ISO 9001:2008 CERTIFIED NEWSPAPER

Friday 14 December 2012 1 Safar 1434 - Volume 17 Number 5541 Price: QR2

IATA raises Steady India profit restrict forecasts England

Business | 13 Sport | 20

www.thepeninsulaqatar.com [email protected] | [email protected] Editorial: 4455 7741 | Advertising: 4455 7837 / 4455 7780 Syrian rebels Qatarisation in might win, private sector says Russia MOSCOW/BEIRUT: Syrian rebels are gaining ground and might win, Russia’s Middle East envoy said yesterday, in at snail’s pace the starkest such admission from a major ally of President Bashar Al Assad in 20 months of conflict. Change in sponsorship law urged “One must look the facts in the face,” Russia’s state-run RIA DOHA: The Ministry of to the GSDP which will be study- quoted Mikhail Bogdanov as say- Labour’s job nationalisa- ing it along with the Ministry of ing. “Unfortunately, the victory tion drive in the private sec- Interior to take appropriate steps. of the Syrian opposition cannot tor does not seem to have met The ministry statement said it be ruled out.” with much success this year received 4,490 complaints from Bogdanov, a deputy foreign as reflected by the figures it workers in the first 10 months minister and the Kremlin’s spe- released yesterday. this year, and added that it cial envoy for Middle East affairs, The ministry gave approval resolved most of them. said the Syrian government was to private companies to recruit The construction industry, “losing control of more and more 18,854 foreign workers in the first which is the largest employer territory” and Moscow was pre- 10 months of 2012, but could help of private sector workforce, paring to evacuate Russian citi- only 781 Qatari nationals get pri- accounted for a large chunk of the zens if necessary. vate jobs. complaints (almost 47 percent), Syria has relied on war planes The government sector still with complaints from areas like and helicopters to bombard rebel remains the largest employer of trading, wholesale and automo- districts but Damascus denied the Qatari workforce. Out of 3,259 bile repair facilities having a 12 accusations by US and Nato offi- Qatari job-seekers, some 2,478, or percent share in the total. cials that it had fired Scud mis- a huge 76 percent, were provided The ministry approved only siles in recent days. employment in the state sector 71.4 percent of the requests Qatar Airways CEO Akbar Al Baker poses for a photograph in the Business Class cabin of the new Boeing 787 The foreign ministry said the between January and October of it received from companies to Dreamliner after it arrived on its inaugural flight at Heathrow Airport in London yesterday. Qatar Airways is the first long-range missiles were not used this year. recruit foreign workers (between airline to operate scheduled Dreamliner flights to and from the UK. against “terrorist groups,” a term According to the ministry fig- January and October of this it uses for the rebels, who now ures released through the Qatar year). Out of 26,419 requests, only hold an almost continuous arc News Agency (QNA) ahead of the 18,854 were cleared. of territory from the east to the National Day, of the 781 Qatari The most disappointing sta- Qatar Airways grounds a Boeing 787 southwest of Damascus. citizens who were employed in tistics were regarding expatriate The head of Nato said he the private sector, a vast major- women on relatives’ sponsorship LONDON: Qatar Airways has after a Boeing team had repaired firm and an option for 30 more. thought Assad’s government was ity (632) were women and the seeking work permits from the been forced to ground one of its the fault. It currently has a fleet of three nearing collapse and the new number of men was only 149. ministry. The ministry received three Boeing 787 Dreamliners Boeing said it was working to 787 jets. leader of Syria’s opposition said But the ministry reiterated in 8,779 requests from such women after it found the same prob- replace electrical components Al Baker said he was concerned the people of Syria no longer its statement that it is committed for work permits between lem that recently forced a so the jet could return to serv- that two airlines finding the same needed international forces to to pushing more and more nation- January and October 2012 and United Airlines Dreamliner to ice, but said it was not yet clear fault may indicate the presence of protect them. als into the private sector. only 3,533 permits were issued— make an emergency landing, its if the issue was identical to the a wider, systemic problem with “The horrific conditions which The ministry, meanwhile, said the percentage being a little more CEO said. one that affected the United flight the US made jets. “Two aircraft the Syrian people endured it has suggested amendments to than 40. “One of our Dreamliners has last week. having the same major problem prompted them to call on the the sponsorship system and the As for inspection of work- the same problem that the United On December 4, a brand new so quickly is a cause of concern,” international community for proposal has been forwarded sites, the ministry said more plane had and I am very disap- United Airlines Dreamliner with Al Baker said. “Boeing need to military intervention at various to the General Secretariat than 38,000 routine and sur- pointed with Boeing,” Qatar 184 people aboard was forced to get their act together because the times,” said Mouaz Al Khatib, of Development Planning (GSDP). prise checks were conducted to Airways Chief Executive Akbar make an emergency landing after delay of more than three years a preacher who heads Syria’s The ministry gave no further ensure their compliance with the Al Baker said in an interview one of six power generators failed. in delivery forced us to slow our National Coalition. details of the changes it has labor law, but divulged no details at London’s Heathrow airport Boeing said its technicians expansion plans.” The mechanical Now the Syrian people have suggested to the sponsorship about the nature of violations yesterday. “would evaluate the findings in issues, while not uncommon for nothing to lose. They handled rules, but said a working team or action taken against erring We will demand compensation Qatar to understand the root airlines, are another headache for their problems by themselves. had been set up to review the employers. (from Boeing)... we are buying cause of this issue and take the Boeing — a company still working They no longer need international sponsorship law and study its The ministry said it would planes from them to use them, appropriate next steps.” to overcome the negative percep- forces to protect them,” he added impact on the local job market find nationality-wise presence of not to put in a museum.” Qatar Airways, which received tion of production problems that in the interview on Wednesday and an extensive report had been workers in existing jobs to know He said the plane, which has its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner delayed delivery of the 787 by night, accusing the international prepared. the increase. been grounded since December earlier this month, has placed 3-1/2 years. REUTERS community of slumbering while The report has been referred THE PENINSULA 9, would not fly until next week orders for 60 Dreamliners — 30 See also page 3 Syrians were killed. REUTERS See also page 4 Insurance sector 47 Qataris working For Egypt, Yes or No is the question set for change in other Gulf states DOHA: The insurance indus- CAIRO: Islamists backing try might undergo an overhaul Egyptian President Mohammed with new rules and regulations DOHA: There were 2,111 ($5.68bn) and 85.5 percent of it Mursi and the secular opposi- expected to be implemented nationals from the neighbour- was parked inside the country tion ranged against them were soon, the Qatar Central Bank ing GCC states working in while only 14.5 percent remained yesterday rolling out campaigns (QCB) which has recently been Qatar in 2011 who were cov- overseas. over a divisive new constitu- charged with supervising the ered under the state pension The GRSIA issued a press tion that has sparked weeks of sector, has hinted. A new law scheme, while the number of statement yesterday outlining protests. that confers on the QCB addi- Qataris based in other GCC its achievements in 2011 ahead The staggered referendum to tional powers to regulate the states totalled barely 47 in of the National Day, Qatar News decide the text is to begin tomor- insurance industry (aside from that year. Agency (QNA) reported. row across half of Egypt, includ- taking care of the banking and Figures released by the There were 46,818 subscrib- ing in Cairo and Alexandria. The financial services sector) repeals General Retirement and Social ers to the mandatory pension rest of the country will vote a a Decree Law governing the Insurance Authority (GRSIA) scheme last year — a number week later, on December 22. insurance providers, reinsur- yesterday reflect that only two that was down from 48,074 in The protests, and over near- ance companies and intermedi- citizens from other GCC states 2010, representing a 2.7 per- absolute powers that Mursi gave aries that was enforced 46 years were added to the above list in cent decline, the GRSIA, which himself for two weeks to push it ago, in 1966. See also page 3 2011 over the previous year. is an autonomous body and through, have failed to sway the As for Qataris based else- works directly under the State president from his path. Egyptian soldiers carry boxes with official papers in preparation for a Rules for building where in the region, the figure Cabinet, said in the statement. “It’s you who will pay the price referendum on a draft constitution, in Cairo, yesterday. seems to have gone up margin- Last year, several new sub- if you vote yes. No to the consti- private mosques ally from 42 in 2010 to 47 in scribers joined the pension tution,” said an online campaign and more than 600 injured. calm the crisis. Mursi ordered the 2011, and a vast majority of them scheme as their service ended advertisement by an opposition Thousands of soldiers and referendum to be split because of DOHA: People building private were in public sector jobs. or in other words, they retired, group called April 6. 130,000 police will be deployed a lack of judges willing to monitor mosques in residential com- The GRSIA gave away pen- and their transactions with The pro-referendum camp has tomorrow to provide security, offi- voting. The opposition National pounds and other places will sions to eligible retirees to the the GRSIA totalled 2,954, the released videos with a song that cials said. Mursi has ordered the Salvation Front, while urging its soon be required to get approval tune of QR1.44bn ($396m) last GRSIA statement said. goes “This constitution is not too army to secure state institutions, supporters to vote “no”, warned from the Ministry of Awqaf year, which more than doubled The number of state and bad, it was written by a committee giving it powers of arrest until the it could yet call a last-minute and Islamic Affairs for the over 2010 since a large number private sector entities that of heroes.” It also has supporters referendum result is known. boycott if the referendum was design, Safran Abdullah Safran, of employees covered under the were members of the pension holding “Yes to the constitution” The military, which ruled for not brought back to just one day Assistant Director of the scheme retired in 2011. scheme was 479 last year with placards along main roads. 16 months following the ouster of of voting, and if judges and inde- Mosques Affairs Department at The pension funds invested an increase 55, or 13 percent, Fears of violence remain after president Hosni Mubarak early pendent observers did not moni- the Ministry said. last year totalled QR20.73bn over 2010. THE PENINSULA violent clashes in Cairo last week last year, has tried in vain to bring tor every polling station. AFP See also page 3 in which eight people were killed both sides together for talks to See also page 4 FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2012 02 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com HOME Egyptians in Doha vote in landmark referendum Only 32,000 registered in Qatar, says embassy official

