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TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 / RAJAB 26, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17632 16 PAGES 150 FILS Riyadh foils Houthi attacks on port, Aramco unit Coalition bombs Sanaa

RIYADH, March 8, (Agencies): Sau- and criminalizes such repeated acts di Arabia has derailed a drone assault of sabotage and hostility. MPs threaten grilling over on oil reservoirs at Ras Tanura Port “The Kingdom calls on nations and a ballistic missile attack on a resi- and organizations of the world to dential compound of workers of the stand together against these attacks, country’s energy giant Aramco, an- which are aimed at civilian objects nounced the Saudi Energy Ministry. and vital installations,” he said. “One of the petroleum tank areas The Saudi-led coalition fighting at the Ras Tanura Port in the Eastern Iran-backed rebels in Yemen said selective law enforcement Region, one of the largest oil shipping Sunday that it had launched a new ports in the world, was attacked this air campaign on the country’s capital morning by a drone, coming from the and other provinces, in retaliation for sea,” the Saudi Press Agency quoted a series of missile and drone strikes Chair rule at burials challenged an official spokesman of the Energy targeting key military and oil facili- Ministry as saying Sunday. ties across Saudi Arabia. The spokesman added that another “The targeting of civilians and By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh will submit a grilling motion against HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah deliberate attempt was also made this civilian facilities is a red line,” Col evening to attack Saudi Aramco’s Turki al-Maliki, a spokesman for the Arab Times Staff Al-Khalid on only one issue – selective enforcement of the law. facilities. “Shrapnel from a ballistic coalition, was quoted as saying by the A total of 15 MPs have declared support for the grilling motion so far. Al-Da- missile fell near Saudi Aramco’s res- official Saudi Press Agency. KUWAIT CITY, March 8: The decision of the Interior houm confirmed that he met Minister of Interior Sheikh Thamer Al-Ali shortly be- idential area in the city of Dhahran, It was the first time in months that Ministry to refer 140 citizens, including 16 MPs, to the fore the event and they agreed to turn the supposed expression of support gathering where thousands of the company’s Sanaa was bombed by Saudi war- into a press conference. He said the minister informed him that 18,000 individuals employees and their families from planes, an escalation that comes as Public Prosecution for participating in the press confer- were expected to attend the expression of support gathering; but the number was different nationalities live,” he stated. the kingdom grapples with a major ence held recently in the house of MP Badr Al-Dahoum reduced to almost 300 after turning it into a press conference. He added the minister He said that both attacks did not result increase in cross-border strikes on its did not appreciate the compromise and reacted negatively to it. in any injury or loss of life or property. own infrastructure, including an at- and for violating health regulations provoked the ire of On the other hand, Al-Mutair pointed out that the executive authority is using In his statement, the spokesman tack on a major offshore oil loading several MPs. laws to target politicians; similar to its stand against the opposition members who stressed that the Kingdom condemns facility late Sunday. MPs Badr Al-Dahoum and Muhammad Al-Mutair disclosed that they are currently in exile and many citizens have been the victim of such attitude. He addressed HH the Prime Minis- ter: “Is this the way you respond to the MPs’ cooperation?”. In a press statement, MP Sh- uaib Al-Muwaizri asserted that enforcing the law and referring violators to the prosecution are acceptable; but this should be the case for everyone proven to have violated the law including Sheikh Thamer. He then showed pictures of the minister conduct- ing visits and meetings without a facemask and without observing the rule on social distancing. He quoted the minister’s tweet that the latter tries to be present in every meeting and occasion to talk to the people and convey to them the greetings of His High- ness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The lawmaker also showed a picture of National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim lifted on shoulders and sur- rounded by supporters who con- gratulated him for winning in the Speaker election. He wondered why Al-Ghanim was not ques- tioned in this regard, indicating that it could be because he is an ally of the executive authority or A protester waves a Lebanese flag as they block a main highway by burning tires during a protest in the town of Jal el-Dib, north of Beirut, Lebanon, March 8. The dayslong protests intensified Monday the latter is afraid of him. He said amid a crash in the local currency, increase of consumer goods prices and political bickering between rival groups that has delayed the formation of a new government. (AP) parties are being held in chalets and no one can enforce the law there maybe because the author- Protesters paralyze Lebanon ity is weaker than those who ar- ranged such parties. Opinion Protesters closed all major roads leading to the Lebanese trances to Beirut with burning tires and by parking vehicles He pointed out that he was the capital on Monday, causing traffic jams and triggering a on the main roads. In other parts of Lebanon, army soldiers first to call for the dismissal of call by the head of the hospitals union who warned that briefly opened some roads only to have protesters close Health Minister Dr Basel Al-Sa- such moves are preventing oxygen supplies from reaching them again shortly afterward. Sleiman Haroun, President of bah for the failure to manage the medical centers treating coronavirus patients. the Syndicate of Hospitals in Lebanon, told The Associated ministry even before the corona- Government between The dayslong protests come against the backdrop of a Press that after a two-day weekend when there is no oxygen virus crisis. He asserted that HH crash in the local currency, increase of consumer goods distribution, some hospitals are running low and urgently the Prime Minister must be ques- prices and political bickering between rival groups that has need supplies, especially to treat COVID-19 patients. tioned as the latter reappointed delayed the formation of a new government. “This is not a joke. It is a matter of life and death,” Haroun the health minister. rock and a hard place Since the early morning hours, small groups of demon- said urging protesters to allow vehicles carrying supplies of Furthermore, MP Fares Al- strators blocked the southern, northern and eastern en- oxygen to pass. (AP) Otaibi submitted a proposal to ex- empt citizens under the fifth cat- By Ahmed Al-Jarallah egory of social security members ‘Check-in to boarding in one fell swoop’ – owners of private companies Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times Newswatch – from paying their contribution to the Public Institution for Social FROM today until March 17, the government will be hanging on the Security (PIFSS) for one year. He parliament’s bearings until the expiry of the decree to suspend the Na- BAGHDAD: Pope Francis on also asked PIFSS to grant them tional Assembly sessions. interest-free loan amounting to It is expected that the first session after the resumption of the parlia- Eye passport in Dubai Monday wrapped up his his- KD 5,000 which they will pay as ment will focus on sanctioning the new government in order for it to toric whirlwind tour of Iraq that sought to bring hope to the soon as their businesses return to be fully constitutional. DUBAI, March 8, (AP) : Dubai’s airport, the sengers to their flights. But Dubai’s iris scan country’s marginalized Christian normal operations. However, it seems that the path the new government is standing world’s busiest for international travel, can improves on the more commonplace auto- minority with a message of co- MP Osama Al-Shaheen also and walking on will be filled with obstacles, given that the MPs who already feel surreal, with its cavernous duty- mated gates seen elsewhere, authorities said, existence, forgiveness and peace. submitted a proposal to exempt previously supported the referral of “no-cooperation” letter against the free stores, artificial palm trees, gleaming ter- connecting the iris data to the country’s facial The pontiff and his traveling individuals above 60 years old prime minister are repeating the same thing, in addition to escalating minals, water cascades and near-Arctic levels recognition databases so the passenger needs delegation were seen off with a from the institutional quarantine and threatening them to question His Highness the Prime Minister and no identifying documents or boarding pass. farewell ceremony at the Bagh- and limit to home quarantine. a number of ministers. of air conditioning. Now, the key east-west transit hub is roll- The unusual partnership between long-haul dad airport, from where he left MP Mubarak Al-Arow pro- In light of this political escalation, the public asks a question that carrier Emirates, owned by a Dubai sovereign for Rome following a four-day posed increasing the regular bo- carries many concerns about the welfare of the country and the absence ing out another addition from the realm of science fiction – an iris-scanner that verifies wealth fund, and the Dubai immigration of- papal visit that has covered fi ve nus added to the retirees’ pension of any indications of a solution to bring an end to the worsening finan- fice integrates the data and carries travelers provinces across Iraq. to KD 75. cial and economic crisis. The question is, “Suppose the 38 MPs who one’s identity and eliminates the need for any As the pope’s plane took off, human interaction when entering or leaving from check-in to boarding in one fell swoop, Also, in view of the decision of declared their opposition to His Highness the Prime Minister refused to Iraqi President Barham Salih Kuwait Municipality to ban gath- the country. they added. was at hand on the tarmac, wav- endorse the new government, what will be the solution?” “The future is coming,” said Major Gen erings and putting seats in grave- Constitutionally, the Cabinet does not have many powers before it It’s the latest artificial intelligence program ing goodbye. the United Arab Emirates has launched amid Obaid Mehayer Bin Suroor, deputy director At every turn of his trip, Francis yards, MP Ahmed Al-Hamad for- gets endorsed by the parliament. It will therefore be in the gray area, warded queries to State Minister and will continue with its transitional or rather caretaker, role. This the surging coronavirus pandemic, contact- of the General Directorate of Residency and urged Iraqis to embrace diversity – less technology the government promotes Foreign Affairs. “Now, all the procedures from Najaf in the south, where he for Municipal Affairs, Housing means it may continue to stay in the dark tunnel in which it currently is. Welfare and Construction Devel- There is no doubt that the paralysis of the executive authority in- as helping to stem the spread of the virus. have become ‘smart,’ around five to six sec- held a historic face-to-face meeting But the efforts also have renewed questions onds.” with powerful Shiite cleric Grand opment Shai’e Al-Shai’e about creases popular discontent due to the improvised measures announced the constitutional and logical bas- by the current government, or the successive governments headed by about mass surveillance in the federation of But like all facial recognition technology, Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, to Nin- seven sheikhdoms, which experts believe has the program adds to fears of vanishing pri- eveh to the north, where he met es of such a decision. His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled since the COVID-19 outbreak. with Christian victims of the Islam- Al-Hamad argued the elderly For instance, Kuwait has gone back to square one with the partial among the highest per capita concentrations vacy in the country, which has faced interna- of surveillance cameras in the world. tional criticism for targeting journalists and ic State group’s terror and heard or those who are extremely tired curfew, and with total curfew looming in the horizon. On the other their testimonies of survival. (AP) cannot stand for a long time dur- hand, curfews have been lifted in many countries, and life has started Dubai’s airport started offering the pro- human rights activists. gram to all passengers last month. On Sun- According to Emirates’ biometric pri- ❑ ❑ ❑ ing the burial, so they need to sit to return to normal, which led to a breakthrough in their economic situ- down. He added the gatherings ation, while our crisis worsens. day, travelers stepped up to an iris scanner vacy statement, the airline links passengers’ TEHRAN: Iranian President Has- All this is the natural result of the executive authority’s inability to after checking in, gave it a good look and faces with other personally identifying data, san Rouhani said Sunday his in graveyards are usually lim- make realistic decisions and its failure to market itself, or adopt a series breezed through passport control within sec- including passport and flight information, country was prepared to take steps ited to a few people who do not of laws that can help alleviate the severity of the crisis, especially the onds. Gone were the days of paper tickets or retaining it for “as long as it is reasonably to live up to measures in the 2015 threaten public discipline. public debt. It seems the current parliament will not accept passing this unwieldy phone apps. necessary for the purposes for which it was nuclear deal with world powers MP Ali Al-Qattan asked Min- law without receiving something huge in return, perhaps more of the In recent years, airports across the world collected.” The agreement offered few de- as soon as the United States lifts ister of Finance and Minister of “blanket amnesty” that the opposition MPs seek and choose to make as have accelerated their use of time saving tails about how the data will be used and economic sanctions on Iran. State for Economic Affairs Khal- the priority of all priorities. facial recognition technology to move pas- stored, beyond saying that while the com- In a meeting with Irish Minister ifa Hamada if the Civil Service The current confusion indicates that the government’s bowl is lost pany didn’t make copies of passengers’ fac- of Foreign Affairs Simon Cov- Commission (CSC) follows up because it did not take firm measures to end the suffering of the people es, other personal data “can be processed in eney, Rouhani said: “Iran is ready the enforcement of the decision of this country. other Emirates’ systems.” to immediately take compensato- to limit the attendance of public Bin Suroor stressed that Dubai’s immigra- ry measures based on the nuclear sector employees to 30 percent as For this reason, it is today between “a rock” of being endorsed and deal and fulfi ll its commitments “a hard place” of yielding to the demands of parliamentarians or doing tion office “completely protects” passengers’ part of the health regulations. He personal data so that “no third party can see just after the US illegal sanctions asked if the decision is enforced nothing even though it has the ability to end this pain through decrees are lifted and it abandons its poli- of necessity that begins with dissolving the parliament, and imposing it.” discriminately; meaning, certain But without more information about how cy of threats and pressure.” employees are forced to report laws that cushion the effects of the crisis and refreshes its effects to- Rouhani criticized the Euro- wards recovery. data will be used or stored, biometric technol- for work while others enjoy stay- ogy raises the possibility of misuse, experts pean signatories of the historic ing at home. He wants to know Nonetheless, because of the government’s laxity, the coming days nuclear deal for what he said was will perhaps be uneasy and more confusing. say. their inaction on their commit- if the decision covers all public “Any kind of surveillance technology rais- ments to the agreement. institutions or there are some ex- Email: [email protected] es red flags, regardless of what kind of coun- He said Iran is the only country ceptions. Follow me on: try it’s in,” said Jonathan Frankle, a doctoral that kept its side of the bargain. MP Osama Al-Shaheen for- student in artificial intelligence at the Mas- Trump in 2018 unilaterally warded queries to Minister of Inte- sachusetts Institute of Technology. ”But in a withdrew the US from the Iranian rior Sheikh Thamer Ali Al-Sabah democratic country, if the surveillance tech- nuclear accord, in which Tehran on the claim that a plane transport- [email protected] Face and iris-recognition gates are nology is used transparently, at least there’s had agreed to limit its uranium en- ing a Gulf singer landed at Kuwait shown during a media tour at Dubai air- an opportunity to have a public conversation richment in exchange for the lift- International Airport on Jan 11, port, United Arab Emirates, March 7. (AP) about it.” ing of economic sanctions. (AP) 2021 or close to this date. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 2

Pope Francis, surrounded by shells of destroyed churches, attends a prayer for the victims of war with Mosul and Aqra Archbishop Najib Mikhael Moussa, left, at Hosh al-Bieaa Church Square, in Mosul, Iraq, once the de-facto capital of IS, on March 7, 2021. The long 2014-2017 war to drive IS out left ransacked homes and charred or pulverized buildings around the north of Iraq, all sites Francis visited on Sunday. (AP) ‘Fraternity more durable than fratricide’ Pope calls on Christians to forgive, rebuild

ope Francis urged Iraq’s Christians on Sunday to forgive the injus- Ptices against them by Muslim extremists and to rebuild as he visited the wrecked shells of churches and met ecstatic crowds in the commu- Survivor recalls church massacre nity’s historic heartland, which was nearly erased by the Islamic State group’s horrific reign. “Fraternity is more durable than fratricide, hope is more powerful than hatred, peace more powerful than war,” the pontiff said during prayers It began like any other Sunday for the dead in the city of Mosul, with the call for tolerance that has been the central message of his four-day visit to Iraq. At each stop in northern Iraq, the remnants of its Christian population t began like any other Sunday in the Our that the first suicide bomber detonated his ex- and those huddled inside. Shivering, Climis turned out, jubilant, ululating and decked out in colorful dress. Heavy ILady of Salvation Church in Baghdad for plosive-laden vest. noticed his ears were ringing. security prevented Francis from plunging into the crowd as he would worshipper Louis Climis. That day nearly 11 The blast threw Climis to the floor. Stunned, Eleven years on, he is still deaf in his right normally. Nonetheless, they simply seemed overjoyed that he had come years ago would end with blood-stained pews, his eyes strained to focus on the unfolding cha- ear. and that they had not been forgotten. anguish and lives lost. os — smoke, debris and screams. Worshippers Desperate, he called a friend who worked It was a sign of the desperation for support among an ancient commu- Six al-Qaeda-linked militants stormed and lay lifeless. in the Baghdad Operations Command. Half an nity uncertain whether it can hold on. The traditionally Christian towns seized the church, killing dozens inside. At the He counted four gunmen. Under the icon of hour and help would come, the friend told him. dotting the Nineveh Plains of the north emptied out in 2014 as Christians time, the Oct. 31, 2010 attack was the bloodiest the Virgin Mary, one began singing the adhan, Four panic-stricken hours later, the lights — as well as many Muslims — fled the Islamic State group’s onslaught. in a drumbeat of violence that Iraq’s Christians the Islamic call to prayer. suddenly went off. Climis braced for the worst. Only a few have returned to their homes since the defeat of IS in Iraq suffered during the brutal sectarian warfare Quickly, Climis grabbed his son and ran Another explosion followed, louder than any was declared four years ago, and the rest remain scattered elsewhere in following the 2003 U.S. invasion. More than a toward the sacristy room, where church fur- before. Then the rush of footsteps and volley Iraq or abroad. decade later, it still stands as perhaps the dead- nishings and records were stored. As people of firearms. Bells rang out for the pope’s arrival in the town of Qaraqosh. liest single attack against the community. scrambled for cover, he beckoned them in- Iraq’s elite Counter-Terrorism Service “The road to a full recovery may still be long, but I ask you, please, not The carnage prompted many Christians to side. With over 40 people in the room, he shut stormed the church at 9 p.m. But Climis didn’t to grow discouraged,” Francis told a packed Church of the Immaculate flee Iraq and deepened the mistrust between the the wooden doors and slid a steel rod to bar let anyone leave the room — they had no idea Conception. “What is needed is the ability to forgive, but also the cour- community and its Muslim neighbors, a chasm the handles. what was going on. age not to give up.” that endures to this day. “But it was very thin… any one of the four After a minute, someone knocked on the The Qaraqosh church has been extensively renovated after being van- Some are now counting on a much antici- terrorists could enter the room and kill us eas- door, and a voice came: “I am your brother dalized by IS militants during their takeover of the town, making it a pated visit to the church by Pope Francis on ily,” he said, recalling the scene from his Bagh- from the CTS, and everyone will leave this symbol of recovery efforts. Friday to help mend the wounds. Our Lady of dad home. church safely.” Iraq’s Christian population, which has existed here since the time of Salvation, which belongs to the Syriac Catho- Climis and his son lay frozen on the floor, Climis had to see his beloved church one last Christ, has dwindled from around 1.5 million before the 2003 U.S.-led lic Church, is one of the pontiff’s first stops in listening to the horrors on the other side of the time. The CTS officer told him no, it was very invasion that plunged the country into chaos to just a few hundred thou- a historic visit to Iraq that Christians hope will door. Shrieks were followed by bullets. Chil- dangerous, there could be IEDs. sand today. secure their tenuous place in the country. dren cried out. Explosion after explosion shook But he dared to look anyway. Francis’s visit, on its last day Sunday, aimed to encourage them to “The pope’s visit is hope for us, that he will the walls. “I don’t wish anyone to see what I saw. stay, rebuild and restore what he called Iraq’s “intricately designed car- talk with Iraqi officials to tell them to stop the One gunman told a mother to quiet her wail- Body parts everywhere. I saw one body with pet” of faiths and ethnic groups. violence, stop the armed groups and protect ing infant. When she was unable, Climis heard just a head, hands and chest, the rest was blown Dressed in white, Francis took to a red carpeted stage in Mosul on his minorities,” Climis said. the pop of a bullet. The screaming ceased. apart.” first stop of the day, surrounded by the grey hollowed-out shells of four On that fateful day in 2010, Climis, then He could hear Father Wassim, his friend, try Then, his gaze turned up toward the vaulted churches — Syriac Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Syriac Orthodox and 55, was a youth leader at the church. He had and reason with the men. He too was shot and ceiling. Chaldean — nearly destroyed in the war to oust IS fighters from the city. arrived just in time for weekly Mass with his killed. “There were scraps of human flesh,” he said. It was a scene that would have been unimaginable years earlier. Mosul, 18-year-old son, Radi. His wife and other chil- From a small hole in the door he eyed an- “It stayed there for weeks.” Iraq’s second largest city, was at the heart of the IS so-called “caliphate” dren stayed home to supervise kitchen repairs. other gunman, standing just a few feet away. In total, 52 worshippers and police were and witnessed the worst of the group’s rule inflicted on Muslims, Chris- For this, Climis would later be thankful. How young he was, he thought in that mo- killed in the attack and the ensuing raid by se- tians and others, including beheadings and mass killings. The lofty church interiors resounded with ment. curity forces to free the hostages. The Islamic He deviated from his prepared speech to emphasize the plight of Iraq’s the voice of Father Thair reading a Bible pas- A grenade was tossed so close to the sacristy State of Iraq, an al-Qaida-affiliated group, Yazidi minority, which was subjected to mass killings, abductions and sage. He would never finish. It was right then that the water cooler burst, flooding the room claimed the attack. (AP) sexual slavery at the hands of IS. “How cruel it is that this country, the cradle of civilization, should have been afflicted by so barbarous a blow,” Francis said, “with ancient Mosul, Iraq’s second largest city, became IS’s bureaucratic and fi- Before IS, he had a parish of 500 Christian families. Now only 70 places of worship destroyed and many thousands of people — Muslims, nancial backbone. It took a ferocious nine-month battle to finally free families remain, he said. “But today I live among 2 million Muslims who Christians, Yazidis — who were cruelly annihilated by terrorism and the city in July 2017. Between 9,000 and 11,000 civilians were killed, call me their Father Raed,” he said. others forcibly displaced or killed.” according to an AP investigation at the time, and the war left a swath of Gutayba Aagha, the Muslim head of the Independent Social and Cul- IS inflicted atrocities against all communities, including Muslims, destruction. Many Iraqis have had to rebuild on their own amid a years- tural Council for the Families of Mosul, invited “all our Christian broth- during its three-year rule across much of northern and western Iraq. But long financial crisis. ers to return to this, their city, their properties and their businesses.” the Christian minority was hit especially hard. The militants forced them The Rev. Raed Kallo was among the few Christians who returned to Throughout his four-day visit, Francis has delivered a message of in- to choose among conversion, death or the payment of a special tax for Mosul after IS was defeated. “My Muslim brothers received me after the terreligious tolerance to Muslim leaders, including in a historic meeting non-Muslims. Thousands fled, leaving homes and churches that were liberation of the city with great hospitality and love,” he said on stage Saturday with Iraq’s top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani. destroyed or commandeered by the extremists. before the pontiff. (AP)

editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 3

Weather Expected weather for the next with light to moderate south east- Bubyan - - Prayer Timings 24 hours: erly wind to light variable wind Jahra 27 11 Fajr ...... 04:47 Asr ...... 15:21 By Day: Warm with light vari- with speeds of 06-26 km/h. Failaka Island - - able wind to light to moderate Salmiyah 25 17 Sunrise .. 06:05 Maghrib .. 17:52 Station Max Exp Min Rec Zohr ...... 11:59 Isha ...... 19:08 south easterly wind with speeds Ahmadi - - of 08-30 km/h and some scat- Kuwait City 27 16 Nuwaisib 24 10 tered clouds will appear. Kuwait Airport 26 09 Wafra 26 10 By Night: Rather cold to cold Abdaly 27 09 Salmy 24 10

