FRIDAY NOVEMBER 20, 2020 RABI AL-AKHAR 5, 1442 VOL.14 NO. 5109 QR 2

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Nation 3 Business 7 Sports 10 Ajyal fest opens with a ICC Qatar backs call Bangladesh nalise lm celebrating for G20 to nance squad for crucial tie resilience, creativity SMEs amid COVID-19 against Qatar

QATAR GETS LEADING UN ROLE Sheikha Alya appointed to lead negotiations on UNSC reform QNA issues related to Security Coun- NEW YORK cil reform. The appointment of the State of Qatar and Bozkir said, in a letter to UN the Republic of Poland by the United Nations PRESIDENT of the 75th Session Member States, the General As- General Assembly to lead the facilitation of Amir condoles with of the United Nations General sembly decided to continue the negotiations on the reform of the UN Security Assembly Volkan Bozkir has ap- intergovernmental negotiations Somali president pointed Permanent Representa- on Security Council reform at Council. Ambassador Sheikha Alya bint Ahmed tive of Qatar to the United Na- an informal session of the Gen- bin Saif Al Thani selected for this mission an QNA tions Ambassador HE Sheikha eral Assembly during its 75th international recognition of Qatar’s position in DOHA Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani session. the organization and its belief in developing its work in accordance and Permanent Representative He added that this early ap- with the principle of multilateralism. HIS Highness the Amir of State of Qatar of Poland Ambassador Joanna pointment should provide an Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on Wronecka to lead and facilitate HE Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin opportunity for Member States Thursday sent a cable of condolences negotiations on Security Council Saif Al Thani. to start consultations on issues to President of the Federal Republic of reform. related to Security Council re- recognition of the role of the State develop the mechanisms of work Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on The move is in accordance council in terms of equitable rep- form at an appropriate time. of Qatar in the United Nations, of the international organisation the death of former prime minister Omar with General Assembly resolu- resentation and increasing the Appointing HE Ambassador its belief in the principle of mul- to achieve its goals, including the Arte Ghalib. tions calling for reform of the number of its members and other Sheikha Alya to this task comes in tilateralism and its keenness to Security Council reform. WISH 2020 concludes with calls to advance innovation to overcome health challenges

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA Health must be an integral 132 referred to Public BRINGING together more than 60,000 people from across the Prosecution for not globe, the fifth World Innova- component to living a wearing masks tion Summit for Health (WISH) – held virtually for the first time– fulfilled life: Sheikha Hind QNA concluded on Thursday, with DOHA calls to advance innovation and CATHERINE W GICHUKI our education system”. How- global collaboration to overcome DOHA ever, she didn’t think that add- THE designated authorities on Thursday re- healthcare challenges. ing it to school’s assignments ferred 132 people to the Public Prosecution Featuring more than 300 HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad or looking at it as a matrix to for not wearing masks in places that re- global speakers and 100 sessions, Al Thani, Vice Chairperson and improve school performance is quired them. They also referred 10 people attendees heard from interna- Chief Executive Of cer of Qatar going to solve the issue. to the Public Prosecution for violating the tional health ministers, scientists, Foundation, has called for mak- “If we look at the issue maximum number of four people in a ve- academics, public health leaders, ing health an integral component more holistically, the rst step hicle including the driver, except for cases and policymakers. Also, more to living a ful lled life. becomes identifying how schools when they are members of one family. than 15 policy-focused research Sultana Afdhal, CEO of WISH, encouraged participants and conference “We need to take a step themselves are contributing to The measure is in line with the Cabinet reports were released over the partners to move forward with innovation in healthcare. back and look at health as an the mental health crisis such as decision, decree law no 17 of 1990 on course of the five-day summit. integral component to living a what are the effects of regular communicable diseases, and the precau- At the closing ceremony, Sul- Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Direc- has powerfully demonstrated that ful lled life. It needs to be part exams on children, competitive tionary measures in force in the country tana Afdhal, CEO of WISH, en- tor-General of the World Health there are many other pressing is- of a holistic learning environment sports and bullying,” she added. to contain the spread of the coronavirus couraged participants and con- Organization, who said that the sues, including climate change, that we create for our children,” Sheikha Hind said to ensure (COVID-19). ference partners to move forward world had a responsibility to en- that continue to urgently require Sheikha Hind said during a panel students’ wellbeing they needed The designated authorities called on with innovation in healthcare. sure that all countries around the our focus and expertise and that discussion at the World Innova- to look about creating a less the public to adhere to the precautionary “I look forward to continuing world enjoy the benefits of inno- collaboration is the key to solving tion Summit for Health (WISH) anxious future for them. measures in place to ensure their safety our collaboration in the months vation. many global healthcare issues. 2020 on Thursday. Talking about how to em- and the safety of others. and years ahead as this commu- He said, “The pandemic is a Although WISH 2020 is now con- She was among the forum power children, Sheikha Hind nity — the WISH community — once-in-a-century crisis, but it is cluding, our work to highlight and panelists who discussed ‘The said, “To empower children is to continues to address and take on also an opportunity to harness engage health does not.” Role of Schools in Child and give them adequate tools that healthcare issues that result in the power of innovation for the WISH announced two grand Adolescent Health’. can cater to their unique needs real and long-lasting change,” she healthier, safer, and more sus- prize winners from the 30 win- She said when “we think and allow them to grow in a safe, said. tainable world we all want.” ning innovators to be selected as of mental health, it is a critical healthy and nurturing environ- Qatar’s COVID-19 recoveries Her message echoed the In her closing remarks, Sul- part of their Innovation compe- subject that is really missing in ment.” PAGE 14 reach 133,691 (PG 2 ) opening message of Dr Tedros tana Afdhal added: “This summit tition. PAGE 14

Ooredoo warns against QA to launch three weekly December vaccine rollout phishing scams THE Ooredoo Group has cautioned its cus- tomers against phishing scams that seek to flights to Abuja from Nov 27 possible: BioNTech CEO steal personal information through fraudulent AFP regions this year still,” said Sahin, 55, who emails and website pop-ups purporting to FRANKFURT AM MAIN, is also BioNTech’s chief executive. “We be from the telecom major. “We’ve seen a may even start delivering the vaccine rise in the number of counterfeit emails and BIONTECH co-founder Ugur Sahin in December,” he said, adding that, “if websites lately. Remember, we won’t EVER on Thursday said the frontrunner everyone works together very closely”. send you an unsolicited request for personal COVID-19 vaccine his German firm is The BioNTech/Pfizer shot and an- information through email, or via pop-up win- developing with Pfizer could be rolled other one being developed by US firm dows on a website,” Ooredoo said in a video out before the year is over in the United Moderna have taken the lead in the posted on Twitter. The group has called on its States or Europe. global chase for a vaccine, after large- customers to stay alert and not share their QATAR Airways (QA) will operate three weekly ights to Abuja, Nigeria, via Lagos from November “We are working at full speed,” he scale trial data this month showed that OTPs. “OTP is a One-time Password used to 27, the sixth new destination announced by the national carrier of Qatar since the start of the told AFP, confirming that the compa- their jabs were around 95 percent ef- verify your identity. Scammers can access pandemic. The Abuja service will be operated by the airline’s state-of-the-art Boeing 787 Dream- nies planned to apply for emergency fective against COVID-19. The twin your account and make transactions with liner featuring 22 seats in Business Class and 232 seats in Economy Class. Qatar Airways Group use authorisation of their jab in the US breakthroughs have lifted hopes for your OTP,” it warned. Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker said, “We are delighted to be launching ights to the capital of on Friday, while European regulators an end to a pandemic that has infect- “Verify the URL in your web browser ad- Nigeria. With the strong Nigerian diaspora in Europe, US and the UK, we are thrilled to now be will receive another batch of data “next ed more than 56 million people and dress bar, don’t ever click links on an email ying to Abuja in addition to our existing Lagos ights which started back in 2007. We look week”. caused more than 1.3 million deaths purporting to be from us.” The group has forward to working closely with our partners in Nigeria to steadily grow this route and support “There is a chance that we can receive worldwide since the virus first emerged urged the public to report any suspicious the recovery of tourism and trade in the region.” (TNN) PAGE 2 approval from the US or Europe or both in China late last year. requests on its hotline 111 or of cial email [email protected]. (TNN) 02 Friday, November 20, 2020

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Quick read Qatar Airways to launch 3 weekly ights to Deputy Amir sends condolences to Somalia president THE Deputy Amir His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al Thani sent on Thursday a cable of condolences to President of Somalia Mohamed Abdullahi Farmaajo on the death of former Nigeria’s capital Abuja from November 27 prime minister Omar Arte Ghalib. (QNA) flight entertainment system. The new ights will raise QA’s network in Africa QA travellers from Africa PM sends condolences to Somalian counterpart can now enjoy new baggage al- PRIME Minister and Minister of Interior HE Sheikh Khalid bin to over 65 weekly ights across 20 destinations lowances ranging from 46 Kg Khalifa bin Abdulaziz Al Thani sent on Thursday a cable of con- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK tive Akbar Al Baker said, “We for Economy Class split over dolences to Prime Minister of Somalia Mohamed Hussein Roble DOHA are delighted to be launching two pieces, and 64 Kg split over on the death of former prime minister Omar Arte Ghalib. (QNA) flights to the capital of Nigeria. two pieces in Business Class. QATAR Airways (QA) will op- With the strong Nigerian di- This initiative is designed to of- Qatar attends meeting of GCC erate three weekly flights to aspora in Europe, the US and fer passengers more flexibility ministers of Islamic Affairs Abuja, Nigeria, via Lagos from the UK, we are thrilled to now wanting to travel to or from dishu, Nairobi, Seychelles, and comfort when travelling on November 27, the airline has be flying to Abuja in addition Nigeria can now enjoy seam- Tunis and Zanzibar. board QA. More information is QATAR participated in the sixth meeting of the ministers of announced. This is the sixth to our existing Lagos flights less connectivity via the Best In line with the airline’s available at https://www.qata- Islamic Affairs and Endowments in the Gulf Cooperation Council new destination announced which started back in 2007. Airport in the Middle East, expanding operations across rairways.com/en-qa/baggage/ (GCC) countries. The meet was held via videoconferencing on by the national carrier of Qa- We look forward to working Hamad International Airport Africa, passengers can look allowance.html Thursday. Dr Khalifa bin Jassim Al Kuwari, adviser to Minister of tar since the start of the COV- closely with our partners in (HIA). By mid-December, QA forward to warm African hos- Endowments and Islamic Affairs, represented the ministry in the ID-19 pandemic. Nigeria to steadily grow this will operate over 65 weekly pitality onboard with the car- Abuja Flight Schedule: Wednes- meeting. The meeting discussed a host of topics and issues of The Abuja service will be route and support the recov- flights to 20 destinations in rier’s multicultural cabin crew day, Friday & Sunday common concern, most importantly, the role of Endowments and operated by the airline’s state- ery of tourism and trade in the Africa, including Accra, Addis including more than 30 Afri- Doha (DOH) to Abuja (ABV) Islamic Affairs ministries, in addition to utilising modern com- of-the-art Boeing 787 Dream- region.” Ababa, Cape Town, Casablan- can nationalities. Additionally, QR1419 departs: 01:10 arrives: munication means, training and developing the performance of liner featuring 22 seats in With flights to more than ca, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, passengers across our network 11:35 Friday Prayer preachers and renewing religious discourse. (QNA) Business Class and 232 seats 85 destinations in Asia-Pacific, Durban, Entebbe, Johannes- can also enjoy a variety of Af- Abuja (ABV) to Doha (DOH) in Economy Class. Europe, the Middle East and burg, Kigali, Kilimanjaro, La- rican movies, TV shows and QR1420 departs: 16:20 arrives: Shura Council attends GCC coordination meeting QA Group Chief Execu- North America, passengers gos, Luanda, Maputo, Moga- music on Oryx One, QA’s in- 05:35 +1 THE Shura Council participated in the 13th meeting of the Parliamentary Coordination and Foreign Relations Committee of the Shura, Representatives, National and Ummah Councils in the GCC countries, held remotely on Thursday. The meeting discussed preparations for the meeting of the heads of Gulf QU, Aryan Properties sign legislative councils, slated to be held on Monday via video con- QF schools educate students ferencing. The Shura Council was represented in the meeting by agreement to collaborate Council members HE Hadi bin Saeed Al Khayareen and HE Mo- hamed bin Ali Al Maadeed as well as Shura Council Secretary- about how to combat bullying on research, consultancy General HE Fahad bin Mubarak Al Khayareen. (QNA) TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA & transfer of knowledge Qatar attends ministerial committee meeting on GCC joint work resolutions QATAR Foundation schools TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK lights QU CENG’s ongoing have held a series of activities DOHA efforts to address local chal- QATAR participated in the 21st meeting of the ministerial com- as part of Anti-Bullying Week lenges in line with national mittee charged with following up the implementation of resolu- involving both teachers and stu- QATAR University’s College of priorities for a knowledge- tions on GCC joint work. The meeting took place on Thursday dents to help raise awareness of Engineering (QU-CENG) on based economy. It will also via video conferencing. Qatar’s delegation to the meeting was the most effective ways to com- Thursday signed a memoran- serve to facilitate knowledge chaired by Secretary-General of the Cabinet HE Hamad bin bat various forms of bullying. dum of understanding (MoU) and technology transfer and Ahmed Al Mohannadi. (QNA) The activities are designed with Aryan Properties to es- to provide consultancy and to teach students the right ways tablish collaboration in the research services that will help Qatar participates in meeting of to respond to a victimiser and to fields of research, consulting to drive socio-economic devel- Non-Aligned Movement and China highlight how silently observing and knowledge transfer. opment and sustainability in QATAR participated in the virtual meeting of ambassadors of harassment contributes to its es- The activities are designed to teach students the right ways to CENG Dean Dr Khalid Ka- the State of Qatar.” members of the Non-Aligned Movement and China accredited calation – and to the victimisa- respond to bullying. mal Naji and Aryan Proper- Aryan Properties CEO by the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons tion of its target. ties CEO Mohammed Hussein Mohammed Hussein Al Ali (OPCW). Qatar was represented in the meeting by Ambassador At Awsaj Academy, a pre- to discuss it with students. “During November, students Al Ali signed the MoU in the said, “We are proud to sign a of Qatar to the Netherlands and Permanent Representative of university education school un- “Our Bully Blockers – a from primary to secondary stage presence of officials from both memorandum of understand- Qatar to the OPCW HE Abdullah bin Hussein Al Jaber. The meet- der the Qatar Foundation (QF) group of students from differ- have learned about many ways institutions. ing with the College of Engi- ing discussed the agenda of the 25th session of the Confer- specialising in addressing the ent grades formed five years ago to fight bullying, such as how It aims to establish col- neering at Qatar University ence of the States Parties which will take place from Nov. 30 to needs of students with learning – have shown proactivity and to identify the characteristics of laboration between QU and in order to complement the Dec. 4 in The Hague. (QNA) difficulties, teaching social skills enthusiasm through shooting safe and unsafe environments, Aryan in the academic re- efforts made by the education is an integral part of learning videos that raise awareness of how to respond to pressure – search and student training and industry sectors to sup- experience. The school holds bullying and how students can whether through cyberbully- and support field, as well as in port Qatar National Vision activities every year for Anti- defend themselves and others ing or peer pressure – how to the exchange of information 2030, and prepare future en- Bullying Week to teach students when they are faced with such identify their support system and advice. gineers, which comes as a part how to respond to intimidat- situations, as well as how they and people they can turn to at Through the MoU, CENG of the integration between the MoPH sees 208 new cases of ing behavior, and to emphasize can fight passivity and speak home, at school, or in their com- will provide Aryan with ad- academic and industrial sec- the importance of empathy and up when they witness an act of munity for help and advice, the vice and workshops covering tors.” coronavirus, 218 recoveries friendliness between students. bullying. We also asked the stu- reasons why we need to stand different areas. CENG faculty “Our long-term partner- “The issue of school bullying dents, together with their par- against bullying, and general in- will also support Aryan’s pro- ship will be reflected on both THE Ministry of Public Health is one that we need to address ents, to design their own T-shirt formation on digital citizenship jects by ensuring the transfer parties through joint activities (MoPH) on Thursday an- and stand against through con- with a statement that reflects an and how to be responsible on of knowledge and the progres- and programs, support for stu- nounced 208 new confirmed scious and effective approaches, anti-bullying slogan, and wear it the digital sphere,” said Aristea sive development of existing dents and graduates, and we cases of coronavirus (COV- particularly because it signifi- to school on a certain day.” Mastoraki, Student Counselor at projects. will endeavor to support edu- ID-19) within 24 hours. cantly affects the mental health At QF School Qatar Academy Qatar Academy Sidra. Commenting on the MoU, cation and capacity building According to the ministry, of children and young people,” Sidra, educating students about “All of these themes were CENG Dean Dr Khalid Kamal through social responsibility 159 of the cases were from said Sally Chalouhy, counsellor bullying and protection is part of addressed through activities Naji’s said, “The MoU high- programmes,” he added. the community while 49 were at Awsaj Academy. a social and emotional learning performed by students, together from travellers returning from “This year, cyberbullying framework that has been taught with their homeroom teachers. abroad who are subject to was at the center of our activities all year round for the past three They created scenarios simu- quarantine. during Anti-Bullying Week, due years. Each month is dedicated lating real-life situations and The MoPH also recorded to the exceptional circumstanc- to a specific theme, with Novem- ways to respond to bullying, and 218 recoveries from the virus es brought about by the COV- ber dedicated to learning how to presented them in the school within 24 hours, bringing the ID-19 pandemic and the transi- respond to bullying and person- assembly. They also had class total number of recoveries in tion to remote learning. These al protection, while December discussions and designed post- Qatar to 133,691. receiving necessary care ac- included sending out a detailed focuses on emotional manage- ers illustrating the right ways All new cases have been in- cording to their health status. presentation about online safety ment and February focuses on to handle the pressure of such troduced to isolation and are (QNA) to our teachers in order for them mindfulness. behaviors.”

