a host of other issues. South Asian neighbours.” Last Sunday, a team of experts bal climate change conference on A joint statement issued by The main purpose of the visit from AIIMs after inspecting the November 30, the national secu- the two sides in Bangkok said: though is the conference -- The patients concluded that the eye- An army soldier performs a stunt on his motorcycle during celebra- rity advisers of the two sides met “Discussions covered peace and Heart of wash fluid used by the patients tions to mark the 255th anniversary of the Army Service Corps (ASC) in in Bangkok on December 6 and security, terrorism, Jammu and Asia Istanbul Process -- that was contaminated and led to eye discussed all major issues, includ- Kashmir, and other issues includ- was established in 2011 at the ini- infection. They said it was difficult Bengaluru, yesterday. ing Kashmir. ing tranquility along the LoC tiative of Afghanistan and Turkey. that anyone of the patient would Swaraj is expected to take this (Line of Control that divides the The Fifth Ministerial Conference have his or her eyesight back. process forward during her likely two counties).” is expected to adopt a forward Chouhan announced no more meetings with Pakistan Prime Sushma Swaraj’s visit has looking Islamabad Declaration eye camp would be organised in Khan blood samples show Minister Sharif and his Adviser evoked keen interest in diplo- entitled “Enhanced Cooperation the state. Chouhan said the state on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz on matic circles and among stake- for Countering Security Threats government is ensuring a financial the margins of what is called the holders. and Promoting Connectivity in help of Rs2lakh and treatment for series of lacunae: Court 5th Ministerial Conference on “What seemed impossible the Heart of Asia Region”. those who have lost eyesight in Heart of Asia Istanbul Process. just weeks ago has turned into one eye. MUMBAI: The Bombay High put three ml. in two vials, but ulti- This is also the first ministerial a remarkable, almost unprec- IANS IANS Court yesterday pointed out sev- mately what reached the analyst eral lacunae in the procedures for was four ml blood in one vial. checking presence of alcohol in “PW-20 gave one sealed enve- the blood samples of Bollywood lope containing two forms - Form megastar Salman Khan after the A and Form B and two vials, September 2002 hit-and-run case to police station. Sharad Bapu Bright sparks on display at Delhi’s Science Fest involving him. Borade (PW-21), a police con- Justice A R Joshi, dictating his stable, took the two envelopes judgement in open court in the to the receiving clerk Dattat- NEW DELHI: Uzma Bano, a in the school as well to save elec- states and remotest of places, and wind tunnel’ was adjudged appeal filed by the actor against raya K Bhalshankar (PW-18), at Class 8 student from Lucknow, tricity. This is eco-friendly and including the Andaman and Nico- the best model. The boy from his conviction and five-year sen- Forensics Sciences Lab, who has took no more than a month to will not cause global warming,” bar Islands, had to win district Gujarat’s Mehsana district got tence by the sessions court, men- not been examined by the court. design and build a solar-powered Bano said. and state-level science competi- the gold medal for it. tioned a series of lacunae starting PW-18 says one police constable air conditioner to help relieve Her AC consists primarily of a tions to qualify for IISF. Their Silver medal was bagged by with the extraction of the actor’s gave him the blood sample - this long power cuts her school would 25=-litre ice-box, a portable table models had to be built keeping in Ananya Y R of Karnataka’s blood samples to its transfer, is a missing link in the biological endure during summer months. fan, and a solar panel. And it cost mind the problem their district Chikkmagaluru district for her preservation and testing to check evidence,” said Justice Joshi. That was reward in itself for her about Rs3,500! or state was facing. ‘biodegradable plastic’ model. alcohol content in them. He added that the samples this daughter of a cold drink seller. Bano’s is just one of the 800 From a garbage management Prithvi Raj of Jharkhand’s One prosecution witness (PW- should have been placed under But to be sharing her invention on projects made and displayed at system to a solar-powered hybrid Garhwa district won the bronze 20) - medical officer Shashikant J “proper custody” to prevent Monday with 700 school students IISF by pupils of classes 6 to 10 bicycle and a thermoelectric gen- for his jacket that helps the blind. Pawar of Sir J J Hospital - carried “internal fermentation” to render from various parts of the country from across the country, offering erator, the students brought the In addition to top honours, 57 out the clinical examination of the final results as not being use- at the India International Science energy solutions to a world that best of their ingenuity to bear on participants were given awards of the appellant-accused and found less. Festival (IISF) at IIT-Delhi made is desperate to move away from the challenges their communities appreciation. him smelling of alcohol. He subse- for an exciting feeling. burning more hydrocarbons. faced. quently drew a blood sample and IANS “My design will help children Participants, representing all Oza Alaykumar’s ‘artificial tree IANS WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 16 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com ASIA / INDIA

Sonia, Rahul Parliament stalled over Gandhi to appear in court govt’s Gandhi ‘vendetta’ on December 19

NEW DELHI: Giving a brief Row dents hope of passing key tax reform bill relief to Congress president Sonia Gandhi and vice president NEW DELHI: The main oppo- brought by a prominent member institutions. Detractors, including Rahul Gandhi and others in the sition Congress party stormed of Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party. Modi, accuse the family of holding National Herald newspaper case, the floors of parliament yester- Yesterday, furious Congress back economic development with a court approved their inability day and accused Prime Minister members occupied the floors of socialist policies. to appear in court yesterday Narendra Modi’s government of parliament to protest against the The case, brought by BJP mem- but asked them to be present on pursuing a “vendetta” against the case. Modi has moved to weaken ber Subramanian Swamy, alleges December 19. Gandhi family, in a fresh blow to the legacy of the Gandhi dynasty the Gandhis used $13.5m of party The Congress, however, accused hopes of passing a crucial tax since dislodging them from power funds to pay debts accrued by a the Bharatiya Janata Party of run- A policeman walks next to the damaged coaches of a passenger train after reform. last year. newspaper business. The Gandhis ning a political vendetta against a collision near Palwal in Haryana yesterday. The government wants to “I am not scared of anyone,” a deny wrongdoing. it, saying there was nothing illegal introduce a nationwide goods and defiant Sonia Gandhi told journal- Abhishek Manu Singhvi, a Con- done by them and it will fight it services tax (GST) to replace a ists in parliament. gress spokesman and lawyer for out in the court of law. long list of state levies, in a bid Parliament was adjourned fol- the Gandhis, said they were will- The Delhi High Court last Driver killed in train to boost investment by making lowing the uproar, but Congress ing to appear in court, but sought Monday dismissed the plea of the it easier to do business in India’s workers carried their protests more time. The court will hear Gandhis to quash the summons vast internal market. into the streets, including shout- the case on December 19. issued to them by a trial court on Modi needs opposition sup- ing slogans from the top of a bus. Finance Minister Arun Jaitley BJP leader Subramanian Swamy’s collision in Haryana port to pass the reform in par- “The GST bill has gone for a said the government had no role complaint regarding the acquisi- liament’s upper house, where his sky walk,” Anand Sharma, the in the case, adding that the Gan- tion of National Herald and asked PALWAL: The driver of a local Neeraj Sharma confirmed the party lacks a majority. Hopes Congress party’s deputy leader in dhis could explain their concerns them to appear before trial court train was killed and several oth- death of the EMU shuttle train’s were raised for the long-delayed the upper house, told reporters. in court but their party should yesterday. The trial court issued ers were injured when the EMU driver. legislation to be passed this year Sharma said the bill would not be not disrupt parliament. summons to the Congress lead- shuttle train rammed into a Eyewitnesses alleged that res- after Modi met Congress presi- discussed today. “All parties must come together ers on Swamy’s complaint about stationary train from behind in cue teams arrived late at the spot dent Sonia Gandhi last month Another senior Congress leader (on GST),” Jaitley said a news “cheating” in the acquisition of Haryana’s Palwal district yester- and did not even have gas cutters and both parties showed signs of said disruptions in parliament channel. “Anybody who tries to Associated Journals Ltd. (AJL) by day morning in foggy conditions, and other equipment to help bring compromise. would continue, but did not say create hurdles in passing that Young India Ltd, “a firm in which police officials said. out the trapped passengers. They But the sides were at logger- for how long. The Nehru-Gandhi GST will be doing great damage Sonia and Rahul Gandhi each own The accident took place near alleged that the EMU driver was heads again on Monday, after a dynasty ruled India for most of its to this country.” a 38 percent stake”. village Baghola in Palwal district, alive after the mishap, but died judge ordered Gandhi and her son post-independence era after 1947 about 60km from New Delhi, since he could not be evacuated Rahul to appear in court in a case and helped shape the country’s REUTERS IANS when the EMU (electric multiple immediately. Railway authorities unit) shuttle train rammed into said they were trying to restore the Lokmanya Tilak-Haridwar traffic on the route. Express that had halted on the Haryana Chief Minister Mano- same track since it did not get a har Lal Khattar spoke to Palwal Kohima court signal to move forward. deputy commissioner and asked Kerala warns of administrative, legal Dense fog was said to be the him to step up rescue and relief reason behind the accident. work. summons Northern Railway spokesman IANS steps in Mullaperiyar dam case Nagaland CM KOHIMA: A court here has THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: appointed supervisory committee confidence,” Bijimol remarked. ordered Nagaland Chief Minister As an opposition legislator for the dam had failed to act as Chandy said efforts would be T R Zeliang to appear before it on Two foreigners held in accused the Kerala government per the law last Monday. made to meet the prime minis- January 7 in a case challenging of adopting a “callous attitude” “The guidelines are very clear... ter and union water resources his educational qualification. on the Mullaperiyar dam, a state as and when water level rises minister in Delhi in the next two Judicial Magistrate Tucuno Goa for illegal paragliding minister on Monday warned of and nears 142 feet, they (Tamil days about the danger posed by Vamuzo on Monday issued the legal and administrative steps Nadu officials) should give a the dam waters to thousands of summons to the Naga People’s PANAJI: Two foreign nation- Arambol,” Gad said yesterday. against the Tamil Nadu govern- 12-hour notice before opening people living downstream. Front leader. als, including a Russian, have Paragliding, an adventure ment for “violating” Supreme the sluices. It was not adhered “I wrote a personal letter to A Nagaland resident, Mazi- been arrested and a third is sport which is popular with for- Court guidelines on the issue. to last Monday. Tamil Nadu offi- Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa last ezokho Nisa, filed a complaint being traced after police cracked eign tourists in coastal Goa, was Intervening during a discus- cials opened the dam gates after Monday. Even during the pre- under the Representation of down on illegally-run paragliding brought under strict government sion on the issue in the Kerala 7.30pm without informing us, vious UPA government’s rule, People’s Act, 1951, against Zeliang operations in Goa, an official said control in September this year assembly, Chief Minister Oom- causing inconvenience to people we made several attempts for a for allegedly making a false claim yesterday. after Syed Ashfaque, an alleged men Chandy denied any laxity living downstream. We will take meeting with her, but it did not that he graduated from a Kohima Pavel Isipchuk from Russia Indian Mujahideen operative on his government’s part and up the issue with the prime min- work as they (Tamil Nadu offi- college. and Anton Antonov from Bela- arrested by the Bengaluru police said he had written to his Tamil ister in the coming days. We will cials) are not willing to sit across The court directive came after rus, both paragliding operators, in connection with a terror plot Nadu counterpart J Jayalalithaa also move the apex court against the table to find a solution to this the registrar of the North East- were arrested after the police earlier this year, claimed to have on Monday. yesterday’s violation,” said Joseph. vexed issue,” Chandy said. ern Hill University (NEHU), Shil- operation on Monday night in the done paragliding for five days at Kerala’s Water Resources Bijimol then asked if filing of “We even suggested that we long, and the principal of Kohima coastal village of Arambol, popu- the same beach village of Aram- Minister P J Joseph said the a petition in the Supreme Court are prepared to build a new dam College produced Zeliang’s educa- lar with Russian tourists, said bol, 40km from Panaji. issue would be taken up with the would help allay fears of people downstream, but it too has not tional qualification. police inspector Devendra Gad. During his interrogation, Ash- prime minister during a meeting living in and around Idukki dis- gone forward. Our stand has The court noted: “The records “The arrested duo was carrying faque revealed to the Bengaluru in Delhi soon. trict. always been ‘water for Tamil show that Zeliang appeared in out paragliding operations with- police that he had undertaken the CPI’s Idukki legislator E K Biji- “The Kerala government’s cal- Nadu and safety for Kerala’. BA (Bachelor of Arts) exam in out requisite permissions. One paragliding training in November mol sought to move an adjourn- lous attitude is allowing Tamil There has been no laxity on our 1979, bearing roll number 598, but other foreigner, who was film- 2013 and hinted at a possible aer- ment motion in the assembly on Nadu officials to break the law part,” the chief minister said. failed in all subjects. “ ing the police raid, is missing. ial terror attack in the country. the issue of the dam. In reply, and do whatever suits them, We believe he too was part of the Joseph said the apex court- without taking our officials into IANS IANS illegal paragliding set-up at Keri- IANS

Brass band Dutt to be freed Karnataka Lokayukta quits over from jail by March 7, 2016 bribery charge against son PUNE: Incarcerated Bollywood BENGALURU: Bowing to public till the communique was issued. extortion and blackmailing of actor Sanjay Dutt, whose five- and political pressure, Karnataka Rao resigned after proceeding scores of unnamed officials over year sentence for his involvement Lokayukta Justice Y Bhaskar on leave for over 120 days since the last couple of years. in the 1993 Mumbai serial blasts Rao resigned five months after the special investigation team The state government had set was confirmed by the Supreme the watchdog’s police charged his (SIT) arrested Ashwin on July up the SIT in June after the oppo- Court in March 2013, will be son Y Ashwin Rao with seeking 27 in Hyderabad and remanded sition BJP and Janata Dal-Secular freed from prison by March 7, bribe from state government offi- him to judicial custody in the city.. (JD-S), advocates’ associations, 2016, official sources said here cials. According to a Raj Bhavan The legislative assembly also civic activists and NGOs sought yesterday. communique yesterday, Governor adopted an opposition motion on Bhaskar Rao’s resignation over The sources indicated that bar- Vajubhai R Vala accepted Rao’s November 28 for Bhaskar Rao’s the alleged bribery scandal in ring last-minute glitches, Sanjay resignation with immediate effect. removal on the charges that he the very institution that was set would be released by March 7 Though there was speculation had “abetted” his son in indulg- up over three decades ago (1984) after completing the remaining Members of a brass band wait before a wedding procession in Mumbai that Rao had put in his papers ing in graft and also did not to fight corruption in the state 42-month period of his sentence. yesterday. An important feature of wedding celebrations is the procession last Monday, there was no official act against some officials of the administrative machinery. Dutt was acquitted of terror from the groom’s house to the bride’s house, accompanied by lights, confirmation from Raj Bhavan watchdog whom the SIT booked charges under the TADA, but music and a brass band. A typical band has five to twenty members, or the state government about it and arrested for resorting to IANS found guilty of possessing illegal depending on the size of the wedding procession. arms, acquired ostensibly to pro- tect his family during the com- munal conflagration that engulfed Mumbai after the demolition of the Babri Mosque on December I need not prove my secular credentials: Shah Rukh Khan 6, 1992. Following the apex court orders, NEW DELHI: Shah Rukh Khan to move forward, we should not face a similar problem after he that. But that is very rare. In most angle can someone justify himself his bail was cancelled and he was got embroiled in the “extreme keep such things in our mind shared that his wife had suggested of the cases, people don’t invite me to be more patriotic? There is no ordered to surrender within four intolerance” debate in the coun- like sex differentiation, whether they leave the country. for discussion on serious topics. logic behind that. We suddenly weeks, which he complied with on try after he expressed his views the person is fair or dark, which The controversy was revisited But it is not required to discuss start shouting that I am more May 16, 2013 and was lodged in about the prevailing situation in religion the person belongs to, by VHP leader Sadhvi Prachi yes- on such topics during films and patriotic than you. Actually, we Arthur Road Central Jail. the country, but the superstar which region the person hails terday when she attacked Shah birthday. all are patriotic.” A week later, he was shifted to says there is no need for him to from or which caste the person Rukh and Aamir saying they are “Because the platform is not Talking about Narendra Modi’s the Yeravada Central Jail, Pune, prove his “secular” credentials. belongs to.” Shah Rukh’s com- “tarnishing” the image of India correct. When I speak in such government, Shah Rukh heaped where he has been lodged since Asked about the debate, the ment on “extreme intolerance” with their comments on intoler- programmes, people take my half praise on the prime minister. then and has earned the repu- Bollywood “Badshah” said in an in India last month landed him ance. words and they are placed in a “I think the developmental tation of being a well-behaved interview to ETV channel: “I really in a soup, with leading BJP MP Shah Rukh feels there is no end different context. So, I think it clause of his governance is fantas- inmate. He had already served don’t know anything about this. I Yogi Adityanath comparing to such “things”, and he has made is better that actors on acting tic. I am all for modernness and 18 months as an undertrial and speak straight-forward, clear-cut him to Pakistani terrorist Hafiz a resolution — to talk about acting platform should talk about act- development. And it will be fan- was required to undergo another and good things whenever I speak. Saeed, and another Hindutva and films only. ing and films only,” said Khan. tastic if he takes it up and makes 42 months, which is now on the And I feel I need not prove myself proponent, Sadhvi Prachi, dub- “I have decided, I will discuss He added, “If someone tells me it for the whole country,” he said. verge of completion. secular.” bing the actor a “Pakistani agent”. serious topics on a platform where that he is more patriotic than me, IANS “The logic is that if we want Superstar Aamir Khan had to I would be invited to discuss on then he is stupid. From which IANS WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 EUROPE / AMERICAS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 17 Outrage as Trump calls to bar Muslims Comment by Republican presidential candidate draws international condemnation from London to Cairo

WASHINGTON: A firestorm erupted ing Trump’s campaign slogan — “make “I know a lot of Republican candidates yesterday over Donald Trump’s call for America great again.” are jumping on Trump about his latest a ban on Muslims entering the United “And do you know how you make comments, but a lot of Republican candi- States as religious leaders, the White America great again?” asked Graham, dates have really been using similar type House and his rivals on the presiden- who is lagging badly in the nomination of rhetoric throughout the election cycle tial campaign roundly condemned the race. as well,” he told CNN. proposal. “Tell Donald Trump to go to hell.” Nihad Awad, executive director of the The leading candidate for the Repub- Other Republican contenders including Council on American-Islamic Relations, lican presidential nomination made the Marco Rubio, John Kasich, Chris Chris- added: “Donald Trump sounds more like provocative remarks — just his latest on tie and Jeb Bush, as well as Republican a leader of a lynch mob than a great a range of topics on the campaign trail House Speaker Paul Ryan, also rejected nation like ours.” — after last week’s shooting that left 14 Trump’s proposal. But Trump was characteristically dead in California by a Muslim couple Hillary Clinton, the Democratic presi- unrepentant yesterday, comparing the said to have been radicalised. dential frontrunner, tweeted: “Declar- proposed ban to “presidential proclama- In a rare primetime speech to the ing war on Islam or demonising Muslim tions” made by Franklin D Roosevelt nation from the Oval Office on Sun- Americans is not only counter to our during World War II. day, President Barack Obama called the values — it plays right into the hands of Asked in an interview on MSNBC’s attack in San Bernardino an “act of ter- terrorists.” “Morning Joe” programme if his proposal rorism” and vowed to defeat extremism, And Rick Kriseman, the Democratic went against treasured American values, but also stressed that it was not “a war mayor of Saint Petersburg, Florida, he responded: “No, because FDR did it!” between America and Islam.” tweeted: “I am hereby barring Donald But that failed to quell the firestorm, Less than 24 hours later, Trump’s bom- Trump from entering St Petersburg until with Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder who bastic bid for the White House plumbed we fully understand the dangerous threat also set up the space company Blue Ori- what critics called a new low and trig- posed by all Trumps.” gin, tweeting: “Will still reserve him a gered calls for him to be barred from Muslim leaders in the United States seat on the Blue Origin rocket. #send- taking power after he urged a “total and US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump points to a supporter at a Pearl Harbour also hit out at Trump. Donaldtospace.” complete shutdown of Muslims enter- Day rally in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina. Sohaib Sultan, Muslim Life Coordina- The British government also weighed ing the United States until our country’s tor and Chaplain at Princeton University, in. Prime Minister David Cameron “com- representatives can figure out what is was scathing, drawing parallels between pletely disagrees” with the remarks, going on.” attacks on September 11, 2001. House in 2016. Senator Lindsey Graham Trump and the radical ideology of the which are “divisive, unhelpful and quite In a speech late Monday, the 69-year- His comments were condemned by branded the remarks “un-American” Islamic State group. simply wrong,” a spokeswoman for the old billionaire real estate mogul and real- the White House as “totally contrary” to and said Trump was only fueling radi- “ISIS is to Islam what Donald Trump Conservative leader said. ity television star doubled down on his American values and similarly slammed cal Islam. is to American values: a complete distor- In Geneva, the United Nations refugee initial statement. as far afield as London and Cairo, where Trump was the “ISIL man of the year,” tion of everything that we as a country agency — though not directly respond- “We have no choice,” Trump said, say- Egypt’s official religious body Dar Al Iftaa said Graham, referring to the extremist and a society stand for.” ing to Trump’s remarks — warned that ing that Islamist radicals want to kill denounced them as “extremist and rac- Islamic State group. He added: “I think he’s clearly disquali- rhetoric in the US presidential campaign Americans. ist.” “Do you know how you win this war? fied himself from being the president of was threatening a key refugee resettle- “It’s going to get worse and worse. The strongest reaction came in the You side with people in the faith who the United States.” ment programme in the United States. We’re going to have more World Trade United States, including from Trump’s reject this ideology, which is 99 per- But Sultan also lambasted other Centers,” he said, referring to the deadly rivals in the race to run for the White cent,” Graham told CNN, before invok- Republicans. AFP