BY MOHAMMAD SHOEB A voter, who gave only his first Asked to comment about the AND SIDI MOHAMMAD name as Kareem, working with protests in Egypt, Dr Ali, said: “It Qatar Foundation, said: “The draft is healthy to have protest for good DOHA: Egyptian expatriates constitution is very good. There reasons. But they do not believe in here began taking part in the are many interesting things that negotiation. They are calling for controversial constitutional ref- were not there in the old one. For democracy but they themselves erendum that kicked off here example, freedom of speech, media don’t believe in it. The Western at the country’s embassy on freedom and freedom to practice media are biased. They don’t like Wednesday. The voting will con- any religion are clauses that guar- Islamists coming to power. But tinue until tomorrow. antee individual freedom”. this guy (Mursi) is very good. He Out of an estimated 150,000 Asked, if he agreed with managed to get rid of the army in Egyptians here, only 32,000 are the accusation that President three months what Recep Tayyip registered voters who will be Mohammed Mursi is a ‘power Erdogan (in Turkey) did in seven allowed to participate in the ref- grabber’ he said: “No, not at all. In years.” erendum, an embassy official told fact, there are many other inter- Al Sayeed added: “Those who The Peninsula. esting things in the draft consti- are rejecting the referendum are The official, requesting anonym- tution. Earlier, the president had not representing Egypt, and they ity, said: “There are about 130,000- the power to dissolve Parliament, don’t want Egypt to develop. If 150,000 Egyptians in Qatar, but but now it is much more difficult they really represent Egyptians, only 32,000 are registered voters. for him to do so.” they should tell their people to People with valid documents such “In addition, under the new vote ‘No’. as the Computerised Passport/ constitution, the president will “Dr Mursi is the President of Egypt’s or Qatar’s national iden- not be able to appoint a minis- every Egyptian; men, women, tity card (ID) will only be allowed ter without the approval of the Muslim, Christian, and all other to vote.” parliament. So, overall, I am very faiths. There is an Islamophobia Those who have been issued pleased with it. And unfortunately, in the Western world. They must computerised passports or valid the role of the army in politics is know that Islam teaches peace, ID cards are considered as regis- going to continue for the next one brotherhood and to live peace- Egyptian expatriates casting their vote at the country’s embassy in Doha on Wednesday. tered voters, the official said. or two decades.” fully,” added Masaad Azab, a The referendum witnessed Dr Tariq Ali, who holds a doc- teacher. large turnout. According to some torate from Taxas University Farhad Jibrael, a business Another Egyptian, said: “This Attacks on Muslim Brotherhood constitution is anti-human rights voters, the Ambassador himself in petroleum geology, and came developer, said: “Everybody knows is very unfair to bully a demo- headquarters and the deliberate in so many ways. It discriminates was sitting near the ballot box to to vote with his wife, Amani Al who is behind the present pro- cratically elected president just delay of aid packages by IMF are against women. There are many ensure free and fair voting. Sayeed, said: “I have no problem tests. They are the pro-Mubarak because he does not suit the West. the recent examples. They want clauses that need changes, such as A spot exit poll conducted by with the draft constitution. The elements, supported by the friends Since the Super power is not able Mursi to fail.” the presidential privileges, limit- this newspaper revealed that a present president is far better of Israel. Mursi is a very good to influence the political deci- However, not all had the same ing the rights of the parliament, majority of the people had voted than Hosni Mubark. There cannot man. Let’s give him a chance to sions in Cairo anymore, it is try- opinion. Nancy Mansoor, an healthcare benefits and others. “Yes”. be any comparison between them.” prove himself.” ing to create situations of unrest. Egyptian girl, said: “The draft THE PENINSULA

A traditional fishing boat and an Arabian tea kiosk are pictured at Qatar National Day activities at Darb Al Saai yesterday. QASSIM RAHMATULLAH Dean of Qatar University College of Arts and Sciences Dr Eiman Mustafawi with the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development of Alberta, Canada, Diana McQueen. Canadian minister sheds light on Mega cultural, quiz competition today DOHA: The Qatar National Islamic values of Qatar. The and pearl trading and showcase committee has allocated about sustainable energy at QU forum Day Organising Committee in programme will comprise a the old and modern Qatar. 100 prizes for the winners in the cooperation with the Public ‘cultural performance competi- The first, second and third quiz and the general audience DOHA: Qatar University (QU) She also stressed the impor- Relations Department of the tion for school students’ on the prize winners of the ‘Cultural who will be selected through a College of Arts and Sciences tance of public awareness and Ministry of Interior will host theme ‘Qatar’s past, present Performance Competition’ will draw. Seats will be served on a (CAS) recently held a discus- guidance on preserving the envi- a cultural performance con- and future’ and a ‘Quiz compe- get special National Day trophies first come first serve basis. sion forum on “Sustainable ronment, by not wasting water test for students of expatriate tition for school students and and QR10,000, QR5,000 and Participating schools include Energy and the Future: and maintaining air quality. The schools and a mega quiz com- general public’ on the founder QR3,000 respectively and all the Pakistan Education Centre, Canadian Insights” presented Canadian government imposes petition for the public today of Qatar, history of Qatar police 12 participating schools will get Bhavan’s Public School, by the Minister of Environment a carbon tax which helps in the from 3.30pm to 9.30pm at the and Ministry of Interior (MoI) National Day mementoes, while Shantiniketan Indian School, and Sustainable Development implementation of environment Ahmed bin Hanbal school, and general knowledge on Qatar, the winners of the quiz compe- Noble International School, of Alberta, Canada, Diana and development projects in the beside Crowne Plaza hotel in especially in the fields of secu- tition, which is open for all who MES Indian School, Bright McQueen. country, she said. Najma area. rity, sports, economy, customs attend the programme, includ- Future Pakistani School, Ideal Minister McQueen gave stu- The minister also drew refer- This edutainment programme, and traditions. ing performance team members, Indian School, Pak Shama dents insights into her country’s ence to QU’s campaign to con- which will see the participation The MoI will also show secu- parents and general audience, School and College, Philippines activities on sustainable resource serve water on the campus. She of about 530 students from 12 rity and safety focused awareness will get valuable prizes. International School, DPS- development and highlighted told the students: “Qatar has the Asian schools in Qatar, is aimed films. The cultural performance The public are invited to Modern Indian School, Doha developments in Qatar toward capacity to make great strides at educating the students and competition will focus on the watch the performance compe- Modern Indian School and Birla environment protection and and reach high goals. You are the the public on the history, cul- lifestyle of Qataris in the olden tition and to participate in the Public School. conservation. future leaders of this. This is the ture, customs, traditions and days such as fishing, pearl diving quiz contest. The organising THE PENINSULA The event was part of the reason we are here – to share our College’s Distinguished Seminar experience in the culture of envi- Series. ronment and development with Commenting on Canada’s expe- societies around the world.” rience in environment preserva- “I appreciated where the min- tion, the minister said: “This is ister stated that what they are For QSA, figures represent past and present: Official a unique experience, as it is the doing is not only for Canada but third largest country that has for the entire world. Moreover, DOHA: Qatar Statistics proof of community interaction statistics, the QSA chief said and convey them to the ordi- large reserves of natural gas. We she liked the fact that Qatar and Authority (QSA) celebrated in various segments and its insti- everyone understands the impor- nary reader with ease. This is were able to overcome the chal- Canada have a lot in common National Day yesterday at its tutions with the day dear to the tance of numbers in shaping the in addition to other initiatives lenges by our will and the support regarding sustainable devel- premises by holding a tradi- hearts of everyone. future of the country through the authority has cooperated of the people.” opment,” said Sara Ahmad Al tional festival to offer folk food, He pointed out that the QSA the learning of the past and with the educational sectors and She noted that the greatest Qahtani, a CAS international in collaboration with the Social was keen to organise this event understanding the present and schools that serve for the same of these challenges was main- affairs student. Development Centrw (SDC). involving one of the schools in activating the role of the commu- purpose, the QSA Chairman said taining clean air and water and “The students’ interest and The ceremony which was order to increase awareness and nity in the optimum utilisation adding: “We are now in the proc- explained that their plans are to knowledge about the subject attended by a number of offi- interest in new youth and open of these figures and data as “fig- ess of launching a second strat- address them by finding alterna- and the ease with which they cials from the QSA and the their eyes to the future. ure reflects the past and present egy for QSA 2018/2013 which will tive ways of energy. “One of the participated in the discussion Social Development Centre “Such celebrations reflect the accurately.” include many of these initiatives.” major projects is the extraction of with minister McQueen is testa- included folk and popular items, fusion of the people with the He pointed out that the He also pointed out that the oil from oil sands which are called ment to the quality of education the most important of which was leadership, promote commu- authority launched several initia- overall population censuses in tar sands,” she said. they are receiving at QU. The the ‘Arda’ dance performed by nity participation and pay more tives to raise awareness for the the country paint a clear-cut Stressing on the importance Distinguished Seminar Series a number of schoolchildren in attention to achieve sustainable progress the country is witness- picture of Qatar in the past and of energy conservation for sus- is an important forum for them addition to local popular dishes. development,” he said. ing in various fields, the most the present and can also predict tainability, the minister pointed to be exposed to expert opinions In a press release QSA Speaking about the role played recent of which the workshop for the future “as much as possible” to one of Canada’s most impor- from a global perspective and to Chairman Sheikh Hamad bin by the authority for the devel- the journalists to enhance their which promotes awareness of tant projects which exploit interact with accomplished indi- Jabor bin Jassim Al Thani said opment of national conscious- role in the analysis and simplify the stunning development in the natural energy, such as wind viduals like the minister,” said these celebrations is the best ness through the numbers and of the numbers and employment country. QNA power, that has no impact on the CAS Dean Dr Eiman Mustafawi. environment. THE PENINSULA FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2012 HOME www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 03 Qatar, three GCC states pledge to cut emissions ‘Cutting-edge projects reflect the region’s commitment’