QNA to take part in global press MME launches festival for Qatari farm products photo exhibition on coronavirus THE Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) on Thursday SEOUL: Qatar News Agency erness. launched a new festival for products (QNA), alongside 46 news agen- The photos, taken in 70 cities from Qatari farms. cies from all over the world, will across the world, will portray how Director of the Food Secu- participate in an exhibition of people live their lives and engage rity Department at the MME Ma- press photos illustrating life un- in acts of care despite the risks of soud Jarallah Al Marri said that der the coronavirus (COVID-19) infection and death. 150 farms are participating in this pandemic, in South Korea’s Na- Acting Director of the Nation- year’s event. He added that the fes- tional Museum of Korean Con- al Museum of Korean Contempo- tival, which takes place at the start temporary History, on Tuesday. rary History Choi Jang-heon said of the agricultural season each year, The exhibition, titled ‘At the in a press release, “The exhibited aims to support national products, Scenes of the Pandemic’, in- photos confirm that humanity is as part of the ministry’s strategy cludes 120 photos taken by pho- in the same boat despite differ- of promoting high-quality national tographers of 47 news agencies ences like country, region, ethnic- products. around the globe, expressing four ity and religion. [We hope] this He highlighted that the ministry themes: A Beginning Without an photo exhibition can help provide implemented a number of projects said that Qatar has signed many wide. he said, adding that the ministry End; Control vs. Freedom; World comfort and hope to everyone to encourage the farmers to improve free-trade agreements and that its The total production of Qatari aims to locally produce 70 percent of in Standstill, Contact-free is New who is struggling through this the quality of their products. He also markets are open to products world- agricultural reached 92,000 tonnes, the market need by 2023. (QNA) Norm; and Cooperation, Togeth- difficult time.” (QNA) Nation Friday, November 20, 2020 03 Ajyal fest opens with a lm celebrating resilience, creativity e Ajyal 2020 theme ‘ e Show Goes On’ draws on power of lm to inspire people to adapt, overcome and work towards a bright future TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE first-ever hybrid edition of the 8th Ajyal Film Festival, presented by the Doha Film Institute (DFI) from Novem- ber 18 to 23, opened with a glamorous red carpet event at Cultural Village Foundation (Katara). In line with the govern- ment’s health guidelines, the six-day event will be deliv- ered with a mix of virtual and Her Excellency Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani tive expression from wher- environment of intercultural youth, which when nurtured online streaming platform in-person elements. ever they are. understanding and respect of brings lasting social change and exciting new Drive-In On the occasion of the fes- culture’s rich history of liter- festival director and chief “This year’s Festival Ajyal.” and inspires great innova- Cinema in Lusail, Ajyal 2020 tival’s opening, HE Sheikha ature, art, music and perfor- executive officer of the DFI, theme ‘The Show Goes On’ Delivering important tors and problem-solvers of brings back the highly-antic- Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin mance serves to preserve our said: “In previous years, the aptly reflects the essence of messages of humanity, the tomorrow. ipated Made in Qatar pro- Khalifa Al Thani, Chairper- past and informs our unique size of our audiences were that spirit – one of vibrant festival opened with ‘Sun This year, the festival gramme presented by Oore- son of DFI, addressed the identity and perspective as limited to the number of creativity, community and Children’ (Iran/2020) by will showcase a diverse pro- doo, to celebrate emerging youth. “Ajyal 2020 offers a Arabs and as modern-day seats available; Ajyal 2020’s resilience. We are very proud Iranian director Majid Ma- gramme of 22 features and 58 film talents who call Qatar unique opportunity for you storytellers. Now it’s your new hybrid format breaks to embrace youth from all jidi, which made its debut at shorts, including 31 from the home. to connect with peers around turn to shine, as creative role these limitations and enables backgrounds and cultures the 77th Venice Internation- Arab World and 30 by women For up-to-date informa- the world who share your models for the generations of audiences from around the as they explore individual al Film Festival earlier this directors. tion and ticket reservation, passion for learning and dis- the future,” she said. globe to join in cinematic cel- freedom of thought, imagi- year. The film highlights the Expanding audience ac- visit: www.dohafilminstitute. covery through cinema. Our Fatma Hassan Alremaihi, ebration of culture and crea- nation and expression in the resilience and creativity of cess across the region via an com/festival. 16 lms by 18 Qatari directors, Doha artists portray new reality, Qatar-based lmmakers get a top platform to leave imprint hard times at ‘Outbreak’ expo AILYN AGONIA ism, and social and commer- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA cial aspects. DOHA “Moving forward amid FROM showing how QR codes COVID-19, we find ourselves A one-of-a-kind platform for are finally having a moment in a situation that is filled aspiring local filmmakers, the in this time of pandemic and with so much misinforma- 8th Ajyal Film Festival features the consumer behaviour para- tion. When we first started we 16 inspiring films by 18 Qa- digm amid COVID-19 to the didn’t really know how to deal tari directors and Qatar-based efforts to control virus spread with the situation, how it was filmmakers as part of the 2020 and reemergence of social dealt with and how it was sup- Made in Qatar programme pre- and political tensions across posed to be handled. The face sented by Ooredoo. the globe, the multi-media art in the middle of my artwork Suzannah Mirghani, di- exhibition titled ‘Outbreak’ talks about two meanings of rector of ‘Al-Sit’ (Sudan, Qa- which opened at the Sikkat transmission: transmitting in- tar/2020), remarked that her Noor Al-Asswad - Under the Yasser Mustafa Wadi Msheireb in Mshereib formation from one person to short is about female empow- Lemon Tree Downtown Doha on Thursday another and the idea of trans- erment in Sudan where young main actress and the character: presents a hard look on how mitting the virus,” said Mo- village women often become the and I am hopeful that Ajyal’s “I wanted to cast someone who the current challenges have Maryam Faraj Al Suwaidi hammed. head of the household once their international exposure will help not only understands the Pal- altered social norms while in- He also underlined the husband dies, creating a surpris- raise awareness.” estinian history but also truly spiring people to continue to many role of artists in this ing culture of matriarchy. Hissa G Al Mannai, director believes in our right of return. come to one another’s aid. trying times. He said. “Some Obada Yousef Jarbi, direc- of ‘Beyond Broken Walls’ (Qa- Her authenticity, nostalgia and The event featuring 24 lo- people chose to spread aware- tor of ‘Woman of Steel’ (Jordan, tar/2020), about an artist’s in- real-life memories came alive in cal talents is organised by the ness, some choose to explore Qatar/2020) about a tireless ternal struggle with self-expres- the film.” Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) the idea of COVID-19 and mother who takes to the streets sion, noted that “as a filmmaker, Mariam Al Dhubhan dis- 8th Ajyal Film Festival, in the struggles they have gone collecting and selling scrap I can relate to the artist in the cussed her latest film ‘No Words’ collaboration with Msheireb through as well. It’s a very metal as a means of providing story and his creative struggle (Yemen, Qatar, UK/2020), Properties, to promote local interesting dialogue and each for her family, emphasised that to find a way to authentically ex- which was remotely shot in the arts and support the creative artist end up taking a different “we have a certain description press himself”. heavily-contested city of Taiz in community. approach on how they handle for women especially in the On her artful coming-of-age Yemen. She commented: “By One of the crowd-pullers the situation.” Arab world, but it is the woman story ‘Under Her Skin’ (Qatar, telling our stories from our own in the featured collection is Other works on display who defines herself and makes France, Algeria/2020), Meriem perspectives, we serve our com- the work of Maryam Faraj al include an installation by AJ her own choices. With the film, Mesraoua said: “When you munities and depict the reality Suwaidi. Her art installation Al Thani titled ‘Sand Box’, I wanted to challenge the image recreate a very personal story of our home-country – not the titled ‘Oblivious Habits’ dra- ‘Screen and QR Codes (The of women in the Middle East through film, it is important to image the media creates. Shoot- matically portrays mundane New Reality)’ by Maryam Al and focus on their true agency”. find a balance between the per- ing the film from a fisheye per- daily habits of people and Homaid, ‘Series: Reclaimed Abdulaziz Yousif, director sonal and fictionalising it to gain spective without being in the their varied emotions such as by Nature’ by Roda Al Thani, of ‘Ya Hoota’ (Qatar/2019), the relevance for a wider audience.” country myself, amidst the pan- regret of loss of precious time, ‘It Will Be Controlled, Be Posi- story of a curious little girl and Yasser Mustafa, director of demic, posed a new challenge, fear and sense of survival, trig- Mohammed Al Suwaidi tive’ by Ali Al Mannai, ‘Isola- her cousin attempting to save ‘Stranger’ (Qatar, France/2020), particularly filming in a place gered by the global health cri- tion’ by Reem Al Haddad and the moon from a gigantic whale, praised DFI’s support to local where militia would rather have sis. each headline is considered express that, and as an artist I ‘Al Hazm Feast’ by Ibrahim Al said: “The film is set at a time filmmakers, saying: “We have people hold weapons than cam- “My work talks about how important,” Maryam said. feel honuoured and obligated Baker. when kids still had personal a wonderful artistic community eras. In many ways, the film- we can embrace the concept She stressed the important to deliver this message,” she Also on display are the relationships and communica- here in Qatar, which generates making experience and the au- of destruction which is an art role of artists in using their said. works of Shouq Al Manaa, tions without mobile phones positive competition and mu- dience perspective – observing concept common in other re- platform in such a dire situ- Mohammed Faraj Al Su- Hamad Al Fayhani, Noor Al to showcase the benefits of re- tual support. Through DFI, we without being able to act – re- gions. The objects put together ation as the pandemic. “Like waidi presents a series of Nasr, Saad Al Muslamani, duced screen time.” can all grow as creatives and flects the realities for the people for this art piece are chosen de- poets, philosophers, scientists, artworks depicting the con- Bothayna Al Zaman, Anfal Al Speaking on the value of derive inspiration from one an- on the ground.” liberately to express the things researchers and any other sumerism sentiment and Kandari, Mohammed Al Ham- short films, Muhammed Nou- other. Through the filmmaking The Made in Qatar pro- we are looking at and how we people, artists have a responsi- behaviour that continue to madi, Marsya Abdulghani, fal, director of ‘Shringar’ (Qa- process, I soon learned that I gramme at Ajyal 2020 cele- are approaching them at this bility in delivering a message, reflect the uncertainty of the Elie Fahed, Abdulaziz Yousef, tar/2020), said: “Children often had to reveal my own narrative brates the exciting state of film- very moment. Each piece is a specific hypothesis or their COVID-19 crisis. Adriane De Souza, Paul Valen- cannot digest long feature films, to understand the character and making in Qatar with a thrilling expressing a sense of emotions own perspective. As an artist, I He said the art pieces he tine, Sharefa Al Mannai, Reem so shorts are a perfect medium allow him to unfold on camera.” short narratives, animations and actions such as acceptance feel I have the responsibility to put together create a dialogue Al Haddad, Maha Al Subaey, to communicate important Noor Al Asswad, director of and documentaries that capti- and rejection. The newspapers express my perspective of giv- around the topic of the pan- Nasser Al Kubaisi and Ghada messages to the next generation. ‘Under the Lemon Tree’ (Qa- vate audiences of all ages and used are all bear headlines ing hope, giving a sense of ac- demic and show the idea of Al Khater. My story spotlights the topic of tar, Palestine/2020), touched deliver enduring messages of that we have not given much ceptance to the situation. Not culture in a society that has ‘Outbreak’ will be running child labour and exploitation, on the relationship between the hope and perseverance. attention to before, but now every person has the ability to built a habit over consumer- until December 10.

MME organises webinar on Inland Sea beckons on local tourists sustainable food security SANTHOSH CHANDRAN have caught an average of 15kg MESAIEED of fish on all our trips. It feels thrilling even after many times.” MANY people who do not know Considering the flow of the nature wonders hidden in tourists to Inland Sea, the lo- the Inland Sea or Khor Al-Adaid cal authority has put in place continue to ask ‘what is so spe- measures to enable people have cial about the place?’. itch-free experiences, including However, those who police patrol and medical assis- thronged Sealine, the gate way tance at the entrance of desert of the world’s most beautiful safari. sand dunes, say the place does “While on fishing, one of not only offer a usual fishing op- our member was slightly ir- portunity but provides a thrill- ritated by jellyfish. A medical QNA ticipated in the webinar. They ing off-road and sand dune team around the place came to DOHA exchange views on the best prac- drive, overnight stay in winter help us with first aid and ad- tices in Qatar and the Nether- tents and fishing in shallow wa- vised us to contact them or hel- THE Ministry of Municipal- lands in the field of food security. ter. A local relaxes in one of the beaches in the country. pline number if the person felt ity and Environment (MME) or- Dutch companies in the field As COVID-19 situation uncomfortable,” an expatriate ganised a webinar on the Dutch of greenhouse were briefed on makes it difficult to enjoy gath- ple to the Inland Sea to enjoy tures at Sealine said, “Over 500 in the Inland Sea shallow wa- said. strategy for sustainable food se- the development of food security ering at some public places, natural beauty of sand dunes vehicles have gone to Inland Sea ters. Inland Sea area is a remark- curity, in cooperation with the in Qatar. They also discussed beaches have become favourite and overnight stay packages at and sand dunes though our gate Speaking to Qatar Tribune, able landscape formed by a Embassy of the Netherlands in the prospects of cooperation destination for many local tour- desert offered by local tour op- in the last one week.” a member of group that arrived globally unique combination of Qatar. with their counterparts in Qa- ists. erators. According to the sources, at Inland Sea from Al Khor said, geological and geomorphologi- Officials from the two sides tar, stressing the importance of The pleasant winter has also Sources at a garage that pro- while family tourists prefer “We have been coming here for cal features in the southeastern and owners of companies oper- cooperation in the field of food attracted a large number of peo- motes sand dune driving adven- night stay, others enjoy fishing last the three weekends. We part of Qatar. ating in food security field par- security. 04 Friday, November 20, 2020 World Virus cases surge in Iran, On farewell ME tour Pompeo visits Morocco and Jordan: WHO

W Bank settlement, Golan Heights AFP CAIRO

Pompeo also said that Washington would designate as ‘anti-Semitic’ the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign IRAN, Jordan and Morocco have recorded thousands of AFP new Covid-19 infections in re- GOLAN HEIGHTS cent days, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on US Secretary of State Mike Thursday, warning that lock- Pompeo on Thursday became downs could not stamp out the the first top American diplomat Made in Israel pandemic. to visit a West Bank Jewish set- “More than 60 percent of tlement and the disputed Go- On a farewell tour of the all cases in the past week were lan Heights, cementing Donald Middle East, Pompeo also reported from three countries Trump’s strongly pro-Israel said exports from the -- the Islamic Republic of Iran, legacy. settlements could now be Jordan and Morocco,” WHO’s On a farewell tour of the labelled as “Made in Israel” regional director Ahmed Al- Middle East, Pompeo also said and called a boycott Mandhari said in a virtual press exports from the settlements movement against the Jewish conference. could now be labelled as “Made “Several other countries in Israel” and called a boycott state a “cancer” continue to see an increase in movement against the Jewish cases, including Lebanon and state a “cancer”. Pakistan. Countries that report- Pompeo held no meetings He said the new guidelines ed the largest increase in deaths with Palestinians, who protest- apply especially to Area C, the included Jordan, Tunisia, and ed his actions and dismissed large part of the West Bank Lebanon.” them as the latest sign of the where Israel retains full civil To date, the region covering outgoing Trump administra- and military control and where 22 countries from Morocco to tion’s strong bias against them. much of the settler population Pakistan has registered some Pompeo travelled aboard a lives. 3.6 million cases, out of a global Blackhawk helicopter, joined Area C also includes the total of 55 million. by Israeli Foreign Minister strategic Jordan Valley and But Mandhari warned that Gabi Ashkenazi, to the Golan many Palestinian communi- official case numbers in the re- Heights, a strategic territory ties, areas that Israel considers gion likely fall far short of the the Jewish state seized from to be disputed. reality. Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War. Pompeo’s announcement “We believe the actual num- “You can’t stand here and seemed to imply that even ber of confirmed cases across stare out at what’s across the Palestinian exports from Area the region to be even higher, border and deny the central C should be tagged as Israeli and the recent trends remain thing that President Donald US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (centre right) leaves following a security brie ng on Mount Bental in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, products -- as should the wine highly concerning,” he said. Trump recognised... This is a near Merom Golan on the border with Syria, on Thursday. (AFP) he sampled at Psagot. He stressed the need for part of Israel,” Pompeo said. Regarding products from a comprehensive approach to Last year, Trump’s ad- for a wide-ranging embargo movement. Pompeo -- who has so far Winemaker Yaakov Berg, areas under Palestinian con- managing the pandemic, with ministration controversially against Israel over its treat- Activists strongly deny the backed Trump in refusing to creator of the “Pompeo” wine, trol, they must now be marked targeted lockdowns and strict recognised Israeli sovereignty ment of the Palestinians. charge, comparing it to the concede defeat to President- told AFP that the US top dip- as coming from the West Bank adherence to personal preven- in the Golan, and Pompeo on “We will immediately take economic isolation that helped elect Joe Biden -- is on what lomat’s support will ensure he or Gaza, the coastal enclave tive measures. Thursday condemned what he steps to identify organisations bring down apartheid in South was likely his final major Eu- is remembered by Jews “100 controlled by the Hamas Is- “The increases we are seeing described as calls from “the sa- that engage in hateful BDS con- Africa. rope and Middle East tour in years from now”. lamist group. now are clearly a result of the eas- lons in Europe and in the elite duct and withdraw US govern- Condemning Pompeo’s an- the post. On the way there, Pompeo That decision effectively ing of lockdown and restrictions, institutions in America” for ment support for such groups,” nouncement, Human Rights Netanyahu, who has con- stopped at Qasr el Yahud, re- means that, at least through which succeeded in controlling Israel to return the Golan to Pompeo said after meeting Is- Watch said “the Trump admin- gratulated Biden, thanked vered as the site of the baptism Trump’s remaining days in of- the pandemic in our region in Syria. raeli Prime Minister Benjamin istration has no business trying Pompeo for his “unwavering of Jesus in the Jordan Valley. fice, the US will not recognise July and August,” he said. “Imagine with (Syrian Netanyahu. to tar groups because they back support” of Israel, first as CIA Pompeo said a year ago exports as coming from the In Iran, which has seen more President Bashar) al-Assad in “We want to stand with all boycotts,” which it said had director and later secretary of that the US no longer considers Palestinian Territories. than 43,000 deaths out of over control of this place, the risk of other nations that recognise been used to advance social state. Israeli settlements in the West The decision on labelling 815,000 reported cases since the the harm to the West and to Is- the BDS movement for the can- justice throughout American The US secretary of state Bank to be contrary to interna- “blatantly violates interna- start of the pandemic, the daily rael,” Pompeo said. cer that it is.” history. Thursday also became the first tional law. tional law,” said Nabil Abu number of confirmed infections Pompeo also said that Israel sees BDS as a stra- Amnesty International US top diplomat to visit a Jew- He took a further step on Rudeineh, a spokesman for is hovering at around 13,000, ac- Washington would designate tegic threat and has long ac- called BDS a “form of non- ish settlement in the occupied Thursday, announcing that Palestinian president Mahmud cording to official figures. as “anti-Semitic” the Boycott, cused it of anti-Semitism, and violent advocacy and of free West Bank, where the Psagot the US would now consider Abbas, dismissing it as yet an- Tehran has announced be- Divestment and Sanctions a law passed in 2017 allows it to expression that must be pro- winery has named one of its exports from much of the West other biased move by Trump’s tween 400-500 deaths a day for (BDS) campaign, which calls ban foreigners with links to the tected”. red blends after him. Bank as “Made in Israel”. administration. several weeks.

