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MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 / JUMADA AL AWWAL 27, 1442 AH emergency number 112 NO. 17584 16 PAGES 150 FILS Biden Cabinet picks point to outreach Back to normalcy Newswatch WASHINGTON, Jan 10, KUWAIT CITY: His Highness (AP): Joe Biden promised the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al- that his presidency would Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah congratulated, in a cable Sunday, mean a return to normalcy. Sultan Haitham bin Tareq of His Cabinet picks help dem- Oman on the anniversary of his ascension to the throne. onstrate how he plans to de- His Highness the Amir com- liver. mended the “fraternal and his- The president-elect announced his toric” relations between Kuwait final nominees this past week, com- and Oman, and the development achievements in the Sultunate. pleting a diverse team of two dozen His Highness the Amir wished people. He noted Friday that this will Sultan Haitham good health, and be the “first Cabinet ever” to reach for Oman and its people further gender parity and include a major- progress and prosperity under his ity of people of color, notable given leadership. earlier concerns that he was leaning His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ah- largely on white men. mad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Some nominees have decades of expe- His Highness the Prime Minister rience in their respective agencies. Many Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Ham- held prominent roles in the Obama ad- ad Al-Sabah sent similar cables. ministration. Many have already begun (KUNA) meeting with interest groups and advo- ❑ ❑ ❑ cacy organizations, and his transition team has had what’s been described as KUWAIT CITY: Minister of In- an “open-door policy” toward advocacy formation, Minister of State for groups for months. Youth Affairs and Chairperson of It’s a sharp contrast to President Don- the National Council for Culture Arts and Letters Abdulrahman ald Trump’s Cabinet, which was domi- Al-Mutairi mourned with deep nated largely by white men with little distress demise of the renowned experience in Washington. Biden’s aides Kuwaiti researcher, writer and say that was one of the goals he set in historian Khaled Al-Ansari who filling out his Cabinet: to signal that his passed away earlier on Sunday. presidency means a return to competent, Minister Al-Mutairi, in a press stable leadership government. statement, recalled the deceased as a pioneer who contributed to Rage enriching the Kuwaiti and Gulf That’s especially important, Demo- countries’ libraries with many re- crats say, as the pandemic and economic searches and literary works. turmoil rage and the country navigates The deceased had written sev- through the aftermath of last week’s vio- eral books about history of the lent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Kuwaiti island Failaka and its “Joe Biden is taking office under the natives. (KUNA) An Indonesian Navy diver shows debris recovered from the water during a search operation for a Sriwijaya Air passenger jet that crashed into the sea near most challenging circumstances in a ❑ ❑ ❑ Jakarta, Indonesia, Sunday, Jan 10. Indonesian divers on Sunday located parts of the wreckage of the Boeing 737-500 at a depth of 23 meters (75 feet) in century,” said Dan Pfeiffer, a former the Java Sea, a day after the aircraft with dozens of people on board crashed shortly after takeoff from Jakarta. (AP) KUWAIT CITY: The government Obama White House senior adviser. and National Assembly Speaker “There is no time for on the job train- Marzouq Al-Ghanim have been Amir offers condolences ing. He needs people who can hit the blackmailing the MPs on the is- ground running because what happens sue of general amnesty since the in the first six months of his presidency 2016 Assembly, says MP Shuaib will likely determine the trajectory of all Al-Muwaizri. four years.” In a press statement, Al-Mu- Indonesian divers find Boeing wreckage Biden’s Cabinet is unlikely to be in waizri pointed out that the wrong place when he assumes the presidency on attitude of the government is Jan. 20. The Senate, which must confirm manifested in a number of steps JAKARTA, Jan 10, (Agencies): Indonesian rescuers the nominees, hasn’t scheduled hearings it has taken such as disrupting the pulled out body parts, pieces of clothing and scraps of for many of the picks. One exception is structure of ministers, expressing metal from the Java Sea early Sunday morning, a day after satisfaction over the inaugural Lloyd Austin, Biden’s nominee for de- a Boeing 737-500 with 62 people on board crashed shortly Travel eases after fense secretary, who is expected to appear session of the current Assembly, after takeoff from Jakarta, officials said. and bias in dealing with the elec- before the Senate Armed Services Com- Officials were hopeful they were honing in on the mittee on Jan. 19. tion of Speaker. wreckage of Sriwijaya Air Flight 182 after sonar equip- He said the government, repre- Some nominees faced early questions sented by Deputy Prime Minister ment detected a signal from the aircraft. about their confirmation prospects, par- Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi told report- borders reopening and State Minister for Cabinet ticularly Neera Tanden, Biden’s pick to Affairs Anas Al-Saleh, commu- ers that authorities have launched massive search efforts lead the Office of Management and Bud- nicated with several MPs in the after identifying “the possible location of the crash site.” DUBAI, Jan 10, (Agencies): di Arabia in isolating Doha, get. Tanden has angered Republicans early days of the 2020 Assembly; “These pieces were found by the SAR team between The United Arab Emirates have yet to publicly elaborate with her outspoken criticism of them on promising to submit the General Lancang Island and Laki Island,” National Search and announced on Friday that it on their pledges to ease the Twitter. Amnesty Bill within a week. He Rescue Agency Bagus Puruhito in a statement. would reopen its borders and boycott signed this week in But the confirmation process for many added the late Sheikh Nasser His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al- In this photo released by Saudi Press Agency (SPA), Saudi airspace to Qatar after boy- the ancient Saudi desert site of the nominees may be smoother after Sabah Al-Ahmad passed away Jaber Al-Sabah Sunday expressed condolences to Indo- Democrats picked up two Senate seats in in the second week and the gov- nesian President Joko Widodo over the victims of the ill- Arabia’s King Salman receives cotting the tiny energy-rich of al-Ula. the first dose of the Pfizer CO- country alongside its Gulf al- The four Arab states sev- Georgia last week, leaving the chamber ernment took advantage of this fated Indonesian airplane which plunged into the Java Sea, evenly divided. Vice President-elect Ka- situation to postpone the submis- killing all passengers. VID-19 vaccine in Neom, Saudi lies since 2017. ered commercial and dip- sion of the bill. “Strangely, the Arabia, on Jan 8. (AP) mala Harris will be the tie-breaking vote, His Highness the Amir prayed to Allah the Almighty The decision to restart com- lomatic ties with Qatar in giving Democrats the edge. government reconciled with Iraq to bestow blessing upon the deceased, and solace to their merce and travel kicked off 2017, accusing the country which invaded Kuwait, and re- Biden spokesman Andrew Bates said families. 414 new cases on Saturday, Foreign Minis- of cozying up to Iran and fi- that the president-elect is “working in stored good relations with coun- His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al- tries that supported the invasion; try official Khalid Abdullah nancing extremist groups in good faith with both parties in Congress yet it refuses to reconcile with the Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Prime Belhou was quoted as saying the region, charges that Doha toward swift confirmation because with citizens of Kuwait,” he asserted. Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah also by the UAE’s state-run WAM denies. so much at stake, with our national secu- He emphasized the need to extended condolences to President Widodo on the victims Stay away rity on the line and lives and jobs being of the ill-fated plane. news agency. This week’s breakthrough ratify the bill according to articles The move comes after followed a final push by the lost every day, our nation cannot afford to 65, 66 and 75 of the Constitution Meanwhile, the Kuwaiti embassy in Jakarta on Sunday Saudi Arabia declared a outgoing Trump administra- waste any time.” as the general amnesty issue af- called on citizens to consider delaying travel to Indonesia ‘from UK’ But many nominees may face unprec- fects other matters. at this time because the airport is closed to foreign arrivals. breakthrough in settling the tion, which has been seeking edented levels of scrutiny as they work ❑ ❑ ❑ The embassy indicated in a statement that the Indone- KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10, (Agen- yearslong rift with Qatar dur- to end the dispute that has to dig their departments out of both the sian authorities announced additional strict measures start- cies): The Kuwait Embassy in the ing the annual Gulf summit troubled America’s foreign KUWAIT CITY: The Ministry of erosion in public trust in government and ing from Monday, January 11, as a result of the increasing United Kingdom called on citi- this week, saying the king- policy and defense strategy an erosion of morale from within. Many Education declared on Sunday cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) during the past weeks that there would be no paper or zens wishing to travel to Britain dom would restore diplomatic in the region and hampered department budgets and staff were gutted online exams for the fi rst semes- in all Indonesian cities including its capital, Jakarta. not to travel at the present time, ties and that its allies would U.S. attempts to further iso- during the Trump administration. ter of the current scholastic year The embassy called on citizens already in Indonesia except for most urgent matters, That hollowing out is part of why it’s who needs assistance to contact the following numbers: follow suit. late Iran. (2020-2021). due to a large increase in corona- Saudi Arabia announced The boycott only pushed so important for Biden to choose sea- The acting undersecretary, +62 815 1515 1511, +62 812 81813758 and +62 815 1325 virus infection rates, as well as the soned veterans for his Cabinet, according Faisal Al-Maqseed, said in a 2597. comprehensive closure measures the reopening of its airspace Qatar closer to Iran, for in- to Eric Schultz, a former senior White statement after a meeting that Indonesian military chief Air Chief Marshal Hadi Tjah- currently applied in the Kingdom. and borders with Qatar earlier stance by forcing Qatar House adviser. grouped him with the ministry janto said teams on the Rigel navy ship equipped with a In a press release, the embassy this week. Airways to change routes offi cials, that studies would be remote-operated vehicle had detected a signal from the air- called on citizens who will travel National carrier Qatar Air- through Iranian skies. Ana- Faces continued online at all levels and craft, which fit the coordinates from the last contact made to the United Kingdom as a mat- ways said it had started to lysts estimate the move has “One of the problems that Biden faces in all schools. by the pilots before the plane went missing. ter of urgency “to undergo a (PCR) reroute some flights through given the Islamic Republic that Obama did not in 2009 is how the He has indicated that there are “We have immediately deployed our divers from navy’s examination test and to obtain a Trump administration has treated fed- several proposals regarding the Saudi airspace, with the first hundreds of millions of dol- elite unit to determine the finding to evacuate the victims,” certificate proving that they are not flight cruising over Saudi lars in overflight fees. eral agencies and departments,” he said. method of assessing students’ Tjahjanto said. infected with the virus, provided “Rebuilding - just, operationally - these levels. (KUNA) More than 12 hours since the Boeing plane operated by that it was issued 72 hours before skies from Doha to Johannes- The reopening of Saudi ❑ ❑ ❑ agencies, to get that back up and run- the Indonesian airline lost contact, little is known about the date of departure to Britain. burg, South Africa on Thurs- and Emirati airspace to Qatar ning, is going to take a lot of work. So KUWAIT CITY: Results of a what caused the crash. According to new procedures, day night. is critical as the country pre- it wouldn’t make sense to put in a bunch study carried out by the Min- Fishermen in the area around Thousand Islands, a chain the new measures by British au- The president of the Unit- pares to host the 2022 FIFA of newbies.” istry of Education showed that of islands north of Jakarta’s coast, reported hearing an ex- thorities will kick off at the be- ed Nations’ civil aviation World Cup, which is expected They’ll also have to navigate demands the number of illiterate Kuwaitis plosion around 2:30 p.m. Saturday. ginning of next week, as well as arm, Salvatore Sciacchita- to draw over 1 million foreign from progressives looking for major in academic year 2018/2019 “We heard something explode, we thought it was a filling out a form to determine the no, welcomed the easing of soccer fans. changes from leaders at agencies ranging reached 22,352 – 1,893 males bomb or a tsunami since after that we saw the big splash whereabouts of the traveler dur- Gulf airspace restrictions on Saudi Arabia on Friday said from the the Department of Homeland and 20,459 females, reports An- from the water,” fisherman Solihin, who goes by one ing his stay in Britain. Security to the Environmental Protec- nahar daily. Thursday, saying the resolu- its nationals will be allowed to name, told The Associated Press by phone. The embassy also urged Ku- tion would “help assure the travel overseas in both direc- tion Agency and the Justice Department. The daily obtained a copy of “It was raining heavily and the weather was so bad. So it waiti citizens who are currently Many of them will be on the front lines of the study which revealed the is difficult to see around clearly. But we can see the splash in Britain for treatment or other important socio-economic tions as of March 31, lifting number of illiterates among the addressing a pandemic that’s killed more and a big wave after the sounds. We were very shocked binding matters to exercise ex- benefits of international air a ban on international flights than 371,000 people in the United States, total population of Kuwait dur- connectivity can be better the kingdom had imposed to ing academic year 2018/2019 and directly saw the plane debris and the fuel around our treme caution and not go out un- while taking action on the issues of race reached 131,501 – 73,070 males boat.” less it is important, and to adhere optimized.” ward off new strains of the and inequality and climate change that and 58,431 females. In this year, Sumadi said Flight SJ182 was delayed for an hour be- to the guidelines of the British The UAE indicated on coronavirus. have prompted national movements for the illiteracy rate among citizens fore it took off at 2:36 p.m. It disappeared from radar four health authorities in order to pre- Friday that its restoration All land, air and sea entry change in recent years. is 0.28 percent and 2.70 percent minutes later, after the pilot contacted air traffic control to serve their safety and contact the of full diplomatic relations points will be reopened on the To get ahead of those problems, among female citizens. ascend to an altitude of 29,000 feet (8,839 meters), he said. embassy in case they need any with Qatar would take lon- same date, according to an Biden’s transition team has spent months According to the study, the to- There were 62 people on board, including seven chil- help or inquiry on the emergency ger. interior ministry source, add- meeting with trade, advocacy and interest tal population reached 4,661,638 dren and three babies. phone number 02075903400. groups across Washington and beyond, individuals – 2,940,243 men and “We are aware of media reports from Jakarta regard- The Kuwaiti Ministry of Belhou said the federation ing that the measure will be looking to reestablish relationships that 1,721,395 women. The Kuwaiti ing Sriwijaya Air flight SJ-182,” Boeing said in a state- Health declared on Sunday log- of seven sheikhdoms is con- implemented in strict compli- had atrophied during the Trump admin- population reached 1,443,113 ment. “Our thoughts are with the crew, passengers, and ging 414 new coronavirus cases tinuing talks to “end all oth- ance with established health istration. Now that his team has been – 686,475 males and 756,638 their families. We are in contact with our airline customer in the last 24 hours raising the er outstanding issues.” Op- protocols. named, his nominees have begun their females; while the non-Kuwaiti and stand ready to support them during this difficult time.” caseload to 154,314. position to Qatar’s support Saudi Arabia will remain own meetings with key groups as they population reached 3,218,525 Authorities established two crisis centers, one at air- The ministry spokesperson for Islamist groups like the committed to the safety and prepare to take office. – 2,253,768 males and 964,757 port and one at port. Families gathered to wait for news Dr. Abdullah Al-Sanad reported females. Muslim Brotherhood runs wellbeing of its nationals, Some meetings are aimed at assuag- The illiteracy rate in the coun- of loved ones. a single new death, putting the deeper in the UAE than in the source highlighted, citing ing concerns among critics, such as when try decreased by 0.16 percent for On social media, people began circulating the flight death toll at 943. Saudi Arabia, which is pri- an ongoing mass inoculation Tom Vilsack, Biden’s pick for agriculture the total population and 0.25 per- manifesto with photos and videos of those who were listed He said in a statement to secretary, met with Black farm advocates. as passengers. One video shows a woman with her chil- KUNA number of cases at inten- marily concerned with Qa- campaign against COVID-19 Vilsack has faced questions about what cent for the Kuwaiti population, tar’s close ties with regional with priority groups at the while the rates in academic year dren waving goodbye while walking through the airport. sive care units reached 46, with critics say was his failure to address dis- 2017/2018 were 2.82 percent for Sriwijaya Air President Director Jefferson Irwin Jau- the the count of confirmed cases foe Iran. front of the line, before roll- crimination against Black farmers within the total population and 1.55 per- wena said the plane, which is 26 years old and previously and continued to receive medical Bahrain and Egypt, which ing out the shots to the wider the agency while he was Obama’s agri- cent for Kuwaitis. used by airlines in the United States, was airworthy. care standing at 4,364. had joined the UAE and Sau- population. culture chief. ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 2

Optimistic outlook for a prosperous 2021 By Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, two central imperatives were by frontline heroes, for example: Chairman of the Board of the Frontline Heroes Office evident. With Emirates Foundation and the Ministry of Community Develop- The first is that as a nation we must recognise, celebrate and support ment, we rolled out an innovative new mental health support initiative, ast year has been long and challenging for the vast majority of us our frontline heroes and their families. We need to understand the unique addressing one of the highest priorities our frontline heroes told us they Land we have seen so many heroes, across different sectors work tire- circumstances and challenges they face when asked day-in and day-out need. lessly to curb the effects of the pandemic. to put their personal safety at risk for the greater societal good. And we With the Ministry of Education, we launched Hayyakum to provide Looking ahead, 2021 marks the build-up to the UAE’s Golden Ju- need to unite to help alleviate the stresses they endure, to best enable scholarships to more than 2,000 children of frontline heroes that extend bilee, a moment that marks collective optimism for our shared future them to deliver the service and protection we ask of them. throughout their education in the UAE. with tremendous optimism for our shared future whilst maintaining the The second imperative is that we need to continuously invest in, de- With Daman, we launched an AED 20 million programme to upgrade knowledge that life will never again be quite the same, and nor do we velop, train and maintain a world-class emergency and disaster manage- health insurance plans for the 10,000 lowest earning frontline heroes and want it to. ment network that is always ready to respond and protect us from all their families as well as to provide 2,500 frontline professionals with In the midst of chaos, the pandemic brought with it clarity and a types of potential emergency situations. mental health insurance coverage. wealth of experience, and what a lost opportunity it would be if we as a While forming the Frontline Heroes Office, we started by listening And through partnerships with a wide range of groups including the nation reverted back to life as we lived it pre-pandemic, and and learning. We wanted to hear directly from our frontline Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Etisalat, Du, the tourism boards of Abu Dha- we were to overlook our most invaluable guardians who have professionals about the challenges and stresses they faced and bi, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al-Quwain, and the National Behavioural put their personal health at risk to protect the lives of citizens what we could do to help alleviate them. Rewards Programme – Fazaa, we introduced a diverse series of initia- and residents of the UAE We built the principle of partnerships into the ethos of the tives. These programmes help address the physical health and wellbeing Throughout 2021 and thereafter, the Frontline Heroes Of- Office because we saw a great opportunity to harness the of our frontline heroes, better enabling them to stay connected to their fice will continue to go beyond listening to the concerns of strength and expertise of an incredibly wide range of resources families in the UAE and abroad in addition to providing a series of ben- frontline professionals by creating opportunities for us all to across our government, business community and social servic- efits and rewards in recognition of their dedication and commitment in celebrate our national heroes to ensure that they will never be es sector to deliver immediate support for our frontline heroes, service to the UAE. unsung again.. We invite all government entities, businesses, while investing in a sustainable emergency preparedness and It is through the most difficult of times that we truly learn what we and social support groups to unite with us to develop new pro- response network. are made of as a society. We have witnessed incredible acts of kindness, grammes that support and provide for our frontline heroes. Most recently we launched the new Jaheziya emergency and unity as friends, neighbours and total strangers have stepped up to The Office will continue its mandate of finding nation-wide Sheikh Sultan response preparedness and training programme. This best- support and help each other. solutions to ensure a prosperous and stable future for our front- bin Tahnoon Al in-class training initiative was developed in partnership with Nowhere have we seen such resilience, commitment and courage as line heroes. Through various upcoming initiatives, we aim to Nahyan the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Volunteer Programme and we have from our more than 90,000 frontline professionals and volun- address essential needs for our heroes and their children across a group of prominent US and UK disaster management insti- teers who worked so hard and risked so much to protect the health and multiple areas such as higher education, mental and psychological well- tutions. It will provide internationally accredited critical care and life- wellbeing of us all. being, housing and healthcare. saving certification that will contribute to the UAE’s ability to maintain It is because of these true national heroes that we are so well prepared When the Frontline Heroes Office was established in July by Presiden- a sustainable network of highly trained frontline professionals to protect to enter 2021 and our Golden Jubilee with great optimism for our future. tial Decree under the Chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed our nation and its people in the face of any future emergency. We are poised to realise the ambitious vision the leaders of the UAE bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Several partnerships have directly addressed the concerns put forward have set forth for the next 50 years of this great nation.

