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WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 / RAJAB 27, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17633 16 PAGES 150 FILS MP seeks pullback on foreign aid

Local, regional, global issues discussed ‘Replace expats’ Opinion By Saeed Mahmoud Saleh Cabinet holds weekly meeting Arab Times Staff Don’t denounce ... chop KUWAIT CITY, Mar- KUWAIT CITY, March 9, (Agencies): Second: To assign the Ministry of Kuwait’s Cabinet on Monday held its Trade and Industry, in coordination with ch 9: MP Abdullah weekly meeting, chaired by His Highness the Ministry of Social Affairs and Com- Al-Turaiji has called off snake’s head in Iran the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled munity Development and Kuwait Munic- for rationalizing the Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. ipality to implement the appointment res- On the occasion of the Isra and Mi’raj, ervation system for the entry to consumer financial support that By Ahmed Al-Jarallah which falls next Thursday, the Cabinet cooperative societies during the period of Kuwait grants to other Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times congratulated His Highness the Amir partial curfew in the country. countries in light of the Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- Furthermore, the Cabinet discussed the low oil prices and the IT is no longer acceptable to fall for the claims pertaining to what the Sabah and His Highness (currently the latest regional and global political devel- Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is subjected to, by saying, “They are terrorist Deputy Amir) Crown Prince Sheikh opments, where it condemned the recent major negative eco- attacks carried out by the Iranian-backed Houthi group in light of the Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Houthi attacks on the Kingdom of Saudi nomic consequences of continuing missile attacks that coincide with the negotiations between the Kuwaiti people. Arabia. Moreover, the Cabinet was briefed by PM’s Diwan photo The Cabinet decided to accept the do- coronavirus. Washington and Tehran”. HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah The lawmaker also for- It is time to call things by their names - to call a spade a spade - so the Health Minister Dr. Bassel Al-Hu- nation made by Imad Muhammad Abdul moud Al-Sabah on the health situation in Al Khaled Al Hamad Al Sabah chairs Rahman Al-Bahr for design, construction warded queries to Minister that blood is not lost between the canny interpretations. Monday’s Cabinet meeting. The truth of the main actor - Iran - should be highlighted, given that the country. and establishment of the Neurosurgery of Finance Khalifa Hamada The minister also pointed out that those Hospital Center project, next to the new about all the amounts of it engages in these negotiations with missiles and drones, attacks the and then decided the following: unarmed and the innocent in Saudi Arabia, and covers itself with the who received the coronavirus vaccine in Al-Sabah Hospital, whose value is esti- grants given to other coun- Kuwait has reached 322,000 so far. First: Assigning the Minister of State mated to be 10 million dinars, reports Al- tries from 1990 to 2020. He Houthi group, which we know is nothing more than a faded mask and The Cabinet called on all citizens and for National Assembly Affairs to coor- Qabas daily. no one falls for its deception anymore. residents to continue cooperation and dinate with the Ministry of Health to ex- The Council of Ministers thanked and requested for details such as The escalation that the Yemeni front is witnessing is one of the cy- commitment to health requirements and pedite the draft law amending some pro- appreciated this generous initiative for the amount granted to every cles of pressure exercised by the Tehran regime. We have to look at precautionary measures. visions of Law No. 8 of 1969 regarding the sublime values it embodies and brings country and the criteria ad- the “unknown” missile strikes against US installations in Iraq, as well Therefore, the Cabinet has studied preventive health precautions from com- together the Kuwaiti community in cohe- opted in distributing grants. as what Lebanon is witnessing in terms of aggravation that led to the the recommendations of the Ministerial municable diseases and consider it among sion and their keenness to give in the in- Meanwhile, National As- abyss, and the act of advocating Shia doctrine in Syria, all of which are Committee for COVID-19 Emergencies, the priorities. terest of the dear nation. sembly Speaker Marzouq Al- axes of fire and sabotage practised by Iran. Ghanim confirmed that he re- In this regard, condemnation and denunciation are no longer suf- ceived the grilling motion filed ficient. Today, whoever refuses to confront Iran will tomorrow find by MPs Badr Al-Dahoum and himself a victim of its atrocities. Muhammad Al-Mutair against Therefore, the Arab countries, particularly the Gulf states, are re- His Highness the Prime Minister quired to immunize themselves from this continuous aggression be- Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled. cause the Iranian persistence will not stop at the borders of its agree- ment with the United States. Agenda For 40 years now, the Mullahs regime has been seeking to impose Al-Ghanim disclosed that ac- its hegemony over the region. As it claimed, it considers the region as cording to Article 135 of the its backyard, something that it has been publicly speaking about day National Assembly Decree, HH and night. the Prime Minister has been in- As for the United States, which brags daily that it is the strategic ally formed about the grilling motion of Saudi Arabia and is committed to its protection and stability, it needs and it was included in the agenda to be firm in the face of Iranian arrogance. If Joe Biden’s administra- of the upcoming session. tion expects Tehran to positively reciprocate, then this administration Al-Dahoum and Al-Mutair is mistaken; in fact, it will be committing a major sin that history can- submitted the grilling motion, not forgive. which consists of one item – se- All that the Biden Administration need to do is to go back to the lective enforcement of the law, events that accompanied the negotiation of the defunct nuclear agree- after Minister of Interior Sheikh ment, and how the Revolutionary Guard was pressing with blood and Thamer Ali Al-Sabah decided to fire in all the squares allied to Washington to convince that the ag- refer 140 citizens, including 16 gression against Saudi Arabia was targeting its prestige and strategic MPs, to the Public Prosecution interests, not Ras Tanura or Dhahran. for violating health regulations In addition to all this, the world is required to protect its oil supplies when they attended the press and economic security. It must act by forming an international front conference held in the house of that works to defeat the aggressor with all available means, instead of Al-Dahoum to support him in the settling for condemnation and denouncation only. appeal filed against his parlia- All that is left to say is - It is naive to accept the Houthi interpretation mentary membership. that its factions were the ones that launched the ballistic missile at the In another development, MP oil fields at Ras Tanura, as this group does not have the capability that Marzouq Al-Khalifa submitted qualify it for that act. a proposal to allocate a health Rather, this missile was launched by an Iranian warship from the center for the expatriate work- sea. Therefore if things are not called by their names, Iran will continue ers, apart from Jahra Health with its blackmailing and hiding behind a tattered mask. Its terrorist Complex. He pointed out that demeanor will become a reality, wondering if the international com- the health complex which is munity will accept it. supposed to be allocated for the Email: [email protected] A protester covers her face with a scarf, as she blocks a main highway, during a protest in the town of Zouk Mosbeh, north residents of Old Jahra is always of Beirut, Lebanon, March 8. The dayslong protests intensified Monday amid a crash in the local currency, increase of con- crowded as a large number of Follow me on: sumer goods prices and political bickering between rival groups that has delayed the formation of a new government. (AP) expatriate workers are residing in various parts of Jahra Gover- norate. Coalition downs missile, drone MP Badr Al-Humaidi submit- [email protected] ted a proposal for public institu- tions and ministries concerned with national security and State sovereignty such as the Ministry US airs concern on Houthis of Interior, Ministry of Defense, Newswatch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, WASHINGTON, March 9, (Agencies): ment this evening. cility inside the Passports and Naturaliza- Amiri Diwan among others, to The United States has expressed concerns “Recent efforts of the International Com- tion Authority complex in Sanaa, which replace all expatriate employees, about the escalating Houthi attacks in munity to establish a conducive momentum is controlled by the rebels, when the fire except the support staff, with Ku- KUWAIT CITY: The home delivery service offered by the Public Au- Saudi Arabia. towards a political resolution of the conflict took place, the International Organization waitis within one year. thority for Civil Information (PACI) now for the fi rst time includes all “We continue to be alarmed by the fre- must not be undermined,” he said. for Migration said. The Legal and Legislative Af- – fi rst time registrants, new born babies and those who renew their IDs. quency of Houthi attacks on Saudi Ara- Further, the statement said the EU “is More than 170 migrants were injured, fairs Committee on Monday dis- The charge for the home delivery services according to the Kuwaitlo- bia. Escalating attacks like these are not following closely with concern Coalition including over 90 seriously, the IOM said. cussed a number of bills includ- cal.com portal is two dinars. the actions of a group that is serious about attacks on Sana’a.” At least eight people were announced ing the general amnesty proposal The following are the steps: Visit website https://delivery.paci.gov. peace. The attacks are unacceptable and “The EU continues to support and dead Sunday, but the actual death tall re- of MPs Hesham Al-Saleh, Ali kw/ and click on English at the left top corner, accept the terms and dangerous and put the lives of innocent work with the UN Special Envoy towards mained unconfirmed since IOM did not Al-Qattan and Adnan Abdulsa- conditions and click start. civilians at work, including Americans,” reaching a political solution, reviving the have access to injured migrants at hospi- Step 1: Procedure to Apply for Delivery service of CIVIL ID in mad. said White House spokeswoman Jen Psa- crippled Yemeni economy and providing tals, it said. Chairman of the committee PACI website assistance for the Yemeni people, who Step 2 - Select Old Civil ID Card is not available – this option can be ki in a press statement. “As many migrants are in critical con- MP Khalid Ayed Al-Anzi dis- used only for fi rst time registration or newborn; select nationality - Non She emphasized that the US will con- are suffering from the largest humanitar- dition, their health needs must be an ur- closed that they will summon the Kuwaiti; Reason – First Time registration or New Born tinue to work in close cooperation with the ian crisis in the world,” it added. gent priority. We are facing challenges representatives of the ministries Next enter the Civil ID number for those who renew their IDs, enter Saudis, given the threat that they are facing The U.N. migration agency on Mon- accessing the injured due to an increased of Interior and Justice to listen to passport number, enter all other details and click Add. on a frequent basis from these attacks. day urged Yemen’s Houthi rebels to al- security presence in the hospitals,” said their opinions about the above- ❑ ❑ ❑ “And we understand that they face low access to dozens of migrants injured Carmela Godeau, the agency’s regional mentioned proposal. genuine security threats from Yemen and in a fire at an overcrowded detention cen- director for the Middle East and North KUWAIT CITY: Kuwait on Sunday reported 1,326 new coronavirus others in the region,” she continued. ter in the capital. Africa region. Amnesty cases and six deaths, raising the total number of contamination cases to As a part of the US interagency pro- Some 900 migrants, most of them from A spokesman for the rebels was not im- He added the committee re- 201,898 and deaths to 1,133. cess, Psaki noted that the US will look for Ethiopia, were detained Sunday at a fa- mediately available to comment. jected the proposal of MP Adnan Number of patients who have been admitted to ICUs has reached ways to improve support for Saudi Ara- Despite its yearslong conflict, Yemen Abdulsamad to grant amnesty to 180, raising the total number of people still receiving medical care to bia’s ability to defend its territory against remains a transit point for tens of thou- those convicted of certain crimes 13,643, the Ministry of Health offi cial spokesperson Dr. Abdullah Al- threats sands of migrants desperate to find jobs as it was presented to the previ- Sanad told KUNA. “But I don’t have anything from that to as housekeepers, servants and construc- Ministry personnel conducted 9,215 swabs in the past 24 hours, rais- Saudi message to ous Assembly and it was rejected ing the total number of such examination to 1.859,578, he said, adding predict for you at this point in time,” she tion workers in Saudi Arabia. as per the opinions of the relevant that the infection proportion was 14.4 percent of the swabs in the past added. Qatar on solid ties A U.N. official estimated Sunday that institutions. 24 hours. (KUNA) Saudi Defense Ministry said that Saudi there were over 700 migrants at the cen- He said the committee ap- ❑ ❑ ❑ forces intercepted on Sunday a drone and DOHA, March 9, (KUNA): Qatari Amir ter, most of whom were arrested in the proved the bills on increasing a ballistic missile targeting a petroleum Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani re- northern province of Saada while trying the pension of retirees and re- DAMASCUS: Syrian President Bashar Assad and his wife have tested tank farm at Ras Tanura Port and Aramco ceived a verbal message from Saudi King to cross into Saudi Arabia. ferred them to the concerned positive for the coronavirus, the president’s offi ce said Monday, with residential area. Salman bin Abdulaziz related to the solid The cause of the fire, which broke out committee which will then sub- both having only mild symptoms of the illness. In a press statement aired by the Saudi and brotherly ties between the two countries, at a hangar near the main building of the mit a report in this regard to the In a statement, Assad’s offi ce said the fi rst couple did PCR tests after Press Agency, the coalition pointed that the Qatari news agency said on Monday. detention center, remined unclear, the Assembly. they experienced minor symptoms consistent with the COVID-19 ill- it has also shot down an explosive drone The message was relayed by the visiting IOM said. There were more than 350 He pointed out that the bills ness. It said Assad, 55, and his wife Asma, who is 10 years younger launched by the Houthis towards the Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin people in the hangar area at the time of are similar in terms of the idea of and announced her recovery from breast cancer in 2019, will continue southern region of Saudi Arabia earlier Farhan during a meeting with the Amir. the fire, it added. increasing the pension, but they to work from home where they will isolate between two to three weeks. today. The news agency added that the for- Some 138,000 migrants embarked on vary in terms of the proposed Both were in “good health and in stable condition,” it added. (AP) The Saudi-led coalition stressed that it the arduous journey from the Horn of Af- amount of increase and period of ❑ ❑ ❑ eign minister conveyed greetings from will respond to the Houthi attacks in line the monarch to the Amir and his good rica to Yemen in 2019, but this number granting the increase. WASHINGTON: Leading airline and business groups are asking the with international law. wishes for the people of Qatar.The Qatari decreased drastically to 37,000 last year He went on to say that the Biden administration to develop temporary credentials that would let On Sunday, Saudi Arabia derailed a Amir asked the guest to convey identical because of the coronavirus pandemic. committee also approved two travelers show they have been tested and vaccinated for COVID-19, a drone assault on oil reservoirs at Ras pleasantries to the king. Over 2,500 migrants reached Yemen bills on civil services in order to step that the airline industry believes will help revive travel. Tanura Port and a ballistic missile attack from Djibouti in January, according to organize the advertisements for Various groups and countries are working on developing so-called on a residential compound of workers Also: IOM. public sector vacancies, indicat- vaccine passports aimed at allowing more travel. But airlines fear that of the country’s energy giant Aramco in RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Moham- Arab League Secretary General Ah- ing the priority for recruitment a smattering of regional credentials will cause confusion and none will Dhahran city. mad bin Salman bin Abdulaziz al- mad Abul-Gheit on Monday renewed will be as follows: citizens first, be widely accepted. The European Union Monday con- Saud, on Monday held talks with Jorda- condemnation of Houthi militias’ attacks followed by children of Kuwaiti “It is crucial to establish uniform guidance” and “the US must be a demned the latest missile and drone at- nian King Abdullah II that focused on on Saudi Arabia, warning that the Yeme- women married to non-Kuwaitis, leader in this development,” more than two dozen groups said in a letter tacks on the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia several Arab and regional causes and the ni militias were trying to hamper crude oil Bedouns, other GCC citizens and Monday to White House coronavirus-response coordinator Jeff Zients. claimed by Houthis. efforts exerted to resolve them. supplies to the world market. other nationalities. However, the groups said that vaccination should not be a requirement “Attacks against civilians are unac- According to Saudi Press Agency “Houthi escalations have targeted the He added the committee dis- for domestic or international travel. ceptable. The European Union urges all (SPA), the two leaders have also mulled largest oil shipping port in the world en- cussed the bill on housing wel- The groups include the main US and international airline trade or- parties to the conflict in Yemen to agree bilateral relations and cooperation as well dangering oil supplies” to the world mar- fare, which is aimed at specifying ganizations, airline labor unions and the US Chamber of Commerce. as means to enhance this cooperation to The White House did not immediately comment. (AP) on a ceasefire without delay,” said the EU ket, Abul-Gheit said alluding to some of the installments for houses based lead spokesperson for foreign affairs and serve both nations and achieve their mu- the latest attacks launched by the militia- on a certain percentage of the security policy, Peter Stano, in a state- tual interests. men, entrenched in neighboring Yemen. salaries of beneficiaries. ARAB TIMES, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 2

UAE national and Olympic hopeful Mohammad Hassan has had a whole new world opened up to him following surgery to remove his colon at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, an integral part of Mubadala Health, effectively curing his ulcerative colitis. Athlete chases Olympic dream Emirati surfer rides wave toward recovery AE national and Olympic hopeful Mohammad Hassan has had a whole Unew world opened up to him following surgery to remove his colon at Urgent message for community Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, an integral part of Mubadala Health, effectively curing his ulcerative colitis. With his colon removed, the 33- year-old professional surfer now passes solid waste through a stoma in his abdomen that connects to a waterproof 35-year-old survives twin cancer battle pouch called an ostomy bag. When full, he is able to disconnect the pouch and empty it into the toilet. During his recovery, Mohammad was keen to rebuild his strength and confi dence to show the world that he could still lead an ac- painful swelling in his neck led to an Abu someone so young. After discussion with his on- insisted I only consider robotic surgery as it is tive life. He participated in the Dubai Fitness Challenge 2020, playing thirty ADhabi resident being diagnosed with two cologist, we designed an integrated treatment plan minimally invasive and has a much faster recovery different sports in thirty days to prove that his ostomy bag wouldn’t hold him separate forms of cancer at the same time, a rare for both cancers,” explains Dr. Shafik Sidani, a time. After my experience with chemotherapy and back from his athletic career. occurrence that saw him enter a battle with the dis- colorectal surgeon at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, radiation, that appealed to me greatly. Happily, Dr “The last few months have been a real rollercoaster for me. When I fi rst ease that would take 15 months to beat. an integral part of Mubadala Health. Sidani agreed it would be the best approach for heard I needed surgery, I thought I might have to give up playing sports. Now, It was in April 2019 that Sajjad (not his real The PET scan and an MRI revealed that the can- my needs.” I want to show people there are plenty of sports you can join, no matter your name), a 35-year-old oil worker in Abu Dhabi, cer involved a lymph node near the rectum. An en- Following his successful surgery, Sajjad used a ability level. I played underwater hockey, golf and even went freediving. No noticed a painful swelling at the base of his neck. dorectal ultrasound guided biopsy showed that the temporary ostomy bag while he recovered. After a matter what, you can play any sport you want — even with a stoma,” says Despite taking anti-inflammatory medication, he cells were specifically rectal cancer and not related final round of chemotherapy, Sajjad in now cancer Mohammad. saw no improvement over the following weeks. As to his lymphoma, meaning the cancer had begun free, his ileostomy bag has been reversed, and he Diagnosed with ulcerative colitis fi fteen years ago, Mohammad has been a result, his doctor suggested that he get a biopsy to spread. Sajjad’s care team opted to begin with is able to focus on his family and future. an athlete for most of his life. He began his career playing for Dubai Football of the area. chemotherapy to treat his lymphoma followed by a “When you go through an experience like this, Club before turning to rugby, where he joined the UAE national team and rep- “When I went back to my doctor complaining combined course of radiation therapy for both the it makes you reflect on what’s really important. resented the country in Rugby Sevens. However, his bowel condition forced there hadn’t been an improvement, he told me lymphoma and rectal cancer. I’m definitely trying to live a healthier life now, him to give up the game he loved, setting him on an entirely new path. the chances my swelling was anything serious “Balancing the stress of the illness, the side ef- avoiding junk food and getting more exercise. My A chronic condition that involves infl ammation of the gut, the most com- were low but that it was best to rule it out. Look- fects from the treatment as well as my work and message to the community is to do everything you mon symptoms of the disease include abdominal pain, recurrent or bloody ing back, I could never have imagined that I’d be family seemed an almost impossible task. It was a can to protect yourself – get screened and keep on diarrhea, weight loss, and fatigue. Most patients are able to control their con- diagnosed with not one but two different types of really difficult time. I have a young family and the top of your health,” concludes Sajjad. dition with medication. However, in Mohammad’s case, medications failed to cancer,” explains Sajjad. treatments really make you feel terrible. Just as I felt “Sajjad was really a champion through his reduce his symptoms despite having visited doctors all over the world. The results of Sajjad’s biopsy indicated he had I was getting over the side effects it would be time whole journey. His diagnosis could have been “I was struggling a lot. My colitis wasn’t under control at all and I was non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of blood cancer. for the next session,” explains Sajjad. “However, crushing but he faced up to it and made a fantastic going to the bathroom 15 to 20 times a day. I had to stop playing rugby Given his diagnosis, his care team ordered a full the support I received from the team at Cleveland recovery. His lymphoma diagnosis is what led to because I would need to leave the field and let my team down during body PET scan to ensure the cancer hadn’t spread Clinic Abu Dhabi helped pull me through.” his cancer being spotted, which is maybe a silver games. My condition really controlled my life, I had to plan everything I to other parts of his body. While the scan showed After his chemotherapy and radiation treatments lining in all this. By catching it early, Sajjad had did around having a toilet nearby. There were so many things I couldn’t it hadn’t spread, it also showed an area of cancer- were complete, Sajjad’s lymphoma appeared to be a much better chance of making the recovery he do,” says Mohammad. ous cells in Sajjad’s rectum, indicating he was also in remission. His care team then moved to the final did,” concludes Dr. Sidani. After stepping away from rugby, Mohammad found a new passion — surf- suffering from colorectal cancer. stage of treatment for his rectal cancer, a surgery Physicians recommend that people begin reg- ing. He has travelled the world competing in the World Surfi ng League and “When Sajjad’s PET scan came back, there was to remove his rectum along with the lymph node ular screening for colon cancer at the age of 40 recently moved back to the UAE with his eyes set on representing his nation an area that lit up, incidental to the lymphoma. that they had previously identified. in the UAE. People at higher risk should begin at the Tokyo Games. A friend who also suffers from ulcerative colitis sug- Follow-up tests including a colonoscopy con- “My sister is a doctor in the United States, and screening at a younger age. Anyone who develops gested that Mohammad visit Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi to fi nally manage firmed we were dealing with both rectal cancer and she followed every step of my treatment very symptoms should consult their doctor as soon as his condition. lymphoma, which is extremely rare, especially in closely. When it came time for my surgery, she possible, no matter their age. Upon visiting the hospital, Mohammad’s care team recommended a colon- oscopy to monitor his colon for signs of cancer. Patients with ulcerative colitis are at a higher risk of developing the disease, particularly if their condition the toilet normally again. these things before because I always had to be near a restroom. I’ve been quite isn’t under control. “Because we did his fi rst surgery minimally invasively, Mohammad was emotional taking in this newfound freedom,” says Mohammad. “During routine follow-up for a patient with ulcerative colitis, a colon- able to fl y through his hospital stay and get back to his life very quickly. The As he continues to recover, Mohammad is planning his return to surfi ng and oscopy revealed pre-cancerous cells in Mohammad’s colon. After examin- next thing we hear from him is that he’s taking on this sports challenge. It’s his road to the Tokyo Olympics. As he gets used to living with a stoma, he is ing the results, we discussed Mohammad’s case in a multidisciplinary team really amazing; patients are usually very reluctant to get a stoma and here’s keen to push himself to his limit to rebuild his strength and confi dence. His meeting that included surgeons, pathologists and other colleagues to explore Mohammad proving not only can you live a normal life with one, but pushing next opportunity will come at an international surfi ng competition in South all possible treatment options. During the meeting, it was established that he his athletic boundaries. It’s inspiring,” says Dr. Shafi k Sidani, the colorectal America. should be referred for a total colectomy. In addition to stopping the cancer in surgeon who performed the surgery at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. “Not long ago, I was surfi ng 55-foot waves in Portugal. Now, here I am its tracks, this would effectively cure his colitis, eliminating his symptoms,” Since the surgery, Mohammad has found a new sense of freedom. No long- playing ice hockey, and going diving to see just how far I can go with the says Dr. Zaher Koutoubi, a Consultant Gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic er forced to plan his activities around the availability of toilet facilities, he is stoma. Adapting to the bag wasn’t easy but I’ve been able to lay on my board Abu Dhabi. doing things for the fi rst time that many people take for granted. and get back to surfi ng. I was hesitant to do it with my stoma but that fear was Following his surgery, Mohammad’s care team taught him how to use and “To be honest, I wish I’d done this surgery a long time ago. My life has all in my head. After my surgery, I want to push my surfi ng to the next level. care for his stoma and ostomy bag while he recovers. Doctors plan two more changed completely. Yes, I am adapting to life with a bag now but there are I’ve done 55-foot waves and I’m going to go bigger. At the moment there are surgeries to restore his bowel function by constructing a ‘j-pouch’ that will so many things I can do now I never did before. I had a coffee while going minimal waves in the UAE but I want to be ready for when the fi rst swells eliminate Mohammad’s need for a stoma or ostomy bag, allowing him to use for a walk, I’ve gone on a long bike ride and even for a hike. I’d never done hit,” concludes Mohammad.

editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 3

Weather Expected weather for the next with light to moderate north west- Bubyan - - Prayer Timings 24 hours: erly wind to light variable wind Jahra 31 14 Fajr ...... 04:47 Asr ...... 15:21 By Day: Warm with light vari- with speeds of 06-30 km/h. Failaka Island - - able wind to light to moderate Salmiyah 24 17 Sunrise .. 06:05 Maghrib .. 17:52 Station Max Exp Min Rec Zohr ...... 11:59 Isha ...... 19:09 north westerly wind with speeds Ahmadi 23 17 of 08-30 km/h and some scat- Kuwait City 29 16 Nuwaisib 29 15 tered clouds will appear. Kuwait Airport 29 11 Wafra 32 12 By Night: Rather cold to cold Abdaly 31 11 Salmy 32 14

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

Photo by Bassam Abu Shanab A never-ending line of cars on the Fourth Ring Road. Walking to home faster ... traffi c chaos ‘unbearable’ Kuwait bourse extends gains

For the second day in a row, a suffocating the roads to beat the congestion, a scene that their way home from their work areas in the congestion, traffi c jam and fl ared tempers prevailed in all major roads of Kuwait, reports Capital and Shuwaikh to residential areas in after shaky start , volume up culminated in some motorists resorting to ac- Al-Seyassah daily. Salmiya, Hawalli, Farwaniya, Khaitan and By John Mathews robatics, especially those driving four-wheels It was a case of ‘all hell let loose’ and the Jleeb, and many were able to get to their UUS$/KDS$/KD who climbed the footpaths and midsection of survivors of this hell are those who walked homes faster than the motorists. Arab Times Staff ▲ 0.30235/450.30235/45 KUWAIT CITY, March 9: Kuwait stocks ▲ Euro/KD 0.3602 swung higher on Tuesday extending its gains to third straight session. The All ■ Yen/KD 0.0028 Shares Index, after a shaky start, climbed Co-ops struggle to deliver goods 32.59 points to 5,733.61 pts – led mostly ▲ British £/KD 0.4205 by heavyweights – even as the trading floor sentiment turned upbeat. ■ Indian Rs/KD 0.0041 The Premier Market sprinted 36.45 Lack of ‘barcodes’ hampers societies’ role points to 6,268.52 pts while Main ■ Philippines Peso/KD 0.0062 Market scaled 24.64 points. The BK Main 50 was up 26.34 points at 4,862.79 ▲ FTSE KUWAIT CITY, March 9: With the implementation had limited the role of cooperative societies during that pts. The volume turnover meanwhile +22.56 pts at 13:05 hrs March 8 of the decision related to partial curfew, questions are period to delivery service only, reports Al-Qabas daily. saw a modest rebound. Over 240 million ▲ Nikkei being raised about the ability of cooperative societies to Given the importance of the role that the cooperative societies play shares changed hands – a 8.5 percent rise +284.69 pts at closing March 8 with their vast network of branches spread in every part of Kuwait in from the day before. deliver goods to its customers during the curfew hours The sectors closed mostly in green normal conditions, this role is expected to face several problems dur- turf. Technology outshone the rest with ▼ Gold 1694.45 per oz (London) in accordance with the decision of the Cabinet, which ing the curfew period, especially with the exclusion of the issuance 7 percent jump whereas Consumer Goods of “barcodes”, a facility that was activated during the shed 0.86 percent, the worst performer of ▼ NYMEX crude $65.41 per barrel previous curfew periods. the day. Volume wise, Financial Services Questions related to the full implementation of their mis- continued to top with 90.5 million shares ▼ Brent crude $68.68 per barrel sion within 12 hours extending from 5:00 pm to 5:00 am while Banking sector dominated in value are concerning the extent to which the cooperative societies with KD 21.69 million. LIBOR rate 0.18538% have the necessary means to meet the demand, especially since this period witnesses an increase in consumption par- Gains ticularly among the youth. This requires the availability of Among the standout performers, sector International Financial Advisors topped the a suffi cient number of drivers to deliver the orders in an bellwether National Bank of Kuwait ral- volume with 23.3 million shares. acceptable time. There must be an appropriate number of lied 5 fils to 847 fils on back of over 6 Reflecting the day’s gains, the market cars and motorcycles to be used for this purpose, as well as million shares and Kuwait Finance House spread was skewed towards the winners. 87 an appropriate payment mechanism suitable for everyone. paced 8 fils after pushing 8.7 million stocks advanced whereas 36 closed lower. shares. Mabanee Co darted 19 fils to 725 Of the 141 counters active on Tuesday, 36 Affi rmed fils taking the year-to-date gains to 68 fils closed flat. 10.028 deals worth KD 46.9 A member of the board of directors of the Union of Con- while National Investment Co added 4 million were transacted during the session. sumer Cooperative Societies and Head of the Media Com- fils to close at 166 fils. In the banking sector, Gulf Bank stood pat mittee in the union Salah Al-Azmi affi rmed that the union Zain was unchanged at 617 fils after at 219 fils with brisk trading and Burgan is pushing for the activation of the barcode facility like last moving 7.4 million shares whereas Bank too did not budge from its earlier year. Ooredoo was up 3 fils at 659 fils. stc close of 223 fils. Boubyan Bank added 3 He explained that most cooperative societies do not have eased 1 fil to 912 fils whereas Agility fils and Kuwait International Bank dialed suffi cient numbers of people to deliver the orders. They closed 4 fils in green with a volume of up 1 fil. cannot contract with companies that take on this task dur- over 2 million. Humansoft Holding Trimmed ing the month of the curfew. The matter was assigned to slipped 5 fils to KD 3.695 whereas them in a hurry without studying their ability to implement. Boursa Kuwait Securities paced 5 fils. Ahli United Bank BSC trimmed 1 fil The cooperative societies have previous experience in Integrated Holding gained 10 fils and after pushing 5.5 million shares whereas Photo by Bassam Abu Shanab delivery during the time of the total lockdown. They had Aznour dialed up 2 fils before ending at Warba Bank gained 5 fils. Commercial A policeman manning a checkpoint checks the curfew pass of a motorist. Curfew faced many problems during the implementation, perhaps 259 fils. NAPESCO slid 29 fils to 885 fils Bank was unchanged at 500 fils with thin has been imposed in Kuwait from 5 pm to 5 am to prevent the spread of coronavirus. the most important of which was related to the delivery volume while Al Ahli Bank took in 2 fils. of frozen and chilled goods and the refusal of customers and YIACO Medical extended last ses- sion’s drop with a 33 fils fall to 630 fils. Ahli United Bank Kuwait closed 3 fils in to receive them upon their arrival, as well as the presence green. of dozens of types and fl avors of one commodity, and the The market opened firm and edged ‘Rehabilitation plans continue’ higher in early trade. The main index National Industries Group and Al problems that ensued in case of ambiguity in the consum- Qurain Petrochemical Co took in 1 fil er’s order. moved sideways before heading north amid buying spurt in some of the coun- each whereas Gulf Cable tripped 1 fil to Al-Azmi revealed that a company had donated cars to the settle at 864 fils. Boubyan Petrochemical cooperative societies to be used for delivering orders in the ters and drifted listlessly past the mid- ‘Increase combat readiness’ session. It revved up again in the final Co paced 4 fils. Jazeera Airways took in previous stage; however, this facility is not available now. 1 fil and ALAFCO gave up 2 fils to end KUWAIT CITY, March 9, (KUNA): tions. He indicated that the union and the cooperative societies minutes to close with moderate gains. Deputy Chief of Kuwait National Guard In the fi eld of Al-Samoud, he was Top gainer of the day, Sanam Real Estate at 200 fils. The market has been buoyant are studying the establishment of a department for delivery so far during the week rallying 80 points (KNG) Lieutenant General Sheikh Ah- briefed on the weapons and equipment services in the future, affi rming that the cooperative socie- spiked 26.55 pct to 34.8 fils and Al Deera mad Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- used in preventive inspection and the ties have the experience that would enable them to launch Holding sprinted 12.39 percent to stand in last three sessions. It has gained 76 Sabah toured Al-Samoud camp and detection of explosives, on which human delivery service, but the barcode booking system is much next. Fujairah Cement skidded 10.36 pct, points from start of the month and is up inspected several units, underlining the personnel are trained to master the opera- easier and better at present. the steepest decliner of the day and 160 points year-to-date. continuation of rehabilitation plans and tions during the performance of their du- increasing combat ties in guarding vital sites. readiness of KNG In the Training Directorate, he inspected forces to always be the National Guard Training Institute and 6,000 securitymen out ready to protect the listened to a briefi ng on the command and country’s capabili- junior staff course, its curricula and stages, ties. stressing the interest in rehabilitation and to ‘implement’ curfew KNG said in a press training processes and refi ning the experi- statement Monday that ences of National Guard personnel. KUWAIT CITY, March 9: About 6,000 security person- Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf He also toured the guests’ sleep and the nel from various sectors in the Ministry of Interior are was received upon his health club and looked at the available deployed in all governorates to cover areas, streets, main arrival by the Com- services, commending the organization and ring roads starting from 4:00 pm in order to implement mander of Protection Sheikh Nawaf of these important facilities and the ser- partial curfew which starts at 5:00 pm and ends at 5:00 am, and Reinforcement vices they provide that contribute to the reports Al-Qabas quoting security sources. of KNG Brigadier General Hamad Salem comfort of the members and guests of the Sources affi rmed the security personnel have been given Ahmad, who provided a briefi ng on the du- National Guard. strict instructions to avoid complacency in implementing ties of the task force during the period of KNG’s Deputy Chief concluded the the Cabinet’s decision and refer violators to the concerned partial ban in protecting state facilities and tour with a visit to the music branch, authority. supporting the Ministry of Interior in emer- where he listened to one of the training Sources said the security directors of the six governo- gency situations. sections of KNG members, stressing the rates, their assistants and district leaders are following up KNG’s Deputy Chief listened to a brief- excellence of the National Guard’s music the implementation of the curfew. ing in the Directorate of Combat Support, in national forums. Meanwhile, the Public Prosecution has received a report which included a visual presentation on The leaders directed efforts to sharpen from the Ministry of Interior for legal measures to be taken the combat support units, the operations the expertise and skills of its associates, against those who took part in the symposium organized by they carry out, human resources and ad- underscoring that the National Guard, Attorney Badr Al-Dahoum, reports Al-Anba daily. vanced equipment that contribute to the since the start of its march under the lead- The symposium participants are accused of violating the implementation of security and military ership of His Highness Sheikh Salem Al- health rules and regulations which have been put in place tasks to the fullest. Ali Al-Sabah, has made use of all capa- by the Ministry of Health to confront and contain the spread Sheikh Ahmad Nawaf went to the Al- bilities necessary to advance the human of the COVID-19 virus. They are also charged with violat- Samoud camp, where he listened to an element as it is the pillar of the desired ing the law related to combating communicable diseases. explanation about the modern mecha- development and to ensure success in The Public Prosecution is expected to send a request to nisms and weapons of the Reinforcement achieving the great goal of maintaining the National Assembly to lift the parliamentary immunity Brigade and the Internal Security Brigade the security of the homeland and protect- of the MPs who attended the symposium so that summons in KNG and their use in special opera- ing its capabilities. can be issued to them for interrogation. ARAB TIMES, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 LOCAL 4

‘This is our only source of income’ Airport taxi drivers in dilemma due to current circumstances KUWAIT CITY, March 9: Owners of passengers. Besides waiting for long fi nd themselves in real trouble as a re- This is what the COVID-19 crisis said, “This situation is causing a big Sayel Al-Otaibi said, “Taxi owners airport taxis are facing a diffi cult reality hours without any benefi t, the support sult of the lack of arriving or departing has left behind. We hope that the crisis problem for us, because the planes are need some kind of attention, support as a result of the prolonged ban on the and motivation by the concerned au- passengers. will pass, and life will return to normal. returning empty without passengers... and motivation from the state, consid- entry of non-Kuwaitis and the imposing thorities are absent. They sit for long The daily met a number of them, and This situation is very diffi cult, and we there is no one, and the airport seems as ering we are citizens and most of us of institutional quarantine on citizens. hours waiting for a customer, and end listened to their concerns and problems. need initiatives and solutions from other though it is closed”. have limited incomes”. The return of planes to Kuwait Interna- up spending their time talking and One of the airport taxi drivers Tur- parties to maintain the airport taxi busi- He demanded that the hotel reserva- In addition, Faihan Al-Otaibi said the tional Airport with very few passengers drinking coffee or tea, with the hope ki Al-Otaibi said, “From early in the ness, which is facing a diffi cult situation, tion should include taxi reservation in concerns of the airport taxi drivers are has prompted the taxi owners to raise of entertaining themselves, instead of morning, I wait in front of the airport especially since all employees are citi- support of the airport taxi owners, “in- many, and they have increased after the the “white fl ag”, reports Al-Rai daily. boredom or frustration. entrance to secure a passenger to trans- zens and have families. For some of us, stead of renting a bus in which health circumstances imposed by the COV- The problems faced by airport taxi While the taxi drivers are able to port at least to his home, but the closure this is our only source of income”. measures are absent. Such a step would ID-19 pandemic, despite them preserv- owners are not limited to the lack of withstand driving long distances, they has affected us. Another taxi driver Nasser Bo Bader support us economically”. ing the conditions and regulations. Oil sector ‘renews’ contract of 300 expatriate engineers Jobs with technical, rare skills not available in local market

KUWAIT CITY, ‘Totally committed to rules and regulations’ March 9: The con- tracts of about 300 Health club owners praise decision to reopen expatriate engineers in the oil sector were Photo by Rizk Taufi q By Najeh Bilal renewed recently, Minister Dr Basil Al-Sabah receives a shield from Ali Al-Fahd. Al-Seyassah Staff most of them are Mishref co-op honors health minister KUWAIT CITY, March 9: A num- working in Kuwait ber of health club owners and work- National Petroleum Minister of Health, Dr Basil Al-Sabah, Moving it to its new location will help ers expressed their satisfaction with received in his offi ce the Chairman of accommodate more visitors and allow the decision to reopen these facilities, Company (KNPC), the Board of Directors of the Mishref more car parking space. He thanked the considering the decision as ‘a kiss of reports Al-Anba Cooperative Society, Ali Al-Fahd, who minister for not hesitation to the request life’ that saved their last breath after daily quoting relia- thanked the minister on behalf of the of the cooperative. the closure decision infl icted heavy management of the cooperative and “Al-Sabah approved the associa- losses and pushed them almost into ble sources from the people of the region for agreeing to ren- tion’s request and we thank him for his bankruptcy. oil sector. ovate and transfer the Mishref Health kind cooperation. We also submitted The owners told the daily they are Sources disclosed the Clinic to the new location, reports Al- a request to vaccinate the employees totally committed to the rules and regu- Seyassah daily. of the Mishref Cooperative Society, in reasons that KNPC and Al-Fahd said in a statement the es- order to avoid the spread of the virus lations of public hygiene and precau- its subsidiaries gave to tionary measures, and will not allow tablishment of such a health center with and the importance of receiving vacci- the regulatory and legis- its new health services and specialized nations for cooperative employees for anyone to enter the premises unless clinics was one of the most important their direct interaction with shoppers the person wears a face mask and af- lative authorities for the renewal of these expatri- necessities for a large segment of the and for their important role in food se- ter ensuring the person’s temperature region’s people. curity. is normal. ates’ contracts are that The owners added, the clubs contrib- their jobs require techni- ute to protecting society from the re- cal and rare skills, and percussions of infection with the virus that professionals with because sports are one of the important Photo by Bassam Abu Shanab their level of expertise is means to strengthen the immune sys- A few people seen inside one of the gyms on the fi rst day of the opening. not available in the local tem. market; while they are Kuwaiti, Saud Al-Kandari speak- close health clubs some time ago and were forced to pull down the shutters ing to the daily said he welcomes the rued his inability to exercise, which and the accumulated rents added to also needed for the trans- decision to resume activity in health led to him gaining weight somewhat, their woes. fer of their expertise by clubs, so that he can practice sports but reopening them was like a return of Adel Al-Ibrahim, a health club own- training Kuwaiti workers again after he was deprived of it for a the soul to the participants, especially er, pointed out the decision to allow in the oil sector. long time, especially since health clubs as exercise strengthens the body’s im- health clubs to practice their business According to data make a person remain committed to munity. was 100 percent correct, as the own- obtained by the daily, the practicing the sports under the supervi- The offi cial in one of the health ers have already suffered heavy losses, number of expatriate engi- sion of specialized trainers. clubs, Muhammad Badr, said health because in some cases the rent of the neers whose contracts Another Kuwaiti said he was aston- clubs in Kuwait suffered heavy losses health club is not less than 5,000 dinars were renewed are as fol- ished when the decision was taken to during the closure period, because they on an average. lows: Kuwait Oil Company (KOC) – 22 engineers with a combined technical experience ranging from 25 to 38 years, most of Photo by Sameer Shiqer them from India (16 engi- One of the empty streets after the start of the curfew timing. neers), and the rest are from Egypt, Canada and Kuwait streets wear deserted look Indonesia. Experience On the fi rst day of the curfew which ID-19 pandemic. KNPC – 241 engineers went into effect Sunday, March 7, from Calm and tranquility reigned on all the with a total level of experi- 5:00 pm until 5:00 am the streets of Ku- streets of the country, with the exception ence and technical exper- wait wore a deserted look as everyone of 21 people who violated the decision – tise of up to 35 years in the showed their commitment to abide by 15 Kuwaitis and 6 non-Kuwaitis – in fi ve the instructions issued by the govern- governorates, while the Farwaniya did fields of project coordina- ment to contain the spread of the COV- not report any breaches. tion, precision machinery maintenance, general maintenance, manufactur- ‘Vaccines effective and safe’ ing, services and opera- tions. Most of these pro- fessionals are from India. ‘Health situation not reassuring ... Petrochemical Industry Company (PIC) – 20 engi- neers with practical expe- cases expected to hit 2,000 daily’ rience of up to 36 years in chemical, electrical and KUWAIT CITY, March 9: The number asserting the pace of vaccination is likely to civil engineering special- of corona cases in the country will not de- increase with the arrival of additional quan- izations. Majority of them crease anytime soon as the infection curve tities of Oxford vaccine this month. are from India (15 engi- is expected to continue to rise and reach Regarding the possible continuation of neers) and the rest are 2,000 new cases daily, reports Al-Qabas the rising infection rate despite the vaccina- from Egypt and Jordan. daily quoting sources from the government tion of more people, sources confi rmed that Kuwait Petroleum sector. the vaccines are effective and safe. They International (KPI) – only Sources said the health situation in the explained that the effectiveness of vaccines country is not reassuring; hence, the need in the human body can be felt within a pe- one manufacturing perfor- for everyone to take the highest level of riod ranging from 14 to 21 days after the mance engineer with 35 precaution, adhere to health regulations, fi rst dose, and in greater proportion after the years experience in chemi- practice social distancing, prevent gather- second dose. cal engineering and he is ings and wear masks all the time. They also Sources added the increase in infection an Indian. emphasized the need to vaccinate everyone rate is not due to the speed of vaccination; Kuwait Gulf Oil against corona. as the causes include non-compliance with Company (KGOC) – seven Sources indicated that the high rate of health regulations and continuation of gath- engineers (main office and vaccination and strict compliance with erings. Sources pointed out that gatherings joint operations) with health regulations will gradually reduce the and contact with other people may decrease experience ranging from rate of infection, provided the appropriate signifi cantly once the partial curfew is im- 16 to 35 years in reservoir quantities of vaccines reach the country in posed starting Sunday. engineering, planning, succession. Sources went on to say that the spread petroleum, geophysical Sources said the increase in vaccination of the virus in some countries could be due and geological operations. rate among various groups will have posi- to the emergence of new strains. Sources Four of them are from tive repercussions in terms of the number confi rmed the ministry is closely monitor- infections and deaths recorded in the coun- ing developments regarding the epidemic India and the rest Sudan, try. locally and internationally, asserting it is Australia and Egypt. Sources added the Ministry of Health has taking a number of preventive measures to Kuwaiti Integrated managed to vaccinate more than 297,000 ensure that the new strains of the virus will Petroleum Industries people so far – 6.9 percent of the population; not reach the country. Company (KIPIC) – nine engineers with more than 28 years of experience. In addition, sources said Package of decisions to ensure safety the oil sector cannot ignore the expertise and skills of the diplomatic missions’ members required by these jobs as they are necessary for the KUWAIT CITY, March 9: The Ministry of cular number 18 dated 20/2/2021, we in- operating procedures in Foreign Affairs, represented by the Protocol form you the following: modern oil installations Affairs Department, recently issued a circu- 1. Imposing partial curfew in the country such as production and lar to all diplomatic missions and interna- from 5:00 pm to 5:00 am on March 7, 2021 refining projects. This tional and regional organizations in Kuwait, until April 8, 2021. vital sector constitutes 90 reports Al-Rai daily. 2. Heads and members of diplomatic mis- percent of the country’s The circular states that in addition to sions, who hold valid diplomatic IDs issued revenues; hence, it is nec- the ministry’s directives regarding health by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, are ex- and preventive measures related to the empted from curfew in order to carry out of- essary to seek the help of COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of For- fi cial, necessary and minimal duties. those with such expertise eign Affairs would like to inform that the 3. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls and competence regardless Council of Ministers, in its meeting held on all members of diplomatic missions in of their nationalities and on Thursday, issued a package of decisions the country, who hold diplomatic IDs, to despite the calls for that must be followed in order to ensure the cooperate with the security authorities, in- Kuwaitization in this field safety of the members of diplomatic mis- cluding those assigned, in checkpoints if – replacing expats with sions affi liated to Kuwait and their family they request for the presentation of the dip- Kuwaitis or restricting members. lomatic identifi cation card in order to verify jobs to citizens only. The ministry said that in addition to cir- the identity of the holder. ARAB TIMES, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 LOCAL 5 REMEMBER WHEN