DOHA: Four GCC countries water resources, this has not pre- Clean Development Mechanism -- Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain vented us from stepping up our (CDM) project in Qatar’s Al and the United Arab Emirates climate efforts and international Shaheen field. -- together submitted a concept commitments.” Large investments in education paper at the just-concluded UN GCC countries have a wide and research point clearly to a climate conference that noted range of projects that represent regional commitment to pushing their plans to cut emissions and substantial contributions to clean even further. improve climate resilience as energy technology and energy The King Abdullah University endorsed by the conference. management. of Science and Technology The four countries have The drive for low-carbon devel- in Saudi Arabia, the UAE’s pledged to present their plans in opment reaches into other parts Masdar Institute and the the near future. of infrastructure development as Doha-based Qatar Science and The decision opens the door well, including investments such Technology Park, Qatar Energy for the participating coun- as the light rail system in Dubai and Environment Research tries to present “Economic and the one under construction Institute, and the just-announced Diversification Plans” under in Qatar, the statement noted. Qatar Climate Change Research the United Nations Framework Institute are well on the way to Convention on Climate Change CUTTING-EDGE URBAN delivering significant returns (UNFCCC), a joint statement DEVELOPMENT economically while contributing The Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage H E Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari after opening the book fair. from Qatar National Food to solutions needed on climate Security Programme (QNFSP) Cutting-edge urban develop- issues. and the Directorate of Energy ment projects such the UAE’s In their submission to the and Climate Change, UAE, said Masdar City and Qatar’s Lusail COP18/CMP8 sessions in Doha, here yesterday. City reflect the regional commit- the four GCC nations put for- Japan ‘chief guest’ at 23rd edition “Qatar particularly wel- ment to raising the bar for inno- ward that the principles of the comes this initiative in sup- vative practices. UNFCCC’s Bali Action Plan port of its hosting of the 2012 Once completed, the Msherieb include recognition of national of Doha International Book fair round,” said the Chairman of Project in Doha will represent plans that deliver progress on the Administrative Control and the world’s highest concentra- climate issues through economic DOHA: The 23rd Doha and other departments and Supreme Council of Family Transparency Authority H E tion of “green” buildings, with diversification and sustainable International Book Fair opened organisations. Affairs, Family Consulting Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, 108 of its 110 buildings earn- development. at the Doha Exhibition Center Publishers from almost all Center, National Human Rights who is also COP18/CMP8 ing sustainability certifications, “The joint initiative is a pow- on Wednesday features publish- Arab countries are participating Committee, besides several media President. including the first-ever platinum erful signal of the region’s seri- ers from 27 countries includ- in the fair and the huge majority outlets in Doha. “In bringing COP18/CMP8 to LEED mosque. The scope of these ousness in driving clean energy, ing the US, Japan, France, of the titles are in Arabic. A series of lectures on social, Doha we hoped to highlight the projects reaches to the very core enhancing energy security, cre- Germany and Sweden. Children’s books, mostly in political and cultural issues as innovations and leadership on cli- of the economic drivers for each ating jobs and protecting the cli- Japan is the “chief guest” in the Arabic, form a major share of well as scientific and educational mate issues being delivered across of the nations. mate,” said Dr Sultan Al Jaber, exhibition this year, which is par- the publications. More than 400 topics are being held on the side- our region.” Major investments in trans- the UAE’s Special Envoy for ticipating with a special pavilion, exhibitors are participating in the lines of the exhibition. Commented Dr Adel Khalifa forming industrial processes have Energy and Climate Change. with the support of the Japanese 10-day fair, which will conclude on A lecture titled “ creation of a Al Zayani, Director General seen the countries build on their Dr Khalid Abouleif, the Chief embassy in Doha. December 22. new robot era” will be delivered of the Supreme Council for experience as energy produc- Negotiator on Climate Change for The Minister of Arts, Culture Several leading Qatari organi- by Tomotaka Takahashi, CEO of the Environment, Bahrain: ers to develop technologies for Saudi Arabia, noted: “We stand and Heritage H E Dr Hamad sations and institutions have Robo Garage company in Japan “Although GCC countries have reducing gas-flaring, improving ready for cooperation and action bin Abdulaziz Al Kuwari opened also set up stalls, including the today and tomorrow at 5.30pm unique challenges presented by carbon capture and storage and on these global issues.” the exhibition in the presence of Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic and 4.30pm, respectively. weather extremes and scarce even launching the world’s largest THE PENINSULA senior officials from the Ministry Affairs, Qatar University, RAF, THE PENINSULA

Indian varsities invite Insurance industry set applications from foreign students for major overhaul DOHA: The insurance industry might undergo an overhaul DOHA: Indian medical and with new rules and regulations expected to be implemented engineering colleges are invit- soon, the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), which has recently been ing applications from foreign charged with supervising the sector, has hinted. students seeking admission for A new law that confers on the QCB additional powers to regu- the 2013-2014 academic year. late the insurance industry (aside from taking care of the banking Admission is open to Medical and financial services sector) repeals a Decree Law governing the (MBBS), Engineering and insurance providers, reinsurance companies and intermediaries Pharmacy Colleges as well as to that was enforced 46 years ago, in 1966. Now that the insurance Diploma courses in Pharmacy and reinsurance companies and their agents are placed under the and Engineering, under the Self QCB, the latter will “in due course” announce a new regulatory Financing Scheme for foreign framework for the industry, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported students. on Wednesday. For MBBS course, applicants Further details were not given but it is understood that the new should have secured a minimum rules and regulations would extensively cover, among other things, of 60 percent of the aggregate of motor insurance — a segment of the underwriting business that the marks with at least 60 percent industry generally describes as loss-making and hence doesn’t pay in physics, chemistry and biology much attention with the result that public grievances are galore. (zoology and botany) and 50 per- The insurance sector fell under the Ministry of Business and cent in English in the qualifying Trade earlier. THE PENINSULA examination (equivalent to stand- ard 10 + 2 in India). For Bachelor of Engineering course, candidates should have secured a minimum of 60 per cent A flight attendant poses for a photograph in the Business class cabin of Qatar Airways’ new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, New mosques must adopt of the aggregate of marks with after it arrived on its inaugural flight to Heathrow Airport, west of London, yesterday. at least 60 percent in physics, chemistry and mathematics and Ministry of Awqaf designs 50 per cent marks in English in the qualifying examination. Qatar Airways’ Dreamliner gets DOHA: People building private Affairs to intervene in this issue. The following documents are mosques in residential com- Safran clarified that the required with the application pounds and other places will Mosque Affairs Department will form: soon be required to get approval not interfere in the manage-  Three copies of certificates warm welcome at Heathrow from the Ministry of Awqaf and ment of private mosques unless and marks sheets of qualifying Islamic Affairs for the design, it receives a complaint from the examination attested by Qatar’s DOHA/LONDON: Qatar travel the world onboard one of 076 departing London Heathrow a senior official of the Ministry public. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Airways (QA) yesterday the most spacious and comfortable at 1505 hrs, arriving in Doha at has said. “The complaints are mostly the Indian embassy in Doha (with launched its inaugural long-haul aircraft in the skies today. 0045 hrs the following day. Addressing an ordinary ses- related to the poor maintenance. English translation). Boeing 787 Dreamliner service Combining breakthrough tech- Qatar Airways took delivery of sion of the Central Municipal In such cases, we appoint an  Three copies each of passport on the Doha – London Heathrow nology with a human approach to the first of 60 Dreamliners last Council (CMC) on Tuesday, expert team to study the case (first four pages), birth certificate route, becoming the first airline design, it is the first time Boeing month with the third 787 join- Safran Abdullah Safran, assistant and carry out the required main- and character certificate from the to operate regular scheduled has developed a plane from the ing the airline’s fleet just days director of the Mosques Affairs tenance at the expense of the Head of Institution last attended flights to and from the UK, a point of view of passenger expe- ago. Since taking delivery of its Department at the Ministry said owner,” he explained. (with English translation). statement said yesterday. rience. QA worked closely with first 787 four weeks ago, QA has that the department had pre- Private mosques are owned by  Three copies of recent pass- The 787s are the world’s first Boeing on the design interiors been flying the aircraft between pared 20 model designs for future individuals but there are cases port sized photographs. fully connected Dreamliners with being a key customer of the manu- Doha and both Dubai and Kuwait mosques in the country. in which an individual or family Students can also apply for wireless facilities for passengers facturer’s newest aircraft. allowing cabin crew to familiarise All the new mosques, includ- would build a mosque and then nomination pending final decla- to remain in touch with their On arrival at Heathrow, Al themselves with the airplane. ing those built by individuals will hand over it to the Ministry. ration of their 10 + 2 examina- friends and loved ones on the Baker said: “Today we inaugurate Added Al Baker: “We will be have to adopt one of these designs, There are also families who tion result. Nomination of such ground through the Internet and our 787 on the London Heathrow introducing the Dreamliner on said Safran. “Private mosques can seek support from the Ministry candidate will, however, depend SMS mobile texting across both route, putting Qatar Airways our daily Doha – Perth route change the interior if it does not for maintenance of mosques on the availability of seats at the the Business and Economy cabins. firmly on the global aviation map from February 1 next year, the suit their requirements but the owned by them. Some families time of receipt of their marks Despite wintry weather, QA’s as a carrier with a determination first ever 787 commercial serv- exterior design should follow one having mosques built by their sheets, if they are received within 787 – flight QR075 – was warmly to continue its expansion drive ice to Australia giving travellers of the approved models and get ancestors in their land would the prescribed time. Applications welcomed at the Heathrow airport and improve an already superior between the UK and Australia sanction from the Ministry,” said demand the land back but such forms can be had from the Indian by a special arrival ceremony. in-flight product.” a unique 787 experience of unri- the official. requests are not entertained, he embassy until April 1 of 2013. All An official delegation was on “The Doha – Heathrow route is valled comfort and style all the He was responding to a call added. the applications must be submit- the inaugural flight from the air- one of our most popular interna- way with the world’s Five Star made by the CMC on the Ministry CMC also called on the ted to the embassy by April 9. line’s Doha hub, including the air- tional routes and it was only fit- and Best Airline.” of Municipality and Urban Ministry of Business and Trade Selected candidates will have to line’s CEO, Akbar Al Baker and ting that we deploy our new 787 Qatar Airways has 254 custom- Planning not to give approval to to increase the annual budget- undergo a medical test, including special guest, Michael O’Neill, to and from London.” made seats across its 787 Business private mosques without being ary allocation for maintenance Aids test, on arrival in India. British Ambassador to Qatar. Initially, one of the airline’s and Economy Class cabins with approved by the Ministry of of mosques across the country. Further details can be had from The Dreamliner’s debut from five daily flights is being operated specially designed interiors. Awqaf and Islamic Affairs. The annual allotment currently the embassy (Tel. No. 44255706 the Doha-based carrier marks with the Boeing 787 – Flight QR Business Class is configured 1–2–1 The CMC also noted that some amounts to QR35m to QR40m Fax No. 44670448, E-mail: pres- the start of an exciting new era 075 departing Doha at 0625 hrs, with 22 seats, while Economy has private mosques are not prop- for 60 to 80 mosques run by the soffi[email protected]) for travellers to and from the UK, arriving at London Heathrow at 232 seats in a 3–3–3 layout. erly maintained and urged the Ministry, said Safran. THE PENINSULA who will have the opportunity to 1105 hrs, with the return flight QR THE PENINSULA Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic THE PENINSULA FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2012 04 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com MIDDLE EAST