A woman draped in traditional Sahraoui wear known as ‘Malhafa’ walks, in Dakhla city, Western Sahara, Dec 21, 2020. (AP) New opportunities for sun-kissed coastal cities like Dakhla US consulate a turning point for disputed Western Sahara

DAKHLA, Western Sahara, Jan 10, (AP): Trawlers pack the bustling region, via employing people and creating more resources. It will also hara confl ict and endorse Moroccan sovereignty,” Omar tweeted. Western Saharan port of Dakhla, where fi sh scales glisten from workers’ open more doors for international trade.” Western Sahara’s economy is run by Morocco, which has built most arms as they roll up their nets and buyers shout bids in a sprawling auc- The main fi shing port is the lifeline of the local economy, employing of the territory’s infrastructure and encouraged Moroccans to settle tion warehouse. Nearby, turquoise waters lap wide, nearly empty Atlan- 70% of Dakhla’s work force. Thousands of boats bring in 500,000 tons there. But the United Nations and most world governments don’t recog- tic beaches and diners sip tea in sidewalk cafes. of fi sh per year, for exports worth 2.2 billion dirhams ($249 million) an- nize Moroccan sovereignty over the land, limiting Morocco’s ability to Plans by the United States to open a consulate in Western Sahara mark nually, according to port director Bintaleb Elhassan. export its resources and complicating trade deals. a turning point for the disputed and closely policed territory in North Beneath fl ocks of honking seagulls, fi shermen haul sardines and For many people in Dakhla, at least those who are allowed to speak to Africa. The US move recognizes Morocco’s authority over the land — in mackerel to warehouses where the catch is auctioned off from neatly visiting journalists, local concerns appear to outweigh geopolitical ones. exchange for Morocco normalizing relations with Israel. Top American lined trays. In nearby processing plants, rows of women, including mi- Residents commute to work, sell clementines, shop for jewelry, enjoy local and Moroccan offi cials are in the region this weekend to lay the ground- grants from around Africa, clean and sort the fi sh. specialties in sidewalk cafes and frolic with their dogs on tranquil beaches. work for the project. Morocco tightly polices the region. On a recent visit to Dakhla, au- The US recognition of Western Sahara as Morocco’s drew criticism While this shift in US foreign policy frustrates indigenous Sahrawis thorities closely monitored an Associated Press reporter in the way both from the UN and America’s allies. African observers have said it could who have sought Western Sahara’s independence for decades, others visitors and residents often are. destabilize the broader region, already struggling against Islamist insur- see new opportunities for trade and tourism that will provide a welcome US Assistant Secretary of State David Schenker visited Dakhla and gencies and migrant traffi cking. boost for the region and sun-kissed coastal cities like Dakhla. Western Sahara’s biggest city, Laayoune, on Saturday. He and Moroc- The action has particularly angered Sahrawis, who want a referendum on A portrait of Moroccan King Mohammed VI, waving from behind can Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita are expected to unveil a temporary the territory’s future, and neighboring Algeria, which hosts Sahrawi refu- his sunglasses, hangs from the crenellated archway that greets people diplomatic outpost on Sunday. gees and backs the Polisario. Schenker also visited Algeria in recent days. arriving in Dakhla. The king’s face is juxtaposed on a map that includes While the consulate isn’t expected to open for another six to 12 The US will be joining a small but growing number of countries with Western Sahara as an integral part of Morocco. months, Schenker’s trip is a way for the US to cement its commitment to consulates in the territory, the most recent representing Gambia. Morocco annexed the former Spanish colony in 1975, which un- Western Sahara before President Donald Trump leaves offi ce. “Gambia feels a sense of gratitude for Morocco’s support, including leashed a 16-year war and then 30 years of diplomatic and military stale- Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner, helped broker a normalization Morocco building the new Foreign Ministry building in Gambia. Also, mate between Morocco and the Polisario Front, an organization seeking deal between Morocco and Israel announced last month, part of a series Morocco continues to grant educational grants for Gambian students,” Western Sahara’s independence that is based in and backed by Algeria. of historic accords that won Arab countries major favors from Washing- Consul General Ousmane Badjie told The AP in his offi ce, where a por- The long-running territorial dispute has limited Western Sahara’s links ton in exchange. trait of the Moroccan king also hangs. with the outside world. Trump said the goal of the Western Sahara consulate would be “to Sahrawi activists held protests in several Spanish and French cities Khatat Yanja, head of Dakhla’s regional council, looks forward to promote economic and trade opportunities in the region,” which is about over the US move, but Washington didn’t directly address their concerns the US arrival opening up his city to new markets and persuading more the size of Colorado and is believed to have considerable offshore oil when the State Department formally notifi ed Congress on Dec. 24 of its tourists to enjoy its beaches, local wares and breathtaking sunsets. He deposits and mineral resources. plans to open a consulate. expressed hope for US investment in tourism, renewable energy, farm- The Polisario Front’s representative at the United Nations, Sidi Omar, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said only that the United States “will ing and especially fi shing. appealed Saturday for the incoming administration of US President-elect continue to support political negotiations to resolve the issues between “We appreciate such a gesture,” Yanja said of the future consulate. “It Joe Biden to reverse Trump’s decision. Morocco and the Polisario within the framework of Morocco’s auton- will open a new chapter altogether when it comes to investment in this “The US cannot both support the UN’s role in resolving Western Sa- omy plan.”

editor’s choice ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 LOCAL 3

Ban on ‘35’, UK has led to big Other Voices losses, bemoan travel offi ces ‘Govt, Assembly ties hit dead end’

‘Some recovery in domestics return’ “THE relationship between the government and the Na- principle of preserving and protecting the interest of the tional Assembly has reached the point of no return be- homeland and the citizen. cause the government has not understood the mood of the “So we wished that our political life would not witness KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10: The Cabinet’s covery in the travel and tourism offi ces in street for radical change,” columnist Naji Al-Mulla wrote all these confl icts, disrupt political action and alienate so- decision to resume commercial fl ights at the country, reports Al-Anba daily. for Al-Jarida daily. ciety from the MPs. Some got very tired and lost confi - A number of travel and tourism agencies explained “The Kuwaiti street has come to a conviction that the dence which reached disbelief in the National Assembly Kuwait International Airport starting government has not made any move or taken steps or and its importance, due to the disagreements, aggravation from January 2, 2021, as well as the launch that some offi ces witnessed a boom in sales, as their even paid attention to all the problems which have re- and quarrels that harm the interests of citizens which are share of ticket sales rose by about ten percent of the sulted from the Covid-19 pandemic – the decline in oil disrupted whenever the government resigns. of the “Bil-Salama” e-portal for the return total reservations on board fl ights to and from Kuwait. prices, the erosion of the general reserves and the pos- “But if some believe that such interrogations will bring of domestic workers, constituted some re- It was previously fi ve percent prior to the activation sibility of defi cit in the budget, especially the chapter of good omen to Kuwait, let them tell us how our pockets of the platform “Bil-Sala- salaries and wages, in addition to the subsidy item, not to will benefi t by this behavior of fi ling interpellations, in- mention the education, health and housing crisis, the high citement, sowing hatred among people and dividing soci- ma”. rate of unemployment and disguised unemployment that ety between supporters and opponents. Offi cials from the travel has reached 60% and the lack of addressing the defect in “Kuwait brings us together and its interest is above any agencies affi rmed that, the demographic composition. other consideration, and we do not accept to be criticized despite the resumption of “Amid all these crises and dilemmas, we fi nd the gov- by others that our members do not master political crafts- commercial fl ights at Ku- ernment playing the musical chair to the movement of the manship. Certainly some may make fun of us when they wait International Airport, evil compass that tends to perpetuate corruption and the hear that Kuwait’s problems have been aggravated by the travel and tourism offi ces corrupt, backwardness, and retreat and not listening to the global health crisis and the economic slump highlighted are still suffering from voice of wisdom and sincerity. by some of us during the elections for Parliament.” heavy losses, which have “It was necessary for a govern- ❑ ❑ ❑ ment to take into account a work led to the closure and bank- “There is a common Arab saying - There is no one who ruptcy of some of them program that implies all the solu- tions and programs to overhaul harbors grudges more than a camel. It is believed that a since the outbreak of the the situation and not depend on camel never forgets the one who offended him. His hatred COVID-19 pandemic. anything except that benefi ts the remains within him until he avenges himself later on. Of They said the authorities’ public, so it is not restricted to the course, grudges, hatred, and refusal to forgive and forget decision to prevent receiv- benefi t of the companies and mer- are not good qualities either in animals or humans”, col- ing citizens of 35 countries chants running after the acquisi- umnist Sami Abdullatif Al-Nesf wrote for Al-Nahar daily. greatly exacerbated these tion or the real estate owners and “In the ancient Arab history, Arabs fought wars that KUNA photo lasted for years and decades, until the warriors forgot the His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received losses, especially after Brit- visa traders who hinder the modi- ain was added to the list of fi cation of demographics and stand reason behind the wars in which they continue to fi ght. National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Ali Al-Ghanim at Seif Palace on Sunday. He also Naji Al-Mulla Thousands of victims died in harsh environments, with hosted Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali AL- banned countries. against the introduction of interna- tional companies to implement residential projects and high death rates due to diseases, epidemics and famines. Sabah, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh, At the same time, the The remaining human beings continued to hold grudges travel agencies outside paralyze rational privatization. Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr Ahmad Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah and Interior Minister “The government was supposed to open the doors wide and fi ght. Sheikh Thamer Ali Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah. (KUNA) Kuwait and in the banned for civil society organizations and those with ideas and “In our modern era, the Americans, the Japanese, and countries now acquire projects to put the society on the path of diversifi cation even the Koreans and the Vietnamese forgave and forgot about 90 percent of the to- of the sources of income and injecting the private sec- all that occurred between them especially the wars that mp profile getting to know you tal reservations for fl ights tor with Kuwaiti workforce, and direct money towards claimed the lives of millions; likewise the Europeans, in- coming to the country, development of education to ensure job opportunities for cluding the English, French, Italians and Germans, recon- which makes them have Kuwaitis. ciled and made up. control of the prices and “Only the ministries of interior, justice and fi nance shall “Our Arab region is the exact opposite, as matters of Voting Record gives them an advantage be under the responsibility of the government after privatiz- hatred are not forgotten within a single society but the over the offi ces located in ing all production sectors and monitoring the performance hatred extends to neighboring countries, and then to in- of the private sector in accordance with the plans and poli- fl uential countries in the world. Their grudges and hatred ■ Death penalty for those con- Kuwait. The offi ces in Ku- remain for decades and even centuries without anyone wait have a limited number cies of society so that there are professional supervisory victed of offending God in 2012 – bodies that monitor education, health, transportation and asking the reason behind those grudges and hatred. approved of seats on each fl ight, and other services in accordance with international standards “Is it permissible for us to hate the Americans more Hamad Jassem Al-Matar they are mostly in the busi- than the people of Japan, or the English more than the Sunni/ National Action Movement to promote government’s work program and general plans ness class, and a few in the but to the contrary the government is engaged in deepening Germans?! Is there any reason, rationale and logic to hate Second Constituency with 4,583 votes. economy class. the gap between reality and these aspirations. the people of a state for what we believe that their ances- He won in the February 2012 ❑ ❑ ❑ “We do not see any move from the government side tors have sinned against our ancestors? The perception HAMAD JASSEM AL-MATAR elections when he obtained 5,624 even to solve minor problems such as the issue of the fl y- in itself may be completely inaccurate, including the ha- was born in 1970. He obtained a votes and occupied the sixth place Telephone networks: The ing gravel. The government did not move an inch even tred towards the Americans, Europeans and the rest of the Doctor of Philosophy in his constituency. State Audit Bureau has sent though it is an issue in which there is no confl ict of inter- people of the earth? Degree in Industrial He was part of the a letter to the Ministry of ests but is an insult to injury. “In this context, can we in Kuwait act smart, put the Chemistry from Kuwait parliamentary majority Communicatins concern- “Therefore, obsession devours the awareness and the National Assembly elections behind us, and pay little at- University. in 2013 and Islamic ing a bid to complete the will of the government and sends it into a coma of idle- tention to the problems of development, health, educa- installation of telephone ness in the face of development and reform. This obses- tion, unemployment, housing, demographics, public debt He is a lecturer at Bloc in 2012. and other vital and progressive issues?” Kuwait University, as well networks in new residen- sion is controlling the decision in Parliament, so the mo- Again, he lost in the mentum of its movement in the fi eld of the Speakership ❑ ❑ ❑ as director of the Training 2016 elections landing tial areas and rehabilitate the existing telephone net- of the National Assembly and its committees was exag- and Consultation Office at on the 11th spot in his gerated to limit the opposition. “In light of the recurrent budget defi cit year after year, the College of Sciences constituency with 1,710 works, reports Al-Qabas “This government had to curtail the opposition and the the State intends to reduce expenditures and limit the ex- and staff at the College of votes. daily. Assembly healthily through reform which exceeds the abil- penses item in the budget,” columnist Dr Mohammad Al- Higher Studies in the same In the 2020 elections, According to the letter, ity of the MPs and exceeds the expectations of the Kuwaiti Duwaihees wrote for Al-Shahid daily. university. Al-Matar he won 2,903 votes and the ministry did not abide people, thus mobilizing the energies of society, and short- “During the past two years, especially with the effects He worked as consultant took the fourth place in by the circular issued re- ening the path of reform and development in all areas.” of the COVID-19 pandemic, I noticed the almost absolute for environmental affairs at the garding the regulations that tendency to reduce training budgets in the government the Second Constituency. Also: system in the hopes of reducing the budget defi cit! “We Municipal Council. He served as must be followed by the believe that this approach refl ects administrative, organi- regional general manager of the Statement bodies covered under the “We have followed up, with regret, the developments in our local arena, which we had hoped would not hap- zational and developmental ignorance. Training cannot be Arab Association for Chemical and Al-Matar boycotted the elec- State Audit Bureau when viewed as an expense. Rather, it is an investment in human Petrochemical Industries, and tions in 2016 in objection to the submitting to prior control pen and for everyone to calm down and to see political stability prevailing over the homeland,” columnist Azza resources. “The need for this investment increases in light chairman of the National Project one-man-one-vote system. At the and adhering to the guide of the constant changes, such as new methods and systems. for Environmental Awareness. time, he urged the citizens to boy- Al-Ghamdi wrote for Al-Anba daily. for preparing bid papers “However, unfortunately the winds have not blown the “These developments and changes have imposed mod- He chaired the Arab Chemists cott the elections; indicating they and draft contracts, engage- way we wanted them to blow, and the clash has begun be- ern administrative methods and new jobs that require hu- Association in 2005 and Kuwait should not “pollute their Kuwaiti ments and agreements sub- tween the two authorities, and regretfully for something man resources trained in the latest technological means Chemists Society from 2004 to passports with stamps showing ject to prior control, in ad- that does not concern the citizen, his life, his livelihood, or and methods. 2006. He is a member of the their participation in the 2016 dition to not responding to his well-being, nor is it an educational or religious issue, for “As a number of jobs will disappear and the demand American Chemical Society. elections.” some inquiries. example, for not amending the Penal Code to apply legal for some of them will decrease after recovering from the He lost in the 2003 elections, As a member of the 2020 The State Audit Bureau penalties to limit the crimes that have recently increased. COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for some jobs will also during which he ranked eighth in Assembly, Al-Matar is keen on “Unfortunately, the clash and the threat to grill His increase, especially in the fi elds of technology, artifi cial in- stressed the need for its ap- telligence, creativity, strategic planning and remote work. his constituency with 277 votes. submitting vital bills and support- provals for the documents Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled on the issue of the election of the National Assembly Speak- “I do not know the genius advisor who advised deci- He also lost in the 2009 elections, ing bills on expanding freedom and pertaining to the ministry’s sion-makers in government agencies to reduce the train- ranking 11th in his constituency protecting public funds. opinion of all the technical er, although the Constitution does not give powers to the Speaker of the National Assembly concerning the people ing budgets in the government system. We believe this details, assumptions and or affect the citizen’s pocket and the affairs of his life, or consultant lacks experience and know-how in the fi eld of obligations mentioned in to direct the foreign and internal policy of the state. administrative and human resource development.” the report of the company “The tasks of the Speaker of the National Assembly ❑ ❑ ❑ Transactions made easy entrusted with the imple- are specifi ed in a manner that does not exceed the limits “If we think carefully about the advantages that charac- mentation of the project, of the National Assembly, meaning that the people are terize the fi rst countries in the world, we will immediately as well as the consultant’s not concerned with who is the Speaker because it is a fi nd education, industry and scientifi c research. This is in E-portal launched for social allowance report on the tender and matter that concerns the members in the fi rst place as he addition to respecting time and mastery at work - all of the consultant’s opinion on organizes and directs the sessions, manages the National which are essential factors in manpower,” columnist Ab- KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10: Acting Under- or daughter) and stop the daughter’s al- contracts of the Directorate Assembly and the workers therein, and thus his limits are dulrahman Al-Awad wrote for Al-Sabah daily. secretary of the Ministry of Education lowance for marriage. General of Civil Aviation within the National Assembly. “Education in any country that aspires for rapid de- Faisal Al-Maqsid issued a general bulle- As for female employees, it is pos- (DGCA) as well as the up- “Therefore, submitting an interrogation against His velopmental leaps is the basis upon which the nation is Highness the Prime Minister was simply because the tin regarding the launch of the electronic sible to obtain children’s allowance in dates received by the com- built. It paves way for all capabilities, creates conditions service portal for social allowance by the event of the husband’s death, medi- government did not vote for the former deputy and Min- for growth, and sets off to broader and wider horizons. pany regarding the tender. ister Badr Al-Hamidi. Despite the fact that the vote was the Administrative Affairs and Admin- cal disability, or in relation to prisons or It called for providing it Through education, good industry is launched, which in istrative Development Sector, with the abroad, or not working or if a man with in favor of the Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanim took place our modern era creates economically strong, qualifi ed with the details about the inside the halls of the National Assembly, so he won by and well-trained civilizations. cooperation of the Information Systems children has a salary less than KD 150. spare parts in the ministry’s the votes of the representatives, and these are internal Department, reports Al-Rai daily. It is also possible to stop the social “Also, scientifi c research, as the most important prod- warehouses, that pertain elections among the members, and no harm will befall uct of quality education, contributes effectively and This service allows all ministry em- allowance on behalf of the children, to the contract in question, the citizen. ployees to update and add social allow- due to the attainment of the legal age quickly to the development of countries. It generates along with a report indicat- “Regarding everything that is rumored that the gov- passive income, which sometimes exceeds the income of ances of all kinds, which contributes to of 24 years, or in the case of a son’s ernment interfered or did not intervene, we say that there the completion of transactions without work, a daughter’s marriage, a daugh- ing that installation of not petroleum countries. were elections within the corridors of the National As- “Recently, Kuwait began striving to catch up with oth- the trouble of reviewing, as well as re- ter’s work, or a father’s work. all fi ber optic cables have been completed, adding sembly, the result of which was the victory of Marzouq ers in terms of scientifi c research by encouraging and sup- duces the documentation cycle. The bulletin called on all employees Al-Ghanim, and accordingly, faith in democracy makes that the company’s pro- porting such endeavor, because it is a major tributary of The bulletin stated that the electronic concerned with the disbursement of the us accept the new Speaker and congratulate him and we development. However, this effort is still inadequate and portal provides the following services: social allowance to enter the portal via posal dated April 24, 2019 wish him success for what is in the best interest of the regarding the completion of does not rise to the ambition and aspiration. We hope that For male employees, it is possible the link - https://eservices.moe.edu. country and as I mentioned, the Speaker’s person does appropriate budgets are allocated for scientifi c research as to add a child, add marital allowance, kw/hr, and to benefi t from the services the contract work in ques- not affect directly the citizen because those who make it is the means of knowledge and development.” re-add a daughter, stop the marital al- provided, in preparation for dispensing tion does not include the the executive decisions that concern the citizen are our lowance, stop the work allowance (son with the presentation of it on paper. completion of the fi ber op- sheikhs, may God protect them, who have inherited the — Compiled by Ahmad Al-Shazli tic cables.

‘Domestics return’ ‘No corona in travelers’ KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10: General Manager of National Aviation Services (NAS) Mansour Al-Khuzaim said the Indian Airlines has been working with Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways to facilitate the return of domestic workers through ‘Besalama’ platform since Thursday, reports Al-Anba daily. He confirmed there is no corona infection among the travelers who have so far arrived in the country through ‘Besalama’ platform, stressing the platform is a nation- al project which aims to help Kuwaitis in the return of their workers who are stuck abroad. Speaking to the daily, Al-Khuzaim revealed the Sri Lankan Airlines and Directorate General of Civil Avia- tion (DGCA) in Kuwait have obtained preliminary ap- proval for the airlines to operate again in order to trans- port Sri Lankan domestic workers back to the country. He expects the airlines, along with three others, to op- erate soon; thereby, increasing the number of airlines operating through ‘Besalama’ platform to four. He said more than 200 travel and tourism offices and their branches are part of ‘Besalama’ platform, clari- fying that travel and tourism offices abroad are not al- lowed to join the platform. He affirmed prices on the platform are inclusive of booking tickets, three PCR tests, three checkups, daily meals, security, medical and laundry services. ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 LOCAL 4 Plasma therapy cures 50 pct of corona-hit people: Dr Al-Sharida Death rate cut by 27% for moderately infected

By Marwa Al-Bahrawi Al-Seyassah Staff KUWAIT CITY,

Jan 10: The head of KUNA photo the plasma treat- HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber. ment committee, Dr Sundus Audiences of HH the Amir Al-Sharida, said the blood plasma His Highness the Amir Sheikh Nawaf They were accompanied by Justices Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah received, Fuad Khaled Al-Zuwayyed, Adel Ali therapy contributes at Seif Palace Sunday, His Highness the Al-Bahoh and Waleed Ibrahim Al-Mejel to early recovery Crown Prince Sheikh Meshaal Al-Ahmad who took oath before His Highness the from ‘coronavirus’ Al-Jaber Al-Sabah. Amir on the occasion of their appoint- His Highness the Amir also received ments as members of the Constitutional infection by more National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Court. than 50 percent Al-Ghanim, His Highness the Prime The meeting was attended by Amiri Minister Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Diwan Minister Sheikh Ali Jarrah and reduces the Al-Sabah, Deputy Premier and Defense death rate by 27 Minister Sheikh Hamad Jaber Al-Ali Al-Sabah, Amiri Diwan President Sheikh Al-Sabah, and Deputy Premier and Mubarak Faisal Al-Sabah, Deputy Amiri percent for moder- Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Diwan Minister Sheikh Mohammad ately infected peo- Anas Al-Saleh. Abdullah Al-Sabah, Director of His KUNA photo His Highness the Amir received Highness the Amir’s Office and Amiri HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled during his audiences. ple, and 30 percent Minister of Justice Dr Nawaf Al-Yassin Diwan Undersecretary Ahmad Al-Fahad for high-risk people and President of the Constitutional and head of Amiri Diwan Protocols HH the PM hosts justice minister, chief judge as the vital signs of Court Justice Mohammad Jassem bin Sheikh Khaled Abdullah Al-Sabah. the body improve. Naji. (KUNA) His Highness the Prime Minister the Constitutional Court judge judge were accompanied in the Al-Sharida told Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Mohammad Jassem bin Naji, at meeting by newly-appointed Al-Seyassah daily the Al-Sabah received Justice Minister Seif Palace on Sunday. members of the Constitutional first research experiment Dr Nawaf Al-Yassin and head of The minister and the chief Court. (KUNA) was conducted on 368 random samples of mod- Last among Gulf countries erate and severe cases, of which 135 underwent plasma treatment. Kuwait ranks 86th out of 100 in World’s Best Cities Report She added the mortal- ity rate for moderate KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10: Kuwait was 4. Prosperity: ranking of city com- With the presence of the huge Silk ranked 86th out of 100 countries in the panies in Fortune 500 (index of the City project, Kuwait will soon have a cases that were not sub- World’s Best Cities Report for 2021, best 500 companies in the world), very strong chain of hashtags on social jected to treatment was reports Al-Qabas daily quoting bestci- GDP per capita, equality of income, media, including the Great Mubarak 29.7% and for severe ties.org. unemployment rate Tower in the city plan, which may cases it was 57.1%, According to the report, Kuwait is 5. Programming: culture, nightlife, break records for social media labels, while the death rate for last among the Gulf countries; while food quality, shopping the report added. moderate cases that Dubai ranked sixth in the world and 6. Promotion: percentage of visitors, London, New York, and Paris are underwent plasma treat- first in the Gulf, Abu Dhabi ranked number of visitors checking in places on the top three best cities in the world for ment was 11.4% and for 15th in the world and second in the Facebook, using Google search engine 2021; followed by Moscow (4), Tokyo Gulf. during the visit, visitors’ comments on (5) and Dubai (6), Singapore (7), high-risk cases 30%, The best cities in the world are the travel application ‘TripAdvisor’, Barcelona (8), Los Angeles (9) and which means a decrease determined according to six criteria as Instagram tags for the city, popularity of Madrid (10). in mortality rate with follows: the city in ‘Google Trends’ among visi- On the other hand, the 10 worst cit- plasma therapy which is 1. Place: weather, safety, tourist tors within 12 months. ies are: Krakow (Poland) at 100th, 27 percent for moderate attractions, public parks and outdoor The report stated that Kuwait City Raleigh (America) at 99th, Salt Lake cases and 17.3 for activities, number of corona cases rel- shines with amazing contrasts and it is (America) at 98th, Mexico City at severe cases. ative to the population one of the hottest cities on the planet 97th, Glasgow (UK) at 96th, 2. Products: airport travel destina- during summer. The water towers are Sacramento (America) at 95th, Research tions and networks, attractions for among its prominent features; indicat- Manchester at 94th, Düsseldorf After the announce- residents and tourists, university rank- ing the glittering towers reflect moder- (Germany) at 93rd, Nashville ing, convention center nity and efficiency for which Kuwait (Tennessee-America) at 92nd, ment of the publication 3. People: residents born in the city, is famous, especially when it comes to Bucharest (Romania) at 91st and of Kuwait’s first educational attainment social networking sites. Minsk (Belarus) at 90th. research experiment for plasma treatment in the International Journal of Flyer of the event. Infectious Diseases a few days ago, ‘The Guest Show’ presents Dr Hana Al-Sharida stated the random sample for the This week, ‘The Guest Show’ on Radio ther specialize in psychiatry as she second research experi- Kuwait presents Dr Hana Jafar, a young believes mental disorders to be the most Kuwaiti doctor. A woman of many parts, common cause of disability in the world. ment was 640, and it Hana is a doctor, fitness coach and an During the pandemic, she carried out was divided into six entrepreneur. She is also the research on the effect of Covid on men- categories, equally Chairperson of Heroes for Hearts, a tal health in Kuwait. Hear Dr Hana Jafar between moderate and non-profit organization that trains and on 96.3 FM and 963 AM speak about severe cases, and each empowers local communities in CPR/ how she manages so many different of them included three AED/ First Aid skills. Hana wants to fur- hats and keeps them all steady. categories, the first was not subject to plasma Eng Al-Atal seeks ways to up coordination treatment, the second subjected for treatment with a normal dose, and Meet tackles problems of Kuwaiti the third for treatment with a double dose of plasma. engineers in the private oil sector Regarding the first research experiment, KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10: Kuwait Al-Sharida noted the Society of Engineers (KSE) results of the experi- Chairperson Eng Faisal Al-Atal has ment on several levels discussed various ways to strengthen -- treatment with blood coordination between KSE, Kuwait plasma contributed to Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and its early recovery, reduced subsidiaries with Vice-Chairman and mortality, and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of improved vital signs of KPC Eng Hashem Hashem, reports the body. Al-Anba daily. She indicated that the Also present at the meeting were results showed early KSE Treasurer Eng Ali Al-Failakawi recovery for moderate and CEO of Kuwait National Petroleum Company (KNPC) Eng Al-Rai photo and severe cases as well, The spotted eagle. as the maximum num- Walid Al-Badr. ber of discharges from Al-Atal confirmed that they tackled the hospital for severe the problems of Kuwaiti engineers in Spotted eagle returns cases which was within the private oil sector who were termi- after 6 months abroad 8 days, a decrease of nated by KPC’s contractors and its more than 50 percent subsidiaries during the corona pan- KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10: The demic. He said Hashem assured him Environment Public Authority from the previous one, said it had placed three ‘tracking because the patient’s that discussions with Minister of Oil, Electricity and Water Dr Muhammad devices on 3 large spotted eagles’ stay in the hospital in the Jahra Reserve on Jan 14, ranged between 15 to 50 Al-Faris are underway in a bid to sup- 2020, and on March 30, 2020 days. port Kuwaiti engineers, especially during spring the eagles migrated She explained that those who were terminated. to Kazakhstan and Russia and one of the positives of He added they also talked about the northern part of the globe to plasma therapy is the development of a mechanism for spend the summer and more than improvement of the accrediting non-Kuwaiti engineers 6 months later returned to Kuwait vital signs of the body, under oil sector contracts, stressing to spend the winter at the Jahra as laboratory analyzes the KSE is keen on continuously Nature Reserve, reports Al-Rai showed improvement in developing this mechanism to daily. some signs within three increase the capacity to receive and The EPA said the spotted eagle days to a week of treat- complete the transactions of engi- was seen at the Jahra Reserve on ment, and an improve- neers who requested the oil sector to October 15, 2020 – apparently ment in oxygen levels adopt their engineering qualifications returned to the same spot from after the first to third in the interest of the public and to where it had left. The event was day of treatment. meet the oil sector’s need for global documented from Dec 11, 2020 engineering expertise. and Jan 1, 2021 by the authority’s staff in cooperation with the envi- Other topics tackled in the meeting ronmental lens team, after the include the ways to expand the oil bird traveled 3,500 kilometers sector’s participation in scientific from southern Russia. training programs conducted by the The source added, the bird Training Center of KSE as part of its was followed during this period commitment to open the way for col- through tracking devices within leagues in the oil sector to benefit a national project, under the from the programs, workshops, con- supervision of the EPA and with ferences and engineering events orga- support of the Kuwait Foundation nized by the society in coordination for the Advancement of with a number of international and Sciences. Dr Sundus Al-Sharida Arab entities. ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 LOCAL 5