The local souks Near the grain market stood the til sunset. Although the souks then fi rewood market which was im- became deserted, the shops were portant since gas burners were not well-guarded. Photograph courtesy very common in the houses of Ku- To wander through the souks was of The Center for Re- wait then. These coolies are wait- a pleasure for a visitor to the old city. ing in anticipation for a buyer to He would enjoy walking through the search and Studies on hire them to carry a load of palm narrow and covered markets teem- Kuwait and the work tree fronds. ing with activity. He would pass by Kuwait’s traditional markets, or a group of bedouins from the desert of Dr Yacoub Al- souks, were an integral part of the sitting near an arms shop waiting pa- Hijji in the book Old- old city. Souks were colorful and tiently for their guns to be repaired, diverse, some being highly special- or hear a group of women bargain- Kuwait: Memories ized. They were the meeting place ing with a textile vendor, or watch in Photographs fi rst of merchants, men, women and the an old man waiting calmly for his published in 1996. people of the desert. After a light turn to get a free cup of fresh wa- breakfast and a cup of coffee, shop- ter from an earthen jar provided keepers left their homes and headed by a wealthy citizen. These were for the souk. They stayed in their but a few interesting sights the old shops buying, selling and receiving souk had to offer before modernity friends until noon when they went changed the spirit of the souk and home for lunch and the noon siesta. hastened the disappearance of most In the afternoon they returned to of them. (From the book ‘Old Ku- their shops where they stayed un- wait: Memories in Photographs’) Courtesy of The Center for Research and Studies on Kuwait

© N.M.M. diwaniya A DIGEST OF PUBLIC OPINION How will you curb corona when markets crowded from 5 to 5? “WHEN an epidemic breaks out in any country or town it is a known fact that ration of ‘Education’ from ‘Higher Education’, and two new ministries, namely columnist Waleed Ibrahim Al-Ahmad wrote for Al-Rai daily. no one is allowed to leave the country or enter – unless strictly necessary like in ‘Integrity Matters’ and ‘Communications and Information Technology Affairs’ “I do understand the anger of citizens over the current curfew because, as the case of treatments – to protect the citizens of that country or town,” colum- and the subsequent changes in the names that we hope will achieve the desired per their perspective, the government wants to make them lose and wants to nist Mohammad Al-Juma’a wrote for Al-Rai daily. goals,” columnist Issa Abu Tafrah wrote for Al-Anba daily. attack their businesses. However, they are the same people who ignored the “Before the government’s decision to impose a partial curfew, news spread “Whatever the number of ministries and ministers and the names they bear, how- application of the laws and measures in terms of gatherings and were reckless in the social media that there would be a curfew from fi ve in the evening to fi ve ever, work and achievement are what the citizens are waiting for. People are sick and in dealing with this situation. in the morning – days before the decision was issued – and this is clear evi- tired of the lack of cooperation between the two authorities and the bad and fl abby “Nevertheless, I cannot accept the anger of the MPs who are specialized dence that the decisions are issued by the street. It also conditions we have reached in most areas, which the government says is due to a only in pouring out their anger on the government, particularly the Minister of indicates two things , either the decision-maker provided lack of parliamentary cooperation and the deputies, describe it as a failure. Health because of the implementation of the curfew. They choose not to blame information to one of the tweeters close to him, or the “The government sometimes or because of corruption in some ministries or the citizens who were negligent and ignored the government’s instructions and government takes its decisions from social media and agencies, and in the end the citizen is the victim and the delay in development health requirements before the curfew. They used to set up banquets, weddings, the popular street, meaning that in both cases there is and the infl uence of the people of the nation, regardless of their ages and levels, and parties, showing indifference and lack of responsibility towards what is neither study nor planning. negatively and frighteningly, especially after what we hear and see from fearful happening to the country. “The partial ban is a disruption of economic and so- statements full of frustration and despair, such as the inability to pay salaries “In summary, the government is required to implement its deterrent laws fi rst cial interests, and it is a method adopted by the helpless. and resorting to the Future Generations Fund. before considering the curfew. Also, our MPs are required to have some logic Either the government takes the correct, deliberate deci- “In addition to what we see in terms of direct and indirect taxes and an un- and not take advantage of the current circumstances to tickle the feelings of sions based on the national interest in all its meaning and justifi ed rise in the prices of many commodities, and the existence of monopoly citizens and win temporary tournaments! not tampering with the psyche and feelings of citizens in many materials and other matters that the citizen wishes to fi nd an objective “If this parliamentary interpellation race towards the government indicates with no need to the Abdel Fattah Al-Ali Committee nor remedy for, away from intimidation. anything, it is that our MPs know the Parliament will be dissolved soon.” others will limit the spread of the epidemic or impose a Al-Juma’a “Our new government has great tasks and many opportunities to gain the ❑ ❑ ❑ total ban and government interests and citizens’ interests confi dence of citizens, economically, fi nancially and educationally, in the fi elds are disrupted in favor of the health interest to limit or eliminate this dreaded of electricity, water, renewable energy, road projects, housing, agriculture and “Despite the advisories of the Ministry of Health and the Council of Minis- virus as some countries did and some succeeded, and others failed. industry, and to raise the levels of support for young people, fi ght corruption, ters for everyone to adhere to health regulations aimed at ensuring our safety “Living with this epidemic until the Day of Judgment, by opening all fi elds employment and raise the standard of living of people and not harming them. and that of the entire community, these advisories did not receive any listening and shops, even aviation and education, and co-existing keeping in mind the “We must also see support given to young people and owners of small and ear as the number of new coronavirus cases has been increasing at an alarming fact that this epidemic – as His Excellency the Minister of Health said – will medium enterprises who have become a large segment of the ambitious people and frightening level,” columnist Tariq Hamada wrote for Al-Anba daily. continue until the Judgment Day, because this virus does not know the ban in among Kuwaitis who chose to work instead of looking for government jobs to “The infections exceeded 1,700 which prompted the government to fi nd only the morning or evening, so there is no meaning to either total or partial ban. bring stability to their life. one option -- impose partial curfew from 5:00 pm to 5:00 am. This decision “We have tried the total ban and the number of infections has not decreased, “Today, after what they suffered during the corona crisis, everyone should has implications and huge economic cost, but as part of the custom of the State so how will they decrease in part while the shops, markets and complexes are stand with them and support them so that they do not lose their projects and of humanity, it raises the status of man and advances his health over others. overcrowded with customers without regard to the social distancing or abiding their future, and to be an example to other youths. “The Ministry of Interior has done what it should do, based on its respon- by the health requirements in the morning until fi ve in the evening, so is the “Honorable Ministers ... You have gained the confi dence of His Highness sibility and important role in implementing the curfew in order to achieve the epidemic not spreading at these times? the Amir and took the constitutional oath before him, and you pledged to work desired goals. Minister of Interior Sheikh Thamer Al-Ali chaired a meeting “I hope the government will study the decisions it issues with specialists and as one team, and to cooperate with the legislative authority in accordance with of the Civil Defense Committee, in the presence of Undersecretary Lieutenant take into account the interests of the citizens as many citizens have lost their the Constitution and the law and in a way that serves Kuwait, so we wait to see General Essam Al-Naham, for everyone to be prepared and on alert. businesses and some wanted to make up with the loss with coffee in feeding them reap the fruits.” “The minister issued instructions to devote all human and health capabilities bottles.” ❑ ❑ ❑ to deal with the increasing number of coronavirus cases. Also: “The country observed the partial curfew that the government imposed on people “His Excellency stressed the importance of raising awareness and laying “The new government headed by His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled since Sunday for a period of one month. This was accompanied by a threat and down advisory plans to guide citizens and expatriates, refute rumors and false won the confi dence of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad, and intimidation from the National Assembly MPs including those who demanded to news through print, audio and visual media, as well as through the offi cial web- the ministers took the oath in front of His Highness. This formation has changes grill His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled. Some of them have sites of government agencies.” and new ministerial portfolios, perhaps the most important of which is the sepa- prepared their ‘portfolio’ to grill the Minister of Health Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah”, — Compiled by Ahmad Al-Shazli Online exam cheats warned MPW spends KD 332 mln on projects in 10 mths KUWAIT CITY, March 9: The latest report issued by dinars, with a spending rate of 43.2 percent compared to the the Ministry of Finance shows the Ministry of Public total approved amount of 250 million dinars which was ear- Works has spent 476.3 million dinars, at a rate of 45 marked for spending on salaries, bonuses, allowances for Eye on KU, PAAET, private universities percent compared to the total approved amount of 1.46 employees during the current fi scal year. billion dinars, since the start of the budget on April 1 In a separate context, the ministry said its revenues KUWAIT CITY, March 9: The Kuwaiti Soci- Jarida daily. until last January, says Al-Seyassah daily. were estimated at 6.51 million dinars, with a collection ety of National Integrity announced that it will The report, which was issued in January, a copy of rate of 36.5 percent, compared to the estimated amounts In a recent statement, the society added that it which has been obtained by the daily, stated the ministry in the budget, which are estimated at 17.8 million dinars not delay the submission of its report to Kuwait will also request an investigation into the statistics has spent 332.3 million dinars to purchase ‘non-current’ -- collection of delay fi nes on companies, court rulings, Anti-Corruption Authority (Nazaha), investiga- and data on success rates and compare them with assets, with a spending rate of 44.7 percent compared to and services provided by the ministry. tIon into the prevalence of cheating in any gov- the results prior to the application of online tests. the total approved amount to cover this item, which was On the other hand, the Public Authority for Roads and ernmental or private university due to the appli- The society added those responsible for taking the 743 million dinars, which is the item for spending on Transportation (PART) announced two main intersec- cation of the online examination system without decision on electronic tests should bear legal and ‘construction projects, maintenance, sanitary works and tions will be opened within the ‘Nuwaiseeb Road Devel- taking strict measures to prevent cheating, and major projects of the ministry. opment Project’ at dawn Tuesday. moral responsibilities. The report indicated that the ministry spent 27.6 million The authority said in a press statement the opening is to stop illegal access to the answers, reports Al- The society revealed that it had monitored the spread of dinars on goods and services at a spending rate of 61.8 per- part of its plan to develop and modernize the road net- cheating in some faculties due to the cent compared to the amount approved for this item, which work in the country, noting that it will divert the traffi c application of online exams, which was to 44.8 million dinars, while the total of what the min- from the current roads onto the bridges of the two new represents unfortunate repercussions istry spent on employee compensation was 107.8 million intersections. such as the spread of bad values that contradict the values of integrity and all virtues; calling on professors, stu- dents and everyone with evidence of this phenomenon to submit it to the association by email info@nazaha. org, in order to include it in the report which will be submitted to Nazaha while protecting the whistleblowers. Nazaha holds the administration of Kuwait University, Public Authority for Applied Education and Training (PAAET) and private universities le- gally, morally and ethically respon- sible for the spread of cases of cheat- Some of the foodstuff seized. ing and the deterioration in the quality of education due to the application of online tests. Smuggling attempt foiled The society said that applying this type of exam without strict measures to prevent cheating leads to encour- By Munif Nayef to an Arab country (believed to be aging negative collective behavior Egypt). Al-Seyassah Staff among students who resort to cheat- It is said the customs officers ing due to the absence of supervision Officers of the Land Customs Depart- work 24/7 exerting all efforts to pre- vent the smuggling of subsidized and the spread of a negative environ- ment in Sulaibiya thwarted an attempt ment that force even honest students to smuggle large quantities of subsi- foodstuffs. dized foodstuff out of the country. The seizures have been referred to slide towards cheating and access- The General Administration to the Ministry of Commerce and In- ing answers illegally, adding that the of Customs stated based on the dustry. The General Administration danger of this goes beyond the de- Director-General’s instructions to of Customs has warned that anyone cline in the quality of education to the thoroughly check all outgoing vehi- who makes an attempt to smuggle graduation of a generation in which cles, customs officers were able to subsidized foodstuff out of the coun- fraudulent behaviors increase, and by seize large quantities of subsidized try exposes himself/herself to legal which the values of integrity are vio- supplies that were being smuggled accountability. lated. ARAB TIMES, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 LOCAL 6 Kuwait’s leadership confident in women’s abilities: senior official Bid to make Parliamentary Women Committee permanent

KUWAIT CITY, March 9, (KUNA): Kuwait’s political New Kuwait Vision 2035,” said Minister of Electricity, Water and leadership advocates confidence in women’s capacities Energy, Minister of Social Affairs and Development, Dr. Meshaan Al-Otaibi. and enabling them for active participation in sustainable The minister, in a statement marking the International Women’s Day, singled development, a senior official affirmed on Monday. out the women active participation in the combat against the novel coronavirus The Kuwaiti women have proven that they are qualified, having accom- (COVID-19) -- namely the noticeable role and efforts exerted by women volun- plished a lot of major achievements, thus encouraging the state to launch teers. more initiatives for enabling them to be “a basis in implementation of Kuwait’s development strategy focuses on eliminating all forms of gender discrimination and supporting the female citizens in public life, in poli- tics and the economy, he has added. Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Women, Children and Family Affairs Committee MP Osama Al-Shaheen said that the committee submitted a proposal for a law to The Guest Show poster amend the internal regulations of the National Assembly, with the commit- tee being one of the permanent com- TGS features Sundus Hamza mittees. This was in a speech by Al-Shaheen, Join ‘The Guest Show’ in honouring in the Middle East. Sundus is the co- according to the Al-Dustor news net- International Women’s Day with founder of Abolish 156, an aware- Sundus Hamza, one of Kuwait’s ness campaign against domestic work Monday at the opening of the leading activists. A remarkable violence. We look forward to finding Empowerment of Women and Family woman, she is at the forefront of the out more about her life journey and conference at the National Assembly, fight against gender based violence the values she represents. under the patronage of National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim, in conjunction with the celebration of International Women’s Day. Measures to empower women The United Nations chose this year the title “Women in Leadership, Achieving an Equal Future in the OIC’s Sec Gen affirms women’s World of COVID-19” and called on all civil organizations to raise this slogan and apply it, Al-Shaheen pointed out. competence in leadership role The conference raises three issues KUWAIT CITY, March 9: On the and discussion sessions, the first head- occasion of International Women’s ed by MP Dr. Saleh Al-Mutairi, and it Day, March 8 of each year, deals with the issue of rights of chil- Secretary-General of the dren of Kuwaiti women, and they are a Organization of Islamic Cooperation large segment of up to 20,000 citizens (OIC), Dr. Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, in which they lack numbers and legis- stressed the significance of women’s lation, he mentioned. issues and empowerment, which are There are only administrative deci- among the OIC’s top priorities based sions in the name of an Amiri Decree on its conviction that strengthening or a ministerial decision, but there is the role of women in the compre- no legislation that protects the rights of hensive development process calls a citizen married to a non-Kuwaiti, he for taking concrete measures to pointed out. ensure their active participation at The second session is chaired by various levels. MP Osama Al-Munawer and discusses On this occasion, which is held Article 135 of the Kuwaiti Penal Code, Dr Yousef A. Al-Othaimeen, this year under the slogan “Women he explained, indicating that the com- Secretary-General of the mittee is working in the first session in Leadership: Achieving an Equal Organization of Islamic on legislative treatment. Future in a COVID-19 World,” the Cooperation (OIC). KUNA photos Secretary-General congratulated Chairman of the Board of Directors of KRCS Dr Hilal Al-Sayer meets Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Li Minggang. The last topic will be the cultural and educational empowerment, as the women in the Islamic world and international efforts to combat and family and women face great chal- around the world for all their recover from the virus. ‘Kuwait’s humanitarian role distinguished’ lenges in the information and commu- achievements in all fields, espe- The Secretary-General empha- nication world in which we live in cially the tremendous efforts they sized that the OIC has taken various order to advance, strengthen and pro- have been making in response to measures to empower women, tect this family educationally and cul- the emerging coronavirus advance their status, prohibit dis- Chinese ambassador commends KRCS’ efforts turally, he said. (COVID-19) pandemic and recov- crimination against them, and face By Arwa Al-Wagayan in combating the virus as well as in the implementing at the international and In other news, The Women’s ering from it. the Member States’ relevant chal- vaccination campaign. local levels in tackling the virus, and Institute for Development and Peace Al-Othaimeen indicated that lenges. These measures included KUWAIT CITY, March 9, (KUNA): The embassy donated 100,000 med- its great role in supporting the state by (WIDP) on the occasion of national women everywhere have proven launching a sector conference for Chinese Ambassador to Kuwait Li ical masks to KRCS, with the aim of providing aid to all groups in need. holidays -- the 60th independence during this pandemic that they are women every two years and adopt- Minggang commended Monday the supporting the Kuwaiti side in combat- In a similar statement to KUNA, anniversary of the State of Kuwait and worthy of assuming leadership and ing the OIC’s Plan of Action for the efforts of the Kuwait Red Crescent ing the pandemic and to strengthen the Al-Sayer welcomed the visit of Li to the 30th anniversary of the nation’s decision-making roles, as women Advancement of Women Society (KRCS) to help those impact- necessary precautionary measures to the headquarters of KRCS and to liberation from the brutal Iraqi inva- stood on the front lines alongside (OPAAW). Add to these the intro- ed by disasters, especially in alleviat- confront the virus, he mentioned. review its activities and achievements sion organized (Kuwait Peace -- with men in combating COVID-19 in duction of the OIC’s Prize for ing the suffering due to the repercus- Li discussed with Al-Sayer many that contributed to strengthening Arab Hearts) event Sunday, under the the fields of medical care, com- Women’s Achievements and the sions of COVID-19. issues related to humanitarian work and humanitarian efforts worldwide, slogan Memory of Awareness. munity and civic organizations, establishment of the Women Li confirmed to KUNA, after his ways to enhance it between both coun- expressing deep appreciation and grat- The event was held under the nursing homes, education sector, Development Organization (WDO), meeting with Chairman of the Board tries, appreciating KRCS’ efforts and itude to the Chinese Embassy for patronage and presence of the Minister and others. They have demonstrat- the first OIC’s specialized body con- of Directors of KRCS Dr. Hilal what it does to help the afflicted countries. donating this quantity of medical of Foreign Affairs and Minister of ed their practical skills and ability cerned with women’s affairs, which Al-Sayer, that Kuwait’s humanitarian He explained that during the meet- masks, which confirms its pioneering State for Cabinet Affairs Sheikh Dr in making sound decisions and began its work last year after its role has become distinguished, appre- ing, he was briefed on the extent of the role in supporting humanitarian efforts Ahmed Nasser Al-Muhammad measures to support national and statute entered into force. ciating the efforts of all state agencies humanitarian programs that KRCS is around the world. Al-Sabah. Kuwait’s envoy talks with OIF Secretary-General on promoting French culture By Maryam Al-Zanki PARIS, March 9, (KUNA): Kuwaiti Ambassador to France Sami Al-Suleiman discussed Monday with the Secretary- General of the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF) Louise Mushikiwabo Kuwait’s efforts to spread French culture. In a statement to KUNA, Ambassador Al-Suleiman affirmed during his meeting with Mushikiwabo Kuwait’s desire to join the organization. The ambassador added that he provided a detailed expla- nation of the rationale for the application for joining, refer- ring to the many efforts and initiatives undertaken by the concerned authorities that contribute to the promotion and encouragement of French language education, spreading French culture and building bridges of civilized communica- tion with the French-speaking world. He pointed to a number of these initiatives, including the establishment of a French school in Kuwait, student mis- sions to learn the French language, knowledge, and scienc- es, sending Kuwaiti doctors to train in French health and scientific centers, as well as training military students, which means that French culture and language are present in most state institutions. During the meeting, the ambassador noted that the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) launched a broadcast in the French language in 2017, in addition to the opening of the head- quarters of the French Institute of Archeology and Social Sciences in Kuwait in 2016. Kuwait is characterized by a high ceiling of freedoms, cultural and civilizational diversity, freedom of the press, religious tolerance, and cultural and artistic spread, he added. For her part, the Secretary-General welcomed the request of Kuwait to join the international organization, noting her admiration for the urban, civilizational, and cultural prog- ress in Kuwait.

KUNA photo Kuwaiti Ambassador to France Sami Al-Suleiman meets Secretary-General of the International Organization of la Francophonie (OIF) Louise Mushikiwabo ARAB TIMES, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 LOCAL 7 Boursa Kuwait rings the bell for women’s ‘empowerment’

‘Women key contributor to sustainable development’