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

Mabanee Co gains 5 fi ls, YIACO Medical skids Kuwait stock market ticks up in volatile trade, volume recedes KUWAIT CITY, March 8: Kuwait stocks was ahead in value with 17.2 million. 642 fi ls and ALAFCO took in 1 fi l. In- the 140 counters active on Monday, 28 nudged higher on Monday extending last In the individual shares, sector bell- tegrated Holding added 3 fi ls whereas closed fl at. 10,567 deals worth KD 39.6 ■ UUS$/KDS$/KD 0.30225/350.30225/35 session’s upswing. The All Shares Index wether National Bank of Kuwait took Aznour dialed up 1 fi l. million were transacted during the ses- ▼ Euro/KD 0.3597 rose 3.29 points up in a volatile session in 1 fi l to close at 841 fi ls while Kuwait Slighty sion. to 5,701 pts led by some of the blue chips Finance House extended last session’s In the banking sector, Burgan Bank ■ Yen/KD 0.0028 even as the broader sentiment turned gains with 4 fi ls jump to 738 fi ls on back The market opened slightly gap up and fell 1 fi l to 222 fi ls while Boubyan Bank slightly soggy. of 6.6 million shares. Gulf Bank was up slipped briefl y in early trade. The main crept 1 fi l into green. Ahli United Bank ▼ British £/KD 0.4188 The Premier Market climbed 9 points 3 fi ls at 218 fi ls with brisk trading and index fl ipped and rose sharply to scale BSC clipped 2 fi ls after trading 4.3 mil- to 6,232 pts taking the month’s gains to Mabanee Co paced 5 fi ls. the day’s highest level of 5,709 points lion shares whereas Warba Bank held ■ Indian Rs/KD 0.0041 Zain eased 1 fi l to 619 fi ls after trad- and drifted in choppy trade as sentiment ground at 240 fi ls. AL Ahli Bank and 75 points while Main Market scaled 10 ■ Philippines Peso/KD 0.0062 pts. The BK 50 Main was down 8 points ing 2.7 million shares whereas Ooredoo vacillated between small gains and loss- Ahli United Bank Kuwait followed suit. stood pat at 656 fi ls. stc inched 1 fi l low- es. It slipped into red in the fi nal minutes at 4,836.45 pts. The volume turno- Fell ▼ FTSE ver meanwhile retreated following the er to 913 fi ls and logistics major Agility to bottom at 5,699 pts before clawing -11.34 pts at 13:45 March 8 two-day rise. Over 221 million shares scaled 4 fi ls before ending at 674 fi ls. back into positive turf at close. KIPCO dialed up 1fi ls whereas National Top gainer of the day, KFIC rallied changed hands – a 4.7 pct drop from the Humansoft Holding sprinted 8 fi ls to KD Investment Co fell 2 fi ls to 162 fi ls. Kuwait ▼ Nikkei -121 pts at closing March 8 day before. 3.700 whereas Boursa Kuwait Securities 11.2 pct tto 56.3 fi ls and Fujairah Ce- Investment Co tripped 1 fi l and KAMCO ment sprinted 9.85 percent to stand next. gave up 4 fi ls. YIACO Medical dived 34 erased 0.81 fi l. Tamdeen Real Estate shed ▼ Gold Closed fi ls to 663 fi ls. Al Rai Media Group skidded 7.67 pct , 12 fi ls whereas Salhia Real Estate and Aji- 1696.05 per oz (London) The sectors closed mostly in red. Ba- National Industries Group was un- the steepest decliner of the day and ALO- al Real Estate gained 3 fi ls each. sic Materials outperformed the rest with changed at 190 fi ls whereas Gulf Cable LA topped the volume with 54.3 million The market has been upbeat so far dur- ▲ NYMEX crude $66.53 per barrel 0.86 pct gain whereas Oil and Gas shed shares. ing the week scaling 48 points in last two closed 3 fi ls down 865 fi ls. Boubyan Pet- ▲ Brent crude $69.84 per barrel 2.74 percent, the biggest loser of the day. rochemical Co galloped 8 fi ls to 836 fi ls Despite the day’s uptick, the los- sessions. It has gained 44 points from Volume wise, Financial Services topped and Al Qurain Petrochemcial Co paced ers outnumbered the winners. 48 stocks start of the month and is up 128 points LIBOR rate 0.18538% with 90.2 million shares while Banking 6 fi ls. Jazeera Airways skidded 5 fi ls to advanced whereas 64 closed lower. Of year-to-date. ‘A bullet of mercy for SMEs owners’ Fury over clogged streets

KUWAIT CITY, March 8: are responsible for our families and livelihoods, which may be cut off in Former chairman of the Ku- the coming few days. We therefore de- wait Association for Small mand to be part of your priority. and Medium Enterprises There are some laws that are being Dawood Marafi e says the studied in the legislative and fi nancial committees in the National Assembly. recent partial curfew deci- We believe that these laws will be the sion is considered as a bul- fi rst priority of the Parliament in its fi rst let of mercy for the owners session. All laws are good and will lead to of small and medium enter- great opportunities for the owners of prises in Kuwait, reports Al- small and medium enterprises. So we Anba daily. hope that you support these laws and In an exclusive press statement, give them priority during your meet- Marafi e stressed that agreeing to ings with the new government”. impose the partial Message KUNA photo curfew without Marafi e concluded with a message Deputy Chief of the National Guard Lieutenant General Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah during the meeting with the Under- any justifi cations addressed to the Minister of Health secretary (Guard), senior commanders and offi cers. is almost a crime. Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah, saying, “I He expressed hope that you and your team will look hope that all details at the situation from all its aspects (eco- Respect the law: Deputy Chief of KNG of the curfew will nomic, political and health). We hope Deputy Chief of Kuwait’s National Guard dersecretary Lieutenant General engineer support to state institutions in implement- be reviewed and any decision that may be brought be- studied because of (KNG) Lieutenant General Sheikh Ahmad Hashim Al-Rifai and senior commanders and ing cabinet decisions aimed at reducing the fore the Cabinet would be reconsidered Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah Sunday offi cers to follow up the procedures for the im- spread of the coronavirus. its impact on the and reviewed in order to determine the Marafie called for respecting the law, good dealing plementation of the partial curfew imposed by He stressed caution and vigilance in all lo- Kuwait economy results of the decision before it is pre- with the public, provide assistance to the citi- the government, and to help the state institu- cations where the National Guard is responsi- particularly the sented.” zens and residents, and maintaining the good tions concerned to deal with the COVID-19 ble for security, whether the main tasks in pro- owners of small and medium enter- The streets of Kuwait witnessed traf- image of the National Guard. crisis. Sheikh Ahmad Al-Nawaf conveyed tecting state installations and sensitive sites prises. fi c congestion and congestion, before This came in a statement by the KNG af- the directives of His Highness Chief of the or emergency tasks to assign state agencies, Marafi e addressed the Cabinet, say- ter the meeting between the Deputy Chief of National Guard Sheikh Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah especially the ministries of interior and health, the 5:00 pm/5:00 am curfew went into the National Guard with National Guard Un- to harness all resources to provide maximum to implement the partial curfew. ing, “Regardless of who raises the issue effect, reports Al-Seyassah daily. of partial and total curfews, you have to Many citizens complained about the consider all aspects of the issue at the congestion and confusion that ensued Co-ops launch delivery service same time, which are the psychologi- because it is apparent all companies ‘Curfew is not the best cal, economic and health aspects”. and establishments pulled down their In a direct message to the ministers shutters at approximately the same of the new government, Marafi e said, solution to end Covid’ ‘Don’t misuse ID during curfew hours’ time. KUWAIT CITY, March 8: An intensive public awareness “We hope the new government will co- Google Maps showed most of Ku- KUWAIT CITY, March 8: The Directo- subjected to legal liability. operate in developing solutions for its campaign on coronavirus is necessary to inform the people wait’s streets and main roads red rate-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) He called on the authorities operating at children who own small and medium about the factors leading to the increase in the number of new has warned some operators at the Kuwait (clogged), indicating the heavy conges- corona cases, reports Al-Anba daily quoting reliable sources. the airport to provide a follow-up mecha- enterprises. International Airport not to misuse ‘ex- nism for employees. tion. Sources said curfew and lockdown are not the best solutions emption permits’ which have been issued Suffering The Al-Qabas daily said during a to the corona crisis, particularly in reducing the number of cas- Meanwhile, some cooperative societies during the curfew period, while transport- have launched the home delivery service We did not come from outside. We fi eld tour, the securitymen while im- es; taking into consideration the negative repercussions on the ing workers to and from work, because as plementing the ban worked in the spirit economic, social and psychological aspects of life. Sources to supply consumer goods and drugs from are suffering from a problem that is argued that several establishments have been closed for more per instructions they are required only to pharmacies affi liated to the co-ops to all re- show their official ID, reports Al-Qabas getting bigger. Its side effects and the of the law, and they did not record any than three weeks, yet the infection rate continues to increase. gions of Kuwait during the curfew hours, burden on the budget will be greater in violations against those stuck in traffi c. Sources asked: Where are the plans to conduct intensive daily. The Deputy Director-General for the Ku- reports Al-Qabas daily. the coming years. If it is not addressed A security source told the daily ver- awareness campaigns on the repercussions of the pandemic? The daily quoting co-op sources said the bal instructions were issued by senior Why no television channel has been designated for broadcast- wait International Airport Affairs, Engineer at the present time, we can address Saleh Al-Fadaghi, said in a circular, a copy fees for the home delivery range between the issue today through a fi gure in the offi cials not to register cases or vio- ing round the clock regarding the epidemic to inform citizens one and three dinars per order. and expatriates about the mutated virus, especially after a new of which has been obtained by the daily, budget. However, these sums will be lations against those stranded on the that based on the Ministry of Interior’s de- However, some co-operative societies roads, and to give citizens and residents strain of the virus reached the country? If the curfew leads to said they will close doors at 4 pm during doubled after fi ve years, and we will a decrease in infections, will it continue to guarantee such de- cision to exempt certain categories from re- not know the actual negative impact suffi cient time to reach their homes. cline? What will be the situation if the infection rate continues questing security clearance during the cur- the curfew period until permits are issued that our economy sustained.” The source said these instructions to increase despite the curfew? Will the curfew continue? few if the ID is misused the violators will be for their workers. Marafi e addressed the MPs, saying, were given after the Operations Room Sources pointed out that the partial curfew decision, which “There are priorities that we know are of the Ministry of Interior received a remains in effect until April 8, might be extended as it has been important to you as MPs, but we are report about severe congestion and traf- reported that this decision will be reviewed after assessing the the sons of this country and we are the fi c confusion, which prevented people health situation. ones who brought you to this chair. We from reaching their homes in time. Sources went on to say that in most countries around the world, the number of corona cases decreased after the cancel- lation of the lockdown decision; except some countries includ- ing Kuwait. Sources disclosed the number of cases decreased globally from an average of 800,000 to 450,000 per day; but in Kuwait, a remarkable increase in the number of cases was offi cially recorded after the closure of some commercial estab- lishments, sources added. In response to a question about excluding those who re- ceived two doses of the vaccine from the curfew, sources said they are not exempted as the curfew is aimed at protecting everyone including those who completed the required dosage of vaccine. Sources explained the vaccine does not protect individuals from being infected with the virus, but it reduces symptoms by forming antibodies that strengthen the immune system; thereby, reducing deaths. In addition, other sources revealed that parks are open only for pedestrians outside the curfew hours and the ban on sitting in public areas remains in effect. ‘Don’t enter cafes, eateries’ KUWAIT CITY, March 8: Director-General of Kuwait Mu- nicipality Eng Ahmad Al-Manfouhi issued an administrative decision based on the action that the Cabinet took on March 4 to impose partial curfew from March 7 until April 8; in addi- tion to the opening of shops and markets from 5:00 am to 5:00 pm, reports Al-Qabas daily. Al-Manfouhi stressed in his decision that entry to restau- Photo by Mohammad Morsi rants and cafés is strictly prohibited, as such establishments are People leaving a mosque in Hawally after the Maghrib prayer which is during the allowed to receive orders only from cars and through delivery curfew timings. As per new rules Muslim faithful can go to the mosques on foot dur- services during the open period; as well as to close all seating ing the prayer timings. areas in public places and markets. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 LOCAL 4

Commerce minister conducts series of virtual meetings Mechanism discussed to guarantee flow of basic commodities KUWAIT CITY, March 8: The daily. cials in the presence of the on its vital role, priority should be ery requests that exceed their capa- readiness of factories in the area of Ministry of Commerce and Industry The ministry said in a press state- Undersecretary of the Ministry of given to serve the consumer and to bilities and to specify time frame for production of foodstuff quantities suit- spoke of the comprehensive coordina- ment that the Minister of Commerce Trade, Abdullah Al-Afasi and assis- ensure that he is not affected. The delivering the products to the con- able for the local market. tion of the logistical work between the and Industry, Dr Abdullah Al-Salman tant undersecretaries of the ministry, ministry also recommended working sumer. The minister also met with the concerned authorities to ensure the conducted a series of meetings via the Al-Salman stressed on the need for in the ministry’s special operations In this context, Minister Salman met President of the Farmers Union, continued flow of goods and control virtual platform of Zoom or through continued supply of foodstuff and room around the clock and forming a with the Director-General of the Public Abdullah Al-Damak, and was briefed the market in line with the implemen- usual meetings over the past two basic commodities without any prob- team to receive complaints. Authority for Industry, Abdul Karim on the quantity of national agricultural tation of the decisions of the Council days. lems. He also directed the leaders to Taqi, to confirm coordination with the crops and their availability in the local of Ministers, reports Al-Seyassah During the meeting with senior offi- The ministry emphasized that, based warn companies not to receive deliv- concerned authorities to determine the market. ‘MoSA’s primary goal to secure strategic food stocks in co-ops’

Ministry opens main monitoring and control room

By Fares Al-Abdan Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY, March 8: Minister of Social Affairs and Societal Development, Dr Mishaan Photo by Mahmoud Jadeed Al-Otaibi, affirmed all Barbers tending to their customers in one of the shops. ministry officials must take urgent steps to facili- Barber shops welcome decision tate and provide all The owners of barber shops have better than complete closure. requirements of citizens expressed their satisfaction follow- A Kuwaiti, who identified himself and residents in light of ing the decision by the concerned as Bou Abdallah says reopening authorities to open their business- barbershops, is one of the positive the current conditions the es, reports Al-Seyassah daily. things that the government has country is going through Talking to the Al-Seyassah daily done, as everyone has suffered all salon owners have expressed during the earlier lockdowns and and wished safety for all. their satisfaction at the decision curfews and called on the authori- During the opening of the min- which allows them to work from five ties to carefully study and then Al-Qabas photo istry’s main monitoring and con- in the morning until five in the eve- implement the decisions so that People waiting to be vaccinated. trol room, Al-Otaibi called for ning. owners of small businesses such as regulating and monitoring the They called the decision much these are not harmed. strategic stocks for cooperative High level of organization in Vaccination Center societies, at the same time ensur- Indian envoy condoles death of Thrikkarippur ing safety for everyone and to KUWAIT CITY, March 8: High get vaccinated and to those who congestion of vehicles. KUWAIT CITY, March 8: The Indian with the COVID-19 virus and she died demand for COVID-19 vaccination, obtained prior appointments. Due to the high temperatures espe- limit the spread of the coronavi- Ambassador to Kuwait Sibi George inside the Adan Hospital about two good organization, and integrated pro- The medical and nursing staff mem- cially during the afternoons, the KRCS rus, stressing on the application condoled the sudden demise of Sri weeks ago. cedures that result in an individual bers are distributed inside the desig- volunteers prepared a room for their of health requirements, especially Sageer Thrikkarippur. He was a prom- “A renowned and committed receiving the vaccine within just seven nated rooms. Two nurses are present in protection from the sun, in light of their social distancing and wearing inent community member, and a well- social worker, he worked tirelessly minutes – these are the most promi- each room to ensure the safety of the continued work in large numbers to face masks. known social to help the needy among the Indian nent observations made during the tour person undergoing vaccination. They serve the public, guide them, and pro- Acting Undersecretary of the worker in Kuwait community in Kuwait during his of the Kuwait Vaccination Center in administer the vaccine and provide vide water and other voluntary services. Ministry of Social Affairs, who died in the thirty years of stay in Kuwait,” the the Mishref exhibition grounds where him with necessary instructions. Coordination is taking place Musallam Al-Subaie, confirmed the ICU of a hospital. ambassador said in his condolence hundreds of people come in every day After the vaccination, the person between the KRCS volunteers and readiness of the sectors of ministry Thrikkarippur message. to receive the vaccine, reports goes directly to the waiting hall out- officers from the General Department to implement the Cabinet’s deci- was the chief “He was a very active and familiar Al-Qabas daily. side for a period of 15 minutes, and of Civil Defense who make great sion during the partial ban which patron of Kuwait face among the community and was Medical teams, with the cooperation then outside the center where he will efforts to provide wheelchairs and began from Sunday. Kerala Muslim always in the forefront in promoting of and in coordination with the Ministry be met by KRCS volunteers who pro- transport the elderly to the halls desig- Emergency Association social and cultural harmony,” the of Interior, General Department of vide vehicles to transport the elderly to nated for them, in addition to the (KKMA), one of ambassador added. Civil Defense, and volunteers from the car parks that are somewhat far efforts of medical staff to verify He said since the country is the largest social Hailing from Kasargod in Kerala, Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS), from Hall No. 6 due to the regulatory appointments, deal with cases that exposed to the corona pandemic, welfare organiza- Thrikkarippur Sageer left behind his children Dr have exerted great efforts to provide the barriers set by the Ministry of Interior need urgent care upon entering the the ministry has developed a strate- tions among the Suad Abdulla (Kerala) and Sama necessary services to those wishing to in the perimeter of the halls to avoid halls, and distribute them. gic emergency plan to deal with all Indian community Abdulla (Qatar), son-in-law Dr Ashraf circumstances that the country may in Kuwait. He was also the patron of and Aflaq. face during this epidemic since the several other Indian associations in He was the recipient of Pravasi Ministry of Social Affairs is a ser- Kuwait. Bharathi (Kerala) Award in 2012 and vice ministry that deals with many Both he and his wife were infected Gharshom Pravasi Award in 2011. segments of society but at the same time he stressed on the readiness of the ministry to deal with any emer- ‘Positive ratings are significant to us’ gency during the application of the partial ban and even if the country opts for a total ban if the concerned KIC maintains excellent ratings authorities deem fit. On the extent of the Ministry of Social Affairs’ preparations to from ... ‘Moody’s and A.M. Best’ implement the partial ban, Al-Subaie explained the ministry’s KUWAIT CITY, March 8: Moody’s plan aims primarily to ensure that credit rating agency affirmed the strategic food stocks are secured in financial strength rating of Kuwait cooperative societies in coopera- Insurance Company at A3 with a sta- tion and coordination with the ble outlook. Ministry of Commerce and Similarly, A.M. Best credit rating Industry and to overcome all agency affirmed the financial strength obstacles facing the Federation of rating of KIC at A- (excellent) with a Consumer Associations so that the stable outlook. citizens and residents are not In that occasion, Sami Sharif, CEO affected. of Kuwait Insurance Company, said, He added the ministry has formed “We are glad to maintain excellent rat- 6 inspection teams in coordination ings amid the challenging economic with the Civil Defense Department environment. These positive ratings to organize the work of volunteers are significant to us, and represent a in accordance with the require- validation to the company’s commit- ments of the health authorities. ment to diversify its traditional and With regard to disbursing social Takaful insurance products and honor assistance to those who deserve it, its financial obligations.” he said, the family care departments Sharif added, “The ratings are a are working to complete the files direct result of the company’s healthy without any delay to pay the dues to capitalization, robust position and the deserving groups on their speci- established name in the local insurance Sami Sharif market, as well as a sustainable and fied dates, in addition to receiving ing, the board of directors authorized visitors in all sectors of the minis- remarkable underwriting profit margin. try. Additionally, they reflect a sound oper- the distribution of 30% cash dividend Al-Subaie stressed the need for ational performance and a proper (30 fils per share) for the previous all sectors and departments of the approach to the management of risk year, totaling KD 5.5 million. ministry to adhere to the implemen- and challenges during emergencies.” Finally, Sami Sharif commended tation of the Civil Service On a similar note, KIC profits KIC’s team of dedicated managers and Commission decision regarding increased to KD 10.5 million during professionals on their diligent efforts working hours and personnel which the previous financial year 2020, rep- and sincere commitment, which should not exceed 30 percent with resenting an increase of 10% com- enabled the company to reach its cur- firmness in applying health require- pared to 2019. In its most recent meet- rent coveted status. ments and providing sterilizers in all departments of the ministry. Bid to keep pace with co-ops expansion Opinion ‘differs’ UCCS preps bill to establish Public over car shades Authority for Cooperative Societies KUWAIT CITY, March 8: From time to time, the issue of car shades By Faris Al-Abadan He added, “After months of con- in residential areas returns to the Al-Seyassah Staff tinuous work and cooperation headline. There are some people between the UCCS and the boards of who object to the removal of their KUWAIT CITY, March 8: The Union directors of cooperative societies, the car shades even if they exceed the of Consumer Cooperative Societies Cooperative Work Development limits of the area of the homes, and (UCCS) has prepared a bill for estab- Committee and a number of experts there are some others who support lishing the Public Authority for in related fields arrived at three main the removal of car shades if they Cooperative Societies, which would recommendations - draft amendment be a general government body with a encroach public land, reports to the ministerial Resolution No. legal statute and an independent bud- Al-Shahid daily. 16/2016, draft amendment to the min- The citizens who support the get, provided that it is attached to the isterial Resolution No. 45/2020, and removal believe that transgressions Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs. on state property are unacceptable The UCCS Chairman Fahad the draft law for establishing the in all cases, and that the law must Al-Qashti attributed the establish- Public Authority for Cooperative be applied to everyone without any ment of the authority to “keeping Societies”. exception especially when it comes pace with the expansion of coopera- Al-Qashti indicated that the pro- to eliminating uncivilized phenom- tive societies, which has now reached posed law has 29 Articles that cover ena. 68 in number and are managed by all matters related to subordination, They stressed that any violation boards of directors that include 612 specializations, mechanisms for con- on state property is unacceptable, Kuwaitis, about 20,000 Kuwaitis and ducting their business, and others, and every homeowner has the right expatriates working there directly, adding, “It is considered a duty to to set up car shades but only in front and more than three times that num- achieve and implement this at the of his home. ber indirectly”. earliest time”. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 LOCAL 5 REMEMBER WHEN