News in brief Australian special forces ‘unlawfully killed’ 39 in Afghanistan AFP ly and unreservedly” to the special investigator for war tempted to cushion the blow ecute the alleged war crimes, Delhi quadruples CANBERRA people of Afghanistan. crimes. of the report, telling Austral- a move aimed at forestalling mask nes as “This shameful record in- He also moved to revoke ians last week to brace for the any prosecution at the Inter- virus cases soar AUSTRALIA’S elite special cludes alleged instances in distinguished service medals “honest and brutal truths” national Criminal Court. forces “unlawfully killed” 39 which new patrol members awarded to special operations contained within the heav- The revelations will “defi- OFFICIALS in India’s capital Afghan civilians and prison- were coerced to shoot a pris- forces who served in Afghani- ily redacted document, which nitely” be used by the Taliban on Thursday quadrupled the ers, including summary execu- oner in order to achieve that Shameful stan between 2007 and 2013. censors many highly infam- to restate calls “for foreign nes dished out for people tions as part of initiation ritu- soldier’s first kill, in an appall- conduct After the September 11, matory details. forces to withdraw from Af- not wearing face masks as als, according to evidence in a ing practice known as ‘blood- 2001 attacks, more than Morrison also called his ghanistan”, Srinjoy Bose, an coronavirus cases soar in searing military inquiry now ing’.” The report also reported 26,000 Australian uniformed Afghan counterpart Wednes- international relations lec- the megacity, overwhelming being referred to a special war The report also reported evidence that troops were personnel were sent to Af- day to foreshadow “some dis- turer at the University of New hospitals and graveyards crimes prosecutor. evidence that troops were engaged in “body count ghanistan to fight alongside turbing allegations” that the South Wales, told AFP. even as the government A years-long internal in- engaged in “body count com- competitions”, and covered up US and allied forces against government was taking “very “I would imagine that resists calls for another vestigation into military mis- petitions”, and covered up unlawful killings by staging the Taliban, Al-Qaeda and seriously”. the Australian presence in lockdown. The penalty hike conduct was released Thurs- unlawful killings by staging skirmishes, planting weapons other Islamist groups. The office of President Afghanistan, for the coming to 2,000 rupees ($27) day, prompting the Chief of skirmishes, planting weapons and adding names to target Australian combat troops Ashraf Ghani said Morrison weeks and months, will be af- announced by New Delhi’s the Australian Defence Force and adding names to target lists retrospectively officially left the country in had “expressed his deepest forded greater protection.” chief minister came as In- to admit a “destructive” cul- lists retrospectively. 2013, but since then a series sorrow over the misconduct”. The revelations are also a dia’s total coronavirus case- ture of impunity among spe- The military’s own in- of often-brutal accounts have The Afghan Ministry of serious blow to the prestige of load neared nine million, cial forces leading to a string spector general produced the sation be paid to the families emerged about the conduct of Foreign Affairs labelled the ac- the country’s military, which is the second-highest in the of alleged murders and cover- harrowing 465-page official of victims, and the military elite special forces units. tions detailed in the report as widely revered by Australians. world. “At times when words ups spanning years. inquiry into events between makes a slew of reforms. They range from reports “unforgivable” but acknowl- Its historic campaigns -- alone don’t do the trick, we “Some patrols took the law 2005 and 2016 that detailed Campbell went a step fur- of troops killing a six-year-old edged its publication as an from Gallipoli in World War have to get a bit tougher,” into their own hands, rules dozens of killings “outside the ther, saying those involved child in a house raid, to a pris- “important step towards jus- I to Kokoda in Papua during chief minister Arvind Kejri- were broken, stories con- heat of battle”. had brought a “stain” on their oner being shot dead to save tice”. World War II -- have played wal told a news conference, cocted, lies told and prisoners It recommended 19 indi- regiment, on the armed forces space in a helicopter. Last week, Morrison an- a crucial role in fostering the also tweeting that the city killed,” General Angus Camp- viduals be referred to Austral- and on Australia, and would - ‘Brutal truths’ -Prime nounced the appointment of country’s identity, independ- of 20 million was on a “war bell said, apologising “sincere- ian Federal Police, compen- be referred to the office of the Minister Scott Morrison at- a special investigator to pros- ent of colonial power Britain. footing”. (AFP)

Ethiopia accuses WHO chief of backing Tigray Imran Khan vows to help stem Afghan bloodshed ETHIOPIA’S army chief on AFP wards a ceasefire.” which they accuse of meddling Thursday accused WHO KABUL Khan said it was Pakistan in domestic affairs, aiding boss Tedros Adhanom that first persuaded the Tali- the Taliban and deliberately Ghebreyesus -- the country’s PAKISTANI Prime Minister Pakistan will do everything, ban to talk to Washington in destabilising Afghanistan. highest-pro le Tigrayan Imran Khan visited war-torn whatever is possible, we will 2018 for negotiations that Islamabad has long denied abroad -- of lobbying for and neighbour Afghanistan on do to help reduce this eventually yielded a with- such claims, though many seeking to arm leaders in Thursday, where he vowed to violence and in fact move drawal deal for all foreign senior Taliban leaders live in the conict-torn dissident help reduce spiralling violence forces. the city of Quetta in southwest region. Prime Minister Abiy and push for a ceasefire be- towards a cease re He also credited Islama- Pakistan and militants have Ahmed unleashed a mili- tween the Taliban and Afghan Prime Minister Imran Khan bad’s efforts in helping start in the past enjoyed relatively tary campaign against the forces. the peace talks in Doha. unhindered movement across northern region on Novem- Khan’s maiden visit to Ka- “We the people and gov- the Pakistan-Afghanistan ber 4 with the declared aim bul comes amid surging vio- spite the talks in Qatar ... is ernment of Pakistan have only border. of unseating its ruling party, lence across Afghanistan that rising,” Khan told reporters one concern, and that concern Pakistan last week accused the Tigray People’s Libera- has worsened despite Afghan outside the presidential pal- is ... that we want peace (in Af- Afghanistan of allowing India tion Front (TPLF), which he government negotiators and ace after meeting with Afghan ghanistan),” Khan said. to set up camps on Afghan accuses of defying his the Taliban launching peace President Ashraf Ghani. Diplomatic ties between soil for “training, harbouring government and seeking to talks in the Qatari capital “Pakistan will do every- Pakistan and Afghanistan and launching terrorists into destabilise it. (AFP) Doha in September. thing, whatever is possible, have long been strained. Pakistan.” “We notice with concern we will do to help reduce this Many Afghans are furious Both New Delhi and Kabul Pakistan’s Prime Minister Imran Khan (left) and Afghan President that the level of violence de- violence and in fact move to- with their eastern neighbour, deny these charges. Ashraf Ghani in Kabul on Thursday. (AFP) Friday, November 20, 2020 05

ESTABLISHED SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 HAMAD BIN SUHAIM AL THANI CHAIRMAN Opinion ADEL ALI BIN ALI MANAGING DIRECTOR DR HASSAN MOHAMMED AL ANSARI EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

For Biden, Ending US Climate Retreat Is Just A Start Vaccine Side Effects Are

e president-elect plans to deeply embed climate change consciousness into federal transportation and The Next Big Challenge infrastructure planning, spending, and construction With COVID-19 vaccines expected to cover as much as a third of the population by the RESIDENT-ELECT Joe Biden has dozens of policy revisions and proposes rst part of next year, eective monitoring and total transparency will be essential made plenty of promises related to 13 presidential executive orders to re- Pclimate change and the environment. verse or supersede Trump-era orders that if we are to defeat not just this pandemic, but the next one too He has vowed to rescind or reverse some methodically dismantled, delayed, or cir- of the Trump administration’s moves to cumscribed environmental protections THERESE RAPHAEL weaken regulations, which Columbia Uni- — such as the Obama administration’s TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE versity’s Sabin Center for Climate Change Clean Power Plan. Law has numbered at 159. The president- Such “reregulation” also could involve EGULATORY authorities are gearing elect proposes a $2 trillion “Clean Energy the US Departments of Environmental up for a deluge in people reporting Revolution and Environmental Justice” Protection and Transportation jointly side effects when the new COVID-19 plan that’s been described as historic, supporting California’s effort, which vaccines go into use. Even as vac- despite being far less ambitious than the Trump has bitterly opposed, to promul- cines like the one from Pfizer Inc Green New Deal authored by progressive gate carbon emission standards on vehi- andR BioNTech SE reach safety milestones Democrats. And Biden plans to deeply cles stricter than those set by the federal and look set for regulatory approval, man- embed what could be called climate government. Biden could direct the EPA aging the reporting and follow-up of what change consciousness into federal trans- to grant a waiver allowing California its are known as adverse drug reactions will be portation and infrastructure planning, own regulations, which would free 13 critical to keeping to the high levels of pub- spending, and construction. states that follow California’s lead to en- lic participation needed for a vaccination Biden has also promised the United force those same stricter standards. programme to be successful. States will rejoin the Paris climate agree- Whether or not Democrats control the The US Centers for Disease Control and ment. This nonbinding international Senate, simply having a Democrat in the Prevention plans to send daily texts to those pact seeks to cooperatively fight climate White House hardly promises a greener who are vaccinated for the first week and then change through individual national tar- future. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has weekly texts for six weeks, while the Food and gets and benchmarks for reducing green- supported generous tax breaks for the Drug Administration will also be monitoring house gas and other emissions. Biden petrochemical industry that turns natural side effects in real time. has repeatedly said he will take action on gas into industrial chemicals used in plas- It’s not clear if the UK’s monitoring Paris on “day one” of his new administra- tics. And under the leadership of Wolf’s system will have similar capabilities by the An illustration picture shows vials with COVID-19 vaccine stickers attached and syringes with the tion; President Donald Trump pulled the fellow Democrat, Gov. Phil Murphy, New time the vaccine is rolled out. The country’s logo of US pharmaceutical company P zer and German partner BioNTech, recently. (TNS) nation out of the accord in 2017. Jersey is not even close to making pro- Medicines & Healthcare Products Regula- As positive as these changes are, re- gress on a scale needed to meet emission tory Agency issued an urgent tender notice less safety follow-up than is typical for widely Such concerns aren’t entirely irrational. If invigorating American leadership in the reduction goals, according to a recent (recorded last month in a European Union used shots. Having a robust system to log, vaccines have traditionally taken up to a dec- battle against the existential threat of report by the state’s Department of Envi- public procurement journal) for an artifi- analyze and allow for prompt feedback from ade to win approval, people wonder how can climate change at home is likely to be far ronmental Protection. cial-intelligence software tool to help deal reported side effects is essential to ensuring we trust the safety of one produced in a small more difficult — even if Democrats man- Biden surely will make more qualified with the expected high volume of reported public safety. Combined with clear communi- fraction of the time. age to defy the odds and win control of choices to lead the government’s environ- effects. (The roughly $2 million contract cation, it will also be central to building confi- One answer is that in the battle against the Senate. A more likely scenario, with mental efforts than has Trump, whose went to outsourcing firm Genpact.) dence in the new vaccines. COVID, no effort, brainpower or resource the upper chamber remaining under the original appointee, Scott Pruitt, resigned The agency didn’t mince words in ex- In general, most side effects appear soon was spared. That intense, global competi- sway of GOP Majority Leader Mitch Mc- under fire and whose replacement, An- plaining the reasons for the urgency: Its after an injection and remain only for a short tion has borne impressive fruit. The tech- Connell is unlikely to help Biden and the drew Wheeler, is a former coal industry legacy system would be overwhelmed by the period. A small percentage of people will ex- nology has also advanced so rapidly that Democrats accomplish much on the envi- lobbyist. The president-elect also will volume of reports and could not be retrofit- perience them from any well-established vac- past timetables aren’t a very good guide. ronment, or on anything else. not cast doubt on the validity of climate ted to cope with the new vaccine. The ab- cine, or even your typical pain relief medica- The so-called messenger RNA technology But the president-elect clearly intends change science or the existence of climate sence of a new tool would “hinder its ability tion. Most people are willing to accept that used by the two leading inoculation candi- to use the power of his pen, and the bully change itself. The tone the president-elect to rapidly identify any potential safety issues small level of risk for massive benefit — to dates from Moderna Inc. and the partner- pulpit. A potential road map titled “Cli- seems determined to set about environ- within the COVID-19 vaccine.” That in turn their children and public health generally — ship of Pfizer Inc. and BioNTech SE, is al- mate Reregulation in a Biden Adminis- mental issues will be a welcome change. would represent a “direct threat to patient from vaccination programmes. ready revolutionizing vaccine development, tration” by the Sabin Center enumerates But tangible progress will matter more. life and public health.” The UK’s Yellow Card system might re- as my colleague Max Nisen has explained. Even if the language may have been partly ceive one report per 1,000 immunizations. With all of this in mind, it’s vital govern- crafted to exempt it from normal EU tender But if you dramatically increase the number ments educate the public about what they requirements, it underscores what’s at stake of people being vaccinated, the amount of re- might expect. The side-effect profiles so far for governments around the world as these ported effects can be expected to increase pro- seem nothing to be concerned about. Still, brand-new vaccines are rolled out with un- portionately. With COVID vaccines likely to go they may be a bit harsher than a typical flu precedented speed to a far wider public than to the oldest and most vulnerable first, there shot, which is the only reference point most of ever before. As with any new drug, the range may be even more ADRs reported than usual. us have. If people know what to expect, they’ll of these adverse drug reactions — unintended, Even if they aren’t related to the vaccine, they be less likely to worry or flood hotlines. harmful events linked to the medication — will can spook the public. These may well be modern-day miracles, only be known when a very large number of The side-effect reports have the po- but as the saying goes, vaccines don’t save people have been vaccinated. tential to be a gold mine for anti-vaxxers. lives, vaccinations do. With vaccines expected A reported adverse effect doesn’t mean Vaccine skepticism is higher in the US, to cover as much as a third of the population a vaccine isn’t safe, and in some cases it may but the UK bears the scars of the now by the first part of next year, effective monitor- not be related to the inoculation at all. But thoroughly debunked linking of the MMR ing and total transparency will be essential if ADRs help doctors, pharmaceutical compa- vaccine to autism. In a survey last week we are to defeat not just this pandemic, but the nies and regulators monitor the impact of by the London Assembly Health Commit- next one too. licensed drugs. They can identify misuse of a tee, only three in five respondents said drug, compromised batches or simply side ef- they are likely to or will definitely get (Therese Raphael is a columnist fects that need to be disclosed even if it doesn’t vaccinated; almost half of those who said for Bloomberg Opinion. She was change the safety profile. they wouldn’t or might not do so cited editorial page editor of the Wall Effective monitoring is especially impor- lack of trust in government guidance or Street Journal Europe) tant given these vaccines will be released with drug companies.