KUWAIT CITY, March 9: Boursa Kuwait rang the bell, for the fourth con- secutive year, in support of women and their empow- erment on International Women’s Day 2021, high- lighting the key role of the private sector in raising awareness over the Wom- IWG poster celebrating International Women’s Day. en’s Empowerment Prin- ciples (WEP) to accomplish the goals of sustainable de- IWG marks ‘Women’s Day’ with velopment. The event took place in the con- 4 distinguished women leaders text of the efforts made by the KUWAIT CITY, March 9: Under out that as a woman Ambassador General Secretariat of the Supreme the patronage of H.E. Sheikha Ha- she feels privileged to work in Ku- Council for Planning and Devel- nouf Bader Al-Muhamad Al-Sabah, wait, saying : “Women in Kuwait opment, in partnership with UN spouse to H.E. Minister of Foreign are amongst the most emancipated Women and the United Nations Affairs, Honorary President of the in our region, women form 46% Development Program in Kuwait, Boursa Kuwait International Women’s Group - Ku- of those employed in the country to support the implementation of wait, IWG celebrated International and are seen in every sector of the SDG 5 to empower all women. A Women’s Day with the participation economy and play an important role number of listed companies par- of four inspiring and distinguished in society and the administrative life women leaders. The members and of the country.” ticipated in the event, including Executive Board of the IWG were As a sign of solidarity with Zain, the National Bank of Kuwait, honored to have as key speakers, HE women around the world, the Equate Petrochemical Company, Madam Nabeela Abdulla Al Mulla, members then enjoyed a song re- and Gulf Bank. retired Ambassador from the State corded especially for International The bourse’s participation in the of Kuwait; H.E. Madam Ayse Hi- Women’s Day in 2013 by 25 sing- global initiative comes as part of its lal Sayan Koytak; Ambassador of ers and musicians from over 20 efforts to raise community awareness Turkey to the State of Kuwait; H.E. different countries. of the pivotal role that the private sec- Madam Elena Romanowski Ambas- HE Madam Elena Romanowski, tor can play in achieving the goals of sador of United States to the State of Ambassador of the United States the campaign in accordance with the Kuwait; H.E. Madam Anne Claire of America to the State of Kuwait UN’s 17 sustainable development Legendre Ambassador of France to delivered her well wishes and con- goals (SDGs) to empower women the State of Kuwait. gratulations to all women by saying, and promote their rights, status and Mrs. Ambreen Mustafa, spouse of “on International Women’s Day we vital role in the development process. Eaman Al Roudhan, Chief Executive Officer of Zain Sheikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group CEO of the National the Ambassador of the Islamic Re- honor the achievement of women Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Kuwait. Bank of Kuwait. public of Pakistan and president of throughout history and across the women have demonstrated leadership IWG, delivered the welcome speech globe. It is a day that brings us all to- capabilities, effectively providing the and thanked the distinguished speak- gether regardless of our nationality. necessary support to confirm their key ers for their contributions. Her open- It is also a day to renew our commit- role in Kuwaiti society. ing remarks celebrated the successes ment to the pursuit of equality for all Celebrate of women and acknowledged the and to work towards a better future hardships of disproportionate abuse for our girls who will become the Boursa Kuwait’s Chief Executive and violence that women still face leaders of tomorrow.” Officer, Mohammad Saud Al-Osaimi, commented on the occasion, saying, worldwide. She reminded members Acknowledged of the importance of solidarity and “On International Women’s Day, quoted the famous poet Maya Ange- She also acknowledged the sac- Boursa Kuwait is pleased to celebrate lou: “Each time a woman stands up rifi ces made by so many women the role of women in today’s society, for herself, without knowing it pos- healthcare workers on the front as a key contributor to the sustainable sibly without claiming it, she stands line who everyday place others development of this country, working up for all women”. before themselves; she extended in tandem with the Kuwati government HE Madam Nabeela Abdul- her gratitude to these women and to empower her.” la Al Mulla, Kuwait’s and the pioneering women who, as she He added: “We are proud to join GCC’s fi rst woman Ambassador, said, continue to move the needle world-leading international organiza- Suzanne Mikhail, UN Women Regional Director for the Dr Lubna Al-Kazi, Associate Professor at Kuwait Uni- Arab States. versity. enlightened members with some forward for us all. She concluded tions to commemorate this momentous by saying: “I am humbled to see so day, which comes as a reminder that of the invaluable experiences of Al Roudhan added: “Women in Ku- tion of women in all levels of decision- able development. We hope to see the her ground-breaking career, tak- many change makers here in Ku- Boursa Kuwait continues its support of wait and can’t wait to see more”. women’s empowerment and its princi- wait have set an extraordinary example making around the world needs more number of women in leadership posi- ing special care to acknowledge during the pandemic. Their active par- effort in order to reach the desired lev- tions increase in the coming year, in the mentorship of her enlightened HE Madam Anne Claire Legend- ples, a commitment that started when re Ambassador of France to the State we first rang the bell for women’s ticipation in the front lines and in vol- els. There are many women who have line with the New Kuwait Vision 2035. mother in encouraging her to pur- untary work is a great example of the led the way for change and contributed She added: “The presence of several sue her career as a diplomat. of Kuwait in her speech reiterated empowerment in 2018 and continued the importance of working collab- when the exchange became a signatory maturity level reached by the Kuwaiti to the advancement of their societies, listed companies in this event demon- Lauded oratively towards gender equality. of the Women’s Empowerment Prin- community towards this issue. With the which is something that I hope will strated their belief in the role of wom- HE Madam Nabeela Abdulla Al She pointed to an analysis done by ciples in 2019. Boursa Kuwait is also unprecedented circumstances faced by motivate new generations to strive to en in their institutions and in the work- Mulla lauded the selfl ess efforts of the World Economic Forum stat- a proud member of the Sustainable our nation and the entire world today, participate towards the prosperity of force, taking into account the need to all women, especially nurses and ing that given existing conditions, Stock Exchanges Initiative since 2017, the challenges women face in the mar- their country.” maintain a healthy work-life balance.” lower schoolteachers who tend to gender equality will be achieved in of which women’s empowerment is a ket have intensified. On the other hand, Commitment Women’s empowerment is at the be predominantly women as front- 150 years. Obviously that timeline key component of.” some opportunities have also risen from core of Kuwait’s national development line workers, and proposed that a is untenable. France is committed Dr. Khaled Mahdi, the Secretary Gen- the pandemic, some of which include the Dr. Abeer Al-Omar, Senior Executive plan, and the country has encouraged worldwide campaign should be to gender equality and has made it eral of the Supreme Council for Plan- spread of remote working and e-learning, for Corporate Communication and Gov- the increase of women in leadership in place to address their concerns. a priority. As part of their commit- ning and Development, also commented, and their heavy use in more educational ernment Affairs at EQUATE Petrochem- positions in the public and private sec- She concluded her presentation ment and drive they will be hosting stressing the importance of the role of institutions and businesses. I see this as ical Company and Chairperson of the tors in the coming years. on a positive note about the vac- the Gender Equality Forum in Paris women in the economy, especially in a market that creates work opportunities ELEVATE Program said: “At EQUATE Boursa Kuwait is a champion of wom- cine and the hope it brings to the this summer. They hope to be able the private sector, stating that 80% of and a new business lifestyle that helps empowering women is not limited to en’s empowerment and is a true pioneer world. On the local Kuwaiti scene, to welcome Kuwait to the Forum, the General Secretariat of the Supreme women and the community to achieve prominent headlines and administrative in the inclusion of women in the work- she said: “I register with pride the which will be a historic and collabor- Council for Planning and Development’s balance between family and work re- decisions. Rather, we show our com- force. The company has been involved in participation of women as doctors, ative meeting point to move forward employees are women, an indication sponsibilities.” mitment to the United Nations women’s several initiatives dedicated to empower- nurses, educators and volunteers towards substantive and sustainable of the importance of their participation During the event, Mrs. Sheikha Al- empowerment principles (WEP) through ment and inclusion and was the first stock in a society like many others, try- equality, by tackling the issues and in the workforce, especially as the pan- Bahar, Deputy Group CEO of the Na- the implementation of our global “ELE- exchange in the GCC to participate in the ing to overcome the pandemic.” challenges that are still affecting demic has shown that they are more than tional Bank of Kuwait stated that equal- VATE” program, sponsored by our CEO ‘Ringing the Bell for Gender Equality’ HE Madam Ayse Hilal Sayan women around the world. capable of contributing to the front line ity is fundamental to the prosperity of Mr. Naser AlDossari, which aims to pro- initiative, which it has participated in for Koytak, Ambassador of Turkey to The French Ambassador went on as volunteers, doctors, nurses, engineers economies and societies, explaining that mote equality and inclusivity in the work the past three years. the State of Kuwait spoke of how to highlight many important points and much more. the National Bank of Kuwait provides a environment.” Reaffirming the company’s commit- model for all private sector institutions in Associate Professor at Kuwait Uni- ment to promoting and enhancing di- the pandemic has highlighted both in the advancement towards gender Interest the centrality of women’s contri- equality and spoke of some of her terms of ensuring equal opportunities. versity Dr. Lubna Al-Kazi had this to versity and inclusion in the workplace, bution as well as the dispropor- own personal experiences, noting Dr. Mahdi also hailed the interest of “The bank has equal opportunities say on International Women’s Day: Boursa Kuwait signed the Women’s tionate burden that women carry. that mentorship is a wonderful and the private sector in Kuwait in employ- for all its employees, in addition to its “We are proud to have Boursa Kuwait, Empowerment Principles (WEPs) While “today there is more accep- necessary tool, and that all women ing women, providing them with train- commitment to empower more women the first exchange in the Gulf Coopera- ‘Statement of Support,’ which aims to tance than ever before that women must remain vigilant against self- ing and development to enable them through proper guidance and provid- tion Council (GCC) to ring the bell to deliver on the critical role businesses bring different experiences, perspec- censorship and always remember to to become decision makers and hold ing appropriate opportunities for their empower women, support the initia- can play in the attainment of the UN’s tive and skills to the table”, there is push for the change they want to see. executive positions. career development,” she said. tive in its continuous efforts to support Sustainable Development Goals out- still much work to be done in ac- The proceedings concluded with The Secretary General also ex- Al-Bahar added, “The representa- and empower women through sustain- lined in the Agenda 2030. knowledging women’s roles. Noting special thanks to the honored Am- pressed his thanks and appreciation that the pursuit of gender equality bassadors who participated in this to Boursa Kuwait, Zain Kuwait, the yields benefi ts for whole societies special event, and Environmental National Bank of Kuwait, Equate Pet- she affi rmed that Turkey is commit- Engineer Ms. Hiba Al Farra who rochemicals Company, Gulf Bank and ted to women’s equality and rights, shed light on the importance of sus- others, for their support of the Wom- stating that in the past nineteen years tainability and the role women can en’s Empowerment Principles (WEP) the country’s female force participa- play in protecting our environment. and sustainable development goals. tion rate had increased by 10 % and Volunteers, online participants Meanwhile, Ms. Suzanne Mikhail, women now make up 17.5% of the and board members were also ap- UN Women Regional Director for the Turkish Parliament and over 50% preciated for making this event a Arab States, stated on this occasion, that, of University staff. She also pointed great success. “The Women’s Empowerment Prin- ciples, which have been enthusiastically adopted by the Kuwaiti private sector and supported by the General Secretariat KSHR launches videos in bid to up of the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, are a critical entry point for private sector companies to ensure awareness about women’s issues their policies are gender-responsive and KUWAIT CITY, March 9: On the Kuwait in terms of local concepts and equitable. During and despite the pan- occasion of the International Wom- procedures towards supporting women demic, WEPs signatories in Kuwait and en’s Day, Kuwait Society for Hu- for political empowerment. worldwide continue to support women man Rights (KSHR) launches motion Furthermore, the videos discussed the in the workplace, marketplace and com- graphics technology videos as a con- concept of gender, whereas they present- munity.” tribution in the process of raising the ed a simplifi ed defi nition of the term as Mrs. Eaman Al Roudhan, Chief Exec- awareness about the women’s issues in an attempt to eliminate the confusion that utive Officer of Zain Kuwait, comment- the society. fl aws the concept among many of soci- ed: “We are all proud of the immense The videos, which are prepared as ety’s members. The recipient can form a progress reached part of Takamul project for reinforcing general idea of the term and other issues by international gender equality in the Kuwaiti society addressed by the motion graphics videos. and local efforts and funded by the U.S.-Middle East They further discussed the updates on the in this area. How- Partnership Initiative, discuss a num- housing issue for the Kuwaiti divorced ever, we must not ber of topics related to the women’s is- women. forget the real- sue in Kuwait, especially the issues re- International Women’s Day oc- ity which women quired to be defi ned or its mechanism casion constitutes an opportunity to face today. There to be informed. introduce the women’s issues and is still so much left Some videos addressed the Law achievements at the local and inter- to do, whether in No. (16) of 2020 on Protection From national level. This occasion is being regards to pushing Domestic Violence, as these videos de- celebrated annually on March 8th. women’s educa- fi ned the law and its concept towards The videos will be posted on the So- Dr Khaled Mahdi tion forward or domestic violence, the mechanism for ciety’s accounts on Twitter, Facebook preparing them to take part in the busi- reporting the violence, and the mea- and Instagram during the current week, ness world. Supporting women’s educa- sures that shall be taken upon receiving and they all can be watched through tion, especially those who are less fortu- a report or exposure of someone to do- the following link: nate, will always be a top priority. This mestic violence. Other videos tackled https://www.youtube.com/chan- is how we reinforce communities and the political participation of women in nel/UCNID0k3aNfsk2cEnX4SZdvw further progress markets”. This fi le Airline stocks rally, American cites plan to pay off loan photo shows the American Airlines Airline stocks rose Monday, spurred by signs federal loans and money to help cover pay- Fitch cautioned, however, that air traffi c re- logo on top of the that vaccine rollouts could set up a rebound in rolls - aid that was extended in December and mains low and the pace of recovery is uncer- American Airlines travel later this year. would get another renewal in the COVID-19 tain. Center in Dallas. American Airlines, meanwhile, announced relief measure passed by the Senate over the Airlines have been particularly hard hit by Airline stocks rose plans to raise $7.5 billion by borrowing against weekend. the pandemic, and travel restrictions continue Monday, March 8, its frequent-fl yer program and using the funds “Meanwhile, the rollout of multiple effective to eliminate most international fl ying, normally 2021 spurred by to pay off a federal loan that it received nearly coronavirus vaccines has increased the like- a lucrative part of their business. signs that vaccine a year ago, in the early days of the pandemic. lihood of a meaningful rebound in air travel But there have been signs of improvement rollouts could set The airline said the actions won’t increase its starting some time in 2021, lowering the likeli- in domestic travel. After a dismal January, the up a rebound in overall debt. It follows similar moves by Delta hood that American will continue to burn cash number of passengers has since trended up- travel later this Air Lines and United Airlines. for a prolonged period,” Fitch said. ward. On Sunday, the Transportation Security year. (AP) Fitch Ratings said American’s liquidity has American burned through about $30 million Administration screened nearly 1.3 million peo- improved more than it expected because of of cash a day in the fourth quarter. ple at US airports. AP)

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‘Apps should make things easier, not more complicated’ Common tools can save you time, money on taxes By Liz Weston NerdWallet eceipts, like memories, tend to fade Rwith time. That’s just one reason to digitize and track tax-related informa- tion. The right apps and habits can save space, time, money and hassle - but only Yellen plays down infl ation if you use them. “Apps should make things easier, not more complicated,” says Clare Levison, a certifi ed public accountant in Blacks- burg, Virginia. “The defi nition of a good app is what works for you, not the one that’s the trendiest.” Use tools you already have Apps don’t have to be elaborate. fears, pushes for relief bill The camera on your phone, for ex- ample, can capture receipts and other documentation. Levison recommends regularly transferring those images to Treasury Secretary says women face many obstacles in economics careers a designated folder in your photo app to make them easier to find later. “You don’t want those photos mixed WASHINGTON, March 9, in with all your other selfi es and what- (AP): Treasury Secretary ever,” Levison says. Similarly, you can create folders Janet Yellen says fears that in your email account to collect tax- the administration’s $1.9 related documents. If you’re an ac- trillion relief bill could trig- tive investor, for example, you can put your trade confirmations there (or ger a rapid rise in infl ation set up a filter so the confirmations are are misplaced. routed there automatically). If you In an interview on MSNBC on purchase supplies for your business online, a folder can collect emailed Monday, Yellen said the measure, receipts. which will provide $1,400 checks Another commonplace tool that can to millions of American along be helpful, especially for anyone claim- with other assistance, will provide ing business expenses or mileage, is a needed relief and help the economy calendar app. These records can help return to full employment by next document meetings with clients, busi- year. ness travel and other potentially deduct- ible events. Asked about concerns by some “The IRS auditor always asks for economists that the measure could a copy of my calendar,” says Leonard rev up the economy too fast and trig- Wright, a San Diego CPA who’s been ger higher infl ation, Yellen said, “I audited four times. really don’t think that is going to hap- Calendar records should be kept for at pen. We had a 3.5% unemployment least seven years, which is how long the rate before the pandemic and there IRS typically has to audit you. (There’s was no sign of infl ation increasing.” no time limit if the agency suspects tax The jobless rate in February of last fraud, however, so be sure your choice year, before 24 million jobs were lost of electronic calendar lets you retain enough history. ) to the pandemic, stood at a half-cen- You also need to regularly download tury low of 3.5% with infl ation run- monthly statements from your fi nan- ning well below the Fed’s 2% target. cial institutions, says Kelley C. Long, a Yellen said infl ation was “too low” CPA and personal fi nance specialist in during that period of very low unem- Chicago. ployment. If the IRS suspects you’ve underre- She said if infl ation does become ported income, it may ask for bank and a problem “there are tools to address brokerage statements. If you use a credit that” and policymakers will be moni- card for business or other tax-related toring the situation closely and will purposes, those statements can help sup- be prepared to act. port your deductions. While the institu- tions are required to keep your records Celebrate for several years, you may have to pay fees to access older statements. The House is expected to give fi nal In this fi le photo, former Fed Chair Janet Yellen speaks with FOX Business Network guest anchor Jon Hilsenrath in the Fox Washington bureau in Wash- Be sure you’re storing for the long passage to the relief bill this week and ington. Treasury Secretary Yellen says she believes fears that the administration’s $1.9 trillion relief bill could trigger unwanted infl ation are misplaced. In term the administration has said the presi- an interview on MSNBC on Monday, March 8, 2021, Yellen said she did not believe the measure, which will provide $1,400 checks to millions of American Ideally, your computer and phone are dent will sign the measure as soon as along with other assistance, will provide needed relief and help the economy return to full employment by next year. (AP) already being backed up into the cloud it reaches his desk. Expanded unem- so that you can access your data if the ployment benefi ts for Americans are address problems “that have been introductory courses is often a “turn male-dominated organizations. moved to the University of Califor- devices are lost, stolen or destroyed. If scheduled to run out on March 14 if festering for a long time.” off” for women because the begin- She said on her first visit to the nia at Berkeley where they taught for not, you want to make sure that at least no new legislation is passed. ning courses do not focus enough World Bank to make a presentation, many years before Yellen returned your tax information is regularly trans- “This is a bill that will really pro- Yellen, the fi rst woman to head the on how economics can improve peo- she was wearing a colorful dress to Washington during the Clinton ferred to a secure cloud storage system Federal Reserve and the U.S. Treas- ple’s lives. but immediately turned around and administration. Yellen is the fi rst per- or other safe, off-site location. vide Americans the relief they need to get to the other side of this pan- ury Department, says women seeking “The pipeline issue really starts went to a store to buy a dark suit son to head all three top economic The key is to keep information safe to pursue careers in economics face early,” Yellen said. “There are a lot of when she saw how all the men were jobs: the Council of Economic Advi- and accessible, which means choosing demic,” Yellen said saying the scope electronic over paper wherever possible. of the measure would provide the a number of obstacles from the way people who are thinking about how can dressed. sors, the Fed and the Treasury. Paper is bulky, ineffi cient and vulner- resources needed to “fuel a really beginning economics courses are we reach economics in such a way that Asked how she handled setbacks Georgieva said she was drawn to able to all kinds of disasters, including strong recovery.” taught to overly aggressive question- it shows women that it is a great way to in her career, Yellen said that after studying how economics can infl uence fi re and fl ood. Ink can fade, particularly Yellen predicted the bill would ing in college seminars. improve human welfare.” getting her PhD in economics at Yale environmental issues because growing “There is a cultural problem in the she took a job as an assistant profes- up in Bulgaria, she had a relative who on receipts needed to document ex- allow the country to get back to full Pursuing penses (credit card or bank statements employment by next year, noting profession, and we need to change sor at Harvard but was passed over became very sick from ground water typically aren’t considered enough doc- that the Congressional Budget Offi ce the culture,” Yellen said Monday. She said women pursuing degrees for one of a limited number of ten- pollution that was preventable. umentation without the accompanying had estimated that without the relief She was appearing at an event with in economics often face more hostile ured jobs at Harvard. She said she She said the economy of Bulgaria receipts). package, the country would not get Kristalena Georgieva, only the sec- questioning in college seminar class- decided to take a job at the Federal collapsed because of hyper infl ation “I usually tell business owners, ‘No es from the men in the class, adding receipt, then no deduction,’” says Bob back to full employment until 2024. ond woman to head the International Reserve, and in that position real- during a time of communist control Fay, a CPA in Canton, Ohio, who is also Yellen said once the the relief Monetary Fund. to the hurdles women have to face in ized how much she enjoyed pursuing in the 1980s, wiping out her mother’s a consumer fi nancial education advo- measure is passed, the administration The two, who spoke at the event pursuing advanced degrees. economic research as part of making savings and forcing her as a young cate for the American Institute of Certi- will turn to winning approval for a recognizing International Women’s Georgieva, who was a top offi cial government policy decisions. mother to get up at 4 a.m. to go to the fi ed Public Accountants. “This is a short “Build Back Better” bill that would Day, discussed the obstacles they at the World Bank before taking over “I came to the Fed and discovered store to buy milk for her daughter. message that sticks with them as they boost infrastructure spending and both faced embarking on economics at the IMF, said she often encour- how much I enjoyed doing public She said that episode demonstrated have so much on their plate every day.” provide support for improving educa- careers, a profession where even to- ages women to “don’t be shy, please policy,” she said. “It was a different the need for governments to pursue But the time the IRS gets around to tion and job training opportunities as day, women are in a distinct minority apply” as a way to overcome the path but it really took me into a large sound economic policies. “My mes- asking for those receipts, all you may well as including improved child care to men. reluctance of women to pursue pro- part of my career.” sage to my staff is that policies are have left is fl imsy, unreadable paper if you haven’t captured a digital version, and paid family leave provisions. Yellen said studies have shown motions. “Women may be more self- It was in this Fed job that Yellen for people and for improving peo- Levison says. Yellen said this proposal would that the way economics is taught in critical and forego opportunities” in met her future husband and both ple’s lives,” she said. Also, paper documents can cost you more. “People still give their CPAs liter- Global demand recovers from virus ally a shoebox,” Long says. “What your CPA does then is pay one of their in- terns to scan all that stuff into their sys- tems and they charge you for that.” Consider specialized apps to make it Chinese exports surge 60.6% after factories reopen easy Sometimes, specialized apps can BEIJING, March 9, (AP): China’s exports ease last March while foreign competitors still On Friday, China’s top economic offi cial, soybeans, natural gas and other exports in the make sense. Scanner apps can help surged 60.6% over a year earlier in the fi rst face anti-virus controls. Premier Li Keqiang, announced plans to ac- “Phase 1” agreement last January aimed at you capture tax-related paperwork, and two months of 2021, after factories reopened Forecasters say the Chinese export surge celerate technology development and reduce ending the tariff war. The two sides agreed to some have optical character recognition and global demand started to recover from the should decelerate as demand for masks and reliance on other countries. That threatens to postpone more tariff hikes, but penalties on bil- that allows you to turn images into edit- able - and searchable - fi les. coronavirus pandemic. other medical supplies eases and overseas worsen strains with Washington and Europe, lions of dollars of each other’s goods remain. If you have an iPhone or iPad and Exports rose to $468.9 billion, customs data competitors return to global markets. Trade which complain Beijing violates its market- China fell behind on meeting those com- itemize your expenses, ItsDeductible showed Sunday, accelerating from December’s offi cials have warned that the global situation opening pledges by shielding its suppliers from mitments but started to catch up as demand and iDonatedIt can help you track chari- 18.1% gain and nearly double the growth ex- still is “grave and complex.” competition. rebounded. table gifts throughout the year and fi nd pected by forecasters. Imports jumped 22.2% Exports to the United States soared 87.3% The latest trade fi gures look especially dra- This year, China’s global trade surplus for values for noncash donations, such as to $365.6 billion, up from December’s 6.5% over last year to $80.5 billion in January and matic compared with early 2020, when the rul- January and February was $103.3 billion, com- clothes and household goods. (These increase. February despite former President Donald ing party shut factories to fi ght the virus and pared with a $7.1 billion defi cit in the same apps don’t have Android versions.) Chinese authorities combine trade data for Trump’s tariff hikes imposed in a fi ght over trade plunged. period last year. Apps that create expense reports, the fi rst two months to compensate for fl uc- trade, technology and security. They have been Then, global exports tumbled 17.2% in Imports of U.S. goods rose 66.4% to $29.3 such as Expensify or Everlance, can help gig workers and other self-em- tuations due to the Lunar New Year holiday, left in place by his successor, Joe Biden, who 2020’s fi rst two months from the previous year. billion. China’s trade surplus with the United ployed people track business-related which falls at different times each year in Janu- took offi ce in January. Exports to the United States plunged 27.7%. States narrowed by 17.7% from the same time costs. ary or February. Factories shut down for up to Economists and political analysts expect few Li announced an economic growth target last year to $20.9 billion. Wright, the much-audited CPA, two weeks, then restock after they reopen. changes under Biden due to widespread frus- of “over 6%” this year, which should help to Exports to the 27-nation European Union swears by apps that help track mileage, Exporters benefi ted from the relatively early tration in Washington with China’s trade and propel demand for foreign oil, iron ore, food, rose 62.6% over January and February last year such as MileIQ, TripLog or Everlance. reopening of China’s economy after the ruling human rights records and complaints about consumer goods and other imports. to $73.7 billion. Imports of European goods (AP) Communist Party declared victory over the dis- technology theft and spying. Beijing promised to buy more American gained 32.5% to $45.9 billion. ARAB TIMES, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 BUSINESS 9