UK pays Libyan Israel court orders rerouting $3.5m to settle Car bombing kills of West Bank barrier: Report rendition case JERUSALEM: Israel’s High Court ordered the military yes- LONDON: Britain has agreed terday to reconsider the route of a portion of its security bar- to pay £2.2m ($3.5m, ¤2.7m) rier, which was to pass through the West Bank village of Battir, 24 near Damascus to a Libyan dissident who says an environmental NGO said. British secret services played a “The High Court this afternoon... ordered the military to present role in his illegal rendition, his an alternative plan within 90 days,” the Friends of the Earth Middle Al Nusra Front claims interior ministry attack lawyers said yesterday. East (FoEME) group said. Sami Al Saadi, a leading oppo- “We are convinced that, due to the unique nature of the area DAMASCUS: At least 24 civil- nent of Muammar Gaddafi, says under discussion, there is a need for the security officials to recon- ians, including a large number he was forcibly transferred to sider, in particular as regards the nature of the barrier and security of children, were killed in two Libya from Hong Kong along arrangements of the problematic areas,” the group quoted the court separate car bombings south- with his wife and four children in decision as saying. The route of Israel’s barrier in the West Bank west of Damascus yesterday, 2004 in a joint British-US-Libyan has been challenged on multiple occasions, but the court decision state media reported. operation. comes after an unusual coalition jointly contested the portion due Eight people, mostly women He says he was imprisoned and to pass through Battir. and children, were killed by a tortured after his return to Libya. FoEME, along with residents of the village and the Israeli Nature car bomb in the poor Sunni town The British government said and Parks Authority, argued that that the planned route would of Jdaidet Artuz, state television it had reached a settlement -- damage a network of ancient terraces in Battir, calling on the reported. The Syrian Observatory believed to be £2.2m - but said it court to force a reroute. for Human Rights said four civil- has not admitted liability. Battir, located west of Bethlehem, is famous for the terraces ians were killed in the blast. “We can confirm that the gov- dating back thousands of years that the Palestinians hope will Less than eight kilometres ernment and the other defend- receive Unesco World Heritage status next year. away, a similar blast rocked the ants have reached a settlement Israel’s defence ministry argued that the route would not damage town of Qatana earlier in the day, with the claimants,” a govern- or affect the terraces, and urged the court to leave the plan intact. leaving 16 people dead, seven of ment spokeswoman said. FoEME’s Israel director Gidon Bromberg said the group was them children, state news agency “There has been no admission “delighted” with the court decision. Sana reported. “This morning, of liability and no finding by any “The military had failed to bring a single expert in the field of terrorists targeted the residential court of liability.” cultural and natural heritage to support their case, yet they con- area of Ras Al Nabaa with a vehi- Al Saadi said although he stantly claimed that they were striking the right balance between cle loaded with explosives, blow- wanted Britain to acknowledge the needs of security and heritage values,” he said in a statement. ing it up in front of the Mikhael its role in his rendition, he was “We trust that this time the military will reconsider security Samaan school,” the agency said. It now ending his legal action. options based on the advice of heritage experts.” Damage caused by yesterday’s suicide bombing in front a school at Ras blamed the attack on “terrorists,” “I started this process believ- The defence ministry had no immediate comment on the court the standard regime for rebels. Al Nabaa area in Qatana, western Damascus. ing that a British trial would get decision. The Britain-based Observatory to the truth in my case,” he said. said the bomb, outside an army the pavement among pools of we targeted the interior minis- “But today, with the govern- housing complex and near an ele- blood and piles of rubble in the try building in Kfar Sousa dis- ment trying to push through mentary school, killed 18 people, footage, which could not be inde- trict in Damascus at 5:30pm on secret courts, I feel that to pro- Israel’s foreign minister including two women and seven pendently verified. Qatana is a Wednesday, December 12,” the ceed is not best for my family. children. Another 23 people were working class town 21km outside extremist group Tweeted, adding “I went through a secret trial charged with breach of trust wounded, most of them women Damascus. It has a Sunni Muslim that fighting had erupted inside once before, in Gaddafi’s Libya. In and children, the news agency majority and a Christian minority, the ministry. many ways, it was as bad as the JERUSALEM: Israel’s attorney general yesterday charged quoted a medical source as saying. and is under army control. According to its account, two torture. It is not an experience I Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman with fraud and breach of In a video posted on a pro- Meanwhile, the jihadist Al suicide bombers parked two care to repeat. trust, just over five weeks before a snap election, but dropped government YouTube channel, Nusra Front claimed yesterday explosives-laden vehicles outside “Even now, the British govern- more serious allegations against him. crowds of men, women and chil- that two of its men were respon- the building, entered and clashed ment has never given an answer The announcement prompted immediate opposition calls for dren were seen stood around in sible for a deadly suicide attack with security forces before deto- to the simple question: ‘Were you Lieberman’s resignation, but the controversial politician’s lawyers shock at the widespread destruc- on the Syrian interior ministry nating their explosive vests. The involved in the kidnap of me, my played down the charges, saying ministers charged with similar tion. Schoolbags and exercise the day before, via its official two car bombs were detonated wife and my children?’ offences in the past had not stepped down. books were seen strewn across Twitter account. “Thank God, remotely, it said. AFP AFP “After examining the file, I have arrived at the conclusion that there is insufficient evidence to charge him in the first case and have decided to close it,” attorney general Yehuda Weinstein said in a statement. But a lesser case, which includes allegations of fraud and breach of trust, would go ahead, he added. “I decided to proceed with a case against Lieberman for having suggested in December 2009 that the government name the former Spain seizes assets owned by Mubarak ambassador to Belarus to a post in another country, despite the fact that - according to the evidence presented - he knew that he MADRID: Spanish police have with ties to him, including family beach resort of Marbella, financial also frozen assets of the former done wrong in passing along secret information, including details found ¤28m ($36.5m) in assets members, people who held high- products in three banks and also Egyptian president. of a police enquiry against Lieberman,” he said. owned by ousted Egyptian level posts in his government and luxury vehicles, the ministry said Mubarak, who ruled Egypt for The decision closes a case that included explosive allegations of president Hosni Mubarak and business leaders. Spain’s interior in a statement. three decades, was forced out in fraud, money-laundering and witness tampering. Lieberman has people close to him, including ministry said it had frozen ¤18.4m “The assets could come from February 2011 after a popular always proclaimed his innocence of all the allegations against him. Marbella beach properties and worth of the assets, but did not crimes such as embezzlement uprising. While the closing of the main case against him is something of luxury cars, the government say whether it would also freeze or corruption,” the government In June, he was sentenced to a victory for Lieberman, who leads the ultra-nationalist Yisrael said yesterday. the remainder. statement said. life in prison for his role in killing Beitenu party, he still faces enormous pressure to resign over the Egypt had asked Spain to The properties include two Egypt has asked several coun- protesters during the uprising. He charges, ahead of January 22 elections. track down assets in the country houses in La Moraleja, a wealthy tries in Europe and elsewhere to is currently in a military hospital Shortly after Weinstein’s announcement, the HaTnua party belonging to the former presi- neighbourhood of Madrid, seven locate assets of Mubarak and peo- because of health problems. led by former foreign minister Tzipi Livni issued a statement dent and more than 100 people properties in the Mediterranean ple close to him. Switzerland has REUTERS saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should force Lieberman’s resignation. AFP ICC prosecutor Thousands protest as Turkey mulls new Darfur coup plot trial nears end war crimes charges UNITED NATIONS: The International Criminal Court ISTANBUL: Thousands of prosecutor said yesterday people protested yesterday she is considering new war outside a Turkish prison com- crimes charges against lead- plex where the mass trial of ing Sudanese officials over the almost 300 people accused Darfur conflict. of plotting to overthrow the Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda Islamist-rooted government of told the UN Security Council Prime Minister Recep Tayyip that aerial bombardments of Erdogan entered its closing civilians, deadly attacks on UN stages. peacekeepers and humanitarian Police used tear gas to pre- aid convoys “may constitute war vent large crowds from burst- crimes, crimes against human- ing into the heavily-guarded ity, and genocide.” The ICC has Silivri compound near Istanbul already issued arrest warrants where 275 defendants includ- against Sudan’s President Omar ing former military chief Ilker Al Bashir and four other top gov- Basbug have been on trial for ernment and militia figures over four years in the so-called the conflict, now nearing its tenth Ergenekon case. year in which the UN says at least “We are the soldiers of 300,000 people have died. Ataturk!” the protesters chanted, referring to the founder of secular Turkey, Mustafa Moroccan islamist Kemal Ataturk, whose legacy has been fiercely defended by oppn leader dies the staunchly secular army in the Nato member state. The RABAT: The leader of defendants face dozens of Morocco’s main opposition charges, ranging from member- Protesters are blocked by Turkish soldiers as they try to march to a group Al Adl Wal Ihsane died ship of an underground “ter- court house near Istanbul yesterday. yesterday, raising questions over rorist organisation” dubbed the future of an Islamist group Ergenekon, arson, illegal pos- said Emine Ulker Tarhan, a - an alleged shadowy network of that played a central role in Arab session of weapons and insti- lawmaker from the main oppo- ultranationalists trying to seize Spring protests last year. gating an armed uprising sition Republic People’s Party control in Turkey - of a string Abdessalam Yassine formed against Erdogan and his Justice (CHP) lawmaker. of attacks and political violence the group 1981. It is banned from and Development Party (AKP), Inside the courtroom, argu- over several decades. formal politics but is believed which came to power in 2002. ments between lawyers and the They include a shooting at by analysts and diplomats to be The defendants in the case - judge over procedure forced Turkey’s top administrative the only opposition organisation seen as a key test in Erdogan’s lengthy delays throughout the court in 2006 which killed a capable of mass mobilisation in showdown with secularist and day although the hearing was judge and which the state pros- the North African state. It was a military opponents - include expected to include the final ecutor believes was instigated major player in protests last year Basbug and other army officers summing up from the state by a retired general, and a gre- that led the monarchy to institute as well as lawyers, academics prosecutor. One defence lawyer nade attack against the opposi- constitutional reforms to dilute and journalists. was thrown out for saying: “The tion Cumhuriyet newspaper’s some of its extensive powers - an “Today they label everybody a defence wants its right to speak!” Istanbul headquarters the same usual step for a group previously coup maker... they will continue The 2,455-page indictment year blamed on the then army more focused on religion than until no patriots are left here,” accuses members of Ergenekon command. AFP politics and protest. AGENCIES FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2012 ISLAM www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 05 Prophet Jesus in Islam and Christianity