The World Must Step Up to Save Afghanistan’s Children e world must commit to supporting Afghan children living amid continued conict and violence

CHRIS NYAMANDI As the UN revealed in its latest 50 percent of the population, 18.4 the interests of people with disabili- TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE report on the civilian cost of the Af- million people, will need humanitar- ties and other vulnerable groups. ghan war, nearly 1,900 children were ian assistance this year. 5.5 million There must be increased spend- N a Saturday afternoon in late killed or maimed in the first nine people could soon experience famine ing on public health to dramatically October, a suicide bomber tried months of 2020. This is truly shock- conditions and 3 million children improve life-expectancy outcomes of Oto enter an education center in ing. The awful truth is that every under the age of five suffer from un- children, many of whom are having Kabul. Prevented from doing so by child in Afghanistan today has grown dernutrition, according to the United to live with life-altering injuries due security guards, the attacker entered up in conflict. Nations. It is little wonder that Af- to being caught up in the conflict. a nearby lane and set off the explo- The escalation in violence has ghanistan is one of the worst places The international community sives. At least 24 people were killed, hindered the education of children, in the world to be a child. must work with the government of including schoolchildren. Many too. The Global Coalition to Protect It therefore beggars belief that Afghanistan to ensure national laws more were injured. Education under Attack recorded despite a dramatic rise in humani- related to the protection of children A colleague’s daughter survived more than 300 attacks on schools tarian need, international aid to Af- are fully resourced and rolled out na- the attack, but many more parents between 2017 and 2019, which in- ghanistan has fallen. Donors have tionwide. And it must continue work are still in mourning. In the same jured or killed at least 410 students Nearly 1,900 children were killed or maimed in the rst nine months of 2020. gradually funded less and less of the to help secure an enduring peace set- month, an airstrike in the northeast and teachers. U.N.’s annual pleas for humanitarian tlement so that future generations of of the country hit a school, reported- Even before the COVID-19 pan- the literacy rate is 65 percent. We’re extremely concerned that support, from 87.5 percent in 2016 children grow up free from fear of ly killing at least 12 children. Insur- demic, an estimated 3.7 million The nation’s underinvestment in 60 percent of school-age children to 76 percent in 2019. This year’s ap- violence and death. gents were the intended target but children, almost half of all primary education, presently 78 percent less missing out on their education are peal has so far only received 40 per- This and more must be our com- that is cold comfort for the grieving school aged children, were out of than the average for the South Asia girls. This would not be tolerated cent of what is needed. mitment to a nation whose people parents whose loved ones were killed school. region, will have a profound impact elsewhere in the world, so why is it That’s why next week’s Afghani- have endured decades of hardship, in an act of fire and fury. The impact of this on children for years to come, especially for girls. acceptable in Afghanistan? stan donor conference in Geneva is conflict and violence. Indeed, it is Attacks like this, which violate is severe. Lack of access to edu- Educated girls are crucial to the And now Afghanistan has to cope crucially important. At the confer- vital so that a country racked by dec- the laws of war and directly impact cation leads to an increased risk lasting peace of a conflict-affected with the COVID-19 pandemic, too. ence, which takes places as nascent ades of fighting and division is able children, are far too common in Af- of abuse and exploitation and country like Afghanistan. We know Not only is the country’s health care peace talks offer cautious hope for a to forge a better future for all its citi- ghanistan. If they occurred in the we know that in Afghanistan 93 from experience that educated girls system dilapidated but it has has suf- political settlement to the war, the in- zens. Western world there would be wide- percent of late primary school- experience improved health and nu- fered ongoing attacks in which doc- ternational community must deliver (Chris Nyamandi is Save the spread condemnation. Sadly, they aged children are not proficient trition and contribute to better eco- tors and nurses have been killed. increased funding for education, es- Children’s Country Director often go underreported. in reading. For 15 to 24-year-olds nomic performance and growth. All this in a country where nearly pecially for girls, as well as protect in Afghanistan)

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED ON THE OPINION AND ANALYSIS PAGES ARE THE AUTHORS’ OWN. QATAR TRIBUNE BEARS NO RESPONSIBILITY. 06 Friday, November 20, 2020 Nation

News US virus death toll passes 250,000, in brief New York Mayor Bill de Blasio said the Death toll from storm Iota rises city’s 1,800 public schools would revert past 40 in Central, New York closes schools to remote learning beginning Thursday South America AFP been extended until February. wake of Iota and Eta which MEXICO CITY: More than 40 NEW YORK In Berlin, police fired water wreaked havoc on the region people are dead in Central cannon to disperse thousands over the past weeks. and South America in the US coronavirus deaths passed of unmasked protesters dem- There was more encourag- wake of Iota, the storm that a quarter of a million people onstrating against tightened ing news out of Belgium, which has ravaged the region in re- Wednesday as New York an- restrictions. has had one of the highest cent days, according to gures nounced it would close schools The protesters, who have death rates in Europe since the on Thursday. to battle a rise in infections and equated the restrictions to start of the pandemic, where A death that was con- anti-restriction protests in Eu- Nazi-era rules, responded by authorities said a month-long rmed in Panama raised the rope turned violent. chanting “Shame! Shame!” semi-lockdown was beginning death toll to 41. It includes America has now registered The protest came a day af- to work. at least 18 victims in Nicara- 250,426 fatalities, according to ter clashes with police at a sim- “For the first time in weeks, gua, 15 in Honduras, three a running tally by Johns Hop- ilar demonstration in the Slo- or even for several months, all in Panama, two in Colombia, kins University, by far the high- vak capital Bratislava attended indicators are going in the right two in Guatemala and one est reported national death toll. by thousands of far-right sup- direction, meaning they are all in El Salvador. Iota struck US states and cities were porters. going down: The number of in- Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast imposing a raft of new restric- Despite the impact of the fections, hospitalizations and -- on Monday as a Category 4 tions, including home confine- virus, efforts to tackle the pan- for the first time -- the number hurricane, with winds of 250 ment, the closure of indoor din- demic were expected be side- of deaths,” said Covid-19 Crisis kilometres per hour. It later ing and a limit on gatherings as lined at Thursday’s EU summit Centre spokesman Yves Van weakened and was downgrad- cases soar across the country, due to a row stemming from Laethem. ed to a tropical storm. with more than 157,950 new Hungary and Poland’s opposi- While less affected, other The storm had dissipated infections recorded over the tion to Brussels’ oversight over parts of the world have contin- by Thursday, but its humidity past 24 hours on Wednesday. the rule of law. ued to feel the impact of the vi- was still bringing some rains New York Mayor Bill de In Russia, President rus. South Australia announced and causing landslides. Blasio said the city’s 1,800 Children take part in a protest demanding that public schools remain open, outside New York’s City Hall on Vladimir Putin voiced alarm a six-day “circuit-breaker” In Honduras, where more public schools would revert Thursday. (AFP) at his country’s rising fatality lockdown for its population than 2 million people were to remote learning beginning rate but stopped short of intro- of nearly two million people affected by Iota, residents Thursday after the Big Apple the hardest-hit region, ac- with the virus since it first sur- Many European countries ducing strict measures seen in Wednesday to contain an out- continued being evacuated recorded a seven-day average counting for 46 percent of new faced in China late last year, ac- are extending heavy restric- many European countries. break that ended a monthslong from risk areas. positivity rate of three percent. global cases and 49 percent of cording to a tally from official tions on daily life in attempts Meanwhile, Iranian Presi- streak of no infections. Schools, The civil protection agency “We must fight back the deaths last week, according to sources compiled by AFP. to curb the spread of the virus. dent Hassan Rouhani said he shops, pubs, factories and even COPECO was trying to “ac- second wave of Covid-19,” he the World Health Organization In Switzerland, one of the A French government would impose “severe restric- takeaway restaurants were told cess areas where several said. (WHO). worst-hit countries in Europe, spokesman said authorities tions” in many areas of his to close and stay-at-home or- places have been left isolated, The toughened measures Its figures additionally the Swiss Society for Intensive are unlikely to lift a partial country from Saturday. ders were issued for residents. without food and water,” Jaime in America’s most-populous showed the only region where Care Medicine (SSMI) warned lockdown any time soon while And in Central America Japan was on “maximum Omar Silva from the agency city came despite pharma giant cases and deaths declined last that intensive care units “are Portugal’s government was coronavirus efforts are being alert” after logging a record told radio station HRN. (DPA) Pfizer boosting hopes of a pos- week was Southeast Asia. practically all full.” preparing to extend measures threatened by the hurricane number of daily coronavirus sible end to the pandemic by Worldwide, more than 1.3 More beds have been add- for two more weeks. season, according to the Pan infections, leaving authorities announcing improved results million people have died of ed, and the Swiss military has In Hungary, a state of American Health Organiza- to consider restrictions like Australian PM for its vaccine. Covid-19 and over 55 million been called in to support efforts emergency that enables partial tion, which said it anticipates limiting groups allowed in res- rebuffs Chinese Europe meanwhile remains have been reported infected in several areas. lockdown measures has now an increase in infections in the taurants. grievance list CANBERRA: Australia will not bow to pressure from China, Prime Minister Scott Morrison Oxford Covid vaccine safe insisted on Thursday after Bei- UK unveils defence spending splurge jing released a laundry list of complaints about the country. for older adults: results A Chinese of cial gave a AFP participants, 240 of whom for post-Brexit and Biden era dossier to Australian media PARIS were over 70, split into groups containing 14 grievances, that received either one or two AFP Only Britain ticks both box- highlighting the increasingly A leading Covid-19 vaccine doses of the vaccine, or a pla- LONDON es,” he said. fractious relationship between candidate has shown to safely cebo. Britain’s military upgrade the two nations. produce a robust immune re- They had their immune re- PRIME Minister Boris John- comes at a pivotal moment “If you make China the en- sponse in healthy older adults, sponses assessed on the day of son vowed on Thursday “to for the country. emy, China will be the enemy,” its British makers said Thurs- the vaccination, then several end the era of retreat” as he After formally leaving the a Chinese government of cial day as it released its phase 2 more times over the coming unveiled Britain’s biggest European Union in January, reportedly told three prominent trial results. weeks. Responses were “simi- programme of military invest- it will end the 11-month Brex- outlets on Wednesday. Among The vaccine, developed by lar” across all age groups, the ment since the end of the Cold it transition period at the end the complaints are Australia’s the University of Oxford and researchers said. War, as the country positions of the year and begin a new strict foreign interference laws, AstraZeneca, produced fewer “The research shows that itself for a post-EU future. era in international trade and the country’s ban on Huawei’s side effects in people aged an immune response was The extra spending of relations. involvement in its 5G network 56 and over than in younger generated in all age groups, £16.5 billion ($22 billion) Biden will meanwhile take and decisions that blocked people -- a significant finding including in the cohort of par- over four years was welcomed power in late January, with Chinese investment projects given that Covid-19 dispropor- ticipants aged over 70 years,” by Donald Trump’s outgoing File photo of Britain’s Prime Minister Boris Johnson (centre) at Salisbury allies hoping his presidency on “national security grounds”. tionately causes severe illness said Michael Head, senior re- US administration and comes plain training area near Salisbury, south-west England. (AFP) marks a more stable period Morrison said the “unof- among seniors. search fellow in Global Health as Johnson bids to build for NATO after the tumult of cial document” came from the The manufacturers said at the University of Southamp- bridges to the incoming presi- of the realm and the safety of £200 billion to shore up the the Trump years. Chinese embassy and would the vaccine was undergoing ton, who was not involved in dency of Democrat Joe Biden. the British people must come economy during this year’s US acting defense secre- not stop Australia from setting larger, more comprehensive the trial. “Since elderly popu- But with Britain’s finances first,” he told parliament. pandemic. tary Christopher Miller hailed “our own laws and our own phase 3 trials to confirm the lations will be one of the prior- under severe strain from the “The international situa- The plan was also read as a the UK announcement. rules according to our national results. ity groups to receive a vaccine coronavirus pandemic, the tion is now more perilous and calculated message to the new “The UK is our most stal- interest”. Immune responses from when one is available, this is government indicated it is intensely competitive than at Biden administration, harmo- wart and capable ally, and “We won’t be compromis- vaccines tend to lessen as peo- good news.” likely to raid the legally en- any time since the Cold War.” nising transatlantic priorities this increase in spending is ing on the fact that we will set ple get older as the immune The Oxford/AstraZen- shrined budget for overseas Johnson said the new on defence after Johnson also indicative of their commit- what our foreign investment system gradually slows with eca vaccine is one of 48 that aid to pay for other priorities. funding would come to 2.2 put climate change front and ment to NATO and our shared laws are or how we build age. are undergoing human tri- The cash boost is in- percent of British gross do- centre of his post-pandemic security,” he said in a state- our 5G telecommunications This leaves older adults als against Covid-19, ac- tended in part for emerg- mestic product -- exceeding rebuilding policy. ment. networks or how we run our more vulnerable to infection cording to the World Health ing defence needs such as a US-mandated NATO target “Which European coun- “With this increase, the systems of protecting against from a variety of illnesses. Organization. This month space and cyber-warfare and and more than any European try has the potential both to UK military will continue to interference Australia’s way we “As a result, it is crucial Pfizer/BioNTech and Mod- Johnson said it showed “our peer -- and was “our chance to project military power and a be one of the finest fighting run our country,” he told Chan- that Covid-19 vaccines are erna announced the results commitment to NATO, the end the era of retreat”. history of supporting Ameri- forces in the world.” nel Nine. The document also tested in this group who are of phase 3 trials -- which are transatlantic alliance and the Commentators said the can leadership?” wrote Paul Johnson announced a claimed Canberra had engaged also a priority group for im- much larger than phase 2 security of our friends and al- prime minister had exempt- Goodman, a former Tory MP new agency dedicated to mili- in “incessant wanton interfer- munisation,” Andre Pollard, and normally include tens of lies around the world”. ed defence from cost-cutting who is editor of the political tary artificial intelligence, the ence” in China’s affairs while an Oxford professor and lead thousands of subjects -- that “I have done this in the measures planned to be an- blog ConservativeHome. creation of a National Cyber singling out Australia’s call for author of the study results, suggested both vaccine can- teeth of the pandemic, amid nounced next week by his fi- “France has the first but Force and a new “Space Com- an independent inquiry into the published in The Lancet. didates were effective in pre- every other demand on our re- nance minister, Rishi Sunak, not the second, Germany mand”, capable of launching origins of the coronavirus.(AFP) The phase 2 trial saw 560 venting Covid-19. sources, because the defence who has splurged more than the second but not the first. its first rocket by 2022. Denmark says corona mink mutation ‘most likely eradicated’

AFP mutation. farms, which are reported to The vaccine is now in large- across the Atlantic in Europe COPENHAGEN “There have been no new house around 100,000 animals. scale phase 3 trials to confirm Russia followed France over the cases of the ‘Cluster 5’ mink Since ordering the cull in the results, following in the two million cases mark. TWO weeks after sounding the mutation since September 15, early November, the Danish footsteps of those developed by Japan declared it was on alarm about a mutated vari- which has led the Danish infec- government has been forced to Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, “maximum alert” after a record ant of the new coronavirus in tious disease authority SSI to admit that it had no legal power which this month announced 2,000 daily infections, while minks that could threaten the conclude that this variant has to order healthy minks outside their products were effective at previously untouched Pacific is- effectiveness of a future vac- most likely been eradicated,” contaminated zones killed, and preventing coronavirus. land nation Samoa saw its first cine, Denmark said Thursday the health ministry said in a the agriculture minister re- But the World Health Or- positive test. the strain has likely been eradi- statement. signed Wednesday. ganization has warned that no And Indian capital Delhi cated. SSI told AFP no cases had But Prime Minister Mette inoculation will arrive in time quadrupled the level of fines Noting that no new cases been detected in either people Frederiksen has insisted the to help fight a mounting second dished out to those who refuse had been detected since Sep- or minks since that date. cull is “non-negotiable”, and her wave. to wear a mask, to 2,000 rupees tember 15, the government said While the problem posed by government is now preparing to “I think it’s at least four to ($27). most of the strict restrictions it ‘Cluster 5’ for vaccines was only ban mink farming altogether six months before we have sig- “At times when words alone had imposed on November 5 made public in early Novem- until 2022. nificant levels of vaccination go- don’t do the trick, we have to get on seven municipalities in the ber, the variant was detected in Health authorities said ini- ing on anywhere,” WHO emer- a bit tougher,” chief minister North Jutland region, home to minks and 12 people in August File photo of Mink looking out from their cage at a farm near Naestved, tial studies had shown that fu- gencies director Michael Ryan Arvind Kejriwal said. 280,000 people, would be lifted and September. Denmark. (AFP) ture vaccines against Covid-19 said. But there was good news on Friday. With three times more could be less effective on the The death toll in the world’s for Catalonia, with bars, restau- But Denmark, which had minks than people, the Scan- behind China. Denmark, like several other ‘Cluster 5’ variant. worst-affected country, the US, rants and cinemas set to reopen ordered a nationwide cull of all dinavian country is the world’s But the animal has posed a countries in Europe, began cull- Earlier Thursday, Oxford topped 250,000 on Thursday, from Monday in capital Barce- its 15 to 17 million minks, has al- biggest exporter, selling pelts problem in the fight against the ing sick minks this summer. University and AstraZeneca with more than 11.5 million lona and elsewhere around the ready killed around two-thirds for around 670 million euros new coronavirus. The minks Ireland said Thursday that said their potential jab had safe- cases. wealthy Spanish region after of stocks and plans to carry out ($792 million) annually, and can catch the virus, and also it was planning a nationwide ly produced a robust immune New York City plans to close more than a month of forced the full cull to avoid any new the second-biggest producer pass it back to humans, and cull of mink on its commercial response in older adults. schools to limit infections, while closure. Apple to pay $113 mn over iPhone battery complaints PAGE 9