Senate panel OK’s Tai as top US trade negotiator

The Senate Finance Committee easily increasingly assertive China. the pact to make it easier for Mexican Katherine Tai, approved President Joe Biden’s pick to be Fluent in Mandarin, Tai spent several workers to form independent unions and nominee for US America’s top trade negotiator. years as the Office of the U.S. Trade demand better pay and benefits – decreas- trade representa- The panel confirmed Katherine Tai to be Representative’s head of China enforce- ing the incentives for U.S. firms to move tive, speaks dur- ing a Senate U.S. trade representative on a voice vote. ment. south of the border to take advantage of Finance Her nomination, which has received strong She last worked as the top trade staffer cheap and compliant labor. Committee hear- bipartisan support, will now go to the full on the House Ways and Means Committee, She and Biden have said little about how ing on Capitol Senate for approval. where she handled negotiations with the they will handle specific trade issues such Hill, in Tai has promised to make sure that U.S. Trump administration over a revamped as whether to keep President Donald Washington. trade policy benefits America’s workers, North American trade deal. Under pres- Trump’s import taxes on foreign steel and (AP) not just corporations, and to work more sure from congressional Democrats, aluminum and on $360 billion worth of closely with U.S. allies to counter an Trump’s trade team agreed to strengthen Chinese products. (AP) Asian shares mixed on recovery hopes, yield worries

Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 adds nearly 1.0%

TOKYO, March 9, (AP): Asian shares were mixed Tuesday, cheered by the expected passage of the U.S. stimulus package, although that optimism was tempered by worries about inflation and the coronavirus pandemic. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 added nearly 1.0% to finish at 29,027.94. South Korea’s Kospi slipped 0.7% to 2,976.12. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 added 0.5% to 6,771.20. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng edged up 0.2% to 28,584.96, while the Shanghai Composite slipped 1.8% to 3,359.26. Jingyi Pan, senior market strate- gist with IG in Singapore, said Asian markets were weighing “the impact of a global recovery along- side the prospect of an accelerating climb in U.S. bond yields.” Yoshimasa Maruyama, chief market economist for SMBC Nikko Securities, said the global economic rebound is stronger than some had previously expected, and that rec- ognition is becoming more wide- spread in March than in February. “And this recognition of recovery in March itself will work as a source for more confidence,” he said. The vaccine rollouts in the U.S. and Europe will also help instill confidence in future growth, he added. Revised economic data for October-December, released Tuesday, showed the Japanese economy grew at an annual pace of 11.7%. That was weaker than the 12.7% growth reported last month in the preliminary estimate. Quarter on quarter, the growth was 2.8%, revised from 3%, as pub- People wearing face masks to help curb the spread of the coronavirus walk in front of a bank’s electronic board showing the Hong Kong share index in Hong Kong, March 9. (AP) lic and private investment was not as positive as initially thought. Because of their huge size, drops by Yields have been marching high- 2000 index added 0.5% to 2,202.98. out of its coronavirus-induced mal- ing. Last week, some observers Japan’s economy expanded at a Apple, Google’s parent company er with rising expectations for Financial stocks had some of the aise. There are also investors who were expecting the OPEC cartel 22.8% pace in the July-September and other major technology stocks growth and the inflation that could best gains. Wells Fargo rose 3.3% are betting that stimulus and an and its allies to lift more restric- period. That followed a sharp con- helped drag the S&P 500 into the follow. Higher yields put down- and Citigroup gained 2.8%. improving economy will result in tions and let the oil flow more traction as the pandemic slammed tourism, trade, consumption and red, even though more stocks rose ward pressure on stocks generally, Trading has been choppy in some inflation down the road. freely. But OPEC agreed to leave production. than fell in the benchmark index. in part because they can steer away recent weeks as investors fret over The U.S. economic aid package, most restrictions in place. France’s CAC 40 was little The selling, which accelerated dollars that might have gone into the spike in long-term interest rates passed narrowly by the Senate on In energy trading, benchmark changed, inching up less than 0.1% toward the end of the day, left the the stock market into bonds instead. in the bond market. The S&P 500 is Saturday, provides direct payments U.S. crude for April delivery added in early trading to 5,903.07. tech-heavy Nasdaq composite down That makes investors less willing to coming off its first weekly gain in of up to $1,400 for most Americans 2 cents to $65.07 a barrel. It fell Germany’s DAX slipped 0.3% to 10.5% from the all-time high it pay such high prices for stocks, three weeks. and extends emergency unemploy- $1.04, or 1.6% to $65.05 a barrel on 14,341.07, while Britain’s FTSE reached on Feb. 12. A drop of 10% especially those that look the most Technology companies have ment benefits. It’s a victory for Monday. It’s still up 32.8% so far 100 rose nearly 0.1% to 6,713.26. or more from a recent peak is expensive, such as technology been heading lower as investors President Joe Biden and his this year. Brent crude, the interna- On Wall Street, U.S. stock index- known on Wall Street as a “correc- stocks. start to doubt whether the huge Democratic allies, and final con- tional standard, rose 16 cents to es closed mostly lower, as higher tion.” The Dow Jones Industrial gains they made during the pan- gressional approval is expected this $68.40 a barrel. bond yields helped set off more Bond yields rose broadly. The Average rose 1% to 31,802.44. The demic months can continue if infla- week. In currency trading, the U.S. dol- heavy selling of shares in technolo- yield on the 10-year Treasury note Nasdaq lost 2.4% to 12,609.16. tion surges. Oil prices also have been rising. lar rose to 109.15 Japanese yen gy companies. climbed to 1.60% from 1.55% late Smaller company stocks, which Investors have been betting that After plunging with the onset of from 108.87 yen late Monday. The The S&P 500 fell 0.5% to Friday. But it fell back to 1.57% have led the market higher this year, $1.9 trillion in coming government the pandemic, as demand plum- euro strengthened to $1.1855 from 3,821.35 after gaining 1% earlier. after hours. notched more gains. The Russell stimulus will help lift the economy meted, prices have been recover- $1.1846.

In this Jan 28, 2021 file photo, a pedestrian passes a GameStop storefront in Dallas. (AP) Retailer eyes digital shift Meme fav GameStop jumps again NEW YORK, March 9, (AP): Strategic Planning and Capital focus away from store locations, and GameStop took a step toward a more Allocation Committee. toward a more online existence. digital future Monday, naming an Cohen took a huge stake in Cohen’s arrival helped to spark a activist investor to lead company GameStop before the online frenzy stock buying frenzy in which smaller, efforts to push more of its business over company shares began in online investors challenged massive online. January. He has been seen as an GameStop short positions held by The stock, which has become the agent of change and someone who hedge funds that believed the compa- focus of federal regulators after knows how to make a traditional ny was overvalued and in for a rough online traders challenged more business more nimble through tech- ride. institutional investors and sent nology. A share of GameStop that could be shares gyrating wildly, jumped 12% Cohen won a seat on GameStop’s had for less that $20 at the start of the in early trading. board early this year about a month year, rocketed north of $480 by the Ryan Cohen, the co-founder of the after the company revealed plummet- end of January. Trading for more than online pet supply company Chewy, ing sales in its third quarter. He has $150 on Monday, shares are still up will chair the company’s new since lobbied to move GameStop’s 720% this year. Rio Tinto chairman leaving over destruction of sacred sites

Rio Tinto chairman Simon Juukan Gorge in Western sadness and deep regret, as well within Rio Tinto needed to hap- In this file Thompson said he was account- Australia state that had been as being a clear breach of our pen immediately and it’s too bad photo, protest- able for the mining giant destroy- inhabited for 46,000 years. values as a company,” he added. it’s taken some eight months to ers rally out- ing sacred Indigenous sites in The company’s successes in Jamie Lowe, chief executive be actually able to see that side the Rio Australia to access iron ore and 2020 were “overshadowed by of the National Native Title come to fruition,” Lowe said. Tinto office in he will not seek reelection as a the destruction of the Juukan Council, which represents Executives Chris Salisbury Perth, board director next year. Gorge shelters ... and, as chair- Australia’s traditional owners of and Simone Niven also left the Australia, on Thompson’s announcement man, I am ultimately account- the land, described Thompson’s company last year due to share- June 9, 2020. came after former chief execu- able for the failings that led to departure as a necessary step holder anger at the destruction tive Jean-Sebastien Jacques this tragic event,” Thompson that Indigenous people had that outraged traditional owners announced his resignation last said in a statement. been demanding since the rock of the gorge, the Puutu Kunti September over the destruction “The tragic events at Juukan shelters were blasted. Kurrama and Pinikura people. in May of two rock shelters in Gorge are a source of personal “We think the cultural shift (AP) Business PPluslus Biden bids to end jobs crisis and catapult the country forward to tackle deep issues of poverty Biden’s big relief package a bet gov’t can help cure America

9.5 million lost jobs quickly return? Will inflation surge? Will the national debt spook voters in next year’s mid- term elections? Biden has placed the biggest of markers on the theories of the 20th Century British economist John Maynard Keynes that the gov- ernment can stimulate a dormant economy back to health. Sweeping in scope, Biden’s plan largely relies on existing health care and tax credits, rather than new pro- grams, but it expands that standard fare in ambitious new ways that are designed to reach more people who are suffering in an unprecedented time. “We haven’t done this before,” said Syracuse University economics pro- fessor Len Burman, a co-founder of the Tax Policy Center. “If it actually does work the way it does in theory and the economy is back at full employment in a year, that would be amazing. It would save a lot of hard- ship and suffering.” But Burman also has misgivings about the design of Biden’s package because it distributes direct payments and other benefits to almost every household in the United States, rather than directing the money to the poor and to businesses and organizations most damaged by the pandemic and ensuing shutdowns. “It kind of reminded me of this idea when I was in grad school of helicopter money – which was basi- cally dropping money from the air and seeing if it raised incomes,” he said. “The money could have been better targeted.” Final passage of the bill is expected this week – before expand- ed unemployment benefits are set to expire mid-March. But Biden’s signing celebration will just be the start. His administration will have to show that the funds can be spent Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., leaves the chamber just after the Senate narrowly approved a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, at the Capitol in Washington on March 6, 2021. effectively and efficiently, helping Senate passage sets up final congressional approval by the House next week so lawmakers can send it to President Joe Biden for his signature. (AP) those in need while giving the broader public enough confidence to By Josh Boak and Lisa Mascaro “When I was elected, I said we with the speed of a nation mobilizing McConnell argues against the pack- awaken growth through hiring and were going to get the government out for war without touching a tripwire of age as missing the moment – too big spending. resident Joe Biden wants of the business of battling on Twitter inflation. at a time when the virus is showing Felicia Wong, CEO of the liberal PAmerica to know that he’s from and back in the business of delivering “People have lost faith govern- signs of easing and the economy is Roosevelt Institute, sees parallels to When I was elected, I the government and he’s here to for the American people,” Biden said ment can do good for them,” says poised to come “roaring” back. the Great Depression, when Franklin ‘ help. after the huge bill passed the Senate Senate Majority Leader Chuck Instead of working across the aisle Delano Roosevelt brought about an That sentiment became a well-worn on Saturday. “Of showing the Schumer, who spoke daily with toward unity, as Biden has promised, unprecedented series of government said we were going to punchline under Ronald Reagan and American people that their govern- Biden while ushering the bill McConnell says Democrats are “ram- interventions that realigned US poli- shaped the politics of both parties for ment can work for them.” through the Senate last weekend. ming through what they call ‘the most tics. Wong said she is monitoring the get the government out four decades. Democrat Bill Clinton Taken together, provisions in the Now, as vaccines become more progressive domestic legislation in a process by which the money from the declared the era of big government 628-page bill add up to one of the available and other changes take generation,’” quoting the White COVID relief package gets distribut- of the business of bat- over in the 1990s, Barack Obama largest enhancements to the social place, “people are going to see that House chief of staff. ed. largely kept his party in the same lane safety net in decades, pushing the government actually is making their “They explained their intent very “That’s going to matter as much as tling on Twitter and and Republican Donald Trump cam- country into uncharted territory. lives better – which is how clearly: to exploit this crisis as ‘a tre- the scale of the package because it’s paigned on the premise that Besides stopping the pandemic and Americans used to think of it, and mendous opportunity to restructure going to build trust,” Wong said. back in the business of Washington was full of morons, out- jumpstarting hiring, money in the res- we’ve gotten away from it.” things to fit our vision,’” McConnell Republicans are poised to portray played by the Chinese and others. cue package — now awaiting final Republicans say Americans have says. This is the first COVID bill that the spending as bloated and ineffi- But Biden is now staking his presi- approval in the House — is supposed plenty of reason to be skeptical, call- had zero support from Republicans in cient, much the way they attacked the delivering for the Amer- dency on the idea that the government to start fixing income inequality, ing the American Rescue Plan exces- the House or Senate. Obama-era recovery act during the can use his $1.9 trillion coronavirus halve child poverty, feed the hungry, sive and wasteful. They warn the Biden’s bet, more than others in 2009 financial crisis. ican people relief plan not only to stop a pandem- save pensions, sustain public transit, sweeping package will run up the modern politics and economics, is full At the same time, much of the aid ’ ic and jobs crisis but also to catapult let schools reopen with confidence national debt to precarious new of questions. is temporary, set to expire in a year or the country forward to tackle deep and help repair state and local govern- heights after $4 trillion in aid has Can the federal money push eco- so, leaving Congress to assess issues of poverty, inequality and ment finances. And Biden is betting already been provided. nomic growth above 6% for the first Biden’s approach ahead of the next more. that the government can do all of this Senate Republican leader Mitch time since Reagan in 1984? Will the election season. (AP) Cuba’s struggling entrepreneurs look to Biden with hope

HAVANA, March 9, (AP): Business In November 2018, US-based and on travel. was booming for a trendy little cloth- Google featured the company in an So far though, it’s not clear when ing shop called Clandestina in the open-air fashion show, “Country such actions might come. heart of Old Havana, one of thou- under Construction,” showing off rus- Also holding out hope is Reymel sands of new private businesses that tic shirts, leather boots and overalls Delgado, 44, who worked on US pro- had arisen in what was once a near- stamped with the “Wi-Fi” symbol in ductions such as “Fast and Furious” wholly state-run socialist economy. the courtyard of Havana’s Museum of and “Transformers” that were allowed A torrent of tourists poured through Fine Arts. to film in Cuba in 2016 before Trump the doors to pick through bags, sweat- But the party was ending. The shut them down. shirts, camisoles and caps – at least Trump administration had begun issu- “We were very affected directly,” until the Trump administration turned ing a series of measures banning most he said of Trump’s arrival. “There off the taps that had been opened just trips by Americans and limiting were many projects that were under- a few years before by then-president money sent to the island. It also way and others that were planned, Barack Obama. slashed the number of US diplomats, and that stopped. Some were elimi- Today, those glass-and-wood doors banned cruise ships and punished nated and others were on standby, and If Biden allows travel swing open less often, with tourism companies shipping the Venezuelan we will see what happens now.” ‘ choked both by US sanctions meant oil Cuba’s economy has relied upon. Cuban authorities say Trump to Cuba, gives an image to punish Cuba’s government and a The restrictions, imposed piece by imposed more than 200 measures pandemic that has squashed tourism piece, haven’t loosened the govern- against Cuba, accusing the island’s of Cuba as a friendly almost everywhere. A woman walks past an anti-embargo sign that reads in Spanish: ‘Against ment’s control, but they have squeezed government of violating human With their business tottering, my land, we don’t understand each other’ in Viñales, Cuba, March 1, 2021. its budgets, and those of ordinary rights, trampling on democracy and (AP) country ... that in itself is Clandestina’s owners - Idania Del Río Cubans as well. The government being responsible for a series of still- blames US sanctions for widespread unexplained illnesses that affected US and Leire Fernández - subsist on hope Some of the most successful target- began to show up,” Del Río, 39, told that new US President Joe Biden will shortages of food and fuel and says they and Canadian diplomats. a radical change for the ed a surging number of tourists – part the AP. “A lot of Americans came, reverse at least some of the restric- cost Cuba some $5.5 billion. “Biden represents hope for every- tions implemented by his predecessor. of another government opening meant deals were signed.” “Four very hard years have passed one,” Rigoberto Romero, owner of a cash registers of entre- “If Biden allows travel to Cuba, to save the economy. Quickly the shop was running out since Obama’s time,” said Fernández, carriage and nine horses who used to gives an image of Cuba as a friendly Tourism got a huge boost at the of large-sized shirts bought by husky who is Spanish and Del Río’s partner. make a living catering to travelers preneurs country ... that in itself is a radical end of 2014 when Obama announced foreigners. She said that Clandestina lost 50% of Now, he waits at home taking care of ’ change for the cash registers of entre- a historic thaw of relations with Cuba, With US interest in Cuba high, its income after Trump’s initial travel his animals. preneurs,” Fernández, 44, told The arguing that five decades of US sanc- Clandestina’s clothes quickly became restrictions. The Cuban leadership has lived Associated Press. tions against communist governments a hit, even appearing at New York And they’re not alone. A 2019 sur- through a series of openings and clos- In 2010, in an attempt to energize had failed and that more vibrant ties fashion shows. vey of 126 business owners published ings imposed by US leaders since the island’s sluggish, top-down econ- would do more to help the Caribbean It even began to sell online – some- by Auge, a local business consultant, sanctions were first enacted some 60 omy, then-President Raúl Castro pro- nation’s people. thing unprecedented for a country found that 80% reported being affect- years ago and tightened as Fidel moted an unprecedentedly broad Clandestina launched in 2015 about where internet connectivity is limited ed by Trump’s measures. Castro allied himself with the Soviet opening to the private sector, allow- five blocks from the country’s capitol even today. Biden has long said that he would Bloc. Cuban leaders want the US ing hundreds of sorts of small busi- building – modeled on the one in “It was something very radical: all reinstate at least some of Obama’s Congress to repeal the underlying nesses – restaurants, shoe repairers, Washington - just in time to fill its sails of a sudden a 100% Cuban brand in policies toward Cuba. His advisers laws that give presidents broad pow- small clothing workshops and more – with the breeze from the US opening. New York, being sold to North have spoken of eliminating Trump-era ers to impose such sanctions - though that have grown to employ some “The store was small, we barely American citizens, to tourists, to restrictions on remittances sent by analysts say that’s highly unlikely 600,000 people. had anything and a lot of people everyone,” Del Río said. Cubans in the US to their homeland, under Biden. ARAB TIMES, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 SCIENCE 11