The local souks Smiling to the camera, these Ku- became deserted, the shops were waiti men were happy to have their well-guarded. Photograph courtesy picture taken at a friend’s shop. Be- To wander through the souks was hind them a young boy sits politely a pleasure for a visitor to the old city. of The Center for Re- while learning the ways of the el- He would enjoy walking through the search and Studies on derly. narrow and covered markets teem- Kuwait’s traditional markets, or ing with activity. He would pass by Kuwait and the work souks, were an integral part of the a group of bedouins from the desert of Dr Yacoub Al- old city. Souks were colorful and sitting near an arms shop waiting pa- diverse, some being highly special- tiently for their guns to be repaired, Hijji in the book Old- ized. They were the meeting place or hear a group of women bargain- Kuwait: Memories of merchants, men, women and the ing with a textile vendor, or watch people of the desert. After a light an old man waiting calmly for his in Photographs fi rst breakfast and a cup of coffee, shop- turn to get a free cup of fresh wa- published in 1996. keepers left their homes and headed ter from an earthen jar provided for the souk. They stayed in their by a wealthy citizen. These were shops buying, selling and receiving but a few interesting sights the old friends until noon when they went souk had to offer before modernity home for lunch and the noon siesta. changed the spirit of the souk and In the afternoon they returned to hastened the disappearance of most their shops where they stayed un- of them. (From the book ‘Old Ku- til sunset. Although the souks then wait: Memories in Photographs’)

Courtesy of The Center for Research and Studies on Kuwait

© N.M.M. diwaniya A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION ‘Set up productive system without meddling of corrupt forces’ “The problem of disguised unemployment and the state’s insistence on manag- system that removes laziness and ineffectiveness, that is to say setting up a determining the infection rates in each governorate with full transparency, with ing the productive sector is a bottleneck that causes the economic crisis and productive system managed by the market with its mechanisms without the a daily statistical review of the numbers of vaccinated people with the aim of threatens the country’s present and future. The disguised unemployment has interference of the forces of corruption and those who feed on infl uence.” encouraging citizens and residents to register on the vaccination platform. reached more than 60 percent as a result of the government approach based on Also: “The curfew and shutting down businesses will not help in solving the problem in state management of our productive sector,” columnist Naji Al-Mulla wrote which we live. We need a clear vision and a working mechanism that will make us for Al-Jarida daily. “Despite the closure the country has seen since February 7 until today, we safe, away from the personal efforts that come from here and there. “Actually, this administration makes 60 percent of the state’s employees have not noticed any control over the numbers of Corona virus infections, “From my point of view, we need a new work team to manage the Corona crisis, unproductive, so hiring them is political employment to the point that the gov- which are still registering an unprecedented increase since the beginning of the made up of people with vision and experience that make decisions commensurate ernment once said literally to ministries not to employ pandemic,” columnist Khaled Al-Arafa wrote for Al-Anba daily. with our health situation in Kuwait, according to a clear mechanism away from in- new graduates because there is no place to absorb them, “The health authorities have no stomach for criticism and get angry when we timidation and exaggeration that made our country in the eyes of others as affected and the government did that for decades until salaries describe their decisions as confused and ill-considered, and to remind them of country because of the ill-considered decisions made by some. and wages snowballed to 12 billion dinars out of the 22 examples of their confounding decisions just as opening the airport and then “At last, Your Highness, a majority of citizens and residents are obliged to follow billion. The government is helpless in the face of this di- closing it, allowing citizens of the affected countries to come to Kuwait direct- health procedures and requirements, the most important of which is to wear masks, lemma and low prices of oil have added to the woes and ly, and then withdraw that decision after the street protested that hasty decision. and to shun gatherings. There is a law to punish the offenders, but the laxity of some eroded the General Reserve Fund which raised the idea “There is a message that we send to His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh in implementing the law is the reason for the increase in the number of infections. of borrowing or withdrawing from the future genera- Sabah Al-Khaled regarding the confusing decisions of the health authorities Before holding people accountable, it is necessary to hold accountable every offi cial tions fund because of this structural deformation in an that have become unbearable and sent us back to square one by approving the who is proven to have failed in managing the crisis and failed to implement the law.” economy in which oil represents almost the only source partial ban even though the situation in Kuwait only needed to apply the law ❑ ❑ ❑ of 94% of the revenues. that is largely absent. “The government is paralyzed in front of this prob- “The health authorities imposed their orders and everyone responded to them to “Iraq has about 38 million people -- 95 percent of whom are Arab Muslims lem, especially with the absence of a vision and a serious close some activities despite the damage caused to their owners under the pretext of (Shiites and Sunnis) and non-Arabs (Kurds and Turkmen), while the rest are move towards a solution. Naji Al-Mulla the spread of the epidemic and to control the health situation though they were able from different sects (Chaldeans, Assyrians, Yazidis, Sabean-Mandaeans) and “Instead, the government is preoccupied with creating arts and ways to de- to solve the matter without resorting to this measure by applying the law instead others,” columnist Muddafar Abdullah wrote for Al-Jarida daily. fuse the opposition and distract it to buy time, and the opposition, unfortunately of suspending work and disturbing people of their livelihoods, even though these “Iraq is known for its history and the diversity of its population’s roots since is leading a war of attrition or has swallowed the government bait and engaged activities were not the cause of the increase in the number of infections. ancient times. Its geographic location guarantees Arab security, that is, if the in a passionate war and has become hostage to electoral interests and demands “Your Highness, despite the availability of vaccination, the closure of the air, internal political conditions are different. that may be against the current public interest. land and sea borders and the disruption of some commercial activities, we are “We say this regarding the impact of the first historic visit that the Pope of Vatican “As a society, we have become between the anvil of the government and still witnessing a remarkable increase in infections which requires clarifi cation is making these days to many regions with Christian religious roots in Iraq. Perhaps, the opposition objections. The public interest calls for an comprehensive ratio- of the real reasons behind this increase in a transparent manner. it is important to remember that the Pope pushed through with the visit despite the nal privatization approach of the productive sector – education, health, airport, “The health authorities closed the skies a month ago and now they imple- corona epidemic that swept the world. The visit aims to awaken the civilized world ports, post and transportation to the Flour Mills Company and accelerate job mented the partial ban, and previously they applied the ban (total and partial) from its deep slumber in order to see the ongoing tragedies and crude political inter- creation in the private sector, and accurately adjust the demographics because that drained the efforts of the medical, security and nursing staff, and the ques- ventions which have been destroying human beings for years. this is a worthy option and there is no room to get away with it. tion that arises: ‘What did we benefi t from these measures? Did this reduce the “The Pope’s visit is symbolic. It makes us catch our breath to pause and look “The development will only be achieved by creating a true economic sector problem and lead to the decline of the epidemic …? at the tragedies of the Christians who were killed by ISIS, as well as the cor- run by a clean private sector that provides job opportunities, taxes, upgrades “The daily press conference organized by the Ministry of Health is useless ruption that has spread in the institutions of governance and administration for services, and eradicates the disguised unemployment that eats up oil revenues as it is only limited to reviewing statistics without explaining the real reasons which the Iraqi citizens continue to pay a high price daily. and tends to bite down the reserves of future generations. behind the increase, so the Ministry of Health and those responsible for man- “It is a visit for the politicians to turn away from the ugliness of their deeds “We want a parliament to hit the fi rst nail in the coffi n of the rentier state aging the Corona crisis must explain the numbers of infection in detail, the and the madness of the authority that kills and steals everything from the ordi- while protecting the welfare of the citizen, but the one who is a productive residential areas of the infected, and the reasons for transmission of infection in nary Iraqis -- their security, money, electricity and the list goes on. citizen and works in the private sector governed by the reward and punishment such a rapid manner, in addition to mentioning the nationalities of the infected, — Compiled by Ahmad Al-Shazli 3 years jail for paragliders Other Voices Nobody above law: Al-Zuabi The accountant who lost his shadow By Ahmad alsarraf him, and he earned a reputation that he did not deserve. KUWAIT CITY, March 8t: The Assistant campaigns to arrest them, confiscate their Today, there are several competing Arab parties or as- Undersecretary for Public Security Affairs gliders, and register cases against them, he accounting laws and regulations in Kuwait, until the sociations that grant statutory auditor certifi cate to who- T1970s, followed, for good reason, the old British ac- ever he desires, and most of them bear resonant names, at the Ministry of Interior Major-General which carry a penalty of up to three-year counting systems. Taking over the task of auditing the ac- but they lack credibility. Faraj Al-Zuabi warned paragliding hob- imprisonment, reports Al-Qabas daily. counts of banks, insurance companies and others required The profession of statutory auditor is characterized by experience and confidence that could not be certain without byists of the launch of intense security In a press statement, he affirmed that the law will be its high risk and importance. The offi ce could cause the the auditor obtaining a certificate largest companies to go bankrupt and shareholders lose applied on everyone, and no favoritism will be shown to from a recognized international in- billions of dollars of their investments as a result of neg- anyone in matters concerning the security of Kuwait. stitution such as The Association of ligence or corruption, and this happened in many cases, Major-General Al-Zuabi explained that the instructions Chartered Accountants or The Insti- in America and elsewhere, including, of course, Kuwait. issued by the security leadership in this regard are clear and tute of Chartered Accountants. Add to this the false testimonies issued by the audit explicit. They stipulate the need to immediately and deci- The global audit companies bureaus enabling fraudsters to deceive the shareholders sively deal with unlicensed gliders, seize those in charge of were and still control the audit of the companies. them and their users, and refer them to the concerned author- market of major corporations, It is important to note here the role of the former Minister ity without exception. leaving small ones for others. In of Commerce Khaled Al-Roudhan who was the most pro- He revealed that the security authorities confiscated four the 1970s, the SABA was the only ductive minister in the history of the ministry in issuing the paragliders in the last two weeks, adding that the authorities Arab offi ce that could compete Auditors Law during his reign which capped many gaps, are looking for any unlicensed glider aircraft, and will not with international offi ces. alsarraf despite some of its shortcomings. Historically, the Iraqis allow violators to fly in the Kuwaiti airspace. An Arab expatriate who worked were among the fi rst to obtain the certifi cates of the statutory A couple of paragliders on the Kuwaiti horizon. Major-General Al-Zuabi said the security authorities had as an accountant in one of these international offi ces did auditor before everything collapsed in Iraq at the hands of received complaints from the residents of chalets regarding not like this. His desire to expand was limited by not tyrants, and subsequently the clerics. the violation of their privacy by amateur paragliders, stress- possessing an auditor certifi cate, but he and his partner At the time, the auditor had to work for 3 years in the ‘Enough foodstuff available’ ing that the security personnel will firmly deal with such vio- opened an audit offi ce, and after he was warned by an offi ce as a chartered accountant, and to prepare for the certi- lations and recklessness especially when it comes to violat- external party of the necessity to close his offi ce for vio- fi cation before being approved, and all of this went with the ing the privacy of others. lating the accounting norms, he circumvented the deci- wind, and whoever was not even a statutory accountant, had Co-ops study ‘barcode’ He highlighted that paragliding disrupts the air defense sion, as usual, and established an association or center the title of doctor, thinker, political analyst and even predic- By Fares Al-Abdan radars by flying in Kuwaiti airspace without a permit and for accreditation of Arab auditors, in the capital of an tor of the occurrence of world wars in a specifi c month. usually appears as an unspecified air target. Arab country and he and those who worked with him ❑ ❑ ❑ Al-Seyassah Staff Major-General Al-Zuabi explained that anyone who flies in subsequently obtained their certifi cates from that party KUWAIT CITY, March 8: Acting Undersecretary of the Min- Kuwaiti airspace without a license from the concerned authori- which became with time a great source of income for email: [email protected] istry of Social Affairs, Musallam Al-Subaie, said foodstuffs are ties will face punishment of temporary imprisonment for a peri- available in large quantities suffi cient for more than six months. od of three years, according to law No. 31/1970 amending some He pointed out, the situation in the cooperative societies is provisions of penal Law No. 16/1960, which specified that the reassuring and there is nothing to worry about. use of means of deception, fraud, concealment of personality, News in Brief Al-Subaie told the Al-Seyassah daily on the sidelines of nationality, profession, or trait attract a three-year jail sentence, fi eld trips to the cooperative societies, which included the and the same penalties for attempting these crimes. Abdullah Al-Salem Cooperative Society and the Qadsiya The law also specified that those who take pictures, draw- Cooperative Society during which he paid a visit to the ings, or maps of sites or places in violation of the ban issued Burial timings in ban: Director-General of the Kuwait must wear masks. stores of the cooperative societies to ensure the availabil- by the competent authorities, and those who enter a fortress, Municipality has issued an administrative circular concern- ❑ ❑ ❑ ing burial during the partial ban, reports Al-Qabas daily. ity of goods particularly foodstuffs. During the fi eld trips he a defense facility, a camp, or a place where armed forces, Parks to stay open: In a move that constitutes a retreat from was accompanied by the Assistant Undersecretary for the warships or commercial ships, aircraft, military vehicles, ar- The daily said, burial will be from 8:00 am to 4 pm, pro- vided burials happen at an interval on every half an hour or the strictness of the Cabinet decision last Thursday regarding clo- Cooperation Sector Salem Al-Rashidi. senals, or any military place, shop, or factory carry out work sure of public parks and walkways to the public, starting today in the interest of the defense of the country and where the at the discretion of the cemetery official in accordance with He added, “We are ready to overcome any problems fac- the requirements of the public interest and in coordination (Sunday, March 7), the Government Communication Center an- ing cooperative societies in order to provide their require- public is prohibited from entering, will also face punishment with the funeral personnel. nounced that parks will be open for pedestrians only outside from ments, indicating that the ministry is still studying the ‘bar- of imprisonment for a period of three years. He pointed out during the funeral; the number of people 5 in the morning until 5 in the evening, reports Al-Qabas daily. code’ proposal to book dates to visit the cooperative societies The imprisonment for a period of three years is the pun- in the funeral must not exceed 20 first degree relatives of the The center confirmed on its Twitter account that public in coordination with the competent authorities. He pointed ishment for anyone who resides or is found in sites and plac- deceased. Paying visit to the graves will be from 10:00 am parks will remain from 5:00 am until 5:00 but no one will out the ministry will continue to pay visits to all cooperative es where the military authorities have prohibited the public to 2:00 pm. Everyone must adhere to social distancing and be permitted to squat on the ground and gather in one place. societies to ensure that there are no disruption in the work. from entering. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 LOCAL 6

KUNA photos Left: Aerial view of Sabah Al-Ahmad Corridor. Right: The cable-stayed bridge which is part of the Sabah Al-Ahmad Corridor.

Speaker urges authorities to Sabah Al-Ahmad Corridor reflects put women’s issues on table KUWAIT CITY, March 8, Al-Ghanim said “On the occa- (KUNA): Speaker of the National sion of International Women’s Assembly Marzouq Ali Day, which falls March 8, I depth of Qatar & Kuwait relations Al-Ghanim on Sunday called on salute the Kuwaiti woman who the legislative and executive has been proving year after year branches to put women’s issues on her active and vital role in all the table, stressing that Kuwaiti aspects of the national construc- Shield includes photo of late Amir women have proven their active tion process.” and vital role in all aspects of He urged the executive, legisla- national construction. tive and all civil society institu- By Nawaf Al-Deqbasi According to a statement by tions to put women’s issues on the Al-Dustour news network, discussion table. DOHA, March 8, (KUNA): A commemorative shield of Sabah Al-Ahmad Corridor ‘Diraya’ campaign releases video on project reflects the civiliza- tion of Qatar and the archi- personal loans & financing facilities tectural renaissance it is KUWAIT CITY, March 8: Keen to them with financial obligations. As part witnessing, as well as depth enhance financial awareness across all of the efforts to enhance the protection segments of society, and in line with its of the banking sector’s customers, of historical relations directives towards expanding and “Diraya” Campaign launched a video between the two countries. strengthening the Kuwaiti banking sec- that clarifies the most important aspects The shield includes a picture of tor’s social responsibility, the CBK- that individuals should know about loans the late Amir Sheikh Sabah supervised banking awareness cam- and financing operations to customers, Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, paign “Be Aware” (“Diraya” in Arabic) the requirements to be fulfilled to benefit continues in cooperation with the from the facilities, and the customer’s Kuwait and Qatar flags in addition Kuwait Banking Association (KBA) rights and obligations in this regard. to the cable-stayed bridge, which and with participation of all Kuwaiti The video highlights the CBK’s is part of that corridor as its first banks, with the aim to leverage public instructions to banks and financing com- and longest cable stayed bridge in awareness of the banking sector’s role, panies, stating that the lenders should Qatar. and how customers can use banks’ advise customers before and during the His Highness the Amir Sheikh diverse services most advantageously. financing term. The said instructions Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, In a statement marking the launch of underline the necessity to explain the received the shield a few days ago the new campaign video, the CBK risks of increasing financial obligations from Qatar, presented to Deputy Prime affirmed its resolve to regulate the exten- on the customer requesting credit or Minister and Minister of Defense sion of personal loans and financing finance, especially in the event of any Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, facilities to enable customers to benefit change to the financial condition result- during the project inauguration cere- from such facilities without exposure to ing from change of employment or retire- mony in Doha. the risk of default, nor overburdening ment status, or in applied interest rate. The Sabah Al-Ahmad Corridor was opened on February 24 of this year, it was built in appreciation of Kuwait late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. The corridor links nearly 15 high- ways among vital economic, commer- cial, educational and health facilities in KUNA photo Doha including Hamad International The shield includes a photo of the late Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Airport. It spans across the city from the south to the north to connect more than ‘Education’ stops pay check of 600 teachers 25 neighborhoods with high popula- tion density. KUWAIT CITY, March 8: The ous educational districts, reports did not begin work in the second The landmark project includes the Ministry of Education has suspended Al-Anba daily. semester. first suspended causeway in the State the salaries of nearly 600 teachers, Education sources told the daily The school districts had reportedly of Qatar, which is 1,200 meters long, who the ministry calls ‘the new strand- the ‘new stranded teachers’ are those given them the deadline until yester- and a 2.6 km.-long overpass; the coun- ed teachers’, who were reportedly con- who were working until the end of day, Sunday, before applying the rules ‘Diraya’ campaign poster try’s longest. fined supposed to be working in vari- the first semester of 2020/2021 and and regulations for absenteeism. Burgan Bank, Farfetch offer for MasterCard Credit Card holders KUWAIT CITY, March 8: Burgan Bank announces its lat- est partnership with Farfetch, the leading global online platform for luxury fashion industry, whereby Burgan Bank MasterCard Credit Card holders will be offered up to 20% discount on purchases made through Farfetch’s online plat- forms. Ensuring a convenient and rewarding experience, Burgan Bank MasterCard Credit cardholders can enjoy a maximum discount of up to $400 while shopping at Farfetch from 1st March until 31st March 2021. This exclusive offer ensures that Burgan Bank Master Card Credit Card holders can now enjoy shopping from world’s top brands and boutiques through Farfetch while enjoying seamless experience through faster search option, stress-free checkout and doorstep delivery service. Head of Cards at Burgan Bank, Saket Jajoo said: “In line with our customer-centric approach and culture, Burgan Bank is committed to bring to its customers best in class and top of line features and benefits. We take delight in offering our valuable customers the most comfortable and safe shop- ping experience through our partnership with the leading global online platform for luxury fashion, Farfetch. Burgan Bank MasterCard Credit Card holders will enjoy purchasing their favorite items and brands online safely from home dur- ing the offer.” To learn more about Burgan Bank’s latest offers or any of its products and services, customers can visit any of the bank’s branches or Burgan Banks Instagram page on @ BurganBankKuwait, contact the call center or via WhatsApp at 1804080.

Burgan Bank poster ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 7

‘AlUla – a journey through time’ Royal Commission in Milan photo exhibition

lUla, the Saudi region of great historical and archaeological wealth locat- “Robert Polidori’s images are an excellent way to get a taste of the vast desert vice versa. Even though every photograph comes from one moment in time, Aed in the north-west of Saudi Arabia, presents Milan “AlUla — Journey landscapes and geological wonders of this region of Saudi Arabia. AlUla is I nonetheless attempt to give it a timeless aspect greater than the temporal Through Time”, the photographic exhibition that highlights its main cultural an open-air museum with many stories of past civilizations still untold. Ex- context of its initial capture”. sites through the photography of well-known Canadian-American photogra- cavations carried out by teams of both Saudi and international archaeologists The AlUla — Journey Through Time photographic exhibition will be pre- pher Robert Polidori. have recently resumed and over the next few months new discoveries of great sented in Milan and is expected to be exhibited later in other cities. The exhibition, made up of 30 panels, opened for free along Corso Vitto- importance will be revealed”. About AlUla rio Emanuele II — Milan, from 25 February and will last through 28 March ‘There are strong connections historically and culturally between AlUla Located 1,100 km from Riyadh, in North-West Saudi Arabia, AlUla is a 2021 and will be an excellent opportunity to allow citizens to discover an and Italy and we are delighted to bring this exhibition to Milan at a time when place of extraordinary natural and human heritage. The vast area, covering area still little known in which there are testimonies of 250,000 years of his- the world has begun to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Our Italian friends 22,561km², includes a lush oasis valley, towering sandstone mountains and tory of human evolution: from prehistory to the present day, passing through are great explorers and we know they will be among the fi rst to want to experi- ancient cultural heritage sites dating back thousands of years to when the Li- the mysterious kingdoms of Lihyan and Dadan, the Nabataeans and the Ro- ence AlUla when the time is right.’ Jones added. hyan and Nabataean kingdoms reigned. man era. “We are pleased to support the initiative of the photographic exhibition The most well-known and recognised site in AlUla is Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s The Saudi region of AlUla, with the patronage of the Municipality of Mi- ‘AlUla — Journey Through Time’, an enchanting look at the great cultural fi rst UNESCO World Heritage Site. A 52-hectare ancient city, Hegra was the lan and in collaboration with the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, wants to wealth of AlUla, one of the most important regions of Saudi Arabia from principal southern city of the Nabataean Kingdom and is comprised of more offer the public an exhibition that presents its cultural richness through Po- an historical-archaeological point of view”, commented His Royal Highness than 100 well preserved tombs with elaborate facades cut out of the sandstone lidori’s photography, allowing visitors to embark on a fascinating journey Prince Faisal bin Sattam bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Ambassador of the Kingdom outcrops surrounding the walled urban settlement. through time during which they will be able to deepen the archaeological of Saudi Arabia to Italy, Malta and San Marino. “The exhibition offers Italian Current research also suggests Hegra was the most southern outpost of the aspects through digital content accessible from QR codes positioned in the friends the opportunity to deepen their knowledge of the cultural heritage of Roman Empire after conquering the Nabataeans in 106 CE. photo captions created by Romolo Loreto, Associate Professor of the Univer- the Kingdom and capture a vivid image of a land that testifi es to two thousand In addition to Hegra, AlUla is home to a fascinating historical and ar- sity of Naples — L’Orientale and one of the leading Italian experts of Saudi years of cultural ties between the peoples of the Arabian and Italian peninsu- chaeological sites such as: Ancient Dadan, the capital of the Dadan and archaeology. las”. Lihyan Kingdoms, which is considered one of the most developed 1st- “We hope that Milanese citizens will once again be able to exercise their Regarding his experience in photographing AlUla, Robert Polidori com- millennium BCE cities of the Arabian Peninsula; thousands of ancient passion for traveling the world in 2021 and I have no doubt that this photo mented: “The natural environment of AlUla is just amazing and unparalleled, rock art sites and inscriptions at Jabal Ikmah; Old Town, a labyrinth of exhibition will inspire a visit to what is one of the world’s most signifi cant and I was quite taken by that — Almost as if it was carved out by a divine more than 900 mudbrick homes developed from at least the 12th century, heritage and cultural destinations”, commented Phillip Jones, Chief Destina- power. I try to render what I call an emblematic image, encapsulating the and Hijaz Railway and Hegra Fort, key sites in the story and conquests of tion Management and Marketing Offi cer at Royal Commission for AlUla. entirety of a subject often by showing its details to represent the whole and Lawrence of Arabia.