Other Voices Citizens & expats hostage of neglect ‘Drain the mosquito swamp’ as Khaitan plight turns bad to worse By Ahmad alsarraf ket their extremist ideas among their students and call for violence former deputy appeared on tele- Heavy vehicles, broken roads, garbage makes life difficult vision crying over his misfor- against those who contradict them, A especially those who have earlier tune and the situation he had ended By Abdel Nasser Al- up in, saying he did not know the admitted to participating in training and recruiting thousands of fighters Aslami cause of the ‘injustice’ done to him. Al-Seyassah Staff and After losing the parliamentary seat, to Syria. he suddenly found himself without Third, expediting the filing of Agencies salary, no work, and deprived of extremism and terrorism cases to the courts since it has taken more KUWAIT CITY, Jan political activity – unable to contest 10: As the situation in elections and be than two years for the judiciary to issue its first verdict in the case of Khaitan continues to elected. go from bad to worse, Some sym- a known global terrorist, and now it pathized with will be years before the final ver- the citizens and ex- him and anoth- dict is issued by the Court of patriates living in the er colleague of Cassation. area have become hos- his and it is Fourth, amend the mosque’s ser- tage of neglect. said that a for- mons to be more in line with the The infrastructure in mer Interior street pulse with preachers focusing the Khaitan can be sum- Minister and an on morals and people’s concerns marized as worse due to influential per- and not encouraging extremism and lack of control and main- alsarraf sonality inter- abusing those who provided us with tenance which does not vened on their behalf and re- services in terms of security, medi- seem to be the concern of appointed them at the university, cine and food. various authorities which and this means increasing the dose Fifth, preventing people of have turned a blind eye to of extremism because of their extremist ideology from appearing the plight of those living declared sectarian stances that they in interviews or enabling them to in this area. did not inevitably abandon. broadcast their views and ideas, In the midst of the already One of them is also known for whether on official or private chan- dilapidated asphalt, the trucks picking up disputes with the regimes nels, because that has a bad effect occupy must of the open ar- of several countries and the most on young people, and opening the eas while the sight of potholes way for those with enlightened and sewage water overfl ow- dangerous of which is his active ing on the roads is familiar participation in the region’s wars, ideas to appear on the channels, and not restricting them, as is the case and seems not to bother the financing and buying weapons, government offi cials. fighting and even helping operate today. Sixth, preventing people with Several Khaitan residents cannons of ISIS fighters, and all of say the decision by the Ku- Top and above: A view of the situation in Khaitan. this happened in public and docu- extremist ideas and belonging to wait Municipality to close mented by various local and interna- religious parties from entering state the public squares has in- tional news agencies. and private schools, meeting stu- creased their woes as the The wisdom says that eliminating dents and giving lectures because of commercial area which is Citizen acquitted of drug consumption, assault the mosquito problem is not done by the social risk involved. full of shipping offi ces have We return to the issue of univer- now invaded these open ar- By Jaber Al-Hamoud him and escaped. his vehicle and collided with the dealing with it one by one, but by eas where they park their Attorney Nasser Al-Bashir ar- cement barrier on the King Fahd draining the swamps in which they sity professors who have been or Al-Seyassah Staff will be returned to the teaching pro- refrigerator trucks, huge gued there was no evidence to prove Road, reports Al-Seyassah daily . breed. This is logical and acceptable freight containers and transit KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10: The his client possessed drugs and as a According to a security source, talk; however, draining swamps fession, and we say that they and Criminal Court has acquitted a Ku- others accused of State Security trucks, and some shipping matter of fact the arrest and search upon impact the vehicle burst in requires the following : waiti of possessing and consuming fl ames killing the man on the spot. cases do not have the least and offi ces have transferred their procedures were invalid. First, amending the school curri- activity to the inner open drugs and attacking a security of- He also told the court through- The victim’s remains have been cula and cleaning them of all indispensable knowledge, no useful areas as a result a number fi cer on the coastal road in Mangaf out the interrogations his client had referred to Forensics. The authori- extremist ideas. experience internationally, and their of residents living in build- citing lack of evidence. denied consuming or possessing ties are investigating the cause of Second , suspend any teacher absence will not lead to any loss to ings adjacent to these open The Public Prosecutor had drugs. the fi re. charged the suspect with possess- accused of promoting extremist the university. grounds have now nowhere ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ It is therefore safer for them to to park their vehicles. ing shabu for consumption and at- ideas at any stage of the teaching The residents of Block 6 tacking a policeman and resisting Woman dies in mishap: A Ku- Beggars fi ghting: The security profession. Staying put at home remain outside the teaching profes- sion in particular. The return of complain about the diffi culty arrest. waiti woman, who was in her 30s, authorities have arrested a number with a paid salary is less dangerous of reaching their homes since According to case papers, the po- died following a collision with an- of people for fi ghting in front of the and better than being at work. these people, or one of them, means a government blessing for the return the streets are narrow and lice offi cer said during routine pa- other vehicle on the Fourth Ring Sulaibikhat Cemetery, reports Al- Those accused by global and worn out and to add insult trol of the area in Mangaf along the Road, reports Al-Anba daily. Rai daily. regional forces of terrorism cannot of extremism to the university. to injury huge trucks cause coastal road he suspected the motor- The daily added, the arrest came ❑ ❑ ❑ A security source said the victim return to the teaching profession traffi c chaos and road blocks ist and ordered him to pull over. The was taken to the hospital but doc- after someone called the Opera- because they will continue to mar- e-mail: [email protected] which sometimes lasts for motorist was driving without a car tors failed to rescue her. tions Room of the Ministry of In- even more than an hour. registration book and while he was The cause of the accident is not terior. The residents say the about to issue a citation, he saw in known. When police arrived they dis- concerned authorities must the suspect’s hand a strange looking ❑ ❑ ❑ covered all of them were ‘beggars’. prevent huge trucks from cigarette and a sachet next to him Without going into details or giv- entering these narrow roads with strange substance. Man dies in fl ames: An unidenti- ing the nationalities of the suspects, which cause inconvenience When he ordered the man to step fi ed Kuwaiti, who was in his for- the daily said they have been re- to them. out of the vehicle, the latter pushed ties, died after he lost control of ferred to the concerned authorities. They said some of the vehicles are not moved for several months which is very disturbing because no one knows what is happening in 352 died in mishaps the area as sometimes goods are transported from one ve- hicle to another. despite ‘lockdowns’ They explained, one truck occupies the place of 10 By Munif Nayef small cars, and not only that, but some offi cials of freight Al-Seyassah Staff offi ces place obstacles on the KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10: Despite the long clo- open ground to facilitate the sures, partial and total lockdowns, and the relative movement of their huge ve- lack of movement on the roads during the past year hicles. due to the outbreak of the “Corona” virus, the On the other hand, many General Traffic Department confirmed 352 deaths residents complain that the due to non-compliance with traffic rules and regu- KFSD photo streets, from beginning to lations. The oil tanker involved in the accident. end, are fi lled with overfl ow- The Directorate General of Public Relations and ing sewage and when there Security Media Department of the Interior Ministry 2 dead in Shuwaikh accident is rain mini pools are formed stated most traffic accidents occur as a result of everywhere, the effects of speeding, stubbornness, and speaking and texting which are still there. while driving and crossing the red traffic light. An accident in Shuwaikh resulted in the port about fi re in the oil tanker in Shuwai- ❑ ❑ ❑ death of 2 persons believed to be work- kh, next to the Al-Tatbi roundabout on Al- Those who escape death often suffer from severe ers and injury to the oil tanker’s Indian Jahra Road when workers were carrying Syrian robs Palestinian: life injuries and in most cases complete paralysis. In other news, Minister of Interior Sheikh driver, reports Al-Anba daily. out some welding works on the tanker. An unidentifi ed Syrian has A security source said the Ministry of The injured has been rushed to a been referred to the Public Thamer Al-Ali has issued instruction to open the Interior operations room received a re- hospital. Prosecution for ‘robbing’ a door for registration again for those wishing to join Palestinian, reports Al-Anba the Saad Al-Abdullah Academy for Security daily. Sciences ‘batch of 47’ for high school graduates The daily added, quoting for the 2017-2018 academic years starting from News in Brief the security sources said the Sunday, Jan 10 until Saturday, Jan 16, 2021, via suspect lured the Palestinian the Academy website. to part with 1,500 dinars say- The ministry said in a statement the application ing he had signed a contract for admission should be submitted with all the to sell health supplies and required documents and sent to the Registration and Border back to normal: The Ministry Residents suffering sterilizers to the Ministry Admission Department after electronic registration. of Interior opened the land border cross- of Defence and added, he ❑ ❑ ❑ ings between Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, would return the money with in Nuwaiseeb and Salmi, from nine in Bedoun acquitted: The Criminal Court headed by the morning until ‘Problem end soon’ 350 dinars profi t. Counselor Nayef Al-Dahoum has acquitted a However, when the Syrian three in the after- KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10: The suffer- bedoun of charges of climbing the fence of the noon recently, in was summoned for interro- Ministry of Interior garage in Mina Abdullah at ing of residents in Sabah Al-Ahmad gation, he denied the contract implementation City due to the stagnant water prob- night where the impounded cars are stored and of the decisions story but admitted to borrow- stealing some stuff, reports Al-Anba daily. lem will end soon, as the Ministry of ing the money and that he of the Council of Public Works is preparing to sign a The court acquitted the defendant due to lack of Ministers due to contract to extend pumps and pipe- would return as soon as his evidences. the coronavirus lines for stagnant water with the fi nancial situation improves. pandemic. winning contractor in the next two However, after listening to The Assistant weeks, reports Al-Rai daily quoting the conversation recorded by Undersecretary sources. the Palestinian on his mobile of the Ministry of Sources revealed this will pave phone it became clear that Interior for Port Al-Awadhi way for the implementation of the the Syrian had cheated the Security Affairs project, which is expected to be Palestinian with false prom- Major General Mansour Al-Awadhi and completed within nine months. ises and a contract that does Director General of Land Ports Security Sources said the ministry ob- not exist. Brigadier Iyad Al-Haddad toured Al-Nu- ❑ ❑ ❑ waiseeb Port to see the mechanisms im- tained approval from the State Au- plemented to receive travelers. dit Bureau (SAB) last week, so it Reckless driver held: The A security source clarifi ed that Gulf immediately started preparing the security authorities have ar- Arabs wishing to enter Kuwait must prove contract documents and completing rested an unidentifi ed Ku- fi rst-degree relationship with citizens or administrative procedures as a prel- waiti for reckless driving, those working for government, indicating ude to contract signing. reports Al-Rai daily. that the Ministry of Interior applies health Sources added the estimated According to security instructions and cabinet decisions, fearing cost of the project is KD4.8 million, sources, the Kuwaiti who the repercussions of the development of indicating that implementation will was seen endangering the the new Corona virus strain. kick off by the end February. lives of other motorists was ❑ ❑ ❑ asked to pull over on the Kuwaiti’s car hit: A Kuwaiti, driving a Prison term cut: The Court of Ap- Fahaheel Expressway, but 4x4 vehicle in the Saad Al-Abdullah area, peal recently overturned the verdict of he stepped on the gas pedal allegedly deliberately hit the vehicle of a the lower court which had sentenced the in a vain attempt to escape compatriot because of a dispute between Fashionista Jamal Najadah to one year until he was surrounded by them and escaped. imprisonment and reduced the prison police vehicles and forced The incident was witnessed by a pas- term to three months, reports Al-Qabas to surrender but not before serby and was able to document it and daily. colliding and damaging two post it in the social media. The Fashionista was found guilty of vehicles in a vain attempt to The driver of the other vehicle was publishing an audio recording deemed escape. injured and had to be taken to the Jahra offensive to the Prosecutors who had Police records show the Hospital. summoned Al-Najadah for investigation man was wanted by law to Police are looking for the fugitive. on the background of her involvement in serve a four-year prison term. ❑ ❑ ❑ money laundering. He has been handed over to the concerned authorities. ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 LOCAL 6 Kuwait played role as ‘key mediator’ in GCC reconciliation, says Legendre French ambassador stresses importance of health care

By Ahmad Al-Hamily aggressors. the French Ambassador affirmed “As you know, 14,000 French that her country was keen on pro- KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10, soldiers were involved in the liber- viding assistance, whether in train- (KUNA): Kuwait played a ation (of Kuwait) 30 years ago and ing or equipment, to the Kuwaiti critical role as a key region- 10 were killed, so this is something Defense Ministry, citing numerous that will be as well as commemo- deals and training courses as an Dr Hilal Al-Sayer (center), KRCS Chairman of the Board of Directors al mediator in bringing rated by combatants back in example of France eagerness to reconciliation amongst France,” she added. boots Kuwait’s security and GCC states, said Anne- Ambassador Legendre indicated defense. ‘Donation to save many lives’ Claire Legendre, French that she expected more high-level On cultural, educational and Ambassador to the State of visits to Kuwait this year and noted business cooperation, the that strategic dialogue was upgrad- Ambassador affirmed that both KRCS donates 2 ambulances Kuwait, on Sunday. ed last November from the admin- countries had displayed interest in In statement KUNA, during a istrative to ministerial level, which finding more ways and means to press conference at her residence, shows “how much we want to take ties forwarded. to Palestinian Red Crescent Ambassador Legendre stated, “We deepen our dialogue and political The French embassy is working By Arwa Al-Wugayan various humanitarian fields. welcome very warmly this (GCC relations.” closely with the Ministry of This donation will save many lives reconciliation) result ... We hope it KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10, (KUNA): French Ambassador to Kuwait She went on to say that both Education to enhance the teaching and cover part of the hospitals’ need will bring further positive results Anne-Claire Legendre countries were seeking more coop- of the French language in the State Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) for ambulances to transport patients on regional stability. Kuwait has eration within the health sector in of Kuwait, helping teachers and stu- donated Sunday two fully equipped through the Palestinian Red Crescent, been playing really a critical role unity among its six member states. light of the coronavirus (COVID- dents to excel in the language both ambulances for the Palestinian Red he said. in these negotiations and we would GCC leaders also hailed Kuwait’s 19) pandemic as well as seeking in teaching and learning capacities, Crescent. He also stressed KRCS’s continues not be where we are today without relentless efforts over the past years partnership in a variety of fields Ambassador Legendre said. In a statement to KUNA, KRCS to support humanitarian, health and Kuwait’s mediation role.” including defense, where France is Cultural cooperation will highly Chairman of the Board of Directors educational projects, which undoubt- to reslove the Gulf crisis and restore Dr. Hilal Al-Sayer, said that the dona- edly have a positive impact on needy Asked whether Kuwait could unity of the Gulf states. very eager on protecting its inter- benefit from the upcoming celebra- play a bigger role in other impor- tion comes within the spirit of continu- families of the brotherly Palestinian Meanwhile, Ambassador ests in addition to the interests and tion of the 60th anniversary of ties ous cooperation between both sides in people. tant regional issues, Ambassador Legendre spoke about the French- security of its allies such as the between Kuwait and France, she Legendre said that State of Kuwait, Kuwaiti relations, saying that the State of Kuwait. affirmed, hoping that this year through its efforts within the GCC ties were deeply grounded in histo- On health security, Ambassador includes various cultural functions New website for tenders reconciliation, had proved itself as ry and good partnership within the Legendre stressed the importance to commemorate this historical a “key regional mediator... uphold- political domain and beyond. of health care especially during the event. ing a long tradition of Kuwait being In 2021, both countries are eager time of COVID-19, saying, “We Ambassador Legendre believed KOC activates e-service, to reject able to speak to all the powers in to pursue ways to further bolster think there is room for to be that Kuwait and France enjoyed the region and finding ways involved in training more of the strong business and economic rela- towards dialogue and reconcilia- relations, affirmed the Ambassador who indicated that this year was health professionals here in tions with room to reinforce ties on bids if sent in ‘sealed envelopes’ tion.” Kuwait.” both sides. KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10: The the system developed by the com- She added that Foreign Minister very important due to commemora- She added that France and In 2019, bilateral trade amount to tion of the 60th anniversary of Kuwait Oil Company has activated pany to receive the required docu- of Kuwait Sheikh Dr. Ahmad Kuwait had signed an agreement to around 800 million euros (USD the e-service and has opened a new ments with the possibility of modi- Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Sabah French-Kuwaiti relationship. train medical doctors and was 977.9 million), said the Ambassador She also revealed that France website dedicated to contracts and fication. also played a critical role, showcas- implemented in 2012, but affirmed who expressed eagerness to con- tenders, indicating all bids will The Kuwait Oil Company ten- ing his country’s strong diplomatic was eager to partake in Kuwait’s that her country was eager to bol- tinue to boost the numbers this year now be received online and not ders website allows the participat- efforts, a matter which French was national celebrations specifically, ster ties going “further and beyond”. with French companies wanting to through the old method of accept- ing companies to submit applica- appreciative of because the region the 30th anniversary of Kuwait’s “There are leading institutions in contribute more to business diversi- ing bids in sealed envelopes, tions electronically and automate was in need of states to mediate and liberation from the Iraqi invasion. France that are in discussions at the fication of Kuwait especially with- reports Al-Anba daily. all services without the need to come to peaceful and diplomatic Ambassador Legendre pointed moment with the Ministry of Health in the mainframe of 2035 vision. The daily has learned from visit the department building or solutions. out that the French Minister for the here in Kuwait to develop the train- Ambassador Legendre also senior oil sources that the service meet the concerned employees. Leaders of the Gulf Cooperation Armed Forces Florence Parly was ing capacity both in terms of medi- affirmed that France was eager to allows all stages submitting bids to The sources quoting the KOC Council (GCC) pressed, during scheduled to visit Kuwait on cal doctors such oncology but also welcome more investments from be conducted electronically sources said all contractors have Al-Ula’s Gulf Summit on January January 17th to commemorate nursing and management of hospi- the Kuwaiti side, finding more through the website, starting from been asked to register via the France’s contributions to the libera- the process of viewing the tenders, website, obtain a user number and 5, for enhancing pan-GCC coopera- tals,” she stated. strategies to bring further direct through to submitting and evalu- a secret number, and follow the tion to reach full integration and tion of the country from Iraqi Returning to the issue of defense, foreign investments. ated bids and ending with award- instructions and added, if the bid ing the contracts, in addition to is sent manually, it will be reject- registering companies electroni- ed. Burgan Bank names daily winners of Yawmi account draw cally. In other news, Kuwait Society The sources indicated the com- of Engineers (KSE) Chairperson KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10: Burgan account will entitle customers to one pany has begun holding prelimi- Engr Faisal Al-Atal has discussed Bank announced today the names of chance of winning. If the account nary meetings in respect of ten- various ways to strengthen coordi- the daily draw winners of its Yawmi balance is KD 500 and above, the ders, practices and auctions elec- nation between KSE, Kuwait account draw, each taking home a account holder will be qualified for tronically through a digital plat- Petroleum Corporation (KPC) and cash prize of KD 5,000. both the quarterly and daily draws. form which has been dedicated for its subsidiaries with Vice- The lucky winners are: Burgan Bank encourages every- this purpose. Chairman and Chief Executive 1. Tawfeeq Taher Almousa one to open a Yawmi account and/or The sources explained this step Officer (CEO) of KPC Engr 2. Sarah Mohammad Alwazzan increase their deposit to maximize comes will help the KOC realize Hashem Hashem, reports Al-Anba and Aliah Mohammad Alwazzan their chances of becoming a winner. its plan to shift towards electronic daily. and smart services and support the Also present at the meeting 3. Dalal Othman Merghani The higher the level of the deposit, business environment by adopting were KSE Treasurer Engr Ali Wodeissa the higher the likelihood to win. paperless systems, saving time, Al-Failakawi and CEO of Kuwait 4. Khaled Hayayan Obaid For more information on opening a effort and expenses for contracting National Petroleum Company Alrasheedi Yawmi account, the new quarterly parties in line with the remote (KNPC) Eng Walid Al-Badr. In addition to the daily draw, draw or on any of the bank’s products work policy under the current cir- Al-Atal confirmed that they Burgan Bank also offers a Quarterly and services, customers are urged to cumstances. tackled the problems of Kuwaiti Draw with more chances to win visit their nearest Burgan Bank The sources stated the company engineers in the private oil sector higher rewards, offering the chance branch, or simply call the bank’s Call has decided to switch to full elec- who were terminated by KPC’s to one lucky customer to win KD Quarterly Draws, wherein the KD 500 in their account for two Center at 1804080. Customers can tronic transactions due to the contractors and its subsidiaries 125,000 every three months. The Quarterly Draw requires customers months prior to the draw date. also log on to Burgan Bank’s www. modernity and sophistication of during the corona pandemic. Yawmi Account offers Daily and to maintain a minimum amount of Additionally, every KD 10 in the burgan.com for further information. ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 LOCAL/MIDEAST 7 Work on ‘Gulf railway tracks’ design to be launched Dec 2 Construction phase to start Q1 of 2025