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020

29,358.70 10,107.65 43599.96 1,861.70 -79.72 PTS -140.80 PTS -580.09 PTS GOLD -0.65 % Google strikes payment deal with DOW QE SENSEX some French media groups PAGE 8 PRICE PERCENTAGE PRICE PERCENTAGE 24.16 BRENT 43.85 -1.11 % WTI 41.39 -1.03% SILVER -1.64 % UNCTAD Assessment of World Economy ICC Qatar backs call for G20 to nance SMEs amid COVID-19 TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE International Chamber of Commerce Qatar (ICC Qa- tar) on Thursday announced its support to International Chamber of Commerce’s (ICC) call for urgent action from G20 leaders in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. ICC has urged the G20 to The unprecedented economic shock generated by global health emergency has already sharply exposed the global economy’s pre-existing take action to safeguard the weaknesses, severely setting back development progress around the world. supply of essential working capital and short-term credit to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Qatar Chamber and ICC Global economy may Qatar Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim Al Thani welcomed the early actions taken by governments, de- velopment banks and regu- shrink 4.3% in 2020 lators to provide support for trade finance in response to the initial impacts of the cri- Viable vaccine not seen halting the spread of economic damage: UNCTAD sis. But he believes there is a Qatar Chamber and ICC Qatar Chairman Sheikh Khalifa bin Jassim clear rationale for additional Al Thani. TNN & AGENCIES “Moving rapidly across However, UNCTAD said ulations are not protected by interventions to mitigate the DOHA borders, along the principal the unprecedented economic social safety nets and yet are risk of trade financing gaps stressed that trade finance is cially timely as there has been arteries of the global econ- shock generated by the global particularly affected by soar- inhibiting a post-pandemic a vital lifeline for many small an increase in the failure rates THE global economy will con- omy, the spread of the virus health emergency has already ing unemployment,” UNC- recovery. businesses and underpins over of SMEs globally in recent tract 4.3 per cent this year due has benefited from the under- sharply exposed the global TAD said. In a statement issued on 80 percent of global trade. months in both advanced and to the Covid-19 crisis, while a lying interconnectedness and economy’s pre-existing weak- The report said about 79.4 Thursday, Sheikh Khalifa This call to action is espe- emerging economies. viable vaccine will not halt the frailties of globalisation, cata- nesses, severely setting back percent of workers in sub- spread of the economic dam- pulting a global health crisis development progress around Saharan Africa and 84.5 per- age, UNCTAD, the United Na- into a global economic shock the world. cent of workers in the world’s tions trade and development that has hit the most vulner- “Millions of jobs have al- least developed countries do body, said on Thursday. able the hardest,” Kituyi said. ready been lost, millions of not have access to any social The Geneva-based organi- While developed econo- livelihoods are at risk, and an protection or labour pro- Gold price may surge 22% sation said inequalities and vul- mies are expected to be more estimated additional 130 mil- grammes. nerabilities will worsen as the affected in 2020 than devel- lion people will be living in The report calls for in- effects of the pandemic disrupt oping countries, with their extreme poverty if the crisis ternational assistance to be in 2021 on demand spike any progress made on poverty gross domestic product con- persists,” UNCTAD said. stepped-up with debt relief of- and other sustainable devel- tracting 5.8 per cent versus The COVID-19 disruption fered to poorer nations to give TNN & AGENCIES that it is maintaining its 2021 precious metals analyst at opment goals. It also warned 2.1 per cent, UNCTAD said the has had real and dispropor- them the fiscal space needed DOHA gold price target of $2,300 HSBC, said that gold will aver- that the distribution of a viable United Nations’ Sustainable tionate consequences on vul- to address the economic ef- an ounce, implying a 22 per- age a price of $1,965 an ounce vaccine is likely to expose long- Development Agenda 2030 nerable and disadvantaged fects of the pandemic on their GOLD prices will break out cent rally from current lev- in 2021, owing to “competing entrenched inequalities in the will be derailed unless imme- low-income households, mi- populations. of a tight trading range and els over the next 12 months, macroeconomic forces.” global trading system. diate policy actions are taken. grants, workers in the infor- “COVID-19 has been pain- soar through 2021 as the as the global economy bal- While accommodative “The COVID-19 pandem- Since the start of the out- mal sector and, often, wom- ful and course-altering, but it coronavirus recession gives ances between positive news monetary policy will con- ic has gravely wounded the break in China last year, more en, UNCTAD said, with those is also a catalyst for needed way to higher inflation, stok- of potential vaccines for the tinue to provide tailwinds, world economy with serious than 1 million people have working in the tourism and change,” Kituyi said. “We ing demand for the yellow COVID-19 virus and the an unwinding of geopolitical consequences impacting all lost their lives, with uncer- microenterprise sectors par- need to reshape global pro- metal, Goldman Sachs has near-term risks of further risk from a Biden Adminis- communities and individu- tainty remaining about how ticularly affected. duction networks and reset said in its latest report. economic devastation. tration will ease the appetite als,” said UNCTAD secretary- and when the pandemic will “Especially in the develop- multilateral cooperation for The investment bank said However, Jim Steel, chief for gold, said Steel. general Mukhisa Kituyi. run its course. ing world, many of these pop- the better.” SEE PAGE 9 Will RCEP help drive Asia’s COVID-19 recovery?

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK between its members. Its 20 based, and overall manufac- ing e-commerce will be able to DOHA chapters cover topics from turing is in its infancy. Local, enjoy greater market access in digital procedures to financial regional and indeed global terms of cross border supply THE Regional Comprehen- services and intellectual prop- manufacturers who want to and establishing commercial sive Economic Partnership erty rules. be active in the ASEAN mar- presence in the RCEP mar- (RCEP) signed on November “The RCEP is expected to ketplace are taking advantage kets,” Ali said. 15 on the sidelines of the an- boost the region’s value chains of the opportunities in Myan- As OBG has extensively nual summit of the Associa- and contribute to the devel- mar that has a lower cost base, documented, COVID-19 has tion of South-East Asian Na- opment of all participating growing infrastructure and a prompted an exponential ex- tions (ASEAN) is a significant economies,” ASEAN Business receptive government seeking pansion of e-commerce and regional milestone and it is Advisory Council 2020 Chair- to strengthen and diversify its other digital industries across hoped that the deal will help man Doan Duy Khuong told economy,” British Chamber of South-east Asia. its 15 signatories recover from OBG earlier this year. Commerce Myanmar CEO Pe- Many of the world’s larg- the economic fallout of the Designed to strengthen re- ter Crowhurst told OBG. est super apps, online or mo- coronavirus pandemic, Ox- gional cooperation and widen “With the new Myanmar bile platforms that combine ford Business Group (OBG) market access, RCEP consti- government at the helm, now is multiple services into one app has said in its latest report. tutes a rejection of the trend the time to build and strengthen are based in RCEP countries. “The signing of RCEP rep- towards protectionism seen the capabilities of the respective Prominent among them are resents a major vote of confi- across the world in recent Service providers including e-commerce will be able to enjoy greater market access in terms of cross ministries to support the effec- Chinese platforms WeChat dence in multilateralism. As years, most notably in the US- border supply and establishing commercial presence in the RCEP markets. tive and balanced implementa- and Alipay, Japan’s Line, the culmination of an eight- China trade war. tion of RCEP,” he said. South Korea’s Kakao Talk, In- year negotiation process, it While some less-devel- Crucially, the report said, A key element of this is tate this shift by making it eas- Meanwhile, Mohamed donesia’s Gojek and the Singa- mandates for the creation of oped countries still need to it is also hoped that the pro- related to supply chains that ier to establish a production Azmin Ali, Malaysia’s senior pore-headquartered Grab. the world’s largest trading be brought up to speed – for visions in the agreement will were severely disrupted by the base in an ASEAN member minister of international trade Spurred on by the pan- bloc,” OBG said. example, Cambodia and Laos enable signatories to combat pandemic, leading countries state and export to the other and industry, recently out- demic, many digital providers The deal’s signatories have been given several years the effects of COVID-19 more around the world to recognise 14 members of the new trad- lined to local media the ben- are seeking to expand its foot- namely the 10 ASEAN mem- to upgrade their Customs pro- effectively, both individually the merits of a more diversi- ing bloc. efits that the deal will bring to print in the region by moving bers plus China, Australia, Ja- cedures – the agreement has and as a bloc. fied approach, the report said. At the same time, it incen- the country. into new markets, a process pan, New Zealand and South been largely welcomed as an “We acknowledge that the In line with this, many tivises countries to address He highlighted the impor- that should be eased by RCEP. Korea together constitute 30 economic win-win for its mem- RCEP agreement is critical companies and government pre-existing barriers to invest- tance of a chapter specifically On balance, the report percent of the world’s popula- bers, with the US-based Peter- for our region’s response to entities that had previously ment to enhance their com- aimed at facilitating the provi- said, the deal should gener- tion and just below 30 percent son Institute for International the COVID-19 pandemic and relied mainly on China have petitiveness. Indonesia, for sion of investment and techni- ate considerable optimism in of its GDP. Economics estimates that it will play an important role in adopted a ‘China +1’ strategy, example, recently ratified its cal support to small and medi- Asia both with regard to hopes The 510-page agreement could add 0.2 percent to their building the region’s resilience strengthening domestic capac- Omnibus Bill on job creation. um-sized businesses. for a broad-based recovery should provide a substantial respective economies by 2030. through an inclusive and sus- ity and setting up factory lines Similarly, Myanmar could The minister also noted from COVID-19 and in terms boost to trade in the region, The deal is expected to take tainable post-pandemic eco- or identifying suppliers in oth- capitalise on RCEP to grow its that the deal will support the of returning to a more open lowering tariffs, standardising effect within two years, after nomic recovery process,” said er countries, while still main- manufacturing base. burgeoning field of digital international trading system Customs procedures and im- ratification by the member a statement, released on the taining interests in China. “The Myanmar economy is commerce. that provides mutual benefits proving regulatory harmony countries. occasion of the signing. RCEP could further facili- very young. It is agriculturally “Service providers includ- to its participants. 08 Friday, November 20, 2020 Economy & Business Turkey’s new central banker aggressively raises key interest rate

AFP percent in value against the means -- pleasantly surprised protest. The sudden shakeup is a positive shift in economic act since Erdogan believes high ANKARA dollar moments after the an- some economists. sparked a market rally and policymaking under way”. interest rates cause high infla- nouncement before paring “Investors were always turned Thursday’s rate deci- “This was absolutely the tion. TURKEY’S central bank on back some of its gains. more focussed on whether the sion into a test of how reform- right and logical decision,” “We should not let our in- Thursday aggressively raised “The Central Bank will decision would mark a shift to- minded and independent the added Timothy Ash of BlueBay vestors be oppressed by high its main interest rate after a attain its main objective of wards orthodox policymaking new team will be. asset management. interest rates,” he said on major economic team shake- achieving and maintaining -- that is, a transparent mone- Erdogan has made no se- Yet economists noted that Wednesday. up that included President price stability by adopting tary policy framework based on cret of his unorthodox belief the central bank’s past com- German Institute for Inter- Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s son- transparency, predictability one main policy rate,” Capital that high interest rates cause plex system of lending had national and Security Affairs in-law giving up his finance and accountability principles of Economics emerging markets inflation instead of slowing it managed to push the real cost (SWP) analyst Sinem Adar ministry brief. the inflation targeting regime,” economist Jason Tuvey said. The Turkish lira rose two percent down by raising the cost of do- of borrowing to 14.8 percent. said Thursday’s rate decision The bank said the one- the bank said in a statement. The lira has been one of in value against the dollar mo- ing business and dampening “Today’s decision amounts showed that Erdogan’s warn- week repo auction rate would The hike was in line with the worst performing among ments after the announcement. spending. to an effective monetary tight- ing appears to have been made go to 15 percent from 10.25 market expectations but the emerging market currencies He fired a central banker ening of 20 basis points” or 0.2 for domestic consumption. percent and that it was elimi- shift to a single funding mecha- and has lost nearly a quarter of former finance minister whose who kept raising rates to fight percent, Tuvey wrote in a re- But “the president’s ma- nating all other lending facili- nism -- thus eliminating the its value since the start of the appointment on November inflation in 2019. search note. noeuvering space to maintain a ties to make its policy decisions much-criticised practice of year. 7 reportedly prompted Er- Tuvey said Agbal “appears There is scepticism over balancing act among different more “transparent”. raising the main rate through The bank’s new governor dogan’s powerful son-in-law to have done enough to con- how long the nominally inde- interest groups is getting nar- The Turkish lira rose two stealth and unpredictable Naci Agbal is a market-friendly Berat Albayrak to resign in vince investors that there really pendent bank will be free to rower,” Adar tweeted. EU wants 5 times Xi touts China’s huge economy as more offshore wind power in next 10 yrs base of free trade in APEC speech DPA use more offshore floating BRUSSELS solar panels as well as wave Jinping warns and tidal power under the THE European Commis- strategy. countries who sion wants to see the bloc The commission believes increase the amount of off- the pivot would foster “eco- insist on trade shore wind energy it pro- nomic growth and job crea- barriers would duces by a factor of five in tion in all parts of the renew- the next 10 years, part of its able energy supply chain,” su er self-inict- push to reach net emissions according to a press release, neutrality by 2050. helping the EU get back on ed wounds “We as Europeans have a its feet after the coronavirus huge advantage,” the EU ex- crisis-induced recession. AFP ecutive branch’s vice presi- The European Environ- KUALA LUMPUR dent, Frans Timmermans, mental Bureau - a major said on Thursday, pointing network of EU organizations PRESIDENT Xi Jinping to the advanced technology - welcomed the shift to re- hailed China as the pivot point and production capacities of newables in a press release for global free trade Thursday, the European Union. on Thursday, but raised vowing to keep its “super- The new plan foresees concerns about “potentially sized” economy open for busi- investment of 800 billion negative impact on marine ness and warning against pro- euros (947 billion dollars) habitats.” Especially wind tectionism as the world battles by 2050 to make use of Eu- turbines anchored in the the COVID-19 pandemic. rope’s sea basins - the North seabed - as opposed to float- Buoyed by the signing of Sea, the Baltic, the Medi- ing - “can potentially lead to the world’s largest trade pact terranean, the Atlantic and the loss of many sea mam- over the weekend, Xi said the around the EU’s islands - mals, birds and fish, which Asia-Pacific is the “forerun- and reduce dependence on are very sensitive to noise ner driving global growth” in fossil fuels. and rely on their senses to a world hit by “multiple chal- By 2050, the EU should search for food and follow lenges.” produce 25 times more off- migratory routes,” the state- He vowed “openness” to shore wind energy, but also ment continued. trade and rejected any pos- sibility of the “decoupling” of China’s economy, in his only nod to the hostile trade policy of US President Don- ald Trump’s administration, Indonesia cuts interest rates to which has battered China with A screen shows a news programme about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s speech via virtual meeting to the APEC forum in Malaysia, at a tariffs and tech restrictions. restaurant in Beijing on Thursday. (GREG BAKER/AFP) bolster recession-hit economy Xi was speaking at the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation “Openness enables a coun- US, is viewed as a major coup Biden has been strident on AFP 99 Asian financial crisis. (APEC) forum, held online this try to move forward while se- Buoyed by the signing of for China and further evidence China’s human rights record, JAKARTA “This is a follow-up step to year because of the pandemic, clusion holds it back,” he said. the world’s largest trade that Beijing is setting the from its treatment of Uighur accelerate the national econ- which brings together 21 Pa- “China will actively cooper- pact over the weekend, Xi agenda for global commerce as Muslims in the restive Xinji- INDONESIA’S central bank omy’s recovery,” central bank cific Rim countries, accounting ate with all countries, regions Washington retreats. ang region to Hong Kong’s de- slashed interest rates again governor Perry Warjiyo said. for about 60 percent of global and enterprises that want to said the Asia-Pacific is the RCEP’s rival was the mocracy movement. Thursday after the COVID-19 The government has un- GDP. do so. We will continue to hold “forerunner driving global Trans-Pacific Partnership But some at the APEC fo- pandemic pushed Southeast veiled more than $48 billion in It was not immediately high the banner of openness growth” in a world hit by -- championed by former US rum were optimistic the in- Asia’s biggest economy into its stimulus to help offset the im- clear if Trump, wounded by and co-operation.” “multiple challenges.” president Barack Obama -- but coming US president would first recession in more than 20 pact of the virus, which forced his election loss to Joe Biden, Trump withdrew from it and engage more with internation- years. large-scale restrictions that would take part in the two-day Trade agenda the pact has now been replaced al groupings. Bank Indonesia cut the key hammered growth. gathering or send a high-level But Xi’s rhetoric may raise pandemic as well as accusa- by a watered-down alternative “I think that (a Biden ad- lending rate by 25 basis points Several million Indonesians delegate in his place. eyebrows in capitals where tions of espionage hammer that the United States has not ministration) will be more to 3.75 percent, its fifth rate re- have been laid off or furloughed In a speech that veered into China has either restricted relations. joined. supportive of the WTO (World duction this year, as the global as the vast country, home to triumphalism over China’s trade or used its giant econ- The APEC summit comes a Xi had no direct words for Trade Organization), and of health crisis slams the brakes nearly 270 million people, has economic “resilience and vital- omy as a bargaining chip in week after China and 14 other President-elect Biden, whose APEC,” Singaporean Prime on growth. battled to contain the crisis. ity” in bouncing back from the wider geopolitical disputes. Asia-Pacific countries signed ascension to office next year, Minister Lee Hsien Loong said. The move comes two weeks COVID-19 infections have virus, which first emerged in Australian exports of beef, the world’s largest free-trade while still clouded by Trump’s “I hope that there will be after Indonesia posted its sec- topped 480,000 with more the central city of Wuhan, Xi wine and barley to China -- deal. refusal to concede defeat, is ex- a more constructive approach ond consecutive quarter of than 15,000 deaths, putting warned countries who insist their biggest market -- have The Regional Comprehen- pected to see a more nuanced -- one where countries work negative growth -- the country’s Indonesia among the worst-hit on trade barriers would suffer been restricted, as a diplomatic sive Economic Partnership extension of Washington’s cur- together, rather than against first recession since the 1998- Asian countries. self-inflicted wounds. rumble over the origins of the (RCEP), which excludes the rent China policy. one another.” Google strikes payment deal with some French media groups