Bid to lower UK voting age EU nations weigh proposal to patrol Greek borders BRUSSELS: Germany and ernments and migrants to follow The proposals by Cazeneuve France have proposed giving policy set in Brussels. and de Maiziere, who also said for referendum an EU border force the power “In exceptional circumstances, Italy and Greece must keep all — in theory at least — to patrol Frontex should be able to deploy migrants in “reception centres” defeated Greece’s frontiers uninvited by rapid reaction teams to the fron- for “as long as necessary” to check Athens in the latest sign of hard- tiers on its own initiative and their claims, were made on a day LONDON: Britain’s Lower ening attitudes towards solving under its own responsibility,” when Athens was under huge House of parliament voted yes- Europe’s migration crisis. the French and German interior pressure to invite Frontex forces terday against reducing the vot- The proposal, in a letter sent ministers, Bernard Cazeneuve in or face being effectively sus- ing age for a referendum on EU last week to the EU executive in and Thomas de Maiziere, wrote pended from the Schengen zone. membership, blocking a move Brussels and seen by Reuters yes- to the European Commission last The Greek government finally that might have boosted the cam- terday, would in principle apply Thursday. agreed to accept EU help on the paign to stay in the 28-member to any member state, not just Frontex is the EU agency that eve of a meeting of EU interior bloc. Greece. But it is driven by frus- coordinates border management. ministers on Friday. Lawmakers voted 303 to 253 tration that Greek failure to con- The Commission is likely to put However, Prime Minister to reject a move by the upper trol large numbers arriving by sea forward such a plan next week, Alexis Tsipras, a leftist who has chamber, the House of Lords, to is putting the EU’s open-borders EU officials say, as part of a pack- had tumultuous relations with the A man sits on rail tracks as migrants and refugees wait to cross the Greek- lower the voting age to 16 from 18 Schengen zone at risk. age of measures on December 15. EU over Greece’s debt crisis and Macedonian border near Idomeni yesterday. for the referendum which Prime EU leaders, struggling for unity It would include a new European who rules in coalition with right- Minister David Cameron has and facing competing pressures at Border and Coastguard Agency wing nationalists, insists that following an EU deal with Ankara be feasible without the level of promised by the end of 2017. home, will again discuss the cri- which could be deployed without national law prevents Frontex to help keep Syrian refugees in Greek cooperation that is needed The Lords is now unlikely to be sis at a summit on December 17. a request from the state in ques- patrolling Greek frontiers. Turkey. The focus of EU concern for Frontex to work on land. able to force through the change Diplomats expect calls for more tion. Frontex currently needs an Athens has also been sceptical is the sea between Greece and after the Commons speaker coercive pressure on both gov- invitation. about cooperation with Turkey Turkey where naval patrols might REUTERS invoked “financial privilege”, which means that by convention the Upper House should not over- turn the Lower House’s decision. Some lawmakers in favour of lowering the age said 16 and 17-year-olds should be able to Rousseff loses V-P’s support vote because they would have to live with the referendum’s conse- quences which could curtail their freedom of movement and compli- in impeachment battle cate working in the bloc. “The chance to extend the BRASÍLIA: Brazilian President PMDB to survive an impeach- president. The turmoil has franchise for the EU referendum Dilma Rousseff was left fighting ment vote when the commission alarmed markets in the world’s to 16 and 17 year olds would have for her political life yesterday sends the case to the full Lower seventh biggest economy, which led to a more democratic and a after the vice president, leader House of Congress. is already suffering from reces- more engaging campaign,” said of the main party in the coalition However, those calculations sion and a huge corruption scan- Stephen Gethins, the European government, indicated he may were thrown into doubt with the dal centred on state oil company affairs spokesman for the opposi- side with opponents in the battle publication overnight of an angry Petrobras. Andre Perfeito, chief tion Scottish National Party. over her impeachment. letter from PMDB leader and economist at Gradual Investi- “Today has put a stop to that Backroom dealing intensified in Vice President Michel Temer in mentos, said the “climate of war” hope,” he said, calling Scotland’s the capital Brasilia with Congress which he all but announced their suggested that “the impeachment move to allow such teenagers to expected to complete the forma- political divorce. process... will drag out for longer vote in its referendum on inde- tion of the special commission Temer told the president that than initially thought.” pendence last year “a fantastic that will recommend pursuing or during her first term in office “In the letter divulged yes- success” for allowing more people rejecting the case against Rouss- starting in 2011 he was reduced terday by Vice President Michel a taste of democracy. eff. The commission will then hear to a “decorative” role and that Temer, we clearly see that there is from Rousseff. She is accused of she has shown an “absolute lack not much more room for coopera- REUTERS illegal budgeting manoeuvres, of confidence” in him. tion” with Rousseff. but says the practices were long The letter stops short of declar- Although Rousseff has given no Embarrassment accepted by previous governments ing support for her impeachment, public reaction, Globo newspaper and that the attempt to bring her but neither does Temer give her columnist Gerson Camarotti said for Croatian official down is a “coup.” his backing, strongly indicating “the government’s interpretation On paper, Rousseff has the that the PMDB is eying a split. is that Temer’s letter was a dec- ZAGREB: The head of Croatia’s Brazil’s President Dilma Rousseff rides her bicycle near the Alvorada Palace numbers between her Workers’ If Rousseff is forced from office, laration of a split.” leading rights group was left red- in Brasilia yesterday. Party and main coalition ally Temer would become interim AFP faced yesterday after his trousers fell down during a photoshoot with President Kolinda Grabar- Kitarovic. Ivan Zvonimir Cicak, who heads the Croatian Helsinki Venezuelan opposition celebrates victory after Socialist rout Committee for Human Rights, was proudly posing in the front CARACAS: Venezuelan opposi- trol of the National Assembly in ist party. Then yesterday a sen- tion in congress could call a ref- country,” he told a news confer- row for a photo with the presi- tion leaders said yesterday they elections Sunday. ior opposition leader, Henrique erendum, launch constitutional ence. Sunday’s election was a dra- dent when his trousers suddenly won a two-thirds majority in the Supporters of the opposition Capriles, said on Twitter the reforms, replace senior judges matic blow for Maduro and the dropped to his ankles. legislature, which could challenge coalition MUD let off fireworks MUD “obtained a qualified major- and even take measures to try socialist “revolution” launched in Luckily, Grabar-Kitarovic President Nicolas Maduro’s grip and danced in the street as the ity” with 112 of the 167 seats in to depose Maduro. “That is not 1999 by his late predecessor Hugo was holding a large award in her on power in the oil-rich but crisis- latest results of the vote came out the National Assembly. our priority,” said MUD leader Chavez. Venezuela has the world’s hands which slightly helped pre- hit nation. late Monday. The results for two other seats Jesus Torrealba. “Our priority is biggest oil reserves, which Chavez serve Cicak’s dignity. Analysts warn a tough political The state electoral board said had yet to be finalised. national reconciliation and sec- and Maduro used to fund social struggle lies ahead after Maduro’s the MUD had 110 seats, with If the electoral board confirms ondly dealing with the economic welfare programmes. AFP rivals broke his side’s 16-year con- 55 for Maduro’s PSUV social- the 112-seat majority, the opposi- and social emergency in this AFP WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 18 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com FEATURES Technology is helping Daily exercise boosts end food waste issue brain power: Study earning, memory, and brain repair depend on the ability of our By Terrence McCoy someone else in the network picks neurons to change with experiencen says a new study. it up and puts it to use. So far, the L Researchers in Italy concluded following a study that exercise ne of the most profound database has saved an estimated may enhance the essential plasticity of the adult brain. contradictions of mod- two tonnes of food. “We provide the first demonstration that moderate levels of physical ern America is that L’Oréal Paris has since lauded activity enhance neuroplasticity in the visual cortex of adult humans,” Omore than 45 million the program, last week naming said Claudia Lunghi from the University of Pisa in Italy. Americans don’t have enough to Belding one of its 10 women of “By showing that moderate levels of physical activity can boost the eat, but the country wastes an esti- worth. So has Arianna Huffington. plastic potential of the adult visual cortex, our results pave the way mated 40 percent of its food. And experts agree programs like to the development of non-invasive therapeutic strategies exploiting The forces fueling this para- the interactive MEANS website, the intrinsic brain plasticity in dox are complex: Grocery stores which stands for Matches Excess MEANS Database’s Maria Rose Belding, co-founder and executive director, adult subjects,” Lunghi added. think they’ll assume legal liability and Need for Stability, can close right, along with Grant Nelson, chief operating officer. Brain plasticity is generally in donating food. Farmers allow lapses in communication between thought to decline with age. edible, but homely fruit to rot in pantries. program co-founder, had experi- “We were kind of desperate,” This decline in the brain’s flex- fear it won’t sell. Bananas blacken Emergency food centers have ence with building programs. So said Stephanie Shallah, an offi- ibility over time is especially on all our shelves. long been the last stop for what- she asked him if he could help. cial with the District’s So Others pronounced in the sensory But the reasons behind this ever’s lurking in the back of He wasn’t sure he wanted to. “I Might Eat who had posted the brain, which displays far less waste didn’t feel so complex to a America’s cupboards. And so, said, ‘Phones exist. Emails exist. item. “Beans come so often to me plasticity in adults than in teenage girl named Maria Rose people donate an endless supply Twitter exists. Facebook exists. that I didn’t think anyone would younger people. Belding on a chilly Iowa day five of near-expired creamed corn, What could we possibly build that want them. So I said, ‘I’m going to The findings focused on the years ago. beans and Honeybuns. The excess would be slicker for all of the food just post it and see what happens.’ visual cortex come as hopeful Belding, then a volunteer at a of product often expires on the banks and food pantries to com- I said, ‘I have nothing to lose.’” She news for people with conditions local food pantry in Pella, had just shelf and gets thrown out. Or it municate with each other that isn’t said a Landover pantry servicing a including amblyopia (some- thrown out hundreds of boxes of clutters the pantry so much that already solved by something else?’” large Hispanic population took it. times called lazy eye), trau- expired mac and cheese in front of non-profits can’t accept premium In the end, he helped anyway. It Things then happened very matic brain injury, and more. numerous people lining up outside donations that could immediately took more than a year. In February, quickly for MEANS. The organi- The researchers measured to collect food. service a community. the website launched. zation now commands a staff of the residual plastic potential Brazilian soccer star Ronaldo excercises “We were throwing away all of “It’s very common for grocers Months passed. In May, Belding several programmers paid through of the adult visual cortex in at a gym in Sao Paulo, Brazil. this food just because we couldn’t to give poorly selling products in was sitting in class when she saw grant money and even a few humans using a simple test of communicate,” Belding, then a bulk to emergency food providers,” one of their nascent users had interns whom Belding concedes binocular rivalry. freshman in high school, remem- Belding said. “That’s just fine. But posted an item to the site. This was are older than she. The number In the new study, the researchers put 20 adults through a test twice; bers venting that day. That frus- when you get 400 jars of peanut the moment, she realized, when of members on the site has grown in first test, participants with one eye patched watched a movie while tration would ultimately lead the butter and you have two weeks to the project would either succeed from around 50 larger food banks relaxing in a chair. In the other test, participants with one eye patched American University sophomore to get rid of them and serve 100 peo- or fail. A sense of panic seized her in June to more than 200, open- exercised on a stationary bike for ten-minute intervals during the movie. develop a groundbreaking innova- ple a month, total, and only dis- when she saw someone was giving ing up a network of thousands of The results were clear: brain plasticity was enhanced by the exercise. tion in the long — and often inef- tribute four times a month, that away assorted varieties of canned smaller-shop pantries that work “We found that if, during the two hours of eye patching, the subject ficient — war on hunger. rapidly becomes a problem.” beans. “They’re like the off-brand under the umbrella of those banks. intermittently cycles, the perceptual effect of eye patching on binocular After years of research, Belding, Belding thought she might Mountain Dew in the food world,” But there’s still a lot of work to rivalry is stronger compared to a condition in which, during the two 20, has founded a online network be onto something. In her mind, Belding said. “You’ll take it only if do, Belding said. There are still hours of patching, the subject watches a movie while sitting on a chair. that connects thousands of food there was clear need for a net- you have no other option. . . . So we 26 states that remain untapped. Exercise plays an important role in brain health and recovery. They pantries in 24 states, allowing work. And so, at the beginning of were all anxiously sitting by our There’s still the world. Belding said come as especially good news for people with amblyopia, which is gen- them to quickly share surplus food her freshman year, she got talk- computers hitting refresh, and I she had more calls to make. More erally considered to be untreatable in adults. that might have otherwise gone to ing with Grant Nelson. Nelson, said, ‘Please, someone take this.’ connections to forge. The study was published in the Cell Press journal Current Biology. waste. Pantries simply post their now a third-year law student at And then, it’s gone. It just disap- excess food to the program — and George Washington University and peared. . . . The beans had moved.” THE WASHINGTON POST IANS

McDonald’s marks 20 years of operations in Qatar cDonald’s Qatar is celebrating well as a host of engaging activities for Director, Al Mana Restaurant & Food 20 years of successful presence, the entire family such as games, competi- Company, said: “For the past 20 years Mexpansion and recognition in tions ranging from different booth gamed we have continuously strived to serve the country, through a range of interac- up to many side games. McDonald’s loved high quality food, and deliver an unpar- tive and fun activities planned for the characters will also be present to con- alleled customer experience that makes whole month of December 2015. tribute to the excitement and distribute every trip of theirs better than before. To mark the special occasion, special gifts and giveaways to children, Our journey in Qatar has been exciting McDonald’s Qatar will celebrate the “20 adding to the festivities and making it from the first day, and we look forward years and still lovin it” event at the Al even more memorable. to introducing even more innovative and Sadd outlet, the first McDonald’s res- Additionally, McDonald’s Qatar also service oriented features that will fur- taurant in Qatar that opened in 1995. invites all customers celebrating their ther strengthen our market position. We Commonly known as McDonald’s Suhaim 20th birthday in December 2015 to visit look forward to celebrating this landmark Bin Hamad, the outlet still remains one any branch within Qatar and receive occasion with all our loyal patrons and of the most popular McDonald’s restau- a complimentary “Big Mac Sandwich” employees, who we owe a lot of our suc- rants in Doha. on presentation of a valid identifica- cess to.” The special event is open to customers tion card, and also enjoy the various McDonald’s Qatar currently oper- and residents of the neighbourhood, who activities scheduled at the outlet. The ates over 30 restaurants in Qatar and are all invited to participate in the fun- activation is valid on December 13, employs over 1000 people from 20 differ- filled activities. The two day event will 2015 only. ent countries. include various acts and attractions, as Kamal Saleh Al Mana, Managing THE PENINSULA New Barbie doll honours ‘Selma’ director Ava DuVernay

By Justin Wm Moyer encourage powerful female role models who are leav- As the Wrap reported, the original plan was to ing a legacy for the next generation of glass ceiling make just one doll per woman that would then be hough famously snubbed for Best Director at breakers.” auctioned off to charity. But DuVernay’s fans suc- Oscar time, filmmaker Ava DuVernay and her The other Sheroes, according to Barbie’s cessfully campaigned to have hers mass-produced; Totherwise Academy Award winning “Selma” statement: DuVernay will donate any proceeds. made history last year. DuVernay wasn’t just the first Emmy Rossum: Golden Globe nominated actress Barbie has long been a target among some who African American woman to direct a movie nomi- and spokesperson for Best Friends Animal Society, worry the dolls negatively impact girls’ self-percep- nated for Best Picture; she helmed what is arguably the only national animal welfare organisation dedi- tion, particularly when it comes to body image. One the highest-profile film about Martin Luther King cated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and 2006 study, for example, found that “girls exposed Jr to date. cats in America’s shelters and a leader in the no-kill to Barbie reported lower body esteem and greater But there is always another mountain to climb. movement. desire for a thinner body shape than girls in the DuVernay announced that a Barbie Doll made in Eva Chen: Breaking boundaries by bringing inspi- other exposure conditions” (though, in the case of her image will go on sale on Monday - and, despite ration to print as the youngest appointed female this study, that effect faded with time). One Twitter Barbie’s bad name among some concerned about Editor-in-Chief of a national fashion magazine, user went so far as to ask whether DuVernay-Barbie how the dolls affect young girls, the director and Lucky. was suspiciously slimmer than DuVernay. her fans are psyched. Kristin Chenoweth: An inspiration on Broadway “Mattel’s tag line says one thing, but its product “Wild (plus) wonderful,” DuVernay tweeted. and beyond, the Emmy and Tony Award nominee sends a different message: Be anything you want “Am I too old to put this on my Santa list?” one and winner also founded the Kristin Chenoweth Art to be,” Marianne Cooper wrote in the Atlantic in a Twitter user wondered. & Education Fund volunteering with young talent piece called “Yes, Even Doctor Barbie Sends Girls DuVernay’s Barbie has been in the works for some in the arts. the Wrong Message.” “Just be sure to look beautiful time. The doll, part of Barbie’s “Sheroes” line, was Sydney “Mayhem” Keiser: Five year-old fashion and sexy doing it. Spend a lot of time thinking about announced this past spring. designer with work appearing in Vogue and signed what you look like and always monitor how much “Barbie has always represented that girls have on with major national fashion brand, J.Crew, for you eat. This may mean you accomplish less in your choices, and this Spring we are proud to honor six the collection “Little Mayhem for J.Crew” launch- life. But for a girl, having other people think you Sheroes who through their trade and philanthropic ing in June. are attractive is a really important goal.” But in an efforts are an inspiration to girls,” said Evelyn Trisha Yearwood: A woman with many super industry that often seems to willfully ignore women Mazzocco, Barbie’s general manager, said at the time. powers, succeeding as an award-winning country of colour - as producer Effie Brown’s misadventures “Started by a female entrepreneur and mother, this artist, best-selling author, Food Network host and on the recent season of “Project Greenlight” showed brand has a responsibility to continue to honor and entrepreneur. - maybe a little bit of visibility is worth other, less

well-defined risks. After all, the DuVernay Barbie comes with a director’s chair. “The honor is well deserved!” Bossip wrote. “Congratulations Ava!”

THE WASHINGTON POST

WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 20 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MORNING BREAK

Prayer Timings Weather Slight dust and partly Fajr 04.46 am Zuhr 11.26 am Maghrib 04.46 pm Minimum: 14o C Maximum: 21o C cloudy becomes cold Shorook 06.08 am Asr 02.25 pm Isha 06.16 pm HIGH TIDE 04:15 - 14:30LOW TIDE 10:30 - 21:15 by night. Russia opens marathon reading of War and Peace

MOSCOW: Russia yesterday bulletins, urged listeners to phone lengthy battle scenes and reams began a 60-hour marathon broad- in to talk about their favourite of dialogue in French, Tolstoy’s cast during which celebrities and character. novel completed in 1869 is one members of the public are read- “My favourite character is of the most challenging in world ing aloud the whole of Leo Tol- Natasha Rostova, because like literature. stoy’s sprawling novel War and me, she made her own journey Nevertheless the book is con- Peace. from a thoughtless young girl sidered so vital to the Russian A total of 1,300 readers includ- to a mother of a family who has national identity that it is com- ing actors, politicians, sports learnt how to be happy,” said one pulsory reading for students aged figures and ordinary people are listener, 35-year-old Anastasia, 15 or 16. taking part in the reading, which referring to one of the novel’s Many Russians are also famil- began at 10am (0700 GMT) with main heroines. iar with Sergei Bondarchuk’s Alisa Freindlikh, a prominent The project’s website includes Soviet film version that won an film and theatre actress, reading an interactive map of the rela- Oscar in 1969 and is being shown the first passage. tionships between the charac- again on state television to coin- Other readers include cos- ters, such as “love”, “conflict” and cide with the reading. monaut Sergei Volkov from the “marriage”. The chart changes to The BBC is making a new tel- International Space Station and reflect events in each section of evision series of War and Peace French actress Fanny Ardant. the novel. set to air in January, starring Paul The reading of the four-volume The readings are taking place Dano and Lily James and written novel set during Napoleon’s 1812 in locations across Russia includ- by Andrew Davies. Some of the invasion of Russia is being broad- ing Tolstoy’s country estate in filming took place in Russia. cast live on national television Yasnaya Polyana south of Moscow A similar online project earlier and radio as well as on a special where he wrote much of the novel, this year was devoted to Anton website, voinaimir.com, and on as well as in various cities such as Chekhov, titled “Chekhov Is Cosmonaut Sergei Volkov is reading part of the novel from the International popular social networking site Leo Tolstoy the Chechen capital Grozny and Alive!” to mark the 125th anni- Vkontakte. Vladivostok in the far east. Space Station. versary of his birth. “Tolstoy draws together our Some also are reading extracts More than 700 people read whole country, no less than the speaking to the RIA Novosti news abroad, from cities including embankment opposite the Houses The marathon reading, part from his works including his play state border or our single cur- agency. Vienna and London, where televi- of Parliament. of Russia’s Year of Literature, is The Seagull. Google was one of the rency,” said television presenter The Mayak radio station, which sion special correspondent Alex- Some are reading from well- set to run until Friday, getting organisers and the readings were Fyokla Tolstaya, the novelist’s has given over its entire schedule ander Khabarov on Monday read thumbed hardbacks, but many through one volume per day. shown on YouTube. great-great-granddaughter, to the novel except for short news his segment while standing on the have chosen electronic readers. With its multiple characters, AFP