BY PROF SHAHUL HAMEED of common religious heritage. One of the impor- tant links among the three religions ought to be the he Christian belief about Jesus is that he Messiah; especially as he serves as a link between is the only-begotten son of God or God A great prophet, not god Judaism and Islam. Because, he is the expected Himself, who died on the cross to save BY IDRIS TAWFIQ Messiah of the Jews, who clearly foretells to his fol- Thumans from Original Sin. man. Jesus was not a god. He had a human mother, lowers of the coming of the Paracletos – the final Muslims hold that there is no such thing as Mary, and they both ate food in order to live. He did Prophet. Besides, he is properly described by Allah Original Sin. So, God had no reason to become a ccording to Islam, Jesus was a prophet of not die on the cross, nor was he raised to life after Almighty in the Quran as a “sign” to the world. But human and die on the cross. Even if there were God. He belonged to a long line of proph- three days, but he was a man. One of the greatest most people did not properly understand the sign something called Original Sin, Muslims do not see Aets, calling people throughout history to the men, yes. A man with very special gifts, yes. A man and consequently misconstrued his mission. how God could be so helpless as to atone for that sin worship of One God. These include such names as whom they revere as a great prophet, yes, but not As Jesus was a sign from Allah, there was an aura by dying on the cross. Abraham, Moses, David, and Solomon (peace be a god. There is no God but Allah. of wonder and mystery around him, which caused a The Christians would answer: “For God so loved the upon them all) and, like them, he is revered and In summary of all this, the Quran tells us what lot of speculation among his followers after his time. world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever honoured by all Muslims. Whenever they mention God will say to Jesus in the Last Day, when He And there ought to be a way of clearing the cloud believeth on him should not perish, but have everlasting the name of Jesus, Muslims will always say, “Peace Almighty calls all people to Himself: of mystery around Jesus before the end of the world. life.” (John 3:16) be upon him.” And behold! God will say on the Day of Judgment: So Allah Almighty says in the Qur’an what means: Did God really love the world so much… so much Like the accounts in the Gospels of Matthew “Oh Jesus, the son of Mary! Did you say unto men, That they said in boast, “We killed Christ Jesus the that He decided to sacrifice even His son, His only and Luke, the Quran shows that Jesus’ birth was worship me and my mother as gods in derogation of son of Mary, the Apostle of Allah”;- but they killed him begotten son, to save the world from Original Sin? miraculous, but this does not make him a god. God?” He will say: “Glory to Thee! Never could I say not, nor crucified him, but so it was made to appear to Christians would say, Yes. Not only did Jesus have a miraculous birth, but what I had no right (to say). Had I said such a thing, them, and those who differ therein are full of doubts, On the other hand, Muslims would insist in the the Quran also tells us that he was born of a vir- You would indeed have known it. You know what is with no certain knowledge, but only conjecture to follow, first place, that God is one and one Only, and, there- gin mother and that he spoke in the cradle, that he in my heart, though I know not what is in Yours. For for of a surety they killed him not. Nay, Allah raised fore, He did not have a son. Second, as God is Just, performed miracles, and that he did not die on the You know in full all that is hidden. Never did I say to him up unto Himself; and Allah is Exalted in Power, He would not punish the innocent to save the sin- cross, nor was he raised back to life after three days. them anything except what You commanded me to say: Wise. And there is none of the People of the Book but ners. Third, the so-called Original Sin cannot be such The Quran is quite clear that Jesus was a great ‘Worship God, my Lord and your Lord.’ And I was a must believe in him before his death; and on the Day of a problem for the Almighty God that He is compelled prophet, but he was no more than that. So, Jesus witness over them while I lived among them. When You Judgment he will be a witness against them… (4:157-159) to sacrifice “His own son.” He could very well cancel (peace be upon him) was a man. He was a truly took me up, You were the Watcher over them, and You Indeed these verses have generated a lot of con- that sin or He could simply demand an atonement great man, a prophet, but he was no more than a are a witness to all things.” (5:116-11) troversy about the implication of certain words. A from the sinful or at least ask for sincere repent- few points are worthy of note. The reference is ance from them. Indeed, there was no need for God clearly to the future; and the verse tells us of some- to subject ‘His son’ to the terrible torture he is said any distinction between one and another of them. he should follow the Law of Moses, which is most thing that will happen in the future which will make to have undergone, as portrayed in Mel Gibson’s The Muslims believe Jesus Christ to be one of the great unlikely. We should remember that the religion of the People of the Book to believe in Jesus. And we Passion of the Christ, for instance. prophets of God and hold that all prophets are broth- Allah has been completed through the final Prophet, should note that by “the People of the Book” not In fact, there were early Christians who did not ers and that their religion is the same, namely, Islam and so there is no question of another Law at all; so merely the Christians but also the Jews are meant. believe in the crucifixion of Jesus. For instance, the (or unconditional submission to Allah). Allah says in Jesus has got to follow the Law of Muhammad. We Referring to the doubts and confusion in the minds Basilidians believed that someone else was crucified the Quran: He (Allah) has ordained for you the same know that some “Christians” do not follow Jesus. They of the people (i.e. People of the Book) regarding “the in his place. The names of Simon of Cyrene and even religion as that which He ordained to Noah, and that follow St Paul and his version of the religion of Jesus. death” and the “raising” of Jesus, Allah emphatically Judas Iscariot are heard in this context. which We inspired in you (Muhammad), and that which So one of the first duties of Jesus will be to bring the tells us that they did neither kill him nor crucify him; As for the Quran, it speaks of how Allah cleared We ordained to Abraham and Moses and Jesus, saying: Christians back to the true religion he preached and but raised him up to Himself. Jesus of the disbelief of his people. It says: Establish the religion, and make no divisions therein. To practiced, namely submission to the One God. And remember, when Allah said: O Jesus! I will take those who worship other things than Allah, dreadful is Also, the Jews who are still waiting for the Messiah BELIEVING IN JESUS you and raise you to Myself, and cleanse you of those who that to which you call them. Allah chooses for Himself will be made to realise that the real Messiah was The verses quoted above clearly say that all the disbelieve; and I will make those who follow you superior whom He will, and guides to Himself him who turns in indeed Jesus and they need to recognise that fact, People of the Book will believe in Jesus before he dies. to those who disbelieve until the Day of Resurrection. repentance to Him. (42:13) and follow the Messiah (Christ) Jesus. When the Obviously, “believe in him” indicates the right belief Then to me you will all return, and I will judge between Christians and the Jews follow Jesus, they will be about Jesus, that is, that Jesus was a prophet of God you as to that wherein you used to differ. And as for those A FOLLOWER OF PROPHET MUHAMMAD Muslims. By the second coming of Jesus, the con- preaching His Oneness. We know that neither the who disbelieve I will punish them with severe torment There are a large number of authentic sayings of fusions regarding Jesus will disappear and we can present day Jews nor the present day Christians have in this world and the Hereafter; and they will have no Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be imagine a situation where Jews, Christians and this belief about Jesus. So the reference in the verse is helpers. (3:55-56) upon him) that clearly indicate the second coming of Muslims join together to pray behind Islam’s prophet obviously about future Jews and Christians who will be Thus, Allah raised Jesus up to Heaven, and so he Jesus. Abu Hurairah reported the Prophet as saying: Jesus, or behind a Muslim Imam. made to realise the truth about the Messiah and will was saved from an accursed death on the cross, in By the One in Whose hand is my self, definitely the have to accept that truth. The occasion for this is when contrast to what his enemies and even his self-styled son of Mariam will soon descend among you as a just THREE EXPECTATIONS Jesus himself appears again and clears all misunder- “followers” alleged. It was the plan of the enemies of judge, and he will break the cross, kill the pig and abol- One important point to note in this connection standings about him. And then the Jews will realize Jesus to crucify him, but Allah foiled their plan. So, ish the jizyah, and wealth will be so abundant that no is the correlation between the expectations about that he was the Messiah they were expecting; and the to believe in his death by crucifixion means to believe one will accept it, until a single prostration will be better the coming of a prophet or messiah in all the three Christians will realize that he was not the Son of God that those unbelievers were successful against God’s than the world and everything in it. (Al Bukhari) Abrahamic religions. Jews expect the Mashiach who died on the cross. And if there are any Muslims plan. But assuredly they could not crucify Jesus the Jabir ibn Abdullah said: “I heard the Prophet (Messiah; literally “the Anointed One”) as a politi- who reject the return of Jesus, they too will realize Messenger of Allah. The Quran says: saying, ‘A party of my nation will never stop fighting for cal and military deliverer and king. The Christians the truth about him. And in the above verse, we may And their saying is ‘we slew the Messiah, Jesus son of the truth victoriously until the Day of Rising.’ He said, believe the Messiah to be a divine incarnation and note the expression “before he dies”. This expression Mary, Allah’s messenger’ – They slew him not nor crucified ‘Then Jesus son Mary (peace be upon him) will descend “savior”, who came to liberate the people from sin. is attributed to People of the Book sometimes; i.e. in him, but it appeared so to them. And those who disagree and their amir will say, “Come and lead us in prayer,” And the Muslims believe the Messiah to be a sign the sense of “before their death”. concerning it are in doubt thereof; they have no knowledge but he will say, “No. Some of you are amirs over others,” to the world sent by God with a significant pro- But this cannot be; if so it would mean that all thereof save pursuit of a conjecture. For of a surety they as Allah’s showing honour to this nation.’” (Muslim) phetic mission to the Children of Israel. In all the the Jews and Christians who lived after Jesus’ time slew him not; but Allah took him up to Himself. Allah is The above two hadiths show that according to three cases the word, Messiah (Arabic: Masih) is would realise the truth of Jesus before their death Almighty and All-Wise. And there is none of the people Islam, Jesus will return to the earth as a follower used for the expected prophet. Both Christians and till Judgment Day. This is most unlikely. Rather the of the Book (the Jews and Christians) but will believe in of the final Prophet Muhammad. And at the second Muslims believe Jesus to be the Messiah, while the correct meaning of the verse must be that Jesus, him before his death, and on the Day of Resurrection he coming, it is inconceivable that Jesus will bring a Jews reject him and continue to expect the Messiah on his second coming will bring the Jews and the will be a witness against them. (4:157-159) new Law. Even at the first coming, he was working even now. No one can deny the continuity of the Christians of that future time, not only to the truth Muslims believe in all the prophets of God and within the framework of the earlier Law of Moses. same religious tradition through the three religions, of himself, but also to the true religion. honour and respect them alike; we do not make So, if Jesus does not follow the Law of Muhammad, though sectarianism has clouded the whole issue www.onislam.net Modesty: Inner and outer