KUWAIT CITY, Jan Acoustic delight is now a mix 10: According to reliable sources, the work on the of solid audio devices & high design of the Gulf railway tracks will be launched on quality ‘streaming services’ December 2, 2021 and will continue for 20 months KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10: Gone are the drown out noise while at work. While us- days where we would walk into an audio ing a Huawei smartphone, like the HUA- until August 2, 2023, re- store to pick up records, tapes or even buy WEI Mate 40 Pro as the main device, us- ports Al-Qabas daily. CDs. Having the entertainment center at ers can listen to music in top quality with During the period from June home, or an mp3 player for listening on Huawei’s range of audio devices. This 1, 2021 to December 2, 2021, the go, even download all your favorite includes the HUAWEI FreeBuds Pro for tunes into your smartphone – things of example, which is perfect for listening on an international consultant will the past. With the advent of internet, users the go or at work, with dynamic active be selected. The floatation of the now have access not only to better qual- noise cancellation features for complete project is initially scheduled for ity audio devices, but also with streaming immersion. Once users come home, they December 4, 2023 and would ex- services being readily available, all kinds simply have to tap their smartphone on the tend to September 4, 2024. of music is now made easily accessible at HUAWEI Sound X Bluetooth speaker, According to a government report, all times. Smartphone manufactures like to instantly resume the music from the the construction phase by the foreign Huawei bringing to users not just a di- speaker instead. This saves the hassle of investor is expected to start in the verse music streaming platform - Huawei disconnecting and reconnecting between fi rst quarter of 2025, according to the Music, but also a range of powerful audio devices, allowing for a more seamless ex- devices that can be used across different schedule set for the implementation perience. The HUAWEI Sound X can also of the project, provided no unexpect- scenarios, such as homes, gyms, com- by muted by simply placing a hand over mute, and even at work places. ed obstacles occur. it and will automatically disconnect if the It stressed the importance of ac- What caused this industry change, and connected smartphone receives a call. how is it impacting the music industry as celerating the pace of issuance of a whole? Simply put, a consumer demand Devices necessary approvals by the Mu- for quality music experiences ushered in All of this is made possible with Hua- nicipal Council regarding the land the need for better audio devices, while wei’s connected ecosystem, which uses disputes among the government streaming services provide an easier solu- features like OneTap to seamlessly switch agencies, and the allocation of al- Photo by Mahmoud Jadeed tion for having more music ready to listen. between devices. Meanwhile, having ternative land. View of the Friday Market Huawei takes this a step further, driving multiple devices and services connected The government report insisted this change to a whole new level with its under one HUAWEI ID also allows for that priority will be to implement Conditions at Friday Market need to be regularized range of connected audio devices, all ac- easier connectivity and data transfer, with- the stage of the Gulf railway that cessible from one single device - smart- out any worries about safety and privacy. is concerned with the agreement phone, that can help users enjoy an im- Basically, if you have your music pref- of the Gulf Cooperation Council mersive acoustic experience, no matter erences logged in to HUAWEI Music on what the situation is like. member states, provided that the Crowd of chaos ... absence of control your smartphone, you can get all the same construction of other tracks will Listening data synced on a Huawei tablet by logging start at a later time. By Najeh Bilal quent the market can only ‘find their of identifi cation signs to make it easy in with the same HUAWEI ID. way out’. for customers to buy what they need For example, earlier it used to be a Partnership Al-Seyassah Staff situation where a user would be lis- This path of technological development Many market offi cials have called instead of roaming the whole market tening to a song on their phone, come has altered how users consume music and It highlighted that the method KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10: The Friday for the need to put numbers on the since the market is spread over 3 ki- home and then tune the radio or use an any other audio. With Huawei’s audio de- for implementing the project will Market is a good idea and a privi- stalls to make it easy for identifi ca- lometers. AUX cable to play it on home speakers. vices and services at the ready, users can be through the partnership between leged place to meet the needs of low- tion as is the case in other commercial Another visitor says he buys all Then mute it to answer a call or even not only enjoy great sound quality, but the public and private sectors – lo- income people, as well as satisfy the markets because this will save a lot of men’s and women’s clothes at the Fri- plug in a pair of headphones to listen on also enjoy the overall music experience, cal or foreign – or in cooperation desires of the lovers of ‘antiques’ time and effort in trying to look for the day market because they cost half the the go, while being limited to the songs promised to be hassle free and immersive between them. and old appliances and utensils, but desired shed. price than what it costs at the show- downloaded to their devices. like never before. these efforts are all lost in the crowd Moreover, such regulations will re- rooms. According to the report, the rail- duce congestion and save time, if not Another visitor, identifi ed as A.H., Things are quite different now. Let’s Meta Description: Technology has way tracks will start from the south of chaos and the absence of control, look at a how the same scenario above changed how music is enjoyed, with which makes it an arena for com- people will continue to roam the mar- said it is not easy to return something of the country, particularly from the mercial fraud and selling illusion to ket, aimlessly looking for the particu- you bought at the Friday Market be- changes with Huawei’s connected de- the help of devices and services readily borders of Saudi Arabia. The fi rst vices and cloud services. available for consumers. Huawei has customers. lar shop. cause it will take the entire day to fi nd phase of the project consists of four It is easy to practice commercial A Kuwaiti, who identifi ed himself the place where you bought something Users can now stream their favorite encouraged this growth with its range stations starting from Nuwaiseeb tunes through HUAWEI Music, enjoying of audio devices and cloud services at fraud because almost all sellers de- as Al-Issa says he prefers to buy some because there are no identifi cation them at home, during commute or even to the ready. area and ending in Farwaniya Gov- liberately obscure the stalls so that new items from the Friday Market, es- signs for the shops. ernorate. It will consist of storage, the buyers cannot identify them if pecially carpets and rugs, since at the On the other hand, a citizen wants loading, passenger, and mainte- they find defects in the goods pur- market the prices are lower than the the authorities to build more than one Airport remains closed nance stations with a total length of chased and want to return them. Add showrooms at least by 30. mosque inside the Friday market, be- 111 kilometers, and at an estimated to this the similarity of the stalls and Another visitor, who identifi ed him- cause the only mosque is in a bad state cost of KD 603 million. the passage ways, absence of any self as Al-Hassawi says, the Friday in terms of congestion during Friday Kuwait embassy in Madrid warns In the same context, government indication signs and people who fre- Market needs to be organized in terms prayers in particular. sources indicated the issuance of min- citizens of Philomena snowstorm isterial resolution No. 9/2020 regard- of an integrated network linking the offer the subscription before the fl icts so that the Public Authority for ing the establishment of a committee north and south of the country. It in- completion of the implementation of Partnership and the public and pri- MADRID, Jan 10, (Agencies): Ku- Meanwhile, emergency crews in to follow up and implement the rail- cludes three tracks with a total length the project, as the citizens’ subscrip- vate sectors can launch the project. wait’s embassy in Madrid on Sun- central Spain cleared 500 roads and way track project in the country. of 565 kilometers – the Gulf, the tion process will start after the full The representative of Kuwait Mu- day called upon citizens in various rescued over 1,500 people stranded This committee is carrying out commercial and the economic. There operation of the railway project. nicipality stressed the importance of Spanish cities to be careful during in vehicles as the country slowly its work of collecting all the in- will be a number of stations special- The committee in charge of study- preserving the current tracks accord- the Philomena snowstorm that hits shovels out of its worst snowstorm formation related to the project ized in loading and storage, in addi- ing the railways fi le affi rmed the im- ing to the third plan without making the country. in recent memory. and reviewing the designs and the tion to a project that serves passen- portance of fi nancial and economic any changes to avoid wasting public In a statement, the embassy called Madrid’s Adolfo Suárez Madrid- guidelines in order to determine the ger transportation operations, freight feasibility to approve the offering of money, provided that an internation- on citizens to adhere to the guidelines Barajas International Airport re- justifi cations for the delay of the and cargo transportation operations, the subscription before or during the al engineering consultant is available by the Spanish authorities, as the mained closed Sunday as it has since project, and then issuing a state- as well as maintenance stations. implementation of the project, for its to provide a detailed study on the de- storm disrupted public transportation Friday night. Train lines traversing ment concerning the feasibility of and vehicles movement. The Span- the capital were also shut down and The representative of the State initial fi nancing, thus reducing the sign of the tracks. ish authorities announced a state over 150 roads were still impassable. its implementation. Properties Department in the Minis- burden on public funds. The follow-up and implementa- of maximum emergency to be de- Storm Filomena has lost The committee affi rmed the im- try of Finance stated that the evalu- The Public Authority for Roads tion Committee concluded the divi- clared until Wednesday evening. strength as it moved eastward but portance of preserving the current ation and payment of compensation and Transportation (PART) revealed sion of the railway project into three The embassy called on citizens authorities are still urging people railway tracks in accordance with to the owners of the 13 agricultural that the number of government agen- tracks - the Gulf track for the Gulf to contact the diplomatic mission in to remain at home to limit the the third plan of Kuwait without holdings that obstruct the railway cies that have facilities obstructing link, the commercial route that con- case of emergency on the following risk of falls on icy streets ahead making any changes in order to path have been completed. the railway project is 18. Of these, nects to Mubarak Al-Kabeer Port, numbers: (+3) 465-111-1116 and of a severe drop in temperatures avoid wasting public funds. The representative of the Pub- ten represent major confl icts that re- and the economic route that connects (+3) 491-386-9666. in the coming days. It is worth mentioning that the lic-Private Partnership Authority quire the presence of a specialized the northern region and the new eco- national railway project consists stressed that it was not possible to global advisor to resolve these con- nomic zones. News in Brief

DUBAI: The UAE on Sunday said there were six coronavirus-caused deaths in the past hours raising the fatalities’ toll to 708, while 2,876 fresh infections took the country’s caseload up to 230,578. The state news agency, WAM, quoted health author- ities as saying that some 2,454 people were cured from the virus, raising total recoveries to 206,114. (KUNA) ❑ ❑ ❑ MUSCAT: Oman’s Ministry of Health recorded on Sunday 538 COVID-19 cases for the past 24 hours, adding up the total to 130,608 infections. A total of 122,867 cases healed, while the death toll was 1,508 fatalities, Oman News Agency quoted the ministry as saying. (KUNA) ❑ ❑ ❑ CAIRO: Egyptian Health Ministry has confirmed the registration of 989 new positive cases and 57 deaths of coronavirus (COVID-19). The ministry’s spokesman Dr Khaled Mujahed pointed in a statement last night out that 765 people recovered from the virus bringing the total to 118,294. The country’s total infection cases rose to 148,799 while the total death toll increased to 8,142. (KUNA) ❑ ❑ ❑ AMMAN: The Syrian health ministry has announced five deaths from Coronavirus (COVID-19) and 95 peo- ple were diagnosed with the virus. According to Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA), cit- ing a ministry statement late Saturday night, the overall deaths in the country reached 768 people while the infec- tion cases increased to 12,274 people. (KUNA) ❑ ❑ ❑ RAMALLAH: Palestinian Minister of Health Dr Mai Al-Kaila announced on Sunday that 20 COVID-19 deaths and 699 additional infections were recorded in a span of 24 hours. Plus, 1,015 more people healed, showing that the vi- rus has a survival rate of 89.2 percent, while 9.7 percent of cases were active infections, the minister said in a press statement. (KUNA) ❑ ❑ ❑ AMMAN: Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safa- di said on Sunday Italy would provide his country with aid and loans worth euro 235 million (USD 287 mil- lion) for funding development projects in the kingdom. Al-Safadi made the declaration during a news con- ference with his visiting Italian counterpart, Luigi di Maio, following a meeting that grouped them. The two sides discussed issues related to mutual cooperation and regional affairs. (KUNA) new campaign, and logo, for GM in a bid to electrify image

General Motors is changing its corporate history-changing infl ection point for mass GM is scrapping its old square blue GM is hoping the “Everybody In” cam- logo and launching an electric vehicle adoption of electric vehicles. logo and replacing it with a lower case paign prepares buyers for a new era of marketing campaign to reshape its image The campaign comes as stock market gm surrounded by rounded corners. The vehicle propulsion. as clean vehicle company, rather than investors are enthralled with companies company says it’s the biggest change to Wahl said the marketing campaign a builder of gas-powered pickups and that make electric vehicles. Shares of its logo since 1964. The ‘m’ in the logo is will be “very significant,” but she SUVs. global EV leader Tesla Inc. have skyrock- underlined to look more like an electrical wouldn’t say how much money would The 112-year-old Detroit automaker eted more than 800% in the past year, plug. be spent or where it will show up. “You has promised to roll out 30 new battery- and the company’s market value has “We felt it was just such a transforma- will see it in many places throughout powered vehicles globally by the end of passed $800 billion. GM’s shares are only tive moment that this is the time that we the year,” she said Friday. She said the 2025 and said Friday that the new cam- up slightly in the past year and its value is would change again,” said Deborah Wahl, campaign will start in the United States paign will highlight its progressive vision around $61 billion. GM global chief marketing offi cer. “Our but eventually will become global. It will for the future. Shares of GM were down 1.6% to message here is that we believe there not be in brand ads for vehicles, Wahl GM said the industry has reached a $42.61 in Friday afternoon trading. should be an EV for everyone.” said. (AP)

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Visitor levels return to pre-pandemic levels, expert says Saudi Causeway reopening to add billions to Bahrain economy MANAMA, Jan 10: The reopening tourism and trade ties, with trade of the King Fahd Causeway will between our two countries grow- Central banks begin shift towards creating digital assets: Awachi add billions of dollars to Bahrain’s ing 43% during the third quarter of economy as visitor levels return to 2020. pre-pandemic levels, according to “The recent announcement an expert. made about permanently opening ‘Bahrain made notable strides in adopting cryptocurrencies’ Dr. Ali Al-Moulani, President of the King Fahad Causeway will the Bahrain Economists Society, strengthen these ties even further. MANAMA, Jan 10: Economic expert pandemic, which would lead to steady will become part of the infrastructure Ammar Awachi said that the Kingdom rises in infl ation rates and declining of the global fi nancial system, but it hailed the Kingdom’s “longstand- “Prior to the pandemic, Bahrain of Bahrain, through the Central Bank asset values. Even central banks have is only about timing now, and this is ing tourism and trade ties” with welcomed around 11 million tour- of Bahrain, has made broad and dar- begun to shift towards creating digital what urges every company to prepare Saudi Arabia following news that ists with over 88% coming through ing strides towards understanding, assets, as the People’s Bank of China itself for this matter in the future, given the country’s travel restrictions the Causeway. enabling, and localizing the crypto- did when it launched the digital yuan.” the current trend of more investors to will soon be lifted. “The number of visitors from currency industry, in continuing the Awachi said. add a share of the cryptocurrency to Saudi citizens will be permitted Saudi Arabia is set to gradually go path of success achieved by the fi eld “Bitcoin is described now as “Digital their portfolios. to travel via air, land and sea from back to normal levels following of FinTech. Gold”, referring to investors’ reliance He explained that the cryptocurren- March 31 2021 following a drop this announcement and expected to He added that the kingdom provided on it as a store of value in times of cri- cy is witnessing a record high since the in the number of COVID cases. A add around US $2.9 billion to Bah- an experimental environment for com- sis, similar to what happens with gold. beginning of this year at a time when panies working in Bahrain FinTech Digital currencies are not expected to Bitcoin may record its best annual per- suspension on international fl ights rain’s economy this year based on Bay, and relocating some of them to replace their traditional counterparts dur- formance ever, noting that the price of will be lifted on the same date, ac- average tourist spending in 2019.” the actual market at a later stage, in- ing the next fi ve years at least, but they one bitcoin did not exceed $4000 at the cording to the country’s Ministry King Fahd Causeway was cluding specialized companies in the will strengthen their position as a store of beginning of the year before hovering of the Interior. opened in 1986, and today it is one fi eld of digital currencies. value. The interest in Bitcoin increased at present around the level of 40,000 After the travel restrictions are of the busiest land border crossings Awachi stressed the importance of after the famous electronic payment dollars for only one bitcoin. removed, thousands of visitors are in the Middle East with an estimat- boosting the awareness of the Bah- Ammar Awachi platform PayPal announced that it would Awachi concluded his statement by expected to cross the King Fahd ed 390 million passengers having raini community about the concept allow its customers to use cryptocurren- saying: “No one can give completely Causeway linking Saudi Arabia to used the bridge since its opening. of digital currencies, including Bit- tronic services that can store the cryp- cies on its payment platforms, and it is correct expectations about the future coin, which dominates the headlines tocurrency and conduct transactions. expected that more electronic fi nancial of Bitcoin’s price, and although all ev- Bahrain – leading to an anticipated It was recently announced that “The digital currencies in general, rebound for the Kingdom’s tourism Bahrain Customs has installed around the world due to the signifi cant companies would take the initiative to idence supports the view that Bitcoin increase in its value during the recent and Bitcoin in particular, have esca- use Bitcoin, such as Visa, MasterCard, will continue to rise, there is a weak and hospitality sector. high-tech artifi cial intelligence period, and the defi nition of its work- lated in importance as a safe haven and American Express as their payment possibility of it suffering a setback Dr. Ali Al-Moulani, President of scanners on the bridge, automating ing mechanism and how it is used and with the outbreak of the COVID-19 channel” he added. similar to what happened in 2017, as the Bahrain Economists Society, data collection and allowing ship- traded, in addition to the digital wallets pandemic. Many major central banks Awachi stressed that the matter is no the risk is still there because the vola- commented: “Bahrain and Saudi ment inspections to take place be- dedicated to cryptocurrencies that exist around the world have printed more longer a debate about the value of Bit- tility in the prices of these currencies is Arabia have had longstanding fore reaching the border. in diverse forms of software or an elec- paper money due to the impact of the coin and whether or not it is an asset or very large.” Employees misled regulators: co Hiring likely weakened in Boeing will pay $2.5 bln to settle charge over 737 Max WASHINGTON, Jan 10, (AP): 737 models. MCAS was added Boeing will pay $2.5 billion to settle a because the Max’s larger engines, Justice Department investigation and which are mounted higher and farther Dec amid resurgent virus admit that employees misled regula- forward on the 737’s low-swept wings, tors about the safety of its 737 Max gave the plane a tendency to tilt too far aircraft, which suffered two deadly nose-up in some conditions. crashes shortly after entering airline Boeing downplayed the significance Consumer credit up 4.4% in Nov, best in 5 months service. of MCAS and didn’t mention it in air- The government and the company plane manuals. Most pilots didn’t WASHINGTON, Jan 10, said Thursday that the settlement know about it. includes money for the crash victims’ The first airlines began flying the (AP): America’s employers families, airline customers and a fine. 737 Max in mid-2017. The FAA let likely cut back again on hir- In Indonesia, the brother of two the Max keep flying after the crash in ing last month - and might victims of the first Max 8 crash, Indonesia, and on March 10, 2019, Muhammad Rafi Ardian, 24, and Rian another Max operated by Ethiopian even have shed jobs - with Ariandi, 24, said he hoped the case Airlines crashed nearly straight down the economy under pres- would be settled soon and that there into a field. In all, 346 people were sure from a resurgent virus would be no more crashes. killed. The two were among 189 who died On both flights, MCAS was acti- that has led many consum- on Oct. 29, 2018, when a Max operat- vated by a faulty reading from a single ers to reduce spending and ed by Indonesia’s Lion Air plunged sensor. The system repeatedly pushed states and cities to reim- into the Java Sea. the planes’ noses down, and pilots “We are entering the third year now. were unable to regain control. pose business restrictions. So, it can lighten the psychological Economists have forecast that burden of the family after the legal Grounded employers added just 105,000 process in the US is finished, too,” After the planes were grounded jobs in December, according to said Anton Sahadi. worldwide, Boeing changed MCAS so data provider FactSet. That would “The prolonged mediation process that it always uses two sensors, along mark the sixth straight month that was traumatizing,” he said. with other changes to make the auto- hiring has slowed from the previ- Prosecutors said Boeing employees mated system less powerful and easier ous month and the lowest job gain gave misleading statements and half- for pilots to override. The FAA truths about safety issues with the ordered other changes, including the since May. It would also leave the plane to the Federal Aviation rerouting of some wiring to avoid economy 9.8 million jobs short of Administration, then covered up their potential dangerous short-circuiting. the number it had before the pan- actions. “Boeing’s employees chose In November, the FAA approved demic intensifi ed in March. A man walks out of a Marc’s Store, Friday, Jan 8, 2021, in Mayfi eld Heights, Ohio. America’s employers likely cut the path of profit over candor,” said Boeing’s changes, and several carriers The unemployment rate is project- back on hiring last month, and may have even shed jobs, as the economy suffers from a resurgent virus that has David Burns, acting assistant attorney including American Airlines have ed to rise from 6.7% to 6.8%, which caused many consumers to cut back on spending and states and cities to reimpose business restrictions. (AP) general for the Justice Department’s resumed using the planes. would be the fi rst increase since April. criminal division. Under the settlement announced The rate has been held down by the although they can diverge signifi cantly Boeing blamed two former pilots Thursday, Boeing will pay a $243.6 millions of Americans who have lost from month to month. who helped determine how much million fine, $1.77 billion in compen- jobs but aren’t looking for work, either Last month, Coca-Cola Co. said it training was needed for the Max. CEO sation to airlines that were unable to because they’re discouraged by their would cut 2,200 jobs from its global US services sector grows for David Calhoun said their conduct use their Max jets while they were prospects or fearful of contracting the workforce, with about half those lay- doesn’t reflect Boeing employees as a grounded, and $500 million into a fund virus. People who are not seeking a job offs occurring in the United States. seventh consecutive month whole or the character of the company. for the families of passengers who aren’t counted as unemployed. were killed in the crashes. Boeing 3M, a major manufacturer, has said it SILVER SPRING, Maryland, Jan Labor Department reported that the “This is a substantial settlement of a The pandemic will likely continue will lay off 2,900 workers worldwide. very serious matter, and I firmly faces dozens of lawsuits by families to weaken the economy through the 10, (AP): The US services sector, number of Americans seeking un- who lost relatives in the crashes. Three In November, US consumer spend- where most Americans work, grew employment each week continues to believe that entering into this resolu- winter and spring as cold weather dis- ing declined for the fi rst time in seven tion is the right thing for us to do - a lawyers pressing cases in the Ethiopian courages activities like outdoor din- for the seventh consecutive month in hover close to 800,000. months, having steadily weakened December even as coronavirus cases Out of the 18 service sector cat- step that appropriately acknowledges crash said the settlement would not ing. Economists and Federal Reserve since summer. Retailers have been es- how we fell short of our values and affect their pursuit of compensation. policymakers say they remain hopeful, surged through the holidays. egories, 14 reported growth in De- pecially hurt. Purchases at retail stores The Institute for Supply Man- cember, including management and expectations,” Calhoun said in a memo Zipporah Kuria, a U.K. citizen though, that the vaccines, once widely have dropped for two straight months. agement reported that its index of support services, wholesale and re- to employees. whose father died in the Ethiopian distributed, will propel a broad eco- During the holiday shopping season, crash, said that with the settlement, services activity grew slightly to a tail trade, healthcare, and transpor- Drop nomic rebound in the second half of consumers pulled back on spending, reading of 57.2 last month, from a tation and warehousing. Industries Boeing leaders were seeking to “pay this year as consumers and businesses according to debit and credit card data reading of 55.9 in November. Read- reporting contraction in December The government will drop the crim- their way out of accountability.” The resume normal spending habits. tracked by JPMorgan Chase based on 30 ings above 50 represent expansion were arts, entertainment and rec- inal charge of conspiracy to defraud agreement “won’t bring back our The $900 billion fi nancial aid pack- million consumer accounts. Such spend- in services industries such as res- reation, accommodation and food the US after three years if Boeing fol- loved ones, but at least there is clarity age that Congress enacted last month ing was 6% lower in December com- taurants and bars, retail stores and services and real estate rental and lows the terms of the settlement. that their deaths weren’t incidental and should also help accelerate the recov- pared with a year ago. That was worse delivery companies. leasing. The settlement removes uncertainty there is clarity in liability.” ery, economists say. It will provide a than in October, when card spending was Respondents to the December Restaurants and anything to do about criminal charges against the House Transportation Committee $300-a-week federal jobless benefi t on down just 2% from the previous year. ISM survey continued to express with entertainment, travel and lei- iconic US aircraft maker, which is Chairman Peter DeFazio, D-Ore, top of an average state benefi t of about Restaurant traffi c has also dropped, anxiety about the ongoing ramifi - sure have been among the hardest struggling to put the Max crisis behind meanwhile, said the settlement $320. In addition, millions of Ameri- according to the reservations website cations of COVID-19. On Wednes- hit as the pandemic grinds on into its it. Boeing still faces lawsuits by the amounted to “a slap on the wrist” for a cans stand to receive $600 payments, OpenTable. Seated dining is down day, the US recorded nearly 4,000 tenth month. families of passengers who died in the company the size of Boeing. some as early as this week. 60% this week compared with a year COVID-19 deaths in a single day, The services sector had been crashes, it has lost more than 1,000 “I hope the DOJ can explain its This week, Goldman Sachs upgraded ago, much worse than two months ear- the most ever. growing for 122 consecutive months orders for the Max, and its once-stellar rationale for this weak settlement to its forecast for economic growth this lier, when they were down about 35%. Thursday’s report showed that - more than a decade - before con- reputation for engineering has suf- the families, because from where I sit year to a robust 6.4% from its previous Meanwhile, US consumer borrow- business activity and new orders tracting in April and May as the fered. this attempt to change corporate estimate of 5.9%. Its upgrade was based ing rose 4.4% in November, its strong- both grew more quickly but the coronavirus outbreak forced many Boeing began working on the Max behavior is pathetic and will do little to in part on the expectation that the Biden est showing in fi ve months, led by index measuring employment fell businesses to close and people to in 2011 as an answer to a new, more deter criminal behavior going for- administration, with help from the now- strong gains in auto and student loans into contraction. On Thursday, the stay home. fuel-efficient model from European ward,” DeFazio said in a statement. Democratic Senate, will support another that offset a drop in credit card borrow- rival Airbus. Boeing admitted in court Boeing said in a regulatory filing rescue aid package. ing. filings that two of its technical pilot that it will take a $743.6 million charge For now, the evidence suggests that The Federal Reserve said Friday a larger $5.5 billion drop in October. debt to support their spending, which experts deceived the FAA about a against earnings because of the settle- hiring and economic growth are falter- that the rise represented an increase of The drop in credit card use was an accounts for 70% of US economic ac- flight-control system called the ment. ing under the weight of the pandemic. $15.3 billion, the best showing since Maneuvering Characteristics The crashes and grounding of the On Wednesday, the payroll processor June. Borrowing had risen $4.5 billion indication consumers remain cautious tivity. Augmentation System, or MCAS, that Max, Boeing’s best-selling plane, has ADP reported that private employ- in October. about spending amid a spike in coro- The Labor Department reported Fri- could point a plane’s nose down if sen- plunged the Chicago-based company ers shed 123,000 jobs in December, Borrowing for autos and student navirus cases in recent weeks. day that the economy lost 140,000 jobs sors indicated the plane might be in into its deepest crisis. It has led to bil- the fi rst such monthly decline since loans increased by $16.1 billion, while Consumer borrowing is closely in December, the fi rst job losses since danger of an aerodynamic stall - that it lions in losses and resulted in the oust- April. ADP’s fi gures generally track borrowing in the category that includes watched for indications of the willing- April and evidence that the economy might fall from the sky. er of former CEO Dennis Muilenburg the government’s jobs data over time, credit cards fell by $786.7 million after ness of households to take on more is slowing as coronavirus cases surge. The system was not part of previous in December 2019. ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 BUSINESS 9