Lions made famous on TV poisoned in Kenya

NAIROBI: Eight members of a pride of lions that fea- tured in a popular wildlife documentary series have been poisoned in Kenya’s Masai Mara reserve. Two lions from the Marsh Pride — stars of the BBC’s long-running Big Cat Diary series — died after eating a poisoned cow carcass on Saturday night. One more is missing and at least five are being treated by vets, a conservation group and a BBC wildlife crew at the scene said. “I am sick to the heart to hear of the poisoning of the Marsh Pride lions, and horrified to think of the pain they suffered as they died,” said Saba Douglas- Hamilton, a Kenyan conservationist and television pre- senter who worked on Big Cat Diary. Jonathan Scott, a zoologist and one of the show’s original presenters who has been following the Marsh Pride for nearly 40 years, lamented the poisoning as the “end of an era”. Among the dead lions was 17-year old female Bibi, who had become something of a celebrity during the TV series’ long and hugely popular run from 1996-2008. The BBC crew said Bibi was found “lying on her side, foaming at the mouth, fitting and panting” before she died. Conservationists first noticed something was wrong on Sunday morning when some of the lions, “were acting strangely collapsing and suffering from spasms,” accord- ing to a statement from the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust which funds a mobile veterinary unit in the reserve. Local cattle-herders who frequently bring their ani- mals into the Masai Mara National Reserve to graze are suspected of the poisoning. Three men were due to be charged with poisoning the lions, according to the Kenya Wildlife Service, and could face a maximum 20m shilling ($196,000) fine or life imprisonment if found guilty. Man admits stealing Chinese TV star’s jewels in Copenhagen

COPENHAGEN: A Polish man yesterday admitted to stealing a safe full of jewels, watches and cash worth about $625,000 (¤575,000) from Chinese TV star Liu Tao, after breaking into her Copenhagen hotel room. The 33-year old man used “a metal tool” to break into the room at the First Hotel Kong Frederik in Copenhagen before leaving with the safe, Copenhagen police confirmed. At a custody hearing the man said he was “very ashamed” of what he did and that he had not been aware of who was staying in the room. Pleading guilty, he argued that there had been 1,900 kroner (¤255, $277) less in cash than stated in the indict- ment. The man was arrested in the southern port of Rodbyhavn as he prepared to board a ferry to Germany. Liu was in Denmark to work with Danish shoe brand Ecco, for which she does promotional work in China. The jewellery and watches “were not something she used in our photo shoot,” an Ecco spokeswoman said. Arsenic from Chilean mines found in Antarctica

SANTIAGO: Researchers in Antarctica have found ice with traces of arsenic that originated at copper mines in northern Chile, said a study released yesterday. Arsenic, a poisonous substance, is used in smelting cop- per and is often released into the air during processing. Scientists from Brazil’s Polar and Climate Center found it was then traveling more than 6,500km south to Ant- arctica, in a study due to be published in the journal Atmospheric Environment. The lead author of the study, geologist Franciele Schwanck, said the finding was less alarming for Ant- arctica than for Chile. AFP Wednesday 9 December 2015 27 Safar 1437 Volume 20 Number 6639 Price: QR2

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 44557741 | Advertising: 44557837 / 44557780 Brent oil falls PM to open Euromoney Conference today under $40 High-profile conference to examine ‘investing in new global landscape’ for first time DOHA: Top global bankers, fin- ing Supervision and Regulation, ing divergence between emerging, percent this year (down from anciers and economic experts will Board of Governors, Federal European and American econo- 2014’s 3.4 percent average), and attend the two-day ‘The Eurom- Reserve System. mies, we’ve seen strong demand with very different growth rates since 2009 oney Qatar Conference 2015’, The Euromoney Qatar Confer- for places. In particular, Qatar’s in the US, Europe and emerging which opens today. ence is one of the most important position as a hub of stability in markets. LONDON: Brent crude prices The Prime Minister and Inte- platforms for bringing national an increasing uncertain region The IMF has predicted that sank under $40 yesterday for the rior Minister H E Sheikh Abdul- finance leaders and international makes it an ideal venue for this the US economy will expand 2.6 first time in almost seven years, lah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al banking executives together, and conference.” percent in 2014 and 2.8 percent rocked by Opec’s recent deci- Thani will deliver the opening this year’s conference — held dur- Qatar’s ‘solid and strong’ mac- in 2015, while America’s employ- sion to maintain oil output levels address. ing a period of significant finan- roeconomic policy of diversifying ers have added nearly three mil- despite a chronic supply glut. The Premier’s address will be cial uncertainty — is being seen as its hydrocarbon-rich economy lion jobs this year. In contrast, Sentiment was also soured by followed by keynote speeches one of the most important organ- received positive feedback from the eurozone’s economy shrank weak demand growth, the strong and interviews with senior ised to date. the International Monetary Fund in 2012 and 2013, and grew less dollar and a broader collapse in Qatari leaders, including Minis- Richard Banks (pictured), in November 2015. The Ministry than 1 percent last year. entrepreneurship in Qatar, in other commodity markets. ter of Finance H E Ali Sherif Al Consulting Editor at Eurom- of Development Planning and For bankers looking to under- partnership with Qatar Devel- European benchmark oil con- Emadi, Minister of Information oney Conferences and Managing Statistics (MDPS) has predicted stand the trends driving this opment Bank. The session will tract Brent North Sea oil for and Communications Technology Director of RMBanks & Co Ltd, that the non-hydrocarbon sector apparent divergence, The Eurom- look at QDB’s model of small delivery in January tumbled to H E Dr Hessa Sultan Al Jaber, who is chairing both days, said: will grow faster than hydrocar- oney Qatar Conference is run- company growth and the ben- $39.81 per barrel — the lowest Qatar Financial Centre CEO “The Euromoney Qatar Confer- bons from 2015-2017. Non-hydro- ning special sessions looking at efits it provides for Qatar, as well point since February 2009. Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida and ence has traditionally served carbons contributed 62 percent of some of the key topics. Panels and as reviewing the broad range of “After the Opec decision — or Doha Bank CEO Dr R Seethara- as a meeting point for interna- the real gross domestic product workshops will be held on ‘Qatar’s incubators and programmes being should that be indecision — last man as well as global executives tional and regional financial lead- (GDP) in 2014, and their share of Strategy in a Changing World’, established to support the start- week, the question was not if but including International Finance ers, offering perspectives from the economy is likely to rise in an ‘Finance and Capital Markets in up and small business sector. rather when this would occur,” Corporation Vice-President across the industry and around era of low oil prices. Qatar’, ‘Technology and Finance’ The Peninsula is the editorial said ETX Capital analyst Daniel Dimitris Tsitsiragos, MI6 Former the world. This year, as leaders Qatar’s stability contrasts sig- and ‘The Energy Strategy.’ partner of the high-profile con- Sugarman, in reference to Brent’s Chief Sir John Scarlett and Sark- face up to some of the growing nificantly with the global picture, The Conference will also ference. latest slide below $40. isYoghourtdjian, Adviser, Bank- financial challenges and a widen- with global growth averaging 3.1 organise a special workshop on THE PENINSULA New York’s West Texas Inter- mediate for January also hit a similar low at $36.64 a barrel, having already breached $40 last week. Crude futures had also slumped after the Opec oil pro- Commercial QBA hosts visiting ducing cartel refused on Friday to slash record high output, in a Bank of Qatar market dogged by oversupply. Tunisian PM “If Brent holds below $40 a bar- rel, this would be another psycho- signs $1bn loan DOHA: The Qatari Businessmen Association (QBA) logical blow for the buyers, which yesterday hosted visiting Tunisian Prime Minis- could lead to further falls as the DOHA: The Commercial Bank ter Habib Essid and the delegation at the majlis of sellers grow more and more in of Qatar has signed a new $1bn Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al Thani. confidence,” added Gain Capital 3-year senior unsecured term The Tunisian delegation also included top govern- analyst Fawad Razaqzada. loan facility, which was syndi- ment officials and businessmen and businesswomen. “But oil prices have already cated to its main relationship At the event, Sheikh Dr Khalid, who is also the dropped very sharply in the space banks. The proceeds from the second deputy to the chairman of QBA, signed an of 2.5 trading days, so the selling facility paying a margin of 85 agreement with CONECT International, a global pressure could start to at least bps over LIBOR will be used to network for development of Tunisian companies. ease going into the second half of refinance existing indebtedness CONECT International’s President Monia Jeguirim the week.” (including prepayment of the Essadi signed the agreement on behalf of the organi- Traders meanwhile are look- 2-year tranche of $600m facility zation. QBA board members, including its first dep- ing ahead also to a meeting of the dated February 18, 2014) and for uty to the chairman Hussain Ibrahim Alfardan and US central bank’s Federal Open general corporate purposes. Tunisian Prime Minister Habib Essid (seventh left) and Sheikh Dr Khalid bin Thani bin Abdullah Al several Qatari businessmen attended the event. Market Committee (FOMC) next Citi and National Bank of Abu Thani (sixth left), Hussain Ibrahim Alfardan (eighth left) with other business leaders and officials week, amid expectations that it Dhabi PJSC acted as coordina- at the event in Doha yesterday. KAMMUTTY VP THE PENINSULA will announce its first interest tors for the facility, with Aus- rate hike in more than nine years. tralia and New Zealand Banking An interest rate increase typi- Group Limited, Bank of America cally boosts the dollar, which Merrill Lynch, Commerzbank would make dollar-priced oil Aktiengesellschaft, Filiale Lux- more expensive to holders of emburg, HSBC, Mizuho Bank, Ltd Qatar index dips to fresh two-year low on oil weaker currencies. Later on the and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Lon- day, at around 1530 GMT, Brent don Branch joining the syndicate trimmed its losses to trade at as Mandated Lead Arrangers and By Satish Kanady sectors were the worst hit. Bank- Qatar (IQ) plunged 4.94 percent. managed to demonstrate a consid- $40.28, down 45 cents from Mon- Bookrunners, Union National Bank ing major QNB tumbled 4.6 per- Qatar Gas Transport Co bucked erable resilience, erasing serious day’s close. WTI stood at $37.36 a PJSC as Lead Arranger and Doha DOHA: Oil worries hammered cent, while QIB and Masraf Al the trend, rising 1.5 percent. losses,” financial portal Mubasher barrel, down 29 cents. Bank, Lloyds Bank Plc – Finan- Qatari stocks yesterday, pushing Rayan plunged 4.27 percent and QE is expected to witness a quoted an analyst as saying. Meanwhile, the global com- cial Institutions, Morgan Stanley, down the bourse’s benchmark 4.62 percent, respectively. volatile performance and drops Elsewhere, Dubai’s index modities rout sent world stock Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corpo- index to a fresh two-year low. The selloff hit the energy for days or weeks, as investors’ dropped 3 percent and Abu Dhabi markets plunging, with mining ration and UniCredit Bank AG as Qatar’s benchmark index plum- sensitive stocks like Gulf Inter- psychological sentiment is affected stocks 2.4 percent, while Saudi’s companies under fierce pressure. Arrangers. The facility attracted meted 3.09 percent, or 321.96 national and MPHC hard. Gulf by reports about global oil prices index closed down 2.5 percent at Prices of key raw materials, a strong level of interest dur- points, to finish at 10,096.51. International, which was deleted and US interest rates. “The slight 6,991 points. Egyptian stocks fell notably oil and iron ore, crashed ing syndication and was upsized The heavy selloff by local retail from the MSCI Emerging Market falls by the main index in the past for a second day, declining 2.5 per- on demand fears, in particular from the original $800m launch investors sent the entire sector Index from this month, lost 3.52 few days were a result of external cent to 6,608 points. from the world’s second biggest amount. indexes, barring transportation, percent as MPHC fell 3.31 per- factors that are not related to the economy China. THE PENINSULA into red. Banking and Insurance cent. Industries major Industrial Qatari bourse, however, the index THE PENINSULA AFP Qatari entrepreneur develops unique pocket cheque printer

By Mohammad Shoeb ised by Qatar Business Incubation ner,” said Mohsin. “I have already Some of the other impressive sustainable way. It also aims to Centre. got the technology registered at business ideas showcased at the provide waste management solu- DOHA: A young Qatari entre- The smart and portable cheque the Ministry of Economy and event (held at QBIC’s headquar- tions to horse farms and produce preneur, Mohsin Hussain Al printer eliminates common mis- Commerce, and working on the ters in Industrial Area) were organic fertiliser by using the Shaikh (pictured), has devel- takes in formulating and filling file to apply seeking international ‘Prana Energy Stone’; ‘Entre- waste. oped a unique product named out personal details on cheques patent rights.” preneurs Marketing’; ‘SHOPPiN’; According to the founder of ‘Isse Pocket Cheque Printer’ and avoids the misplaced printing He said that the idea of devel- ‘Recycled Horse Bedding’ among the business idea, there are about which will address the hassle by existing printers. oping the technology came to his others. 3,500 horses in Qatar and the of filling multiple cheques with Apart from individual use, the mind when he had to fill over 30 The ‘SHOPPiN’ is a mobile number is still growing. same details and also completely product will find wide applica- cheques with almost same details application that aims to mini- Each horse consumes about eliminate possibility of their sub- tions, including in real estate to buy a property, and nearly 25 mise information gaps between 100kg of fodder per week, so a sequent rejection by banks. agencies, banks and other offices percent of them were rejected shop owners and customers about farm size of 100 horses will need The battery-run prototype, as they witness the rejection of due to some silly mistakes, which various ongoing sales promotions about 520 metric tonnes of fod- which can be easily carried out about 10 percent of circulated he eventually had to fill time and in different shopping centres. der per year. Therefore, the size inside the pocket of a jacket or a cheques on a daily basis. again. The product he has devel- The ‘Recycled Horse Bedding’ of the horse bedding and recycling hand purse, operates on a cutting- “The product will be the first oped is a low fidelity prototype is a business project that intends market is big enough to support edge software. of its kind in the market, as it and shared it with potential cus- to recycle horse bedding materials his project. provide ‘positive energy’ to their Mohsin was speaking to this replaces existing technologies tomers. As it is one of its kind in to provide better bedding facil- While ‘Prana Energy Stones’ wearer which helps achieve men- newspaper on the sidelines of the with a hand-held integrated the market, customers are willing ity for horses in Qatar in a more is a dedicated website that offer tal peace. recently-held ‘Demo Day’ organ- screen, a small printer and scan- to pay once it is produced. cost effective and environmentally a platform for trading stones that THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 22 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS Ooredoo signs Mideast oil producers’ deal for VAS balance sheets strong with Mahindra Comviva No crisis on the horizon, says HSBC chief economist DOHA: Mahindra Comviva, the global leader in providing By Sachin Kumar mobility solutions, yesterday announced its first ever strategic DOHA: The balance sheets of VAS business management deal the Middle East oil producers with Ooredoo Kuwait, one of the are strong enough to absorb the leading international communi- terms of trade shock, said Simon cations companies. Minister of Information and Communications Technology H E Dr Hessa Williams, Chief Economist, CEE- As part of the multi-year deal, Sultan Al Jaber with other officials at the RasGas headquarters. MEA, HSBC at the 18th Middle Mahindra Comviva will manage East Economist Roadshow. Ooredoo’s end-to-end VAS busi- The event aw discussion on the ness for premium services offering important global and regional such as SMS alerts, international trends shaping the Middle East’s credit transfer, OTT app aggrega- Developing people’s economies. tion, etc. “The balance sheets of the Mid- Under VAS business manage- dle East oil producers are strong ment, Mahindra Comviva will potential is key: Minister enough to absorb the terms of extend services such as campaign trade shock. However large the def- Simon Williams, Chief Economist, CEEMEA, HSBC at the 18th Middle East planning, product management, DOHA: Minister of Information erations, but also acts as a great icits may get, they are going to be roadmap planning, content opera- and Communications Technology reminder of how all industries are Economist Roadshow yesterday in Doha. funded. The dollar pegs are going tions and sourcing and setting up H E Dr Hessa Sultan Al Jaber united in the common goal of sup- to hold,” said Williams. “While innovation lab along with techni- shared her professional insights porting Qatar’s sustainable devel- there is no crisis on the horizon, yesterday for HSBC’s the road- given that it faces several crucial cal assistance and monitoring. with both current and future opment,” said Hamad Mubarak Al the terms of trade shock is too show. Each year, the roadshow self-imposed constraints that Atul Madan, Head of Digital industry leaders at RasGas’ Muhannadi, RasGas Chief Execu- large to ignore. Deficits approach- visits Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riy- make a large-scale expansion of Services at Mahindra Comviva Nationals’ Club event Tajrebaty. tive Officer. ing half a trillion dollars over 2015- adh, before making stops in Qatar, the quantitative easing (QE) pro- said, “We are extremely excited Dr Al Jaber said that develop- RasGas introduced the Nation- 17 mean that spending will be cut, Kuwait and Oman. gramme difficult. We see EUR- to extend our innovative value ing and enhancing the potential als’ Club as an investment in the interest rates will rise and growth “The start of a Fed (Federal USD at 1.20 by year-end 2016,” proposition to manage the Oore- and capabilities of people is at State’s main asset — people. will slow markedly,” he said. Reserve) tightening cycle will not he said. doo’s end-to-end VAS business in the heart of quality Qatarisation. Since its inception in 2014, the He said that Qatar is better be US dollar positive in our view. “The consensus in markets is Kuwait.” She has also emphasised on the Club has hosted regular quar- placed than other economies Like other countries that have for further Bank of Japan (BoJ) Mijbil Al Ayoub, Director, Cor- responsibility of each individual terly events, where notable guest to face the current volatility. had to quickly reverse their post- easing, given stubbornly low infla- porate Communications, Ooredoo towards their professional devel- speakers are invited to share their “The wealth that Qatar com- crisis rate hikes, the Fed’s cycle tion in Japan. However, we do not Kuwait, said, “We are happy to opment. knowledge and career insights mands leaves it better placed will likely be shorter than before. share this view, and think that be partnering with Mahindra She said, “We have come a long with an audience of over 150 fel- than many of its peers, but even If this is due to low inflation, the large-scale QE is reaching its Comviva as our VAS and mobile way in such a short period of low Qataris. here the downturn in activity USD should fall against both limits of effectiveness. This, com- content master aggregator and time, but there is still work to be These events are meant to be will be marked. Capital and cur- Emerging Market and Developed bined with technical and political primary partner. We look forward done. Your knowledge, skills and one of several platforms through rent spending growth will slow, Market FX,” said David Bloom, difficulties, means we see the BoJ to benefiting from their exper- commitment will continue to be which nationals convene to dis- investment in the energy sector Global Head of Foreign Exchange holding off on further easing,” said tise to help us boost our content- the key to building a sustainable cuss and play an active role will reverse, and the dollar-driven Strategy, HSBC. Bloom. “We therefore change our related revenue while maintaining future for Qatar and improving in meeting the challenges and appreciation of the currency will “So far, the ECB has success- USD-JPY forecasts, to 115 in Q4 utmost customer experience and the lives of all of our citizens.” demands of supporting a sustain- undermine competitiveness,” said fully managed to weaken the euro 2016, from 125,” he added. cost optimisation.” “Her Excellency’s presentation able future for the State. Williams. (EUR), but fighting any EUR- to RasGas’ Nationals not only More than 150 people gathered USD upside may be more difficult, THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA serves to inspire our younger gen- THE PENINSULA