Passengers watch fi sh in a giant aquarium at the King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (AP)

‘The Cultural Economy and the Economy of Culture’ Abu Dhabi opens 2021 virtual culture summit

he Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) ing creative ecosystem is the beating heart of a city, affecting and enhanc- the website: www.culturesummitabudhabi.com. The summit attendance is Thas announced that the next edition of Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, ing all facets of a society. Culture Summit’s annual convening of world- free and open to the public. a leading global forum which explores creative cultural solutions to the class experts and professionals from interrelated fi elds consistently puts About Culture Summit Abu Dhabi most pressing issues affecting the world today, is taking place from 8 to 10 forward innovative solutions in response to critical cultural and economic Culture Summit is a forum that convenes leaders from the fi elds of the March and explore the theme of ‘The Cultural Economy and the Economy issues. Following a year of truly unprecedented challenges brought on by arts, design, heritage, media, museums, public policy, and technology, to of Culture’. the COVID-19 pandemic, we look forward to the dialogue and innovations identify ways in which culture can transform societies and communities The fourth edition of the forum will bring together cultural leaders, sparked by our esteemed global partners and participants at the event’s vir- worldwide. practitioners and experts from the fields of art, heritage, museums, me- tual fourth edition, as we discuss ways to support the continuity of the cul- The 2021 edition will mark the fourth and fi rst virtual edition of the sum- dia and technology to generate new strategies and thinking, and identify tural sector, both locally and worldwide.” mit that will be taking place from 8 – 10 March 2021, exploring the theme ways in which culture can transform societies and communities world- Financial support and sustainability in the culture sector in the face of of The Cultural Economy and the Economy of Culture. wide. rapid societal and economic change was a key issue identifi ed by many Inspired by key discussions from the 2019 edition of the Summit on the “The global challenges of the past year have truly demonstrated the vital of the 480 participants in Culture Summit Abu Dhabi 2019. Inspired by fi nancial support and sustainability in the culture sector in the face of rapid power of culture to improve our personal and collective wellbeing. Yet, these discussions and in line with UNESCO’s 2021 ‘International Year of societal and economic change, Culture Summit 2021 will examine oppor- cultural institutions worldwide continue to struggle to achieve funding Creative Economy for Sustainable Development’, Culture Summit 2021 tunities to renew the cultural and creative industries in a post-COVID19 structures to continue operating. It is now more important than ever to shed will examine opportunities to renew the cultural and creative industries in a environment and explore how the creative economy can be a positive force light on the critical role that the culture sector plays as an essential driver of post-COVID environment and explore how the creative economy can be a for societies and economies. sustainable economic and social development,” said HE Mohamed Khalifa positive force for societies and economies. Culture Summit 2021 is organised by the Department of Culture and Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi. “We are proud to collaborate Culture Summit’s global partner organisations bring extensive exper- Tourism — Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with global partner organisations with top global cultural partners to convene renowned professionals from tise in diverse fi elds, spanning from culture and arts to media, technology including, UNESCO, The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and Founda- a variety of fi elds, ensuring the level and breadth of expertise needed for and the economy. Existing partners include UNESCO, The Solomon R. tion, the Economist Events, Google, United Nations Conference on Trade fruitful discussions and effective, goal-oriented outcomes. Guggenheim Museum and Foundation, the Economist Events, and Google. and Development, the Design Museum London, Abu Dhabi Cultural Foun- “This year’s theme strongly refl ects the focus on culture and creative New partners for 2021 include the United Nations Conference on Trade and dation, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Institut Français, Image industries as a major driver of growth. While addressing what is certainly Development (UNCTAD), the Design Museum London, and the participa- Nation, Twofour54, and Abu Dhabi Film Commission a global issue, the outcomes of this year’s summit will be of particular rel- tion of UAE institutions such as Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, Louvre A series of panels, performances, and case studies throughout the evance as we come together to discuss the impact of innovation on the Abu Dhabi, Berklee Abu Dhabi, Institut Français, Image Nation Abu Dha- event will engage participants with ideas about the role of culture in economies of culture.” bi, twofour54, and Abu Dhabi Film Commission. improving our world. The 2021 edition of the Culture Summit is open HE Saood Al Hosani, Undersecretary of DCT Abu Dhabi, said: “A thriv- Those looking to attend Culture Summit Abu Dhabi 2021 can register on for the public.

editor’s choice UK competition watchdog investigates Apple’s App Store

U.K. authorities have launched an mission. system, which charges up to 30% com- investigation into Apple’s App Store Apple said the App Store is “a safe mission. over concerns it has a dominant role and trusted place for customers” and a “Millions of us use apps every day to In this file photo, an Apple that stifles competition and hurts con- “great business opportunity for develop- check the weather, play a game or order logo adorns the facade of the sumers. ers.” a takeaway,” Andrea Coscelli, the au- downtown Brooklyn Apple The Competition and Markets Authori- The investigation was triggered in part thority’s CEO, said in a statement. store in New York. (AP) ty said Thursday it was looking into “sus- by complaints from app developers that “So, complaints that Apple is using pected breaches of competition law” by Apple will only let them distribute their its market position to set terms which Apple. The announcement adds to regu- apps to iPhone and iPad users through are unfair or may restrict competition latory scrutiny of the iPhone maker’s the App Store. The developers also and choice - potentially causing cus- app distribution platform, which is also complained that the company requires tomers to lose out when buying and the subject of three antitrust probes by any purchases of apps, add-ons or up- using apps - warrant careful scrutiny.” the European Union’s executive Com- grades to be made through its Apple Pay (AP)

Market Movements 08-03-2021 Change Closing pts Change Closing pts AUSTRALIA - All Ordinaries +28.70 6,971.65 JAPAN - Nikkei -121.07 28,743.25 INDIA - Sensex +35.75 50,441.07 S. KOREA - KRX 100 -67.32 6,485.05 PHILIPPINES - PSEi -124.45 6,756.92 PAKISTAN - KSE 100 -431.79 45,405.56 CHINA - Shanghai SE -80.57 3,421.41 Business

Yields climb back above 1.50% Why ‘rising’ rates are Jump in hiring fuels optimism unsettling Wall Street for economic ‘recovery’ in US NEW YORK, March 8, (AP): In- relative to earnings are getting terest rates keep marching high- hit hard, as are stocks that have er, and Wall Street keeps shaking been bid up for their expected because of it. profi ts far in the future. Big Tech Economy strengthening as virus cases drop and vaccinations ramp up The yield on the 10-year Trea- stocks are in both those camps. sury climbed back above 1.50% Dividend-paying stocks also get ment benefits and another round of Pop-In, a gourmet popcorn company Lane S. Fulton, who lives in Thursday, prodded higher by hurt because investors looking WASHINGTON, March 8, (AP): U.S. hiring accel- aid to small businesses at a time in Buffalo, New York, said people Bloomington, Indiana, has been comments by the Federal Re- for income can now turn instead when many Americans have seen seem increasingly comfortable about mostly unemployed since the crisis serve’s chair, and it helped send to bonds, which are safer invest- erated more quickly than their income shrivel and have fallen shopping in person. His online sales began last March. stocks on Wall Street on another ments. expected last month, evi- behind on rent, mortgages and other are also growing, and he hopes to He said he has applied for slide. The speed at which the The ultimate worry is that in- bills. strike a deal with the grocery chain roughly 600 government positions yield has climbed has forced in- fl ation will take off at some point, dence that a year after the vestors to re-examine how they sending rates much higher. Biden said Friday that previous Wegman’s to sell in those stores. after earning a graduate degree in pandemic took hold, the government aid had contributed to To meet growing demand, he is public administration from Indi- value stocks, bonds and every Aren’t interest rates still re- economy is strengthening other investment. And the im- ally low? February’s job gains, and he insisted moving into a larger storefront with ana University in the fall of 2019. mediate verdict has been to sell Yes, even at 1.54%, the 10- as virus cases drop and the new package is needed to help warehouse space, and he plans to But state and local governments them at lower prices, particularly year Treasury yield is still below vaccinations ramp up. keep the recovery going. hire two or three more workers in the have slashed 1.4 million jobs since “Without a rescue plan, the gains coming months. the pandemic erupted, including the most popular investments of the 2.60% level it was at two A government report Friday the last year. years ago or the 5% level of two are going to slow,” he said. “We “I’m seeing a major difference 86,000 last month, and most have showed that employers added a can’t afford one step forward and now in in-store sales,” Coker said. instituted hiring freezes. Yields have been climbing decades ago. robust 379,000 jobs in February, with optimism for an economic “The concern isn’t that the 10- two steps backward.” “Walk-in traffic has doubled. It’s Fulton was also thrown out of revival following a year of coro- year is at 1.50%,” said Yung-Yu driven by a sharp increase at belea- About 4 million people who been amazing to see.” work from his part-time job at Pane- navirus-induced misery, along Ma, chief investment strategist at guered restaurants and bars. That have lost their jobs have stopped With the pandemic easing, he ra Bread last March. with expectations for the higher BMO Wealth Management. “It’s suggests Americans are starting looking for work and so are not said, the company is also fielding The federal government’s mora- infl ation that could accompany it. that it went from 1% to 1.50% to venture out and spend more as classified as unemployed. If they more inquiries about custom bags torium on collecting student loans That’s key because those yields in a handful of weeks, and what progress is made against the coro- were included, along with a sepa- for weddings and baby showers. allowed him to redirect his $600 form the bedrock that the fi nan- does that mean for the rest of navirus and states relax business rate group that was misclassified The virus has killed more than a monthly payment to more urgent cial world uses to try to fi gure 2021.” restrictions. as working, the unemployment half-million Americans. Deaths and bills. out the value for anything from Ma thinks it could keep ris- The February gain marked a sharp rate would be 9.3%, according to new cases per day have plummeted “That pause was what allowed me Apple’s stock to a junk bond. ing above 2% by the end of the pickup from the 166,000 jobs that Oxford Economics. over the past two months, though to survive when I wasn’t getting un- For years, yields have been year, but he doesn’t see it going were added in January and the loss Still, economists are increasingly they are still running alarmingly employment,” he said. ultralow for Treasurys, mean- back to the old normal of 4% or of 306,000 in December. Yet it rep- optimistic that hiring will accelerate high. The U.S. is averaging nearly With so much money being ing investors earned very little 5%, which would force an even resents just a fraction of the roughly in the coming months as Americans 1,800 deaths and 62,000 newly con- pumped into the economy, Oxford in interest for owning them. That bigger reassessment for markets. 9.5 million that the economy must seize the opportunity to once again firmed infections per day. Economics forecasts that growth in turn made stocks and other in- Until that becomes more clear, regain to get back to where it was travel, shop, attend sporting events, The U.S. has administered over 82 will reach 7% for all of 2021, which vestments more attractive, driv- though, he says he’s looking for before the crisis. go to the movies and eat at restau- million COVID-19 vaccine doses, would be the fastest calendar-year ing up their prices. But when the stock market to stay volatile. Unemployment fell from 6.3% to rants. according to the Centers Disease expansion since 1984. The Congres- Treasury yields rise, so does the Aren’t stocks still really high? 6.2%, the Labor Department said. Households as a whole have ac- Prevention and Control. More than sional Budget Office projects the na- downward pressure on prices for Yes. Despite the recent pull- That is down dramatically from cumulated a huge pile of savings as 21% of the nation’s adults have re- tion will add a substantial 6.2 million other investments. Here’s a look back in the market, the major 14.8% last April, just after the virus Americans slashed their spending. ceived at least one shot, and close to jobs this year. at why the recent moves have U.S. stock indexes all remain erupted in the United States. But it’s Much of that is expected to be spent 11% have been fully vaccinated. Still, the size of the Biden relief been so rocky: near all-time highs set within the well above the pre-pandemic rate of once people feel more comfortable “The best stimulus is vaccina- package, coming as the economy Why are Treasury yields ris- last month. The S&P 500 is still 3.5%. about going out. tion,” said Constance Hunter, chief is already showing improvement, ing? within 4.2% of its record set on “The recovery really has some Last month’s job growth was economist at KPMG. “My hope is has stoked fears that growth could Part of it is rising expectations Feb. 12. legs, some momentum now,” said driven by a steady recovery of that we don’t backslide on the virus” overheat and accelerate inflation, for infl ation, perhaps the worst Hasn’t the Fed said it will Odeta Kushi, deputy chief economist bars, restaurants and hotels. Bars as states reopen. possibly leading the Federal Reserve enemy of a bond investor. Infl a- keep interest rates low? at First American Financial Corp. and restaurants, in particular, The job gains last month were to jack up interest rates. Those fears tion means future payments from Yes. The Federal Reserve has Stocks see-sawed through the day snapped back, adding 286,000 sharply uneven. The unemploy- have roiled financial markets for the bonds won’t buy as much - be- direct control over short-term but ended sharply higher, with the jobs as business restrictions eased ment rate among whites fell slightly, past two weeks. cause the price of a banana or a interest rates, and Chair Jerome Dow Jones Industrial Average rising in California and other states. This to 5.6%, and among Hispanics, to Fed Chair Jerome Powell sought bouquet of fl owers will be higher Powell has repeatedly said it’s in 572 points, or about 1.9%, and the week, Texas joined some other 8.5%. Among Asians it dropped to to assuage those concerns on Thurs- than it is today. So when infl ation no hurry to raise them. It’s also states in announcing it will fully 5.1%. But for Black Americans it day - without success, based on expectations rise, bonds are less not planning to trim its $120 bil- S&P 500 moving up nearly 2%. desirable, and their prices fall. lion in monthly bond purchases In suggesting the economy is on reopen its economy. jumped from 9.2% to 9.9%. sharp selloffs in the stock and bond That pushes up their yield. used to put downward pressure the mend, the report could compli- Also hiring last month were retail- Women fared slightly better than markets - when he suggested that any Treasury yields also often on longer-term rates. cate President Joe Biden’s struggle ers, which added 41,000 jobs, health men, with unemployment dropping meaningful rise in inflation would track with expectations for the Powell said the Fed won’t raise to push through his $1.9 trillion care companies, with 46,000, and among women from 6.3% to 6.1%, probably prove temporary and that economy’s strength, which are its benchmark interest rate, now COVID-19 relief package, which manufacturers, with 21,000. On the while men’s unemployment fell one- the Fed would be in no hurry to raise on the rise. When the economy is at its record low of zero to 0.25%, passed the House and is before the other hand, construction companies tenth of a percentage point to 6.3%. its benchmark short-term rate. healthy, investors feel less need until infl ation runs slightly above Senate. shed 61,000 jobs, most likely in part More women started looking for Sounding an optimistic note, he to own Treasurys, considered to its 2% target level. Powell has It would provide, among other because of the severe storms and work, though millions of them have said: “There’s good reason to expect be the safest possible investment. also repeatedly said that while things, $1,400 checks to most adults, power outages in Texas. had to stop their job searches to care job creation to pick up in the coming Why do falling bond prices price increases might accelerate hundreds more in weekly unemploy- Stefan Coker, the owner of What’s for children during the outbreak. months.” mean rising yields? in coming months, those increas- Say I bought a bond for $100 es are expected to be temporary that pays 1% in interest, but I’m and not a sign of long-run infl a- Ministry of Energy denounces strike as ‘an act of sabotage’ worried about rising infl ation tion threats. and don’t want to be stuck with He echoed those statements it. I sell it to you for $90. You’re again on Thursday, but analysts getting more than a 1% return said longer-term yields rose Oil prices surge after attack on Saudi oil site on your investment, because the on disappointment that Pow- regular payouts coming from ell didn’t offer something more BANGKOK, March 8, (AP): Oil pric- the bond will still be the same forceful to tamp down the recent es pressed higher Monday after strikes on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, amount as when I owned it. increases. the world’s largest oil exporter, shook Why are infl ation and “We think our current policy energy markets already rattled by a de- growth expectations rising? stance is appropriate,” Powell said. cision by oil producers last week to not Coronavirus vaccines will Is Wall Street still optimistic? lift output. hopefully get economies hum- Yes, much of Wall Street still Brent crude, the international stan- ming this year, as people feel expects stocks to keep rising. dard, surpassed $70 per barrel for the comfortable returning to shops, One reason is that many inves- fi rst time in over a year, gaining $1.14 businesses reopen and workers tors agree with Powell and ex- to $70.47 a barrel. It surged $2.62 on get jobs again. The International pect infl ation pressures to be only Friday. Monetary Fund expects the glob- temporary. That should hopefully Benchmark US crude oil added al economy to grow 5.5% this keep rates from spiking to dan- $1.10 to $67.19 per barrel, up 1.7%, year following last year’s 3.5% gerous levels. falling back from bigger gains earlier plunge. Also, after a dismal 2020 for in the day. It jumped $2.26 to $66.09 A stronger economy often most companies, investors are per barrel on Friday. coincides with higher infl ation, banking that growth in corpo- Prices have been recovering in the though it’s been generally trend- rate profi ts will explode higher past few months after plunging last ing downward for decades. Con- as more people get COVID-19 year with the onset of the pandemic. gress is also close to pumping vaccines through the year and the The devastating winter freeze that another $1.9 trillion into the U.S. economy gradually approaches hit Texas and other parts of the south- economy, which could further something close to normal. If ern United States last month knocked boost growth and infl ation. earnings rise enough, stocks can out production of roughly 4 million Why do rates affect stock stay stable or maybe even go barrels per day of US oil, pushing pric- prices? higher, despite a rise in rates.. es above $60 a barrel. When trying to fi gure out what Do some companies do well Last week, with oil prices rising, a stock’s price should be, inves- when rates are rising? some observers were expecting the tors often look at two things: Financial companies, particu- OPEC cartel and its allies to lift more In this file photo, the sun sets behind an idle pump jack near Karnes City, USA. Oil prices pressed higher on how much cash the company will larly banks, have gained recently restrictions and let the oil fl ow more Monday, March 8, after strikes on major oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, shook energy make and how much to pay for because rising rates can mean freely. But OPEC agreed to leave most markets. (AP) each $1 of that cash. When inter- bigger profi ts made on a variety restrictions in place, despite growing est rates are low and bonds are of consumer loans, including demand. any damage. Saudi Aramco, the king- rates that have been taken to record dramatically, others fi led for bankrupt- The strikes on Saudi sites have in- dom’s oil giant that now has a sliver of low levels to support economies bat- cy protection. Workers lost jobs by the paying little, investors are will- mortgages. And if rates are rising tered by the pandemic. thousands. ing to pay more for that second on infl ation worries, energy com- creased in frequency and precision in its worth traded publicly on the stock recent weeks, raising concerns about market, did not immediately respond “The last thing anyone wants in a Eventually, prices began to recover part. They’re not losing out on panies could benefi t if prices are recovering global economy is higher as demand trickled back. In January, much income if they had put that also rising for oil and other com- Saudi Arabia’s air defenses and the ex- to a request for comment. panding capabilities of the Iran-backed The Ministry of Energy denounced oil prices, and we are likely nearing a after Saudi Arabia announced it would money in a Treasury instead. modities. rebels across the border in Yemen. the strike as “an act of sabotage” tar- point when higher oil prices become a cut production by 1 million barrels per And now that rates are rising? Overall, though, rising interest A Saudi-led coalition launched an geting not only Saudi Arabia “but also negative rather than a positive infl u- day on top of cuts the kingdom already The recent rise in yields is rates are a drag on companies be- air campaign on war-torn Yemen’s the security and stability of energy ence over risk assets,” Stephen Innes made through its agreement with the forcing investors to pare back cause they make borrowing more capital and on other provinces Sun- supplies to the world.” of Axi said in a report Monday. OPEC cartel, prices for US benchmark how much they’re willing to expensive. This is especially day in retaliation for missile and drone When key oil facilities in Saudi Rising prices are a boon, however, crude pushed above $50 a barrel. The spend on each $1 of future com- painful for companies like real attacks on Saudi Arabia that were Arabia were attacked in 2019, global for the oil industry, which has lost bil- upswing continued through February, pany earnings. That’s prompting estate investment trusts, or RE- claimed by the Iranian-backed rebels. energy prices soared 14% the next day. lions of dollars during the pandemic. when Saudi Arabia’s cuts went into hard questions, particularly when ITs, which require a lot of mon- The offi cial Saudi Press Agency But that prior attack disrupted more Oil prices crashed as millions of effect. critics had already been arguing ey, and often debt, to operate. quoted an anonymous offi cial in the than half of its daily exports, halting people stayed home and avoided trav- Natural resources consultancy stocks were approaching danger- People who rely heavily on Ministry of Energy as saying that a 5% of world crude oil output. eling, hoping to avoid infection. Oil Wood Mackenzie reports it is fore- ous levels after their prices raced credit may also cut back, which drone fl ew in from the sea and struck Costlier oil pushes energy costs futures briefl y traded below $0 a barrel casting that oil prices will trade in the higher much, much faster than could have a ripple effect on all an oil storage site in Ras Tunura, the higher. That would add to infl ation at a last spring before settling around $40 $70-$75 range in April and that global profi ts. kinds of companies that rely on port run by Saudi Arabia’s state oil time when investors have been focus- a barrel for months, well below what demand will increase in 2021 by 6.3 Stocks with the highest prices consumer spending. company, Aramco. ing on the potential for rising prices most producers needed to survive. million barrels a day from a year ear- It claimed the strike did not cause to cause central banks to raise interest Many US producers cut production lier. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 BUSINESS 9

Huawei CFO lawyer says Trump comments a ‘salvo’ in trade war

Comments made by former US president political move designed to prevent China’s “If I think it’s good for the country, if I think Donald Trump turned a senior executive for rise. it’s good for what will be certainly the largest Meng Wanzhou, Chinese communications giant Huawei Tech- The US accuses Huawei of using a Hong trade deal ever made – which is a very impor- chief fi nancial nologies, into a “bargaining chip” and “co- Kong shell company called Skycom to sell tant thing - what’s good for national security offi cer of Huawei, opted the extradition process,” her lawyers equipment to Iran in violation of US sanc- – I would certainly intervene if I thought it was leaves her home argued in a Canadian court Wednesday as tions. It says Meng, 49, committed fraud by necessary,” Trump said at the time. to attend B.C. they fought efforts to send her to the US. misleading the HSBC bank about the com- Peck said Trump’s comments make it clear Supreme Court, Canada arrested Meng Wanzhou, the pany’s business dealings in Iran. he hoped to use Meng as leverage in trade in Vancouver, on daughter of Huawei’s founder and the com- Defense lawyer Richard Peck pointed to negotiations with China. Thursday, March pany’s chief fi nancial offi cer, at Vancou- a 2018 interview in which Trump was asked “These words cast a pall over these pro- 4, 2021. (AP) ver’s airport in late 2018. The US wants her if he would be willing to intervene in Meng’s ceedings,” said Peck. “They reduce Ms. extradited to face fraud charges. Her arrest case if it would help secure a trade deal with Meng from a human being to chattel. His infuriated Beijing, which sees her case as a China or aid US security interests. words amount to an abuse of process.” (AP) China sets growth target ‘over 6%’ Party shifting back to its longer-term goal of becoming a global competitor in telecoms, EVs