Coronavirus

Pandemic’s effect Experts see mental health toll on youth BERLIN, March 9, (AP): Pollina Dinner returned to school in Berlin for the fi rst time this week after two months of lockdown. The 9-year-old third-grader was thrilled to see her classmates and teachers again but frets about the corona- virus pandemic’s effect on her life. “I’m not afraid of the coronavirus, I’m afraid that eve- rything will continue like this - that my school will close again, I won’t be able to see my friends, and that I can’t go to the movies with my family,” the girl said, fi ngering her blue medical mask and sighing deeply. “And wearing this mask is even worse than all the shops being closed.” Psychiatrists, psychologists and pediatricians in Germany have voiced growing alarm that school closings, social re- strictions and other precautions are magnifying the fear, dis- ruption and stress of the pandemic among Germany’s 13.7 million children and teenagers, raising the prospect of a future mental health crisis. “We don’t have any long-term stud- ies yet, but there’s lots of anecdotal evidence of a crisis-driven rise in hos- pitalizations and overfl owing psychol- ogists’ practices,” Julia Asbrand, a professor of child and youth psychol- ogy at Berlin’s Humboldt University, told The Associated Press. A recent survey by the University Siggelkow Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf found that about one child in three is suffering from pandem- ic-related anxiety or depression or is exhibiting psychoso- matic symptoms like headaches or stomach aches. Children from poorer and immigrant families are disproportionally affected, according to the survey. Pollina, who immigrated from Russia with her family in 2019, worries about forgetting much of her German since she only speaks Russian at home. She’s one of 150 young- sters from underprivileged families who, before the pan- Yvette Pau, 56, receives the second dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, in Gibraltar, March 4. Gibraltar, a densely populated narrow peninsula at the mouth demic. regularly spent time after school at a youth support of the Mediterranean Sea, is emerging from a two-month lockdown with the help of a successful vaccination rollout. The British overseas territory is currently on track to program on the eastern outskirts of the German capital. complete by the end of March the vaccination of both its residents over age 16 and its vast imported workforce. But the recent easing of restrictions, in what authorities Arche - Ark in English - is based in Berlin’s Hellersdorf have christened ‘Operation Freedom,’ leaves Gibraltar with the challenge of reopening to a globalized world with unequal access to coronavirus jabs. (AP) district, a neighborhood of drab concrete buildings con- structed during the former Communist regime of East Ger- many. Some children are still allowed to come in person, but only once every two weeks. The rest of the time, the social Coronavirus workers and educators try to stay in touch through video chats while helping their young clients with remote learning. Limited “Many have completely withdrawn and don’t want to get CDC issues new advice to address growing demand out of their rooms anymore. They’ve gained a lot of weight, are playing online games nonstop and don’t have any more structure in their everyday lives,” Arche founder Bernd Siggelkow said. Vaccinated can meet without masks The second major lockdown in Germany started before NEW YORK, March 9, (AP): Fully only about 9% of the US population – and public health professor at George Christmas. Students in grades 1-3 were allowed to return to vaccinated Americans can gather with have been fully vaccinated with a fed- Washington University who formerly classrooms this week with reduced class sizes and limited other vaccinated people indoors with- erally authorized COVID-19 vaccine was Baltimore’s health commissioner. lessons. The government hopes to ease further restrictions in out wearing a mask or social distanc- so far, according to the CDC. Wen has said the CDC should have coming weeks and has said that the re-opening of all schools ing, according to long-awaited guid- Authorized vaccine doses fi rst became had some kind of post-vaccination is a top priority. ance from federal health offi cials. available in December, and they were guidance ready in January, when some However, there’s concern the country is slipping into a The recommendations also say that products that required two doses spaced people fi rst began to fi nish their second third wave of infections due to more contagious variants of This undated photo provided by Say- aka Mitoh shows Elysia cf. marginata vaccinated people can come together in weeks apart. But since January, a small doses. And she called the guidance that the virus. Virologists have repeatedly said it is still unclear to the same way – in a single household but growing number of Americans have came out Monday “far too cautious.” what extent the virus spreads from children attending school sea slug after autotomy. According to a study released in the journal Current – with people considered at low-risk been fully vaccinated, and have been “The CDC is missing a major oppor- into homes and communities. More than 2 million people Biology on March 8, scientists have for severe disease, such as in the case asking questions like: Do I still have to tunity to tie vaccination status with reo- have contracted the virus in Germany and almost 70,000 discovered that some Japanese sea of vaccinated grandparents visiting wear a mask? Can I go to a bar now? Can pening guidance. By coming out with have died of COVID-19, although only 10 under the age of slugs can grow whole new bodies if healthy children and grandchildren. I fi nally see my grandchildren? such limited guidance, they are miss- 20, according to the country’s disease control center. their heads are cut off, taking regener- The Centers for Disease Control and The guidance was “welcome news ing the window to infl uence state and Even though children are not at as much risk of severe ation to the most extreme levels ever Prevention announced the guidance to a nation that is understandably tired national policy,” Wen said, in an email. COVID-19 complications as older adults, they may be more seen. (AP) Monday. of the pandemic and longs to safely re- But some people who are fully vacci- vulnerable to the collateral mental health effects of the pan- The guidance is designed to address sume normal activities,” said Dr. Rich- nated were pleased by Monday’s news. demic, according to experts. a growing demand, as more adults have ard Besser, president and CEO of the Ruth Michienzi was among those An analysis by German health insurer DAK regarding been getting vaccinated and wondering Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and receiving her second and fi nal vaccine youth psychological issues confi rms the fi rst-person obser- if it gives them greater freedom to visit a former acting director of the CDC. dose at a pharmacy inside a Stop and vations of the staff at Arche. family members, travel, or do other things Shop supermarket in Woburn, Massa- The evaluation, which was obtained by German news like they did before the COVID-19 pan- Change chusetts on Monday morning. agency dpa, showed that the number of children and teenag- demic swept the world last year. “I hope that this new guidance pro- The 91-year-old resident of nearby ers hospitalized for psychiatric treatment in Berlin almost “With more and more people vacci- vides the momentum for everyone Burlington said she’s fi ne with having doubled during the fi rst half of 2020, when schools were nated each day, we are starting to turn to get vaccinated when they can and to still wear a facemask in public and closed for over two months during the country’s fi rst lock- a corner,” said CDC Director Dr. Ro- gives states the patience to follow the follow other safety guidelines even af- down, compared with fi rst six months of 2019. chelle Walensky. public health roadmap needed to reo- ter being fully vaccinated. The statistic underscores the psychological strain the pan- During a press briefi ng Monday, she pen their economies and communities But Michienzi also said she’s ex- demic is putting on young people but does not illustrate the Boyle Curtis called the guidance a “fi rst step” to- safely,” said Besser, in a statement. cited to fi nally be able to take off her scope of the problem, Christoph Correll, the director of child ward restoring normalcy in how people But some said the guidance is too mask in front of her three great grand- and youth psychiatry at Berlin’s Charite hospital, told dpa. come together. She said more activities cautious. children. She’s seen them in person “Hospitalizations are the tip of the iceberg,” he said. would be ok’d for vaccinated individu- Dr. Ali Khan, dean of the Univer- since receiving her fi rst shot about a Teenagers, especially girls, are more prone to eating dis- Discovery als once caseloads and deaths decline, sity of Nebraska College of Public month ago, but has kept her mask on. orders and self-harming, and many children’s psychologi- more Americans are vaccinated, and as Health, said the guidance is reasonable “I hope they remember me,” she cal problems are going undetected while parents are over- more science emerges on the ability of in many respects - with the exception said. whelmed and teachers, social workers and pediatricians Sea slugs grow new bodies: Scien- those who have been vaccinated to get of travel. “I’ve been doing all of that for a don’t have regular contact with students, clients and patients, tists have discovered the ultimate case of and spread the virus. The CDC did not change its recom- year, and I don’t want that year to be experts warn. regeneration: Some decapitated sea slugs The CDC is continuing to recom- mendations on travel, which discour- wasted,” Michienzi said of the safety can regrow hearts and whole new bodies. mend that fully vaccinated people still ages unnecessary travel and calls for regulations. “I think it’s smart to wait.” Attention This “wonder of nature,” reported in a wear well-fi tted masks, avoid large getting tested within a few days of the A pair of customers, who weren’t Psychology professor Asbrand worries that the mental biology journal on Monday, could even- gatherings, and physically distance trip. That could seem confusing to vac- in line to receive shots, though, openly health of children and teenagers has not gotten enough atten- tually help scientists better understand themselves from others when out in cinated people hoping to visit family groused about the continued restrictions tion during the pandemic. Together with other professionals and tackle regeneration of human tissue. public. The CDC also advised vacci- across the country or abroad. and voiced fears that stricter mandates Biology researcher Sayaka Mitoh said nated people to get tested if they de- “They need to relax travel for those on travel and socializing would follow, in the fi eld, she wrote an open letter to the government this she loves studying Japanese sea slugs be- month to push for youth needs to get better addressed in the cause they are small, cute and weird. They velop symptoms that could be related vaccinated” and to immediately pub- even as more are vaccinated. ongoing health crisis and prioritized when society reopens. can even briefl y photosynthesize like a to COVID-19. lish electronic standards for documents Grace McShane, 61, of Melrose, An immediate action government authorities could take to plant drawing food from the sun. The CDC guidance did not speak that show whether a person is fully also received her second dose Monday help mitigate possible problems would be to allow groups to One day in the lab, she saw something to people who may have gained some vaccinated, said Khan, who formerly at the same supermarket. gather for school and youth sports, in line with hygiene and bizarre: A sea slug had decapitated itself level of immunity from being infected, was a leading CDC disease detective. She says she qualifi ed for the vac- distancing precautions. and the head kept on moving and living. and recovering from, the coronavirus. The new guidance also says noth- cine because she’s high risk, including “We all don’t know yet how this is going to develop long- Then a couple more did the same, accord- Offi cials say a person is considered ing about going to restaurants or other suffering a heart attack last year. The term, but we must focus on youth mental health now,” she ing to a study in Current Biology. fully vaccinated two weeks after re- places, even though governors are lift- in-home caregiver said she too was said. So the doctoral student and Nara Wom- ceiving the last required dose of vac- ing restrictions on businesses, said Dr. fi ne with the continued restrictions en’s University aquatic ecology professor cine. About 31 million Americans – or Leana Wen, an emergency physician even after being vaccinated. While attending Arche this week for help with homework Yoichi Yusa tried it themselves, cutting assigned online, 16-year-old Robin Reyer said not being the heads off 16 sea slugs. Six of the crea- able to hang out with friends has been one of the hardest tures started regeneration, with three suc- parts of the pandemic restrictions. ceeding and surviving. One of the three more critically endangered red wolves The US Fish and Wildlife Service let them loose in February. One of the “I want to celebrate birthdays again, go out and play even lost and regrew its body twice. Two into the wild in North Carolina and could said in the fi ling Monday that it brought male wolves was later killed by a car. soccer with my friends in the park or meet them at Burger different species of Japanese sea slugs did place several more captive-bred wolves two male wolves from a Florida wild- The service said it also plans to release King,” he said while taking a break outside in the spring sun. this regeneration trick. into the habitat this year, according to a life refuge, paired them with wild fe- another captive-bred pair into the wild Other creatures can cast off body parts new plan submitted to a federal judge. male wolves from North Carolina and this summer and will aim to introduce “Now, I’m only allowed to meet one friend at most,” he captive-bred pups into any wild litters said. “That really sucks.” when needed, like when some lizards drop their tails to get away from a predator, in a born in the breeding season that runs Also: biological phenomenon called autotomy. through May. Releases of captive-bred “We think that this is the most extreme wolves had largely been halted by the NEW YORK: More than 60 million people, or 18.1% of the case of autotomy,’’ Yusa said. “Some ani- government in recent years. US population, have received at least one dose of a corona- mals can autotomize their legs or append- Wolf conservation groups responded virus vaccine, according to the Centers for Disease Control ages or tails, but no other animal shed that the government needs to move faster. and Prevention. Some 31.2 million people have completed their whole body.” The plan was submitted to US Dis- their vaccination, or 9.4% of the population. According to Scientists had thought that such a rela- trict Judge Terrence Boyle, who ordered data from Johns Hopkins University, the seven-day rolling tively large animal - one of the sea slug the agency in January to introduce more average for daily new cases in the US decreased over the species can grow to 6 inches (15 centim- wolves into eastern North Carolina, the past two weeks, going from 66,162.4 on Feb. 21 to 57,971.5 eters) long - couldn’t survive without a only place in the world where they roam on Sunday. According to data from Johns Hopkins Univer- heart to pump blood and nutrients to the free. At the time, Boyle noted that as few brain, said Canadian marine biologist as seven red wolves remained in the wild. sity, the seven-day rolling average for daily new deaths in Another approximately 250 live in zoos the US decreased over the past two weeks, going from 1,873 Susan Anthony, who wasn’t part of the study. and refuges as part of the captive-breed- on Feb. 21 to 1,677.1 on Sunday. But the same thing that makes this ing program. The seven-day rolling test positivity rate in the US de- species spectacular is probably what Boyle has given conservation groups creased from 4.9% on Feb. 21 to 4.1% on Sunday, according helps it pull off the trick, said Anthony suing the federal government two weeks to data from the COVID Tracking Project. The three states and Yusa. to raise any objections to the new plan. with the highest rates of positive coronavirus tests: Idaho Humans may be able to learn some- The offi cials who prepared the plan (25.9%), Alabama (19.6%) and Iowa (18.1%). Idaho’s rate thing useful from the sea creatures, sev- wrote that the federal agency “remains rose in the past two weeks from 19.91% on Feb 21 to 25.89% eral scientists said. What’s especially in- committed to reintroducing the red wolf triguing is that these sea slugs are more into portions of its historical range and re- on Sunday. covering the species in the wild.” Hundreds of nurses at a Massachusetts hospital walked complex than fl atworms or other species that are known to regenerate, said Nicho- The offi cials also noted that they off the job after failing to reach an agreement with Dallas- In this Feb 24, 2021 file photo, a fiery river of glowing lava flows on the north- planned to proceed deliberately in moving based Tenet Healthcare over staffi ng levels. Nurses and their las Curtis, a biology professor at Ave Maria University who wasn’t part of the east side of the Mt Etna volcano engulfed with ashes and smoke near Milo, Sic- captive-bred wolves to the wild in order to supporters gathered outside St. Vincent Hospital in Worces- study. (AP) ily. The spectacular explosions of Mount Etna are continuing Sunday, March 7, maintain a “a robust captive population” ter at dawn Monday holding signs that said “Safe Staffi ng ❑ ❑ ❑ with the volcano in eastern Sicily, spewing out towering clouds of ash and lava that’s genetically diverse. A spokesman Now” and “Picketing for our Patients and our Community.” stones. Italy’s national geophysics and volcanology institute said the latest big for the agency didn’t immediately re- ‘Plan to release red wolves’: Gov- explosion occurred hours before dawn on Sunday, with the volcano exhibiting spond to a message seeking further com- ernment wildlife offi cials released two increasing tremors throughout the night. (AP) ment. (AP) Film WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 FFeatureseatures at somethingreally very,very to bothofusthatwe werelooking they dreamabout. week, butthiswasoneofthekind Yin art, experts onChineseceramicsand evaluation. Theauctionhouse’s photos toSotheby’saskingforan and lateremailedinformation named, paidthe$35askingprice Chinese Art. Sotheby’s AuctionofImportant New York world, willbeupforauctionin such bowlsknowntoexistinthe last year,accordingtoSotheby’s. a yardsaleinthe something specialwhenbrowsing the pieceandthoughtitcouldbe antiques enthusiastcameacross (16 centimeters)indiameter.An and otherdesignsisabout6inches cobalt bluepaintingsoffl up forauctionatSotheby’s. and $500,000thatisabouttogo artifact worthbetween$300,000 to bearare,15thcenturyChinese a Connecticutyardsaleturnedout porcelain bowlboughtfor$35at your yardsalefi (AP) restaurant owner director and have rangedfrom Raab sion co-foundedin2017by and Woodward, MaggieHaberman prize-winning journalistsas ton Post,hasworkedwithsuch was aneditoratTheWashing- books thatareajoytoread.” help usdothataswellproduce goal istofi Hamilton saidinastatement.“My has neverbeenmoreimportant.,” how wehavegottentothispoint our country,whenunderstanding politics andhistory. focus onacquiringbooksabout will beginhisnewjobApril5and executive editor. is joiningCeladonBooksas editor forTheNewYorkTimes HARTFORD, Conn: NEW YORK: In thisvideograbissuedMonday,March8,2021,byCBSThisMorning,OprahWinfreydiscussesherinterviewwithPrinceHarrya evant laws,regulationsandpolicies,thepageisnotfound.” blog platformWeiboresultsinamessage:“Accordingtotherel- “No landtorelyon”(thefi dia, andatleasttwohashtagsrelatedtoithavebeendisabled. they consideredan“insulttoChina.” her win,othersduguptwointerviewswhereZhaosaidthingsthat ment shemadeaboutthecountryin2013.Evenassomecelebrated citizen andifshecouldbecountedasChinesegivenacriticalcom- Zhao, whowaseducatedintheUKandUS,stillaChinese questions aboutwhetheritwillstillbereleasedinChina. removed somesocialmediapostsaboutthefi backlash regardinghercitizenshipandidentity.Censorshave stead fi met withuniversalapplauseinhercountryofbirth. Globe forbestdirectorherfi fi TAIPEI, Taiwan,March9,(AP):ChloeZhao’ssuccess-she’sthe Chinese director of‘Nomadland’facescontroversy athome rst AsianwomanandthesecondevertowinaGolden “It wasimmediately apparent The buyer,whomisnotbeing The piece,oneofonlyseven The whitebowladornedwith Celadon isaMacmillandivi- Hamilton, whopreviously “This isauniquemomentfor A postonWeibofromthegovernment-backedNationalArt- Searching forthehashtags“Nomadlandhasareleasedate”and Now publicityaboutthefi Over thepastweek,Chinesewebusersquestionedwhether The Beijing-bornfi Angela McAteer , getmanysuchemailsevery Roz Chast David Maraniss and nds thenewsofhersuccessovershadowedbyanationalist John Brennan ❑ nd writerswhocan Deb Futter on March17aspartof The Washington nds. Asmall toformerCIA New Haven Bill Hamilton Erin French Steve Martin and . Talk about . Authors andchef- lmmaker, nowaleadingOscarcontender,in- owers Hang Jamie Bob area . lm’s Chinesetitle)onpopularmicro-

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lm “Nomadland”-hasnotbeen look atitinperson. Thereareno the 1400swhenthey wereableto century periodofporcelain.” teristic ofthatearly,early15th color oftheblueisquitecharac- shape ofthebowl,evenjust ment. “Thestyleofpainting,the its ChineseWorksofArtDepart- senior vicepresidentandheadof special,” saidMcAteer,Sotheby’s They confi a fantasticwaytobetransparentaboutwhatwewere the UniversityofWisconsin-Madison.“Thatwassuch Culver, directoroftheCenterforJournalismEthicsat with ethics-relateddisclosures,saidKathleenBartzen with methelongestisthatshebeganinterview” sually largeaudienceamidmultiplyingchoices. mates, wasrewardedwith17millionviewers,anunu- $9 milliontoairitand,accordingearlyNielsenesti- edly paidWinfrey’sproductioncompany,Harpo,upto limits andthecouplewasn’tcompensated.CBSreport- hadn’t beenprovidedinadvance,nosubjectwasoff at theoutset,askingMeghantoconfi labeling itself-serving. for heremotionalpainfeastedontheinterviewwhile brave.” TheBritishtabloidsthatMeghanalsoblamed ena WilliamspraisedherfriendMeghanforbeing“so interview” foritscandoraboutmentalhealth,andSer- night. HughJackmanrecommendedthe“courageous even beforethespecial’splannedairingthereMonday suicide, reverberatedwithUSviewersandintheUK callousness thatMeghansaidputheronthebrinkof sins ofamonarchywith1,200yearshistory. ing handsinamanicuredCaliforniagardentorevealthe mother confessor.Thistime,sheaskedthecouplehold- he’d lightenedhisskintodenyBlackness. about hertroubledlifeandMichaelJacksononwhether Lance Armstrongaboutdoping,WhitneyHouston entertainment. Inpastbig“gets,”Winfreyhadgrilled Crown”’ fordramaandheartache. interviewer withSunday’sspecialthatrivaled“The royal roles,Winfreyburnishedherstatureasamaster bukes fordetailingwhytheyfl can mediaqueen. was onlyoneimmediateandclearwinner:theAmeri- tell enough—interviewwithOprahWinfrey.Butthere tims andvillainsinHarryMeghan’stell-all—or LOS ANGELES,March9,(AP):Therewereroyalvic- Why Oprahisstillthemediaqueen “The thingthatstruckmefi Winfrey carefullyframedtheinterview’slegitimacy The answers,includingclaimsofpalacebigotryand In thoseencounters,Winfreyplayedprosecutoror She wasinherelement,breakingnewsandmaking While thecoupledrewbothstrongsupportandre- Variety lm, whichhasraised rmed itwasfrom rst andIthinkwillstay Media country,” theuncorrectedversionofstorywasonecirculat- article “hasbeenupdatedtorefl the storyonMarch3tosaytheyhadmisquotedZhao,andthat said “theUSisnowmycountry.”Althoughthenewssiteupdated Australian website,news.com.au,inDecemberlastyearwhereshe nal. the quote,butarchivedversionsofwebpageshowedorigi- where therearelieseverywhere.”Theinterviewnolongershows goes backtowhenIwasateenagerinChina,beingplace a 2013interviewwithFilmmakermagazinewhereZhaosaid,“It interviews donebyZhao.Onlineuserscirculatedscreenshotsfrom Royal interviewrivals‘Crown’ fordrama,heartache odadHaberman Woodward ed Britainandtheir The secondquotecamefromaninterviewZhaodidwith At theheartofcontroversyaretwoquotesfromprevious comments anditsEnglish-languageposter,remainvisible. according toVariety.Theapp’slandingpageforthemovie,with the movieaswellareleasedateinChinaweredeletedFriday, cuss books,fi no longerdisplaystheposter. house AllianceofCinemasthathadfeaturedaposterforthefi rm thatquestions On Douban,apopularappwheremanyurbanChineseusersdis- Online debatehasbeensplit CBS PrimetimeSpecial’airedMarch7.(AP) lms andTVshows,theoffi of, inanunspokenway,undercuttheracism”directed skillful performance. African Americanwomenwithasharedperspective. tent exchangemademoresobecauseitinvolvedtwo be. Meghan andHarry’sthen-unbornson,Archie,would couple refusedtoidentify,hadspeculatedonhowdark from Meghan:Thatsomeoneinthepalace,whom lesser thanotherroyaloffspring. ing accountsofhowtheirson,Archie,wasperceivedas Meghan’s harshtreatmentbyU.K.tabloidsanddismay- Meghan andHarrycalledalackofpalacesupportover the rift. calls atsomepoint.WinfreycoaxedHarrytoexplore tioned thathisfather,PrinceCharles,stoppedtaking notice, includingwhenHarryalmostoffhandedlymen- lenced?” Acarefullistener,sheletnothingescapeher memorable querytoMeghan:“Wereyousilent,orsi- Controversy “She isjustsotremendouslytalentedthatitsort Bartzen CulversawanothervalueinWinfreyandher “What? Holdup,”ashockedWinfreyreplied,po- That includedoneoftheinterview’sbombshells Other intimatedetailspouredout,includingwhat Her questionswereshortanddirect,includingthis ence. bleak revelationwithadeftnesshonedbylongexperi- she consideredsuicide.Winfreyguidedhertowardthat distress, however,shestoppedshortofconfi today,” asWinfreyputitatonepoint. mer “Suits”actorcamepreparedto“speakyourtruth orous yetvulnerableinhervisiblepregnancy,thefor- a willingpartnerinMeghan.Lookingmovie-starglam- whose talkshowairedformorethantwodecades,had area ofSouthernCalifornia. — andthattheywereneighborsintheposhMontecito the couple’swedding—thankingMeghanforinvite viewers canjudgeitscredibility.” going toseeinthatinterviewlastnight,andhowweas When Meghanrevealedthedepthofheremotional The veteraninterviewer,actorandmediamogul, Winfrey alsopointedlynotedthatshehadattended ect shesaid(theUSis)‘not’her McAteer said. product oftheearly Mingperiod,” marks aretherethatidentifyitasa the period. color anddesignsaredistinctiveof touch, itsglazewassilkyandthe The bowlwasverysmoothtothe eyes andhandsofspecialists. scientifi McAteer andYin determined “All thecharacteristicsandhall- Memorable c tests,onlythetrained cial Chineseposterfor nd Meghan,DuchessofSussex.‘OprahwithMeghanandHarry:A lm rming that rming enjoy.” from? Treatagoodmovieasifit’sfeast,allyouneedtodois nese chefwasgreatatcooking,wouldyouaskhimwherehe American femalefi director, shewasalsothefi was shethefi his Weibowherehehas3millionfollowers,notingthat“notonly of hertowninNevadashutitsdoors. who livesinavanafterthecompanythatwaseconomicengine remain focusedonhermovie,whichfollowsthestoryofawoman a state-ownedenterprise.Otherobserverscalledforthedebateto left thecountrybasedonherfather’swealthasaformerCEOof Zhao betrayedhercountry,calling“two-faced”andsayingshe calls seekingcomment. China FilmAdministrationdidnotimmediatelyrespondtophone slated tobereleasedonApril23,accordingChinesemedia.The ing widelyontheChineseinternet. Chu respondedtothecomment,saying,“IfanethnicallyChi- However, oneofthetopcommentsunderneathhispostsaid:“An A popularfi The onlinedebatehasbeensplit.Nationalistcommentatorssay It isunclearifthefi Sotheby’s. 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Harry andMeghanreachedanestimated17.1million from royallife. with MeghanandHarry,theirfi he said. and subtletiesinvolved. ed byitbut“cannotquiteunderstandallofthenuances monarchy asarepresentativeAmericanwho’sfascinat- successful,” Doylesaid,she’sabletoviewtheBritish person” forthejob. and Mailnewspaper,saidWinfreywas“thebestkindof something thatUSviewersmaybeunfamiliarwith. pects ofroyallives,asidefromthewishesqueen, also explainedthepalacebureaucracythatdictatesas- interview thatinallspannedmorethanthreehours.She pressed Harryfortheperson’snameduringedited clear. ents, QueenElizabethIIandPrincePhilip,wereinthe ers learnedthatHarryhaddisclosedhisgrandpar- Winfrey appearedon“CBSThisMorning,”thatview- of speculation.Itwasn’tuntilMondaymorning,when had commentedonArchie,avoidthatcreatedfrenzy cation. Thatincludedtheunansweredquestionofwho comments, therewasscantroomforcontextorclarifi at Meghan,shesaid. Nielsen saidithadthelargestaudienceforanyprime- CBS gavetheinterviewagoodtimeslot,follow- That’s accordingtopreliminarynumbersfromthe Oprah Winfrey’sexplosiveinterviewwithPrince Meanwhile, thelatestonOprahWinfrey’sinterview “I thinksheplayedthatroleanddiditverywell,” While sheis“amediasuperstar,incrediblyrichand John Doyle,televisioncriticforCanada’sTheGlobe In analmostdefensivetone,Winfreysaidshehad With thespecialfi lm critic,ChuMufeng,praisedZhaoandherfi rst ethnicallyChinesefemaledirectortowinbest lm director,thanks,don’tpraisehertoomuch.” Jingdezhen lm willstillbereleasedinChina.Itwas rst Asianwoman.” xed fi , rmly onHarryandMeghan’s inside. (AP) at thetopofboth outsideand There arealsointricate patterns themum andpomegranatefl blossoms oflotus,peony,chrysan- fl quatrefoil motifsurroundedby a medallionatthebottomand heart. Inside,itisdecoratedwith shape ofalotusbudorchicken owers. Theoutsideincludesfour rst sincesteppingaway The bowlwasmadeinthe - lm on ower. ARAB TIMES, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Television