PC market China imports and exports fall again in November

BEIJING: Chinese imports and ures were skewed by the Chinese Pritchard with research firm said in a report yesterday. ment towards a consumer-driven woes show exports both fell in November, New Year. Capital Economics in a note. Concerns have been mounting economy. But state intervention official data showed yesterday, Imports tumbled 8.7 percent The government has turned to among investors worldwide over struggled to halt a stock mar- the latest poor figures from the to $143.1bn — the 13th straight monetary loosening to stimulate China’s economy, which expanded ket rout this summer, increasing no sign of world’s second-largest economy. month of declines, but narrowing growth, cutting interest rates six 6.9 percent in the July-September doubts over policymakers’ ability The country is a key driver of significantly from an 18.8 percent times since November last year. period according to official figures to transition to a more market- global growth and its shipments slump in October. The figure was Louis Kuijs, an analyst with — its slowest rate since the after- based economy. easing of finished goods, along with its better than the 11.9 percent drop Oxford Economics, said the math of the global financial crisis. The trade surplus stood at demand for the resources to estimated in the survey. import figures indicated “a sta- But those statistics are widely $54.1 billion in November, down manufacture them, affect nations Analysts attributed the slower bilisation of domestic demand doubted and many analysts believe from $61.6bn recorded in October, SAN FRANCISCO: Global PC across the world. fall to Beijing’s monetary easing momentum”, while the exports the real rate of growth could be according to official figures. sales are still falling, and will Exports sank 6.8 percent year- policies and the slump in global data showed the competitiveness several percentage points lower. Foreign exchange reserves, the likely remain on the decline on-year to $197.2bn in Novem- commodity prices late last year, of Chinese manufacturers had Annual growth weakened to 7.3 world’s biggest, declined to $3.44 through 2016, a market tracker ber, Customs said — a marginal which lowered the basis for com- been undermined by rivals’ cur- percent last year, the slowest pace trillion last month, their lowest said yesterday. improvement on the previ- parison. rencies such as the euro and yen since 1990, as traditional drivers level in nearly three years, offi- The research firm IDC said it ous month, but worse than the “Although disappointing depreciating against the dollar. such as exports and investment cial data showed Monday, with expects worldwide personal com- five percent drop forecast in a exports data suggest that for- “China’s November export increasingly run out of steam. analysts blaming “record” capital puter sales to slide 10.1 percent in Bloomberg poll of economists. eign demand remains subdued, data suggest that global demand Analysts and Chinese politi- outflow on expectations the yuan, 2015 and predicted a 3.1 percent Overseas shipments have been a recovery in imports hints at a remains weak and Chinese manu- cians say the country needs to or Renminbi, will depreciate. drop for 2016, which would be a declining every month this year policy-driven pick-up in domes- facturing is feeling the brunt of rebalance away from reliance on fifth consecutive down year. except for February, when the fig- tic demand,” wrote Julian Evans- a relatively strong currency,” he exports and fixed-asset invest- AFP The market is “expected to sta- bilise by the end of 2016 and grow slightly” in the following three years, helped by replacement of older machines, IDC said. The market suffered a 2.1 per- CBI, NGI sign trade credit insurance Eurozone nations delay cent drop in 2014 after a 9.8 per- cent slump the prior year and a four percent dip in 2012. PC sales have been hit by a deal to protect non-payment risks financial transaction variety of factors including a shift to mobile devices like tablets and DOHA: Commercial Bank Inter- smartphones. national (CBI) and National Over the past year, a strong General Insurance Co (NGI), a tax deal until 2016 dollar and economic and politi- fully-accredited national insurer, cal turmoil in parts of the world. yesterday signed an agreement to BRUSSELS: Eurozone nations “The objective is to clarify all But over time, consumers and provide trade credit insurance as yesterday failed to secure a the open questions during the first enterprises will eventually need part of CBI’s receivable financ- deal on a controversial financial half of 2016 and then countries to upgrade their PCs and adopt ing services. The agreement is transactions tax but said they can decide if they want to stay the new Windows 10 operating backed by CofaceCredit Informa- aimed for an agreement in mid- on board or not,” said Finance system. tion Services (Coface). 2016 despite the furious opposi- Minister Hans-Joerg Schelling of “Despite the substantial shift in Under the terms of the agree- tion of Britain. Austria, the country leading the spending and usage models from ment, NGI will provide insurance The plan was first proposed in negotiations. PCs toward tablets and phones in protection for CBI’s trade prod- 2011 to force banks and invest- Supporters of the tax argue recent years, very few people are ucts, such as invoice discounting ment houses to pay for the it can help avoid a repeat of the giving up on their PC — they are and cheque discounting. This will excesses which led to the 2008 failings of the financial markets just making it last longer,” said provide CBI customers with addi- financial crash and the eurozone which plunged the world into cri- Loren Loverde, an IDC analyst. tional levels of protection against debt crisis but has been mired in sis in 2008. “To do nothing, we will Microsoft recently dropped non-payment risks. disagreements since. suffer the next major crisis,” said technical support for Windows Mark Robinson, CEO of CBI Yesterday, 10 eurozone coun- Wolfgang Schaeuble, Germany’s XP and will likely do so in the said: “Credit insurance-backed tries said that they had agreed influential finance minister. near future for Windows 7, which receivable financing is an essen- on fundamental aspects of the tax, The tax is backed by France, will force many users to upgrade. tial offering worldwide and we are Officials at the signing ceremony. but that Estonia had dropped out Germany, Austria, Belgium, “The free upgrade to Windows delighted to partner with NGI and they would not achieve their Greece, Italy, Portugal, Slovakia, 10 enables some users to postpone and Coface to offer this service original aim of implementing the Slovenia and Spain. an upgrade a little, but not indefi- here in the UAE. Protecting our Coface RE, as well as on the exten- also help mitigate risk.” tax by January 2016. Britain is vehemently opposed nitely,” Loverde said. exposures with such cover enables sive credit information knowledge Massimo Falcioni, CEO of “We are completely of the spirit to the tax as it fears it will apply “Some consumers will use a us to offer attractive financing of Coface Emirates Services, who Middle East Countries at Coface that a deal must be found before to transactions that originate in free OS upgrade to delay a new options for small and mid-sized will provide technical assistance, Emirates Services, said: “This next summer,” EU economic its City of London global financial PC purchase and test the tran- businesses in UAE.” including credit opinions and risk partnership enables Coface Emir- affairs commissioner Pierre Mos- hub, meaning for instance that a sition to Windows 10,” the IDC Dr Abdul Zahra Abdullah Ali, monitoring on the debtors.” ates Services to provide credit covici said after EU finance min- British bank trading with a Ger- analyst said. CEO of NGI, said: “We are very Satyajeet Roy, Head of Business opinion and information services isters met in Brussels. man bank would have those trans- However, the experience of excited to partner with CBI. This Banking at CBI, said: “We con- to CBI and NGI, allowing them to The proposed tax has strong actions taxed. Blocking the ability those customers may serve to receivable financing model provides tinue to support businesses in the make informed decisions to react backing from Germany and of eurozone members clubbing highlight what they are missing an innovative partnership to con- UAE by being a responsible lender faster to customers’ demands and France, the eurozone’s top eco- together and forcing decisions on by stretching the life of an older nect established banks with insur- and offering solutions to meet build up a competitive advantage nomic powers, but the talks have Britain has become a hot issue in PC, and we expect they will ulti- ance protection to ease corporate market demand. Coface Emir- by providing effective credit man- dragged on amid still unresolved the referendum on the UK’s mem- mately purchase a new device,” cash flow management. We will ates Services’ credit information agement information services.” quibbles over the scope of the tax, bership in the 28-member bloc to Loverde said. leverage on the solid reinsurance services will not only strengthen which financial products would be be held by 2017. AFP capacity of our French partner our client selection process but THE PENINSULA affected and at what rate. AFP WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 BUSINESS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 23 Qatargas presents JBOG at UN COP21 EY hosts Official highlighted role of JBOG project in minimising flaring at 6 LNG loading berths seminar

DOHA: Qatargas has presented berths in Ras Laffan Industrial built and is operated by Qatar- ing such low pressures and high its iconic environment project, City. The session was aimed at gas. It started operations in Octo- volumes. As part of the Common on IFRS the Jetty Boil-off Gas (JBOG) discussing the role of oil and ber 2014 and recently achieved Facilities at Ras Laffan Industrial Recovery Project, at COP21 UN gas technologies and research & a major milestone marking its City (RLIC), the JBOG facilityis DOHA: EY organised its Inter- Climate Change Conference, development in Gulf Cooperation 1000th loading, safely recovering led and operated by Qatargas on national Financial Reporting which is currently being held in Council as well as the OAPEC approximately 535,000 metric behalf of Qatar Petroleum and Standards (IFRS) update semi- Paris, showcasing Qatar’s mitiga- countries towards combating tonnes of LNG. the LNG producers in Qatar. It is nar specifically for banks and tion efforts to combat the effects the effects of Climate Change As the minus 160 degree cel- the biggest project of its kind and financial institutions at W Doha of climate change. and raise resilience for Response sius LNG is loaded onto the ships, one of the largest environmental Hotel in Qatar. The seminar was Attending a session on “Role of Measures. around 1 percent of the LNG investments in the world. attended by representatives from Oil & Gas Technology to address Al Muraikhi noted that this $ evaporates due to the difference Qatargas is committed to being the major banks and insurance Climate Change Challenges” 1bn environmental project will of temperature between the LNG a key contributor in the realisa- companies in Qatar. organised as part of the Arab result in a 90 per cent reduction, and the ship tank. JBOG collects tion of Qatar’s National Vision The two-day event brought par- Petroleum Exporting Countries equivalent to annual Green House the boil-off gas and transports it 2030 to have a proactive and ticipants up-to-date on the latest (OAPEC) Side Events of the con- Gas (GHG) savings of 1.6 million to a central compressor area. The significant international role in IFRS (International Financial ference, Hazim Ali Al Muraikhi, tonnes of CO2. The project will gas is compressed, and then sent assessing the impact of climate Reporting Standards) develop- Environmental Affairs Division help recover 29bn standard cubic back to the LNG plants to be used change through the responsible ments and new pronouncements, Manager, Qatargas, highlighted feet (bscf) of gas per year which as fuel gas or converted back into production of LNG while protect- and their impact on financial Hazim Ali Al Muraikhi presents a role of the JBOG project in mini- is enough gas to produce 750 MW LNG. The compressor, built for ing the environment. reporting. mising flaring at the six LNG of electricity or to power 300,000 paper on JBOG project at the UN the JBOG facility, is the first of In particular, IFRS 9 “Finan- (Liquefied Natural Gas) loading homes. The JBOG facility was Climate Change Conference its kind and the largest manag- THE PENINSULA cial Instruments” were exten- sively discussed and explained with practical examples, includ- ing the recently issued hedging component of IFRS 9. The sta- tus of all FASB – IASB projects was reviewed as well as the latest Doha Bank participates in GEW updates in IFRS and International Financial Reporting Interpreta- DOHA: Doha Bank’s SME divi- ing information on financing most advanced equipment as well tions Committee (IFRIC). sion showcased its products and through this programme. The as a welding electrodes manu- Imtiaz Ibrahim, Partner, Finan- capabilities at the recently con- ‘Al Dhameen’ programme sup- facturing facility, among others. cial Accounting Advisory Services, cluded Global Entrepreneurship ports Qatari SMEs in overcom- These projects will not only gen- EY Qatar, said: “The volume of Week (GEW). ing various obstacles usually faced erate local employment but will changes to IFRS has been sig- Organised by Qatar Develop- by them due to lack of collateral also enable domestic consumers nificant and is likely to continue ment Bank (QDB), the event was security or short credit history. to meet their demands from these in the foreseeable future. The held under the patronage of Min- This programme aims at locally made products. challenge will be to assess the ister of Economy and Commerce, encouraging commercial banks Additionally, these projects implications of the changes, some H E Sheikh Ahmed bin Jassim bin to extend credit to key sectors will contribute to the Qatari of which will go beyond matters Mohamed Al Thani. such as manufacturing, education, economy by helping it to diversify of accounting, potentially also The Bank’s pavilion received healthcare and important serv- and reduce its reliance on oil and impacting business decisions and enthusiastic response from fledg- ices. Doha Bank has demonstrated natural gas-based industries and information systems”. ling and established Qatari entre- its long-term commitment to the by bringing the best know-how to The sessions were led by Micha- preneurs and owners of small and success of SMEs by supporting the country’s doorsteps. lis Pekris, ACCA. He is one of the medium enterprises (SMEs), said diverse and new projects under Atul Kinra, Head of SME unit leading presenters on IFRS and statement yesterday. QDB’s ‘Al Dhameen’ credit guar- at Doha Bank, participated in a has over twelve years of experi- Bank officials at the event. Doha Bank, as QDB’s preferred antee programme such as setting panel discussion held during the ence delivering high level financial partner for the ‘Al Dhameen’ pro- up a battery factory which will GEW on a uniform SME defini- reporting programs all over the gramme, participated in GEW help Qatar meet its requirement tion in Qatar. A presentation was preneurs on the sidelines of GEW. support and promote the SMEs. Middle East and Europe. to show its support for entre- for industrial batteries, establish- made during ‘Al Dhameen’ work- The workshop aimed to showcase preneurs and SMEs by provid- ing a dental clinic employing the shop organised for SME entre- the capabilities of Doha Bank to THE PENINSULA THE PENINSULA

CRA order eases access US challenges Commodities crash pushes to civil infrastructure China’s aircraft taxation at WTO Anglo American to slash jobs DOHA: The Civil Passive Infra- diversify, grow and attract long- structure Access Regulation, term investments. WASHINGTON: The United LONDON: Global mining giant ity price deterioration requires new owners of those mines that issued by the Communications The Regulation establishes the States (US) accused China of Anglo American announced yes- bolder action”. The London-listed we sell.” Anglo has already been Regulatory Authority (CRA) in obligations of the access providers tax discrimination against for- terday a “radical” restructuring company said it expects “impair- cutting jobs in recent years, with June 2015, has enabled access to and access seekers and sets out eign-made aircraft yesterday in a of the firm that will slash its ments of $3.7-$4.7bn, largely due the workforce standing at 162,000 civil infrastructure for telecom- the minimum terms and condi- complaint lodged with the World workforce by almost two-thirds, to weaker prices and asset clo- in 2013. munication service providers in tions to ensure all provisions are Trade Organisation (WTO). as commodity prices crash on sures”. And Anglo said it plans Cutifani added that Anglo Qatar. non-discriminatory in terms of US launched the WTO dispute world markets. to slash its workforce by almost American plans to halve its busi- The notification, published in product, price, process, and qual- settlement process with a request Some of the jobs will be trans- two-thirds, from 135,000 staff to ness setup to leave just three com- the Official Government Gazette ity. for consultations with China “on ferred via asset sales, although 50,000 after 2017. ponents -- its diamonds operation in the Issue No. 18, on Novem- The Regulation includes infra- its measures exempting certain Anglo will also write off billions The company published a graph De Beers, Industrial Metals and ber 29, 2015, applies to all public structure like ducts, manholes, aircraft produced in China from of dollars owing to the closure of showing the expected decline in Bulk Commodities. or private entities that control cable trays, telecom towers, value-added tax while imposing loss-making mines. jobs- to 99,000 next year and “Anglo American is today set- access to such infrastructure. masts, collocation facilities, cool- those taxes on imported aircraft, The prices of metals and other 92,000 in 2017 followed by another ting out an accelerated and more The Access Regulation, a result ing units, back-up generators, and affecting American-made aircraft raw materials, notably oil, are sharp reduction -- via a combi- radical restructuring programme of vigorous consultations with electrical power connections. and American parts producers sliding on markets owing to weak nation of asset sales and internal to redefine the focus of its asset stakeholders, will help resolve the The Regulation stipulates clear who provide components to for- demand growth, in particular cuts. portfolio to transform the com- many access related issues tel- guidelines on how the request eign-made aircraft,” the Obama from the world’s second biggest “We will be radically restruc- pany’s competitive position and ecom service providers in Qatar must be initiated and processed. administration said. economy China. turing our portfolio, so the net create a more resilient business had been facing, and provide clar- It also specifies how CRA will deal Areospace manufacturers pro- Anglo’s announcements, as part result is expect to be a reduction to deliver sustainable shareholder ity on what infrastructure should with non-compliance issues. duce the largest trade surplus of of its investor day, come as sector to around 50,000 employees,” a returns,” the group statement be accessed to. Strategically, the CRA regulates the communi- any US manufacturing sector and rival Rio Tinto said it would slash spokesperson confirmed in an said. Regulation will contribute to the cations and information technol- account for more American jobs its spending next year owing to email to AFP. Delivering a blow to sharehold- development of a competitive and ogy sector, postal services, and tied to exports than any other sliding metals prices. “But bear in mind that these ers, Anglo said it would suspend sustainable telecommunication access to digital media. industry. In a statement, Anglo American include assets that we will sell, so dividend payments until the end sector as well as act as a catalyst Chief Executive Mark Cutifani the 85,000 jobs don’t (all) disap- of next year. to facilitate Qatar’s economy to THE PENINSULA AFP said “the severity of commod- pear as many will be employed by AFP Ooredoo Group wins three World Communication Awards DOHA: Three of Ooredoo’s flag- difference in the communities in Taking home the award for provide free medical treatment, ship initiatives have been recog- which we operate.” Best Brand Campaign, Ooredoo’s share nutritional advice and dis- nised at the 17th annual World The World Communication ‘Simply Do Wonders’ initiative tribute vitamins especially to Communication Awards, held in Awards are the largest awards was developed to promote the young children. London, England, last week. ceremony in the telecoms indus- brand promise and values. In line with Ooredoo’s broader The awards were Best Brand try, recognising innovation and Working with global ambassa- commitment to the United Campaign for the ‘Simply Do outstanding performance. For dor and football star Leo Messi Nation’s Sustainable Develop- Wonders’ campaign with Leo Qatar, Ooredoo received the Dig- enabled Ooredoo to deepen its ment Goals, this initiative has Messi; Digital Experience Award ital Experience Award for its engagement, particularly with significantly increased access to for Ooredoo’s Mozaic GO App; and Mozaic GO app, which enables young people across its footprint. basic healthcare for people who the Social Contribution Award for customers to turn their mobile During its run, more than 11 would otherwise not have been Ooredoo’s Mobile Health Clinics. phone or tablet into an advanced million people viewed the advert able to afford it or travel the Sheikh Saud bin Nasser Al TV remote control. online, making it the most-seen distance to seek treatment from Thani, Group CEO, Ooredoo, The App provides Mozaic TV video ever from an Arab brand medical professionals. said: “We feel very honoured by customers with the chance to on YouTube. The mobile health clinics have this international recognition of watch content wherever they The TV commercial was also been particularly effective follow- our work. We have been on a fast are in the world via Wi-Fi or the named the 10th top viral video in ing natural disasters and emer- track to become a leading global Internet. the world during the 2014 FIFA gencies. communications company and The feature, the first of its kind World Cup. In February 2015, they lent these wins are a reflection of our in Qatar, also gives customers the Launched in partnership with support to ongoing disaster relief ability to continue to offer innova- ability to browse the TV listings the Leo Messi Foundation, Oore- efforts in Jakarta in the wake of tive solutions to customers while and Mozaic movies catalogue on doo’s Mobile Health Clinics pro- severe floods. Since 2007 the pro- fulfilling our vision of enriching their mobile, without disturbing gramme – winner of the Social gram has received three Millen- people’s lives across our global the on-screen entertainment. Contribution Award – is an excel- nium Development Goal Awards footprint. We strongly believe that The launch was part of Oore- lent example of how the company and benefited more than more we can stimulate human growth doo’s on-going work to introduce strives to make a difference. than 650,000 children in Indone- by leveraging communications next-generation and smart living The clinics travel to rural and sia. to help people achieve their full services to provide their custom- remote communities in Indonesia, Ooredoo officials at the award ceremony. potential and we want to make a ers with the best user experience. Myanmar, Algeria and Tunisia to THE PENINSULA WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 24 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BUSINESS VIEWS

Negotiations over year-end Yuan move is good for spending bill hit a tax snag By Kelsey Snell and Karoun Demirjian China’s political stability ONGRESSIONAL leaders are preparing for days of heavy negotiations over a year-end spending bill as lawmakers By Noah Feldman thought that the issuing government was political association. This regularised proc- try to reach a deal before Friday and avert a government likely to be toppled from outside or that it ess has now been repeated an astonishing Cshutdown. After days of scrambling to hammer out an HE International Monetary was susceptible to internal collapse? three times. It’s not an exaggeration to say agreement, negotiators are still deadlocked over several policy Fund’s decision to designate the Thus, the British pound became a de facto that this model represents a new form of riders that GOP lawmakers want to attach to the must-pass Chinese renminbi, commonly global reserve currency during the 19th cen- political transition previously unknown to legislation as well as over what do with a package of tax breaks known as the yuan, as a global tury era of the Pax Britannica, when the the world. The system remains authoritar- that could also be added to the bill. reserve currency will, over time, sun never set over the empire. Victory over ian, but it’s also internally competitive and Key lawmakers said how long to extend the tax breaks for busi- Tencourage the country’s leadership to make Napoleon made Britain stable externally, partly meritocratic. All this matters greatly nesses and individuals has become a particularly thorny issue, with the currency more tradable. But the politi- and the gradual, mostly peaceful emergence for Xi as he contemplates his political future. some members worried about the cost of the package and others cal implications of global reserve status may of modern democracy made it stable within. In almost three years in office, Xi has con- complaining there are too many giveaways to corporate interests. be more significant than the economic ones. The dollar assumed the status after centrated a good deal more power in his own But with time ticking down, the White House is seeking to China is the first non-democracy in the American victory in World War II. Again, person than either of his two predecessors pressure Congress to get the bill done. White House spokesman elite reserve group that includes the Euro- global hegemony was paired with internal selected under the Chinese system. Joshua Earnest said that President Obama would not sign a short- pean Union, Japan, the UK and the US democracy and the stability it brings. And Xi wouldn’t be human if he weren’t term CR in order to give negotiators more time to strike a deal. If President Xi Jinping will have to demon- The euro and the yen share the feature of at least considering the possibility of hold- lawmakers reach an agreement before Friday, however, Earnest strate that China’s unique system of govern- stability, in large part because the govern- ing onto power after his 10 years are up. By did not rule out the possibility of agreeing to a stop-gap bill to ance can produce the degree of stability and ments of Europe and Japan are protected consolidating power, he’s less reliant than give Congress time to finish procedural work. predictability in transition that character- from foreign threats by cooperative US his predecessors on extended networks of Aides and lawmakers said the talks over the spending and tax izes the other regimes in the club. And that security arrangements, and democratic gov- obligation. But a change in China’s succes- packages are increasingly intertwined as House and Senate lead- in turn will constrain him as he considers ernments ensure smooth transitions within. sion practices would actively undermine ers work to craft a deal that would allow both parties to claim whether, and how, to begin the process of China is a horse of a different colour. the yuan’s reserve status by undermining some policy victories. changing power to a successor in roughly Prior to the era of its rapid economic growth, confidence in its political transition. Republicans have been pushing to make permanent several seven years. its leadership transitions were extremely If he wants the yuan to keep its sta- business breaks, including the credit for research and development Start with the definition of a global rocky. Mao Zedong was in and out of power, tus, Xi will now have a major new incen- and small business expensing, and in exchange were offering to reserve currency used by the IMF. Formally and the events of the Cultural Revolution tive to make sure a 10-year generational permanently extend the Child Tax Credit and expand the Earned the IMF measured two things: whether the showed that it was highly unpredictable successor emerges over the next three to Income tax credit, both priorities for Democrats. Under that plan yuan was “widely used to make payments who would rule next, and how. five years — and that the successor doesn’t the remaining breaks would be extended for two years. for international transactions” and “widely One extraordinary legacy of the post- look like someone who will be taking orders But some negotiators from both parties worry the estimated traded in the principal exchange markets.” Deng Xiaoping period has been China’s from him a la Vladimir Putin and Dmitry $700bn to $800bn price tag for a tax extender package could be Skeptics have noted that most of the newly invented model of power transitions Medvedev in Russia. That’s a good thing too expensive for lawmakers to support. This has led to talks of “international” payments for which the yuan within the Communist Party. Every 10 years, for China’s future, and for the world. China moving a bill that retroactively reauthorizes all of the expired pro- is used take place in Hong Kong, which isn’t the party’s senior leaders step aside, and are is going through major changes, and sta- grams for one year and extends them for one year going forward. exactly international given China’s political replaced by a new cohort. bility depends on making sure an end to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch told report- control of the island. But that’s of secondary Along the way, there’s jockeying — and government transitions isn’t one of them. ers on Monday that he expects the House will pass a two-year bill importance compared with the fact that the top leaders emerge well before the pre- The Chinese Communist Party has many this week and negotiators will continue to work on a broader deal. the IMF’s definition was officially focused vious leaders’ 10 years are up. There are no drawbacks and faults. But its innovation in Democratic votes will likely be needed to pass the omnibus on quantity and type of use, not underly- elections, yet the modestly opaque process government transitions is one accomplish- appropriations bill in the House because a group of conservatives ing stability. In reality, the history of global within the senior ranks of the party can be ment that should be preserved, at least until is likely to oppose the legislation over spending levels and because reserve currencies is highly correlated with glimpsed, and gamed, from outside. Merit democracy becomes a viable option. it will provide money for some programs they oppose. political stability. Think about it: Would you plays a role, alongside the construction Democrats are using this leverage to push Republicans to get rely on a currency to retain its value if you of complicated networks of personal and BLOOMBERG rid of some of the riders that were included in the initial offer, which they say remain an issue in the negotiations. Many Republicans, however, feel getting some of the policy pro- visions into the bill is key after the earlier deal to increase overall spending. The list of demands from Republicans includes increas- ing screening for refugees from Syria and Iraq, giving states the power to deny some federal funds to abortion providers, scaling back environmental and banking regulations, and giving health care providers the right to object to providing certain services that go against their religious beliefs. Democrats said they will not budge on any riders aimed at attacking abortion rights, curbing funds for Planned Parenthood or undermining President Obama’s executive actions on immigra- tion. But several aides and lobbyists said they expect Democrats might be willing to accept some changes to the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street reform bill. Republicans have floated the possibility of increasing the thresh- old at which banks face increased scrutiny from the Federal Reserve. That may be appealing to some moderate Democrats but would almost certainly draw the ire of liberals like Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass) who was enraged when leaders eased financial regulations in a similar spending bill last year. Campaign finance could be another area of compromise. Con- servatives worry that the proposed changes would give greater electoral control to mainstream party leaders. Aides said the campaign finance rule could possibly be adapted to ease those concerns by including language that would allow the rule to apply to potential third party committees that might be created in the future. The fate of environmental regulations remains dicey. McConnell has said for months that he plans to use the appropriations proc- ess to hammer away at Obama’s recent executive actions aimed at air and water pollution. Republicans have insisted that funding for those regulations be rolled back in the upcoming spending bill, according to aides and lobbyists. The discussion comes at an awkward time for Obama who just returned from a global climate summit in Paris. The ongoing talks are aimed at working out a long-term international agreement to curb climate change. Scaling back regulations now could weaken U.S. negotiators by proving that Congress can move to undo any promises made by the White House.