AFP ers over a new European law double the agency’s revenues ing emergency funding dur- PARIS on so-called “neighbouring from internet platforms from ing the COVID-19 crisis. rights,” which calls for pay- around 10 million euros a Missoffe said Thurs- GOOGLE said Thursday that ment for showing news con- year currently. day that since 2013, Google it had signed “some individ- tent with internet searches. Google has clashed re- had invested some 85 mil- ual agreements” on copyright News outlets struggling peatedly with publishers over lion euros ($100 million) in payments with French news- with dwindling print sub- Talks on its reluctance to pay for dis- France’s media landscape, papers and magazines after scriptions have long been Signatories to the deal include playing articles, videos and to promote shifts to digital months of wrangling over the seething at Google’s failure top French dailies Le Monde, other content in its search platforms as well as training sharing of revenues from the to give them a cut of the mil- Le Figaro and Liberation, as results, which have become a programmes. display of news in search re- lions it makes from ads dis- well as magazines like vital path for reaching viewers Last month, Google an- sults. played alongside news search as print subscriptions fade. nounced plans to invest $1 Signatories to the deal in- results. L’Express, L’Obs and Courrier After the EU’s neighbour- billion in partnerships with cluded top French dailies Le With the COVID-19 crisis International. In a statement, ing rights law came into ef- news publishers worldwide Monde, Le Figaro and Libera- crimping sales even further, Google France chief Sebastien fect, it warned that associated to develop a “Showcase” app tion, as well as magazines like several top French publica- Missoffe said talks with other content would be shown in to highlight their reporting L’Express, L’Obs and Cour- tions are expected to report media groups were continuing, search results only if media packages. rier International. huge losses this year. with a goal of reaching “a groups consented to let Goog- But among the nearly 200 In a statement, Google But Google had refused to framework agreement by the le use them at no cost. publications Google said had France chief Sebastien Mis- comply with the digital copy- News outlets struggling with dwindling print subscriptions have long end of the year.” News publishers cried signed up from several coun- soffe said talks with other right law, which France was been seething at Google’s failure to give them a cut of the millions it foul over an ultimatum that tries, its list lacked any from media groups were continu- the first in the EU to enact, makes from ads displayed alongside news search results. would almost certainly result France or the United States. ing, with a goal of reaching “a saying media groups already in their losing visibility and Isabelle da Silva, head of framework agreement by the benefit by receiving millions monthly internet traffic, and against Google with France’s internet giants such as Face- potential ad revenues. France’s competition author- end of the year.” of visits to their websites. “the publisher’s contribution competition regulator, did book and Apple. But Google argued that ity, told the Paris media con- The announcement came Financial specifics were to political and general infor- not sign the accord. “We get a sense that at- besides encouraging millions ference that her agency “will after a Paris appeals court not disclosed, but Missoffe mation”. But AFP chief executive titudes have shifted over the of people to click through to be extremely vigilant that the ruled last month that the US said payments would be Agence France-Presse, Fabrice Fries said he was “op- past few months,” Fries told a media sites, it has also spent contracts explicitly recognise giant must continue to negoti- based on criteria including which along with other media timistic” about improved re- media conference in Paris on millions to support media neighbouring rights, and pay ate with French news publish- daily publication volumes, groups has lodged complaints lations with Google and other Thursday, saying he aimed to groups in other ways, includ- for them.” Economy & Business Friday, November 20, 2020 09 Global stocks retreat Global economic recovery from as attention turns to soaring infections COVID-19 ‘remains dif cult’: IMF AFP de Blasio said he would LONDON shut schools because of ris- e IMF expects global growth to contract by 4.4% this year before rebounding 5.2% in 2021 ing infections. STOCKS pulled back Thurs- The move indicated AFP day as a global rally fuelled that the soaring number of WASHINGTON by vaccine optimism petered new cases around the US -- out in the face of surging the country has registered THE global economy faces a infections that are forcing more than 100,000 every hard road back from the Cov- fresh lockdowns and threat- day for two weeks -- could id-19 downturn, and nations ening to shock the global force lockdowns similar should remove trade barriers economy again. to those that battered the on medical technologies to aid While the broad con- economy earlier this year. the recovery, the IMF chief sensus is that 2021 will see Meanwhile, a rise in said on Thursday. a healthy recovery across new filings for unemploy- The call from Managing the world as people are ment benefits in the United Director Kristalina Georgieva gradually inoculated, trad- States also dented senti- ahead of this week’s G20 lead- ers are focusing on the im- ers summit comes as coun- mediate crisis as the US and tries grapple with the fallout Europe suffer a new wave of from a pandemic that has the killer disease. killed hundreds of thousands “After the soaraway and caused a sharp contrac- gains of the past two weeks, tion in growth. equities now look much Hope in 2021? “While a medical solution more richly valued, and to the crisis is now in sight, thus vulnerable to an out- While the broad consensus the economic path ahead re- break of bad news,” said is that 2021 will see a mains difficult and prone to Chris Beauchamp, chief healthy recovery across setbacks,” Georgieva said in a market analyst at IG trad- the world as people are blog post. ing group. gradually inoculated, Major pharmaceutical “This is precisely what traders are focusing on the companies are now closing in we got in the form of immediate crisis as the US on vaccines against the virus, spreading infections in the and Europe suffer a new amid a global spike in cases US but also in Japan, a wave of the killer disease. that has caused some coun- worrying sign indeed for a tries to reimpose restrictions country that had been suc- to curb transmission. cessful earlier in the year in “The resurgence in infec- controlling the spread. ment. tions is a powerful reminder “Even reports of success The increase to 740,000 that a sustainable economic IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva speaks at a press brie ng on COVID-19 in Washington, DC. The global economy faces a hard road for AstraZeneca’s new vac- new claims reverses a re- recovery cannot be achieved back from the COVID-19 downturn, the IMF chief said. (NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP) cine were not enough -- the cent decline in the figure anywhere unless we defeat impact of these vaccine an- and comes as more states the pandemic everywhere,” percent this year before re- the G20 should refrain nouncements having been restrict the operations of Georgieva said. bounding 5.2 percent in 2021. from imposing or intensify- on a declining trend since businesses such as restau- She called for countries However, Georgieva noted Recession looming ing trade restrictions and the first excitedly received rants and gyms. to cooperate to ensure an third-quarter growth was The COVID-19 pandemic has spread with alarming speed, promptly remove those put news from Pfizer almost Key European econo- adequate supply of vaccines, better than expected in the infecting millions and bringing economic activity to a in place since the start of the three weeks ago,” Beau- mies including France, tests and medicines, as well United States, Japan and Eu- year on all medical goods champ added. Germany and Britain have as “multilateral efforts on the ropean countries. near-standstill as countries imposed tight restrictions on and services as well as on any World markets have already imposed new or manufacturing, purchase and The virtual summit hosted movement to halt the spread of the virus. The pandemic is goods and services related to enjoyed an impressive run partial lockdowns, while distribution of these health by Saudi Arabia is set to be expected to plunge most countries into recession in 2020, vaccine manufacturing and this month thanks to Joe other countries around the solutions -- especially in the last during the term of with per capita income contracting in the largest fraction of distribution.” Biden’s US election victory world including Japan and poorer nations. US President Donald Trump, countries globally since 1870. Advanced economies are The IMF called for Brit- and then news that two vac- South Korea have been It also means removing who lost his bid for another projected to shrink 7 percent. That weakness will spill over ain and the European Union cine candidates had shown forced to take new contain- recent trade restrictions on four years in office earlier this to the outlook for emerging market and developing to conclude a trade deal that to be more than 90 percent ment action. all medical goods and servic- month, though he has reject- economies, who are forecast to contract by 2.5 percent as would forestall new trade effective in late trials. European Central Bank es, including those related to ed the results. they cope with their own domestic outbreaks of the virus. barriers as London disentan- The announcements chief Christine Lagarde vaccines,” Georgieva said. Under his leadership, This would represent the weakest showing by this group of gles itself from the regional lifted hopes that the planet on Thursday called for the The Covid-19 pandemic Washington has engaged in economies in at least sixty years. bloc. can begin to get back to EU’s planned coronavirus has caused more than 1.3 mil- trade conflicts with strategic The lender also reiterated some form of normality recovery fund to become lion deaths worldwide, ac- rival China as well as its Eu- its call for more public spend- soon. However, Wall Street available “without delay”, cording to an AFP tally, and ropean allies, which slowed tries to work together to finish global level will help ensure a ing to help countries escape took a decisive turn lower after Poland and Hungary wreaked a grievous toll on the down global growth even be- the pandemic off. strong, sustainable recovery,” the growth slowdown and in late trade Wednesday blocked the adoption of the global economy. fore the virus’s arrival. “Combining well-coor- the Washington-based crisis reshape their economies for when New York Mayor Bill plan. The IMF expects global In a separate research dinated national policies lender said. both growth and to fight cli- growth to contract by 4.4 note, the IMF called for coun- with joint measures at the “In the immediate term, mate change. As COVID-19 cases increase in US, jobless claims follow

AFP ployed and loans and grants to week that new jobless claim Union said in a note. Congress who have been una- WASHINGTON small businesses that helped applications have remained The US is home to the ble to overcome differences on the economy through the early above the worst single week of world’s largest outbreak of how much to spend on a new THE United States saw a sharp months of the pandemic are the 2008-2010 global finan- Covid-19, which has acceler- stimulus measure. increase in new filings for job- yet to return. cial crisis, and analysts fear ated in recent weeks. The massive $2.2 trillion less benefits last week, a sign The Labor Department on the latest increase is just the The country saw 157,950 CARES Act in March helped that the unemployment crisis Thursday reported a season- beginning. new infections over the 24 keep the economy afloat could be intensifying again as ally adjusted 742,000 new “Given the trajectory of the hours prior to Wednesday, the through the spring and sum- the world’s largest economy claims for unemployment pandemic, we may be stuck in same day total deaths from mer but many of its provisions weathers a surge in Covid-19 benefits filed in the week end- the one million a week range the disease climbed above have since lapsed and a study infections. ed November 14, and 320,237 of Americans claiming bene- 250,000. from The Century Founda- The worrying increase claims, not seasonally adjust- fits (both state and federal) for - Biden backs stimulus tion progressive think tank re- comes as lawmakers in Wash- ed, made separately under a some time, and we’ll be lucky -President-elect Joe Biden leased Wednesday said nearly ington remain at an impasse program for workers not nor- if that level doesn’t rise by earlier this week warned of the 12 million unemployed people on enacting another stimulus mally eligible for jobless aid. 100,000 to 200,000 addition- risks of both the rise in cases are relying on aid programs “Store Closing” signs are posted at a store as people walk by in Los spending measure, meaning The worse-than-expected al claims per week,” Robert and the impasse between Re- under the bill that expire on Angeles. (TNS) extra payments to the unem- data marked the 35th straight Frick of Navy Federal Credit publicans and Democrats in December 26.

‘BATTERYGATE’ Buyers snap up existing Apple to pay $113 mn over iPhone battery complaints US homes in October AFP Buyers have been aided AFP iPhone maker said it agreed to the WASHINGTON by low mortgage rates after SAN FRANCISCO payout “solely for the purposes of the Federal Reserve slashed settlement,” without any admission THE US real estate boom re- its benchmark lending rate to APPLE has agreed to pay $113 million of wrongdoing. mained unstoppable in Octo- near-zero in March as the pan- to settle litigation with more than 30 Earlier this year Apple agreed ber, according to data from an demic arrived. US states over its slowdown in per- to pay up to $500 million to settle a industry group, with the pace “Considering that we re- formance of older iPhones to manage class-action lawsuit over the same is- of existing home sales growing main in a period of stubbornly battery power. sue. In December 2017, Apple admit- beyond expectations, tight- high unemployment relative The latest “batterygate” set- ted that iOS software was tweaked to ening inventory and pushing to pre-pandemic levels, the tlement will divide the settlement slow performance of older iPhones prices up. housing sector has performed among California and 33 other states, whose battery life was deteriorating The report from the Na- remarkably well this year,” according to a statement by state At- to prevent handsets from spontane- tional Association of Realtors said NAR Chief Economist torney General Xavier Becerra. ously shutting down. (NAR) indicated that the hous- Lawrence Yun. The settlement resolves com- Critics accused Apple of surrepti- ing market remains one of the Existing home sales rose plaints that the tech giant made tiously forcing users to buy phones few bright spots in a rapidly in all regions of the United misrepresentations about iPhone sooner than necessary, and the darkening US economy beset States, and unsold inventory batteries and software updates that outcry forced Apple to upgrade its by rising coronavirus cases in October fell to a record low throttled processing performance to software and offer steep discounts on and Congress’s continued fail- of 2.5 months at the current manage insufficient battery power, In December 2017, Apple admitted that iOS software was tweaked to slow battery replacements. ure to agree on a new stimulus rate. That pushed prices up according to the state official. performance of older iPhones whose battery life was deteriorating. Apple also settled a case with measure. 15.5 percent from the same “Apple withheld information France’s consumer watchdog to pay Existing home sales rose month last year to a median of about their batteries that slowed ability to make informed purchases. The settlement resolves com- 25 million euros ($27.4 million) in a 4.3 percent from September $313,000. down iPhone performance, all while Today’s settlement ensures consum- plaints about Apple’s iPhone 6 and 7 related case. to an annualized rate of 6.85 “Homebuilders’ confi- passing it off as an update,” said ers will have access to the infor- generation phones which according French prosecutors opened an in- million, seasonally adjusted, dence has soared even though Becerra. mation they need to make a well- to the states’ complaint were suscep- quiry in January 2018 at the request the NAR said, its highest level the actual production has not,” “This type of behavior hurts the informed decision when purchasing tible to performance loss. of the Halt Planned Obsolescence since November of 2005 and Yun said, predicting sales pockets of consumers and limits their and using Apple products.” In the court documents, the (HOP) association. a 26.6 percent jump from a would rise 10 percent next year-ago. year. Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Perfect Empire lands Guineas PAGE 12

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2020 Li Shenglong stars with a brace as Shanghai SIPG down Sydney FC

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK enjoy the bulk of possession DOHA in the opening minutes of the second half and Barbarouses A brace of second-half Li Shen- nearly doubled his side’s tally glong headers helped Shanghai 10 minutes after the restart SIPG come from behind to de- after being set up by a Rhyan feat Sydney FC 2-1 at Khalifa Grant header, but the New International Stadium in Group Zealander international could H of the 2020 AFC Champions not find the target with his League on Thursday. point-blank header. Shanghai SIPG were com- It was Vitor Perreira’s ing into their campaign open- Shanghai SIPG who found the er against an FC Sydney side back of the net instead. With they had played twice and 63 minutes on the clock, Aus- drew on both occasions last tralian midfielder Aaron Mooy term, while Steve Corica’s men took advantage of a quickly had collected one point from taken set-piece down the right two games in the competition and delivered a pinpoint cross and were in desperate need for catching the Sydney FC de- a victory to stay in contention. fence napping and finding Li who was left to pick his spot with a free-header, driving home the leveler. With just 11 minutes to go, Li popped up in space inside the box once more, getting on the end of a whipped cross from substitute Yu Hai from the left to send a diving header in off the upright, leaving goalkeeper Heward-Belle rooted to the spot. The 23-year-old goal- Sydney FC came racing out keeper’s night went from bad of the blocks and within five to worse as he was sent-off in minutes they had their first big added time for handing the ball break. A Paulo Retre though outside the box, leaving Grant ball found Trent Buhagiar free to fill in between the sticks as down the right flank and he Sydney FC had already used up squared for Kosta Barbarouses all their substitutions. who had the goal at his mercy The three points in their first with the Shanghai SIPG de- game of the 2020 AFC Cham- fenders left chasing shadows, pions League sends Shanghai but the Sydney FC number 11 SIPG to second place in the fluffed his lines, squandering Shanghai SIPG forward Li Shenglong (left) celebrates after scoring the second goal during the AFC Champions League Group H match against Australia’s Sydney FC at the Khalifa group ahead of Sunday’s clash the chance for an early opener. International Stadium on Thursday. (AFP) with Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. Barbarouses was pre- Sydney FC, meanwhile, sented with the chance to the return pass. Buhagiar took Shanghai SIPG goalkeeper wide. are left teetering with their make amends three minutes it first-time, sending a left-foot- Standings Group H Chen Wei was beaten again Shanghai SIPG were made hopes of qualification largely later when goalkeeper Thomas ed effort into the top corner to CLUB P W D L GF GA GD PTS as an Alexander Baumjohann to wait until the 30-minute dependent on getting a result Heward-Belle sent a long ball open the scoring for Sydney FC. Yokohama F. Marinos (JPN) 2 2 0 0 6 1 5 6 corner was headed goalward mark to get their first real chance against the Korea Republic for Buhagiar who nodded it The Australian dominance Shanghai SIPG FC (CHN) 1 1 0 0 2 1 1 3 by Benjamin Warland, but the of the game when Gu Huan side on Wednesday. into the path of Barbarouses at Khalifa International Sta- Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors FC (KOR) 2 0 1 1 3 4 -1 1 Sydney FC defender watched crossed for Li whose header nar- Scoreline: Shanghai SIPG 2 who showed impeccable aware- dium continued and just be- Sydney FC (AUS) 3 0 1 2 3 8 -5 1 his effort cannon off the post rowly missed the target. (Li Shenglong 63’, 79’) bt Syd- ness to find his teammate with fore the quarter-hour mark, before Retre sent the rebound Sydney FC continued to ney FC 1 (Trent Buhagiar 8’).