BY CHRISTINE BENLAFQUIH

uslims should possess both an inner and outer modesty. This is reflected in behaviour, speech Mand appearance, and includes being mindful of God at all times. For many people in the West, the mod- est dress of Muslims — particularly the woman’s head scarf, or hijab — has become synonymous with the concept of modesty in Islam. However, modesty encompasses far more than the clothes one wears. Modesty, as defined in Merriam-Webster’s online dic- tionary, is “freedom from conceit or vanity” and “propriety in dress, speech or conduct.”

MODESTY IN THE QURAN Islam takes the concept of modesty even further. Modesty in Islam is known as haya, a word, which describes both shyness and a deeper modesty that is based on faith. A sense of haya should affect a Muslim’s conduct before God, before others and even when one is alone. In the holy Quran, God says: “O children Abdullah ibn Mas’ud relates that one • Lowering the gaze and avoiding flirta- of Adam, We have provided you with garments day the Prophet said, “Be shy of Allah (God) tious speech and conduct to cover your bodies, as well as for luxury. But Most High as much as is His due. The compan- • Avoiding close physical contact with the best garment is the garment of righteous- ions present said, ‘All praise to Allah, we are unrelated members of the opposite sex ness. These are some of God’s signs, that they shy of Him.’ The Prophet said, ‘That is not the • Observing modest or Islamic dress may take heed.” (7:26) point. Whoever is shy of Allah as much as is according to the Quran and Sunnah His due, he should protect his head and that • Not drawing unnecessary attention to MODESTY IN THE HADITH which it comprises (i.e. mind, mouth, ears), his oneself A number of narrated prophetic tradi- stomach and that which is adjoining it (i.e. pre- • In addition, women should: tions illustrate the significance of modesty. serve it from unlawful wealth and protect the • Avoid wearing perfume or cosmetics in The following hadith suggests that mod- private parts from the unlawful), and he should front of unrelated men (and related men esty is so important that the absence of remember death and that which is to come who are eligible for a woman to marry) it could lead a person to sinful behaviour after it; and whoever desires the Hereafter • Avoid drawing attention to jewellery and disbelief: The Prophet (peace be upon should abandon the adornments of this world. and other hidden adornments. him) said: ‘If you have no shame, do as you Whoever fulfills these duties has been shy of Modesty is part of a broader spirituality wish.’” (Bukhari) Allah as much as is His due’.” (Musnad Ahmad) The inner and outer modesty of haya are Another hadith links modesty to faith: just two aspects of a Muslim’s spirituality, The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Faith MODESTY FOR MEN AND WOMEN which focuses on worship and obedience to consists of more than seventy branches. And While modest behaviour varies from One God. Muslims should also strive to be haya (modesty) is a part of faith.” (Bukhari) person to person, guidelines do exist in the truthful, sincere, humble, patient, forgiving, A more comprehensive example of haya Quran and the Sunnah. The code of modesty charitable, moderate, kind, and considerate. can be found in the following hadith: for both men and women includes: www.arabnews.com FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2012 06 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com

Editorial

ESTABLISHED IN 1996

CHAIRMAN: SHEIKH THANI BIN ABDULLAH AL THANI Russian role EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: KHALID AL SAYED E-MAIL: [email protected] Moscow has admitted Assad can be ACTING MANAGING EDITOR: HUSSAIN AHMAD E-MAIL: [email protected] ousted, but what is required is a EDITORIAL: TEL: 44557741 / 44557743 change of its policy. FAX: 44557746 / 44557758 P. O. BOX: 3488, DOHA, QATAR. E-MAIL: [email protected] USSIAN Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov’s state- from the setbacks he has suffered and would have to quit soon. It ADVERTISING: TEL: 44557837 / 780 FAX: 44557870 ment that Syrian President Bashar Al Assad could be losing must have relied on Assad’s assurances that he would ultimately Rcontrol and could be overthrown by an increasingly powerful regain control by suppressing the revolution. With that possibility now CLASSIFIED: 44557857 E-MAIL: [email protected] opposition is a clear indication that Moscow is acknowledging the receding, the minister has been forced to make a candid assessment. realities on the ground in Syria, and it’s his country’s first official More than 41,000 people are said to have been killed in the conflict, SUBSCRIPTION / HOME DELIVERY acknowledgment that Assad’s days may be numbered. It could even a number which is soaring every day. There are now clear signs that TEL: 44557809 /839 FAX: 44557819 be interpreted as the beginning of a change of stance by Kremlin, a the struggle is in its final stage, with rebels making irreversible and E-MAIL: [email protected] change which Syrian people and the international community had fast progress. been vociferously demanding. On the contrary, if Russia still chooses Russia’s foreign policy faces the threat of abject failure if Assad SUBSCRIPTION RATES to prop up Assad, it would only show the extent of its insensitivity to exits, and it’s not yet late for Kremlin to rethink its policy. The revo- ANNUAL QR 675 the plight of Syrians and to the huge progress the rebels have made. lution in Syria would have taken a different and far more desirable 6 MONTHS QR 340 Moscow’s diplomatic shortsightedness and refusal to budge from its course if Russia hadn’t stuck to the policy of supporting Assad at narrow interests has been one single factor responsible for the con- any cost. A structured and planned revolution is far better than a tinuation of the fighting and all the chaos it has created. chaotic one. Even if Assad is ousted in a few days or weeks, no one Russia has supported Assad throughout the 21-month conflict, is sure about the outcome. The country can descend into sectarian supplying weapons and giving political support by blocking the West’s strife and regressive forces kept under control could wreck its future. demands for action through the United Nations Security Council. The opposition, which is united only for the sake of unity, can splinter Moscow has also repeatedly rebuffed Arab pleas to rethink its position and fight on the streets. PUBLICATION and is not known to have exerted real pressure on Assad to go for And the chunk of blame for all that would go terribly wrong would a negotiated solution or abdicate power to avoid further bloodshed. have to be shared by Moscow. It will be a new Syria where Moscow It’s likely that Moscow now realizes Assad will not be able to recover would be completely irrelevant, a fate which it is deliberating courting.