WASHINGTON POST Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate Paying everyone $70,000? It’s not a revolution

By Megan McArdle self, at the expense of his minority that fees were going to go up, good publicity than the first, and you. When someone gives us so if everyone started paying shareholder. This raises the pos- now the salary decision may be the third will get even less than something, we feel obligated to higher wages, the productivity EMEMBER the guy sibility that the new pay scale may helping Gravity. All that public- that. By the time you hit the 10th give them something in return. So benefits would disappear. who decided to slash his have been intended in part to spite ity has attracted new customers. or 20th company instituting a if you treat your employees extra Now, there is a theoretical way own salary and pay all his brother. And while some employees might flat, high salary scale, the benefit well, they feel obligated to treat that we have all jobs pay more, Rhis employees $70,000 There are a lot of morals bur- leave because they don’t like get- would probably be close to zero. you extra well. and get higher productivity a year? How could you not? The ied in this new and more com- ting paid exactly the same as co- Of course, that still leaves the • Workers know that if thereby: unemployment could rise man has been the subject of more plicated tale. Reporters should workers who are less productive, labor side. Couldn’t Gravity see they lose this job, they are likely dramatically. Low-skilled workers laudatory news coverage than an never accept at face value the the new pay is probably going higher profits not because public- to end up with a job that pays less. who are apt to be less productive Apple device. Conservatives have explanations offered for dramatic to attract — and retain — some ity attracted new customers, but They are thus highly motivated to would not be part of the labour speculated that he would drive his and unlikely behaviour — such as pretty good workers who don’t because the company attracted keep this job. pool, and the average produc- company into bankruptcy; liber- slashing your own pay, emptying care what the guy in the next more productive workers? And • Employers get to be tivity of the remaining workers als have speculated that he rep- your retirement accounts and cubicle is making, as long as they the answer is sure — if it’s in choosier about whom they hire. would rise — plus the folks with resents a new, kinder capitalism. mortgaging your home, in order personally can pull in more than an industry where an excellent • The wage attracts people jobs would probably work harder, Wiese’s extraordinary reporting to pay your workers more than they could elsewhere. worker is capable of producing, with better skills. because a new job is harder to get should be read in full. Her dogged the market demands. So as a labour model for Grav- say, 50 percent higher profits What’s notable about all of if you lose your old one. That’s legwork revealed that the story That said, even if the motive ity, this doesn’t necessarily look than a mediocre one. I can’t say these effects is that they work not exactly a feel-good tale about of a boss who had an epiphany was mostly spite, that doesn’t bad; Price may have done some- whether payment processing is only if you’re paying a high wage “kinder capitalism.” about the unfair nature of modern necessarily discredit the act. And thing good for his workers and such an industry. I can say that relative to the rest of the mar- A lot of people wanted Price to labour relations, and instituted a it’s still a useful real-world exper- good for his company, regardless this, too, works only if relatively ket. It’s all relative. A garment be a man with a beneficent dream brand new model in the face of iment. We don’t know what really of whether his heart was in the few people are doing it. worker from 1900, if transported who did well by doing good. They daunting obstacles, including a happened in Price’s case, but it’s right place. After all, the publicity Paying your workers more to to a modern Wal-Mart, might be wanted him to be an example for lawsuit from the brother who a good object lesson. came only because what Price was get more productivity is what weepingly grateful to get such an others to follow. Now it’s not clear owns shares in his firm, may not Recent reporting suggests that doing was so radically different economists call an “efficiency easy job, in a comfy, climate-con- that he was primarily trying to be exactly what it seems. The law- Gravity may have actually bene- from what other companies do. wage.” Why are workers who get trolled place, paying such mag- do good. And whether or not he suit appears to have preceded the fitted from the move. While early If every company were doing this, these wages, well, more efficient? nificent wages. That doesn’t mean did so accidentally, it’s probably new salary policy, and may have on it cost the company customers, the marketing benefit would be There can be multiple reasons: that a modern worker counts not an example that many other been motivated not by Dan Price either because they had political zero. Heck, even if a few compa- • Paying workers more than their lucky stars every time they companies can profitably follow. overpaying his workers, but by the objections to Price’s public state- nies try to follow suit, the second other workers in their skill class put on that blue smock. These salary that Price was paying him- ments or because they worried company is likely to see much less makes them feel warmly toward effects are relative, not absolute, BLOOMBERG WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 MARKET www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 25

QE Indices Summary QE Index 10,096.51 3.09 % WORLD STOCK INDICES GOLD & SILVER EXCHANGE QE Total Return Index 15,693.58 3.09 % QE Al Rayan Islamic Index 3,740.15 2.94 % RATE QE All Share Index 2,692.15 3.01 % INDEX Day’s Close Pt Chg % Chg Year High Year Low QE All Share Banks & Financial 2,704.42 3.93 % GOLD Services Buying Selling QE All Share Industrials 3,038.03 2.78 % All Ordinaries 5157.979 -47.963 -0.92 5963.5 4936.3 QR126.0048 US$ ...... QR 3.6305 QR 3.6500 QE All Share Transportation 2,468.31 0.94 % Cac 40 Index/D 4712.32 -44.09 -0.93 5283.71 4076.16 QE All Share Real Estate 2,258.28 3.21 % SILVER UK ...... QR 5.4300 QR 5.5054 QE All Share Insurance 4,136.54 4.47 % Dj Indu Average 17730.51 -117.12 -0.66 18351.4 15370.3 QR 1.6758 Euro ...... QR 3.9288 QR 3.9842 QE All Share Telecoms 917.44 2.40 % CA$ ...... QR 2.6654 QR 2.7179 QE All Share Consumer Goods & 5,991.32 0.36 % Hang Seng Inde/D 21905.13 -298.09 -1.34 28588.52 20368.12 Services Swiss Fr ...... QR 3.6273 QR 3.6785 QE Market Summary Comparison Iseq Overall/D 6801.7 -46.1 -0.67 6921.44 5072.7 Yen ...... QR 0.0293 QR 0.0299 Aus$ ...... QR 2.6053 QR 2.6577 Today Previous day Karachi 100 In/D 32791.71 -61.83 -0.19 36471.59 28648.23 CRUDE OIL 08-12-2015 07-12-2015 Ind Re ...... QR 0.0540 QR 0.0551 Index 10,096.51 10,418.47 Nikkei 225 Index 19492.6 -205.55 -1.04 20952.71 16592.57 Pak Re ...... QR 0.0348 QR 0.0355 Change 321.96 81.49 BRENT Peso ...... QR 0.0765 QR 0.0780 S&P 500 Index/D 2077.07 -14.62 -0.7 2134.72 1867.01 % 3.09 0.78 $ 41.15 SL Re ...... QR 0.0252 QR 0.0257 YTD% 17.82 15.2 Straits Times/D 2895.81 27.07 0.94 3549.85 2808.31 Taka ...... QR 0.0461 QR 0.0471 Volume 8,774,637 5,037,663 DUBAI Nep Re ...... QR 0.0339 QR 0.0346 Value (QAR) 380,544,345.04 235,298,357.35 Straits Times/D 3324.09 0.44 0.01 3387.84 2953.01 SA Rand ...... QR 0.2471 QR 0.2521 Trades 5,178 3,269 $ 36.29 Up 06 | Down 30 | Unchanged 04 Straits Times/D 3274.06 -8.82 -0.27 3291.83 2953.01

QATAR EXCHANGE | DAILY TRADING REPORT | 08-12-2015

INTERNATIONAL MARKETS A List of Shares from the world

COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume COMPANY CLOSE NET VOLUME Volume NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED NAME CHG TRADED A C C-A/D 1336 -14.25 4780 Chola Invest-B/D 627.45 -13.1 1697 Goodyear I -B/D 565 0 8028 Kalpat Power-B/D 251.7 -5.95 10134 Orchid Chem-B/D 51.6 -1.95 124324 Brit Am Tobacc/D 3842 6.5 608824 Aarti Drugs-B/D 543.5 -7.7 4862 Chowgule St-T/D 20.15 0.35 17415 Hcl Infosys-B/D 59.4 -2.1 1286582 Kalyani Stel-T/D 156.6 2.3 45869 Orient Hotel-T/D 22.3 -1.65 11742 Bt Group/D 477.05 -3.45 2813897 Aban Offs-A/D 217 -7.45 230907 Cimmco-B/D 81.45 -0.95 4202 Him.Fut.Comm-T/D 18.3 -0.75 2435463 Kanoria Chem-B/D 77.75 -1.85 329493 Orient.Carb.-T/D 546.75 -13.75 4161 Centrica/D 204.4411 -2.8 3916543 Ador Welding-B/D 331.2 5.1 4353 Cipla-A/D 642.25 -2.75 38343 Himat Seide-B/D 215 -8.3 107719 Kg Denim-B/D 56.5 -0.6 20453 Orient.Carb.-T/D 546.75 -13.75 4161 Gkn/D 292.1 -4.9 879735 Aegis Logis-B/D 106.9 -5.3 64655 City Union Bk-/D 88.25 1.15 6893 Hind Motors-T/D 7.67 -0.13 66139 Kilburnengg-Xd/D 76 -0.5 20018 Oudh Sugar-B/D 35 -0.05 5748 Hsbc Holdings/D 515.149 -6.4 4532330 Alembic-B/D 43.95 -1.2 103127 Colgate-A/D 981.75 -10.5 30311 Hind Org Chem-/D 15.6 0.15 139349 Kinetic Eng-B/D 101 -3.6 53830 Patspin India-/D 8.21 0.37 69869 Imperial Tobac/D 3554 -4 424185 Alkyl Amines-B/D 309.6 -7.3 3419 Container Cor-/D 1419.4 -4.05 2624 Hind Unilever-/D 825.6 -6.15 100445 Kopran-B/D 77.5 -3.9 453604 Punjab Chem.-B/D 177 -1.8 19889 Kingfisher/D 345.5 0.4 1626060 Alok Indus-A/D 6.83 -0.03 1739972 Dai-Tichi Kar-/D 488 -5.7 3293 Hind.Petrol-A/D 829 -9.95 78925 Lakshmi Elec-B/D 422.7 -0.7 3452 Radico Khait-B/D 104.9 -3.55 66335 Land Secs Grou/D 1213 -5 351548 Apollo Tyre-A/D 155.75 -1.25 154435 Dcm Financia-T/D 1.1 -0.05 8836 Hindalco-A/D 75.9 -3.45 986894 Lgb Broth-B/D 510.2 3.9 6839 Rallis India-A/D 175.35 -4.45 7587376 Legal & Genera/D 265.6 -2.8 2664063 Asahi I Glass-/D 150 1.4 16102 Dcm Shram Ind-/D 92.2 -1.6 2974 Hous Dev Fin-A/D 1171.45 -14.55 77620 Lloyd Metal-B/D 6.54 -0.45 3301 Rallis India-A/D 175.35 -4.45 7587376 Lloyds Bnk Grp/D 72 -0.48 30378931 Ashok Leyland-/D 89.7 -0.4 1112636 Dhampur Sugar-/D 61.6 -0.4 22672 I F C I-A/D 26.2 -1.25 708000 Lok.Hous&Con-B/D 7.45 0.1 118944 Reliance Indus/D 340.45 -14.35 48006 Marks & Sp./D 487.6 -7.2 1098317 Bajaj Hold-A/D 1719.5 -0.7 4305 Dr. Reddy-A/D 3070.85 -109.55 118510 Idbi-A/D 88.3 -3.55 611587 Lumax Ind-B/D 456.4 -8.9 4381 Ruchi Soya-B/D 29.55 -0.4 24020 Marks & Sp./D 487.6 -7.2 1098317 Ballarpur In-B/D 16.7 -0.5 322919 E I H-B/D 122.2 0.3 129452 Ifb Agro-B/D 444.6 -17.1 6047 Lupin-A/D 1803.3 -28.05 32090 S Bk Bikaner-B/D 530 -6.1 3789 Next/D 7810 -25 113464 Banaras Bead-B/D 48.1 -2.9 2874 E.I.D Parry-A/D 182.95 -3 55949 Ifb Ind.Ltd.-B/D 437.7 -3.35 3515 Lyka Labs-T/D 119.3 0.9 193592 Saur.Cem-B/D 68.8 -2.25 269294 Pearson/D 759.5 -19 957708 Bata India-A/D 494.6 9.4 33567 Eicher Motor-A/D 16251 23.25 2607 India Cement-A/D 82.65 -3.05 232874 Mafatlal Ind-B/D 251.5 -5.5 2259 Tanfac Indust-/D 35 -1.9 5847 Prudential/D 1514.5 -9.5 463394 Beml Ltd-A/D 1070.25 -29.75 26865 Electrosteel-B/D 20.15 -0.6 129353 India Glycol-B/D 100.2 -2.7 13733 Mah.Seamless-B/D 161.4 -2.45 3812 Tanfac Indust-/D 35 -1.9 5847 Rank Group/D 281.5 0.1 31013 Bh Electronic-/D 1215.85 -8.9 20986 Emco-B/D 31.95 -2.55 82270 Indian Hotel-A/D 107.45 2.65 137777 Mangalam Cem-B/D 210 -0.4 11656 Thirumalai-B/D 220.6 -9.3 65551 Rank Group/D 281.5 0.1 31013 Bhansali Eng-T/D 26.5 -1.35 333670 Escorts Fin-B/D 5.07 0.05 8975 Indo-Tcount-T/D 997 4.5 7442 Maral Overs-B/D 32.5 -1.45 6605 Timexgroup-T/D 32.9 -1.15 90354 Rentokil Initi/D 157 -2.4 282716 Bharat Bijle-B/D 739 -36 5618 Escorts-A/D 159.85 -4.6 93201 Indusind-A/D 940 -12.5 40864 Mastek-B/D 175.3 -13.2 42008 Tinplate-B/D 66.65 -0.2 42708 Rolls Royce Pl/D 598.5 -12 2542869 Bharatgears-B/D 88.85 -0.25 1354 Essar Oil-T/D 208.45 -3.2 189141 J.B.Chemical-B/D 267.4 -3.3 16128 Max India L-A/D 525 -7.65 17896 Ucal Fuel-B/D 117.9 0 50945 Rsa Insrance G/D 437 -2.2 348418 Bhartiya Int-B/D 553 -6 10962 Eveready Indu-/D 287.55 -0.65 48602 Jagatjit Ind-X/D 55 2.55 4582 Mrpl-A/D 62.75 -2.3 118831 Ucal Fuel-B/D 117.9 0 50945 Sainsbury(J)/D 247.6 5.9 3783465 Bhel-A/D 164.65 -4.45 420842 F D C-B/D 231.5 -1.25 15982 Jagson Phar-B/D 47 -1.95 77739 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 32.05 -0.65 7601 Ultramarine-B/D 112 -2.5 12533 Schroders/D 2858 -52 38977 Bhuwalka Stl-X/D 7.6 -0.4 2850 Federal Bank-A/D 57.4 -0.15 168600 Jamnaauto-B/D 121.7 -1.9 1402765 Nagreeka Ex-B/D 32.05 -0.65 7601 Unitech P -A/D 6.61 -0.4 8218127 Severn Trent/D 2173 -12 135141 Bom.Burmah-B/D 464.5 -18.95 44201 Ferro Alloys-B/D 5.1 -0.07 42797 Jbf Indu-B/D 217 -4.05 44027 Nahar Spg.-B/D 111.8 -5.1 46946 Univcable-T/D 68.3 3.25 26958 Smith&Nephew/D 1116 0 539572 Bombay Dyeing-/D 62.55 -1.65 128334 Finolex-A/D 288.9 -0.75 4459 Jct Elect P -B/D 0.44 -0.02 50321 Nation Alum -A/D 39.45 -0.85 92355 Smiths Group/D 981.5 -12 156379 Camph.& All-B/D 480 -31.25 3449 Gail-A/D 339.5 -18.05 114303 Jct Ltd-B/D 7.61 -0.29 2578221 Navneet Edu-B/D 85.7 -0.5 2902 LONDON Standrd Chart /D 525.4 1.2 5993376 Canfin Homes-B/D 972.35 -8.3 1787 Galada Power-B/D 18.5 -0.5 12661 Jenson&Nich.-B/D 9.29 0.54 435833 Nepc India-T/D 1.85 0.03 9081 Tate & Lyle/D 607.5 -6.5 231557 Caprihans-Xc/D 89.4 0.05 9927 Gammon India-T/D 15.25 -1.1 172934 Jik Indust-T/D 0.97 0.04 11152 Neuland Lab-B/D 699 3.25 2495 3I Group/D 484.1 -4 555024 Tesco/D 160.15 3.15 13452695 Castrol India-/D 432.9 -6.65 18794 Gangotri Tex-B/D 1.1 0.05 12910 Jindal Drill-B/D 137.4 -0.3 1347 Nrb Bearings-B/D 150 0.1 4073 Assoc.Br.Foods/D 3556 6 159046 Unilever/D 2854 2 551317 Century Enka-B/D 183.1 -2.6 10930 Garden P -B/D 25.65 -0.8 12830 Jktyre&Ind-A/D 105.7 -0.95 344787 O N G C-A/D 216.1 -8 1385543 Barclays/D 223.5 -4.5 7859091 United Util Gr/D 949.145 -2 316094 Century Text-A/D 550.3 -25.6 108491 Godfrey Phil-B/D 1491.35 1.1 50404 Kabra Extr-B/D 98.55 -4.65 2767 Oil Country-B/D 27.55 -2.15 11223 Bg Group/D 968 -15.1 4029905 Vodafone Group/D 218.75 0.75 11640113 Chambal Fert-B/D 59.35 -1.8 71421 Goodricke-B/D 176.6 -1.2 70844 Kakatiya Cem-B/D 149.5 -5.5 4262 Onward Tech-B/D 98.6 -8.5 25019 Bp/D 345.1 -2.5 8794246 Whitbread/D 4532.6955 -39 141348 WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 26 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com BREAK TIME

EASY SUDOKU CROSSWORD 1234 5678 9101112 ANN BETA PAYTO

13 14 15 16 ROES LA I D OREOS MEGOROUND WELTS 17 18 19 YARROW OSTEAL 20 21 22 ROTOUT ORR OCH SPINNINGWHE 23 24 25 AFTS STE MAISI E 26 27 28 TREES OHS PRELL