BEIJING, March 8, (AP): The 6% target is higher than ex- Li repeated offi cial promises to pro- pectations for the United States and mote “peaceful growth of relations” China’s No. 2 leader set a other major economies but less than with Taiwan but announced no initia- healthy economic growth the 7%-8% forecasters expected Li to tives toward the self-ruled island that target Friday and vowed to announce. split with the mainland in 1949 after a That suggests Beijing is “shifting civil war. make the nation self-reliant focus from quantity to quality of eco- Beijing claims Taiwan as its ter- in technology amid tension nomic growth,” said Chaoping Zhu of ritory and has threatened to invade if with the U.S. and Europe J.P. Morgan Asset Management in a it tries to make its de facto independ- over trade and human report. ence offi cial. Li said the mainland will Beijing might allocate resources to “resolutely deter” any activity “seek- rights. Another offi cial an- environmental protection and other ing ‘Taiwan independence.’” nounced plans to tighten initiatives “to boost China’s long-term This year’s legislative meeting is be- control over Hong Kong by growth potential,” Zhu said. ing held mostly by video links to keep Li vowed to “work faster” to de- Chinese leaders, delegates and report- reducing the public’s role velop tech capabilities seen by Com- ers separate as an anti-virus measure. in government. munist leaders as a path to prosperity, The ruling party earlier announced it The ruling Communist Party strategic autonomy and global infl u- achieved its goal of doubling econom- aims for growth of “over 6%” as ence. Those plans are threatened by ic output from 2010 levels by last year, the world’s second-largest econ- confl icts with Washington over tech- which required annual growth of 7%. omy rebounds from the corona- nology and security that prompted Xi has talked about doubling output virus, Premier Li Keqiang said in then-U.S. President Donald Trump to again by 2035, which would imply an- slap sanctions on companies includ- nual growth of about 5%, still among a speech to the National People’s ing telecom equipment giant Huawei, the highest for any major economy. Congress, China’s ceremonial China’s fi rst global tech brand. As Xi has sought to cement his im- legislature. About 3,000 delegates The ruling party’s latest fi ve-year age, China has doubled down on re- gathered for its annual meeting, development blueprint says efforts to pression of dissent in ways that could the year’s highest-profi le politi- make China a self-reliant “technology stifl e innovation. cal event, under intense security power” are this year’s top economic The ruling party’s desire for the and anti-virus controls. It has been priority. prosperity produced by free-market shortened from two weeks to one The party sees “technological self- competition also clashes with its insist- because of the pandemic. reliance as a strategic support for na- ence on playing a dominant role in the The party is shifting back to its Chinese President Xi Jinping applauds during the opening session of China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) tional development,” Li said. economy and strategic goals of reduc- longer-term goal of becoming a global at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Friday, March 5. (AP) Li promised to pursue “green de- ing dependence on other countries. competitor in telecoms, electric cars velopment” following Xi’s pledge last Beijing will promote “domestic cir- and other profi table technology. That policies and faces criticism over its That came after a spokesman for the That is less than the double-digit in- year to ensure China’s carbon emis- culation,” Li said, a reference to offi - is infl aming trade tension with Wash- treatment of Hong Kong and ethnic legislature on Thursday said Beijing creases of earlier years but a marked sions peak by 2030 and to achieve car- cial pressure on industries to use more ington and Europe, which complain minorities. The ruling party has dou- wants “patriots ruling Hong Kong,” rise in real terms when infl ation is bon neutrality by 2060. That will re- Chinese-supplied components and Beijing’s tactics violate its market- bled down on crushing dissent as Xi fueling fears opposition voices will be close to zero. Foreign analysts say total quire sharp increases in clean energy in technology and rely less on foreign in- an economy that gets 60% of its power puts, even if that increases costs. opening commitments and hurt foreign tries to cement his image as a history- shut out of the political process. military spending is up to 40% more competitors. from coal and is the world’s biggest That emphasis on self-reliance making leader reclaiming China’s Li, the premier, said Beijing wants than the reported fi gure, the world’s source of climate-changing industrial and the confl ict with Washington has Li promised progress in reining in rightful place as a global power. to “safeguard national security” in second-highest after the United States. climate-changing carbon emissions, a pollution. fueled fears the world might split into step toward keeping President Xi Jin- An NPC deputy chairman, Wang Hong Kong. China became the only major He promised to reduce carbon emis- separate U.S., Chinese and other in- ping’s pledge last year to become car- Chen, said a Hong Kong Election Also Friday, the government an- economy to grow last year, eking out sions per unit of economic output by dustrial spheres with incompatible bon-neutral by 2060. But he avoided Committee dominated by businesspeo- nounced a 6.8% rise in military spend- a multi-decade-low 2.3% expansion 18% over the next fi ve years. That is technologies, less competition and aggressive targets that might weigh on ple and other pro-Beijing fi gures will ing to 1.4 trillion yuan ($217 billion) after shutting down industries to fi ght in line with the previous fi ve-year pe- higher costs. economic growth. be given a bigger role in choosing the amid territorial disputes with India the virus. Growth accelerated to 6.5% riod’s goal, but environmentalists say The goal of “decoupling them from The NPC meeting focuses on do- territory’s legislature. Wang said the and other neighbors and ambitions to over a year earlier in the fi nal quarter Beijing needs to do more. foreign technology” is “more likely to mestic issues but is overshadowed by Election Committee would choose a match the United States and Russia in of 2020 while the United States, Eu- “It defers some of the most impor- harm productivity than help it,” Mark geopolitics as Xi’s government pur- “relatively large” share of the now missile, stealth fi ghter and other weap- rope and Japan struggled with renewed tant questions to the future,” said Li Williams of Capital Economics said in sues more assertive trade and strategic 70-member Legislative Council. ons technology. virus outbreaks. Shuo of Greenpeace. a report this week. Co to pay about $297mn in deal Square announces plans to acquire major stake in Tidal SAN FRANCISCO, March 8, (Agencies): Square, Inc. (NYSE: SQ) announced that it has entered into a defi nitive agreement to acquire a majority ownership stake in TIDAL, the global music and entertainment platform that brings fans and artists together through unique music, content, and ex- periences. Square expects to pay a mix of cash and stock of $297 million for a signifi cant majority ownership stake, and existing artist shareholders will be the remaining stake- holders. TIDAL will operate independently within Square, alongside the Seller and Cash App ecosystems. The acquisition extends Square’s purpose of economic empowerment to a new vertical: musicians. Artists are entre- preneurs with a dream and deserve access to systems, tools, and fi nancial freedom to reach those dreams at every stage in their career. Square has helped millions of businesses start, run, and grow by providing them with tools needed for success. With Cash App, Square has made fi nancial ser- vices more relatable and accessible to millions of custom- ers, many of whom have been historically overlooked and underserved. Square sees an opportunity to leverage those learnings to help musicians fi nd new ways to support their work and make better decisions through TIDAL. “It comes down to one simple idea: fi nding new ways for artists to support their work,” said Jack Dorsey, cofounder and CEO of Square. “New ideas are found at intersections, and we believe there’s a compelling one between music and the economy. I knew TIDAL was something special as soon as I experienced it, and it will continue to be the best home for music, musicians, and culture.” “I said from the beginning that TIDAL was about more than just streaming music, and six years later, it has re- mained a platform that supports artists at every point in their careers,” said Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter. “Artists deserve bet- ter tools to assist them in their creative journey. Jack and I have had many discussions about TIDAL’s endless possibil- ities that have made me even more inspired about its future. This shared vision makes me even more excited to join the Square board. This partnership will be a game-changer for many. I look forward to all this new chapter has to offer!” Built TIDAL is the only music service built by artists, for artists-which is now more important than ever as consum- ers look for authentic digital connections with their favorite artists. TIDAL offers the premier listening experience, with superior sound quality and an extensive catalog of more than 70 million songs and 250,000 high-quality videos. TIDAL puts the fan experience at the center of every decision, pro- viding artists direct access to their audience and allowing fans deeper connections to their favorite artists through orig- inal, exclusive, and curated content and events. TIDAL has a global presence with listeners in more than 56 countries and relationships with more than 100 labels and distributors. “TIDAL sets a high standard for supporting artists, cap- turing music culture, and delivering the best audio quality to fans,” said Jesse Dorogusker, a Square executive who will serve as interim lead of TIDAL upon the closing of the trans- action. “Square has also set a high standard for building el- egant, accessible, and fair tools for sellers and individuals to economically empower them. Together, TIDAL and Square will be music-obsessed and artist-focused while we explore new artist tools, listener experiences, and access to fi nancial systems that help artists be successful.” TIDAL board member and shareholder Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter is expected to join Square’s Board of Directors sub- ject to the closing of the transaction. A distinguished and acclaimed artist, businessman, and philanthropist, Carter founded preeminent entertainment company Roc Nation and sports agency Roc Nation Sports, launched and owns the suc- cessful “Made In America” festival, and executive-produced award-winning documentaries, among other achievements. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 BUSINESS 10

right-wing friendly Parler again sues Amazon

Parler, the right-wing friendly moderate violent content of the defamation. deadline to fi le an amended social network that was forced kind that spurred supporters of Parler is seeking unspeci- complaint in the case. offl ine after supporters of then- Trump. fi ed monetary damages from Parler has said that Ama- President Donald Trump at- Parler went back online on- Amazon. zon’s primary motivation in In this Thursday, Feb 14, tacked the U.S. Capitol on line two weeks ago, hosted by Its original lawsuit, fi led in pulling the plug on its services 2019 fi le photo, people Jan. 6, has fi led a new lawsuit SkySilk, a Los Angeles-based January in Seattle’s federal dis- was in support of Twitter, a stand in the lobby for against Amazon. cloud-computing outfi t. trict court, was billed primarily new AWS client. Amazon offi ces in New York. (AP) Amazon Web Services The Seattle Times reports as an antitrust action, accus- Amazon’s decision to cut ties (AWS), the Seattle tech gi- that Parler’s new lawsuit, fi led ing Amazon of collaborating with Parler temporarily wiped ant’s cloud-computing division, in King County Superior Court, with Twitter to sink Parler’s the social network from the web, stopped working with Parler alleges a host of contractual business. Parler voluntarily dis- costing it hundreds of millions of in January over what Amazon offenses, as well as deceptive missed that suit late Tuesday, dollars in advertising revenue, said was Parler’s inability to and unfair trade practices and an hour before a court-imposed the new suit contends. (AP) Tech slump drags down shares in Asia Australian benchmark edges higher

TOKYO, March 8, (AP): modest 0.2%. the broader market, as they have all France’s CAC 40 edged up 0.4% to year. The Russell 2000 index picked up Asian shares were mostly 5,804.67 in early trading, while Ger- 2.1%, to 2,192.21. lower Monday despite hopes many’s DAX added 0.5% to 13,995.18. A U.S. government report Friday for a gradual global recov- Britain’s FTSE 100 rose nearly 0.3% to showed employers added hundreds of 6,647.86. thousands more jobs last month than ery after the U.S. stimulus Beijing data released Saturday economists expected and was an en- package passed the Senate showed China’s exports surged 60.6% couraging sign for the economy. But it over the weekend. over a year earlier in the fi rst two also helped lift Treasury yields, adding Heavy selling of shares in tech- months of 2021, as factories reopened to worries that rising infl ation might end and global demand gradually recovered. a spell of ultralow interest rates. nology companies helped drag The huge increase refl ects a plunge in Rising oil prices are a part of that pic- benchmarks lower in Japan and manufacturing and exports in early 2020 ture. After plunging with the onset of South Korea after early gains. The at the height of China’s coronavirus out- the pandemic, as demand plummeted, Shanghai Composite index dropped breaks. prices have been recovering in the past 2.3% after China’s foreign minister Japan has extended a state of emer- few months. made ominous comments about the gency for the Tokyo area for two more The devastating winter freeze that hit self-ruled island of Taiwan. weeks through March 21, asking restau- Texas and other parts of the southern Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 shed rants and other businesses to close at 8 United States last month knocked out 0.4% to 28,743.25. Australia’s S&P/ p.m. as the government tries to keep the production of roughly 4 million barrels ASX 200 edged up 0.4% higher to economy growing while curtailing the per day of U.S. oil and prices climbed 6,739.60, while South Korea’s Kospi spread of COVID-19 infections. above $60 a barrel. sank 1.0% to 2,995.90. Hong Kong’s The U.S. economic aid package, Last week, with oil prices rising, some Hang Seng fell 1.5% to 28,661.49, passed narrowly by the Senate on Sat- observers were expecting the OPEC car- while the Shanghai Composite fell to urday, provides direct payments of up tel and its allies to lift more restrictions 3,423.02. to $1,400 for most Americans and ex- and let the oil fl ow more freely. But Chinese computer chip maker SMIC tends emergency unemployment ben- OPEC agreed to leave most restrictions dropped 5.2%; mobile phone maker efi ts. It’s a victory for President Joe in place, despite growing demand. Xiaomi lost 7.8%; Japanese technology Biden and his Democratic allies as the Benchmark U.S. crude rose $1.27 and energy giant SoftBank shed 2.4% fi nal congressional approval is expect- to $67.36 a barrel in electronic trading and printer and copy machine maker A man walks past a bank’s electronic board showing the Hong Kong share index at Hong Kong Stock Exchange ed this week. Monday on the New York Mercantile Ricoh lost 6.3%. Monday, March 8. Wall Street capped a volatile day of Exchange. It jumped $2.26 to $66.09 Oil prices pressed higher, with Brent trading to fi nish last week with a broad per barrel on Friday. crude surpassing $70 per barrel after sidelines of largely ceremonial annual port for Taiwan. the Defense Ministry and a delegate to rally that snapped the market’s three- Brent crude, the international stand- OPEC chose not to lift production cuts. session of China’s National People’s China’s claim to Taiwan, which split the congress, said that China would not day losing streak. The S&P 500 gained ard, gained $1.36 to $70.72 a barrel. Oil prices surged late last week after Congress, Foreign Minister Wang Yi with the mainland in 1949 but is claimed “renounce the use of force and reserve 2% to 3,841.94. The Dow Jones Indus- In currency trading, the U.S. dollar Yemen rebels claimed they had attacked demanded the Biden administration re- by Beijing as its territory, is an “insur- the right to take whatever measures are trial Average gained 1.9% to 31,496.30. inched up to 108.42 Japanese yen from a Saudi oil facility. verse former President Donald Trump’s mountable red line,” he said. Sepa- necessary.” The Nasdaq composite climbed 1.6% to 108.34 yen. The euro cost $1.1904, At an annual news conference on the “dangerous practice” of showing sup- rately, Wu Qian, a spokesperson for Taiwan’s share benchmark fell a 12,920.15. down from $1.1919. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 SCIENCE 11