The current trend is that the regime and government in Syria The other side are increasingly losing control and territory. Unfortunately, you Quote of can’t rule out a victory by the opposition. Don’t let rifts stall EU’s the day Mikhail Bogdanov crucial banking union Russian Deputy Foreign Minister

IME is running out for the European Union to meet its own year-end deadline to create a single bank regulator, or at least Tthe legal framework for one. Sadly, Europe’s leaders are again leaning toward procrastination on a reform crucial to saving the euro. Europe’s banking problem is entering its fifth year. The EU has 27 regulators with 27 sets of rules, undercapitalised banks that can’t afford to lend anymore and governments that lack the wherewithal to bail them out. Eventually, weak banks will start to topple, and what has been a slow-burning crisis could become a disaster. EU heads of state agreed in June to a common banking authority when they feared that bank runs might occur in Greece, Italy and Spain. In exchange for giving up some national sovereignty to ensure that every institution follows the same rules, governments would be able to obtain capital for their banks directly from the EU’s bailout fund, without adding to their own liabilities. It made sense. No longer would individual governments have to bail out their banks, only to need a rescue of their own later. The shared risk and stricter supervision of a banking union were especially important to Spain, which can’t afford to come to the aid of its sick banks. When it comes to EU politics, however, nothing is simple. The mem- ber states remain at odds over such basics as whether the European Central Bank should be the uber-supervisor and, if so, whether it should oversee all 6,000 EU banks or just the largest ones. And if the ECB gets the nod, how would banks in Sweden, Britain and other countries that don’t belong to the single currency — and therefore don’t have a voice at the ECB — make sure their views are represented? These aren’t small issues. Still, EU finance ministers should get on with it and, at this week’s EU summit, present their heads of state with an outline of how a banking union could operate. At the very least it should include a single supervisor. It should also offer an EU-wide system of deposit insurance and a process for unwinding failing banks. One big obstacle is German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble, who favours a two-tier system in which existing national regulators remain — and have the final word in most cases — while the ECB over- sees a handful of global banks. This contradicts what the heads of state agreed to and should be tamped down. It also goes against reality: As Greece, Ireland, Spain and other countries have seen, small banks are just as likely to run into trouble as big banks. Objections over unequal treatment of non-euro countries can be finessed. THE WASHINGTON POST Cartoon Arts International / The New York Times Syndicate North Korea’s rocket launch has fired up neighbouring elections

BY SIMON TISDALL December poll, has personal rea- In contrast, to support Park and hang on to office. The man most for US or other cities, assist a US sons for distrusting the North. Her Moon has said her tougher stance likely to succeed him is Shinzo vessel under attack and facilitate ORTH Korea’s successful mother was killed in one of several that, if elected, in the final days of Abe, a former premier who is joint operations with US forces. rocket launch is likely to assassination attempts target- he would resume the campaign. leading a comeback by the once Reacting angrily to the North Nstrengthen the hand of ing her father, the former South bilateral aid cut As South Korea Japan also goes dominant Liberal Democrats. Korean launch, Abe said: political conservatives, national- Korean dictator Park Chung-hee, off by South to the polls this Abe is a noted hawk and nation- “Japan should work together ists and military hardliners at a that were ordered by North Korea. Korea’s outgoing and Japan go weekend in a vote alist whose latest visit to Tokyo’s with the international community crucial juncture in the affairs of Both Park and her principal leader, President to the polls, that may produce Yasukuni shrine to the spirits of to adopt a new resolution at the South Korea and Japan, the two rival, Moon Jae-in, say they want Lee Myung-bak, the country’s sev- Japan’s war dead in October pro- United Nations to strongly con- neighbours whose security is most resumed talks with Pyongyang. and offer new Pyongyang’s enth prime min- voked protests in South Korea demn North Korea. The rocket seriously affected. In an echo of former West talks without actions may ister in seven and China. He has taken a tough launch was outrageous. The South Koreans have the most to German chancellor Willy Brandt’s preconditions. years. Although line during the recent maritime international community needs fear from the North’s militarism. Ostpolitik policy of opening up Moon’s candi- inspire voters most Japanese disputes with China, and has been to impose harsh sanctions.” Memories of the unprovoked 2010 to East Germany, Park has spo- dacy is thus more to elect tougher are focused on an active in the past in the cases of China, the only country with shelling of a South Korean island, ken of developing a new, mutual likely to appeal to candidates. underperform- Japanese nationals kidnapped by any real influence over North and the sinking of a navy warship “trustpolitik” with North Korea Pyongyang. ing economy that North Korea. If elected, Abe is Korea, called on Pyongyang ear- with the loss of 46 lives, are still after the confrontations of recent But Kim slipped back into expected to resume his previous lier this month to help maintain fresh. With the two countries still years. But Park’s demands that Jong-un, North recession in the attempts to ease the constraints regional peace and security and technically in a state of war, the the North halt missile tests and Korea’s youthful second and third on Japanese military action “not to take any moves to worsen threat posed by the unpredictable cancel its nuclear programme new leader, and his party appa- quarters, heightened tensions with imposed by the post-war pacifist the problem”. Although its advice panjandrums of Pyongyang now – which includes several atom ratchiks do not have a vote. And North Korea will not help restore constitution. As proposed, Tokyo was ignored, Beijing’s “new” looms larger than ever ahead of bombs, the building of a light politically speaking, their mis- the business and consumer con- would drop a self-imposed ban seven-member politburo stand- next week’s presidential election water reactor and expanded ura- sile test could now spectacularly fidence that is so sorely lacking. on exercising its right to collec- ing committee is also dominated in South Korea. Park Geun-hye, nium enrichment – have elicited backfire south of the border. The election’s outcome remains tive self-defence, or aiding an ally by elderly conservatives. They can the conservative leader who is an angry response, with North Having been rudely reminded of uncertain, but the Democratic under attack. This would allow be expected to stick by Pyongyang favourite to become South Korea’s Korean state media labelling her the Northern threat, undecided party’s unpopular prime minister, Japan’s military to shoot down in the event of a fight. first female president in the 19 a fascist. South Koreans may be expected Yoshihiko Noda, is struggling to a North Korean missile heading THE GUARDIAN FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2012 VIEWS www.thepeninsulaqatar.com 07 Six hands of Mohammed Mursi In Bahrain, remnants The Muslim of a revolution BY DAVID KENNER most common grievance of Sitra Brotherhood residents: Ayatollah Isa Qasim, am not a prince of the country’s leading Shia cleric, Sunni Bahrain; I am issued a call to “crush” anyone conflict not a prince of Shia seen abusing a woman. “IBahrain. I am a prince Some of Sitra’s citizens are management of the Kingdom of Bahrain.” So in hiding from the police — but said H E King Hamad bin Isa Al they are doing so in plain sight, Khalifa last weekend to an assem- depending on a network of look- philosophy is bled crowd at the Ritz-Carlton. outs to inform them when the Two large screens beamed his face feared security forces are coming. two-pronged out to the ballroom; dinner was Youssef Hassan Ali, a 35-year-old grilled salmon, dessert was burnt sporting a goatee and wearing a cream custard. white mesh Nike shirt, was one and seemingly The International Institute such man. He says he spent four for Strategic Studies’ Manama months in jail earlier this year, incoherent. Dialogue, which was cancelled and is again the target of the reg- in 2011 due to the government’s ular police raids into the village. BY MOHAMED EL repression of popular protests, Sitting under a makeshift tent in DAHSHAN returned to Bahrain this year — Mahazza, he claims he still does not without some criticism. It’s not know why. he intractability of the sort of event that attracts “The purpose of the crackdown the problem in Egypt foreign-policy bigwigs from across is to incite fear and terror in peo- is caused by the pres- the globe, where the most inter- ple’s hearts,” he says. ence of three, not two, esting conversations happen away Anti-regime demonstrations parties to the current from microphones, and where are officially banned in Bahrain, Tdispute. secretaries general of the Gulf but protesters have successfully A supporter of President Mohammed Mursi shouts slogans during a rally in Cairo. The first of these parties is the Cooperation Council orate on the carved out a niche for their rev- protesters: those demanding a history of international mediation olution that is tolerated by the civil state and a proper constitu- The political disagreement, dozens of people, demanding from offered to hold a “national dia- in Yemen. security services. In the village of tion guaranteeing human rights between the protesters and the them bogus confessions that they logue.” His proposal was shunned The dialogue, however, gave Diraz on Sunday, the February 14 for all, which the current draft government, has been com- were paid agents or members of by nearly all opposition leaders, journalists and foreign officials an Movement, a hardline opposition does not. They are women and pounded by another: between the Mubarak’s former party. but he nevertheless went ahead opportunity to see for themselves group, strung up posters, assem- men, old and young, Christian and opposition protesters and the The protesters were objecting with a meeting of sorts, issued a how the wounds of last year are bled a stage and organised rows of Muslim, poor and rich. Muslim Brotherhood foot soldiers. to Mursi’s constitutional decree new constitutional declaration healing in the kingdom, which is chairs for their demonstration — The second is the state, rep- For the latter, though, the conflict of November 22, which put him, that resolved nothing and insisted notoriously stingy on doling out a two-hour-long event that could resented by the three-headed isn’t political — it’s religious and the Islamist-dominated con- that the constitutional referen- visas. hydra of Mursi, Badie and Al moral. stituent assembly and the draft dum be held on time. The crown prince said that PROTESTERS HAVE Shater. President Mohammed Having parallel disagreements constitution that assembly was The second approach, which “relative calm” had returned to CARVED OUT A NICHE Mursi is the public face of the on two different planes ensures supposed to produce, above judi- appears inconsistent with the Bahrain, but the reality is that the FOR THEIR REVOLUTION beast. Mohammed Badie is the the impossibility of reaching a cial oversight. previous one, finds expression in island is still profoundly divided — Brotherhood’s Supreme Guide, middle ground. It doesn’t end there. The men nervous reactions that demand culturally, economically and polit- THAT IS TOLERATED whose words address the mem- I don’t think I’ve ever been as who tortured the protesters sub- an immediate ending to the sit- ically. The conference is held in a BY THE SECURITY bers of the Brotherhood. Kairat concerned for Egypt as I have this sequently handed their victims to uation and believe in violence bubble: Police in armoured trucks SERVICES. Al Shater is the organisation’s week. The only even remotely the national police, who arrested as a viable means. The short- stand guard over deserted roads, most powerful man and its most comparable moment that I can them. The victims, not the tortur- temperedness of Mursi (or who- armed with guns and video cam- prominent strategist. The panic recall was the dawn of Thursday, ers: not a single one of the latter ever is calling the shots behind eras; the bar at the Ritz, Trader not have escaped the notice of of these three men introduced February 3, 2011, the day follow- was apprehended. The victims him) goes against all the flowery Vic’s, features a menu decorated the police. There was, however, the third party into the current ing one of the worst battles of the were kept for two days, after promises of dialogue and national with a drawing of a topless woman no attempt to break up the rally. dispute. Egyptian revolution. Broken and which a judge recognised they unity that he made during his serenading a visiting sailor. The religious mixed easily with This third party is the hordes bandaged figures moved slowly were innocent and released them. campaign and his early accept- But a different Bahrain exists the political in Diraz. One poster of Muslim Brotherhood support- through the cold morning mist in The sit-in endured, and on ance speeches. a short drive away. The first hint featured a drawing of Shiite mar- ers. They are columns of men Tahrir Square, which still smelled Friday a protest estimated at 1.5m For a while it seemed that is the dark purple paint dotting tyr Hussein Ibn Ali — facing off — almost always men — who like sulfur. people returned to the square. the combination of ingredi- walls and buildings — the govern- against him were Bahrain riot are bussed into Cairo from out- That morning, my heart sank. I A Muslim Brotherhood ally, ents was working. The govern- ment’s attempt to cover up anti- police. Another showed a helicop- lying neighbourhoods and cities wondered to myself how we got to Salafi leader Hazem Abou Ismail, ment reinforced its moves with regime graffiti. In the town of ter and tank besieging a mosque: for use as the Brotherhood’s foot that place. And wondered where publicly threatened to send his a Mubarakist propaganda policy Sitra, a predominantly Shia area “Are you fighting the house of soldiers. They serve as protesters we were going. supporters to violently break the that sought to dehumanise the known for its radicalism, police God,” read the inscription. at one moment, as hired guns at That’s very much how I feel sit-in. He also sent his supporters Brotherhood’s political oppo- blockade the main entrances to The masked opposition activ- another. The reasons they so obe- this week. Usually, things appear to the “Media Production City,” a nents, publicly exhorting its sup- most neighbourhoods. Inside the ists assembled tables of food and diently follow orders is twofold: worse than they actually are. compound housing a number of porters to take action to “defend” villages, posters read “Terrorism set up a video projector — a low- First, the Muslim Brotherhood Today, things are significantly satellite channels, with explicit the president’s legitimacy. The is an US industry” — condemn- budget version of the king’s pres- indoctrination method requires worse than they appear. threats of violence. He, too, was Brotherhood even resorted to ing President Barack Obama and entation at the Ritz-Carlton. absolute faith in the group’s Last Wednesday, columns of not apprehended. stealing the names and images John Timoney, the American law “We were sitting there peace- hierarchical leadership. Second, angry men, belonging to the The Muslim Brotherhood con- of victims within the ranks of enforcement officer charged with fully,” said Ali, an activist wear- those in charge are force-feeding Brotherhood or supporting it, flict management philosophy the opposition, passing them off suppressing Bahrain’s protests, as ing a pinstriped suit who led them with hatred of the protest- attacked protesters who had over- is two-pronged and seemingly as their own. The chutzpah is criminals. the proceedings at the rally, as ers, and they are correspondingly nighted in the street, ransacking incoherent. befuddling. “If you want to see police, wait a video rolled about the govern- convinced that those who oppose their peaceful encampment by the First, Mursi and his entourage But the reliance on the Muslim until 7:30 (at night),” says a man ment crackdown on protesters Mursi’s decisions are in fact god- presidential palace. The attack- have pursued a strategy of “run- Brotherhood rank-and-file, who gave his name as Said Adnan at Manama’s Pearl Roundabout less heathens who are also paid ers burned the protesters’ tents, ning out the clock,” under the fuelled by religious rage, scream- in Mahazza, a village within Sitra. last year. “They were the ones foreign agents who want to ruin robbed their few belongings, and assumption that time is on their ing “O Islam” is an extreme meas- “They break into houses, see who attacked . . . and now they Egypt. beat up and injured hundreds, side. The government remained ure that one did not expect to see women sleeping without their” are trying to say it was us who And this is where the problem killing several. They kidnapped silent for the first bloody 48 hours so early. — he drew his hands around his attacked the police.” becomes intractable. and tortured — tortured — several of the conflict, after which Mursi WP-BLOOMBERG face to signify a veil. It was the WP-BLOOMBERG