UK watchdog investigates Nvidia’s takeover of Arm

British regulators are inves- draw, raise prices or reduce the lower quality products.” cerns that Arm would abandon tigating graphics chip maker quality” of its services to Nvid- U.K.-based Arm, whose its neutral business model of In this fi le photo, peo- Nvidia’s $40 billion purchase ia’s chipmaking competitors. chip designs power the vast licensing its chip designs to ple gather in the Nvidia of chip designer Arm Holdings Andrea Coscelli, chief ex- majority of the world’s smart- hundreds of tech companies, booth at the Mobile World over concerns about its effect ecutive of the Competition and phones, declined to com- including many of Nvidia’s ri- Congress mobile phone on competition. Markets Authority, said the ment. Nvidia, which is based vals. trade show in Barcelona, The Competition and Mar- watchdog “will work closely in Santa Clara, California, did Nvidia pledged to maintain Spain. (AP) kets Authority said Wednesday with other competition authori- not respond immediately to a Arm’s open licensing model it will look into the deal’s effect ties around the world to care- request for comment. and customer neutrality. It on how Arm treats Nvidia’s ri- fully consider the impact of the Nvidia said last year it was also agreed to keep Arm’s vals. The watchdog said it will deal and ensure that it doesn’t buying Arm Holdings from Ja- headquarters in Cambridge, examine whether the deal will ultimately result in consum- pan’s technology giant Soft- England and expand its Brit- give Arm “an incentive to with- ers facing more expensive or bank. The deal raised con- ish staff. (AP)

Global IPO issuances highest since 2010; Tech and Healthcare top sectors in 2020 GCC IPOs cooled off from blockbuster 2019, but remained active in H2-2020 Report prepared by KAMCO raised USD 178 mn in Dec-2020. given the number of catalysts that ular route in 2020, and reportedly Invest UAE re-entered regional IPO mar- could support primary markets witnessed a jump from 60 listings kets with the issuance of Al Mal from within the region. Saudi totaling USD 13.7 bn of proceeds fter witnessing the landmark Capital REIT worth USD 95.3 mn. is expected to lead the regional in 2019, to 230 listings garner- AIPO of Aramco in 2019, the Healthcare operator Dr Sulaiman IPO market in 2021 as well, with ing total issuance proceeds of GCC IPO market remained active Al Habib Medical Services from CMA reportedly mentioning in USD 75.8 bn in 2020. Globally, in 2020, despite the COVID-19 Saudi Arabia witnessed the larg- Nov-2020 that they are review- the two largest issuances were led market sell-off witnessed in est IPO in the region in 2020, with ing over 15 applications for list- however from secondary pub- early 2020, as issuances picked up proceeds of USD 698.6 mn, fol- ing whether in the main market or lic offerings, with Semiconduc- in H2-2020. Total number of IPOs lowed by retailer – Bin Dawood the Nomu market. For the UAE, tor Manufacturing International from the GCC both on regional Holding (Saudi Arabia) with pro- the most important catalysts in Corp raising USD 7.5 bn from and international exchanges de- ceeds of USD 585.1mn. 2021 are the launch of the Nas- its debut in Shanghai, dual listed clined to 7 issuances in 2020, from Global IPO issuances highest daq Dubai Growth Market for now along with its previous list- 12 issuances in 2019, as per our since 2010; Tech and Healthcare SME companies, and the impact ing in Hong Kong. JD.com fol- analysis. Proceeds for 2020 from top sectors in 2020 of the Dubai Expo in H2-2021. lowed with its Hong Kong listing GCC issuers both on regional and In terms of sectors, issuances and raised USD 4.5bn, after being international exchanges reached Global IPO volumes increased of newer consumer linked busi- listed on the Nasdaq in 2014. USD 1.87 Bn from USD 29.04 Bn 15% y-o-y from 2019 to reach nesses, and asset light models In international IPOs from cor- in 2019. The IPO market in the 1,322 issuances in 2020, as that focus on digitization, tech- porates in the GCC in 2020, Yalla GCC could have witnessed high- per EY. nology disruption and healthcare Group – the social networking er activity in 2020 in our view, that gained market share in 2020 and entertainment platform with particularly in H1-2020, as issu- According to EY, IPO proceeds from the impact of COVID-19, its target customers in the MENA ers chose to defer their primary rose by 26% y-o-y in 2020 to USD could continue to warrant higher and headquartered in UAE, was market entrances, until secondary 263 bn, and witnessed the highest valuations. Nevertheless, higher listed on the NYSE in Sept-2020. markets recover from the impact proceeds since 2010. The increase activity in 2021 will still depend Our deals list for GCC issuances of COVID-19. This led to the in IPO proceeds was reportedly would still depend on secondary include the international IPO of backend loaded issuances in 2020, driven by a 69% y-o-y growth in market performance and volatil- UAE based Yalla Group (USD while other issuers pushed their issuances seen in the US at USD ity, the unwinding of the impact 144.8 mn) in 2020, and the inter- ambitions into 2021. 86bn, while the number of new of COVID-19 including the ef- national IPOs of Finablr (USD 398 Saudi continued its leader- issues moved higher by 32% y- fectiveness of the vaccine, and mn) and Network Holding (USD o-y to 222. China including Hong ship in 2020; widespread sec- global geopolitics. 1.4 bn) in 2019. Further the year Kong witnessed a growth of 41% Global IPO activity was higher 2020 saw the listings of Boursa tor participation in the GCC y-o-y in terms of number of issu- y-o-y in 2020, as the impact of Kuwait (USD 177mn), Shamal In terms of GCC IPOs listed ances that reached 514, while is- COVID-19 pushed higher pri- Az-Zour (USD 32 mn) and KFH regionally, Saudi Arabia contin- suance proceeds jumped by 51% mary market issuances from spe- Capital REIT (USD 77.8 mn) on ued to provide leadership for pri- y-o-y to USD 116 Bn, as per EY. cifi c sectors, more secondary is- the Boursa Kuwait exchange, post mary markets in 2020, as 4 out of Growth in Europe reportedly suances, and newer listing routes. their IPO issuances in 2019. Sec- the 7 GCC IPOs debuted on the clocked 9% y-o-y in terms of IPO In terms of top sectors, Technol- toral representation in 2020 was Tadawul. Saudi Arabia also domi- proceeds at USD 27 bn in 2020, ogy raked in 35% of the proceeds widespread and also featured Real nated in terms of IPO proceeds, while the number of issuances from IPOs globally, and consti- Estate Finance nameAmlak Inter- raking in 78% of issuances at grew 17% y-o-y from 2019 to tuted 24% of all deals. Healthcare national (Saudi Arabia) raising USD 1.45 bn. Qatar was the other reach 176 IPOs. companies came in second with USD 115.9 mn. In parallel market incumbent market that witnessed Catalysts galore for GCC IPOs 16% of proceeds and 15% of vol- issuances, Sumou Real Estate was a primary issuance, with the IPO in 2021 umes, as per EY. Special Purpose listed on the Nomu index in Saudi of QLM Life & Medical Insur- We expect IPO markets in the Acquisition Companies (SPACs) Arabia and witnessed proceeds of ance Company, as the company GCC to remain active in 2021, became an increasingly IPO pop- USD 48 mn.

E-commerce sales’ growth expected to continue long after pandemic Retail’s online future grows brighter after ’20 bump NEW YORK, Jan 10, (AP): On- The clear winner in this shift he said. expenses as they pushed into e- line shopping has been a lifeline has been Amazon. The online Walmart introduced its commerce, but that investment is for many as the virus pandemic retailer’s sales jumped 37% dur- “Walmart Plus” subscription op- now translating into very strong shuttered stores and kept people at ing the third quarter of 2020 and tion in September, giving mem- results, said Jharonne Martis, home. it forecasts growth of between bers unlimited free delivery along director of consumer research at The COVID-19 pandemic has 28% and 38% in the fourth quar- with other mobile friendly shop- Refi nitiv. accelerated the change in how ter. ping features that allow customers “A lot of these retailers are now people shop in a world growing Traditional brick-and-mortar to scan and pay for items while building customer loyalty and that more comfortable and savvier chains have gotten the message, they shop. will translate into ongoing sales,” with technology. ramping up their online sales as Some large retailers started Martis said. E-commerce sales’ strong more and more people shop re- looking ahead well before the pan- Convenience is a key driver for growth is expected to continue motely rather than in stores. demic accelerated the change in online growth, and more compa- long after the virus subsides. More Walmart CEO C. Douglas Mc- consumer habits. nies are rolling out or improving importantly, online sales are likely Millon said recently that upward Home Depot started integrating their mobile apps. Purchases made going to take up a progressively trends for online sales accelerated its in-store and online shopping through mobile devices reached bigger portion of all retail sales in by “two to three years in some options in 2017 to take advantage $434.1 billion in 2019, according coming years. E-commerce sales cases” because of the virus, and of people shifting to online order- to J.P. Morgan, and could hit $729 are forecast to account for just that change will persist beyond the ing for both delivery and pickup. billion by 2023. over 15% of all retail sales in the pandemic. Target started bolstering its online “This is an ever evolving chal- fourth quarter of last year, accord- “With the outbreak of COV- ordering and store pickup system lenge for retailers if they want to ing to Refi nitiv, and the share is ID-19, the retail world clicked to several years ago. stay competitive,” Martis said. likely to reach nearly 17% by the a fast-forward and our ability to Both chains were punished “Having an e-commerce strategy end of this year. adapt quickly has been crucial,” by investors early on for higher is crucial for retailers right now.” ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 BUSINESS 10

bid to address health costs by 3 corporate giants is over

A healthcare venture conceived by Ama- pense. But benefi ts experts expected any nouncing its name in 2019. didn’t expect quick solutions. pany made progress in a number of ar- zon, Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan plans developed by Haven to become Gawande departed last May. They had several priorities for the com- eas. It started new designs for healthcare to attack soaring costs is dissolving. widely adopted by other companies if they Employer-sponsored insurance cov- pany. They wanted it to look for ways to benefi ts that eliminated patient out-of- Haven, which was formed in 2018 by proved effective in controlling costs. ers about 157 million people, according help employees make better choices for pocket payments like deductibles and the three US corporate giants, will cease News of the venture’s creation nearly to the Kaiser Family Foundation. That’s their care and give them the best options coinsurance and encouraged access to operations by the end of February, a com- three years ago sent a brief shudder nearly half the total US population and the available. primary care. pany spokeswoman said Monday. She through the stocks of health insurers biggest slice of the country’s patchwork They also wanted Haven to develop She said Haven also identifi ed areas gave no reason for the dissolution of the that manage employer-sponsored cov- health insurance market. better programs for improving health for cutting prescription drug costs and venture. erage. Health care costs have grown faster and dealing in particular with obesity “tackled issues relate to fraud, waste and The independent company was created But the Boson-based venture has been than wages and infl ation for years, stress- and smoking, which account for chronic abuse.” to focus on improving the care delivered largely silent since naming a high-profi le ing families and employers. Haven’s diseases like cancer, heart disease and Amazon, JP Morgan and Berkshire to employees of those businesses while CEO – Harvard professor, author and founders cautioned from the outset that depression. Hathaway plan to keep collaborating in- doing a better job of managing the ex- surgeon Dr Atul Gawande – and then an- the company had a tough task, and they A Haven spokeswoman said the com- formally. (AP) Kuwait logs modest rebound, volume slips

NAPESCO soars 101 fils Core functions remain sound and operational – governor

By John Mathews ment wobbled. It drifted sideways in the second half before revving up in New Zealand cenbank says data system hacked Arab Times Staff fi nal minutes to close with moderate gains. WELLINGTON, New Zealand, Jan KUWAIT CITY, Jan Top gainer of the day, Warba Insur- 10, (AP) - New Zealand’s central 10: Kuwait stocks swung ance Co soared 19 pct to 100 fi ls while bank said Sunday that one of its data higher on Sunday after Al Rai Media Group scaled 14.9 per- systems has been breached by an un- charting a mixed course cent to stand next. Sanam Real Estate identifi ed hacker who potentially ac- shed 4.97 percent, the steepest de- cessed commercially and personally in the previous week. The cliner of the day and Ahli United Bank sensitive information. All Shares Index climbed topped the volume with 22.77 million shares. A third party fi le sharing service 35.77 points in choppy ses- Refl ecting the day’s gains, the mar- used by the Reserve Bank of New sion to 5,572.96 pts paced ket spread was skewed towards the Zealand to share and store sensitive by heavyweights and some winners. 76 stocks advanced whereas information had been illegally ac- 31 closed lower. Of the 123 counters cessed, the Wellington-based bank of the mid-caps even as the active on Sunday, 16 closed fl at. 9,150 said in a statement. broader sentiment turned deals worth KD 46.53 million were Governor Adrian Orr said the positive. transacted during the session. breach has been contained. The National Industries Group dialed bank’s core functions “remain sound The Premier Market climbed up 2 fils on back of over 2.3 million and operational,” he said. 36.96 points to 6,067.75 pts taking shares whereas Mezzan Holding was “We are working closely with the month’s gains to 16 pts while down 5 fils at 595 fils. Boubyan domestic and international cyber- Main Market scaled 35.73 points. Petrochemical Co rose 2 fils to 650 security experts and other relevant The BK 50 Main index sprinted fils while Al Qurain Petrochemical authorities as part of our investiga- 33.71 pts to 4,708.57 points. The Co scaled 4 fils. Integrated Holding tion and response to this malicious took in 2 fils and Aznour eased 1 fil attack,” Orr said. volume turnover meanwhile saw a to 272 fils. moderate pullback. Over 197 mil- Jazeera Airways fell 4 fils to 729 “The nature and extent of infor- lion shares changed hands – down fils and ALAFCO inched 1 fil into mation that has been potentially 5.2 pct from Thursday. red after moving 4.9 million shares. accessed is still being determined, The sectors closed mostly in green UPAC sprinted 13 fils to 259 fils but it may include some commer- turf. Oil and Gas outshone the rest while Mubarad Transport ticked 0.5 cially and personally sensitive in- with 4.71 pct gain whereas Consumer fil higher. Soor Fuel and Oula Fuel formation,” Orr added. Goods shed 0.87 percent, the biggest both paused at 122 fils whereas The system had been secured and loser of the day. Banking sector topped Hayat Telecommunications took in taken offl ine until the bank com- in both volume and value with 68.4 0.8 fils. pletes its initial investigations. million shares traded for KD 26.95 Kuwait Cement Co crept 2 fi ls up “It will take time to understand the million. to 231 fi ls and Kuwait Portland Ce- full implications of this breach and Among the notable movers, Gulf ment was unchanged at 789 fi ls. we are working with system users Bank rallied 6 fils on back of over Metal and Recycling Co added 3 fi ls whose information may have been 12 million shares to 846 fils while while Inovest dialed up 1.4 fi ls before accessed,” Orr said. Kuwait Finance House was up 3 fils settling at 67 fi ls. Al Manar Financ- at 685 fils Boubyan Bank scaled 4 The bank declined to answer In this file photo, New Zealand’s Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr speaks to the media in Wellington, New ing inched 0.8 fi l higher whereas Al emailed questions seeking more de- fils to close at 567 fils. Mabanee Co Bareeq Holding stood pat at 76 fi ls. Zealand. New Zealand’s central bank said on Jan 10, 2021, that one of its data systems has been breached by an paced 8 fils after moving over 1 mil- Mashaer Holding edged 0.3 fi l into tails. unidentified hacker who has potentially accessed commercially and personally sensitive information. (AP) lion shares. NAPESCO soared 101 green. It’s unclear when the breach took fils to KD 1.150. Kuwait Foundry Co climbed 9 fi ls place or if there were any indications of cyber interference in the past science at Auckland University, told spective, the government agencies Zain climbed 8 fi ls on back of to 274 fi ls whereas Gulf Cable was of who was responsible, and in what year, including the New Zealand Radio New Zealand that another aren’t going to pay your ransom 6.2 million shares whereas Oore- fl at at 739 fi ls. ACICO Industries gave country is the fi le sharing service Stock Exchange, which had its serv- government was likely behind the or whatever, so you’d be more in- doo swung 14 fi ls higher taking the up 4.7 fi ls and KCPC took in 1 fi l to based. ers knocked out of public view for bank data breach. terested probably coming in from month’s gains to 20 fi ls. stc gave up 5 end at 405 fi ls. Kuwait and Gulf Links Several major organizations in nearly a week in August. “Ultimately if you were coming a government-to-government lev- fi ls whereas Agility sprinted 11 fi ls to Transport Co eased 0.2 fi l to 52.7 fi ls New Zealand have been the target Dave Parry, professor of computer from a sort of like criminal per- el,” Parry said. 693 fi ls with a volume of 3.3 million. and Combined Group Contracting Co Humansoft Holding skidded 78 fi ls to added 1 fi l. KD 3.622 whereas Boursa Kuwait Se- In the banking sector, bellwether curities jumped 21 fi ls. National Bank of Kuwait however KIPCO dialed up 2 fi ls while Ku- stood pat at 846 fi lls with a volume UK watchdog investigates Ryanair’s ‘jab & go’ ad wait Investment Co and National In- of 12.5 million shares while Kuwait LONDON, Jan 10, (AP): Britain’s labeled “vaccine.’’ seats for 19.99 pounds ($27), telling were factually accurate, given that vestment Co added 1 fi l each. Kuwait International Bank and Burgan Bank advertising watchdog has launched Some argued it was mislead- customers to “jab & go.” two vaccines have been approved for Financial Centre (Markaz) stood pat at dialed up1 fi l each. Warba Bank held an investigation into budget car- ing to suggest the vaccine will Britain ramped up its vaccination use in the U.K. It also confi rmed that 81.8 fi ls whereas International Finance ground at 230 fi ls whereas Al Ahli Advisers gained 4.3 fi ls. KMEFIC Bank took in 1 fi ls. rier Ryanair, after receiving 1,600 be rolled out across the popula- program Monday by becoming the bookings could be changed without took in 1 fi l to end at 125 fi ls while The market was mixed during the complaints about an ad that sug- tion by the spring and that travel fi rst nation to start using the shot fees. KAMCO trimmed 1.5 fi ls. KFIC eased last week. The main index closed low- gested consumers should “jab & restrictions would be over. Others developed by Oxford University and “Some critics wish to complain 0.1 fi l to 43 fi ls. er in three of the four sessions, easing go.’’ objected to what they saw as the drugmaker AstraZeneca. But it’s un- just for the sake of getting noticed The market opened fi rm and rose 1 point week-on-week. It had gained The Advertising and Standards trivialization of the impact of the clear how quickly the nation can be when it is clear that vaccines will sharply in early trade. The main index 36 points from start of the month after Authority said Monday that some pandemic on society. vaccinated, as it is a huge endeavor mean an end to Covid travel restric- scaled the day’s highest level of 5,581 tumbling 736 points during whole of consumers objected to the ad, which The ad promoted fl ights to sunny with little precedent. tions in mid-2021,” the carrier said points and retreated slightly as senti- 2020. featured a syringe and a small bottle European destinations and offered The budget carrier said the ads in a statement. ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 SCIENCE 11