29 30 31 32 33 34 TOATEE R I A DA I S ASTHEWTURNS 35 36 37 RHO DEO STALAG 38 39 40 WALRUS I RENEE

41 42 PLEBE ROLL INGST OGLES ESSO ASTO 43 44 45 46 47 48 PASTS DOUG TEN Yesterday’s answer 49 50 51 ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE 52 53 54 58 Union busters? 25 Unsettling, say 59 Without interruption, after 27 Cold case solver, maybe 55 56 57 Easy Sudoku Puzzles: Place a digit from 1 to “in” 9 in each empty cell so every row, every column 30 Light splitter and every 3x3 box contains all the digits 1 to 9. 58 59 60 60 U.S. city that’s an anagram 31 Plus of a world capital 32 Wig wearer ACROSS 35 Southwest hikers’ destination 33 Ease DOWN 1 “___ pass” 36 Cartoonist Bushmiller who 34 Well-kept secret … or a 1 *“If I may …” hint to the answer to each 5 Turn over created “Nancy” 2 Reading material for the starred clue 9 Wound application 37 “The Burning Giraffe,” e.g. future? 36 Treasures 13 Spring’s counterpart 38 Maximum ending? HYPER SUDOKU 3 Bury 37 Palme ___ 14 Harsh 39 Comment starting “By the way 4 Audiophile’s collection (top prize at Cannes) 16 One with special quarters: Abbr. …” 5 Brand of bath beads 39 Take 17 Standard work shifts 40 Sphere 6 Gift with a GIF, maybe 40 Muted trumpet sounds 18 *Kind of bass 41 Myrmecophobe’s fear 7 Libertarian’s aim, for short 41 Bits of wisdom 20 Last: Abbr. 42 Sullied 8 Physics unit 42 Hill’s partner in publishing 21 Man-eater 43 *Opportunity for revenge 9 Squirrel’s cache 43 Beef 22 “Bewitched” husband 48 “___ been had!” 10 Classic 1944 Otto 44 Big name in real estate 23 One of 13 popes 49 Consignment shop deal Preminger film noir 45 Consumption 24 *Model of the Blues Brothers’ 50 Dips 11 Vision-related 46 Poser Bluesmobile 51 Ungodliness 12 Prefix with biology 47 Exercise with a portmanteau 26 ___ City, Long Island 52 *Publicist, e.g. 15 Spouse or lover name 28 Ones catching some waves 54 Out of date? 19 Official New Zealand 53 Sudden understanding 29 Ties 55 One getting the message? language besides English 54 Calif. air hub 30 Series starter 56 Old Testament kingdom 21 They may have kings as 32 “Harrumph!” 57 Celebrate subjects

Yesterday’s answer

How to play Hyper Sudoku: A Hyper Sudoku Puzzle is solved by filling the numbers from 1 to 9 into the blank cells. A Hyper Sudoku has unlike Sudoku 13 regions (four regions overlap with the nine standard regions). In all regions the numbers from 1 to 9 can appear only once. Otherwise, a Hyper Sudoku is solved like a normal Sudoku. BABY BLUES BABY

NOVO How to play Kakuro: SCREEN 1 Bus 657 (2D/Action) 11:15am, 1:15, 3:15, 5:15, 7:15, 9:15pm & 11:15pm SHOWING AT The kakuro grid, unlike in sudoku, can be of any KAKURO SCREEN 2 In The Heart of The Sea (3D/Adventure) 10:30am, 3:30 & 8:30pm VILLAGGIO & CITY CENTER size. It has rows and columns, and dark cells 2D 1:00, 6:00 & 11:00pm TEL: 444933989 / 444517001 like in a crossword. And, just like in a crossword, SCREEN 3 Mune (2D/Animation) 10:00, 11:50am, 1:40 & 3:30pm some of the dark cells will contain numbers. Some Spectre (2D/Action) 6:20 & 9:10pm Krampus (2D/Comedy) 12:00midnight cells will contain two numbers. SCREEN 4 A Second Chance (2D/Tagalog) 10:00am, 2:20, 7:00 & 11:30pm However, in a crossword the numbers reference Arbaa Kotchina (2D/Arabic) 12:30, 5:00 & 9:30pm clues. In a kakuro, the numbers are all you get! SCREEN 5 Krampus (2D/Comedy) 11:00am, 1:10, 3:20 & 5:30pm They denote the total of the digits in the row or The Keeping Room (2D/Drama) 7:40, 9:40 & 11:45pm column referenced by the number. SCREEN 6 Victor Frankenstein(2D/Drama)10:00am, 12:15, 2:30, 4:45, 7:00, 9:15&11:30pm Within each SCREEN 7 Creed (2D/Drama) 1:00, 6:30 & 11:55pm Bridge of Spies (2D/Drama) 10:15am, 3:45 & 9:15pm collection of cells SCREEN 8 The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (2D/Adventure) - called a run - any 10:00am, 12:45, 3:30, 6:15, 9:00 & 11:45pm of the numbers 1 SCREEN 9 Spectre (2D IMAX/Action) 10:15am, 3:35 & 9:00pm to 9 may be used In The Heart of The Sea (3D IMAX/Adventure) 1:10, 6:35 & 11:55pm but, like sudoku, SCREEN 10 In The Heart of The Sea (2D/Adventure) 12:15, 4:45 & 9:15 each number may Bus 657 (2D/Action) 10:15am, 2:45, 7:15 & 11:45pm only be used once. MALL

Yesterday’s SCREEN 1 Blinky Bill (2D/Animation) 3:00pm answer The Keeping Room (2D/Drama) 5:00pm Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate In The Heart of The Sea (2D/Adventure) 7:00pm A Second Chance (2D/Romantic) 9:15pm Bus 657 (2D/Action) 11:30pm SCREEN 2 Rangi Taranga (2D/Kanada) 2:15 Krampus (2D/Comedy) 5:00pm A Second Chance (2D/Romantic) 7:00pm Victor Frankenstein (2D/Drama) 9:15pm In The Heart of The Sea (2D/Adventure) 11:15pm SCREEN 3 Shankarabharanam (2D/Telugu) 2:15pm ALL IN THE MIND A Second Chance (2D/Romantic) 5:00pm Pathemari (2D/Malayalam) 7:15pm Arbaa Kotchina (2D/Arabic) Can you find the hidden words? They may be horizontal, 9:30pm Hate Story 3 (2D/Hindi) 11:15pm vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards. LANDMARK

SCREEN 1 Rangi Taranga (2D/Kanada) 2:00pm Pathemari (2D/Malayalam) 4:45pm A Second Chance (2D/Drama) 7:00pm Arbaa Kotchina (2D/Arabic) 9:15pm Bus 657 (2D/Action) 11:00pm SCREEN 2 Mune (2D/Animaton) 2:00 & 3:30pm In The Heart of The Sea (2D/Adventure) 5:00 & 9:15pm Victor Frankenstein(2D/Drama) 7:15 & 11:30pm Hoy en la Historia SCREEN 3 Shankarabharanam (2D/Telugu) 2:15pm Krampus (2D/Comedy) 5:00pm The Keeping Room (2D/Drama) 6:45pm December 9, 2005 A Second Chance (2D/Romantic) 8:30pm London’s iconic red Pathemari (2D/Malayalam) 10:45pm double-decker Routemaster bus ROYAL PLAZA was retired after half a century. A new Routemaster inspired by the SCREEN 1 Mune (2D/Animaton) 3:00pm original entered service in 2012 Krampus (2D/Comedy) 4:45pm Victor Frankenstein(2D/Drama) 6:30pm 1905:       A Second Chance (2D/Romantic) 8:45pm        In The Heart of The Sea (2D/Adventure) 11:15pm           SCREEN 2 The Keeping Room (2D/Drama) 2:00pm 1955: Sugar Ray Robinson regained In The Heart of The Sea (2D/Adventure) 3:45pm the world middleweight boxing Arbaa Kotchina (2D/Arabic) 6:00pm Bus 657 (2D/Action) 7:45 & crown by knocking out Carl Olson 11:30pm Victor Frankenstein(2D/Drama) 9:30pm BALL, BIRDIE, BOGEY, BUNKER, CADDIE, CLUB, 1979:  ASIAN TOWN CLUBHOUSE, COURSE, DRIVER, EAGLE, FAIRWAY,        Anarkali (2D/Malayalam) 6:30pm FLAG, FORE, GOLF CART, GREEN, HANDICAP, 1985: Former Argentine president Amar Akbar Anthony (2D/ Malayalam) 5:30 & 9:00pm HAZARD, HOLE, HOLE-IN-ONE, IRON, LINKS, Jorge Videla was jailed for life for his Pathemari (2D/Malayalam) 2:00, 3:15, 4:15, 8:30 & 9:30pm Pathemari (2D/Malayalam) PAR, PIN, PITCH, PUTTER, ROUGH, ROUND, SAND part in the “dirty war” in which up to 10:45, 11:45pm, 12:00midnight & 01:00am Shankarabharanam (2D/Telugu) 3:15pm TRAP, SCORE, STROKE, SWING, TEE, WEDGE, 9,000 people disappeared WOOD. Rajini Murugan (2D/Tamil) 10:00pm & 01:00am  !"  '" $%&' Rangi Taranga (2D/Kannada) 6:15pm WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 27 Feng the Wizards beat Heat, Mavs down Knicks favourite at Washington shrug off absence of three key players in Miami win, Nowitzki stars for Mavericks Dubai finale NEW YORK: The Washington NBA RESULTS of his rebounds came in the first Wizards shrugged off the absence quarter. DUBAI: Chinese LPGA Tour star Charlotte 104 Detroit 84 of three frontcourt players to Miami (12-7) concluded a dis- and defending champion Shan- defeat the Miami Heat 114-103 San Antonio 119 Philadelphia 68 appointing 2-2 homestand and shan Feng has already won the on Monday at AmericanAirlines Washington 114 Miami 103 have not managed a three-game Ladies European Tour Order of Arena. Dallas 104 NY Knicks 97 win streak since March 2014. Merit crown, and is now aiming Describing how the Wizards Toronto 102 LA Lakers 93 The Wizards, who led by as for a third Omega Dubai Ladies had dismantled what had been Phoenix 103 Chicago 101 many as 14 points in the first half, Masters title this week. the NBA’s No. 1 defense in terms took a 29-19 lead after the open- The lucrative tournament, the Milwaukee 90 Portland 88 of lowest shooting percentage ing quarter. season-ending championship on allowed, Heat coach Erik Spoel- LA Clippers 110 Minnesota 106 “Right from the start,” Spoel- the Ladies European Tour, starts stra said: “Speed, speed, smaller Boston 111 New Orleans 93 stra said, “they had us on our today at the famous Majlis course lineup, smaller lineup, more heels, driving and kicking. We of Emirates Golf Club, with Feng speed. the most consistent guy we had couldn’t get them to play uphill. the highest ranked player in the “It felt like they were going throughout the game.” They really attacked the paint field at world number six. downhill most of the game, and Bradley Beal scored 21 points like we haven’t been attacked all In her previous three visits we couldn’t get them to flatten and had perhaps the game’s big- year.” to Dubai, the 26-year-old from out.” gest play. With 1:59 left in the Miami cut the deficit to 60-55 Guangzhou has won twice and The Wizards were without cen- game and the score tied 103-103, at halftime. The Heat’s 36 points finished inside the top-10 in 2014, tre Marcin Gortat, who was back Beal stole the ball at midcourt in the second quarter was Miami’s when another LPGA Tour star, in Poland with his sick mother, from Heat guard Dwyane Wade best offensive period of the sea- Thailand’s Pornanong Phatlum and forwards Nene and Drew and drove in for a dunk. son. won the event. Gooden, who both have calf inju- Neal then added a three-pointer Miami led by as many as seven Feng, who won the Buick ries. and a layup to put Washington up in the third quarter before the Championship in China earlier In addition, three Wizards 110-103 with 34.9 seconds left. Wizards rallied to take an 87-84 this year, and then finished third played hurt -- John Wall (knee), Wade had 26 points and nine advantage into the fourth. in the big-money Evian Champi- Gary Neal (groin) and Kris Hum- assists, and Goran Dragic had a Meanwhile, Dirk Nowitzki onship in France, has an insur- phries (ankle). season-high 20 points and nine scored 25 points as the Dallas mountable lead on top of the Wall and Neal, though, did not assists. Mavericks put rookie Kristaps Order of Merit standings. The look hurt. “We played a bad game,” Wade Porzingis and the New York world number six has accumu- Wall had 26 points and seven said. “It wasn’t about the offensive Knicks in their place with a 104- lated EUR324,213, while Den- assists, and Neal contributed 21 end. We gave up 114 points. It was 97 victory at Madison Square mark’s Nicole Broch Larsen is points off the bench. all about the defensive end of the Garden on Monday. second at EUR230,777. The first “John is one of the toughest floor.” Latvian rookie Porzingis -- who prize this week is EUR75,000. players I’ve ever seen,” Wizards True to Wade’s point, Miami idolised German star Nowitzki as England’s Melissa Reid is third coach Randy Wittman said of lost despite shooting 59.4 per- a schoolboy -- top scored with 28 at EUR219,150. Wall. cent from the floor. But the Heat points in a furious late onslaught Feng said she is not feeling “It takes a lot for him to miss a allowed Washington to shoot 50 for New York but it was not much pressure this year, despite game. If you remember last year percent overall and nine of 18 enough to overhaul Dallas. being the highest ranked player in the playoffs, it took five broken three-pointers. Miami received The towering 7ft 3in Porzingis, in the field and the overwhelming bones in his hand before he was 18 points, nine rebounds and four one of the standout rookies of the favourite. going to sit out a game.” assists from Chris Bosh, who was season so far, helped slash a 98-81 “I’m really happy to come back Neal, who signed with the Wiz- upset with the officiating and was deficit with 5:52 left in the fourth this year. It’s my fourth time here ards in July, fell just two points off ejected in the final minute. quarter to just 101-97 with 43 sec- Devin Booker (1) of the Phoenix Suns puts up a shot over Joakim Noah and I’ve had a very good record his season high. The Wizards (9-10) also got onds on the clock. (13) of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois on here so far. “Gary was big off the bench,” 13 points and a career-high 14 Monday. The Suns defeated the Bulls 103-101. “This year coming back as Wittman said. “He was probably rebounds from Otto Porter. Eight AGENCIES defending champion, I don’t feel as nervous as I was in 2013. Last time I was defending champion, I think maybe I still had a little bit of pressure, so I didn’t perform as well as I thought I would,” said Feng, the only Chinese player to Late Bailey field goal lifts Cowboys over Redskins win a major golf championship (2012 LPGA Championship). MIAMI: Cowboys quarterback I’ve ever been a part of,” Cassel Kirk Cousins to wide receiver back-tracked inside the 5-yard another receiver from the Wash- “This year coming back, I just Matt Cassel and wide receiver said. DeSean Jackson with 44 seconds line before fumbling -- gave the ington 15 as Bryant broke toward want to relax and enjoy the tour- Dez Bryant both described Dal- “The emotional roller coaster left, but that left enough time for Cowboys a first down on the the end zone. nament. I know I love this golf las’ dramatic win over the Wash- that you go through is pretty Dallas to hit back. Washington 15 with 1:26 on the Cousins completed 22 of 31 course and it suits my game. So ington Redskins on Monday using intense, but I thought that the “The margin for error in this clock. passes for 219 and a touchdown. just going to give my best, and I the word “crazy.” way our team finished and the league is so small,” Cousins said. Two plays later, running back Jackson caught six balls for 80 think my goal is to finish inside They might as well have been resilience we showed, it says a lot “You know if you leave any time Darren McFadden scored from yards. the top-10.” talking about the NFC East race. about the character of this team.” on the clock ... anything can hap- six yards out, and Dallas led 16-9. In a battle of field goals, the England’s world number 41 Dan Bailey kicked a 54-yard Washington, who saw their pen.” “It’s DeSean, and he has a his- teams were tied 3-3 halftime and Charley Hull, the LET Order of field goal with nine seconds left five-game home winning streak Jackson’s fumble on a punt tory of making big plays in key 6-6 after three quarters. Merit champion last year, is also to cap a furious final two minutes end, tied the score at 16-16 on a return -- he caught the ball on situations,” said Redskins coach It was Washington kicker Dus- in the field and she is hoping that also included a touchdown 28-yard pass from quarterback the Redskins 16 and ultimately Jay Gruden, who began using tin Hopkins’ turn on the second to end a solid season on a win- by each team, and the Cowboys Jackson on punt returns in cer- play of the fourth quarter, this ning note. “I can’t wait to get defeated the Washington Red- tain situations last week. time from 46 yards out. out there on the golf course this skins 19-16. “I don’t regret that decision The Cowboys appeared ready to week because I really love this golf Following a weekend when little one bit.” take the lead in the final five min- course and it’s just good fun,” the went as predicted, the Cowboys Washington’s Rashad Ross utes after Cassel found Bryant for 19-year-old said. “I’d say I have (4-8) now find themselves one- returned the ensuing kickoff a 42-yard completion down the played some of my best golf this game behind the 5-7 Redskins, 41 yards, and a facemask pen- left sideline to the Washington year. I have not had any wins, but New York Giants and Philadel- alty moved the ball to the Dal- three-yard line. However, Dallas I have had quite a few top-10s and phia Eagles. las 43-yard line. Four plays later, could not punch it in, and Bailey played really well in America in “It’s a crazy game, man. This Jackson scored to tie the game. hit a 20-yard to tie it 9-9. my first year there. So, a win is is a crazy game. We battled and “A number of different situ- The teams combined for just missing, but hopefully, I will get we got the W,” said Bryant, later ations where there’s an escape two first downs and 43 yards of it done this week.” The battle for adding, “We’ve got everything to hatch to say, ‘Ah, boy, we gave a offense during an inept first quar- the Rookie of the Year honours is win and everything to lose. It’s great effort, but maybe it’s their ter. Cassel completed two of six still undecided. The Danish duo right there.” night,’” Cowboys coach Jason Gar- passes during the first 15 minutes, of Emily Kristine Pedersen and With the score tied at 16-16, rett said. “But our guys refused to while Cousins was sacked three Nanna Koerstz Madsen are in the the Cowboys’ Lucky Whitehead give in. They kept battling.” times. reckoning, with Pedersen, who returned a kickoff 45 yards to the Cassel finished 16-for-29 for Bailey’s 38-yard field goal gave won the Hero Women’s Indian Dallas 43 with 37 seconds left. 222 yards. Bryant caught three Dallas a 3-0 lead in the second Open in October, leading with Two completions from Cassel to passes, all in the fourth quarter, quarter. Washington responded earnings of EUR164,063. With Bryant picked up 20 yards. for 62 yards. with a 14-play, 58-yard drive, and a lead of EUR32,434 over Mad- Two incompletions followed, Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) catches the ball as In the second quarter, Bryant Hopkins’ 45-yard field goal on the sen, Pedersen will be favourite as but Bailey’s kick was good with a Washington Redskins cornerback Will Blackmon (41) defends in the was seen expressing his frustra- final play of the half made it 3-3. her compatriot will have to fin- few yards to spare. fourth quarter at FedEx Field on Monday. The Cowboys won 19-16. tion on the sideline after Cassel ish inside the top-two to have any “That was one of crazier games threw an incompletion toward AFP chance of going ahead. AFP Marin, the accidental shuttler, takes on China’s might

DUBAI: Carolina Marin, the Championships and the All-Eng- in the China Open last month, insufficient for harsh critics back while still a teenager, and Sung accidental player who became her land Open, as well as other Super WOMEN’S SINGLES DRAW and to overcome the other leading home, causing Nehwal to attempt Ji-hyun, the world number four sport’s greatest sensation, believes Series titles in France, Hong Group A: Carolina Marin (Spain), Saina Chinese, Wang Yihan, a former toughening changes to her mind- from South Korea. her toughest opponent will be Kong, Malaysia and Australia. Nehwal (India), Nozomi Okuhara (Japan), Tai world champion. set. She receives less censorious The men’s singles event sees herself rather than those from These are extraordinary Tzu Yng (Taiwan). Neither of these famous Indian expatriate support here in China’s Chen Long, the world China, the world’s most powerful achievements, given that so few Group B: Wang Shixian (China), Wang players has however landed in Dubai, which she has described champion, start as strong favour- badminton nation, as she seeks people play the game in her native Yihan (China), Ratchanok Intanon (Thailand), Marin’s group. Instead the Span- as “not like a home away from ite in his defence of the title he another major title in the Super Spain, and that she has been Sung Ji-hyun (South Korea). iard first faces Tai Tzu Ying, home - it is home.” won here last year. Series finals starting today. outperforming a team of highly- the titleholder from Taiwan, Her strengths are consist- The field contains Jan Jor- This will present a slightly dif- trained Chinese athletes sup- ate unexpected wind drift, and a followed by Nozomi Okuhara, ency, tenacity, and perception, gensen, the world number two ferent challenge for the 22-year- ported by considerable resources. group format in which - to reach the Japanese player who this and she plays fast-paced ral- from Denmark, Kento Momota, old world number one from Spain, Marin only began badminton Sunday’s final - she will face top year has climbed 16 places to a lies better than she did whilst the Thomas Cup hero from who is competing for the first after unwittingly strolling past a ten opponents for five successive career-high number nine, and, admitting that Marin has “bet- Japan, and Kidambi Srikanth, the time in the tour’s season-end court where a friend happened to days. most notably, Saina Nehwal, the ter wrist work.” By contrast the Indian number one who narrowly flagship event because last year’s be hitting a shuttlecock. Marin nevertheless feels her Indian whom Marin succeeded as Madrid-domiciled left-hander qualified at the last moment. regulations did not permit world Yet she talks as if it were all far biggest obstacle lies elsewhere. world number one during 2015. from Huelva creates steep tra- It is though without Lin Dan, champions to qualify automati- from extraordinary. “My expecta- “The toughest opponent is going She also beat Nehwal in the jectories and surprising angles, the Olympic champion from cally. tion is to get the title and win the to be myself,” she claims. “But if world final in Jakarta in August. which, when allied to a fiery China, and Lee Chong Wei, the Now they do, and Marin has tournament,” she said. “To do that I control myself I know I can win Despite this Nehwal has made fighting spirit, make her one of former world number one from since won a second world title as I must first enjoy all the matches all the games.” incremental improvement each the most the startling champi- Malaysia who won the last three well as becoming world number and make sure I do my best.” In attempting this she could year, getting within touching dis- ons of all. Other challengers for Super Series tournaments with- one. This required a surge from To do that she must cope with have an opportunity to avenge tance of big titles which have only the women’s singles title will be out acquiring enough ranking last year’s 15th ranking, made unfamiliar conditions in the large herself on Wang Shixian, the narrowly eluded her. Ratchanok Intanon, the 20-year- points to qualify. possible by winning the World Hamdan stadium which can cre- former number one who beat her This has sometimes been old Thai who won the world title AFP WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 28 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Windies fighting for respect against Australia Holder’s team faces a huge credibility gap in Test series, odds heavily stacked against once-mighty Caribbeans