Coronavirus

Canada clears J&J shot EU warns against vaccine shopping

PARIS, March 8, (AP): First, France’s president suggested that the AstraZeneca vaccine was “quasi-ineffective” in pro- tecting older people from COVID-19. Now, Emmanuel Ma- cron’s government is begging people to take it. Germany fi nds itself in a similar situation. Berlin shifted gears on its cautious policy this week af- ter an independent vaccine panel said the AstraZeneca shots should be used in people over 65. Top German offi cials on Friday argued against “vaccine shopping” and urged people to take whatever potential protection they’re offered. Mixed messaging has left many people in both coun- tries confused or distrustful of governmental guidance on the AstraZeneca jab. Meanwhile, Europe’s infections are rebounding and other people around the continent and the world are clamoring for access to any COVID-19 vaccine they can get. European governments’ initial hesi- tancy around AstraZeneca’s vaccine was based on limited data on whether it works on those over 65. But new data on its effectiveness – and pressure to accelerate the EU’s slow vaccine rollout and utilize unused AstraZene- ca doses – prompted health authorities in multiple European countries this week to reverse course and allow its Veran use for all ages. In France, all those who work with the sick or elderly have been eligible for weeks to get the AstraZeneca vaccine – but only 30% have taken it so far. Some have argued they want a Pfi zer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccine instead, which are currently only available in France to the elderly or those with A health worker prepares a dose of AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi, Vietnam, Monday, March 8. Vietnam has started pre-existing health conditions. the vaccination campaign with a hope to inoculate half of the population of 96 millions against COVID-19 by the end of the year. (AP) So French Health Minister Olivier Veran was sending a letter Friday to all health workers urging them to get vac- cinated. And if that doesn’t work, he said he could convene a special ethics committee to weigh requiring them to do so. “Clearly that (30%) is not enough,” Veran told a news Coronavirus conference Thursday night. While paying homage to health workers, he said: “When you are a medical professional, it is your responsibility to protect ... yourself and your patients.” At his side, a family doctor echoed the plea. “I appeal to Vulnerable population left behind my colleagues: Please come and get vaccinated,” said Dr. Marie-Laure Alby, noting that her patients are eager to get any vaccine. Control Vaccine bypasses some seniors The head of Germany’s disease control agency on Friday urged people to get vaccinated when given the opportunity. PORTLAND, Ore., March 8, (AP): vaccine supply and demand in almost out...and I don’t have the money to The comments from Robert Koch Institute President Lothar Jean Andrade, an 88-year-old who every part of the United States makes take a cab.” Wieler came amid reports that many in the country have de- lives alone, has been waiting for her securing a shot a gamble. In Oregon, The pandemic has also closed sen- clined the AstraZeneca shot over concerns it may not work COVID-19 vaccine since she became Andrade is vying with as many as ior centers, libraries and churches - all as well as others. eligible under state guidelines nearly 750,000 residents age 65 and older, places where older Americans might The vaccine made by British-Swedish company Astra- a month ago. She assumed her case- and demand is so high that appoint- remain visible in their communities Zeneca is one of three authorized for use in the 27-nation Eu- worker would contact her about get- ments for the weekly allotment of dos- and get information about the vaccine. ropean Union, though it has not yet received the green light ting one, especially after she spent es in Portland are snapped up in less And some public health departments nearly two days stuck in an electric than an hour. Last Monday, the city’s at fi rst relied on mass emails and text from US regulators. EU countries are also administering the recliner during a recent power outage. inundated vaccine information call line messages to alert residents they were Pfi zer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines – and French nurse It was only after she saw a TV news shut down by 9 a.m., and online book- eligible, thereby missing huge chunks Michele Freret said she’d prefer one of those. report about competition for the limit- ing sites have crashed. of the senior population. “If they vaccinate us with AstraZeneca and it is not as ef- Registered nurse Megan McLaughlin ed supply of shots in Portland, Oregon, Amid such frenzy, the vaccine roll- “Do you think everyone has internet fective as Pfi zer or others, then we will get COVID and there draws a shot of Johnson & Johnson’s that she realized no one was scheduling out here and elsewhere has strongly access? Do you really think everyone will be no medical staff to care for the people I care for,” she COVID-19 vaccine in the pharmacy her dose. A grocery delivery service favored healthier seniors with resources has email?” Denise LaBuda, spokes- told The Associated Press. for distribution early March 6, in east Denver. Volunteers worked with for homebound older people eventu- “who are able to jump in their car at a woman for the Council on Aging of She’s concerned about the virus – “I constantly test my- ally provided a fl yer with vaccine in- moment’s notice and drive two hours” Central Oregon, said. “We just don’t self” – and the doctors and nurses who have lost their lives nurses and physicians to administer 2,500 vaccinations of the Johnson & formation, and Andrade asked a helper while more vulnerable older adults are know where they all are. They have to fi ghting it. But she said she and some colleagues feel the who comes by for four hours a week to overlooked, said James Stowe, the di- raise their hand - and how do they raise government is trying to get rid of extra AstraZeneca vac- Johnson vaccine that requires a sin- gle shot instead of two like the other try to snag her an appointment. rector of aging and adult services for an their hand?” cines by foisting them on medical staff. vaccines. (AP) “I thought it would be a prior- association of city and county govern- France, which at more than 87,000 dead has among the ity when you’re 88 years old and that ments in the bistate Kansas City area. Disparities highest coronavirus tolls in Europe, had as of Tuesday used someone would inform me,” said An- “Why weren’t they the thrust of our To counter access disparities, the only 25% of the 1.6 million AstraZeneca vaccines it has re- drade, who has lived in the same house efforts, the very core of what we want- Biden administration said Wednesday ceived. Restrictive rules and a rush of deliveries left Germa- for 40 years and has no family mem- ed to do? Why didn’t it include this that it will partner with health insur- ny sitting on a stockpile of more than 2 million AstraZeneca bers able to assist her. “You ask any- group from the very outset?” he said of ance companies to help vulnerable doses this week. body else who’s 88, 89, and don’t have the most vulnerable seniors. older people get vaccinated for COV- France’s skeptics often repeat a comment last month by anybody to help them, ask them what ID-19. The goal is to get 2 million of Macron, when he told reporters: “The real problem on As- to do. Well, I’ve still got my brain, Connected the most at-risk seniors vaccinated traZeneca is that it doesn’t work the way we were expecting thank God. But I am very angry.” Some of the older adults who have soon, White House coronavirus special it to ... today everything points to thinking it is quasi-inef- Older adults have top priority in not received vaccines yet are so discon- adviser Andy Slavitt said. fective on people older than 65.” Hours after he spoke, the COVID-19 immunization drives the nected they don’t even know they are Slavitt says insurers will use their European Medicines Agency approved the vaccine’s use for world over right now, and hundreds of eligible. Others realize they qualify, but networks to contact Medicare recipi- all ages, but the damage to its image had been done. thousands of them are spending hours without internet service and often email ents with information about COV- Some also cite confusing early data on AstraZeneca’s ef- Tijmons Baan online, enlisting their children’s help accounts, they don’t know how to make ID-19 vaccines, answer questions, fi nd fectiveness, or question whether it works against new virus and traveling hours to far-fl ung phar- an appointment and can’t get to one and schedule appointments for fi rst and variants. The company is working on a new version to re- macies in a desperate bid to secure a anyway - so they haven’t tried. second doses and coordinate transpor- spond to evolving variants. COVID-19 vaccine. But an untold Still others have debilitating health tation. The focus will be on reaching The European efforts to rehabilitate the vaccine’s reputa- Discovery number like Andrade are getting left issues that make leaving home an in- people in medically underserved areas. tion come as new infections rose 9% across the continent in behind, unseen, because they are too surmountable task, or they are so ter- Non-profi ts, churches and advocates the past week, halting six weeks of decline. overwhelmed, too frail or too poor to rifi ed of exposure to COVID-19 that for older people have already spent ‘Hi-tech to protect crops’: Dutch fend for themselves. they’d rather go unvaccinated than risk weeks fi guring out how to reach dis- Meanwhile, Canada is getting a fourth vaccine to prevent cress grower Rob Baan has enlisted high- COVID-19 as the country’s health regulator has cleared a venturing out in public to get a shot. advantaged Americans over age 65 tech helpers to tackle a pest in his green- Urgency Johnson & Johnson shot that works with just one dose in- houses: palm-sized drones seek and de- In Kansas City, Missouri, 75-year- through a patchwork and grassroots ef- stead of two, offi cials said Friday. stroy moths that produce caterpillars that The urgency of reaching this vulner- old Pat Brown knows she needs the fort that varies widely by location. Health experts are eager for a one-and-done option to help can chew up his crops. able population before the nation’s fo- vaccine because her asthma and dia- Some are partnering with charities speed vaccination. Canada has also approved vaccines from “I have unique products where you don’t cus turns elsewhere is growing as more betes put her at higher risk of serious like Meals on Wheels to distribute vac- Pfi zer, Moderna and AstraZeneca and Health Canada is the get certifi cation to spray chemicals and I Americans in other age and priority COVID-19 complications. But Brown cine information or grocery-delivery fi rst major regulator to approve four different vaccines, said don’t want it,” Baan said in an interview groups become eligible for vaccines. hasn’t attempted to schedule an ap- programs like the one which alerted Dr. Supriya Sharma, Health Canada’s chief medical adviser. in a greenhouse bathed in the pink glow of With the clock ticking and many states pointment and didn’t even know if Andrade. Others are mining library Like many countries, Canada does not have domestic LED lights that help his seedlings grow. extending shots to people as young as they were being offered in her area yet; card rosters, senior center membership production and has struggled with an immediate shortage of His company, Koppert Cress, exports aro- 55, nonprofi ts, churches and advocacy she says she is too overwhelmed. lists and voter registration databases to vaccines. The U.S. so far isn’t allowing locally made vac- matic seedlings, plants and fl owers to top- groups are scrambling to fi nd isolated “I don’t have no car, and it’s hard fi nd disconnected older people. cines to be exported, so Canada - like the other US neighbor, end restaurants around the world. elders and get them inoculated before for me to get around places. I just don’t Reaching out through organizations A keen adopter of innovative technol- they have to compete with an even big- like to go to clinics and have to wait and faith groups that marginalized Mexico – has been forced to get vaccines from Europe and ogy in his greenhouses, Baan turned to Asia. ger pool - and are potentially forgotten because you have to wait so long,” older Americans already trust is key, PATS Indoor Drone Solutions, a startup about as vaccination campaigns move Brown said, adding that she is in con- said Margaret Scharle, who developed Shipments that is developing autonomous drone on. stant pain because of spinal arthritis. a vaccine outreach toolkit for her Ro- systems as greenhouse sentinels, to add An extreme imbalance between “I couldn’t do it. My back would give man Catholic parish in Oregon. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada has an agree- another layer of protection for his plants. ment with Johnson & Johnson for 10 million doses before The drones themselves are basic, but September. It was not immediately clear when Canada they are steered by smart technology would get its fi rst shipments of those. aided by special cameras that scan the air- good step forward.” (AP) Etna volcano belched out a towering ology institute INGV said the powerful But Trudeau announced Pfi zer would deliver an additional space in greenhouses. ❑ ❑ ❑ cloud of ash and lava stone Sunday onto explosion at 2 am was the 10th such big 1.5 million doses to Canada in March and another 1 million The drones instantly kill the moths by Sicilian villages, the latest in a series of blast since Feb 16, when Europe’s most doses ahead of schedule in both April and May. fl ying into them, destroying them in midair. Etna ash rains on towns: A particu- explosions since mid-February. active volcano started giving off an im- “So it sees the moth fl ying by, it knows larly spectacular blast from Italy’s Mount Italy’s national geophysics and volcan- pressive demonstration of nature’s fi re “We have reasons to be optimistic. We’re going to be able power, coloring the night sky in shocking to move things forward,” Trudeau said. “But at the same where the drone is ... and then it just di- rects the drone towards the moth,” said hues of orange and red. time, we also know that these are global supply chains that Increasing tremors rattled the mountain are being set up and there’s always possibility for disrup- PATS chief technical offi cer Kevin van Hecke. throughout much of the night. Ash and tions.” There weren’t any moths around on a small lava stones rained down on eight The U.S. approved Johnson and Johnson last month. The recent greenhouse visit by The Associ- villages on Etna’s slopes Sunday morn- US Food and Drug Administration said J&J’s vaccine of- ated Press, but the company has released ing, while lava fl owed from the southeast fers strong protection against what matters most: serious video shot in a controlled environment crater slowly down an uninhabited side, illness, hospitalizations and death. One dose was 85% pro- that shows how one bug is instantly pul- as it has been doing for the last three tective against the most severe COVID-19 illness in a mas- verized by a drone rotor. weeks, the institute said. sive study that spanned three continents - protection that re- The drones form part of an array of pest The column of ash and lava reached control systems in Baan’s greenhouses a height of 10,000 meters (33,000 feet) mained strong even in countries such as South Africa, where on Sunday, according to scientists who the variants of most concern are spreading. that also includes other bugs, pheromone traps and bumblebees. monitor volcanic activity with specialized J&J also is seeking authorization for emergency use of its instruments from an observatory at Etna vaccine in Europe and from the World Health Organization. The drone system is the brainchild of former students from the Technical Uni- in eastern Sicily. The company aims to produce about 1 billion doses globally Locals swept ash and lava stones from by the end of the year. Last month, the island nation of Bah- versity in Delft who thought up the idea after wondering if they might be able their front steps and balconies. They have rain became the fi rst to clear its use. to use drones to kill mosquitos buzzing taken to covering cars parked outdoors with carpets, blankets and sheets of card- The vaccine shortage is so acute in Canada that provincial around their rooms at night. governments are now saying they will extend the interval board to make cleanup easier after each Baan says the drone control system is blast. Winds helped carry the ash east- between the two doses of Pfi zer, Moderna and AstraZeneca smart enough to distinguish between good vaccines to four months rather than three to four weeks so ward, INGV said. and bad critters. No injuries or serious damage have they can quickly inoculate more people. “You don’t want to kill a ladybug, be- been reported after the recent blasts. Geo- “It is a reasonable recommendation. If we can get earlier cause a ladybug is very helpful against logically active, Etna occasionally be- doses, we don’t have to wait for four months to give second aphids,” he said. In this photo released by the Nigeria State House, Nigerian President Muham- comes particularly noisy and explosive as doses if the supply opens up,” Sharma said. “It’s still a development product, but madu Buhari, receives one of the country’s first coronavirus vaccinations using it has been lately. Retired Gen. Rick Hillier, who leads the vaccine program we ... have very good results. We are AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India By mid-morning, Etna’s latest display Canada’s most populous province of Ontario, said all adults targeting moths and we are taking out and provided through the global COVAX initiative, in Abuja, Nigeria, Saturday, of activity had slowed somewhat with the could receive the fi rst dose by June 20. moths every night in an autonomous way March 6. Urgent calls for COVID-19 vaccine fairness rang through African coun- lava fl ow ending, although the volcano without human intervention,” said PATS tries on Friday, rolling out doses from the global COVAX initiative, with officials was still puffi ng out “weak emission of CEO Bram Tijmons. “I think that’s a acutely aware their continent needs much more. (AP) ash” from the southeast crater. (AP) Television TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 FFeatureseatures cording tohiswebsite.(AP) Ascension RecoveryServices,ac- named andwillbemanagedby tributed morethan$1.2million. City concerts lastfallfrom the purchasethroughhisvirtual year. Anastasioraisedfundsfor uled toopenbytheendofthis that opportunityforothers.” grateful thatwecanhelpprovide part ofarecoverycommunity.I’m I knowhowimportantitistobe lucky tohaveaccesscare,and his website.“Iwasextremely Anastasio saidinastatementon I becameaddictedtoopiates,” America Ludlow. building forthenonprofi Sky Foundationhaspurchaseda sober, announcedthathisDivided was formedin1983. center inVermont,wheretheband substance usedisordertreatment Trey Anastasio A threatandproud.” fatal dangertothe powersthatbe. walks withhopeis anobviousand Anyone whospeaksthetruthand tice, toinequality,ignorance. 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Amanda Gorman Phishguitarist , postedtosocial planstostarta New York t centerin Los , ownership ofTidal,themusic agreement toacquire majority ha saidthatithas reachedan technology company Square,Inc SAN FRANCISCO: at Biden’sswearing-in.(AP) her poem,“TheHillWeClimb,” sensation Jan.20whensherecited Gorman becameaninstant her deathin1959. take onanincreasinglyhaggardHoliday,leadingto years andtracingthetolldrugsabuseslowly Holiday interview-beforegoingbackintime10 duction ofapoorframingdevicewithsit-down “Judas andtheBlackMessiah.” lowing the“MLK/FBI”documentaryandfi show governmentinfi on Drugs.”It’snowthethirdrecentmovieprojectto ing theScream:TheFirstandLastDaysofWar anti-lynching song“StrangeFruit.” Why? Becausewhitescannotstandhersingingthe her groupandgetarrestedforusingheroin. Fletcher, aBlackfederalagentorderedtoinfi an unlikelyloveaffairbetweenHolidayandJimmy Day’s fi is aremarkableperformance,notleastbecauseit to punchbackandripintoanyonecrossingher.It rette ever-presentinhermouth.Butsheisalsoliable for blowstoraindown,apieceofgumandciga- is angularandleanseeminglyalwaysprepared choices inmenbutthevoiceofanangel.Day’sbody a hauntedandcrushedicon,anaddictwithterrible that feellikeapunchtothegut. much ofthetime,interruptedbydevastatingscenes Parks offeranunfocused,meanderingworkfor Director LeeDanielsandscreenwriterSuzan-Lori can’t saveafi Holiday,” DaygivesitherallasHolidaybutshe so messy. 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By MarkKennedy Live sportsandnews,rebootsoriginalshows ix, Hulu ltration ofBlackleaders,fol- ‘TheMightyDucks’coaxesEstevezbackintoacting Film subscribers, someofwhowillshifttoParamount+.ViacomCBS CBS AllAccess,ShowtimeandBET+nowhavenearly30million ViacomCBS, willremainseparatesubscriptionservices. that CBSAllAccessoffered.ShowtimeandBET+,bothownedby will launchinJune,butitwon’tincludethelivelocalCBSstations including livenewsandsports.A$5monthlyad-supportedversion Access, althoughthenewservicewillofferalotmorematerial, cess’ ad-freeversion,and$4morethanad-supportedCBSAll ad-free tieris$10amonth.That’sthesamepriceasCBSAllAc- Still, theservicealsohassomepotentialadvantagesoverothers. Second, thepricingmayleavesomescratchingtheirheads.The omnAnastasio Gorman of it,”hesaid. have thesameparent,somarketingteamhasabigjobinfront have verylittleunderstandingthatViacom,ParamountandCBS tainous titlecardthatappearsbeforemovies.“Mostconsumers said. MostpeopleassociatethenameParamountwithmoun- including ComedyCentral,BET,MTVandNickelodeon. rebrands AllAccessandaddsotherViacomPropertieschannels ny, debutedCBSAllAccessin2014.Thenewserviceeffectively But Paramount+couldhaveabrandawarenessproblem,Hanlon In away,ViacomCBSispioneer;CBS,thenseparatecompa- ltrate lm day’s needtosing“StrangeFruit”despitetherisks stay withtheviewerasmuchtheyfueledHoli- is searing,anguishingandhorrifi day stumblesonaruralfamilyafterlynchingandit nothing,” wearetold. “She looklikeamillionbucksbutshefeels her fate.Sometimesgownshidcrackedribs. the meninherlifesitatloungetablesanddetermine and abigblossomoverherrightear-watches sings onstage-perfectlyputtogetherwitharedlip nique butquicklyabandoned. she spenttimeinasayouth.Itisfascinatingtech- child totakehimforafl and LadyDayappearsinthehazeofhishighasa moments ofbrilliance,aswhenJimmytakesheroin ship withTallulahBankhead.Andyetthereare als, distractionslikeRoyCohnandHoliday’sfriend- thing but,makingspaceforover-the-topdogfuner- The fi The bestpartsarelisteningtoDayasherHoliday But afi got tobestopped,”hesays. devil’s work.That’swhythisHolidaywomanhas toonishly unsubtleaboutit.“Thisjazzmusicisthe Garrett Hedlund),whoisavirulentracistandcar- ics leaderHarryJ.Anslinger(amustache-twirling agent askesFletcher. “You everfeelstrangeaboutwhatwe’redoing?”an dence tobringdownBlackiconsforwhiteAmerica. ment insegregatedareas,taskedwithplantingevi- his race.HeandfellowBlackagentstoilinthebase- plays theinfi “It’s complicated,”shesays. who hashelpedarresthertwicebackintolife? him out.WhywouldHolidayallowafederalagent love withher.Thefi who ratsoutHolidayseveraltimesbeforefallingin Service The realbadguyisFederalBureauofNarcot- Trevante Rhodes,whowassuperin“Moonlight,” The naturalvillaininthispiecewouldbetheagent lm’s clearclimaxisasceneinwhichHoli- lm thatdesperatelyneedstobetautisany- entity alongside thepoint-of-sale stakeholders. own sharesinTidal willremain he andotherartists whocurrently Square’s boardofdirectors,and for Tidal,Jay-Zwillbenamedto $297 millionincashandstock by Jay-Z. streaming servicepartlyowned Tidal willoperate as adistinct Under thedeal,Squarewillpay ltrator, amantornbetweenhisjob and Friendship lmmakers haven’tquitefi ashback tothewhorehouse c, imagesthatwill on HBOMaxthesamedaythey’rereleasedintheaters. not asboldastepHBOMaxhasdone,releasing17oftheirfi streaming service,Paramount+,after45daysintheaters.Butthat’s possible 7”and“AQuietPlacePartII,”willgotoitsfl comCBS saidsomeofthestudio’sfi Colin Gillis,directorofresearchatChathamRoadPartners.Via- service.” stay. Putthosetwotogetherandyoucouldhaveaviablesuccessful attracts peopletotheplatform.Andadeeplibrarycauses intelligence. “Ameaningfulinvestmentinoriginalprogramming ness,” saidBrianWieser,GroupMglobalpresidentofbusiness “Fatal Attraction”and“Flashdance.” York Citycastfrom30yearsago,andseriesbasedonmoviesincluding a rebootofMTV’s“TheRealWorld”thatreunitestheoriginalNew Minutes+,” adocumentaryseriesaboutthemakingof“TheGodfather,” original showsin2021,includingaspinoffof“60Minutes”called billion ayeartoatleast$5annuallyby2024.Itwillintroduce36 2024, withmostofthegrowthcomingfromParamount+. projects thatthoseserviceswillreach65millionsubscribersby for musicians justasithasfor busi- will takethatphenomenon further music streamers,and Squaresaysit artist-friendly alternative toother Twitter. co-founder andchiefexecutiveof by CEO the paymentscompanyfounded of SanFrancisco-basedSquare, hardware andsoftwareofferings gured But theymaynotbetakingboldenoughstepstostandout,said “Viacom reallyhasallassetstheyneedtohaveathrivingbusi- ViacomCBS planstoincreaseitsinvestmentinstreaming,from$1 Tidal has presented itself as the Tidal haspresented itselfasthe LOS ANGELES (AP) ent fi largely steppedawayfromactingtomakeindepend- Charlie Sheen ther their ownteamandconscriptGordontohelp. “Gilmore Girls”and“Parenthood,”decidetoform he andhismom,playedby ing March26. vice’s “TheMightyDucks:GameChangers,”debut- Gordon Bombay worthy successortothe1990smoviefranchise. chair andbackintoacting,butonlybecauseitwasa Ducks” TVserieswooedhimoutofthedirector’s suddenly boot12-year-oldEvan( now asuccessful,win-at-allcoststeam.Whenthey series Wednesday. said duringavirtualpaneltopromotethe10-episode “cash inonthenostalgia.” could capturethe“magic”offi of theseries,Estevezsaidhe’dbeinterestedifit screenwriter forthemoviesandexecutiveproducer Estevez, partofanactingfamilythatincludesfa- When approachedfortheprojectby Estevez repriseshisroleasyouthhockeycoach Set incontemporary “Ithinkthat’sultimatelywhatwe’vedone,”he Jack Dorsey lessly onstagetosinghersignaturesong. Holiday goesfromoutsidetoinsideandthenseam- her career.Thesceneisfi 130 minutes.Twoandahalfstarsoutoffour. language, nudityandmaturethemes.Runningtime: release, isratedRfordruguse,domesticviolence, a federalhatecrimehasstalledintheSenate. closes withanotethatbilltodesignatelynchingas Black manmurderedbyamoband,heartbreakingly, history oflynching.Itopenswithanimagea Martin Sheen lms, including1996’s“TheWar atHome.” The fi “The UnitedStatesvs.BillieHoliday,”aHulu lm isbookendedbyremindersofAmerica’s : , whoisalso (“TwoandaHalfMen”),saidhehad

Emilio Estevez fortheDisney+streamingser- (“TheWestWing”)andbrother Also: Minnesota lmed likeakaleidoscopeas nesses withitsfi to offer!” (Agencies) forward toallthis new chapterhas game-changer for many.” Ilook that the“partnership willbea the deal.. said inthestatementannouncing to supporttheirwork,”Dorsey idea: fi lms, including“Mission:Im- Lauren Graham said“TheMighty Jay-Z saidinthestatement “Itcomesdowntoonesimple Brady Morrow lms andnotjust , theDucksare nding newwaysforartists Steven Brill nancial systems. of ), , edgling lms ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Music