COVID-19

EU OK’s increasing doses Vaccine doses can be 6 weeks apart – WHO GENEVA, Jan 10, (AP): World Health Organization experts on Friday issued recommendations that the interval between administration of two doses of the Pfi zer-BioNTech vaccine against the coronavirus can be extended to up to six weeks. WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on immuniza- tion, known as SAGE, formally published its advice after a full review of that vaccine, which is the fi rst to get emergency ap- proval from the UN health agency to fi ght the COVID-19 pan- demic. It said an interval of 21 to 28 days between the doses is recommended. But the UN health agency also noted that “a number of countries face exceptional circumstances of vaccine supply constraints combined with a high disease burden,” and said some have been considering delaying the administration of a second dose as a way to broaden initial coverage. The agency said this “pragmatic approach” could be con- sidered as a response to “exceptional epidemiological circum- stances.” “WHO’s recommendation at present is that the interval between doses may be extended up to 42 days (6 weeks), on the basis of currently available clini- cal trial data,” it said, adding: “Should additional data become available on longer intervals between doses, revi- sion of this recommendation will be considered.” Hard-hit Britain, for example, has decided to delay for as much as 12 Harris weeks - and data from that expansion could help contribute to possible revi- sions in the WHO recommendation, said WHO spokeswoman Dr. Margaret Harris. In the recommendations, WHO added that countries seek- ing to extend the interval should make sure that vaccinated In this April 18, 2020 fi le photo Robert Reynolds, of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, moves a bed into position as work is performed to patients can still have access to a second dose. turn Sleep Train Arena into a 400-bed emergency fi eld hospital to help deal with the coronavirus outbreak, in Sacramento, Calif. The state has reopened the arena, The agency also said it also does not recommend COVID-19 which had handled only nine patients over 10 weeks, and other facilities to help handle a new surge of coronavirus patients, but is using little more than a handful vaccination of travelers unless they face high risks or qualify of volunteers from Gov. Gavin Newsom’s California Health Corps who originally helped staff the facility. (AP) as priority cases. WHO also said that symptomatic reinfection by the corona- virus within six months of a fi rst infection is “rare,” so people who have had the illness within the previous six months “may COVID-19 delay vaccination until near the end of this period.” Evidence WHO said there was currently no evidence on the need for a booster dose, and said there was no data available on the Vaccine rollout hits snag interchangeability of the Pfi zer-BioNTech vaccine with other COVID-19 vaccines. It also cited a lack of evidence about whether vaccination reduces the risk of transmission of the virus to other people. US health workers balk at shots Meanwhile, the European Union’s drug agency on Friday approved doctors drawing one more dose from each vial of NEW YORK, Jan 10, (AP): The des- the coronavirus vaccine made by Pfi zer-BioNTech, in a move perately awaited vaccination drive that - combined with the purchase of 300 million extra shots against the coronavirus in the US is Calif in dire need of medical workers, of the serum - could speed up the pace of vaccinations in the running into resistance from an un- 27-nation bloc. likely quarter: Surprising numbers of but volunteer health corps dwindles The European Medicines Agency said its human medicines health care workers who have seen committee recommended updating the product information for fi rsthand the death and misery infl icted SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan 10, but had about one-third of those as the vaccine to clarify that each vial contains six doses instead by COVID-19 are refusing shots. (AP): California desperately needs of Thursday. As one result, hospi- It is happening in nursing homes more medical workers at facilities tals are waiving the state’s nurse- of the fi ve that were advised when it originally greenlighted swamped by coronavirus patients, to-patient ratios, which can mean the Pfi zer-BioNTech vaccine on Dec. 21. and, to a lesser degree, in hospitals, A health worker checks a syringe with employees expressing what ex- but almost no help is coming from a less care for critically ill patients. German Health Ministry spokesman Hanno Kautz told re- volunteer program that Gov. Gavin Newsom had envisioned Health porters in Berlin that the change would come into effect imme- before performing a trial run of COV- perts say are unfounded fears of side ID-19 vaccine delivery system in effects from vaccines that were devel- Newsom created at the start of the Corps volunteers helping fi ll in the diately, boosting available doses of the vaccine by 20%. Gauhati, India, Jan. 8. India will kick pandemic. An army of 95,000 ini- gaps at health facilities. Those who Many doctors across the EU have already been drawing six oped at record speed. More than three off the coronavirus vaccination drive weeks into the campaign, some places tially raised their hands, and just 14 qualifi ed include retired or inactive doses of the vaccine from each vial, a practice that is already on Jan. 16 to stem the pandemic in are now working in the fi eld. doctors, nurses and respiratory permitted in the United States, Britain and elsewhere. are seeing as much as 80% of the staff Very few volunteers actually care practitioners. Though they’re the world’s second-most populous holding back. Pharmaceutical companies regularly put more vaccine than country. A Health Ministry statement met qualifi cations for the California volunteers, they’re paid what the necessary into vials so that minimum dosage can be ensured “I don’t think anyone wants to be a Health Corps, and only a tiny sliver state calls competitive wages. says that priority will be given to the guinea pig,” said Dr. Stephen Noble, a even if there is some spillage. healthcare workers and the frontline have the high-level experience Of the 95,000 who fi rst ex- The news came shortly after the EU’s executive arm said it workers, estimated around 30 million. 42-year-old cardiothoracic surgeon in needed to help with the most seri- pressed interest in the corps, only had secured 300 million extra doses of the Pfi zer-BioNTech (AP) Portland, Oregon, who is postponing ous virus cases that are stretching about a third had valid professional vaccine. European Commission President Ursula von der Ley- getting vaccinated. “At the end of the intensive care units to the limit. licenses and about 4,600 qualifi ed. en said the new agreement to buy more doses will double the day, as a man of science, I just want to “Unfortunately, it hasn’t worked Only 850 actually then signed up, a amount ordered by the 27-nation bloc. see what the data show. And give me out, and the goal is laudable,” said number that has largely remained The EU commission later detailed in a statement that it of- the full data.” Stephanie Roberson, government static despite the governor’s re- fered to member states to purchase an additional 200 million Discovery Alarmed by the phenomenon, some relations director for the California peated pleas to participate. Nurses Association. Some of the volunteers “don’t doses of the vaccine, with the option to acquire another 100 administrators have dangled every- thing from free breakfasts at Waffl e Newsom formed the Health have the training at the highest million doses. Corps in anticipation of the cas- levels to be helpful right now,” Cali- “This would enable the EU to purchase up to 600 million Rare female statue found: Farmers House to a raffl e for a car to get em- digging in a citrus grove near Mexico’s ployees to roll up their sleeves. Some cading crises that California and fornia Hospital Association spokes- doses of this vaccine, which is already being used across the other states are now experiencing. man David Simon said. EU. The additional doses will be delivered starting in the sec- Gulf coast have found a striking, six-foot- states have threatened to let other peo- tall statue of a female fi gure who may ple cut ahead of health care workers in COVID-19 infections, hospitaliza- “It could just be that nurses know ond quarter of 2021,” the EU said. Von der Leyen said 75 mil- tions and intensive care needs are that this just might not be the safest lion of the extra doses would be available during the second represent an elite woman rather than a the line for shots. “It’s far too low. It’s queen, or some mixture of the two, ex- spiraling out of control in the most place to work,” Roberson said. quarter, with the rest being delivered throughout 2021. alarmingly low,” said Neil Pruitt, CEO populous state just as the rest of the The state Emergency Medical Combined with a contract with Moderna for its vaccine, the perts said Friday. of PruittHealth, which runs about 100 nation sees a surge, overwhelming Services Authority in June reported EU now has the capacity to vaccinate 380 million people, Von The National Institute of Anthropol- long-term care homes in the South, the usual pool of traveling nurses. being overwhelmed with the initial der Leyen said, more than 80% of its population. ogy and History said it was the fi rst such where fewer than 3 in 10 workers of- Similarly, New York had more crush of Health Corps applicants The EU has sealed six vaccine contracts for up to 2 billion statue found in a region known as the fered the vaccine so far have accepted than 80,000 medical volunteers while employees were busy coor- doses, with Moderna, AstraZeneca-Oxford, Sanofi -GSK, Jans- Huasteca. it. respond to a call for help early in dinating other urgent pandemic re- The carved woman has an elaborate sen Pharmaceutica NV, Pfi zer-BioNTech and CureVac. But Acceptance the pandemic when it was a hot sponses. The program itself proved only the Pfi zer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines have been hairpiece and marks of status, and may spot, and some were deployed. But confusing for local disaster coordi- approved for use so far in the bloc. date to around 1450 to 1521, the institute Many medical facilities from Flori- hospitals more often turned to tem- nators, wrote Craig Johnson, chief At an online public meeting to discuss the drug agency’s said. While the site where it was found is da to Washington state have boasted of porary workers to fi ll the gap, said of the authority’s Disaster Medical work reviewing vaccines, EMA Executive Director Emer nearer to the pre-Hispanic ruin site of El near-universal acceptance of the shots, Jean Moore, director of the Health Services Division. Tajín, the statue shows some infl uences and workers have proudly plastered Workforce Research Center at Uni- Despite the shortfalls, the gov- Cooke said the process of assessing a third vaccine, made by versity at Albany. ernor said the program “has been AstraZeneca, could be completed by the end of January. of the Aztecs. pictures of themselves on social me- Farmers digging in the grove found it dia receiving the vaccine. Elsewhere, Other states, including Illinois, In- incredibly effective,” with members “This will, of course, depend on the data we receive and diana and Pennsylvania, tried vari- having worked at more than 140 fa- the evaluation progress,” she said. “Once we actually re- on New Year’s Day and quickly reported though, the drive has stumbled. it to authorities. The area where it was While the federal government has ations of recruiting volunteers with cilities statewide. ceive the application, we will make a public announcement limited results. About 300 were sent to long-term on this.” found was not previously known to be released no data on how many people an archeological site, and the stone statue offered the vaccines have taken them, “A volunteer corps assumes that care facilities early in the pandem- it’s pretty easy to slot people in,” said ic, 450 were used during the sum- Effi cacy may have been moved from some un- glimpses of resistance have emerged Sean Clarke, executive vice dean mer surge and 530 went to hospi- Also Friday, Britain authorized the vaccine developed by known original site. Mexico’s president around the country. and professor at New York Univer- tals and skilled nursing facilities in Moderna, the third to be licensed for use in the country. is Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Just In Illinois, a big divide has opened sity’s Rory Meyers College of Nurs- the fall. Corps spokesman Rodger The UK Department of Health said the vaccine met British who the open-mouthed, wide-eyed statue at state-run veterans homes between ing. “Figuring out how to do that still Butler said some have worked in regulators’ “strict standards of safety, effi cacy and quality.” depicts remains something of a mystery. residents and staff. The discrepancy hasn’t been fl eshed out, I guess.” intensive care units and that the Britain has ordered 10 million doses of the vaccine, though Institute archaeologist María Eugenia was worst at the veterans home in California offi cials say they need program will keep working “to fulfi ll it is not expected to be delivered there until spring. So far Brit- Maldonado Vite wrote that “this could be Manteno, where 90% of residents were 3,000 temporary medical workers unmet needs throughout the state.” ain has inoculated 1.5 million people with the Pfi zer-BioN- a ruler, based on her posture and attire, vaccinated but only 18% of the staff Tech and AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccines. more than a .....” members. In rural Ashland, Alabama, know about the vaccines. That is par- have been rigorously tested on tens of The European Commission’s announcement came amid Maldonado added it could be “a late about 90 of some 200 workers at Clay ticularly important, he said, for Black thousands and vetted by independent growing criticism, notably in Germany, about the decision to fusion between the Teem and women County Hospital have yet to agree to people like him who are distrustful of experts. let the commission handle vaccine purchases for all EU mem- of high political or social status in the get vaccinated, even with the place so overrun with COVID-19 patients that government medical guidance because States have begun turning up the ber nations. Vaccination programs in the EU have gotten off to Huasteca.” Those were part of a fertility of past failures and abuses, such as the pressure. South Carolina’s governor a slow start, and some EU members have been quick to blame cult. oxygen is running low and beds have been added to the intensive care unit, infamous Tuskegee experiment. gave health care workers until Jan. the European Commission for a perceived failure to deliver the Susan Gillespie, an anthropology pro- Medical journals have published ex- 15 to get a shot or “move to the back fessor at the University of Florida, said divided by plastic sheeting. right number of doses. tensive data on the vaccines, and the of the line.” Georgia’s top health of- there “there are quite a few pre-Hispanic The pushback comes amid the most The EU has defended its strategy, insisting that vaccination Food and Drug Administration has fi cial has allowed some vaccines to be programs have just started and that large deliveries are fore- depictions of elite women and female lethal phase in the outbreak yet, with rulers elsewhere, best known among the the death toll at more than 350,000, made its analysis public. But misin- diverted to other front-line workers, seen for around April. formation about the shots has spread including fi refi ghters and police, out of “We were faced with a situation where we had huge de- Classic Maya but also in Classic Zapotec and it could hinder the government’s bas-reliefs and Postclassic Mixtec codi- effort to vaccinate somewhere between wildly online, including falsehoods frustration with the slow uptake. mand, but the production capacity had not kept pace with that that they cause fertility problems. “There’s vaccine available but it’s as yet. Now, we have a positive step forward,” von der Leyen ces.” 70% and 85% of the US population to “Colonial era Aztec documents men- achieve “herd immunity.” Stormy Tatom, 30, a hospital ICU literally sitting in freezers,” said Pub- said. nurse in Beaumont, Texas, said she lic Health Commissioner Dr. Kathleen After Germany secured extra doses from BioNTech, a Ger- tioned women ‘rulers’ or at least holders Administrators and public health of- man company, outside the EU agreements, von der Leyen of the crown to pass on to their succes- fi cials have expressed hope that more decided against getting vaccinated for Toomey. “That’s unacceptable. We made clear that individual negotiations would violate the sors ... so that is not a surprise,” Gillespie health workers will opt to be vaccinat- now “because of the unknown long- have lives to save.” agreement accepted by all the bloc’s members. added. “Women were highly valued in ed as they see their colleagues take the term side effects.” Nursing homes were among the in- “We have all agreed, legally binding, that there would the pre-Hispanic era, drastically losing shots without problems. “I would say at least half of my cow- stitutions given priority for the shots be- be no parallel negotiations, no parallel contract,” she said. their status only after the conquest.” Oregon doctor Noble said he will orkers feel the same way,” Tatom said. cause the virus has cut a terrible swath “So the framework we are all working in is a framework However, she noted that “if there wait until April or May to get the shots. There have been no signs of wide- through them. Long-term care residents of 27. Together we are negotiating, together we are procur- is only one such fi nd, it’s hard to say He said it is vital for public health au- spread severe side effects from the and staff account for about 38% of the ing and together we are bringing forward this vaccination whether it is signifi cant, or even correctly thorities not to overstate what they vaccines, and scientists say the drugs nation’s COVID-19 fatalities. process.” identifi ed. Archaeology works best with But Kautz said that the deal with BioNTech “is compat- repeated occurrences, to show a pattern.” ible with the EU agreements. The extra allocations we have (AP) secured do not disrupt the other contracts.” ❑ ❑ ❑ “That is a precondition for the memorandums of under- pital’s otherwise empty visitors’ parking heavy rains. standing we concluded,” Kautz told reporters in Berlin. “De- Giant sinkhole consumes cars: A gi- lot. At the time, six people were recovering livery also will not be affected by this. No other EU member ant sinkhole opened Friday in the parking The local hospital district said the at the residence for COVID-19 patients. state will get vaccines later from BioNTech, for example, just lot of a hospital in Naples, Italy, forcing 20-meter-deep (66 feet), 2,000-square- They have been relocated. because Germany has secured additional doses of vaccine or a the temporary closure of a nearby resi- dence for recovering COVID-19 patients meter (21,527-square-foot) sinkhole The regional governor, Vincenzo De commitment for additional doses of vaccine.” opened at dawn. Chief fi refi ghter Cmdr Luca, said the residence would reopen Kautz made clear that the bilaterally secured 30 million dos- because utilities were severed. Operations weren’t affected at the Ennio Aquilino told Italian television within days after electricity and water es would be delivered after those ordered via the EU, though channel SkyTG 24 the implosion could service were restored. Both were also in- they are still expected this year. Hospital of the Sea, and fi refi ghters said it didn’t appear anyone was injured. The have been caused by an infi ltration of terrupted at the hospital, but backup sys- sinkhole consumed three cars in the hos- water underground as a result of recent Gillespie Obrador tems allowed care to continue. (AP) Theater MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 FFeatureseatures Eliot James Joyce ing hub forexpatriatewritersinclud- & Companybecameacreative via Beachin1919,Shakespeare ent bookshop.FoundedbySyl- world’s mostfamousindepend- place oftendescribedasthe is perhapsunsurprisingforthe they beangelsindisguise.” inhospitable tostrangerslest on theshopwallreads:“Benot be creative.Indeed,themotto founders encouragedwritersto ing thatitwasonewaytheshop bookshop,” Whitmansaid,add- had 30,000peoplesleepinthe them ‘tumbleweeds.’We’ve in thebookshopandcalled bookshelves. there orevensleepingamongits share memoriesoffallinginlove to purchaseabook—and bookshop —withoutwishing Whitman todonatethe to theappeal. before thelockdowninresponse looking NotreDameCathedral dropped bythebookshopover- dent students toformerFrenchpresi- all walksoflife:fromlowly said. biggest books ofthecentury.” smallest publishers ofonethe it infull...Shebecame oneofthe said: “Nooneelse daredpublish more than700pages, Whitman Joyce’s groundbreakingnovelof decision topublish“Ulysses,” for thisfestival,becausemostoftheofferingsarefree,”Barrysaid. rison Projects. visual art,andwithJeccaBarry,theexecutivedirectorofBethMor- dedicated tohybridliveperformancesintheater,dance,musicand rary showcaseVOX,runsthefestivalwithKristinMartingofHERE, glewood InstituteandproducerofNewYorkCityOpera’scontempo- Planet -ALament.” Slumber forLepidopterists;”andbySeptinaRosalinaLaya’s“The Ekmann’s “TheMurderofHalitYozgat;”ValgeirSigurðsson’s“Wide four atimeatHEREMainstageinlowerManhattan. Body,” amulti-screenandmusicinstallationforin-personaudiencesof theater artistGeoffSobelleinNewYork’sTimesSquare,and“Ocean cluding “Times3”adigitalaudiocollagebycomposerPamelaZand tanced timesby13composersexploringisolation,identity,andfear. world premiereof“Modulation,”aself-guideddigitalworkfordis- pandemic. porary operaandtheaterhasshiftedformatbecauseofthecoronavirus NEW YORK,Jan10,(AP):Oneoftheworld’stopfestivalscontem- Opera andtheater’s Prototype Festivalpushedmostlyonline PARIS: proprietor Whitman used alloursavings,” March, soatthispointwe’ve since thefi buy abook. times” andtoencouragethem them thatitwasfacing“hard email tocustomersinform shop ontheSeineRiversentan tion indoubt. future oftheLeftBankinstitu- pandemic-linked lossesputthe ing toreadersforsupportafter “Ulysses” in1922,isappeal- that published pany, theiconicParisbookstore The outpouringofloyalty “(My father)letpeoplesleep Many Parisianscontacted Support hascomefrom Refl “We’ve been(down)80% The English-languagebook- “In the middle of a pandemic, we wildly underbudgeted ticket revenues “In themiddleofapandemic,wewildlyunderbudgetedticketrevenues Beth Morrison,aformeradministratoratBostonUniversity’sTan- There alsowillbethreeUSdigitalpremieres:BenFrostandPetter Two otherworldpremiereswillbepresentedthroughJan.16,in- The ninthannualPrototypefestivalsopensFridaynightwiththe Ernest Hemingway Francois Hollande , ecting onBeach’s F. ScottFitzgerald ShakespeareandCom- rst confi , daughterofthelate George Whitman . James Joyce nement in Sylvia , , who T.S. , and ’s , shop’s story goes,Beach closed as asanctuary,”Whitman said. would useitasan offi birthplace. TheIrishwriter address withShakespeare’s on,” mergingtheshop’sstreet bookstore “Stratford-upon-Ode- During WorldWar II,asthe “They allusedher bookshop Joyce usedtocallBeach’s ally costthegovernmentlessmoney. house fromakitcostingabout$50,000,she’llactu- comes upwithanovelpitch:Ifshebuildsherown of socialrealismKenLoachspecializesin.Sandra places herinahotel,“Herself”vergesonthekind Sandra approachesthehousingauthority,which put upinhotelsformonthsorevenyears.When uncommon forthoseneedingpublichousingtobe a probleminIrelandrecentyears,andit’snot her children.Housingandhomelessnesshasbeen as isSandra’sdeterminationtofi in movies-istheabidingthroughlineof“Herself,” whom arefarmorenaturalthanmostchildrenseen she sendsrunningassoonGarycomeshome. nection betweenSandraandheryounggirls,whom from thestartkeepscamera’sfocusoncon- from anyconnectiontothecharacters.Still,Lloyd one, givenitsblunttiminginthefi Gary. It’sananguishingscene,ofcourse,though immediately withtheruthlessbeatingofSandraby delicate senseofhumanity.Thefi to Dunne’ssteadfastperformanceandthefi cliché buteverythinginbetweenringstruethanks (Ian LloydAnderson). O’Hara) andthewifeofamonstrousbrute,Gary er oftwodaughters(MollyMcCann,RubyRose wrote thescriptwithMalcolmCampbell),amoth- stirring storyaboutSandra(ClareDunne,whoco- But “Herself”isasmaller,neo-realisticandoften rier affairs(“MammaMia!”“TheIronLady”). theater director,havebeenmoreelaborate,star- tion ofresilienceandheartisstrong. sis, hassomenarrativeweakspotsbutitsfounda- P ‘Herself,’ aspiriteddramaofresilience The bondbetweenSandraanddaughters-bothof Some ofthemajorbeatsin“Herself”vergeon Previous foraysintofi spousal abusesetagainstDublin’shousingcri- hyllida Lloyd’s“Herself,”anIrishdramaof Variety Sidelined ‘MeanGirls’musicalwon’treopenonBroadway ce. This imagereleasedbyAmazonStudiosshowsClareDunneinascenefrom‘Herself.’(AP) By JakeCoyle ‘Nomadland’ wins4NationalSocietyofFilmCriticsawards lm byLloyd,aveteran alty ofCOVID-19ontheGreatWhiteWay. York City,thesecondandlikelynotlastestablishedshowtobeacasu- decided nottorestartwhenauthoritiesallowtheatersreopeninNew Film NEW YORK: hta Hollande Whitman nd asafehomefor with.” who wewouldn’thavehadtheopportunitytootherwisecollaborate posers we’reworkingwithwhoreallyexcitedtobefeaturing, we’ve pickedupthepiecesinaprettyexcitingway.Wehave19com- 150-180. the festivalhiredabout500-600artistslastyear,thisyear’stotalis members year-round,downfromtheusualfi ber washiredforthefestivalinadditiontotwofull-timestaff from justover$1milliontofarlessforthisyear. claimed “BreakingtheWaves.” “Angel’s Bone,”bothPulitzerPrizewinners,andMissyMazzoli’sac- lm beginsalmost “We hopeitpicksupwithnoskipping,”Morrisonsaid,“ButIthink World premieresplannedfor2021wereputoffuntil2022. Because ofthepandemic,Barrysaidonlyoneseasonalstaffmem- About 10,000hadattendedeachrecentfestival.Thebudgetdropped Plans toshiftdigitalthusyearstartedinlateApril. Recent festivalsincludedEllenReid’s“prism”(2019)andDuYun’s l, divorced lm, Producers oftheBroadwaymusical“MeanGirls”have lm’s fi went to“Collective”forbestforeign-language Spike Lee part in“SoundofMetal.” Paul Raci for herrolein“BoratSubsequentMoviefi and bestactress. ing bestpicture,cinematography,director National SocietyofFilmCriticsawards,includ- er RarelySometimesAlways,”directedby best director. for herrolein“Nomadland”whileZhaoreceived 55th annualmeetingfortheorganizationonSaturday. lm, “Time”forthebestnonfi Delroy Lindo Chloe Zhao “Nomadland” wonfourawardsatthisyear’s Maria Bakalova Frances McDormand utes. Twoandahalfstarsoutoffour. some domesticviolence.Runningtime:97min- Picture AssociationofAmericaforlanguageand on AmazonPrimeVideo,isratedRbytheMotion tion andrenewal. a diffi to becarriedaloftbysentiment,insteadnavigating air offable.Butthefi movies tale,and“Herself”doesindeedconjurean to theIrisholdtermof“meitheal.” grows aseveryonepitchesin,whichAidoattributes also veryfi tant butkindlycontractornamedAido(ConlethHill, small, improvisingcrewofhelpers,ledbyareluc- Through pluckandcommunity,Sandraassemblesa Harriet Walter)whooffersabackyardasplot. efactor inaphysicianshehelpscarefor(averygood “Herself,” anAmazonStudiosreleaseoutFriday That maysoundlikeafeel-good,made-for-the- Sandra, awaitressatpub,fi Also: cult andpainfulpathtowardself-preserva- is history. — with anewaddress andowner in adifferentguise in1951, fi Wake” toaGermanNaziof- last copyofJoyce’s“Finnegans 1941 afterrefusingtosellher Shakespeare andCompanyin cer. 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It’stheEnglish-languagedebutofHungarian lm director LOS ANGELES: andarevivalofNeilSimon’s“PlazaSuite”starring Edward Albee ca Bruder ing AmericaintheTwenty-FirstCenturyby on the2017non-fi edited andco-producedbyChloéZhao.Itisbased contemporary westerndramafi of 60fi Hittman Wells nomads also features small towntotravelaroundtheAmericanWest.It also producedthefi 2021, bySearchlightPictures. atrically releasedintheUnitedStatesonFeb19, release onDec4,2020,andisscheduledtobethe- and Toronto.Itbeganaone-week-onlystreaming fi Toronto InternationalFilmFestival,makingitthe Lion. ItalsowonthePeople’sChoiceAwardat Venice FilmFestival,whereitwontheGolden and rst fi rst Nomadland isa2020Americanindependent The NationalSocietyofFilmCriticsismadeup Nomadland premieredonSept11,2020atthe Sarah JessicaParker lm evertowinthetopprizeatbothVenice asfi lm criticsfromacrosstheUS. Linda May , wonforthebestscreenplay. Kornél Mundruczó ctionalized versionsofthemselves. , andstars