HOBART, Australia: The We will go out there, do the best some pressure to score.” much-maligned West Indies are we can and give them a good run.” But the build-up has been Why are we battling to regain respect against Helping the Windies’ chances underwhelming for fans with Australia in the first of three will be an under-strength Aus- official forecasts predicting fewer changing Tests, Tests starting in Hobart tomor- tralian pace attack, minus injured than 10,000 turning up over the row, but the odds are heavily spearhead Mitchell Starc and the first four days in Hobart, com- Warner asks stacked against the once-mighty recently retired Mitchell Johnson. pared to the 123,000 that poured Caribbeans. Selectors have turned to James through Adelaide’s turnstiles They have won just four of their Pattinson and Nathan Coulter- for the first-ever day-night Test HOBART, Australia: Australia last 20 Tests and were humbled Nile to replenish their diminish- against New Zealand late last opener David Warner has ques- by 10 wickets in their only warm- ing fast bowling ranks while also month. tioned why cricket chiefs seem up game by a modest Cricket mulling the pressing need to give The Australians for their part intent on changing the format of Australia XI. In contrast, third- Adelaide Test man-of-the-match are wary of the nothing-to-lose Tests, revealing he is wary of fid- ranked Australia are coming off Josh Hazlewood some time off to attitude of the West Indies. dling with a concept that has been a 2-0 home series win over New refresh. “We will have to be on top of around for so long. Zealand and spanked the Windies Pattinson, 25, played the last of our game,” star batsman Warner Test cricket got a pulsating in two Tests earlier this year. his 13 Tests against South Africa said. “ makeover as Australia claimed Heading into the return series, in March 2014 with his career Don’t take that as gospel how a thrilling three-wicket win over the West Indies are ranked only stalled by chronic back and ham- they got beat comprehensively (by New Zealand in the first Test in above Bangladesh and Zimbabwe string issues. the CA XI) because we know what the game’s 138-year history to and last won a Test in Australia Coulter-Nile, 28, is in the they are like.” be played under lights, and with in 1997, while they have failed to twelve despite not playing any a newly designed pink ball, at win a series Down Under since domestic Sheffield Shield matches Teams Adelaide last month. 1992-93. so far this summer because of a Australia (from) - David Warner, While the crowds and broad- Given their mediocre run of shoulder injury. Joe Burns, Steve Smith (capt), casters loved the experience, recent results, Jason Holder’s So the Australian pace attack, Adam Voges, Shaun Marsh, Mitch and rival skippers Steve Smith tourists face a huge credibility which also has senior quick Peter Marsh, Peter Nevill, Peter Siddle, and Brendon McCullum were in gap and have been given next to Siddle, is not the top combination Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, unison about the success of the no chance by many pundits. that could have confronted the Nathan Lyon, Nathan Coulter- initiative, Warner is not so sure. Sydney’s Daily Telegraph did not West Indies. Nile. “Why are we changing a game pull any punches in declaring: “It’s The tourists say they have West Indies (from) - Kraigg that has been around for a long, hard to dress this West Indies identified weaknesses to exploit in Brathwaite, Rajendra Chandrika, long time?” he told Sky Sports Radio, series up as anything other than the Australian batting lineup for Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, suggesting commercial interests what it is: a pending embarrass- their own bowlers, led by Jerome Jermaine Blackwood, Denesh were being prioritised over play- ment for world cricket.” Taylor, Holder and Roach. Ramdin, Jason Holder (capt), ers, with talk also in recent weeks Despite their critics, the Win- “They have some in-form bats- Carlos Brathwaite, Devendra about playing four-day Tests to dies camp are talking up their men like David Warner and Steve Bishoo, Kemar Roach, Jerome boost dwindling crowds. chances of upsetting the odds, Smith so it’s important we put Taylor, Shannon Gabriel. “At the end of the day, we know although it’s largely fallen on deaf pressure on the middle order,” Umpires: Marais Erasmus what it’s about, we know why ears. Holder said. (RSA), Ian Gould (ENG) they’re trying to achieve this. “I love being the underdog,” “If we can get some early wick- TV umpire: Chris Gaffaney “At the end of the day it’s busi- paceman Kemar Roach said this ets with the new ball we can get (NZL) Josh Hazlewood of Australia bowls during play on the first day of the ness and that is something the week. guys like Shaun Marsh, who are Match referee: Chris Broad first Test match against the West Indies, at Windsor Park Stadium in players have to embrace.” “So when we come out on top trying to make their way back (ENG) Roseau, Dominica, in this June 4, 2015 file picture. A concern of some players at it will be a whole different story. into the side, and put them under AFP Adelaide was the luminous pink ball, which despite showing up well on television was not always easily visible for players. “We’ve got to tinker with that Sri Lanka rocked by drug shock ahead of Kiwis Test ball a bit more. The only disap- pointing thing from our point of WELLINGTON: Wicketkeeper international to fail a dope test to suit his with confidence in home condi- liked over in Australia, but both view is that you’ve got to get the Kusal Perera’s (pictured) shock following batsman Upul Tha- pace attack. tions where they have not lost a have shown in the past what product right and if the prod- suspension after failing a drugs ranga’s suspension for three New Zea- Test nor a series since going down they’re capable of and we’re confi- uct’s not right, it’s hard to go out test has left Sri Lanka reel- months after testing positive dur- land are at 0-1 when South Africa visited in dent they’ll make valuable contri- there and play the game,” said ing ahead of the two-Test series ing the 2011 World Cup. their best 2011-12. They are also a team butions in the upcoming series,” Warner. against New Zealand starting in The loss of the three-Test playing at that played better than the 0-2 he said. Meanwhile, Curtly Ambrose Dunedin tomorrow. keeper follows the back injury home, which scoreline in Australia last month “We think it’s a strong squad, hit back at the West Indies crit- After Dhammika Prasad’s suffered by leading fast bowler Sri Lanka would indicate. but equally we’ve got a group of ics yesterday with a few verbal series-ending back injury, it was Prasad in a warm-up match learned the “We are back in conditions we players on the fringe of selection bouncers of his own, saying they the second damaging blow for against a modest New Zealand hard way 12 are familiar with and grounds we who are ready to be called upon will look silly when the team Angelo Mathews’ new-look side Board President’s XI. months ago are familiar with and hopefully we if necessary.” knock over Australia in this in what was always going to be It was not the hit-out the tour- when bowl- can show the high standards we Guptill aside, New Zealand are week’s opening Test in Hobart. an uphill battle in testing New ists were hoping for with Dimuth ing spearheads Tim Southee have shown over the last couple strong at the top of the order led The under-performing Windies Zealand conditions. Karunaratne’s 93 in the first and Trent Boult took 22 wickets of years,” said Southee Tuesday. by the impressive Kane William- have been written off since arriv- Perera, 25, one of Sri Lanka’s innings, backed by 63 from Udara between them as the Black Caps “It’s typical Dunedin weather. son who has averaged 89.90 in the ing Down Under. Most pundits new brigade following the retire- Jayasundara and 61 from Kithu- completed a 2-0 series whitewash. We find it cold so I’m sure the Sri past 12 months. are expecting Steve Smith’s Aus- ments of several stars including ruwan Vithanage in the second, Mathews’ side return a year Lankans will find it even worse.” Ross Taylor has averaged 52 in tralians to roll the West Indies in Kumar Sangakkara, was sent the only scores of note. later, still in a rebuilding phase, In Australia, only opener Mar- the same period including a 290 double-quick time after coming home on Monday after return- The Sri Lankan batsmen can to face a settled New Zealand tin Guptill and off-spinner Mark against Australia while McCul- off a hard-fought 2-0 Test home ing a positive result to a banned expect no mercy when the first line-up looking for a confidence Craig failed to shine but Hesson lum, as he showed with his 195 in series win over New Zealand. steroid from a random test during Test starts at Dunedin’s Univer- boost after losing their recent is prepared to keep faith with the the first Test against Sri Lanka a Some commentators and ex- their recent series against Paki- sity Oval tomorrow with New away series defeat to Australia. out-of-form pair. year ago, can destroy any attack cricketers have even predicted the stan. Zealand coach Mike Hesson The Brendon McCullum-led “Mark and Martin didn’t per- once he gets going. Caribbean tourists will struggle to He is the second Sri Lankan ordering green, seaming pitches New Zealanders are brimming form to the level they would have AFP take the match at Bellerive Oval, starting tomorrow, past three days. But Ambrose, the menac- ing pace great who led the West Indies attack with 405 Test wick- ICC targets World Twenty20 on US soil, says report ets, believes the tourists can beat Australia. SYDNEY: Cricket chiefs hope to year’s 50-over one-day World Cup events as well so we see that as a Akram, Jacques Kallis, Ricky 12-18 months, you could poten- “At the end of the day, when we stage a Twenty20 World Cup in in Australia and New Zealand, medium-term goal.” Ponting, Matthew Hayden, Glenn tially have full members playing perform and we beat Australia, the United States within a decade while a lucrative broadcast deal India are scheduled to hold the McGrath and Brad Haddin. cricket (one-day internationals) the reporters will have to change as the game ramps up efforts to with the United States is already next Twenty20 World Cup in 2016 Some of the world’s biggest in the USA.” their tune,” the West Indies bowl- crack the huge American sports worth big money to ICC. with Australia hosting the event active players could also be pad- To strengthen its bid to estab- ing consultant said, adding that market, a report said yesterday. “If we continue to make good in 2020. ding up in the United States soon. lish itself in the American market, the young and inexperienced The International Cricket progress, we would (hope to) see Cricket greats Shane Warne “In the shorter term, our full the ICC is also looking at trying to squad was up to the task. Council’s head of global devel- a World Twenty20 in the USA in and Sachin Tendulkar recently members are keen to play some enter the country’s college sport “We’re here to do a job and opment Tim Anderson said the the next rights cycle,” Anderson took a number of former interna- big cricket in the USA. I think programme to boost participation we’re going to make a good job world governing body had ambi- told the Sydney Daily Telegraph, tional stars to the US for a three- that’d be a fantastic way to take at a grass roots level, the report of it,” he said. “Being here alone tions to further popularise the with the newspaper pointing to match ICC-sanctioned T20 series, cricket to a new heartland for the said. The ICC’s full members are should be more than enough moti- sport in a country more used to 2024 as the likely date. attracting large crowds. game,” said Anderson. Australia, Bangladesh, England, vation for the players, but having baseball, basketball and gridiron. “We think that’d be a great Among the throng of big-name “There’s already an ODI- India, New Zealand, Pakistan, heard all those comments should While still alien to many concept. Other sports have retirees playing were Brian Lara, accredited venue in Florida (and South Africa, Sri Lanka, West be ideal motivation for them.” Americans, thousands travelled done that, not just football, but Courtney Walsh, Curtly Ambrose, another potential site in Indi- Indies and Zimbabwe. from the United States to this rugby are doing that with major Muttiah Muralitharan, Wasim anapolis) but, within the next AFP AGENCIES New Indian Premier League teams unveiled after fixing scandal NEW DELHI: Teams from the popularity of the tournament, and spot-fixing. Five players from team in the IPL’s history, having western cities of Pune and Rajkot that instead of us paying them each of the Chennai and Rajas- won the tournament in 2010 and won an auction yesterday to com- money they are going to pay us,” than franchises will be drafted 2011 and finishing runners-up on pete in cricket’s Indian Premier Shukla told reporters after the into the new teams on December four occasions. League, replacing two franchises auction in New Delhi. 15, while the rest will feature in Rajasthan Royals won the inau- that were banned over a corrup- New Rising have agreed to pay an auction in Bangalore on Febru- gural event in 2008 under the tion scandal. around $3.4m annually for the ary 6, Shukla said. captaincy of Australian spin leg- The Twenty20 tournament’s Pune franchise for the next two Both Chennai and Rajasthan end Shane Warne, but have failed chairman Rajiv Shukla said that years and Intex will pay around are expected to return to the IPL to make the final since then. New Rising, a subsidiary of the $1.5 million for the Rajkot team. after their bans end following the Since its launch in 2008, the Sanjeev Goenka group, bagged The auction followed the deci- 2017 edition. IPL has become hugely popular the Pune franchise, while Delhi- sion by India’s cricket board to The new buyers have ensured by paying mega salaries to big- based Intex Mobiles picked up the ban the Chennai Super Kings the IPL will remain an eight- name internationals who perform Rajkot team in open bidding. and the Rajasthan Royals from team event for at least the next against a glamorous backdrop of Shukla said the owners had not the glitzy tournament for two two years. dancing girls and Bollywood stars, paid the usual franchise fees to years on the recommendation of a “We are very excited to be asso- who part-own the teams. tournament organisers for the Supreme Court-appointed panel. ciated with a popular brand like But despite attracting big right to field teams, but would The 2013 IPL season was the IPL,” said Intex director Kes- audiences, it has been dogged instead forgo payments from a mired in controversy after police hav Bansal. by scandal, including allegations Captains from all IPL teams with IPL Trophy during the IPL 2015 open- central pool of money made up of launched legal proceedings The barred Chennai Super of corruption, spot-fixing and ing ceremony held at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India, in this cash from TV rights and spon- against several officials from the Kings, led by India’s World Cup- crooked umpires. April 8, 2015 file picture. sorship. two teams and three Rajasthan winning captain Mahendra Singh “This speaks to the enduring Royals’ players for illegal betting Dhoni, are the most successful AFP WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 SPORT www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 29

3rd Qatar International Cup

Prize winners on the concluding day of the 3rd Qatar International Cup, a weightlifting event held at Marriott Hotel, in Doha yesterday. Lifters from more than 48 countries featured in the two-day event organised by Qatar Weightlifting Federation (QWF) in association with Qatar Olympic Committee (QOC).

Suspended Platini vows to Proud Arsenal record on the tell ‘truth’ at ban appeal

LAUSANNE: FIFA Vice-President Michel Platini vowed to tell “noth- ing but the truth” before appearing at the Court of Arbitration for line in Olympiakos showdown Sport (CAS) in a bid to halt a 90-day suspension by football’s world body. The appeal is part of a campaign by the 60-year-old Frenchman to The one positive thing is we know exactly what to do: Arsene Wenger get back into the election for a new leader of scandal-tainted FIFA to be held on February 26. ATHENS: Arsenal will put one Platini appeared before the CAS tribunal in Lausanne with his of the best Champions League lawyers in a bid to get the suspension ordered in October provision- records on the line when they face ally lifted. Olympiakos Piraeus in a show- “I will say nothing more than I have already told you: the truth, all down for second spot in Group F the truth and nothing but the truth,” Platini told reporters with a half today. smile before entering the tribunal. As well as competing in the He was accompanied by his Paris-based lawyers Thibaud d’Ales and tournament for the 18th season Thomas Clay. FIFA was represented by Swiss lawyer Antonio Rigozzi. in a row, the London club have Sport’s highest appeal court has promised a decision by Friday “at qualified for the second stage in the latest.” each of the past 15 campaigns. FIFA’s ethics committee suspended the boss of European confed- That run is in jeopardy, not so eration UEFA in October after he was linked to a criminal probe by much due to a 5-1 hammering at Swiss prosecutors. group winners Bayern Munich According to Platini’s lawyers, FIFA’s ethics watchdog wants the but because Arsenal were beaten French football legend banned for life. in their opening two games Platini has gone to CAS in a bid to get the suspension temporarily including a shock 3-2 defeat at lifted. The Frenchman and FIFA President Sepp Blatter will appear home to Olympiakos. before a FIFA appeal committee on December 16-18 for the main chal- Now they must reverse that lenge against their 90-day suspensions. scoreline or improve on it to pre- Blatter is the target of a criminal mismanagement investigation serve their proud record under by Swiss prosecutors. Platini has been questioned over a two million Arsene Wenger who will be miss- Swiss franc ($2m) payment he received from FIFA in 2011 for work ing seven players including Alexis done a decade earlier. Sanchez, Santi Cazorla, Mikel Both men deny any wrongdoing, insisting there was an oral contract Arteta and Jack Wilshere. for the consultancy work on FIFA’s international calendar. Wenger was particularly Platini plans to use a 1998 UEFA document to back his case that he pleased with Saturday’s 3-1 win Bayern Munich’s players Rafinha (right) and Joshua Kimmich attend a press conference in Zagreb, Croatia, had a deal with FIFA. at home to Sunderland, a victory yesterday. Munich faces Dinamo Zagreb in an UEFA Champions League, Group F match, today. The document, seen by reporters yesterday, says that Blatter had that lifted Arsenal to second place announced during his campaign for the FIFA presidency in 1998 that in the Premier League. Platini “would be the future sports director of FIFA. Platini would “For our confidence it was Silva has also won widespread therefore become an employee of FIFA.” vital,” the French coach told praise for the European perform- Neville seeks The document even adds: “One has to have doubts about Platini’s reporters. “I was very nervous ances. Greece midfielder Kostas qualifications as sporting director, which would require him to man- because I knew it was a very Fortounis, one of the outstand- calm before age all sports related matters, including competitions and to guide the important game for our season. ing players for Olympiakos this personnel in question.” “It is better to prepare for the season, is relishing the game with Valencia storm Platini only became UEFA president in 2007. (Olympiakos) game knowing we Arsenal. Platini’s entourage say the document is proof that there was “noth- have won. The one positive thing “This is a showdown, no doubt VA LENCI A: New Valencia boss ing underhand” about the deal between Blatter and Platini “and that is we know exactly what to do. about it, out of which only one Gary Neville admitted his life it was well known to world football’s top leaders.” “Most of the time when we team can claim qualification to is about to change, but said he The FIFA suspension has prevented Platini taking part in the cam- have been to Olympiakos we have the next stage,” he said after the is remaining calm ahead of his paign for the leadership of the crisis-stricken world body. not had a lot to do because we had 4-3 win at Panthrakikos at the debut as a head coach in his side’s The current suspension would finish on January 5 but if that is lifted already qualified. This time it is weekend, a result that gave them crucial Champions League clash by the FIFA watchdog, he would then have to pass an integrity test. the opposite,” added Wenger. a 10-point lead at the top of the against Lyon today. Five candidates -- Asia’s football chief Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim It is Arsenal’s fourth visit in Super League. Olympiakos are “Someone said it’s the first day Al Khalifa, UEFA Secretary General Gianni Infantino, former FIFA seven seasons and each time the relatively injury-free but Silva of the rest of my life tomorrow,” vice president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein of Jordan, South African game has come on Matchday Six. must decide whether to include England coach Neville said yes- business tycoon Tokyo Sexwale and former FIFA official Jerome Cham- For Olympiakos the match is fit-again Argentine midfielder terday. pagne of France -- have been campaigning for months. being billed by local media as a Esteban Cambiasso in place “I’m focusing on staying calm. Infantino has said he would stand down if Platini is allowed to run defining moment in a break- of Luka Milivojevic or Pajtim It’s impossible to get everything in the election. through year for Portuguese coach Kasami. Brown Ideye, who spent into the players in the next 48 If the CAS does lift the FIFA suspension, Platini will at least be Marco Silva. The 38-year-old has last season at West Bromwich hours. allowed to attend the draw for the 2016 European Championships in led the Greeks to 12 successive Albion, will come back into the Arsenal’s manager Arsene “We worked on things yester- Paris on Saturday. Euro 2016 will be in France next June. Super League victories since the attack after being rested at the Wenger speaks during a press day and this morning, but it’s the “For me, it is a lot more important to know if he (Platini) will be at season kicked off as they chase a weekend. conference in Athens yesterday. simple things that hopefully we the Euro than (Karim) Benzema,” said chief organiser Jacques Lam- host of club records. REUTERS can see tomorrow night in the bert. “We have been preparing this event for five years with Michel game.” Platini, the UEFA president.” Valencia need to win and hope Star striker Benzema could be kicked out of the French team after Belgian champions Gent fail to he was charged with complicity over a bid to blackmail teammate beat the already qualified Zenit Mathieu Valbuena over a sex-tape. Under-fire Mourinho believes St Petersburg to qualify for the last 16 for the first time in three AFP years. “Not everything is in our hands, he has Abramovich backing but we have to focus on what we do control. If we don’t have the COBHAM: Chelsea manager think that I did lots of good things official communication from the result in the other game we want, Jose Mourinho said yesterday in this club for the owner to know club’s board since. With a top- that’s life. The most important that he feels he retains the sup- the quality I have. four finish in the Premier League thing for us is focusing on our port of owner Roman Abramovich “The owner shows me that looking an increasingly remote players, our direct opponent.” despite the looming risk of Cham- belief twice: once when he brought possibility, Chelsea need to find Neville was hired until the end pions League elimination. me back to the club (in 2013); the an alternative means of qualify- of the season last week after a The misfiring Premier League second time when he gave me a ing for next season’s Champions series of disappointing results let champions face a make-or-break new contract for four years (in League. to Nuno Espirito Santo’s depar- home game with Mourinho’s August). If they finish third in Group ture from the club. former club Porto today, when “I don’t think the owner is a G they will drop into the Europa However, he watched on from they need a draw to rubber-stamp person to change with the wind. League, but although vic- the stands as a revitalised Valen- their place in the Champions I know the wind of the results is tory in that competition would cia battled back from a goal down League last 16. an important wind. I know this take them into the Champions to salvage a 1-1 draw against Chelsea remain 14th in the wind is strong because the results League, Mourinho is setting his European champions Barcelona Premier League after Saturday’s in the Premier League are really sights higher. “I know that, in on Saturday. And Neville has his abject 1-0 loss at home to Bourne- bad. But I think the owner knows this moment, it looks to win the sights set on not just reaching the mouth and Mourinho refused to who I am and what I give to the Europa League might be an eas- knockout stages of the Champions speculate about what might hap- club, and the owner believes that I ier way to be in the Champions League, but a return to the com- UEFA President Michel Platini leaves after a hearing at the Court of pen if they fail against Porto, say- am the right person to do the job.” League next season than to finish petition next year by finishing in Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, yesterday. Platini ing only “there are no ifs”. Chelsea’s hierarchy gave Mour- in the top four,” he said. the top four of La Liga. is trying to lift his provisional 90-day suspension barring him from seek- But he issued a robust defence inho a public vote of confidence ing the presidency of soccer’s scandal-plagued governing body FIFA. of his Chelsea record, saying: “I in October, but there has been no REUTERS REUTERS WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 30 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com SPORT Lekhwiya look to build on winning streak Al Ahli cannot be taken lightly, says Djamel coach Belmadi; defending champions target fourth successive win