Old vs new school The best rap album debate at Grammys LOS ANGELES, March 8, (AP): Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch, Megan Thee Stallion and DaBaby have blazed the Billboard charts, but Grammy voters gave the young hip-hop stars the cold shoulder in the best rap album category, instead, surprisingly nominating the genre’s more matured voices like Nas and Jay Elec- tronica. Some were baffl ed by the academy’s decision to push through some lesser-known projects in the cat- egory instead of the popular chart-topping albums that have dominated streaming services with record num- bers. Several hip-hop artists weighed in and called out the Grammys, including Drake, Killer Mike and 50 Cent, who said the awards show is “out of touch.” In addition to Nas’ “King’s Disease” and Jay Electronica’s “A Written Testimony,” this year’s best rap album nominees include Freddie Gibbs & the Alchemist’s “Alfredo,” “The Allegory” by Royce da 5’9” and D Smoke’s “Black Hab- its.” The rappers are 35-and- up with Nas — who has never Lil Baby won a Grammy — being the oldest at 47. Each of the nominated albums were reviewed as solid pieces of work, but some rap enthusiasts saw a clear divide between the seasoned rappers and the new generation of twentysomething hip-hop performers — sometimes referred to as “mumble rappers” who focus more on quick word play with heavy bass melodies instead of lyricism. “First thing that came to my mind was rigged,” said Twysted Genius, who produced four songs on Lil This image provided by Harpo Productions shows Prince Harry, (left), and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, speaking about expecting their second child during an Baby’s sophomore album “My Turn,” including the interview with Oprah Winfrey. ‘Oprah with Meghan and Harry: A CBS Primetime Special’ aired March 7 as a two-hour exclusive primetime special on the CBS platinum-selling singles “Sum 2 Prove” and “Emo- Television Network. (AP) tionally Scarred.” Billboard named “My Turn” the second-most suc- cessful album of 2020, besting projects by pop stars like Taylor Swift, Harry Styles and The Weeknd, and Royals easily out-selling the nominees for best rap album. Roddy Ricch’s “Please Excuse Me for Being Anti- social” ranked third on Billboard’s list and has won honors at the American Music Awards, BET Awards Race, title, anguish: Meghan, Harry explain royal rift and Apple Music Awards. Twysted Genius, 28, declined to offer names but the producer said he’d never heard of some of the rap album nominees. He struggled to understand why ‘I just didn’t want to be alive anymore’ hit singles like Roddy Ricch’s “The Box,” DaBaby’s “Rockstar” and Pop Smoke’s “Dior” were good LOS ANGELES, March 8, (AP): In a enough to receive nominations for best rap song or wide-ranging interview aired Sunday, best rap performance, but not their albums. Harry and Meghan described painful Queen stresses ‘importance’ of Process palace discussions about the color of their son’s skin, losing royal protec- “It kind of blew me,” Twysted Genius said. “I’ve tion and the intense pressures that led seen how big Lil Baby has become in the world. I, at the Duchess of Sussex to contemplate friends, family during pandemic least, knew that he would be up for a Grammy for best suicide. album. It’s just mind-blowing.” LONDON, March 8, (AP): Queen friends, family, colleagues, and The interview with Oprah Win- Elizabeth II highlighted the im- counterparts,” she said. Online The producer’s thoughts come a year after former frey was the couple’s fi rst since they Recording Academy CEO Deborah Dugan claimed portance of staying in touch with communication “transcends bound- stepped down from royal duties and friends and families during the aries or division, helping any sense that the awards are rigged and fi lled with confl icts of the two-hour special included numer- interests in the nomination process. She was ousted coronavirus pandemic in a mes- of distance to disappear.” In this photo made available Sunday ous revelations likely to reverberate on sage broadcast on Sunday. The queen also paid tribute to after reporting sexual harassment and pay disparities. March 7, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II both sides of the Atlantic. Despite the criticism, Royce da 5’9” believes the Britain’s monarch also touched the front-line workers helping in the poses for a photo while signing her Harry told Winfrey that he felt trapped on the role of technology in keeping fight against COVID-19 in Com- Grammys are heading in the right direction under the annual Commonwealth Day Message by royal life and was surprised that he people connected amid the global monwealth nations. leadership of Harvey Mason jr., the academy’s interim inside St George’s Hall at Windsor was cut off fi nancially and lost his se- pandemic, in her royal address be- Her message of unity stood in president and CEO. Last year, the producer-songwrit- Castle, England, Friday March 5. (AP) curity last year. He also said he felt his fore Commonwealth Day on Mon- contrast to the turmoil in the royal er took on the role with aspirations to diversify the family did not support Meghan, who ac- day. family before the interview, which academy’s staff, membership and outreach to the mu- knowledged her naivete about royal life She made no mention of Oprah promises to provide an unprec- sic community. before marrying Harry, as she endured Winfrey’s interview with Prince Har- edented glimpse into the couple’s “They are doing a good job,” said Royce da 5’9”, Variety tabloid attacks and false stories. ry and his wife, Meghan - the Duke departure from royal duties and the who is nominated for his fi rst Grammy in a decade. Meghan, who is biracial, described and Duchess of Sussex - which is strains it has put them under. “(Harvey is) a good addition to the Grammys. I think that when she was fi rst pregnant with set to air Sunday evening in the Harry and Meghan departed just adding more Black people to the board in different FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla: Carla Wal- son Archie, there were “concerns and US, and on Monday in the UK. royal life a year ago over what they states would really help. I think that’s key.” lenda, a member of “The Flying Wallen- “The testing times experienced described as the intrusions and conversations about how dark his skin by so many have led to a deeper racist attitudes of the British media Royce da 5’9” said he believes the best rap album das” high-wire act and the last surviving might be when he’s born.” The state- nominees perfectly refl ects the genre, though he added child of the famed troupe’s founder, has appreciation of the mutual support toward the duchess, who is biracial. ment led Winfrey to incredulously ask and spiritual sustenance we enjoy It’s unclear what public reaction, that Lil Baby and Roddy Ricch’s albums should com- died at the age of 85. “What?” pete for the Grammys’ top prize — album of the year Her son, Rick Wallenda, said on by being connected to others,” the if any, the queen and other royal — instead of best rap album. social media she died Saturday in Sara- Struggled queen said in her audio message. family members will have to the sota, Florida, of natural causes. She was People have become used to interview. The UK’s Sunday Times “I think if they break it down like that, that would While Winfrey sat in silence, “connecting and communicating newspaper, citing an anonymous be great,” the 43-year-old said. “Everybody in the rap the daughter of Karl Wallenda, who had Meghan said she struggled to under- founded the troupe in Germany before by our innovative technology” that source, reported that the queen album category, I (support) them.” stand why there were concerns within allows them to “stay in touch with wouldn’t watch it. D Smoke — who has been lauded for his Kend- moving to the United States in 1928 to great acclaim. She was the aunt of aerial- the royal family about her son’s skin rick Lamar-like rap style — believes the rap album color. She said it was hard for her to nominations opens a “conversation of what our cul- ist Nik Wallenda. Carla Wallenda was born on Feb 13, “compartmentalize” those conversa- Winfrey at various points in the in- frey, Harry said he wouldn’t have left ture needs and wants.” The rapper said the mature 1936, and appeared in a newsreel in 1939 tions. terview ran through headlines about royal life if not for his wife. He said voices in the category speak to a broader audience on as she learned how to walk the wire, with Meghan, the actor formerly known Meghan and at one point asked about the their relationship revealed the stric- a “deeper level,” but he adds that the younger genera- her father and mother, Mati, looking on. as Meghan Markle who starred in the mental health impact. Meghan respond- tures of royal life. tion of rappers need to be heard as well to push the But she said her fi rst time on the wire TV drama “Suits,” said she grew con- ed that she experienced suicidal thoughts “I wouldn’t have been able to, be- genre forward. was much earlier. cerned about her son not having a royal and had sought help through the palace’s cause I myself was trapped,” Harry Nominated “Actually, they carried me across the title because it meant he wouldn’t be human resources department, but was said. “I didn’t see a way out. wire when I was 6 weeks old,” she said provided security. told there was nothing they could do. “I was trapped, but I didn’t know I “I’m sure their bank accounts are telling another in a 2017 interview with a Sarasota TV Meghan said processing everything was trapped,” Harry said, before add- story,” continued D Smoke, who is also nominated for station. “My father rode the bicycle and during her pregnancy was “very hard.” Ashamed ing, “My father and my brother, they best new artist along with Megan Thee Stallion and my mother sat on his shoulders, holding More than the “prince” title, she felt “I was really ashamed to say it at are trapped.” Chika. “I don’t knock them, I just know the quality of me and introducing me to the public.” the most troubled over her son’s safety the time and a shame to have to admit Harry acknowledged that he does music and the people nominated are different — I’m She spent her younger years traveling and protection. it to Harry, especially because I know not have a close relationship presently not saying better or worse.” the country as her father’s troupe per- “He needs to be safe,” a teary-eyed how much loss he suffered,” she said. with his brother William, who is heir Freddie Gibbs thinks there should be no reason formed in the Ringling Bros circus. She Meghan recalled. “We’re not saying “But I knew that if I didn’t say it that to the throne after their father, Prince to complain. The rapper said he’s waited to become had a brother, Mario, and a sister, Jenny I would do it. And I just didn’t, I just Charles. — all performed in the act. don’t make him a prince or princess, Grammy-nominated after years of believing he was whatever it’s going to be. But if you’re didn’t want to be alive anymore.” Harry disputed rumors that he inten- overlooked as an artist who made waves in the under- She began appearing in the family’s show in 1947, but not on the high wire at saying the title is going to affect their Harry, too, said there are lasting im- tionally blindsided his grandmother, ground scene. fi rst, according to her biography on the protection, we haven’t created this pacts about Meghan’s treatment and Queen Elizabeth II, with his decision “We can all complain about not getting recognition, family’s website. In 1951, her father told monster machine around us in terms of his relationship with his family. to split. He suspects the rumors came but we all live blessed lives doing something that we her she could join the high-wire act if she click bait and tabloid fodder. You’ve “There is a lot to work through from the institution. love to do,” said Gibbs, 38. “It’s not too much to really could do a headstand on top of the fam- allowed that to happen, which means there,” Harry said about his relation- “I’ve never blindsided my grand- complain about. When you’re making music on this ily’s seven-person pyramid. She was able our son needs to be safe.” ship with his father. “I feel really let mother,” he said. “I have too much level, you’re rich. So, whatever.” to join the high-wire act later that year. The interview was broadcast in the down. He’s been through something respect for her.” He added: “I’ve never been nominated for (any- Carla Wallenda left the family act in United States a full day before it will similar. He knows what pain feels like. Meghan, too, was complimentary thing), but I’ve never complained about it either. 1961 to form her own troupe. The next air in Britain. The revelations aren’t And Archie is his grandson. I will al- toward the queen, despite saying at When it’s your time — it’s your time.” The Grammys season, two of the Wallendas were killed over: Winfrey teased unaired bits of ways love him, but there is a lot of hurt one point she realized some in the pal- will air from Los Angeles on March 14. in an accident while performing the pyra- the interview would be shown Monday that has happened.” ace were willing to lie to “protect other mid. Her brother was paralyzed. (AP) morning on CBS. Harry said the royal family cut him members of the family.” Also: ❑ ❑ ❑ In a rare positive moment in the in- off fi nancially at the start of 2020 after “The queen has always been won- Taylor Swift Cardi B Bil- NEW YORK: , BTS, and SEATTLE: MacKenzie Scott, philanthro- terview, Harry and Meghan revealed announcing plans to step back from derful to me,” Meghan said. lie Eilish are set to perform at next week’s Grammy pist, author and former wife of Amazon their second would be a girl. The in- his roles. But he was able to afford Sunday’s interview special opened Awards. founder Jeff Bezos, has married a Seattle terview opened with Winfrey gushing security for his family because of the with Meghan describing how naive she The Recording Academy announced Sunday that science teacher who expressed gratitude over Meghan’s pregnancy and lament- money his mother, Princess Diana, left was about the ground rules of royal life Harry Styles, Bad Bunny, Post Malone, Megan Thee “for the exceptional privilege it will be to ing that COVID-19 protocols kept behind. before she married her husband, Harry, Stallion and Dua Lipa will also hit the stage at the partner in giving away assets with the po- them from hugging. In response to a question from Win- nearly three years ago. March 14 event. The show will air live from the Staples tential to do so much good when shared.” Center in Los Angeles on CBS and Paramount+. Dan Jewett, who made the announce- The Grammys were originally supposed to take ment in a letter to the website of the place on Jan 31 but were delayed because of the coro- nonprofi t organization the Giving Pledge navirus pandemic. The academy said in a statement on Saturday, said he never imagined he would be in a position to talk about joining her in a commitment to pass on billion in 2020 by asking community that “artists will be coming together, while still safely an enormous fi nancial wealth to serve leaders to help identify 512 organizations apart, to play music for each other as a community and giving away signifi cant wealth during his lifetime in order to make a difference in others,” Jewett wrote. for seven- and eight-fi gure gifts, includ- celebrate the music that unites us all.” After donating $1.68 billion to 116 ing food banks, human-service organiza- Trevor Noah is hosting the show for the fi rst time. other people’s lives. Jewett has been a teacher for decades nonprofi ts, universities, community tions, and racial-justice charities. Other performers include Chris Martin, John May- development groups and legal organiza- She was listed as No. 2 among the 50 er, Doja Cat, Maren Morris, DaBaby, HAIM, Lil and most recently taught chemistry at the private Lakeside School, where Scott’s tions last July, Scott asked a team of Americans who gave the most to charity Baby, Brandi Carlile, Roddy Ricch, Brittany How- children attended. advisers to help her “accelerate” her last year, according to the Chronicle of ard, Miranda Lambert, Mickey Guyton and Black “And now, in a stroke of happy coin- 2020 giving with immediate help to those Philanthropy’s annual rankings. Pumas. cidence, I am married to one of the most fi nancially gutted by the pandemic. Bezos topped the list by donating $10 bil- generous and kind people I know — and Scott went on to donate a total of $5.7 Scott Wallenda lion to launch the Bezos Earth Fund. (AP) ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 SPORTS 14

Odermatt dominates super-G, keeps season title hopes alive Vlhova wins home World Cup race, turns tables on Shiffrin JASNA, Slovakia, March 8, (AP): Slovakian skier Petra Vlhova turned the tables on Mikaela Shiffrin by winning a women’s World Cup giant slalom, a day after the American had Kuwaiti runners Al-Askar and Al-Roumi push towards glory beaten her in the slalom. RABAT, March 8, (KUNA): Kuwaiti in qualifying races in Morocco. Al-Askar broke the national record in Vlhova fell on her back in celebration as women runners Loulwa Al-Askar and The two runners demonstrated out- the 10,000-meter race at the Meknes soon as first-run leader Shiffrin failed to beat Amal Al-Roumi are participating in a standing abilities that are persistent to qualifying round, while Al-Roumi puts her time. training camp for the Kuwaiti athletics success, according to their coach Hamo her eyes on the coronation line at a dis- team in Morocco, including participation Al-Boukely tance of 800 meters in the next meeting. SKIING The Italian placed fourth to finish ahead of two slaloms in Sweden coming up on Friday The Swiss skier finished his gutsy run on the her only remaining challenger, Tessa Worley and Saturday. Schneekristall course 0.62 seconds ahead of Vlhova got up and bent over as she fought of France, who was 10th. While slalom is Vlhova’s strongest disci- runner-up Matthieu Bailet. back tears following the 19th win of her career, The result gave Bassino a lead of 148 points pline, Gut-Behrami usually doesn’t compete in The Frenchman was the 2016 junior world but first in a home race on the hill where she over Worley with only the season-ending GS at skiing’s most technical event. champion and earned his first podium result on regularly trains. the World Cup Finals in Switzerland remain- Shiffrin’s teammate Nina O’Brien was the World Cup circuit. Holding a slim lead from the opening leg, ing. Bassino became the fourth Italian skier to fourth after the opening run but slid away on Vincent Kriechmayr, the double world Shiffrin was ready to start her final run when she win the GS globe, after Deborah Compagnoni her inside ski halfway through her final run. champion from Austria, trailed Odermatt by was made to wait in the start gate for two minutes Slovakia’s Petra Vlhova celebrates on the did it in 1997, Denise Karbon in 2008, and Unheralded Maryna Gasienica-Daniel of 0.81 in third, a day after he won the downhill while course workers replaced a broken gate. podium after winning an alpine ski, World Federica Brignone last year. Poland, who posted the third-fastest time in the on the same hill. Another Austrian, Raphael Finally allowed to go, the American posted Cup women’s giant slalom in Jasna, World champion Lara Gut-Behrami was out opening run, also failed to finish her second Haaser, finished two-hundredths behind only the 11th-fastest time and dropped to third, Slovakia, on March 7. (AP) of contention for the win following a costly when she hooked a gate with her right arm Kriechmayr in fourth. 0.37 behind Vlhova. mistake early in her first run and the Swiss shortly before the finish. The Swiss skier closed the gap on leader Alice Robinson of New Zealand climbed Marta Bassino, who won four giant slaloms skier finished 1.69 behind in ninth. In Austria, Marco Odermatt dominated the pen- Kriechmayr in the super-G standings to 83 from seventh position to finish runner-up, 0.16 this season, locked up the discipline title with a In the overall standings, Vlhova closed the ultimate men’s World Cup super-G of the season points, with only the season-ending race at this off the lead. race to spare. gap on leader Gut-Behrami to 36 points, with to keep himself in the race for the discipline title. month’s World Cup Finals remaining. Keselowski finishes 2nd, Busch 3rd DeChambeau outlasts Westwood Larson celebrates return with first victory since suspension to win Arnold Palmer Invitational LAS VEGAS, March 8, (AP): Kyle of pandemic protocols so Larson is Larson wasn’t sure he’d ever race learning in real time. again in NASCAR, and if he could, he Bubba Wallace, NASCAR’s only didn’t know who would even hire him. Black fulltime driver, was one of the Ernst clinches 3rd LPGA title It was Rick Hendrick who took the first competitors to congratulate chance on a driver many believed was Larson. radioactive for sponsors. Larson’s use Larson’s move to Hendrick was ORLANDO, Florida, along with his U.S. Open title in of a racial slur while participating in an expected to be electric. September. It matched the longest it online race last April cost him his job, Larson is considered one of the top March 8, (AP): The long took for a multiple winner on the PGA his reputation and his ability to attract talents in NASCAR but won just six ball helped Bryson Tour since 1969. Nick Price won his the corporations that fund a race team. times in six seasons with Chip Ganassi DeChambeau outlast Lee second title in the 21st week of the Hendrick said Racing. Paired with mighty Hendrick, season in 1994. he’d pay for the everyone suspected Larson would at Westwood in the Arnold In Ocala, Florida, Austin Ernst won car himself last reach his full potential. Palmer Invitational, only the Drive On Championship for her because he was the key shots were as much third LPGA Tour title, pulling away to that confident that beat fellow former NCAA champion Larson, reformed CAR RACING with his putter as his driv- Jennifer Kupcho by five strokes at after months of er. Golden Ocala. self-work, could DeChambeau holed a 40-foot birdie Tied for the lead with Kupcho after be redeemed. Mario Andretti on Twitter called putt on the front nine and a 50-foot par each of the first two rounds and a At Las Vegas Larson’s victory the most entertaining putt early on the back nine. He closed stroke ahead entering the day, Ernst Motor Speedway, NASCAR race he’d ever watched and it out with a nervy 5-foot par putt for a closed with a 2-under 70 to finish the Larson raced to praised Larson for driving “the race of 1-under 71 and a one-shot victory over wire-to-wire victory at 15-under 273. his first NASCAR Larson his life” and Hendrick - “Ol’ Rick the 47-year-old Westwood. Kupcho, coming off a closing eagle victory since he knew what he was doing when he Saturday, had a double bogey and was reinstated from a nearly yearlong hired him.” three bogeys in a 74. suspension. He ran just the first four The victory gave Hendrick back- GOLF Following sisters Jessica and Nelly races last season and was hired by to-back victories. William Byron Korda in the first two events of the Hendrick Motorsports when NASCAR won last week at Homestead-Miami year, Ernst gave the United States said the suspension would lift at the Speedway, so Hendrick has two of It matched the low score of the day, three straight victories to open a sea- start of this year. its four drivers locked into the play- one of only three rounds under par in son for the first time since 2007. He then celebrated his first career offs just one month into the new the toughest final round at Bay Hill in OTHER TOURS: Andrew Martin win on an intermediate track with season. 41 years. Bryson DeChambeau kisses the championship trophy after he won the shot a 10-under 61 - believed to be the smoke-filled burnouts, including one It was the first win for crew chief DeChambeau and Westwood were Arnold Palmer Invitational golf tournament on March 7, in Orlando, Florida. lowest final round in the history of the on the backstretch for friends watching Cliff Daniels, and first for that crew never separated by more than one shot (AP) PGA Tour of Australasia - for a two- from a motorhome on the hillside since 2017 with Jimmie Johnson. over the final 15 holes, a fascinating stroke victory in the TPS Sydney in above the track. Larson said he became Larson’s last victory was Oct. 6, duel of generations that came down to celebration when the par putt dropped. injuries from his car crash in Los Pagewood, Australia. The Australian emotional as he took the white flag but 2019, at Dover. the last shot. Westwood closed with a 73, not a Angeles. He said Woods, an eight- had four eagles in the round at Bonnie had composed himself by the time he DeChambeau took a one-shot lead bad score considering the average of time Bay Hill winner, told him to Doon Golf Club. Eight strokes behind finished his burnouts. to the par-4 18th and hit his most 75.49 was the highest for a final round “keep fighting.” He also considered entering the round, he finished at 18 Hendrick was both thrilled and sur- important drive of the day - in the since 1980. the words from Arnold Palmer to under. ... Wales’ Rhys Enoch won the prised by the victory in Larson’s fourth fairway. Westwood’s tee shot settled Corey Conners was third at 8 under “play boldly.” Sunshine Tour’s Kit Kat Group Pro- race with his new team. He figured it in a divot, and he did well to get it on after a 74. DeChambeau rose to No. 6 in the Am by a stroke at Royal Johannesburg would take time for Larson to build a the green and two-putt from 65 feet. DeChambeau said he received a text world with his ninth PGA Tour victo- & Kensington, closing with a 5-under relationship with his new crew chief DeChambeau’s birdie putt slid by Sunday morning from Tiger Woods, ry, and he became the first player this 67. He finished at 12 under for his and find a rhythm in the No. 5 some 5 feet and he shook his arms in who is recovering from serious leg season with multiple victories, to go second tour victory. Chevrolet. There is no practice because Rublev beats Fucsovics to win Rotterdam final ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, March 8, (AP): Andrey broken in the opening game of the second set. The her first career title in style, beating Viktorija Golubic Rublev won his fourth tour singles title in seven Hungarian said he had an “unbelievable” week after 6-4, 6-1 to win the Lyon Open without dropping a set months as the Russian beat Marton Fucsovics 7-6 he came through qualifying in Rotterdam and was after coming through two qualifying rounds. (4), 6-4 in the final of the ABN AMRO World Tennis playing his seventh match in nine days. The final between the two qualifiers was even Tournament. until Tauson reeled off six straight games, after Rublev continued the form which has made him Golubic had broken back to trail 5-4 when Tauson one of the top players in men’s tennis since play TENNIS served for the first set. Russia’s Andrey Rublev celebrates resumed amid the coronavirus pandemic last year. The 18-year-old Tauson broke straight back to with the trophy after winning in two Since September he has won titles in Hamburg, St. take it and was 5-0 up in the second when her Swiss sets 7-6, 6-4, against Hungary’s Petersburg and Vienna, and was on the Russian team Rublev has won his last seven tour finals going opponent finally won another game. Marton Fucsovics in the final men’s singles match of the ABN AMRO Austin Ernst tees off on one during which won the non-ranking ATP Cup last month. back to the Kremlin Cup in Moscow in 2019 and has Tauson entered the final with a strong advantage world tennis tournament at Ahoy the final round of the LPGA golf “I’m so happy to win this title,” Rublev said. an 8-2 career record in finals. Fucsovics drops to 1-2 in serve, too, with 25 aces compared to just one for Arena in Rotterdam, The tournament in Ocala, Fla, on March Fucsovics pushed Rublev hard as the first set went with his only title coming in Geneva in May 2018. Golubic, and she added seven more to make it 32 Netherlands, on March 7. (AP) 7. (AP) with serve but faded after the tiebreaker and was In France, Danish teenager Clara Tauson clinched overall at the tournament. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 SPORTS 15 Hurricanes, Isles notch 5th straight wins