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ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 NEWS/FEATURES 13

People & Places

Music

Earle pays tribute to son Frazer ‘brings’ old school vibes to ’21 By Mark Kennedy

aron Frazer, “Introducing...” (Dead Oceans/ AEasy Eye Sound) This year is going to be fi ne. How can we be so sure? It’s starting with the release of Aaron Frazer’s debut solo album. One spin and you’ll be spellbound, swaying — and smiling. Frazer, the drummer and co-lead singer for Durand Jones & The Indications, has teamed up with Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys for the electric, falsetto- fueled and soulful 12-track “Introducing...” Auerbach has empowered Frazer to more deeply explore funk, soul, doo-wop, fuzzy guitars and blues, creat- ing an old-new and deeply sat- isfying sound, from the horn- and Wurlitzer-led “If I Got It (Your Love Brought It)” to the torch song “Leanin’ On Your Everlasting Love.” With vibes of Curtis May- fi eld and Marvin Gaye and an irresistible bass line — and wait, a fl ute? — “Bad News” is tremendous, satisfying both Earle your fi nger-snapping and soul needs. There’s even a moment in it when Frazier sim- ply abandons his falsetto for a split second, thrillingly. Auerbach’s clout is evident, as when legendary songwriter L. Russell Brown, who wrote hits for falsetto star Frankie Valli, helped write “You Don’t In this video frame grab provided by Michael Cohen, Cohen, (left), interviews actor Ben Stiller for his podcast ‘Mea Culpa’, in New York. Cohen says his new podcast Wanna Be My Baby,” the album’s glorious opening ‘Mea Culpa’ is changing the minds of listeners who supported President Donald Trump. (AP) track. Another standout is “Over You,” a pulsating jewel built on an addictive drum beat and chunky bass. Frazer drums and sings throughout and his more fa- mous co-writer plays guitar and sings backup as they Media make revival soul worthy of Motown and Stax. It is music to dance to, drive to, cook to, celebrate friend- ships to — 2021 starting with the coolest of highs. ❑ ❑ ❑ Lawyer stays in limelight with his podcast Steve Earle & the Dukes, “J.T.” (New West) Steve Earle has recorded tribute albums before, to songwriting mentors Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. But this one is different. Cohen seeks to destroy Trump legacy Maybe that’s because he started recording it just months after his son, Justin Townes Earle, died alone NEW YORK, Jan 10, (AP): The re- to the visage of Derek Zoolander, like we’ve accomplished something in his Nashville apartment of an accidental overdose at habilitation of Michael Cohen has Stiller’s pouty male model persona. extraordinary.” the age of 38. It feels like something he had to do, a reached a surreal new stage: Quizzing Stiller, for his part, said he recognized Cohen, 54, had been scheduled father’s way of grieving. the actor Ben Stiller about his ap- in Cohen the “dichotomy” of fear and to remain in prison until November “J.T.” consists of 10 of his son’s songs and one proach to impersonating him on “Sat- a killer instinct. 2021 but was released in May to This cover image released by Dead original composition, “Last Words.” Oddly, the one Oceans/Easy Eye Sound shows ‘In- urday Night Live.” “I felt like there was a humanity serve the remainder of his sentence new song feels impersonal even as it recounts their troducing...’ by Aaron Frazer. (AP) Since September, President Donald in there that I was trying to connect at home as part of an attempt to slow last phone call. The details are intimate but somehow Trump’s former lawyer and fi xer has with,” Stiller said, adding he didn’t the spread of the coronavirus in fed- generic, and Steve Earle reveals more about their rela- been producing a podcast from the want his SNL impression “to be this eral prisons. tionship in liner notes and interviews. Park Avenue apartment where he is scathing, mean thing.” He was further emboldened to But how can you blame a father for not being vul- serving the remainder of his prison Cohen, on the other hand, seems speak out after briefl y returning to nerable enough in his grief? The hurt could be too raw sentence for lying to Congress, evad- to be going for the jugular, while prison last year in what a federal to be so far out there, the way Steve Earle has been ing taxes and facilitating campaign satisfying his own addiction to the judge ruled was government retalia- throughout his career. fi nance crimes. limelight. tion for Cohen balking at a proposed Still, the more moving homage comes in the care- The show, “Mea Culpa,” has been He rails breathlessly in every show provision of home confi nement that ful curation and performance of the son’s songs. The downloaded nearly 3 million times against the “idiot in chief.” In one re- would have severely restricted his passion Steve Earle and his band, which once included and is available in 37 countries, Co- cent episode of “Mea Culpa,” he com- public communications. Justin in their ranks, poured into them is palpable. One hen said. Before Stiller, featured in plained that the presidential pardon Reception to the show, like to can imagine the heartbroken father, working his way an episode released Friday, guests process had “devolved into a corrupt Cohen himself, has been across the through his son’s impressive but suddenly fi nite cata- have included Rosie O’Donnell, the and transactional circus, with Trump board. So far, Cohen said, “the show log, making careful, loving choices. Ward Polis magician and former “Celebrity Ap- as its ringmaster.” is profi table” for its production com- Steve Earle’s singing is more gruff and hard-edged than prentice” star Penn Jillette, political pany, the Los Angeles-based startup his son’s, but his treatment of his son’s work only highlights Trump cutting short his recent journalists, and current and former Florida vacation and returning to AudioUp. how good it is. He fully inhabits every last song. operatives from both parties, includ- The success or failure of “Mea Cul- Ultimately, “J.T.” does what tribute albums are sup- Variety Washington to double down on his ing James Carville and Anthony Scar- challenge to the election results “sent pa” could serve as a litmus test for the posed to do. It elevates the work of the artist, reminds amucci. viability of the disbarred attorney and us of what great songs he created, and somehow be- my blood pressure through the roof!” The topic of every show so far? Cohen told listeners in his Long Is- other erstwhile Trump loyalists after gins the painful process of sorting through an unfath- OKLAHOMA CITY: A man who has Blistering criticism of the president’s the president leaves offi ce. omable loss. spent 35 years in prison in a murder land cadence. every move. Victory “It’s probably going to wane and be ❑ ❑ ❑ case featured in the book and television Cohen, who once famously relegated into some dark, niche corner series “The Innocent Man” must remain Cohen, despite years of introspec- Paul McCartney, “McCartney III” (Capitol Re- incarcerated even after a judge ordered claimed he would take a bullet for of the culture, where Cohen himself cords) his release, an appeals court ruled. Trump, said he has made it part of tion, has remained at a loss to explain belongs,” said Nick Quah, the found- Add Paul McCartney to the list of artists who have The Court of Criminal Appeals his penance to dismantle Trump’s his unswerving allegiance to a busi- er of Hot Pod, a well-read newsletter been busy making inspired music while grounded due ordered Tommy Ward, 60, to remain legacy and “return this nation to a nessman he feels abandoned him at about podcasts. to the pandemic. imprisoned while the state appeals the place of sanity,” though he catego- the most vulnerable point in his life. In the foreword to his bestselling “McCartney III,” recorded at his home studio earli- lower court’s ruling that he be released. rizes his show as “a news commen- He has likened his fealty to Trump to memoir, “Disloyal,” Cohen acknowl- er this year doesn’t quite match the power and weight Ward and a co-defendant, Karl tary program” instead of an “anti- a mental illness and said he thought of edged critics consider him “the least of fellow aging baby boomer Bob Dylan’s “Rough Fontenot, were convicted and sentenced Trump program.” himself as acting like a drug user in reliable narrator on the planet.” and Rowdy Ways” that came out earlier this year, but to life in prison in the 1984 kidnapping He said he plans to continue his need of an intervention. The White House, for its part, has it’s still worth a serious listen. and killing of Donna Denice Hara- podcast throughout the Biden admin- The “most important victory” of dismissed Cohen’s criticism as “fan “McCartney III” is the third in a trilogy of records way, a convenience store clerk in Ada, istration. the podcast, Cohen said, is that he fi ction” and said it’s “unfortunate where McCartney plays all the instruments and han- Oklahoma. “We cannot fool ourselves into believed some people who once sup- that the media is exploiting this sad dles all the vocals. “McCartney,” his fi rst solo record But a Pontotoc County district judge believing that Trump will just disap- ported Trump changed their minds and desperate man to attack President from 1970 which signaled the breakup of the Beatles, ruled last month that prosecutors with- held key evidence in the case, including pear,” he told The Associated Press. after listening. Trump.” and “McCartney II” followed in 1980. witness interviews and police reports, “Accordingly, he will continue to re- “I have learned that there are tens Asked whether he thought Trump “Seize the Day” is the standout with the most Bea- and ordered Ward’s release. main a topic of discussion.” of thousands of people who are ex- has tuned in, Cohen said: “I don’t tles-esque groove as Sir Paul offers some inspiration “The Pontotoc County District Attor- The launch of the podcast followed hausted and anxious and in need of believe he has, as his attention span at the end of a bleak year. The unreleased 1990s track ney’s offi ce relied solely on investigators Cohen’s publication over the summer some type of outlet to channel their is limited to under 3 minutes and my “Winter Bird/When Winter Comes” is a refreshingly to provide it with the evidence needed of a tell-all memoir about his conver- frustration about our current politi- episodes last longer than an hour.” simple, and simply delightful, take on farm life that to prosecute the case without question- sion from Trump acolyte to avowed cal climate,” Cohen told the AP. “If I “Rest assured though,” he added, could have easily found a home on 1971’s “Ram.” ing whether the investigators had turned enemy. can help them deal with their fears or “Trump has others listening to ‘Mea Paul even still hits the high register on the charming over all exculpatory and/or impeachment In his interview with Stiller, Co- feel somewhat better about the dark- Culpa’ and reporting back to him on “Kiss of Venus.” evidence,” Judge Paula Inge wrote in her hen likened Trump’s signature scowl ness that is enveloping all of us, I feel the content.” McCartney also gives us the unfortunately titled December order. “The investigators seem “Lavatory Lil,” which has a nice hooky groove and to have taken on the role of prosecutor, a fun vibe. This is no “Lovely Rita” or “Polythene judge and jury, determining that the only Pam,” although perhaps Lil did come in through the “relevant” evidence was evidence that fi t in a different location and had been shot DENVER: A couple convicted of crimi- away in an homemade UFO-shaped bathroom window. their theory of the case.” to death not stabbed as the pair had said nal charges in the so-called balloon boy silver helium balloon in 2009. Then there’s “Deep Down” with the 78-year-old The Oklahoma attorney general’s — a state appeals court ordered new hoax that fascinated the country more Dozens of emergency responders and McCartney fantasizing about partying all night long. offi ce, which appealed Inge’s order, trials. Local prosecutors again secured than a decade ago were pardoned by the two Colorado National Guard helicop- declined to comment on the ruling. their convictions, based largely on their governor of Colorado. ters scrambled to save the boy as video And the eight-plus minute-long “Deep Deep Feeling” confessions. (AP) footage of the enormous balloon fl oating could have used a deep, deep edit. But give the guy “I’m still holding out hope that the Richard and Mayumi Heene re- attorney general of Oklahoma will ❑ ❑ ❑ ported their 6-year-old son had fl oated far above the ground made national a break, there wasn’t anyone else around to tell him change course here, take a close look at news. when to knock it off. the case,” said Greg Swygert, one of But the child was never on the bal- “McCartney III” is a record that grows on you with Ward’s attorneys. “When you read their loon, and he was later found unharmed repeated listens. Here’s hoping McCartney will get to briefs, they don’t take issue with the fact at his home in Fort Collins, about 60 try out some of the tracks before a live audience soon. that this information was withheld from miles (97 kilometers) north of Denver. ❑ ❑ ❑ him. They can’t. It’s clear as day.” Authorities said the Heenes staged the Fontenot, Ward’s co-defendant, was ordeal to get publicity for reality TV Kacy & Clayton and Marlon Williams, “Plastic ordered released by a federal judge in shows they were trying to pitch. Bouquet” (New West) 2019, and the state is also appealing that Eleven years later, couple has now Second cousins Kacy Anderson and Clayton Lin- order. “paid the price in the eyes of the public” thicum emerged from rural Saskatchewan in the past The convictions of Ward and Fon- and shouldn’t have to be dragged down decade as a dynamic traditional folk duo who evoke tenot have come under intense scrutiny by a criminal record for the rest of their the Canadian prairie, Appalachia and the Scottish for years and have been the subject lives, Colorado Gov Jared Polis said in Highlands. of numerous books, including John a statement Wednesday. The musical reach extends even farther — to Grisham’s “The Innocent Man,” which “We are all ready to move past the the Southern Hemisphere — on “Plastic Bouquet,” he produced into a six-part documen- spectacle from a decade ago,” said which features a collaboration between Kacy & tary. Polis, a fi rst-term Democrat. Clayton and New Zealand singer-songwriter Mar- The convictions were based almost Richard Heene served a month in jail lon Williams. entirely on accounts they said they after pleading guilty to a felony count of It would be diffi cult to fi nd another 2020 album retrieved from dreams. These “dream attempting to infl uence a public servant, featuring three more distinctive instruments — the confessions” came after hours of inter- and Mayumi Heene was jailed for 20 voices of Anderson and Williams, and Linthicum’s rogation by Ada police and state agents days for fi ling a false report. They were electric guitar. The set was recorded pre-pandemic, desperate to solve the disappearance of also ordered to pay $36,000 in restitu- and Anderson’s commanding but warm alto blends Haraway in 1984, just two years after tion. beautifully with Williams’ equally formidable tenor, the unsolved rape and murder of another The couple told ABC News last year young woman in the small central Okla- The cast of ‘Mean Girls’ performs at the 72nd annual Tony Awards on June 10, that it wasn’t a hoax because they truly the enthusiasm for the partnership apparent as they homa town. 2018, in New York. Producers of the Broadway musical, based on Tina Fey’s hit feared their son could have been aboard harmonize and trade solo leads. “Sorry for laughing,” After the details of both men’s con- film, have decided not to reopen when authorities allow theaters to open in New the balloon when they called for help. she says before the fi nal song. (AP) fessions were proven untrue — Hara- York City, the second and likely not last established show casualty of COVID-19 Polis also issued 16 other pardons and way’s body was discovered years later on the Great White Way. (AP) four commutations. (AP) ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 SPORTS 14 Ball makes history as Hornets top Hawks

Heat hand Wizards third straight loss

CHARLOTTE, NC, Jan 10, (AP): LaMelo Ball be- NBA Results/Standings came the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double with 22 WASHINGTON, Jan 10, (AP): NBA results and standings on Saturday. points, 12 rebounds and 11 Denver 115 Philadelphia 103 assists, and the Charlotte Phoenix 125 Indiana 117 Charlotte 113 Atlanta 105 Hornets beat the Atlanta Miami 128 Washington 124 Milwaukee 100 Cleveland 90 Hawks 113-105 on Satur- San Antonio 125 Minnesota OT 122 day night for their third Dallas 112 Orlando 98 Portland 125 Sacramento 99 straight win. Eastern Conference Atlantic Division The 19-year-old Ball replaced W L Pct GB Markelle Fultz as the youngest Philadelphia 7 3 .700 - Boston 7 3 .700 - NBA player to record a triple-dou- New York 5 4 .556 1-1/2 ble by 177 days. Brooklyn 5 5 .500 2 Ball, the third overall pick in the Toronto 2 6 .250 4 Southeast Division NBA draft, was 9 of 13 from the fi eld W L Pct GB as the Hornets handed the struggling Orlando 6 4 .600 - Hawks their fourth straight loss. He Charlotte 5 5 .500 1 Miami 4 4 .500 1 became only the fi fth rookie in NBA Atlanta 4 5 .444 1-1/2 history to record a triple-double and Washington 2 8 .200 4 the fi rst Hornets player ever to reach Central Division that plateau coming off the bench. W L Pct GB Indiana 6 3 .667 - Milwaukee 6 4 .600 -1/2 Cleveland 5 5 .500 1-1/2 Chicago 4 6 .400 2-1/2 BASKETBALL Detroit 2 7 .222 4 Western Conference Nuggets 115, 76ers 103 Southwest Division W L Pct GB In Philadelphia, Nikola Jokic had Dallas 5 4 .556 - 15 points and 12 assists to lead Denver San Antonio 5 4 .556 - past Philadelphia, beating a 76ers team New Orleans 4 5 .444 1 Houston 3 4 .429 1 that had only seven available players Memphis 3 6 .333 2 because of injuries and COVID-19 protocols. Northwest Division W L Pct GB The Sixers tipped without four regu- Utah 5 4 .556 - lar starters – All-Stars Ben Simmons Portland 5 4 .556 - (sore left knee) and Joel Embiid (back) Oklahoma City 4 4 .500 -1/2 due to injury, and Seth Curry and To- Denver 4 5 .444 1 bias Harris over virus concerns. Coach Minnesota 2 7 .222 3 Doc Rivers said he didn’t think the Pacific Division game should be played. W L Pct GB Phoenix 7 3 .700 - Curry learned of his positive coro- LA Lakers 7 3 .700 - navirus test while the team played LA Clippers 6 4 .600 1 Thursday in Brooklyn, and the addi- Golden State 5 4 .556 1-1/2 Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic (77) drives the lane against Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon and center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the second Sacramento 4 6 .400 3 tional testing, contact tracing and CO- half of an NBA basketball game on Jan 9, in Dallas. (AP) VID-19 health and safety protocols led to a slew of unavailable players. the game’s fi rst basket, Portis scored the winless in fi ve home games. games with a partial dislocation of sidelined by COVID-19 protocols. The had 28 points and matched his career Bucks 100, Cavaliers 90 Bucks’ next 10 points. Spurs 125, Timberwolves 122, OT his left wrist, had 25 points and 13 re- three Mavericks didn’t return with the high with 22 rebounds for the Pacers, In Milwaueee, Khris Middleton Heat 128, Wizards 124 In Minneapolis, DeMar DeRozan bounds in 37 minutes as Minnesota’s team from Denver following a 124-117 who had a two-game winning streak scored 27 points and Milwaukee with- In Washington,Tyler Herro scored a scored 38 points, helping San Anto- losing streak hit seven games. overtime win Thursday. snapped. stood the absence of two-time reigning career-high 31 points and Jimmy But- nio beat Minnesota in Karl-Anthony Mavericks 112, Magic 98 Suns 125, Pacers 117 Trail Blazers 125, Kings 99 MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to beat ler nearly had a triple-double with 26 Towns’ return to the Timberwolves. In Dallas,Tim Hardaway Jr. scored a In Indianapolis, Mikal Bridges In Sacramento, Calif, CJ McCollum Cleveland. points, 10 rebounds and nine assists as DeRozan, who went 13 for 23 from season-high 36 points, Trey Burke did scored a career-high 34 points and scored 37 points, making six 3-pointers, Antetokounmpo sat out with back Miami beat short-handed Washington. the fl oor and 12 of 13 from the line, the same with 29 and Luka Doncic had Devin Booker added 25, leading Phoe- and Portland coasted past Sacramento. spasms after taking a hard fall one Washington played without the NBA’s had 13 points after the third quarter another triple-double as short-handed nix over Indiana. The Trail Blazers led by as many night earlier in a loss to the Utah Jazz. leading scorer, Bradley Beal, who was a and keyed San Antonio’s third straight Dallas beat Orlando. Phoenix pulled into a tie with the as 31 and faced little resistance from Bobby Portis replaced Antetok- late scratch when he was placed in the victory with his relentless drives to the Hardaway and Burke took on expand- defending champion Los Angles Lak- a Kings team that gave up 144 points ounmpo in Milwaukee’s starting lineup NBA’s health and safety protocol. basket. Dejounte Murray (22 points) ed roles to help Dallas get over .500 for ers for the best record in the Western to Toronto just a night earlier. and scored 17 points as the Bucks (6-4) Miami has alternated wins and loss- and Patty Mills (21 points) knocked the fi rst time this season with starters Josh Conference at 7-3 after earning its fi rst Sacramento didn’t fare much better closed a fi ve-game home stretch in which es through its fi rst eight games. The down plenty of timely 3-pointers. Richardson and Dorian Finney-Smith road win over the Pacers since 2016. defensively Saturday and lost for the they went 4-1. After Jrue Holiday made Wizards lost their third straight and are Towns, who missed the last six and backup point guard Jalen Brunson All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis fi fth time in six games.