DOHA: Defending Qatar Stars been in the best of form to avail League (QSL) champions and chances that have come their way. Coach Zola hosts Lekhwiya today will be look- “The only thing that is miss- ing to build on their recent win ing for Ahli is the result. We urges Al Arabi streak when they take on Al Ahli. have created a lot of chances Djamel Belmadi’s side has during games but we haven’t to up the ante stitched three successive wins been able to convert them,” picking up a maximum of nine Kranjcar said. points to climb to fifth spot on “I am not a big fan of statistics, DOHA: Coach Gianfranco Zola the QSL points table. but in our games we have enjoyed has urged Al Arabi to push for “Three wins in a row is impor- majority possession and created narrowing the gap on the top tant for the confidence of the more chances than the opponent three sides in Qatar Stars League players. More than ever because but we haven’t done anything (QSL). of the difficult period that we with those chances. Fourth-placed Al Arabi (20 had been experiencing before. “If you compare this season to points) are behind runaway lead- We hadn’t panicked,” Belmadi the last, then we had Alain Dioko ers Al Rayyan (33), El Jaish (23) said yesterday. who would convert these chances. and Al Sadd (21) from 11 matches. “We knew that there were dif- But this season we haven’t been Al Arabi take on bottom-placed ferent reasons for it. But to win able to do so. In the last couple of Mesaimeer in a round 12 clash at is important, especially for a club games we lost points in the last Lekhwiya Stadium today. that is used to winning. We just minutes and some decisions from “We are three points behind El want to continue doing that,” the the referees haven’t also gone our Jaish and just one point behind Al Algerian added ahead of Wednes- way,” he explained. Sadd. It gives the impression that day’s round 12 clash at Lekhwiya When asked about Alain we are doing okay. But we have to Stadium. Dioko’s future availability, Kranj- go from ‘okay’ to being very good,” Belmadi said seventh-placed Al car said the key striker was happy Zola said during a press confer- Ahli cannot be taken lightly. at Al Gharafa. ence yesterday. “Ahli is a really good team. Lekhwiya coach Djamel Belmadi during a press conference on the eve of their Qatar Stars League (QSL) “Dioko did well with us for two “I am learning that in this They always have a good per- match against Al Ahli. seasons but then he made a choice league there can be surprises. I formance against strong teams. to move to Al Gharafa this sea- am preparing my team as if we We know what we are going to be son. We are not looking to get him are preparing against Lekhiwya. up against and it will be a tough difference between Al Sadd and we are in two months time,” a conference yesterday. “We now back,” Kranjcar said. I am giving this match the same game,” Belmadi said. Lekhwiya. But we were able to philosophical Belmadi explained. face two big teams - Lekhwiya “I believe he would like to end importance and making sure the “We know that the three overcome that. Al Ahli coach Zlatko Kranjcar and Al Rayyan. Both teams are his career with Al Gharafa. We players are focussed. We have an points will not come easy and we “I am sure that the gap between said not dropping points in the in great shape. Lekhwiya have have our own strikers Meshal and opportunity here,” Zola added. will have to work hard for it. We us and Al Rayyan can be reduced. next round was his main goal in proved their prowess in the last Mubele who are the top scorers “If we are good and lucky then have conceded goals in our victo- But I don’t want to talk about the the coming two weeks. two games. We all know how Al for us. There are other players we will score more. But we will ries so it hasn’t been easy. But we title. Two weeks ago, people were “We are now entering the Rayyan are doing this season. who can also step up. So we are have to get that first goal early,” have worked hard during those asking me a different set of ques- final part of the first phase of But we will try to do our best in not looking to get Dioko back,” he said. matches and we have to continue tions. “So the truth of yesterday the championships. We have a these two matches and we will he added. Zola said referee decisions in doing so,” he added. is not the truth of tomorrow. We few difficulties with some of our be focussing on not losing these The game starts at 4:00 pm. QSL were not up to the mark. “Last year more or less at the are focussing on one game at a key players injured,” Kranjcar two matches,” Kranjcar added. “I had said that the level of the same time there was nine-point time and then we will see where said during a pre-match press Kranjcar said his team hasn’t THE PENINSULA games are going up ad because of that there are many disputes for the referees. But the referees are not at that level. This is not Second-placed El Jaish a blame game but constructive criticism and we have to look to up the level of the referees,” the Italian remarked. keen to bounce back “I want to remind people that when Mesaimeer played DOHA: Second-placed El Jaish a good game but against Qatar, against Al Rayyan, and they (Al are eager to erase the memories of I was sad because we didn’t play Rayyan) scored after 88 minutes. losing two successive Qatar Stars our game. So both defeats are dif- Mesaimeer are a difficult team League (QSL) matches when they ferent in nature,” he added. to play against because they will take on Umm Salal today. El Jaish (23) are 10 points defend with 10 players in the last Last week Qatar SC stunned behind leaders Al Rayyan (33). 20 metres,” Zola said. Zola said El Jaish 1-0 after the Sabri Lam- “We will face a strong team and Al Arabi is in a better spot than ouchi’s side had gone down to we know that. Sagbo is a good it has ever been in recent times. points leaders Al Rayyan the striker. I am thinking about “Now we are in a position we previous round. my team and my players. I am were not expecting to be in at the Qatar SC Brazilian coach Sebastiao Lazaroni (right) at a press conference in Doha yesterday. “We need to stick together waiting for a reaction from my start of the season. We are look- as team. The defeat against Al players. I want three points but ing to go to the next level,” Zola Rayyan was more difficult to take if we want three points then we said. because we played well against have to play well,” he Lamouchi Mesaimeer coach Rodion them. We want to react in our said. Gacanin hoped his ‘brave’ play- next game and play the style of Umm Salal assistant coach Stability-seeking Qatar SC face ers will be up for the challenge football that we are known for,” Farooq Koknas said El Jaish are on Wednesday. “We are not in a El Jaish coach Lamouchi said yes- a threat. good situation. It will be similar terday. “El Jaish have good players, to our last match against Al Ahli,” “We are coming into this game good quality strikers who have confident Al Gharafa today Gacanin said yesterday. with two back to back losses. The scored a lot of goals,” Koknas said “We will play against a strong last one we didn’t deserve to lose yesterday. DOHA: Qatar SC seek less drama It’s a tough game but it’s a great Sadeq said Qatar SC seemed to be team with good players, especially and at least we deserved a draw “The game is difficult tomor- and more stability in their Qatar opportunity to show our level of a side gaining in confidence dur- in attack but if we are focussed against Al Rayyan. But now we row. We have to be careful. We Stars League (QSL) clash against improvement,” Lazaroni said. ing their win over El Jaish. and play with more concentration have to focus on the next match,” have to work hard in this game Al Gharafa today, coach Sebastiao “We have to play compact and “We know we are playing a in defence, we will have a chance Lamouchi added. and we hope for a little bit of luck Lazaroni said yesterday. play well even without the ball. team that’s coming from a big for counter-attacks. I hope that “After the game against Qatar too,” Koknas added. Lazaroni was welcomed back This way we can find solutions win. They will be motivated and my players will show a good per- Sports Club, I had said that they “Our team has put up a good into Qatar SC fold with two heavy and get results in the game. Al have lots of confidence going into formance. I hope they will be deserved to win the match. We performance so far this season. last month defeats but the Bra- Gharafa is a good club. A few this match,” Sadeq said. brave and they will say, ‘let’s go were absent for that game. We We have lost just once in the 11 zilian orchestrated a mini-revival years ago they were the base of “The reaction of Qatar SC was and play’,” Gacanin added. respect them a lot and these are games. We respect all teams but with an upset 1-0 win over sec- the national team. They have good good and we need to be careful “The performance of the play- things that can happen in foot- we are not afraid of anyone. We ond-placed El jaish on Saturday. professional players,” Lazaroni when we play against them. “We ers has given me the confidence. ball,” he said. are satisfied about our players and “This is a big game but we must said. are also looking to put our last The players have shown character. “We can analyse the past but our performance and I thank our continue to play with the concen- Lazaroni said his 13th-placed result behind us. We are confi- Most of the time we are running we don’t have to dwell there. We players for the effort that they are tration that we showed in the last side has to go one step at a time. dent in our players and despite behind results and that makes it have to come back quickly and putting in,” he added. game,” Lazaroni said. “We are trying to get confident not having a lot of time to pre- difficult for a team like us that find a solution,” Lamouchi said. Umm Salal are placed sixth on “For us, it’s a challenge to show game by game. Last week we pare for this game, we have done doesn’t have that much quality. “What we can control is our the QSL points table. that we can build on the momen- worked on many aspects - physi- our best to get the players ready,” But we have to work together and present. We have to just ana- The game today starts at tum from the win against El Jaish. cal, tactical and emotional. It’s Al Gharafa coach said about his I hope tomorrow the players show lyse what has happened and 6:30pm. “The challenge continues. We important to be competitive,” side’s loss to Al Rayyan on Sat- their character,” he said. learn from it. I was disappointed are looking for a chance to repeat Lazaroni said. urday. The game today starts on against Al Rayyan because we had THE PENINSULA or increase our level in this game. Al Gharafa interim coach Habib THE PENINSULA 6:30pm. THE PENINSULA

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE QGA/DGC Junior Weekly Tournament London: English Premier League result on Galfar Cricket Club celebrate success Monday: Everton 1 (Lukaku 81) Crystal Palace 1 (Dann 76) Played on Sunday Newcastle 2 (Skrtel 69-og, Wijnaldum 90) Liverpool 0 Played on Saturday Arsenal 3 (Campbell 33, Giroud 63, Ramsey 90) Sunderland 1 (Giroud 45-og); Chelsea 0 Bournemouth 1 (Murray 82); Manchester United 0 West Ham 0; Southampton 1 (Romeu 73) Aston Villa 1 (Lescott 44); Stoke 2 (Arnautovic 7, 15) Manchester City 0; Swansea 0 Leicester 3 (Mahrez 5, 22, 67); Watford 2 (Deeney 30-pen, Ighalo 90) Norwich 0; West Brom 1 (McClean 39) Tottenham 1 (Alli 15) Spanish La Liga result Madrid: Spanish La Liga results on Monday: Espanyol 1 (Moreno 56) Levante 1 (Lema 6) Played Saturday Real Madrid 4 (Benzema 4, 16, Bale 35, Ronaldo 38) Getafe 1 (Alexis 69); Granada Manzoor Ahmad, Qatar Cricket Association (QCA) General-Secretary is seen along with players and officials of Maisey Dylan picked up victory in the QGA/DGC Junior Weekly 0 Atletico Madrid 2 (Godin 20, Griezmann Galfar Cricket Club at a function at Radisson Blu. Galfar Al Misnad, a leading construction company in Qatar, 76); Valencia 1 (Santi Mina 86) Barcelona 1 Tournament, an event sponsored by Qatargas and played in a nine– which promotes and support sports in a big way among its employees, organised a gala event to recognise (Suarez 59); Deportivo la Coruna 1 (Lucas their cricket club team members. Galfar Cricket Club is one of the QCA ‘A Division’ teams. The team has earned hole handicap Stableford format at Doha Golf Club Academy Course. Perez 22) Sevilla 1 (Iborra 76); Real Betis 1 (Molina 82) Celta Vigo 1 (Bongonda 25) many laurels for the club and the company during the season 2014-15. 31 Sport WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2015 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com Qatar preparations are on track: FIFA official 2022 FIFA World Cup: Significant progress has been made and we are working closely with LOC: Colin Smith

DOHA: Qatar’s preparations to tre (QNCC). “World Cup editions means in theory, all the stadiums stage the 2022 FIFA World Cup do not get delivered themselves. will be completed ahead of sched- ‘are on track’, a top official said They require huge amount of ule. That means we can look at after inspecting facilities yester- planning to ensure optimum operations some 18 months ahead day. conditions for all our stakehold- of the tournament in order to do Colin Smith, FIFA’s Director ers - like the fans, the teams, the the final touches. The time-line of Competition, yesterday spent broadcasters and the sponsors,” is great. There is no suggestion the day meeting with officials of Smith added. that there is any delay,” he added. the Qatar 2022 Local Organis- “These years of planning are Smith said his team visited ing Committee (LOC) and visit- absolutely critical for Qatar, some of the match venues yes- ing match venues that are under especially since some of the infra- terday. construction or being renovated. structure being built is part of the “We went to Al Wakrah to see Yesterday’s trip was the second Qatar 2030 Vision. the pitch level. Then we went to one carried out by FIFA officials “Significant progress has been Qatar Foundation and then to Al since February this year. made and we are working closely Rayyan and then back to QNCC. “Ten months is a short time with LOC. In terms of stadium Today was about visiting the exact of period when you look at the construction, there’s a staggered locations. We also visited the preparations but what we have completion date. One will be com- Aspire nursery where we got to seen is that the progress is sig- plete in 2016 and one in 2017 and see the grass that would be used nificant,” Smith said yesterday then one in 2018. Then the final for the pitches,” Smith said. Qatar National Convention Cen- ones in 2020,” Smith said. “This When asked if Qatar lacked in any way, Smith said his team was FIFA officials and members of Qatar 2022 Local Organising Committee look at a model of one of the proposed satisfied with what they got to see stadiums for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, in Doha yesterday. yesterday. “We would be concerned if there were no challenges. Every more games. I would say opera- a feel of the bigger picture, if you in detail again. In terms of next single event we do - whether it tional challenges are there but like. We went to different venues,” meeting, we will start in January. is U-17 or futsal - there are chal- Qatar has seven years to work at Smith said. Smith said weather “The board meetings are held lenges to meet. I would say there those,” he said. conditions this time of the year once of twice but operational is no one particular area where “For us, the key is to continue would be ‘perfect’ for World Cup meetings are held a few times. we are specifically concerned,” the dialogue and to further under- matches in 2022. We will be discussing risk miti- Smith said. stand the progress that has been “We pray that the weather that gation, operational planning, the The official said the ‘compact’ made to rail and metro network, we see now continues. number of stadiums, training 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar the expressway plans and stadium “The playing conditions at this venues, accommodation, simula- would have a number of advan- locations. time of the year are very good tion models and infrastructure tages for the game’s stakeholders. “It all has to come together as and I think that’s why you have development. “What I will say that com- package and we have been work- so many football clubs coming “The end date for these devel- pact nature of the World Cup in ing with Nasser Al Khater and his here (for winter training camps),” opments is 2022 so we will con- Colin Smith, FIFA’s director of competition, is seen with Nasser Al Khater, Qatar has huge advantages and team to get information of where Smith said. tinue our work over the next Assistant Secretary General of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and opportunities for the players and they stand. “We did discuss accommoda- seven years,” Smith said. Legacy (SC) at QNCC in Doha yesterday. the broadcasters to work around “That was the purpose why tion and we will be back in Janu- freely. Fans will have access to we came here today so that get ary to discuss all those matters THE PENINSULA Saez scores late goal as Al Wakrah post win

DOHA: Sebastian Saez was the aly. They enjoyed a large share of and Al Kharaitiyat waiting to hero for Al Wakrah as his late the possession ending up with 57 pounce on the counter. Al Wak- strike helped his team defeat Al per cent at the end of the match rah had a goal disallowed in the Kharaitiyat 1-0 and earn a cru- but that didn’t translate into too 63rd minute when Mohamed cial victory in their Qatar Stars many chances which they could Mohamed headed the ball into League (QSL) clash. score off. the net but was adjudged to have These three points also helped And the ones that they could fouled an Al Kharaitiyat defender Al Wakrah jump once place in get a goal from were wasted. in the process. With a stalemate the table at the expense of Al Towards the end of the first looking likely, despite Al Wakrah Kharaitiyat. The match between half, Hussein Yasser missed a being the dominant side, it was ‘direct opponents’ was a closely chance with just the goalkeeper Saez who finally broke the dead- contested affair. to beat and Saez too failed to con- lock in the 82nd minute. Al Wakrah were coming off nect to a great cross into the box. Yasser delivered a good pass a 6-2 thumping at the hands of The second half didn’t see any into the box and the Argentinean Lekhwiya and looked keen to change in script. headed it into the far corner of Al Sailiya’s Abdulqadir Ilyas Adam (left) vies for the ball with Al Khor’s Abdulla Khalid Aliyan during their QSL show that result was an anom- Al Wakrah building attacks the net and proceeded to run all clash at Al Gharafa Stadium. Al Sailiya won 2-0. the way to his bench to celebrate. Al Kharaitiyat, meanwhile, will be left ruing a sitter which was missed early in the game which could have given them the lead. Road safety awareness In the 8th minute Anwar Deya crossed into the box and Yahia Kebe was unmarked with a vast expanse of the goal in front of him campaign planned by QSL but the Burkinabe striker headed horribly wide. DOHA: The Qatar Stars League information to football fans in Brigadier Mohamed Saad Al- Amar Osim’s boys will feel frus- (QSL) and the Traffic Depart- Qatar, officials said yesterday. Kharji, Traffic Director, said he trated at not having gotten more ment of Qatar yesterday signed “We are happy to sign this was happy with this joint ini- out of the game but Al Wakrah a ‘key’ agreement to join hands agreement because road safety is tiative while insisting that the were the dominant side. to increase road safety awareness a big responsibility. We are here responsibility of keeping the roads In another match, Al Sailiya among young football fans in the to serve our youth and our sup- in Qatar safe belonged to the peo- beat Al Khor 2-0. Abdulqadir country. porters and we want to make ple as much as the police. Ilyas Adam (7) and Sayaf Mohsin The QSL will make their sta- sure that when they come for “I am thankful to QSL for sup- Korbi (50) scored the goals for diums and other infrastructure matches they are happy and pro- porting us in this movement,” Al- Action from Al Wakrah’s match against Al Kharaitiyat at Al Wakrah winners Al Sailiya. available to the traffic depart- tected,” Hani Ballan, QSl CEO, Kharji said. Stadium yesterday. Al Wakrah won 1-0. ment who can use it to spread said yesterday during the signing THE PENINSULA safety messages and other related ceremony. THE PENINSULA Doha gets ready to welcome tennis star Djokovic

DOHA: As tennis’ greatest ambassa- and the venue is being transformed into Tour players who stop by daily to sign Tennis Federation merchandise, strike No 7 David Ferrer and France’s Richard dors descend upon Doha for the Qatar an interactive, entertaining home for ten- autographs. Other sponsor tents include up a conversation with other VIP guests Gasquet begin their ATP World Tour ExxonMobil Open next month - set to nis and so much more during the first Fifty One East, Qatar Duty Free, Wilson, over espresso at the coffee corner, and season in Doha. be held from January 4 to 9 - the Khalifa week of the New Year. BMW, and Qatar Airways. even meet a tennis star. Tennis fans in Doha will get see Djoko- International Tennis & Squash Complex The Public Village offers fun and enter- The Kids Zone will host activities like The Khalifa International Tennis & vic, who won three Grand Slams in 2015 is being spruced up to host world number tainment for the entire family. When not face-painting, arts and crafts and will Squash Complex also provides medical and the season-ending championships in one Novak Djokovic, sponsors and fans. courtside watching matches, fans can also include inflatable castles . services, restrooms and an information London, launch his 2016 season Khalifa The complex was inaugurated in 1992. take part in a variety of activities in the The VIP Village provides an oppor- kiosk for all those attending the games. International Tennis & Squash Complex. The stadium had an initial capacity of Public Village. tunity for fans to mingle with players, Tournament Director, Karim Alami, With a 32-player singles field and a 4,500 seats but it was later expanded in The Food Court is located to the left of sponsors and other VIP guests – all in a says of the preparations: “The Qatar Ten- 16-team doubles draw, the event boasts 2008 to seat the current capacity of 7,000 the Public Village where food and bever- luxurious and relaxing atmosphere. nis Federation is committed to provid- a strong line-up of players from around spectators. ages can be purchased from top vendors Guests can enjoy a variety of interna- ing the best experience for players, fans the world. 2008 also saw additional renovations to such as Pizza Hut, Asiana, Arbys, Sterling tional cuisines, live stations and bever- and sponsors and everyone can feel the Tickets are on sale at www.qatartennis. the set-up of the venue with the addition Fast Food, TCBY and Coffee Beanery. ages, while some of the best lounge DJs excitement as preparations begin for the org and at the following locations: City of new stands, VIP boxes, Lower, Middle To the right of the Public Village are in the city provide music throughout the Qatar ExxonMobil Open 2016.” Center, Lagoona, Landmark and the and Upper sections and the VIP Village, the sponsor booths and Qatar Tennis event. The 2016 event will see World No 1 Khalifa International Tennis & Squash Public Village and Food Court. Federation merchandise store. Guest can collect their copy of the the Serbian Novak Djokovic, World No 5 Complex. Set up of the Public Village, VIP Vil- The ExxonMobil booth is always a Official Tournament Program at the VIP Spain’s Rafael Nadal, World No 6 Tomas lage, and Kids Zone are now underway favorite among fans and ATP World Reception Desk, purchase official Qatar Berdych and defending Champion World THE PENINSULA