Baylor beats Texas Tech Watts, Henry lead Spartans to 70-64 victory over Wolverines EAST LANSING, Michigan, March Garza’s jersey No. 55 would be re- 8, (AP): Rocket Watts scored 21 tired after the season, bringing Garza points and Aaron Henry had 18 to to tears. lead Michigan State to a 70-64 vic- It was the 12th double-double of tory over No. 2 Michigan that seems the season for Garza, who leads the to seal coach Tom Izzo’s 23rd con- Big Ten in scoring and is third in the secutive NCAA Tournament bid. nation. He is Iowa’s all-time leading The Spartans (15-11, 9-11 Big career scorer with 2,201 points. Ten) have won fi ve of their last seven The Hawkeyes (20-7, 14-6) have games, beating No. 4 Ohio State, No. won seven of eight and will be the 5 Illinois and their second-ranked ri- third seed in the Big Ten Tourna- vals during the late-season surge. ment. The Wolverines (19-3, 14-3) Micah Potter shot 9 for 12 and closed the regular season getting scored 23 points for Wisconsin (16- routed at home by the Fighting Illini, 11, 10-10), which has lost fi ve of six. beating Michigan State handily to Houston 67, Memphis 64 seal the Big Ten title and losing the In Houston, Tramon Mark hit a rematch three days later. And, Mich- long 3-pointer as time expired to lift igan might have lost more than that. Houston over Memphis. Senior guard Eli Brooks hurt his After Memphis tied it with 1.7 left ankle early in the game at the seconds left, Marcus Sasser threw Breslin Center and did not return in the ball to midcourt, where Mark what potentially could be a problem picked it up. He dribbled through two going into the Big Ten and NCAA Memphis defenders and launched a tournaments. Brooks ranks fourth on 35-footer off the backboard and in. the team with eight-plus points per Houston mobbed Mark in a hectic game, averages nearly three assists a scene under the basket. game and has started 51 games over DeJon Jarreau had 19 points and two seasons. eight rebounds, Quentin Grimes Baylor 88, Texas Tech 73 added 17 points and eight rebounds, In Waco, Texas, MaCio Teague and Justin Gorham had 10 points and scored 35 points while matching a 12 rebounds for the Cougars (21-3, school record with 10 made 3-point- New York Islanders center Mathew Barzal (13) pulls away from Buffalo Sabres center Curtis Lazar (27) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, on March 7, in Uniondale, N.Y. (AP) ers and Baylor fi nished undefeated at BASKETBALL home for the fi rst time in 73 years. The Big 12 champion Bears (21-1, 13-1 Big 12) never trailed, but didn’t 14-3 American), who won their Gourde helps Lightning rally for 6-3 victory over Blackhawks take control for good until a 16-3 run fourth straight game. Mark fi nished in the second half when Teague had with eight points and shot 3 for 12 RALEIGH, N.C., March three 3s while scoring 12 of those from the fi eld. points. He fi nished 10-of-12 from Landers Nolley II scored 14 8, (AP): Vincent Trocheck NHL Results/Standings long range. points, Lester Quinones and DeAn- and James Reimer contin- Jared Butler scored 18 points and dre Williams each added 11 points ued to torment their for- Davion Mitchell 17 as Baylor fi n- for Memphis (15-7, 11-4). ished 10-0 in the Ferrell Center, the mer team, lifting the Car- WASHINGTON, March 8, (AP): Results and standings from the NHL games on Sunday. fi rst time going undefeated at home Texas 76, TCU 64 olina Hurricanes to their NY Islanders 5 Buffalo 2 Washington 3 Philadelphia 1 Tampa Bay 6 Chicago 3 Pittsburgh 5 NY Rangers 1 since going 9-0 in 1947-48. Vital In Fort Worth, Texas, Andrew fi fth straight victory with New Jersey 1 Boston 0 Nashville 4 Dallas SO 3 had 10 points and 15 rebounds. Jones scored 16 points while making a 4-2 win over the Florida Carolina 4 Florida 2 Ottawa 4 Calgary SO 3 Kyler Edwards had 18 points for all four of his 3-pointers, and Texas East Division West Division Panthers. Texas Tech (17-9, 9-8), which was fi nished the regular season with a GP W L OT Pts GF GA GP W L OT Pts GF GA third consecutive road victory. Trocheck, who was traded to coming off three consecutive wins at NY Islanders 25 15 6 4 34 73 56 Vegas 21 16 4 1 33 70 45 home. Kevin McCullar and Terrence The added week of Big 12 games Carolina just over a year ago, Washington 24 14 6 4 32 79 76 St Louis 25 14 8 3 31 81 79 Shannon Jr. both had 11. to account for COVID-19 and scored for the fourth time this Boston 22 13 6 3 29 65 54 Colorado 22 13 7 2 28 68 55 weather postponements worked out season against the Panthers. Nino Pittsburgh 24 14 9 1 29 77 75 Minnesota 22 13 8 1 27 69 60 Iowa 77, Wisconsin 73 Philadelphia 22 12 7 3 27 71 69 Los Angeles 23 10 8 5 25 68 65 well for the Longhorns (17-7, 11-6 Niederreiter, Sebastian Aho and NY Rangers 23 10 10 3 23 66 63 Arizona 24 11 10 3 25 65 73 In Iowa City, Iowa, Luka Garza Big 12). They also won at Iowa State Warren Foegele also had goals New Jersey 21 8 11 2 18 51 66 Anaheim 25 7 12 6 20 55 76 scored 21 points and had 16 re- and 15th-ranked Oklahoma to reach for the Hurricanes, who have won Buffalo 23 6 14 3 15 52 75 San Jose 22 8 11 3 19 63 86 bounds as defeated Wisconsin. 9-2 away from home and 6-2 in true eight of 10 home games (8-1-1) Central Division North Division Minutes after the game, Iowa ath- GP W L OT Pts GF GA road games. this season. GP W L OT Pts GF GA letic director Gary Barta announced Matt Coleman III scored 14 points Carolina Hurricanes’ Martin Necas Tampa Bay 23 17 4 2 36 83 48 Reimer, who made 21 saves, came Carolina 24 17 6 1 35 85 64 Toronto 26 18 6 2 38 90 63 and Courtney Ramey had 13 points to Carolina less two years in ago in a (88) collides with Florida Panthers’ Florida 24 15 5 4 34 80 70 Winnipeg 24 15 8 1 31 79 69 and six assists for Texas, which Mason Marchment (19) during the Chicago 26 13 8 5 31 82 80 Edmonton 26 15 11 0 30 83 80 moved up to the third seed in the Big fi rst period of an NHL hockey game Columbus 26 10 11 5 25 69 85 Montreal 23 11 6 6 28 78 66 in Raleigh, NC, on March 7. (AP) Nashville 25 11 14 0 22 61 82 Calgary 26 11 12 3 25 71 80 12 tournament and will face No. 18 ICE HOCKEY Dallas 20 7 8 5 19 56 54 Vancouver 28 11 15 2 24 81 93 Texas Tech, the sixth seed, in the Detroit 26 7 16 3 17 54 87 Ottawa 27 9 17 1 19 74 105 Saturday’s 5-2 win over the Sabres, quarterfi nals Thursday. Note: Two points for a win one point for overtime loss. The top four teams in each division trade from Florida. He’s 3-0-0 since added his third of the season. Nelson will qualify for playoffs under this season’s temporary realignment. L. Chicago 75, Drake 65 then against the Panthers. scored his second of the game and In St. Louis, Cameron Krutwig MacKenzie Weegar and Ma- ninth of the season into an empty net and Braden Norris scored 20 points son Marchment scored for Florida, to complete the scoring. scored a power-play goal in the sec- Washington was without forward apiece to lead Loyola Chicago over which had a fi ve-game points streak Sorokin, the 25-year-old net- ond period, helping Tampa Bay win. Tom Wilson, who served the fi rst snapped. Chris Dreidger made 22 Drake in the Missouri Valley Con- minder, earned his fourth win of the Pat Maroon added his 100th ca- game of a seven-game suspension saves for the Panthers. reer goal in the third period, giving ference championship game for a season as the Islanders improved for Friday’s hit on Boston defense- Tampa Bay a season-high four goals man Brandon Carlo. spot in the NCAA Tournament. Islanders 5, Sabres 2 to 10-0-2 at Nassau Coliseum. Jeff The Ramblers (24-4, 16-2) will In Uniondale, NY, Anders Lee with the man advantage. Gourde fi n- Joel Farabee scored for Philadel- Skinner’s goal at 5:41 of the third ished with two goals and two assists, phia, which lost its second straight be making their seventh NCAAs and Brock Nelson scored 62 seconds period ruined his shutout bid. appearance and fi rst since the 2018 apart early in the second period and and Alex Killorn scored for the third and fi nished 3-3 during a grueling Colin Miller also scored for the straight game. nine-day, six-game stretch. The Fly- team reached the Final Four as a No. rookie Ilya Sorokin made 24 saves Sabres, who are 2-10-1 since a 11 seed. as the Islanders earned their fi fth The Lightning improved to 3-0-1 ers welcomed back about 3,000 fans forced two-week delay in their sea- on their season-long six-game trip to their home arena for the fi rst time Michigan State guard Rocket Watts Keith Clemons added 13 points straight win. son during early February because of for Loyola, which has won six in a and stretched their point streak to a since last March 10. (2) attempts a shot during the sec- The victory was also the Islanders’ COVID-19 protocols. ond half of an NCAA college bas- row and 17 of its last 18. sixth straight over the Sabres this sea- season-high eight games. They took Penguins 5, Rangers 1 ketball game against Michigan, on Tremell Murphy and D.J. Wilkins son. Casey Cizikas increased the lead Lightning 6, Blackhawks 3 two of three in the series between Central Division contenders. In Pittsburgh, Sidney Crosby March 7, in East Lansing, Michigan. scored 20 points each for Drake (25- to 3-0 at 16:56 with his fourth goal. In Chicago, Yanni Gourde, On- capped Pittsburgh’s three-goal out- (AP) 4, 15-3), a bubble team. Cal Clutterbuck, who also scored in drej Palat and Victor Hedman each Mattias Janmark had a goal and an assist for the Blackhawks. Philipp burst in the fi rst period, and the Pen- Kurashev and Pius Suter also scored. guins cruised to its ninth win in 13 games. Racers blow lead, recover to win over Redhawks Devils 1, Bruins 0 Crosby scored his eighth of the In Boston, Scott Wedgewood season, Kasperi Kapanen netted made 40 saves, Kyle Palmieri scored his sixth and John Marino his fi rst out of a scramble with 4:37 left and as Pittsburgh scored three goals on New Mexico State rallies past Dixie State the Devils snapped a fi ve-game los- six shots in the opening period. Ev- ing streak. geni Malkin and Zach Aston-Reese EL PASO, Texas, March 8, (AP): Jo- Boston’s Tuukka Rask made 24 nah Johnson rushed for two fi rst downs scored in the third period, and Casey to keep a fi nal drive alive and Juwan Mercer ‘tops’ Wofford, saves and remained stuck at 299 ca- DeSmith made 22 saves in his sec- Price scored the winning touchdown claims 3rd SoCon title reer victories. The Bruins have lost ond start since Feb 11. from 13 yards out as New Mexico four of six games. All four games be- Mika Zibanejad scored his third of State won a see-saw battle with Divi- ASHEVILLE, NC, March 8, (AP): tween the teams have been decided the season for the Rangers, who had sion I newcomer Dixie State 35-29. Jaron Dougherty had 19 points, 11 by one goal, including one in over- their season-best three-game win- Price took a handoff straight up the rebounds and six steals, Amoria Neal- time and another by a shootout. ning streak halted. Alexandar Geor- middle, fi nishing with 165 yards on 20 Tysor added 16 points and No. 2 seed Palmieri scored about two min- giev started the game in net for the carries for the Aggies (1-1). Johnson Mercer used a 28-0 run to ease past utes after Wedgewood robbed Craig Rangers, but was pulled after allow- fi nished with 171 yards passing and fourth-seeded Wofford 60-38 to claim Smith’s bid at the end of a Bruins’ the Southern Conference tournament ing three goals on six shots. picked up 28 of his 53-yards rushing power play. Boston pulled Rask and Predators 4, Stars 3, SO on the game-winning drive. title and earn an automatic bid to the had the puck in the Devils’ zone for Kody Winstead threw for a career- NCAA Tournament. nearly all of the fi nal 90 seconds, but In Dallas, Roman Josi scored the high 352 yards with a pair of touchdowns Mercer (19-6) won its third SoCon fi nal shootout goal on a backhander, title in the past four years – with the Wedgewood blocked several good and threw at least one pass to nine differ- chances to preserve his fourth career helping the Nashville Predators win ent receivers. Conley led with 98 yards lone exception last season when Sam- after blowing a 3-0 third-period lead. ford claimed it. shutout. Capitals 3, Flyers 1 Josi and Forsberg scored in the The Bears didn’t have to face the shootout as the Predators ended a FOOTBALL defending champions in the tourna- In Philadelphia, Alex Ovechkin, three-game losing streak. Rookie ment this season – after losing twice in Dmitry Orlov and Nick Jensen the regular season – because the top- Eeli Tolvanen had a goal and an as- scored to lead Washington. sist in regulation, Mikael Granlund on four catches, Jalen Powell had fi ve Mercer guard Amoria Neal-Tysor (1) drives the ball to the basket past Wof- seeded Bulldogs were upset in the fi rst T.J. Oshie had two assists and Ilya ford guard Annabelle Schultz (1) and Wofford forward Lawren Cook (23) in round by ETSU. and Calle Jarnkrok added goals catches for 97 yards. Conley also rushed the fi rst half of an NCAA women’s college basketball championship game Samsonov stopped 36 shots for the and Pekka Rinne made 35 saves for for 95 yards and a touchdown. Wofford (13-11) made program for the Southern Conference tournament, on March 7, in Asheville, N.C. history by playing in its fi rst SoCon Capitals, who have won eight of 11. Nashville. Filip Forsberg added two Murray St 24, Missouri St 21 (AP) championship game. assists as the Predators built a 3-0 In Cape Girardeau, Mo., Preston Neal-Tysor was named the tourna- lead through two periods. Rice scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 12-yard slant to Dequan Dallas straight scores in the fourth, dominat- ment’s Most Outstanding Player after Radek Faksa, Joe Pavelski and and Murray State rallied in the fourth down to the 3. Rice carried it over on ing the Tigers with 452 yards of total leading Mercer through the fi rst two rookie Jason Roberson scored in quarter to beat Southeast Missouri the next play. offense to 225. the fi nal eight minutes of the third State. The win ended a string of 12 straight Webb had a touchdown pass of 54 period for Dallas -with Robertson’s Rice’s 3-yard run returned the lead regular-season home wins for 16th- yards to Uriah West, who also ran 5 BASKETBALL score coming with 56.8 seconds left to the Racers (2-0, 2-0 Ohio Valley ranked Southeast Missouri (1-2, 1-1). yards for the Gamecocks’ fi rst score. to send the game into overtime. Conference) with eight minutes re- Jacksonville St 38, Tenn. St 16 UT Martin 28, E. Illinois 15 Senators 4, Flames 3, SO maining after the Redhawks scored rounds, scoring 27 and a career-high In Nashville, Tenn, Zion Webb In Martin, Tenn, John Bachus threw In Calgary, Alberta, Drake Bath- twice earlier in the quarter. 34 points. erson scored the shootout winner to With Southeast Missouri trailing 17- passed for 280 yards and three touch- two of his three touchdown passes to Neal-Tysor struggled in the fi rst downs and Jacksonville State won tight end Rodney Williams, John Ford give the Senators the victory over the 7, the Redhawks’ Al Young caught a half against Wofford, scoring just Flames. shanked punt a yard behind the line of a fi fth straight game, defeating Ten- returned an interception 50 yards for a fi ve points on 2-of-8 shooting, but she scrimmage and returned it 10 yards to nessee State. The STATS FCS 10th- score, and UT Martin never trailed in made four baskets and scored nine Connor Brown, Ryan Dzingel and the Murray State 30. The short fi eld led ranked Gamecocks (5-1, 2-0 Ohio its win over Eastern Illinois. points during an 18-0 run to start the Colin White scored in regulation for to a touchdown plunge by Zion Custis. Valley Conference), have won fi ve in Bachus was 24-of-36 passing for third quarter. the Senators. Matt Murray made 30 A minute later, Shabari Davis re- a row counting three straight wins in 259 yards with a interception and Wil- Dougherty scored six points during saves. turned an interception 33 yards for the October. The are 2-0 in the springtime liams fi nished with eight receptions Mercer’s 8-0 run to close the fi rst half New York Rangers’ Chris Kreider Mark Giordano, Johnny Gaud- lead. A celebration penalty following FCS season. for 95 yards. The 6-foot-4, 235-pound for a 27-18 lead. Wofford had just (20) checks Pittsburgh Penguins’ reau, and Noah Hanifi n scored for Davis’ score resulted in Murray State Jacksonville State opened the game redshirt senior went into the game 24 points through three quarters – as Sidney Crosby (87) during the third Calgary, which is 0-1-1 under Dar- starting a drive at the Redhawks’ 49. with consecutive touchdowns in the with career totals of 41 catches for 473 Mercer scored 28 unanswered – going period of an NHL hockey game, on ryl Sutter after he replaced the fi red The Racers converted a fourth-and-5 fi rst quarter and ended it with three yards and no touchdowns. scoreless for 14-plus minutes. March 7, in Pittsburgh. (AP) Geoff Ward last Thursday night. ARAB TIMES, TUESDAY, MARCH 9, 2021 16

Washington Capitals’ Alex Ovechkin (8) keeps the puck away from Philadelphia Fly- ers’ Shayne Gostisbehere (53) during the third period of an NHL hockey game, Sun- day, March 7, in Philadelphia. (AP) — See Page 15 Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com Team LeBron still perfect in All-Star Game Antetokounmpo named MVP

ATLANTA, March 8, (AP): In the midst of a pandemic, this was assured of being an NBA All-Star Game like no other. The stands were mostly empty. The crowd noise was largely piped in. There were no A-list celebrities sitting courtside. Two players had to sit out after getting haircuts. But in the end, it had a familiar feel. Team LeBron won again. Knocking down shots from all over the court, LeBron James’ powerhouse squad closed the fi rst half with a domi- nating run to set up a 170-150 romp over Team Durant in the league’s 70th midseason showcase Sunday night. The top vote-getters in each con- ference have picked the teams the last four years, a duty that James has earned every season. He’s now 4-0, having defeated Ste- phen Curry’s squad in 2018 and teams selected by Milwaukee’s two-time reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounm- po the previous two years. This time, James drafted his two for- mer adversaries and blew away Kevin Durant’s team. Antetokounmpo was the game’s MVP after shooting 16 of 16 for 35 points, even making all three of his attempts beyond the 3-point stripe. It was the most baskets without a miss in All-Star Game history.

BASKETBALL

Curry chipped in with 28 points, while Lillard had 32. James spent most of the night admir- ing his drafting skill from the bench. He played less than 13 minutes, scored just four points, and didn’t return to the court in the second half. Instead, he munched a snack on the bench. It sure was for Curry, who won the 3-point competition beforehand, then went 8 of 16 from beyond the arc in the game. Manchester City’s Joao Cancelo, (left), vies for the ball with Manchester United’s Anthony Martial during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Manchester Lillard matched him, also making 8 United at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, England, March 7. Manchester United won 2-0 to halt City’s winning run at 21 matches in all competitions. (AP) of 16 from 3-point range. This All-Star Game sure was differ- ent than the previous 69. Allen hits three sixes Determined to pull off an exhibition that is huge for TV revenue and the league’s worldwide brand, the NBA staged the game in a mostly empty downtown arena, a made-for-TV ex- Windies down Sri Lanka, take T20 series travaganza that was symbolic of the coronavirus era. OSBOURN, Antigua, March 8, (AP): Despite extensive safety protocols Morata fi nding his best form at right time for Juventus Fabian Allen hit three mighty sixes in in place, two players didn’t even make the 19th over to help the West Indies it to tipoff. Philadelphia stars Joel Em- to a series-clinching, three-wicket win biid and Ben Simmons were ruled out over Sri Lanka in the third Twenty20 because they got haircuts from a bar- international. ber who tested positive for COVID-19. Barça have defi cit to overcome in CL Chasing Sri Lanka’s modest 131-4, The only good thing for Durant: He the West Indies were again constrained didn’t have to participate in this shel- LONDON, March 8, (AP):The Champions League talking taken off early with stud marks on the back of his right ankle by Sri Lanka’s spin attack and came to lacking, sitting out the game with an points ahead of the first set of second-leg matches in the after a nasty challenge from Jérôme Boateng. Although Haa- the 18th over at 105-7, needing 27 runs ailing hamstring. round of 16 on Tuesday and Wednesday: land told Dortmund coach Edin Terzić “it wouldn’t be a big from 18 balls. Bradley Beal led Team Durant with MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo bat- Juventus vs Porto (first leg: 1-2) problem.” Captain Jason Holder, cool and with 26 points. tles to get off a shot for two points Álvaro Morata is finding his best form at the right time PSG vs Barcelona (4-1) a plan in mind, blocked out the 18th On a night highlighting Historically and draws a foul during basket- for Juventus. Morata had not scored in the league since Barcelona seem like a different team to the one which over, the last from dangerous spinner Black Colleges and Universities, Team ball’s NBA All-Star Game in Atlanta, December and was sidelined recently with illness but the played so badly in the second half at home to PSG. Ron- Wanindudu Hasaranga, save for a six LeBron swept the fi rst three quarters March 7. (AP) Juventus forward has scored three times in his last two ald Koeman’s lineup is 16 games unbeaten in the league from a free hit which helped break the and cruised to the fi nal target score, matches -- including in Saturday’s 3-1 win over Lazio. and the defense appears to be considerably stronger now mounting tension. earning a total of $750,000 for its Morata has scored six goals in this season’s Champions that he has ditched the ineffective 4-3-3 formation for With 20 runs needed from the last charity, the Thurgood Marshall Col- Laporta back as League, two more than teammate Cristiano Ronaldo. The a 3-5-2 system which offers his central defenders more two overs, Allen hit sixes from the lege Fund. protection. Veteran defender Gerard Pique is a doubtful first, third and last balls of the 19th The game got out of hand late in the starter for the game, however, after hurting his knee mid- over from Akila Dananjaya to get the second quarter. Barca president SOCCER week. West Indies home with an over to spare With scant defense being played, Liverpool vs Leipzig (2-0) to clinch the series 2-1. MADRID, March 8, (AP): The Allen hit 21 runs from six balls and Team LeBron took turns dunking off president of Barcelona when 36-year-old Ronaldo was given some much-needed rest The teams return to neutral territory at the Puskas Are- alley-oop passes. Chris Paul delivered at the weekend and went on only for the final 20 minutes, na in Budapest with Liverpool’s two-goal cushion per- also took 1-13 from four overs to earn Lionel Messi began playing which should leave him fresh for Tuesday’s match against haps not as commanding as they seem given the team’s player-of-the-match honors. He said back-to-back lobs that Lillard and Cur- in Spain will also be in charge ry slammed through. Then, it was Paul Porto. recent problems, particularly in their injury-hit defense. there was no panic in the West Indies on the receiving end of a payback pass when the club tries to convince Dortmund vs Sevilla (3-2) The pressure is on the soon-to-be-deposed English cham- dressing room, even when it’s biggest from Curry. the star to stay. Borussia Dortmund’s 4-2 loss to Bundesliga rival Bayern pions because winning the Champions League might be hitters failed to fire. After showing it could handle shots Joan Laporta was elected Bar- Munich at the weekend could leave their mark for Tuesday’s the most likely route back into the competition for next “We have a lot of batting power,” up close, Team LeBron headed outside celona president again, inheriting visit from Sevilla. Star striker Erling Haaland, who scored season. Juergen Klopp’s squad currently sit outside the in the fi nal seconds of the half. a club in crisis and facing daunt- twice in Dortmund’s 3-2 win over Sevilla in the first leg, was Premier League’s top four. CRICKET Lillard pulled up for a 3-pointer ing problems that include a huge from the half-court line. Not to be out- debt and the possible departure of Messi when his contract fin- Allen said. “I told Jason Holder that done, Curry knocked down one from I’m not comfortable batting against virtually the same spot. ishes at the end of the season. “The fact that the best player Hasaranga. So I told him to bat him out Amid the joyful moments, the at- and I’ll be finishing. mosphere at State Farm Arena was in the world came to vote today, “I just backed myself in the end. It downright eerie compared to a normal along with his son, is proof that was a good performance overall.” All-Star Game. Leo loves Barça,” Laporta said. The match was another low-scor- Instead of a packed house, with A- ”Together we will convince him ing chapter in a low-scoring series in list celebrities crammed into prime to stay.” which all three matches were played courtside seats, this game was attended Laporta defeated businessman on spin-friendly pitches at Coolidge. In by a smattering of hand-picked guests. Víctor Font and longtime board the first match, the West Indies scored They had plenty of room to spread out member Toni Freixa, the other 134-6 to overtake Sri Lanka’s 131-9. In in a 17,000-seat venue that was es- two candidates who were among the second, Sri Lanka’s 160-6 were too sentially transformed into a giant tel- the more than 110,000 members good for the home side who were all evision studio, with socially distanced eligible to vote. The election was out for 117. spectators kept far from the court. held just days after the club’s last For the third time in a row, Sri Towering video screens were set up elected president - Josep Maria Lanka chose to bat on winning the behind the benches. Vegas-style lights toss on Sunday. The top-order faltered fl ashed around the arena. Recorded Bartomeu - spent a night in jail while Catalan police investigated and Sri Lanka found itself with a con- crowd noise blared over the sound sys- stant need to reset or rebuild. After 10 tem. The entertainment was provided possible irregularities during his administration. Bartomeu has overs, the tourists were only 46-4 and by the host Atlanta Hawks, who didn’t were under pressure to set a challeng- have any players in the game but were denied any wrongdoing. ing total. represented by their cheerleaders, Laporta won with 54% of the Dinesh Chandimal and Ashen Ban- drum line and DJ. votes, with Font coming second dera stepped up to produce an unbro- To address fears that one of its big- with nearly 30% and Freixa on ken partnership of 85 from 63 balls to gest events would become a super- 8%. Turnout was 55,611. lift Sri Lanka to 131 without further spreader for a virus that has killed The club posted a video of loss. Chandimal finished 54 not out more than a half-million Americans, Laporta celebrating the victory from 46 balls and Bandera 44 from 35. the NBA pared down its usual week- along with his campaign team, The West Indies made a solid start end-long ritual of extravagant par- jumping and chanting “Barça, with Lendl Simmons (26) and Evin ties, gridlocked streets and people Barça, Barça...” Osasuna’s Manu Sanchez, (left), heads for the ball with Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele during the Spanish La Liga Lewis (21) putting on 38 for the first watching soccer match between Osasuna and FC Barcelona at El Sadar Stadium in Pamplona, Spain, March 6. (AP) wicket.

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