Marks Int’l Women’s Day Malala takes her love of TV & fi lm to Apple NEW YORK, March 9, (AP): Malala Yousafzai is a Nobel laureate known around the world for her activism, but she’s also a cartoon fan, and is taking her love of television and fi lm to Apple TV+. Yousafzai, 23, who graduated from Oxford last June, announced Monday that she has partnered with Apple in a multi-year deal to develop dra- mas, documentaries, comedies, animation and series for kids. Yousafzai was the youngest winner of the No- bel Peace Prize, in 2014, for working to protect children from slavery, extremism and child labor. In her home country, Pakistan, she was outspoken in insisting that girls have a right to an education. She was shot in the head by a Taleban gunman while rid- ing a school bus at age 15. She recovered and went on to fi ght against girls’ oppres- sion worldwide. In an interview with The Associated Press, Yousafzai talked about her love of car- Malala toons as an escape, how she stays hopeful in a sometimes bleak world, and how she will mark Monday’s In- ternational Women’s Day. This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. AP: Your new deal with Apple includes com- edy and animated shows. Are you a comedy fan? This image provided by Harpo Productions shows Prince Harry, (from left), and Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, in conversation with Oprah Winfrey. (AP) Yousafzai: In my childhood, it was Cartoon Network and, you know, seeing “Tom and Jerry,” “Courage,” “Scooby Doo” and all of those TV car- toon shows. When you are a child — and especially Royals when terrorism started — to know that there is sort of this world in cartoons where you can escape from the reality around you and just giggle and laugh and just entertain yourself. You know, I have been Meghan, Harry’s revelations rock UK royals watching comedy movies from Bollywood to Hol- lywood, and I am a big fan of animation as well. I have not missed a single animation movie. It just keeps you engaged and entertained and also gives Royal interview echoes across globe you very beautiful messages. AP: You’ll also be developing documentaries LONDON, March 9, (AP): Prince tional comment on the situation “given was naive at the start of her relation- and maybe covering your world travels to help Harry and Meghan’s explosive TV these are private citizens, sharing their ship with Harry and unprepared for the girls? interview divided people around the own story and their own struggles.” strictures of royal life. A successful Yousafzai: I defi nitely want to do documenta- world on Monday, rocking an institu- Former Australian prime minister actress before her marriage, she said ries and non-scripted shows, and it will cover a tion that is struggling to modernize Malcolm Turnbull said the interview she bridled at the controlling nature of lot — hopefully my own journey as well — and with claims of racism and callousness bolstered his argument for Australia being royal, squirming at the idea that the incredible girls that I meet ... But there’s so toward a woman struggling with sui- severing its constitutional ties to the she had to live on terms set by palace cidal thoughts. British monarchy. Turnbull met the staff. This was compounded by the fact much more to explore and to learn. I’m excited. During the two-hour appearance couple in April 2018, four months be- that the staff refused to help her when You know, I’m still at the stage where I’m ex- with Oprah Winfrey, Harry also re- fore he was replaced by current Prime she faced racist attacks from the media ploring ideas. I can tell you that there are so many vealed the problems had ruptured re- Minister Scott Morrison in an internal and internet trolls, she said. incredible ideas and it’s so diffi cult to pick and lations with his father, Prince Charles, power struggle within the conservative Diffi cult o diffi cult that at one point, choose one. and brother, Prince William, illuminat- government. “I just didn’t want to be alive any- AP: A stat on your website suggests it will take In this Jan 22, 2018 file photo, Chloe ing the depth of the family divisions “It’s clearly an unhappy family, more,” Meghan told Winfrey. 100 years until all girls have access to education. Zhao poses for a portrait during the that led the couple to step away from or at least Meghan and Harry are un- Sometimes the news is so dark, how do you main- Sundance Film Festival in Park City, royal duties and move to California happy. It seems very sad,” Turnbull Resources Utah. Chloe Zhao’s success as the last year. told Australian Broadcasting Corp. But when she sought help through tain hope? first Asian woman and the second Yousafzai: I think when you raise your voice, woman ever to win a Golden Globe The palace has not yet responded “After the end of the queen’s reign, the palace’s human resources depart- it can have an impact and it can bring change. for best director for her film ‘Nomad- to the interview, in which Meghan de- that is the time for us to say: OK, ment, she was told there was nothing land’ has not been met with universal scribed feeling so isolated and misera- we’ve passed that watershed. Do we it could do because she wasn’t an em- What will make me pessimistic is if we don’t do ble inside the royal family that she had really want to have whoever happens ployee, Meghan said. anything. So as long as we keep doing our part, applause in the country where she was born. (AP) – Details on Page 12 suicidal thoughts and said a member to be the head of state, the king or The implications for the inter- there is optimism, there is hope. I think it’s just of the family had “concerns” about the queen of the UK, automatically our view — which was broadcast Sunday the silence that keeps things going as they are. color of her unborn child’s skin. head of state?” evening in the United States and will AP: How are you going to mark International The family member was not Queen Britain’s monarch is Australia’s air in Britain on Monday night - are Women’s Day? Elizabeth II or Prince Philip, according head of state. Turnbull was a leading only beginning to be understood. Yousafzai: We need to just take a bit of a break Variety to Harry, sparking a fl urry of specula- advocate for Australia selecting an Emily Nash, royal editor at Hello! and celebrate the accomplishments that women tion about who it could be. Australian citizen as its head of state Magazine, said the revelations had have made. And I’m not just talking about his- ATLANTA: A shooting on Interstate 85 Leaders around the world were when he was chairman of the Austral- left her and many other viewers torical fi gures and activist women - we need to in suburban Atlanta has claimed the life asked about the interview, and citizens ian Republican Movement from 1993 “shell-shocked.” applaud them and appreciate them. But us as in- of a rising Texas rap artist, one of three of many countries had an opinion. to 2000. “I don’t see how the palace can In Accra, Ghana, Devinia Cudjoe ignore these allegations, they’re in- dividuals, who are in school, in colleges study- interstate shootings in the metro area in Allegations two days, authorities said Saturday. said that hearing that a member of the credibly serious,” she said. “You ing, or parents who are coping with COVID and Rapper Corey Detiege, who per- royal family was worried about the News of the interview was reported have the racism allegations. Then being at home and managing their kids and also formed under the stage name Chucky color of the skin of an unborn child in Chinese state media, including the you also have the claim that Meghan doing work and managing these Zoom calls and Trill, died at an area hospital after was insulting to people of the Com- overseas edition of the ruling Commu- was not supported, and she sought everything. So to all the women who just coped - Friday’s predawn shooting, police in monwealth, the grouping of Britain nist Party’s fl agship newspaper, Peo- help even from the HR team within especially last year, you know - take a break and suburban Gwinnett County said. and its former colonies that is headed ple’s Daily, and was widely discussed the household and was told that she be proud of yourself. You have done an incredible Police Cpl Collin Flynn, a department by the queen. on the popular Weibo social media couldn’t seek help.” job. spokesman, said someone pulled up be- “That is pure racism,’’ Cudjoe said. platform. The younger royals have made cam- AP: Many girls look up to you as a hero. Who side Detiege’s car and opened fi re around “(The) Commonwealth is supposed to The allegations are especially dam- paigning for support and awareness 3 am Friday, WSB TV reported. Ditiege, foster unity, oneness amongst black aging because many observers hoped around mental health one of their pri- are your heroes? 33, was from Sugar Land, Texas. Yousafzai: I have many, many heroes, from people, amongst white people. But Harry and Meghan, who is biracial, orities. But Harry said the royal fam- Flynn said the suspect fl ed and a if we are hearing things like this … I would help the tradition-bound monar- ily was completely unable to offer that my parents to historical fi gures like Benazir Bhut- motive in the slaying was unknown. chy relate to an increasingly multicul- support to its own members. to, Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela. But the Police gave no immediate description of think that is below the belt.” the suspect’s vehicle and have made no In Nairobi, Kenya, Rebecca tural nation. In the early days of their “For the family, they very much people who have actually and truly inspired me Wangare called Meghan “a 21st- cen- marriage, Harry and Meghan joined have this mentality of ‘This is just how are the young girls that I have met in my jour- arrest. On Saturday, a man was grazed by a tury icon of a strong woman. She has William and his wife, Catherine, in it is, this is how it’s meant to be, you ney. Girls from Iraq to Brazil, Nigeria, Kenya. bullet on I-285 in DeKalb County when faced racism head-on.” projecting a glamorous, energetic im- can’t change it, we’ve all been through So many of these girls have incredible stories another driver pulled alongside him and age for the young royals. it,’” Harry said. that they have seen — wars, confl icts. They have opened fi re, DeKalb police spokeswoman Tarnish That partnership was severed when The couple had faced severe criti- become displaced. They have been forced into Offi cer Elise Wells said. Asma Sultan, a journalist in Kara- Harry and Meghan left the country, cism in the United Kingdom before marriages at early ages. But they do not give up Offi cers were called to a gas station chi, Pakistan, said the interview “is saying they wanted to earn their own the interview. Prince Philip, 99, is in on their dreams and they are still fi ghting for the about 4 am after the man, who was in his going to tarnish the image of the royal living and escape what they called in- a London hospital recovering from a right to education, for their right to a safe future. 40s, pulled over and called 911, Wells family.” trusive, racist coverage by the British heart procedure, and critics saw the de- said. “There is so much controversy ever media. cision to go forward as being a burden If they are not giving up on their fi ght for educa- “It appears that the victim was trave- since Diana’s death, so it is new Pan- But the interview brought that criti- on the queen - even though CBS, rath- tion, then why should we? ling down 285 when an unknown vehicle dora box which is opened up,” she cism into the palace itself, with the er than Harry and Meghan, dictated the AP: How has it been in quarantine at home? pulled up next to him and fi red several said. couple directing allegations of racism timing of the broadcast. Yousafzai: I spent the last two months of col- rounds into the victim’s car,” Wells said British Prime Minister Boris John- at an unidentifi ed member of the royal In the United States, sympathy for lege at home because of COVID. And I was tak- in an emailed statement to The Atlanta son refused to comment on the inter- family. the couple poured in. Tennis star Ser- ing my exams at home and I graduated at home Journal-Constitution. It’s unclear what view, praising the queen but saying Meghan said that when she was ena Williams, a friend who attended prompted the shooting. and it’s all just been home, home, home. I have The man was taken to the hospital and that “when it comes to matters to do pregnant with her son, Archie, Harry Harry and Meghan’s wedding, said two younger brothers and it’s quite diffi cult to is expected to recover, authorities said. with the royal family the right thing told her that the royal family had had on Twitter that the duchess’s words manage your work while they’re in the house. And about an hour before Detiege for a prime minister to say is noth- “concerns and conversations about “illustrate the pain and cruelty she’s They have their own sort of schedule and timeta- was killed Friday, someone shot a driver ing.” how dark his skin might be when he’s experienced.” ble. And I would have an important call and they in the head on Interstate 75, authorities Asked whether US President Joe born.” “The mental health consequences of would just come to my room and not appreciate said. That man remains hospitalized. A Biden and his wife Jill had any reaction Harry confi rmed the conversation, systemic oppression and victimization that. But still, you know, they are my brothers and witness told police that the shot was fi red to the interview, White House spokes- saying: “I was a bit shocked.” He said are devastating, isolating and all too after two cars tried to occupy the same woman Jen Psaki said Meghan’s deci- he wouldn’t reveal who made the com- often lethal,” Williams added. I love them. So we’re just coping with it and try- lane. The shooter fl ed. sion to speak about her struggles with ment. Winfrey later said Harry told her Britain could be less forgiving ing our best not to argue too much. There had been at least four earlier inci- mental health “takes courage” and the comment didn’t come from Queen once the full interview is broadcast, AP: What is your message for young girls who dents on area interstates already this year. “that’s certainly something the presi- Elizabeth II or Prince Philip, his grand- since some see the pair as putting want to be activists? Rapper Bun B was among several artists dent believes in.” parents. personal happiness ahead of public Yousafzai: My message to young girls is who expressed condolences on social But she said she wouldn’t offer addi- Meghan, 39, acknowledged she duty. always, never underestimate yourself. We are media after the death of Detiege. (AP) often told that you have to grow older and get a ❑ ❑ ❑ PhD or something, and then once you are 50 or PORTLAND, Maine: A Maine passen- 40, then you can change things. Follow that path ger who was impaled when a falling pine if you want, but you can change things now as tree struck the vehicle she was riding were driving home to Oakland on a two- dashboard and windshield at an angle, well. Do not underestimate the power you have, in suffered seven broken ribs, but she’s lane road because their vehicle had been hitting him and then striking his wife’s even in the small actions that you take, whether getting better day by day, her husband buffeted by strong winds earlier on I-95 armpit while another broke the wind- has said. during a powerful wind storm. shield and impaled her shoulder, he said. that is raising awareness, doing fundraising for Theresa Roy, 79, has a long recovery a cause you believe in, talking to somebody ahead, said her husband, David Roy. But The crash in Sidney happened in an Sidney Fire and Rescue used the that doesn’t agree with you ... Talk about why he said he’s just happy they’re alive after instant when a pine tree blown down by jaws of life to reach Theresa Roy and women’s rights and girls’ rights are important, the bizarre incident that destroyed their high wind struck his vehicle as he drove then cut the tree limb with a hand saw why climate change is important. All of these vehicle and injured both of them. at 50 mph (80 kph), with limbs crashing so she could be taken to MaineGeneral things matter. “I feel like we had a guardian an- through the windshield as he struggled to hospital in Augusta. She remained in gel,” he said. control the vehicle. fair condition on Friday at the hospital, a David Roy, 78, said he and his wife A large limb came through the center Bun Detiege spokesperson said. (AP) ARAB TIMES, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 SPORTS 14

Skriniar boosts team’s chances of winning fi rst Italian league title Inter down Atalanta to go six points clear of Serie A MILAN, March 9, (AP): Inter Milan moved six points clear at the top of Se- rie A after a 1-0 win at home against high-scoring Atalanta. Defender Milan Škriniar scored early in the second half and boosted In- ter’s chances of winning its fi rst Italian league title in more than a decade. Inter’s seventh successive win saw it restore its healthy advantage over second-placed AC Milan. It is also 10 points clear of third-placed Juventus, which has played a match less. “Our rivals had won and closed the gap so it was inevitable that we felt a certain pressure, which will keep on increasing,” Inter coach Antonio Conte said. “Moreover, we were facing an Atal- anta side which takes points off all the big teams. We’ve taken home a really important win against a team which could have disrupted our title bid but which is now 13 points behind us.” SOCCER

It was the fi rst time Atalanta failed to score away from home in Serie A since 2019, and Gian Piero Gasperini’s side remained fi fth, a point behind Roma. “We had a good match, we’re satis- fi ed but angry because of the result,” Gasperini said. “For the game that we had we feel we deserved more than a defeat. “But we were playing against Inter, which is fi rst in the standings and on course for the title: it’s their year. We’ll come out of this match stronger, with more belief.” Atalanta scored 11 goals in its past three matches and came closest to tak- ing the lead at the end of a tense fi rst half as fi rst Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanović pulled off a fantastic save to deny Duván Zapata then Marcelo Brozović had to clear from practically on the line from the ensuing corner. Inter broke the deadlock nine min- utes after the break when Atalanta failed to properly clear a corner and Škriniar fi red the loose ball into the bottom left corner. Inter held on for its seventh clean Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata, (right), fi ghts for the ball with Inter Milan’s Milan Skriniar during a Serie A soccer match between Inter Milan and Atalanta at the San Siro Stadium in Milan, Italy, sheet in its past nine league matches. It on March 8. (AP) has conceded only two goals in that run. Klinsmann wishes Hertha well Chelsea retain fourth in EPL Löw to quit as Germany coach after European Championship

BERLIN, March 9, (AP): Joachim Löw will step down as Germany coach with home win over Everton after this year’s European Champion- ship. The German soccer federation said Top 4-chasing West Ham blank Leeds 2-0 Tuesday that Löw asked to terminate his contract, which was to run through the 2022 World Cup, after this year’s LONDON, March 9, (AP): tournament. Kai Havertz is fi nally mak- Loew, who coached Germany to its ing an impact at Chelsea fourth World Cup title in 2014, said in a statement that he was taking the step and helping the pursuit of “full of pride and huge gratitude, but Champions League qualifi - still with unwaveringly great motiva- cation. tion as far as the upcoming European The Germany playmaker Championship is concerned.” Havertz has struggled to convince Meanwhile, former United States coach Jürgen Klinsmann is enjoying In this June 14, 2018 fi le photo, since joining from Bayer Lev- the tranquility of Californian life after coach of German national soccer erkusen in the offseason for up to his brief but tumultuous time in charge team Joachim Loew carries two 70 million pounds (then $92 mil- of Hertha Berlin, and looking forward balls during a training session at the lion). to a brighter future for American soc- 2018 soccer World Cup in Vatutinki Havertz struggled under previous cer. near Moscow, Russia. (AP) Chelsea manager Frank Lampard, Klinsmann left Hertha in chaos in suffering lasting effects from a coro- February 2020 when he quit the Ger- European qualifi cation on the back of navirus infection and battling for man club abruptly after 10 weeks as investments totaling 374 million euros regular fi rst-team action. coach. ($450 million) from Windhorst. “Now looking back, it’s sad to see But Havertz helped Chelsea to beat the club where they are,” Klinsmann Everton 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and SOCCER said. “I just hope for the club that was unlucky not to have a goal to his they figure out a way to get away name after starring in the false nine A subsequent report he wrote for the from the danger of really getting rel- position. egated.” Havertz was unlucky not to be Hertha backer Lars Windhorst, who initially brought him in as an adviser, Hertha has a new managing director credited with Chelsea’s fi rst goal, in former Sky Germany CEO Carsten with Ben Godfrey’s defl ection even- caused a furor after being leaked to the Bild tabloid, which published incendi- Schmidt, and there is talk of Fredi Bo- tually confi rmed as an own goal. The bic joining as sporting director from lively forward later saw a neat fi nish ary extracts. Klinsmann wrote that Hertha’s Eintracht Frankfurt. Bobic is leaving ruled out for handball before winning Frankfurt after fi ve successful years at a penalty that Jorginho converted. management should be replaced im- mediately, and he blasted the players the end of this season. for not being willing to suffer for the “I think (it) will be fantastic for the SOCCER club. club because Fredi is a proven person- “Everything that was written in the ality in the business there,” Klinsmann paper was true. It was just my sum- said. “I wish the club would fi nd the “I’m very happy with his per- mary for the investor. And now unfor- right people.” formance, no doubt about his qual- tunately a year after that happened, it Klinsmann coached the US from ity his talent and also not about his proves to be right for a lot of other peo- 2011-16 and has enjoyed watching his character,” Chelsea manager Thomas ple in Germany,” Klinsmann said in a ideas take hold with American players Tuchel said. “He needs to adapt to video call with journalists last week. such as Christian Pulisic (Chelsea), the Premier League, he needs to be at Klinsmann remains proud of his Weston McKennie (Juventus), Tyler a club where you play to win every work at Hertha, and pointed out that he Adams (Leipzig) and Sergiño Dest game, where the highest standards left the team in a better position then (Barcelona) playing for Europe’s top are normal. That’s a normal process – six points above the relegation zone sides. “Champions League teams! You also for him to adapt to this mental- Chelsea’s Timo Werner, (left), jumps for a header with Everton’s Lucas Digne during the English Premier League – than it is in now. ity.” “I moved on and they moved back know, this is awesome. This is some- Chelsea’s mean-spirited defense soccer match between Chelsea and Everton at the Stamford Bridge Stadium in London, on March 8. (AP) in the same direction, unfortunately,” thing that everybody should be proud under Tuchel continues to set new Chelsea boasts nine clean sheets in life at the club. was saved by Leeds goalkeeper Ilan Klinsmann said. of. Everybody involved in the devel- While he has been enjoying relative opment of those players,” Klinsmann standards in west London. The Ger- Tuchel’s 11 matches in charge, and It leaves Chelsea two points ahead Meslier but he netted from the re- man has now become the fi rst man- of fi fth-placed West Ham, which beat bound. peace at home in Huntington Beach, said. He foresees the sport’s popularity ager to secure fi ve clean sheets in his only Maurizio Sarri with 12 games Hertha has remained in turmoil. growing even more as the US prepares Leeds 2-0 in the other game. “Once that fi rst goal came, we set- to host the World Cup in 2026. fi rst fi ve home league games. has enjoyed a longer unbeaten start to A year ago, West Ham was out of tled down and now we’re starting to General manager Michael Preetz – against whom Klinsmann clashed dur- “It’s pretty cool,” said Klinsmann, the relegation zone only on goal dif- learn to win ugly,” West Ham captain who predicted the American team also ference. Now the east London club is Declan Rice said. ing his time as coach – has since been fi red by the club, ending his 25-year making a “big, big splash” splash at chasing European qualifi cation. West Ham extended its lead when association with the club, and Pál Dár- the 2022 World Cup in Qatar under West Ham took the lead in the 21st Craig Dawson arrived at the far post dai has returned as coach in a bid to coach Gregg Berhalter. minute with virtually its fi rst attack. to head in Aaron Cresswell’s corner save it from relegation. Klinsmann was a prolifi c striker for Jesse Lingard played a neat one- in the 28th. Hertha’s win over Augsburg on Sat- Stuttgart, Inter Milan, Tottenham and two with Said Benrahma and skipped “We didn’t play the best, but we’re urday was its fi rst in 10 games and it Bayern Munich among other clubs. He into the area, where Luke Ayling grinding out those results, we’ve got left the team just two points above the helped West Germany win the 1990 clumsily brought him down. The a real solidity about us and long may relegation zone - a huge disappoint- World Cup with three goals. Manchester United loanee’s penalty that continue,” Rice said. ment for a club that had been targeting But his son Jonathan has opted to stop goals, and is fi ghting to be the fi rst-choice goalkeeper at LA Galaxy after coming through at Hertha and Real Betis edge Alavés in Spanish league Swiss team St Gallen. “No matter where he goes and where MADRID, March 9, (AP): Real six points from fourth-placed Se- the fi rst half, but the hosts rallied he plays, he has to accept the competi- Betis rallied from two goals down villa. with Borja Iglesias scoring in the tion for the No. 1 spot. He does this to defeat Alavés 3-2 in the Span- Betis visits Sevilla in the Seville 61st and 88th minutes and Joaquín also at the Galaxy, no problem, but he ish league on Monday, staying in Sánchez adding a goal in the 81st. has a healthy amount of confi dence derby on Sunday. and he has obviously a lot of quality,” the fi ght for European qualifi cation It was the fourth straight loss for Klinsmann said. Leeds United’s Raphinha, (left), fi ghts for the ball with West Ham’s Aaron spots. SOCCER Alavés, which stayed second-to-last Klinsmann, who also previously Cresswell during the English Premier League soccer match between West Betis’ fourth victory in a row in the 20-team standings, two points coached Germany, fi nishing third at Ham United and Leeds United at the London Stadium in London, England, moved the club within three points Joselu and Édgar Méndez put from safety. It has only one win in the 2006 World Cup, is content to wait on March 8. (AP) of fi fth-placed Real Sociedad and Alavés ahead with a goal each in its last 12 league games. and see what comes next. ARAB TIMES, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 SPORTS 15

Klinsmann hurt, dropped from Oly qualifying IOC denounces Belarus Olympic election of Lukashenko’s son LAUSANNE, Switzerland, March 9, (AP): The IOC has refused to recognize the election of Belarus President Alex- ander Lukashenko’s son as the troubled country’s top Olympic offi cial. Viktor Lukashenko was voted in last month to take over from his father as president of the Belarusian Olympic committee despite both being suspend- ed by the IOC in December. The International Olympic Com- mittee fi rst intervened in fallout from widespread protests and a violent state crackdown since Alexander Lukashen- ko was re-elected president last Au- gust in a disputed poll widely seen as rigged. Belarus Olym- pic leadership, in- cluding father and son as president and vice president, had “not appropri- ately protected the Lukashenko Belarusian ath- letes from politi- cal discrimination within the NOC, their member federations or the sports move- ment,” the IOC said in December. The election meeting two weeks ago “failed to fully address” those con- cerns, the IOC said on Monday. Both Lukashenkos are suspended from attending the Tokyo Olympics which open in July. Viktor Lukashen- ko, who advises his father on national security, is also banned from travel in the European Union. A third Belarusian sports offi cial, Dmitry Baskov, is also suspended by the IOC after being linked to the death of a political activist. OLYMPICS