FIFA WORLD CUP 2022 QUALIFIERS Rojas Bangladesh nalise squad for wary of predicting crucial tie against Qatar Melbourne TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DHAKA Victory’s A 27-man squad has been AFC CL named by the Bangladesh Football Federation as they gear up to face Qatar in Group chances E of the Asian Qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup Chi- na 2023 on December 4. Team departs from Melbourne for Doha to resume campaign

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK casts regarding how Victory ture. Brebner’s team then take DOHA will play come November 24. on Chiangrai United before We will go to Doha and will “It’s difficult to say,” he facing off against FC Seoul in have two weeks to prepare. MELBOURNE Victory depart- said. “As a footballer you’re their final group fixture. Everybody knows the impor- ed for Qatar on Thursday with not going to go into a game The four-time A-League tance of the game. Qatar their New Zealand internation- and not try to win it. But to say champions come into the are Asian champions and al Marcos Rojas refusing to pre- what’s realistic is to try and tournament having not played dict how well his team can per- predict the future. a competitive match since the they will provide a massive form when they finally resume “We’ll guarantee that we’ll middle of August having en- challenge. their 2020 AFC Champions be working hard to come to- dured a torrid domestic cam- Bangladesh’s assistant coach League campaign next week. gether as a team, we’ll be paign that saw them finish in Bangladesh will face Qatar in Group E of the Asian Quali ers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC The Australian side, who working hard on our philoso- 10th in the 11-team league. Stuart Watkiss Asian Cup China 2023 on December 4. qualified for the group phase phy and it’s a great challenge But, since Brebner was by defeating 2018 champions against very good teams, very handed the task of leading the Assistant coach Stuart local media. feated Nepal 2-0 and drawn Defenders: Topu Barman, Yea- Kashima Antlers in the play- good players that will really team full time, Melbourne have Watkiss, who has taken tem- Bangladesh will play 0-0 in friendlies during the sin Khan, Bishwanath Ghosh, offs, have already played twice test us as footballers and how made a number of astute sign- porary charge of the squad warm-up matches against lo- recent international window. Shushanta Tripura, Rahmat Mia, in Group E, kicking off their we come together as a team. ings, including former Wigan after head coach Jamie Day cal clubs in Doha on Novem- Bangladesh are bottom of Yeasin Arafat, SM Monjurur Rah- campaign with a 1-0 win over “I think that will be the Athletic winger Callum McMa- tested positive for COVID-19, ber 25 and 28 as part of the Group E of the Asian Qualifi- man, Riyadul Hasan, Manik Mol- Chiangrai United before slip- main realistic challenge and naman and ex-Derby County is aware of the challenge that build-up for the tie against ers with one point while Qa- lah; Midfielders: Jamal Bhuiyan, ping to a narrow loss at the the approach that we should midfielder Jacob Butterfield. lays ahead for his side. reigning AFC Asian Cup tar lead the standings with Mamunul Islam, Atiqur Rahman hands of FC Seoul. take is forming that. Results Several of the recent acqui- “We will go to Doha and champions Qatar at the Ab- 13. Oman, Afghanistan and Fahad, Rabiul Hasan, Moammad But, with much changing will be very difficult to come by sitions will only meet their new will have two weeks to pre- dullah bin Khalifa Stadium on India are the other teams in Ibrahim, Sohel Rana, Mamunul since those games in February but we’ll see how we go.” team mates on arrival in Doha pare. Everybody knows the December 4. the group. Islam, Rakib Hossain; Forwards: and March as new coach Grant Melbourne’s first game and Rojas admitted one of the importance of the game. Qa- The South Asian side will Biplo Ahmed, Tawhidul Alam Brebner took charge and with after the resumption will be biggest challenges facing Mel- tar are Asian champions and head to Doha with some valu- Bangladesh Squad: Goalkeep- Sabuz, Nabib Newaz Jibon, Su- significant turnover in the against Beijing FC, with the bourne will be seeing how long they will provide a massive able match exposure already ers: Ashraful Islam Rana, Anisur mon Reza, MS Bablu, Mahbubur playing staff, Rojas was not teams meeting against three it takes for the line-up to form challenge,” Watkiss said to under their belt, having de- Rahman Zico, Pappu Hossain; Rahman, Saad Uddin. prepared to make any fore- days later in their return fix- into a cohesive unit. Sports Friday, November 20, 2020 11 Qatar’s Team Lusail eager to rock at FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

TEAM Lusail, Qatar’s entry at the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters, will take to the court on Friday, the opening day of the event, with only one thing on their minds – to lift the trophy on Saturday night at the Al Gharafa Beach Games Area. The desire, will to suc- ceed and home advantage will propel the Qatar side of head coach Mohammed Salim Ab- dulla, himself a gold medal winner for Qatar at FIBA 3x3 world championships. Lusail assembled only a few of days ago for this tour- nament led by Greek All Star guard Kostas Vasileiadis, who joined Al Sadd club this sea- son. Mame Souleye Ndour and Ousseynou Mbow will contrib- ute with their vastly experi- ence and the talented Hamza Maher Radi will add his en- thusiasm. For Vasileiadis, the 36-years-old player from Sa- lonica, Greece, this will be his first try on 3x3: “It’s fun. Com- Qatar’s Team Lusail members Kostas Vasileiadis, Mame Souleye A court at the Gharafa Beach Games Area which will see the FIBA 3x3 World Tour Doha Masters action on Friday and Saturday. pletely different from 5x5. It’s Ndour, Ousseynou Mbow and Hamza Maher Radi during a training a little different, but basketball session at the Al Gharafa Beach Games Area. everybody can play hard and players are practicing well, it is… basketball, same passion, enjoy the game of basketball. I might be only our second day same effort everywhere! We mented ahead of the big show. people’s homes. trust my team and my players. together, but I believe that we have started to get to know While only a few lucky fans “I hope for the people who They are all professionals, it is should play well. It is a great each other and be ready for to- will be able to watch the tour- will come and for those that the first time that we come to- time for basketball in Qatar.” morrow’s tip off. nament, as FIBA and the lo- will sit at home to enjoy these gether as a group. Some teams Team Lusail will open “We want to win this tour- cal organizing committee are games live, I promise that we have been participating on the their campaign on Friday at nament. We believe that we abiding the Ministry of Public will give everything for you. It tour for a long time. But I be- 5pm against Liman (Serbia), will be ready to make it to the Health protocol of only 30% will be a spectacular tourna- lieve that good things should a match for Pool A. They will end. We made a lot of shots in specatators at the arena, the ment,” said Vasileiadis. be expected from us.” then play Manila Chooks (The practice, the coach has pre- live telecast of the event will Coach Abdulla also exuded The head of the team, Talal Philippines) at 8:35pm on the pared systems for us,” he com- take the action straight into confidence saying, “I hope that Zaid Aldosari concluded: “The same day.

Hummel. MVP return at the Debrecen December 19-20. So far, ten What you need to know Masters. teams have already stamped Players to Watch NY Harlem’s Dominique Jones their ticket to Saudi Arabia: Li- HE FIBA 3x3 World Tour Who is competing in Doha? There will be more stars in aka Disco Domo just squeezes man (SRB), Riga (LAT), Novi Sad resumes on Friday with the A total of 14 teams: Liman, Doha than on the Hollywood into the top 10 of the rankings (SRB), NY Harlem (USA), Piran TDoha Masters in the last Riga, NY Harlem, Princeton, Ub, Walk of Fame. Nine of the but he might be No.1 for enter- (SLO), Sakiai Gulbele (LTU), regular season event before Lausanne Katapult, Jeddah, world’s top 18 players will be tainment and a lock to gure in Lausanne Katapult (SUI), Ub the Jeddah Final next month. Manila Chooks TM, Kamakura in action, including four of the the top 5 plays of the tourna- (SRB), Utena Uniclub (LTU) and After a break of more than two NatureMade, Riyadh, Bielefeld top six. ment. There are a number of Jeddah (KSA). months, here’s a refresher of LFDY, Lusail, Yoyogi Crayon.EXE, The highest ranked player is emerging stars who should be A total of 14 squads will play the important information every Utena Uniclub world No.2 Nauris Miezis from closely watched. Utena Uni- in Doha: seven of them have 3x3 fan needs to know. Riga who only narrowly shades club’s Ignas Vaitkus leads the already quali ed for the Final, The favourites? his superhero teammate Karlis World Tour in player value, while the other 7 make their World Where can I watch the Doha No.1 seed Liman deserve rst Lasmanis - last year’s MVP in Manila Chooks TM star Joshua Tour 2020 debut this week. To Masters? mention having won two of Doha. Munzon is fresh off a spectacu- get a chance to make it to the If you are not at the venue at the three masters in Hungary Liman are obviously laced with lar Filipino 3x3 League where Final, it’s quite simple: they Gharafa Beach Games Area, earlier this year but there are talent and led by No.3 ranked he was a human ame thrower. have to reach the semi- nals. If make sure you are following many contenders in the loaded It shapes as a rematch be- showpiece in Saudi Arabia. Stefan Kojic who seemingly one of them makes it, Amster- us on Twitter and Instagram eld featuring four of the top tween the two top seeds but Last year’s World Tour Final never misses a shot. After a Who can still make it to the dam (NED, currently 12th in the for live updates in addition to ve ranked teams in the world. there are many other contend- runners-up Princeton, most lengthy injury layoff, Stefan World Tour Final? World Tour standings) will miss Facebook and YouTube where Defending champs Riga memo- ers, including a slew of World notably, could well challenge Stojacic doesn’t have the rank- The Doha Masters are key the nal. If two of them do, we will be broadcasting live on rably defeated Liman in the Tour 2020 debutants deter- for the title if they can shake ing points but is arguably the to determine who will get a Ulaanbaatar MMC Energy (MGL, both channels. The event will nal of last year’s decider and mined to do well in a desperate off rust and also ll the size- best player in the world on his chance to play at the FIBA 3x3 currently 11th) will also miss also be live on television. also won the Hungary Masters. bid to qualify for next month’s able hole of superstar Robbie day as testament by his brilliant World Tour Jeddah Final on the ight to Jeddah. (FIBA)

Generation Amazing partners with IFRC to deliver Monaco and PSG meet in French football for development programme worldwide clash with German accent ENERATION Amazing has Generation Amazing Ex- AFP and come into the weekend in to relieve the pressure placed signed a partnership agree- ecutive Director, Mushtaq PARIS sixth place. They have won their on him due to PSG’s European Gment with the Internation- Al Waeli, said: “As young last two games but are without form. al Federation of Red Cross and participants navigate their THOMAS Tuchel’s Paris Saint- French internationals Wissam Defending his counterpart, Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) leadership journey, they will Germain are top of Ligue 1 and Ben Yedder and Ruben Aguilar Kovac said: “I know Thomas, to jointly deliver football for de- learn powerful skills such as chasing a ninth straight win on because of coronavirus and sus- he’s a very good person and a velopment programmes to vul- discipline, healthy living and Friday but standing in their way pension respectively. good coach. What more do you nerable youth in several coun- teamwork. They will also en- are an ambitious Monaco side Nevertheless, Tuchel ex- want from him than winning tries across the Middle East, gage with their local networks with a German-born coach of pressed his admiration for a four titles and playing a Cham- Asia, Africa and South America. in meaningful ways. By doing their own in Niko Kovac. man he faced during his time pions League final? Maybe win The announcement follows so, they will create change in The 49-year-old Kovac, at Borussia Dortmund, when five with Bayern Munich?” an official signing ceremony in their schools, neighbourhoods who was brought up in West Kovac was coach of Eintracht Doha in March that was attend- and the broader community Berlin and spent most of his Frankfurt. ed by SC Secretary General, by implementing solutions in playing career in Germany but “He did an amazing job in H.E. Hassan Al Thawadi, and some of the most challenging played internationally for Croa- Frankfurt and was very suc- IFRC Secretary General, Jagan contexts for refugees and un- tia, took over in the principality cessful at Bayern Munich and Chapagain. Also in attendance derprivileged communities.” during the summer. in general I have liked Monaco were representatives from Qa- The pilot project recognises That followed a spell out of for many years,” Tuchel told tar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs port of the transformative pow- pressure on their mental health that football has an exception- the game after his sacking by PSG TV. and Qatar Red Crescent. er of football to improve the and major disruptions to their ally important role to play in Bayern Munich in November “They are known as a club The partnership will fo- lives of vulnerable and at-risk education, this kind of initiative bringing people together and 2019. At the Stade Louis II, who produce a lot of talents and cus on empowering and edu- youth in challenging contexts,” could not be more important.” promoting inclusion, health, Kovac’s remit is to revive the in combination with Niko’s cating vulnerable youth that said Al Thawadi. The collaboration between leadership, discipline and team- fortunes of a club who have experience and are subjected to exclusion “Generation Amazing has Generation Amazing and the work. Both Generation Amazing struggled in the last two cam- skills or violence. This includes built a meaningful history of IFRC will begin with a pilot and the IFRC further recognise paigns and are trying to re- working with refugees and impactful programming over project involving the Genera- that football can be a key cata- turn to the upper echelons of displaced persons in Iraq, the past ten years and we be- tion Amazing football for de- lyst for engaging young people the French game. as a Myanmar, Uganda and Ar- lieve this partnership will fur- velopment methodology and and contributing towards de- Kovac was brought in by coach, and his men- gentina as a means of in- ther enhance our global pro- the IFRC’s Youth as Agents of velopment and peace. Monaco’s new sporting director tality as a hard-working spiring and providing them grammes and play a key part Behavioural Change initiative. The partnership will kick Paul Mitchell, the Englishman guy who plays a very disciplined with key life skills through in showing the role that sport Generation Amazing will off in December 2020 and aims who previously headed football style of football but also very at- football to lead healthy and plays in advancing the United run its football for development over the coming years to ben- operations at Red Bull and was tractive, we were very curious to active lifestyles, and to work Nations Sustainable Develop- programme with participants efit thousands of young people formerly head of recruitment at see him there.” within their communities to ment Goals and Qatar National in an effort to teach key life in an effort to transform their RB Leipzig. PSG are five points clear promote social inclusion. Vision 2030.” skills, such as communication personal situations and create Among the new signings of Lille at the top and could be “We very much look for- Chapagain said: “We are and leadership. The project will an external ripple of change in made for this season was forgiven for having one eye on Paris Saint-Germain and France’s ward to this partnership with so proud to be part of this pro- include the establishment of their communities. This forms Germany striker Kevin Vol- next week’s crucial Champions forward Kylian Mbappe warms up IFRC, the world’s largest hu- gramme and excited to see work football pitches and classrooms, part of Generation Amazing’s land, who joined from Bayer League clash with Leipzig. prior to the UEFA Nations League A manitarian network, and the starting on the ground. In this with the attendees judged on the mission to positively impact Leverkusen. Tuchel may again be with- Group 3 match against Sweden at unique opportunity it presents COVID year, when young peo- skills learnt both on the football the lives of more than 1 million The new-look Monaco out Neymar, who has been ab- the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, to build robust evidence in sup- ple have been facing increased pitch and in the classroom. youth by 2022. (SC.QA) have had an inconsistent start sent in recent weeks, as he looks Paris, on Tuesday. (AFP) 12 Friday, November 20, 2020 Sports Sheikh Abdullah’s Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Perfect Stranger makes a Empire lands Guineas winning visit to Chantilly TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

AL Wasmiyah Farm’s Perfect Empire (Holy Roman Em- peror x Pink Tequila) built on an impressive start to his time in Qatar when he landed his second straight victory, this time the Thoroughbred Guineas (QA Gr 3) (Far Bend) (3yos) at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) on Thursday. The mile-long feature Stranger was the impressive three-length winner of the Prix du Ma- around the far bend on the nege at Chantilly in France on Wednesday evening. (Pic: Scoopdyga) turf track at Al Rayyan Park saw Alberto Sanna in the sad- TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK by jockey Olivier Peslier. He dle of the Gassim Mohammad DOHA set a ready pace and placed a Ghazali-trained colt winning sharp acceleration coming off the feature by a comfortable IN the colours of HH Sheikh the final turn. He held off sev- one and a half lengths. Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Thani, eral challenges to pull clear in In the process the duo Stranger (FR) (Charm Spirit the final 200 meteres to win by led a one-two for the colours x Al Zarqa) was the impres- three lengths. STRANGER was with Tomas Lukasek guiding sive three-length winner of the having his first win here, having Georges Mikhalides trained Prix du Manege at Chantilly in been placed 9 times in 13 runs. Think Big (Night Of Thun- France on Wednesday evening. Stranger is by HH Sheikh der x Avenue Montaigne) to There were 16 runners in Abdullah bin Khalifa Al Tha- the runner up spot. Hassan this handicap for three-year- ni’s stallion Charm Spirit, who Ali Al Abdulmalik’s Main reef olds over a mile on the all- will be returning to France in (Pivotal x Coral Mist), trained The winning group of Perfect Empire with ther trophies and prizes at QREC’s Al Rayyan Park on Thursday. weather track and Stranger was 2021 to stand alongside anoth- by Deborah Amanda Clare drawn in gate 14. Quickly away, er representative of His High- Mountain, completed the top Purebred Arabian Guineas (Far the Henri-Alex Pantall-trained ness, French Fifteen, at Haras three under Faleh Bughanaim. Bend): Mon’nia (FR), Julian colt was taken up to the lead de Victot. Perfect Empire won a Colin Smart, Tomas Lukasek prize of QR85,500 in the Local Thoroughbred Guineas QR150,000 race. (Far Bend): Equinoxe (QA), Team Think Big col- Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, lected QR33,000 while Ronan Thomas Al Shaqab Racing’s Umran Main Reef walked away with Purebred Arabian Handicap QR16,500. (Far Bend): Methgal (FR), Julian In Purebred Arabian Guin- Colin Smart, Tomas Lukasek opens his account eas – a mile run race for 4-year- Purebred Arabian Plate (3 Year old that also offered a total Olds) (Far Bend): Antar (FR), prize money of QR150,000 – Alban Elie Marie De Mieulle, H H Sheikh Mohammed bin Ronan Thomas Khalifa Al Thani’s homebred Thoroughbred Plate (2 Year Mon’nia completed a hat-trick Olds) (Class 2) (Far Bend): with a 3¼ length victory. Soldierpoy (GB), Mohammed Tomas Lukasek rode the Hussain Afroz, Jason Watson Julian Colin Smart-trained Thoroughbred Plate (3 Year filly to triumph. Olds) (Class 3) (Far Bend): Jabalah with Soufiane Wedream (FR), Mohammed Saadi in the saddle clinched Gassim Ghazali, Saleh Salem second position, followed by Al-Marri* (-5kg) Jason Watsong-guided Arguya Thoroughbred Handicap (Class in third position. 4) (Far Bend): Indian Horse- Umm Qarn’s homebred Al Wasmiyah Farm’s Perfect Empire he landed his second straight victory in the Thoroughbred Guineas man (GB), Mohammed Gassim Equinoxe, ridden by Ronan (QA Gr 3) (Far Bend) (3yos) at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) on Thursday. Ghazali, Marco Casamento Thomas won the Local Thor- Local Thoorughbred Handicap oughbred Guineas – Thurs- Arandas finished second Results: (Horse, Trainer, 3) (Far Bend): Perfect Empire (Far Bend): Al Adheed (QA), day’s third race with a total head of Thamina, which regis- Jockey) (GB), Gassim Mohammad Ibrahim Saeed Ibrahim Al Malki, purse of QR150,000. tered third position. Thoroughbred Guineas (QA Gr Ghazali, Alberto Sanna Sou ane Saadi. Al Shaqab Racing’s homebred Umran landed his rst career success on his second start following his victory in the Prix Caid, a seven- furlong race for three-year-old Purebred Arabian maidens, at Toulouse on Wednesday evening. (Pic: Robert Polin)