Oregon beats Utah for 18th time in last 20 games UCLA completes rare desert sweep TUCSON, Ariz, Jan 10, (AP): UCLA The Bruins went up eight midway UCLA. schools. suffered a huge blow when Chris through the second half and held the James Akinjo had 25 points and Timmy Allen scored 23 points and Smith went down with a torn ACL on Wildcats (9-3, 3-3) to one fi eld goal eight assists to lead Arizona after miss- Mikael Jantunen added a career-high New Year’s Eve and is still trying to over a key four-minute stretch late to ing all of his nine shots against USC. 20 points to lead the Utes (4-4, 1-3). fi gure out how to play without its star remain alone atop the Pac-12. Two of the Pac-12’s top offensive Pelle Larsson had 15 points, fi ve re- guard. UCLA is off to its best conference teams played like it in their fi rst of two bounds, and fi ve assists before fouling Alone atop the Pac-12 after a rare start since opening with fi ve straight meetings this season. out in the fi nal minute. desert sweep, it seems the Bruins have wins in 2012-13 The Bruins and Wildcats traded bas- Utah shot 57% from the fi eld but adapted pretty well so far. and has won four kets early in the fi rst half before UCLA could not overcome 18 turnovers. Or- Tyger Campbell scored 22 points, straight at Ari- used a 12-0 run to go up seven. Camp- egon scored 25 points off those turn- Johnny Juzang added 16 and UCLA zona. The Bru- bell, playing on his birthday, had 14 overs. completed a sweep of the Pac-12’s ins have won all points at halftime – 12 straight at one The Utes’ last chance to pull an up- three games since desert schools with an 81-76 win over point – and UCLA shot 15 of 25. set came when Riley Battin buried a Arizona on Saturday night. Smith went down 3-pointer to cut Oregon’s lead to 70-68 “It just shows the guys are on this against Utah. Oregon 79, Utah 73 with 1:40 left. Chandler Lawson an- team, everybody is willing to do what Arizona had In Salt Lake City, Chris Duarte swered with a layup on the other end it takes to win and everybody really been on a roll, scored 25 points and Eric Williams Jr and the Ducks made seven free throws wants to win,” Juzang said. “We have completing a added 19 to lift No. 17 Oregon to a 79- in the fi nal minute to close out a hard- slip-ups and mistakes, but everybody road sweep of 73 victory over Utah. fought win. on this team really does want to win.” Campbell the Washing- LJ Figueroa scored 15 points for the Utah executed fl awlessly on offense UCLA (9-2, 5-0 Pac-12) needed ton schools last Ducks (9-2, 41 Pac-12) before exiting for large stretches of the fi rst half. The overtime to beat Arizona State on week. The Wildcats are now search- late in the second half with an appar- Utes employed a combination of great Atlanta Hawks center Clint Capela (15) fouls Charlotte Hornets guard Thursday and fi nished off the sweep ing for answers after following up a ent leg injury. Amauri Hardy added ball movement, precision passing, and LaMelo Ball (2) during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Char- by shutting down Arizona in the sec- home loss to Southern California on 13. Oregon beat Utah for the 18th time accurate shooting to keep Oregon on lotte, NC on Jan 9. (AP) ond half. Thursday with another close defeat to in the last 20 games between the two its heels. ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 SPORTS 15

Napoli win at Udinese Roma snatch 2-2 draw against title rivals Inter Milan MILAN, Jan 10, (AP): Gianluca “We had the chance to kill off the the 56th. Hakimi fired Inter in front Mancini’s late goal saw Roma snatch game but couldn’t manage it, and let seven minutes later when he col- a 2-2 draw at home to title rivasl Inter Roma back into it late on - because lected a pass on the right, cut inside Milan on Sunday and dent their op- we were out of energy. It’s a shame and curled a strike into the far top ponents Serie A aspirations. because, with a few minutes to go, we corner. Mancini headed in the equalizer were beating a strong side.” Inter appeared to be heading for four minutes from time after goals The match in the Italian capital was a valuable win but Roma upped the from Milan Škriniar and Achraf a direct battle for second spot and pressure in the dying minutes. Man- Hakimi appeared to have handed In- Inter threatened cini had an effort well saved by Samir ter the win. Lorenzo Pellegrini had to take an early Handanović but the defender headed scored the opener for Roma. lead but Romelu in the resulting corner for the equal- The result left Inter three points Lukaku’s header izer. behind Serie A leaders AC Milan, was acrobatically Tiémoué Bakayoko headed in a fi ngertipped over free kick in the fi nal minute to hand the bar by Pau Napoli a 2-1 win at Udinese. SOCCER López. Instead it was A defensive howler had seen Kevin which won 2-0 at Benevento on Sat- Roma that took Lasagna equalize for Udinese in the urday. Both Milan teams are looking the lead in the 27th to cancel out Lorenzo Inisgne’s penalty. to end Juventus’ nine-year grip on the Mancini 17th minute title. when Pellegrini’s Napoli moved to within nine points Inter, which play Juventus next shot took a slight of Milan having played a match less. weekend, remained three points defl ection to go into the bottom left At the other end of the table, above third-place Roma. J corner after a swift counterattack. returning Parma coach Roberto “Let’s not forget that Roma are Lautaro Martínez had a goal ruled D’Aversa saw his team lose 2-0 at fighting for the same thing we are,” out for offside shortly before the home to Lazio in his fi rst match back Inter coach Antonio Conte said. break but Inter has often performed in charge. “Going away to the third-place better in the second half this season Parma remained in the relegation team in the league and playing like and so it proved again. zone, two points from safety and Udinese’s Kevin Lasagna, (left), scores during the Serie A soccer match between Udinese and Napoli at the Dacia this means we’re an organized and Inter went close several times be- three above bottom club Crotone, Arena in Udine, Italy, on Jan 10. (AP) strong team. fore Škriniar headed in a corner in which lost 2-1 at Hellas Verona. Crowd abuse delays play; India 98-2 Best of the Rest Diggins wins title: Jessie Dig- gins won a fi rst title for the United States in cross-country skiing’s Tour de Ski on Sunday. Leading the women’s time standings after seven events, Dig- chasing 407 to pull off ‘unlikely’ win gins placed second in the 10-kil- ometer fi nal stage of the 10-day competition raced in Italy and Switzerland. ‘As series hosts, we unreservedly apologize to our friends in the Indian cricket team’ Her fi nal time of more than three hours was 1 minute, 24 sec- onds ahead of Russian Yulia Stu- SYDNEY, Jan 10, (AP): pak. Ebba Andersson of Sweden A day after making a for- was third. mal complaint about ra- In 15 years of the marathon competition, Diggins’s third place cial abuse from the Sydney three years ago is the only other Cricket Ground crowd, In- podium fi nish by an American man or woman. dia fast bowler Mohammed Four different Norwegians Siraj heard more of the combined to win the past seven same Sunday and didn’t editions of the women’s Tour de Ski. The cross-country skiing wait another moment to get power did not enter the 2021 com- it stopped. petitions be- The fourth day of the third Test cause of safety con- match between Australia and India cerns over were largely overshadowed by an the corona- eight-minute stoppage shortly be- virus pan- fore the end of Australia’s second demic. innings. Diggins, Siraj, who had been fi elding near the from Saint fi ne leg boundary and had just conced- Paul, Min- ed 17 runs in an over as the Australian nesota, won batsmen chased quick runs, complained an Olympic gold medal to the umpires and pointed to a section at the 2018 Diggins of the crowd. He had the full support of Pyeo- his captain and team-mates, just as he ngchang Winter Games in team had the previous night when – after the sprint with Kikkan Randall. (AP) conclusion of play – he made similar ❑ ❑ ❑ complaints that were reported to the In- ternational Cricket Council. Natalie extends lead: Rus- On Saturday, he was advised to let sia’s Tatyana Ivanova rallied the umpires know immediately when it to defeat series points leader Na- happened. On Sunday, he did just that. talie Geisenberger of Germany in a women’s World Cup luge race Sunday. Ivanova fi nished two runs in 1 CRICKET minute, 23.594 seconds. Geisen- berger, who led after the fi rst run, fi nished in 1:23.646. Russia’s Umpires Paul Reiffel and Paul Viktoriia Demchenko was third Wilson halted the game while police in 1:23.755. and security questioned people in the It was the eighth runner-up fi n- crowd. Police later escorted a group of ish in as many races this season men away from their seats. They were for Geisenberger, who extended questioned by stadium authorities and her lead over fellow German Julia police and ejected from the ground. India’s Rohit Sharma hits the ball to be out caught for 52 runs during play on day four of the third cricket Test between India and Australia at the Sydney Taubitz to 29 points in the overall Police and Cricket Australia are Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia, on Jan 10. (AP) standings with four races remain- continuing investigations. The game’s ing. international governing body said six Summer Britcher was 10th for men were ejected. the U.S., while Brittney Arndt “There is no place for discrimina- Austria’s Schwarz leads season-long standings was 12th and Ashley Farquhar- tion in our sport and we are incredibly son was 14th. disappointed that a small minority of Russia also won the team relay. fans may think that this abhorrent Gut-Behrami wins tricky World Cup super-G (AP) behavior is acceptable,” ICC Chief ❑ ❑ ❑ Executive Manu Sawhney said in a ST ANTON, Austria Jan 10, (AP): It took the veteran Shiffrin. The American star is skipping speed races to Kirsten, Marinaro star: Kir- statement. “We have a comprehensive skills of Lara Gut-Behrami to win a tricky World Cup sten Moore-Towers and Mi- Anti-Discrimination Policy in place ... focus on slalom and giant slalom. super-G on Sunday. Overall leader Petra Vlhova, who also specializes chael Marinaro build their skat- and we welcome the action taken by ing programs with large crowds ground authorities and Cricket Aus- Even Gut-Behrami veered off the best racing line in technical rather than speed races, placed 19th. in mind. tralia today.” before making two gates on a fast, twisting course Shiffrin and Vlhova will be favored in a slalom Which made watching them- Minutes after play resumed, Aus- as she fi nished 0.16 ahead of Marta Bassino of Italy. Tuesday under the night lights at Flachau, Austria. selves win the pairs event of the tralia declared their second innings World Cup super-G champion Corinne Suter was Meanwhile, Marco Schwarz salvaged Austria’s Skate Canada Challenge, a unique closed on 312-6 when Cameron Green third, trailing her Switzerland team-mate by 0.20. tough weekend in Switzerland by winning a World virtual event of pre-recorded pro- was dismissed for 84 on the last ball Racing early with the No. 5 bib, Gut-Behrami took grams, bittersweet. They were Cup slalom on Sunday to lead the season-long stand- happy to be back competing in before the tea interval, setting India a a route few could follow – 11 of the fi rst 25 top- ings. victory target of 407. At stumps, India ranked starters failed to complete the course. any fashion after an almost year- were 98-2, still needing 309 on Mon- Schwarz rose from fourth place after the fi rst run to long layoff, but lamented the loss Australia’s Matthew Wade dives to They included Sofi a Goggia, the winner of Satur- race though fast-fading light in the afternoon and fi n- of fans. day to pull off an unlikely win and take the ball during play on day four day’s downhill, who lasted barely 10 seconds before retain the Border-Gavaskar trophy. ish 0.14 seconds ahead of Linus Strasser of Germany. Of all the sports played out in of the third cricket Test between skiing out. front of empty arenas amid COV- Australia need eight wickets on the India and Australia at the Sydney Gut-Behrami’s 13th win in World Cup super-G The powerful Austrian team had just a single top- ID-19, fi gure skating might be the last day to take a 2-1 series lead. Pat Cricket Ground, Sydney, Australia came more than 12 years after her debut victory in 10 placing to show from giant slaloms on the previous most jarring - like a symphony Cummins dismissed Rohit Sharma for on Jan 10. (AP) orchestra playing in an empty con- 52 just before the close on day four to a discipline that demands speed and technical ability to improvise. cert hall. give Australia a strong advantage. apologize to our friends in the Indian SKIING “The competitions are defi - This is only 26-year-old Siraj’s sec- cricket team and assure them we will “Super-G was always the key to fi nd the easiness nitely driven by the audience, try- again,” she said. “I need confi dence and I need to ond match in Test cricket, the oldest prosecute the matter to its fullest ex- two days at the storied Adelboden hill cherished by its ing to bring them along with us,” and most elite form of the game. India have the instincts when I’m skiing, and super-G is tent,” Sean Carroll, Cricket Australia’s neighbor Switzerland. Marinaro said. “So having that spin bowler Ravichandran Ashwin has head of integrity and security, said. exactly that.” aspect completely gone defi nitely toured Australia four times since 2011 Super-G differs from downhill because racers do Dave Ryding was third, trailing Schwarz by 0.15, changes things a lot. It’s defi nitely “It is most regrettable that a ... match to give the British racer his third career podium and and has seen it before. He’s happy contested in tremendous spirit by two not get a training run on the course. They see the gate- a different experience.” something is fi nally being done about friendly rivals has been tarnished by setting up close in an early-morning course inspec- best result in traditional slalom for four years. The two-time Canadian cham- a problem he’s experienced before at tion. First-run leader Clément Noël had a diffi cult ride pions earned 135.18 points the actions of a small number of spec- for their free skate to Damien the Sydney Cricket Ground. tators over the past two days.” The track Sunday had 36 turning gates designed by down the steep fi nal slope and dropped to eight place, “In Sydney we have had a few expe- Rice’s “The Blower’s Daugh- Stadium management said CCTV a France team coach. ter,” for a total score of 206.22. riences even in the past,” Ashwin said. footage was being used to help the in- French racer Tiffany Gauthier was among two top- “The way the crowd have been speak- Lori-Ann Matte and Thierry ing ... they have been quite nasty and vestigation. 20 starters disqualifi ed for going straight through the Ferland, third after the short hurling abuse as well. “It’s upsetting and it’s disappoint- second-last gate. They carried too much speed to ad- program, moved up to claim ing,” Australia coach Justin Langer just their direct approach ahead of the fi nish. silver (172.42), while Deanna “There is a time where they have Stellato and Maxime Deschamps gone one step ahead and used racial said of the crowd abuse. “It’s one of “I knew it already at inspection, you will have some my greatest pet hates in life, that peo- were third (170.65). abuses.” speed and then really (at) turns you have to take speed The second wave of COVID-19 Ashwin confi rmed India had made ple can think they can come to a sport- a little bit out,” Suter said. “It was so hard to fi nd this ing event, pay their money and think forced Skate Canada to hold the an offi cial complaint on Saturday, mix.” event virtually. Skaters performed prompting the more immediate reac- they can abuse or say whatever they The race conditions - bright sunshine and icy mi- their programs at their home rinks tion on Sunday. like – I’ve hated it as a player. I hate nus-11 Celsius (12 Fahrenheit) temperatures - were over the past few weeks, then sub- “There was an offi cial complaint as a coach.” suited to fast skiing. mitted videos, which are being lodged yesterday and the umpires said India captain Virat Kohli, who is Gut-Behrami’s top speed approaching 122 kph (76 broadcast - and judged in real time we must bring it to their notice as it on paternity leave, reacted to the in- - in an effort to simulate a live cident on Twitter calling racial abuse mph) was the same clocked by some downhill racers competition. happens on the fi eld,” Ashwin said. “It one day earlier. is defi nitely not acceptable. This must “absolutely unacceptable.” “Having No fans were permitted in the defi nitely be dealt with an iron fi st.” gone through many incidents of really Now 29, the 2016 World Cup overall champion rinks for fi lming, only the skaters’ Cricket Australia issued a statement pathetic things said on the boundary won both of her career season-long discipline titles Austria’s Marco Schwarz speeds down the course coaches, a video crew, and a Skate thanking the India team “for their vigi- Iines, this is the absolute peak of row- in super-G. Gut-Behrami rose to fi fth in the overall during an alpine ski, men’s World Cup slalom, in Canada offi cial who made sure the lance in reporting today’s incident.” dy behaviour. It’s sad to see this hap- standings, ahead of three-time champion Mikaela Adelboden, Switzerland, on Jan 10. (AP) rules were followed. (AP) “As series hosts, we unreservedly pen on the fi eld,” tweeted Kohli. ARAB TIMES, MONDAY, JANUARY 11, 2021 16

Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech (left), tries to block a shot from Morecambe’s Nathan- iel Knight-Percival during the English FA Cup third round soccer match between Chelsea and Morecambe at Stamford Bridge Stadium in London, Jan 10. (AP) Sports Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com

Juventus team’s players celebrate after beating Fiorentina 2-0 to win the Italian women’ soccer Supercup, in Chiavari, Italy, Jan 10. (AP) Brady leads Bucs past Washington

Rams get better of division rivals Seahawks Chelsea, Man City advance LANDOVER, Md, Jan 10, (AP): New team, same swashbuckling playoff suc- Reality TV star helps 4th-tier cess for Tom Brady. Brady threw for 381 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers past Washington 31-23 in their NFC wild-card game Crawley cause FA Cup shock Saturday night for their fi rst play- off victory since the 2002 season. LONDON, Jan 10, (AP): Sat on an upturned bucket next to After some time at Brentford, Tsaroulla is making his way Brady was critical of his play and the touchline, Marcelo Bielsa stared at the ground after see- in the game at Crawley and was in tears after the full-time the offense’s performance in the ing his Leeds team concede a third goal in another stunning whistle having scored his fi rst senior goal. red zone but relished picking up result in the FA Cup. There were no such fairy tales in the games involving For the widely admired Argentine coach, his record in the Chelsea and Manchester City, who dealt much better with his 31st career postseason win. famous old competition couldn’t be any worse: played three, lower-league opposition - albeit at home. In his 42nd postseason start and fi rst lost three. Timo Werner scored for the fi rst time in 13 games to not in a New England Patriots uni- Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass dur- And, rather embarrassingly, the latest defeat was adminis- help Chelsea to a 4-0 win over fourth-tier Morecambe. Kai form, Brady made the most of a lack ing the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the tered by a fourth-tier team containing a reality TV star mak- Havertz, another Germany international struggling for form, of early pressure to build a lead against Washington Football Team, Jan 9, in Landover, Md. (AP) ing his debut in professional soccer. also netted at Stamford Bridge. the NFL’s second-ranked defense that Crawley caused a major upset on Sunday, beating Premier Guardiola, City’s manager, fi elded a strong team – includ- held up. League team Leeds 3-0 to make a mockery of the 62-place gap ing star midfi elder Kevin De Bruyne – and was rewarded Brady had to outduel Washington’s between the clubs in English football’s pyramid. with a 3-0 win over second-tier Birmingham, with Bernardo Taylor Heinicke, who had a breakout Bielsa, a coach who has been an inspiration to the likes of performance in just his second pro Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino, spoke in the build- start and fi rst in the playoffs in place up to the game about his admiration for the history and tradi- SOCCER of injured starter Alex Smith. Hein- tion of a 150-year-old competition he described as “English icke - signed in early December to the football in its purest form.” Silva scoring the fi rst two goals. practice squad - ran for 46 yards and But he can’t get to grips with it - Bielsa is in his third Sergio Aguero was expected to start for City but the strik- a touchdown and threw for 306 yards season at Leeds and has lost in the third round all three years. er had to miss the game because he was in isolation after and a score. “He was very complimentary afterward,” Crawley man- coming into contact with someone who tested positive for ager John Yems said of Bielsa, “but I suppose when you lose COVID-19. FOOTBALL 3-0, you can’t be anything but.” Meanwhile, Emile Smith Rowe had a red card overturned Summing up the so-called “magic of the FA Cup” – a and scored in extra time to help holder Arsenal reach the But Heinicke wasn’t enough to phrase often trotted out at the third-round stage of the com- fourth round of the FA Cup beating Newcastle 2-0 . overcome Brady’s off-and-on bril- petition when the country’s biggest teams enter – was the The substitute was issued a red card by referee Chris Ka- liance. While Bill Belichick and the sight of Mark Wright coming on for Crawley as a late sub- vanagh for a tackle on Sean Longstaff at the end of the 90 Patriots watch from home with their stitute. minutes, but the card was downgraded to yellow on a VAR playoff streak snapped at 11 following The 33-year-old Wright has taken part in reality TV shows review. a 7-9 season, Brady has the opportu- “The Only Way Is Essex,” “I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out “Obviously the incident wasn’t ideal and it defi nitely nity to play in another Super Bowl - in Of Here!” and “Strictly Come Dancing” but has continued wasn’t intentional, so I’m happy to get the goal and go his new home stadium. Los Angeles Rams safety Nick Scott (right), tips the ball away from intend- to pursue his dream of becoming a soccer player, and joined through to the next round,” Smith Rowe said. The Buccaneers await the result of ed receiver wide receiver Tyler Lockett late in the second half of an NFL Crawley last month on a non-contract basis in a move that is It proved decisive, as he grabbed the opener in the 109th Chicago at New Orleans on Sunday to wild-card playoff football game, Jan 9, in Seattle. (AP) being documented in a BBC program. minute followed by captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang see if they’ll be visiting Drew Brees For some, Wright’s late showing summed up a triumph of confi rming the victory eight minutes later with a tap-in. and the Saints or host the Los Ange- loose. Donald, before leaving with 10-game home playoff win streak perseverance. For others, it simply capped a humiliating day “We knew coming into the game how tough it was going les Rams next weekend. They’d need a rib injury, and Jalen Ramsey were snapped. for Leeds and Bielsa. to be and it was just about breaking them down, and we got Among the scorers for Crawley was Nick Tsaroulla, who there in the end,” Smith Rowe told the BBC. “It just shows a Bears upset to play at home in the superb. But so were other role players Bills 27, Colts 22 divisional round. such as Troy Reeder, Jordan Fuller and was released by Tottenham after being involved in a car how together we are. We’ve been working to get closer as a The Buffalo Bills earned their fi rst crash in 2017 that led to him being out of football for a year. group and it’s all starting to show on the pitch.” Rams 30, Seahawks 20 Leonard Floyd. playoff victory in a quarter-century Floyd had two of the Rams’ fi ve Quietly, Aaron Donald, Jared Goff on Saturday when Josh Allen threw sacks. Two of the others belonged to two touchdown passes, scored another and the rest of the Los Angeles Rams Donald. The Rams allowed just 278 seethed. rushing, and Micah Hyde batted down total yards and 11 fi rst downs. Philip Rivers’ desperation pass for a They watched less than two weeks The victory sent the Rams into next ago as the Seattle Seahawks loudly 27-24 win over the Indianapolis Colts celebrated a division title the Rams felt week’s divisional playoff round, likely in a wild-card game. they gave away. Los Angeles desper- at top-seeded Green Bay unless Chi- Buffalo snapped an 0-6 postseason ately wanted another shot. cago upsets New Orleans. skid by winning its fi rst playoff game Behind a lot of Cam Akers churn- Williams’ third interception against since a 37-22 win over Miami on Dec. ing yards on the ground and mostly a Wilson after picking him off twice 30, 1995. And it came in the Bills’ fi rst great defense, the Rams are moving on in Los Angeles came as he jumped a home playoff game in 24 years, with a in the NFC playoffs at the expense of wide receiver screen intended for Met- limited number of 6,700 fans in attend- the Seahawks. calf and returned it untouched for a ance for the fi rst time this season. Akers rushed for 131 yards and a 13-3 lead midway through the second Allen fi nished 26 of 35 for 324 touchdown, Darious Williams returned quarter. yards, with a 5-yard touchdown to Russell Wilson’s interception 42 yards Akers added a 5-yard TD run just Dawson Knox and a 35-yarder to Ste- for a score, and the Rams beat the Sea- before halftime for a 20-10 lead. It fon Diggs. hawks 30-20 in the NFC wild-card proved enough against a Seattle of- The game wasn’t decided until the playoff game . fense disjointed and confused nearly fi nal play, when Rivers faced fourth- The best defense in the league dur- from the start. and-11 from Buffalo’s 47. Rivers ing the regular season carried its domi- Wilson had one of his worst playoff heaved a deep pass for T.Y. Hilton, nance into the playoffs - even while performances. He was 11 of 27 for 174 who was surrounded by defenders in missing unanimous All-Pro tackle yards. Wilson connected with Metcalf the right side of the end zone. Hyde Aaron Donald for much of the second on a pair of TDs: 51 yards in the fi rst broke through the crowd of bodies, half. No team was better at limiting half off a broken play, and a 12-yard leaping up and batting the ball to the yards or points than the Rams (11-6) TD with 2:28 left to make the score ground. and they continued to torment Wilson more respectable. It just so happens, Hyde was one of and the Seahawks (12-5). Seattle never played with the lead three Bills defenders that failed to do Seattle’s quarterback was under and was 2 of 14 on third downs. It’s the same thing in allowing DeAndre siege from the defensive front and a fi rst home playoff game in four years Hopkins’ 43-yard leaping catch in the Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips heads the ball with Crawley Town’s Tom Nichols during the English FA Cup third secondary that minus one play never was a dud without its raucous home fi nal seconds of Arizona’s 32-30 win round soccer match between Crawley Town and Leeds United at Broadfi eld Stadium in Crawley, England on let DK Metcalf or Tyler Lockett break crowd, and the Seahawks saw their over Buffalo on Nov. 15. Jan 10. (AP)

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