US confronts limits of ‘shame and sanction’ policy on N Korea BY ANDREW QUINN technologically backward and weapons programmes in return bizarre country. This is no longer for US food aid. orth Korea’s successful acceptable,” Victor Cha, a North That deal quickly collapsed as rocket launch poses a Korea expert at the Centre for North Korea defied international fresh quandary for the Strategic and International pressure and pushed ahead with NUnited States, under- Studies wrote in an analysis fol- an earlier rocket launch in April. scoring how its “shame and sanc- lowing the launch. That test failed when the rocket tion” approach to Pyongyang has “The question is, will the United broke apart in mid-flight. failed to stop the country’s dan- States do something else given the The United States and its allies gerous advances in both nuclear new strategic threat posed by the say such launches are tantamount and missile technology, analysts North, or will we wait for them to a test of ballistic missile tech- and officials said on Wednesday. to cross the next threshold to nology forbidden by UN Security The Obama administration has becoming a full-fledged nuclear Council resolutions. North Korea condemned Wednesday’s launch threat to the US homeland?” says they are part of a civilian as a “highly provocative act” for space programme. which there would be “conse- FEARS, SETBACKS AND Analysts say North Korea quences” and has began working FAILURES still has a long way to go before at the UN Security Council on US officials say their path has it becomes a direct threat to steps which could broaden exist- been complicated by continued the United States. But with key ing sanctions on North Korea - resistance from Beijing, which US allies including Japan and already the most isolated country is already embroiled in mari- South Korea increasingly anx- in the world. . time territorial disputes with US ious, pressure is likely to build on Officials say the immediate US allies and wary of a US strategy Washington to develop some new task is to try to win stronger sup- of rebalancing its military forces strategies. port from China — North Korea’s from the Middle East and South “The ability to boost a rocket lone major ally — for enforcing Asia toward the Asia Pacific. and keep it afloat for just over A video grab from KCNA shows the Unha-3 (Milky Way 3) rocket lifting off at the North Korea’s West Sea Satellite existing sanctions and poten- “Administrations of both par- nine minutes has very little to Launch Site, at the satellite control centre in Cholsan county, North Pyongan province. tially agreeing to new steps such ties have worked at this prob- do with hitting Seattle, but you as adding more entities to the lem for decades. No one has yet are much more nervous if you are UN blacklist, banning travel and found a solution that will stick, Japan or the Philippines,” said “This is taking them in the change in policy and attitude in discussion” on the best way freezing assets of individual North and that’s largely because all of George Lopez, a North Korea ana- wrong direction,” Nuland said. dealings with North Korea. And forward. Korean officials, and tightening of the major players have never lyst at University of Notre Dame. “He can spend his time and his the first thing I think we have “The word ‘ridiculous’ was a cargo-inspection regime. agreed to line up together,” one money shooting off missiles, or he to do is have a serious bilat- used more than once,” the diplo- But beyond that, US policy senior administration official ARMS OR AID can feed his people. But he can’t eral discussion with China,” mat said, speaking on condition options look thin in the face of said, speaking on condition of State Department spokes- have both.” Rep Mike Rogers, the Michigan of anonymity. fresh evidence that North Korea anonymity. woman Victoria Nuland said US Wednesday’s launch prompted Republican who chairs the House Ultimately, analysts say that is on its way toward marrying its US officials stress that the officials were consulting with fresh calls in the US Congress for of Representatives Intelligence Washington may yet find a way to nuclear programme to a missile Obama administration has major US Asian allies, as well as more pressure on China to rein Committee, said in an interview. edge back into multilateral “six- capable of hitting the US West repeatedly sought to set rela- with China, on the next steps. in its belligerent and impover- Early signs have not been party” disarmament talks which Coast. tions with Pyongyang on a more But she indicated there was little ished ally, along with demands encouraging. In a UN Security broke down in 2008. Despite pre- “There has been an unspoken positive track, culminating in a immediate appetite for new over- for a fresh look at missile defence Council debate on possible new vious setbacks and failures, little tendency in the United States framework agreement early this tures to North Korean leader Kim preparations of the United States sanctions on Wednesday, one else appears likely to work, they to discount these tests as yet year that would have North Korea Jong-un, who took power last year and its allies. diplomat said US and Chinese said. another foolish attempt by the suspend major elements of its following the death of his father. “This should be cause for a representatives had a “spirited REUTERS FRIDAY 14 DECEMBER 2012 08 www.thepeninsulaqatar.com INTERNATIONAL

US, Canada and Australia begins probe UK reject UN telecom treaty into royal prank call over Internet rift

Nurse who took call found hanged, says London police WASHINGTON: The United States is refusing to sign a glo- CANBERRA/LONDON: Saldanha was found hanging by parent company of 2Day FM, has bal telecom treaty being nego- Australia’s media regulator a scarf. Three notes were discov- apologised for the stunt. It said on tiated at a UN gathering in launched an investigation yes- ered at the scene. Tuesday it would donate its adver- Dubai because it opens the door terday into a prank call by a “There were also some inju- tising revenue until the end of the to governmental regulation of radio station to a London hos- ries to the wrist,” he told the year to a fund for Saldanha’s fam- the Internet, the US delegation pital treating Prince William’s coroner Fiona Wilcox in a small, ily, with a minimum contribution chief said yesterday. pregnant wife, after the nurse wood-panelled court packed with of A$500,000 ($525,000). “The United States today who took the call committed reporters. Saldanha’s family did Southern Cross and its two pre- announced it cannot sign (the suicide. not attend. senters, Mel Greig and Michael treaty regulations) in their current Jacintha Saldanha was found In a brief statement, the Christian, have faced a barrage form,” Terry Kramer, the head of hanged, police told a coroner’s Australian Communications of criticism. the US delegation to the World inquest in London, days after and Media Au