The IOC said it also refused to rec- ognize the election of Baskov, head of the national ice hockey federation, to the Belarusian Olympic body’s board. The current standoff means Belarus risks its athletes having to compete as an independent team under the Olym- pic fl ag in Tokyo. Meanwhile, LA Galaxy goalkeeper Jonathan Klinsmann was dropped from the US training camp roster for Gonzaga forward Drew Timme (2) lays up the ball against Saint Mary’s the during the first half of an NCAA semifinal college basketball game at the West Coast Conference tournament on Olympic qualifying after suffering a March 8, in Las Vegas. (AP) concussion during practice. The son of former US coach Jürgen Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Klinsmann was replaced on the roster France, Germany, Ivory Coast, Japan, Monday by Inter Miami goalkeeper New Zealand, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Drake Callender, who was on the pre- South Africa, South Korea and Spain. Top-ranked Gonzaga blows out liminary roster. Final 20-man rosters The roster: are due this week. Goalkeepers: Drake Callender The U.S. opens Group A against (Miami), Matt Freese (Philadelphia), Costa Rica on March 18 at the North JT Marcinkowski (San Jose), David and Central American and Caribbean Ochoa (Salt Lake) tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico. Defenders: Julian Araujo (LA Gal- Saint Mary’s in WCC semifinals The Americans play the Dominican axy), George Bello (Atlanta), Marco Republic on March 21 and complete Farfan (LA), Justen Glad (Salt Lake), Group A on March 24 against Mexico. Aaron Herrera (Salt Lake), Henry Kes- The top two teams in each group ad- sler (New England), Mauricio Pineda Butler carries Drexel past Northeastern 74-67 vance, and the semifi nal winners qual- (Chicago), Miles Robinson (Atlanta), ify for the Olympics. Austin Trusty (Colorado), Sam Vines Following the pandemic-caused (Colorado) LAS VEGAS, March 9, first team to enter the NCAA Tour- fense, repeatedly forcing up shots ler had 12 points and 12 rebounds postponement, FIFA kept the same Midfi elders: Frankie Amaya (Cin- (AP): Gonzaga was at its nament undefeated since Kentucky late in the shot clock. to lift Drexel to a 74-67 win over eligibility rules that were fi rst estab- cinnati), Cole Bassett (Colorado), free-flowing best on of- in 2014-15. Gonzaga pushed its lead to 27 in Northeastern in the Colonial Athletic lished, saying players must be born Johnny Cardoso (Internacional, Bra- The Gaels (14-9) were little more the first five minutes of the second Assocation semifinals. after Jan 1, 1997. For the 16 nations zil), Hassani Dotson (Minnesota), fense and shut down Saint than a speed bump against Gon- half and, despite a short letup that The sixth-seeded Dragons will reaching the Olympics, each may in- Andrés Perea (Orlando), Tanner Tess- Mary’s on the defensive zaga’s ultra-efficient offense and had Few fuming, won another lop- face eighth-seeded Elon in Tues- clude three players over the age limit. mann (Dallas), Eryk Williamson (Port- end. struggled to get their own shots to sided game. Tommy Kuhse had 13 day’s championship game. CONCACAF qualifi ers will join land), Jackson Yueill (San Jose) fall, shooting 2 for 20 from 3-point points. Zach Walton had 15 points for Another dominating perfor- range. Drexel (11-7). Camren Wynter mance, another trip to the West N. D. State 79, S. Dakota 75 Logan Johnson led Saint Mary’s In Sioux Falls, S.D., Rocky added 14 points and six rebounds. Coast Conference Tournament with 15 points. Kreuser had 20 points as third-seed- Xavier Bell had 11 points. title game. Gonzaga won ed North Dakota State narrowly beat Jahmyl Telfort scored a season- Win one more and the Zags will the two regular- second-seeded South Dakota 79-75 high 30 points for the second-seeded enter the NCAA Tournament unde- season meetings in the Summit League Conference Huskies (10-9). Tyson Walker added feated. by double digits. Tourney semifinals. 23 points. Drew Timme scored 18 points, The Zags had Oakland 69, N. Kentucky 58 Joel Ayayi added 16 and top- to overcome a In Indianapolis, Daniel Oladapo ranked Gonzaga racked up another slow start to win BASKETBALL registered 19 points as third-seeded lopsided win, blowing past Saint 73-59 in Mora- Oakland got past fourth-seeded Mary’s 78-55 in the WCC semifi- ga, California, The Bison will face fourth-seeded Northern Kentucky 69-58 in the nals. but won 87-65 Oral Roberts in Tuesday’s champi- semifinals of the Horizon League The Bulldogs (25-0) dominated in Spokane, Butler tournament. from a big opening run and led by Washington, on onship game. Kreuser made 10 of 11 free The Golden Grizzlies will face 18 at halftime to cruise into their Feb. 17 to secure their 10th regular- top-seeded Cleveland State in Tues- nation-best 24th conference tourna- season WCC title in 11 years. throws. He added nine rebounds. Sam Griesel had 16 points for day’s championship game. ment title game. Gonzaga shot 53% Gonzaga got off to a quick start Rashad Williams had 17 points for as it tied the school record with its in the third go-round, going up nine North Dakota State (15-11). Tyree Eady added 14 points and six re- Oakland (12-17). Jalen Moore added 29th straight win, dating to last sea- in the opening 4 1/2 minutes while 14 points. son, and has won 22 straight games putting on an offensive display in a bounds. Connecticut’s Christyn Williams dribbles as Marquette’s Jordan King Stanley Umude had 23 points Trevon Faulkner had 26 points for by double digits. dominating first half. the Norse (14-11). Bryson Langdon (right), defends during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Jalen Suggs scored 15 points for The Zags hit 18 of 28 shots and and nine rebounds for the Coyotes in the Big East tournament finals at Mohegan Sun Arena, on March 8, in (14-11). Xavier Fuller added 19 added 14 points. Uncasville, Conn. (AP) the Zags, who will play BYU on Timme had 15 points in 17 minutes Tuesday night for a chance to win to give his team a 44-26 halftime points. Tasos Kamateros had 14 Oral Roberts 90, SDSU 88 their ninth WCC title in 11 years. lead. points. In Sioux Falls, S.D., Kareem Troy women claims Sun Belt title All but assured of a No. 1 seed, The Gaels spent most of the first Drexel 74, Northeastern 67 Thompson scored a season-high 22 Gonzaga has a chance to become the half struggling to get into their of- In Harrisonburg, Va., James But- points and Kevin Obanor tipped in a miss at the buzzer as Oral Roberts UConn mauls Marquette for edged past South Dakota State 90- 88 in the semifinals of the Summit League Conference tournament. 19th Big East championship Max Abmas had 18 points and 10 assists for Oral Roberts (15-10). UNCASVILLE, Conn, Mar 9, (AP): Lindsey VanAllen led fourth-seeded Obanor finished with 14 points and Different conference, same result for Santa Clara (14-11) with 17 points and Carlos Jurgens had 13. UConn. Merle Wiehl and Ashlyn Herlihy 16 Thompson made 4 of 6 3-point- After winning seven straight titles in apiece. The Broncos lost the two meet- ers. the American Athletic Conference, the ings in the regular season by 19 and 17 Baylor Scheierman scored a top-ranked Huskies routed Marquette points and have lost 11 straight in the career-high 28 points plus nine re- 73-39 in their return to the Big East series. bounds and seven assists for the Tournament championship game. Troy 73, La.-Lafayette 65 Paige Bueckers scored 23 points Jackrabbits (16-7). Douglas Wilson In Pensacola, Fla., Felmas Koranga added 20 points and nine rebounds, and was named the tournament’s most had 12 points and a career-high 22 outstanding player as UConn (24-1) and Matt Dentlinger had 12 points rebounds, Alexus Dye recorded her and seven rebounds. wrapped up its 19th Big East Tour- NCAA-leading 22nd double-double, and nament title. She hit 10 of 15 shots, Troy beat Louisiana-Lafayette 73-65 to Rider 78, Canisius 76 grabbed six rebounds and had four as- claim the Sun Belt Conference tourna- In Atlatic, N.J., Dontrell McQuar- sists. ment and an automatic NCAA bid. ter scored on a layup with 28 sec- Christyn Williams added 16 points onds to go and grabbed the clinching as UConn won its 160th straight game rebound after the final miss to give in conference play. BASKETBALL 11th-seeded Rider a 78-76 win over Connecticut held Marquette to 22% sixth-seeded Canisius in the first shooting and scored 28 points off of 21 Troy (22-5) was playing in the title Golden Eagle turnovers. round of the Metro Atlantic Confer- game for the third time since 2016 – ence tourney. Gonzaga 72, Santa Clara 62 winning all three including a 78-64 Dwight Murray Jr. had 22 points In Las Vegas, Jill Townsend led a victory over ULL in the 2016-17 sea- and Allen Powell 19 points for Rider balanced attack with 14 points and 10 son. (6-16). McQuarter added 10 points rebounds and No. 18 Gonzaga defeat- Dye and Koranga – each averaging and 11 rebounds. Ajiri Ogemuno- ed Santa Clara 72-62 in the semifi nals a double-double – scored Troy’s fi rst of the West Coast Conference tourna- eight points of the third quarter after Johnson had seven rebounds. ment. both struggled in the fi rst half with just Jordan Henderson had 16 points Cierra Walker had three 3-pointers four combined points. and six rebounds for the Golden in the second half and scored 13 points Ty’Reona Doucet scored 14 points, Griffins (7-6), who missed three for the top-seeded Bulldogs (22-3), and Skyler Goodwin had 14 points In this Jan 31, 2020 file photo, Baylor guard Te’a Cooper (4) has her shot blocked by Texas forward Charli Collier shots and had a turnover after Mc- who will face second-seeded BYU or and 10 rebounds for Louisiana (16-6), (35) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game, in Austin, Texas. The WNBA and The Players’ As- Quarter’s basket. third-seeded San Francisco on Tues- which had its 15-game winning streak sociation have agreed to an opt-in process for this season’s draft, the league confirmed to The Associated Press, Armon Harried added 15 points day. Jenn Wirth added 12 points and snapped. Jomyra Mathis added 13 re- late Sunday, March 7, 2021. Collier, who is a third-year junior, has announced her intent to forgo her remaining and eight rebounds. Malek Green Kayleigh Truong 10. bounds. eligibility and enter the draft. Collier will turn 22 in September so she is draft-eligible. (AP) had 13 points. ARAB TIMES, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 10, 2021 16

India’s Yuzvendra Chahal falls on the ground while playing soccer during a training session ahead of the fi rst Twenty20 cricket match between India and England in Ahmedabad, India, March 8. (AP) Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com 36-team format presented to more than 200 ECA members European clubs target global fans with Champions League plan GENEVA, March 9, (AP): Eu- assumptions” about fans’ loyal- ropean soccer clubs were urged ties had to change. to support a Champions League One third of fans globally fol- expansion plan and help please low at least two clubs and 10% a new type of global fans who of fans follow players instead of have different supporting hab- clubs, said the Italian executive Draisaitl ends drought, its. whose club signed Cristiano Ron- A UEFA-led proposal to aldo three years ago. change its clubs competitions Agnelli cautioned that the so- in 2024 - abolishing traditional called “Gen Z” demographic of four-team groups and adding 16-to-24-year-olds “have no in- 100 Champions League games terest in football whatsoever.” Oilers hold off Senators in a 36-team format - was being “The current system most like- presented to more than 200 Eu- ly is not delivering for the modern ropean Club Association mem- fan,” he said, claiming too many bers. domestic and international games The deal could be fi nalized “are simply uncompetitive.” within two weeks, said Andrea The Champions League pro- Agnelli, the ECA chairman and posal would ensure 10 games Juventus president, in opening for each of the 36 teams. Cur- the online meeting. rently, only six group-stage “I really ask you that today games are guaranteed for 32 we endorse this system going teams that share about 2 billion forward and mandate the (ECA) euros ($2.4 billion) in UEFA board to execute the last details prize money. that we will be missing,” Agnelli A single league table in the new said, singling out the unresolved format would send the top eight issue of access for clubs to the re- into the last-16 round. Teams vamped Champions League. ranked Nos. 9 to 24 would enter playoffs to complete the knock- out bracket. SOCCER “The beauty of the system has now been recognized by all,” Ag- ECA leaders want two of the nelli said. four extra Champions League The European Leagues group places given to clubs who do not has warned the plan would take qualify on merit but are ranked broadcast revenue and fi xture cal- highly by UEFA based on past endar space from its members. results in Europe. Agnelli chided ECA board Critics see that as a safety net members who brought their do- for clubs with global brands mestic concerns into its talks on rather than rewarding champions international matters. from mid-ranking leagues such as He also urged them to em- Austria, the Czech Republic and brace “strong progressive views, Scotland. not the conservatism that has al- If the historic ranking system ways distinguished our industry,” Los Angeles Kings right wing Adrian Kempe, (left), skates against Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jani Hakanpaa during the third period of an NHL hockey applied this season, it would which has been hit hard by the game, March 8, in Anaheim, Calif. (AP) likely reward storied teams such COVID-19 pandemic. as Liverpool and Borussia Dort- The UEFA-led talks took place mund having a relatively poor amid leaks that fi nanciers are Kahkonen gets 1st shutout as Wild edge Golden Knights domestic campaign. ready to back a European Super League project outside of UE- Agnelli stated his vision of Eu- EDMONTON, Alberta, after taking over early in the third pe- ropean soccer appealing to fans FA’s control. riod when Darcy Kuemper left with an worldwide because “traditional Agnelli said he had “arguments March 9, (AP): Kailer NHL Results/Standings apparent injury and the Arizona Coy- and almost fi ghts” with UEFA Yamamoto scored the fi rst otes beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 . President Aleksander Ceferin last of three straight goals by Larsson scored with one hand on his stick and the other holding off a year, and suggested interest from Edmonton, and the Oilers WASHINGTON, March 9, (AP): NHL results and standings on Monday. global banks meant European defenseman in front of the goal as Ari- held off the Ottawa Sena- Edmonton 7 Calgary 5 San Jose 3 St Louis OT 2 zona recovered after blowing a two- soccer was “highly palatable for Minnesota 2 Vegas 0 Anaheim 6 Los Angeles OT 5 tors 3-2 on Monday night. Edmonton 3 Ottawa 2 Vancouver 2 Montreal SO 1 goal lead. richer investments.” Alex Chiasson and Leon Drai- Arizona 3 Colorado 2 Derick Brassard and Jakob Chy- “That means if we change saitl also scored for the Oilers, who East Division West Division chrun also had goals for the Coyotes, ourselves we can look forward P W L OT Pts GF GA P W L OT Pts GF GA who started a seven-game trip on the improved to 5-0 against the Sena- NY Islanders 25 15 6 4 34 73 56 Vegas 22 16 5 1 33 70 47 Washington 24 14 6 4 32 79 76 right note. Clayton Keller and Oliver to those richer investments our- St Louis 26 14 8 4 32 83 82 tors this season. Connor McDavid Boston 22 13 6 3 29 65 54 Ekman-Larsson each added two as- selves,” he said, rather than fi nan- Pittsburgh 24 14 9 1 29 77 75 Minnesota 23 14 8 1 29 71 60 had two assists. Colorado 23 13 8 2 28 70 58 sists. cial institutions getting a return Evgenii Dadonov and Tim Stutzle Philadelphia 22 12 7 3 27 71 69 NY Rangers 23 10 10 3 23 66 63 Arizona 25 12 10 3 27 68 75 Early in the third, Kuemper dropped on their money. scored for Ottawa (9-18-1). Thomas New Jersey 21 8 11 2 18 51 66 Los Angeles 24 10 8 6 26 73 71 down on one knee with the puck go- Before Agnelli spoke, UEFA Chabot assisted on both goals. Buffalo 23 6 14 3 15 52 75 Anaheim 26 8 12 6 22 61 81 ing the other way and asked the offi cial The game was the fi rst of three meet- Central Division San Jose 23 9 11 3 21 66 88 deputy general secretary Giorgio P W L OT Pts GF GA North Division to stop play. The trainer momentarily Marchetti said the competitions ings this week between the teams, and Tampa Bay 23 17 4 2 36 83 48 P W L OT Pts GF GA checked on the starting goaltender be- plan offered “renewed strength part of a tough stretch for the Senators, Carolina 24 17 6 1 35 85 64 Toronto 26 18 6 2 38 90 63 fore he skated off and was replaced by who play seven games in 11 days. Florida 24 15 5 4 34 80 70 Edmonton 27 16 11 0 32 86 82 Raanta. and unprecedented excitement Chicago 26 13 8 5 31 82 80 Winnipeg 24 15 8 1 31 79 69 The Oilers (16-11-0) jumped into Columbus 26 10 11 5 25 69 85 Montreal 24 11 6 7 29 79 68 Soon after Larsson’s goal, Raanta going forward.” second place in the North Division Nashville 25 11 14 0 22 61 82 Vancouver 29 12 15 2 26 83 94 turned back Matt Calvert’s shot on a “We think this is an opportuni- with the victory, a point ahead of Win- Dallas 20 7 8 5 19 56 54 Calgary 26 11 12 3 25 71 80 breakaway. Raanta also helped the ty to grab without hesitation and nipeg. Detroit 26 7 16 3 17 54 87 Ottawa 28 9 18 1 19 76 108 Coyotes weather a high-sticking pen- Note: Two points for a win one point for overtime loss. The top four teams in each division will delays,” Marchetti said. qualify for playoffs under this season’s temporary realignment. alty with 2:14 remaining. Chelsea’s Timo Werner in action The UEFA executive commit- Ducks 6, Kings 5 OT during the English Premier League ICE HOCKEY soccer match between Chelsea tee, which includes Agnelli rep- fewer than two in almost a month. The the winner from Kane off a feed from In Anaheim, Calif., Adam Henrique and Everton at the Stamford Bridge resenting clubs, could approve Wild caught a break when the Golden Erik Karlsson on a 2-on-1 rush. scored three minutes into overtime, stadium in London on March 8. the changes ahead of an April 20 After winning 4-3 in Calgary a night Knights scratched two of their best Marc-Edouard Vlasic also scored Rickard Rakell became the fourth Chelsea won 2-0. (AP) — See congress of European soccer’s 55 earlier, the Senators got off to a strong players because of unspecifi ed injuries, for San Jose, and Devan Dubnyk made Anaheim player in 10 years to have Page 14 national federations. start. Dadonov got them on the board captain and right wing Mark Stone and 24 saves after getting starts in back-to- three or more points in consecutive just 56 seconds in when he spun and defenseman Alex Pietrangelo. back games for the fi rst time this sea- games and the Ducks defeated the Los fi red past goalie Mikko Koskinen. It Sharks 3, Blues 2 son. Angeles Kings 6-5 on Monday night in was the second time this season Ot- The Blues won the fi rst four games this season’s second installment of the African soccer leader’s ‘ban’ tawa scored in the opening minute. In San Jose, Calif., Evander Kane of their road trip before stumbling a bit Freeway Face-Off. Yamamoto tied it with a perfect re- scored 41 seconds into overtime and at the end with overtime losses in Los Henrique took a pass from Trevor direct of a long shot by Darnell Nurse the San Jose Sharks ended a disap- Angeles and San Jose.Niko Mikkola Zegras and put the puck past Cal Pe- cut, but ruled out of election at 7:03 of the fi rst period. pointing homestand on a high note by got his fi rst career goal and Brayden tersen inside the near post to give the The Oilers took their fi rst lead at beating the St. Louis Blues 3-2 Mon- Schenn also scored for St. Louis. Ville Ducks consecutive wins for only the 6:03 of the second on a power play day night. Husso made 17 saves. second time this season. LAUSANNE, Switzerland, dent four years ago with support The Sharks had lost fi ve of their fi rst when Chiasson beat Joey Daccord on Coyotes 3, Avalanche 2 Rakell had two goals and an assist. March 9, (AP): The president of from FIFA. a 2-on-1 for his fi fth goal of the season. six games on their longest homestand The Swedish forward has a point in the African soccer confederation Motsepe’s three expected chal- of the season before rallying to beat In Denver, Johan Larsson tipped in Wild 2, Golden Knights 0 six straight games, with fi ve goals and had his FIFA ban cut to two lengers withdrew in recent days the Blues by getting a tying goal in the the go-ahead goal with 15:54 remain- seven assists. years on appeal but he will still as part of a deal brokered by In St Paul, Minn., Kaapo Kahkonen third period from Logan Couture and ing, Antti Raanta stopped all 16 shots Rakell gave the Ducks a 2-1 lead late made 26 saves to notch his fi rst career in the fi rst period when he put a wrist be unable to seek re-election this FIFA President Gianni Infantino. shutout for the Minnesota Wild in a week. FIFA and Infantino are looking shot top corner inside the near post. He 2-0 victory over Vegas to stop the extended Anaheim’s lead to 5-3 late in The Court of Arbitration for for stability and support from NHL-leading Golden Knights’ six- the second with a backhand after tak- Sport partially upheld the appeal CAF, which was in turmoil for game winning streak. ing a great spinorama pass from Max by Ahmad Ahmad of Madagascar much of Ahmad’s first term in Kahkonen won his seventh con- Comtois, who had three assists. secutive start, extending his franchise against a five-year ban for finan- office. Canucks 2 Canadiens 1, SO cial misconduct while he was Ahmad was banned in rookie goalie record and improving to 10-4 in his debut season. The 24-year- In Vancouver, British Columbia, Bo running the Confederation of November when FIFA ethics old native of Finland has allowed only Horvat scored in the shootout, giving African Football. judges found he “breached his 10 goals over his seven-game streak. Vancouver a 2-1 victory over the Mon- The court published an urgent duty of loyalty, offered gifts and Kevin Fiala scored his team-lead- treal Canadiens and extending the Ca- ruling without detailed reasons other benefits, mismanaged tying eighth goal of the season in the nucks’ winning streak to three games. following a two-day hearing held funds, and abused his position as fi rst period, the only blemish against Horvat, the Canucks’ captain, was last week by video link. the CAF president.” Golden Knights star Marc-Andre the only player to beat Carey Price in Fleury, who stopped 19 shots for the the shootout, sending a wrist shot past Ahmad needed to overturn the The basis for the FIFA inves- team with the best points percentage in the Canadiens goalie and into the top- ban as a key step toward getting tigation was a forensic audit it the league nearly halfway through this left corner of the net. on the CAF ballot for Friday’s requested of CAF’s accounts. pandemic-shortened schedule. The Canadiens got a power-play election in Rabat, Morocco. In 2019, FIFA sent in secre- Jonas Brodin was awarded a goal goal from Jeff Petry early in the fi rst South African mining magnate tary-general Fatma Samoura to for the Wild after being slashed from period. Patrice Motsepe is set to win lead an emergency manage- behind with 6 seconds left as he ap- Montreal Canadiens goaltender Carey Price (31) looks on as Vancouver Vancouver’s Adam Gaudette forced unopposed and succeed Ahmad, ment team for the Cairo-based proached the empty net. Canucks centre J.T. Miller (9) tries to get a shot past Montreal Canadiens extra time, scoring with 40.5 seconds Vegas, which had 19 goals over its defenseman Brett Kulak (77) during the second period NHL action in Van- left in regulation. Horvat assisted on who was elected as CAF presi- organization. previous four games, had not scored couver, March 8. (AP) the goal.

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