Amir Cup Archery & Shooting Championships TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK of containing the sustained at- DOHA tack of Namrood (GB) (Gen- eral). He managed to keep the Ahmed Al Shammari wins 10m Air Pistol gold AL Shaqab Racing’s homebred challenge of the latter at bay Umran (FR) (Mister Ginoux / and won by a half-length. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK Dixie Darlene) landed his first Zarra Star (FR) (Azadi) DOHA career success on his second was a further quarter of a start following his victory in length behind in third. QATAR’S promising shooter the Prix Caid, a seven-furlong From the first crop of the Ahmed Al Shammari claimed race for three-year-old Pure- PA sire Mister Ginoux, Umran gold in the men’s 10m Air bred Arabian maidens, at Tou- was bred by Al Shaqab Racing. Pistol event of the prestigious louse on Wednesday evening. He hails from a qual- Amir Cup 2020 Archery and Following on from his de- ity US bloodline, which has Shooting competition at the but third at Dax, the Elisabeth already been responsible Lusail Complex on Thursday. Bernard’s trainee is clearly on for producing the multiple Ali Hassan had to be con- the upgrade. Ridden by Julien Group 1 PA winning TM tent with the silver while Osa- Augé, he proved up to the task Thunder Struck. ma Al Shaiba won bronze. Delighted at his achieve- ment, Al Shammari said that talent and focus in training played a big role in his achieve- The men’s 10m Air Pistol medal winners Ahmed Al Shammari, Ali The men’s youth category podium nishers with of cials during the MAD Challenge ment. “What I’ve gained from Hassan and Osama Al Shaiba on the podium at the Qatar Shooting presentation ceremony at the Qatar Shooting and Archery Association my previous experiences since and Archery Association on Thursday. on Thursday. my joining the Qatar Shoot- triathlon at Katara ing and Archery Association it is always a wish that it contin- category, Misfir Al Marri won the bronze. The winners were The action in the Amir Cup (QSAA) has been instrumental ues so that we see more prom- the gold medal in the same crowned by Shaker Abdul- will continue till November in my success. I also see many ising faces with a great future,” event. Talal Al Ali won silver lah, member of the National 28th with the 50m Rifle, trap on November 27 gains in the youth category and Meanwhile, in the youth and Muhammad Al Shammari Teams Shooting Committee. and skeet events still to follow. TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK DOHA

THE Katara Cultural Village will host the MAD Challenge, a Longines Hathab Round 4 at QEF from today Run-Swim-Run event by MAD Triathlon (Make A Difference TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK 110cm). The event will carry a Tour class, followed by Saeed Triathlon) and supported by DOHA total prize purse of QR20,000 Nasser Al Qadi (73). Katara Cultural Village, on besides valuable points. The Medium Tour is being November 27 (Friday). THE fourth round of the Hathab is annual domes- led by Cyrine Sherif. She has a It will be the first outdoor fourth season of Longines tic equestrian tour consisting tally of 75 points. and largest Run-Swim-Run Hathab Qatar Equestrian of 12 rounds wherein the best In the teams’ competition, event for all ages and abilities. Tour supported by The Social seven results of the riders are the Business Trading team The first Run will be a Juniors - 600m Run, 250 & Sport Contribution Fund taken into account in deciding leads the rankings with 81 beach runand followed by swim, 2.5 Run will take place at the indoor eventual national champions points. open water swim at the Katara Juniors - 14-17 - (Male/Fe- arena of Qatar Equestrian in various categories. In the Small Tour, Khalifa bay with the challenge ending male); Adult - 18-45 - (Male/ Federation (QEF) this week- The Small Tour action will Abdullah Al Khaldi is on top in the endurance Run which Female); Masters - 46-60 - end (Friday and Saturday) be followed by the Medium with 90 points. goes along the Katara Hills (Male/Female); Team Relay with participation of over 100 Tour (120-130cm high barri- In the Future Class catego- track. - 14 - 60 – Mixed; Nationals riders in various classes of ers) showjumping where the ry, Hadi Mansour Al Shahwani The event will see be par- - 18 – 60. showjumping and dressage total prize-money will be of leads Level 1, while Ken Monty ticipation by Qataris and in- Event Schedule: 27 No- next Saturday (Nov 28). QR60,000. is ahead in Level 2. ternational expats alike, both vember, Friday: 7am - Event The mandatory veterinary Saturday will see Open Hathab is organised jointly adults and youth. Starts; 7.15am – Briefing; check of all the participating class (120-130cm) and Big A participating horse is being taken for the mandatory veterinary by the Qatar Equestrian Fed- MAD Triathlon will have 7.30am – Adults + Masters horses was done on Thursday. Tour (130-145cm) action check at the Qatar Equestrian Federation on Thursday. eration and Al Shaqab, mem- the following categories: start followed by Juniors; The action will kick off at and will also include teams’ ber Qatar Foundation and is Distances: Adult / Mas- 9.30am** – Awarding Cere- 3pm on Friday with the first two competition. The total prize QR45,000 respectively. ali leads the table with 82 also backed by ExxonMobil ters/ Team - 1.1km Run, 750m mony (**or as soon as the last rounds of the Small Tour (100- would be of QR25,000 and Currently, Nasser Al Ghaz- points to his credit in the Big and Peace World. Swim, 5.6km Run runner arrives). Friday, November 20, 2020 13 (http://www.islamweb.net) Under the guidance and supervision of Ministry of Awqaf (Religious Endowments) Islam and Islamic Affairs Meaning of Happiness The Oneness of Divinity Question: Assalamu alaekum. There is a hadeeth in which Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, S there any convincing ex- said that a spacious house is part of Muslim’s happiness. How- planation for the secret of ever, Prophet Muhammad and many Salaf as-saliheen were poor. existence? The theory cur- So, how can we understand this hadeeth. Jazakhallah khair rently in vogue says that Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. all existence is accidental I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Iand haphazard. In my opinion, only Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is His two ideologies remain in the realm of slave and Messenger. the probable. We can attribute life and Perhaps you are referring to the Hadeeth narrated by Naa ’ universe to chance, and therefore, ex- ibn ‘Abdul-Haarith, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Proph- istence is meaningless. Alternatively, et peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, said: “A source of a there is meaning of such magnitude to happiness to the Muslim is to have a spacious dwelling, a right- life, which largely escapes us. eous neighbour and a comfortable mount.” [Al-Bukhaari, Ahmad in When we observe the orderly his book Al-Musnad and Ibn Hibbaan in his Saheeh] movements of the stars and planets, The wording of this Hadeeth reported by Ibn Hibbaan is as the regularity of the seasons, the uni- follows: “There are four reasons of happiness: a pious wife, a spa- formity and control of the law of na- cious dwelling, a righteous neighbour and a comfortable mount.” ture over matter, energy and life, we The wording of the Hadeeth reported by Ahmed reads: “A realise that everything in the universe source of a happiness to the Muslim is to have a righteous neigh- is knit into a single harmonious sys- bour, a comfortable mount and a spacious dwelling.” tem. What is meant by happiness according to the interpreters of Anyone who looks at this great Hadeeth is the happiness in this worldly life, i.e. comfort, and it phenomenon and comes to the con- does not mean the absolute happiness. clusion that it evolved on its own or by Al-Munaawi said in Faydh Al-Qadeer: accident must question his reasoning. “This is the happiness of this worldly life and not the happi- Even an old watch, which has a sim- ness of religion. Happiness is of two kinds: absolute happiness ple mechanism of pulleys, implies that and restricted happiness. The absolute happiness is the one in there must be a watchmaker. this worldly life and the Hereafter, and the restricted happiness Albert Einstein, the most famous is that which is restricted by something. The Prophet, peace and scientist of modern times, tells us: blessings of Allah be upon him, stated many things, and the one “Everyone who is seriously involved who is blessed with the three mentioned things will lead a happy in the pursuit of Science becomes con- life. He will be joyful and will be in perfect condition because of hav- vinced that a Spirit is manifest in the ing these things, because these matters are things that bene t the Law of the Universe, without conclud- body and they are a source of pleasure in this worldly life. However, ing that there must be Divine intent a person may be happy in this worldly life and yet is not blessed behind it all. Speaking for myself, I with these things.” [End of quote] can only say that the grandeur of the This is true because these matters are part of the reasons of Cosmos serves to confirm my belief in happiness and not all of its reasons. A poor person may be happy the certainty of the Creator.” without having a spacious house and a good mount. His happiness In the most quotable quote, he would be achieved by being a pious person, by being healthy in his said about the emergence of the uni- body, preserved in his family and having righteous offspring who verse by chance: “God does not play Sustainer of the heavens and the were two creators and they disagreed themselves, and which have no power become the comfort of his eyes by their success and superiority. dice.” In fact, throughout history, hu- earth?’ If they hesitate, say: ‘Allah’. over the creation of something, then, over life or death nor power to resur- On the contrary, a rich person may have a conformable mount, mankind as a whole has never denied Then ask: ‘Then why do you take for either one would have to overcome the rect.” [Qur’an 25: 2-3] a spacious dwelling, while he experiences misery and weariness. the existence of a Creator. However, protectors, instead of Him, other dei- other, in which case the defeated one The Oneness of Allah is the foun- This takes the form of being deprived from good health, for exam- cultures have misunderstood His Na- ties who have no power to benefit or would not have been absolutely pow- dation of belief. Islam rests upon ple, and not accepting the Decree of Allah and being discontent ture and associated a mass of mythol- avert harm from themselves?’ Say: erful. Or they would neutralise each Tawheed: “Laa ilaaha illallaah” -- and displeased with it. He may be deprived of the blessing in his ogy with Him. ‘Are the blind equal to those who see?’ other, in which case, both would have there is None worthy of worship ex- children and his money and so on. There is a Force in action to keep Or do they assign to Allah partners been limited in power. Even if we as- cept Allah, None worthy of praise, We ask Allah to make us happy in this worldly life and in the everything in order. In nature, there who have created anything as He has sume they both agreed on everything, there is no god except Him, no one. Hereafter. is a Creator who has created the most created, so that the creation seemed to still they could not both be absolutely Throughout the Qur’an, the refrain Allah knows best. charming scenery. Believers recognise them similar? Say: ‘Allah is the Crea- powerful, because the action of one runs on and on: laa ilaaha illaa Allaah, this Creator and call Him Allah or tor of all things. He is the One, the Al- would then depend on the condition laa ilaaha illaa huwa, Allaahu laa il- God. He is not a man, because no man mighty”. [Qur’an 13: 16] that the other does not interfere. aaha illa huwa, Allaahu ahad…which can create another man. He is not an What is the true nature of the Crea- Once again, the Qur’an tells us means that Allah is One, the only One. Be in this World as if You Were a animal or a plant. He is not an idol or tor? He certainly cannot be like the cre- (what means): “He to Whom the Do- Associating partners to Allah is a a statue because these things cannot ated things, for then He would be lim- minion over the heavens and the earth major sin which Allah does not for- Stranger or a Traveller create themselves or anything else. ited and corruptible like them. Only a belongs, has begotten no son and has give, but He can forgive all other Neither is He the Sun or the Moon or Being possessing Absolute Knowledge, no partner in his kingdom, for it is sins. The Qur’an reiterates, not once Question: Assalam alaekum. Narrated Mujahid: ‘Abdullah a machine or a star, but the Maker and Power and Authority and the ability to He who creates everything and deter- but twice in the same chapter (what bin ‘Umar said, “Allah’s Apostle took hold of my shoulder and Keeper of all. The Maker of anything is keep Himself eternally alive, can give mines its nature in accordance with means): “Allah forgives not that part- said, ‘Be in this world as if you were a stranger or a traveller.” ... greater than the thing He has created. life and sustain life, and be the Creator His own design. And yet some choose ners should be set up with Him; but Sahih Bukhari - Chapter -76- “To make the Heart Tender (Ar- The more complex a thing is, the more of the Universe and its creatures. to worship, instead of Him, imaginary He forgives anything else to whom he Riqaq)” - Hadeeth 425. Could you please explain in detail the complex its Creator is. The question that now arises is: deities that cannot create anything pleases; to set up partners with Allah above hadeeth on the basis of Qur’an, Sunnah and the rightly The Holy Qur’an says (what “Could there be more than one Abso- but are themselves created, which is to devise a sin most heinous in- guided Salaf of this Ummah. Jazakallahu khairan means): “Ask of them: ‘Who is the lute Creator?” If, for instance, there can neither avert harm nor help even deed.” [Qur’an 4: 48, 116] Answer: All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is His slave and Messenger. Explaining this Hadeeth entails lengthy details. However, we will quote some of what Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali, may Allah have THE RIGHT TO LIFE mercy upon him, stated in his book Jaami‘ Al-‘Uloom wal Hikam. If you seek more details, kindly refer to the stated book. Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy upon him, said: “This Ha- LLAH Almighty honoured be pleased with him, the Prophet, of Allah be upon him, said: “Who- suicide by stabbing himself shall deeth is a basic principle in not hoping for a long life and that the man and created him with peace and blessings of Allah be ever killed a mu‘ahid (a person who keep on stabbing himself in Hell- believer should not take the worldly life as an eternal abode or His own Hand and blew into upon him, said: “If this world were is granted the pledge of protection fire.” [Al-Bukhari] feel reassured about it. Rather, one should be like a traveller who him from His Spirit. Then, He to be destroyed, that would be less by the Muslims) shall not smell the Hence, Allah Almighty legis- is preparing his luggage for departure.” made His angels prostrate to significant before Allah than the fragrance of Paradise, even though lated retribution and the killing of All Prophets and their followers advised us to be likewise. himA and subjected to him all that is in unlawful killing of a believer.” [Ibn its fragrance can be smelt at a dis - the intentional killer as a revenge Allah, The Almighty, says on behalf of the believing man from the the heavens and the earth –all from Majah] tance of forty years.”[Al-Bukhari] from him and purification for so- family of Pharaoh (what means): {O my people, this worldly life is Him. In another Hadeeth on the au- Moreover, Allah, the Exalted, ciety. Allah Almighty says (what only [temporary] enjoyment and indeed, the Hereafter - that is the Moreover, Allah made man a thority of Abu Sa‘eed Al-Khudri, says (what means): {So if they re- means): {And there is for you in home of [permanent] settlement.}[Qur’an 40:39] successor on earth and bestowed may Allah be pleased with him, the move themselves from you and do legal retribution [saving of] life, The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, used talents and blessings upon him so Prophet, peace and blessings of Al- not fight you and offer you peace, O you [people] of understand- to say: “What do I have to do with this world. My relationship with that he can dominate the earth. He lah be upon him, said: “If the in- then Allah has not made for you ing, that you may become right- this world is like that of a traveller who sought shade under a preferred him over all beasts and habitants of the heavens and the in- a cause [for fighting] against eous.} [Qur’an 2:179] tree, then went away and left it.” animals. Man cannot fulfil his goals habitants of the earth all took part Even in manslaughter, Allah, Once a man visited Abu Tharr, may Allah be pleased with unless he takes his rights in full. At in shedding the blood of a believer, the Exalted, does not exempt the him, and looked around at the contents of his house (but found it the forefront of these rights, which then Allah would cast them (all) in Allah, the Exalted, says (what killer from liability. Rather, He quite bare). He asked Abu Tharr: “Where are your belongings?” are guaranteed by Islam, is the right the Fire.” [At- Tirmithi] means): {And do not kill the made it obligatory upon him to set “We have a house yonder (meaning the Hereafter) to which to life – an inviolable right. Also, Ibn ‘Umar, may Allah be soul which Allah has forbidden a slave free and give ransom. If he we send (the best of our possessions).” said Abu Tharr. Allah, the Exalted, says (what pleased with him, narrated that [to be killed] except by [legal] cannot free a slave, he is required The man again said, “But you must have some belongings so means): {And do not kill the soul the Prophet, peace and blessings of right.}[Qur’an 6:151]. The right to fast for two consecutive months. long as you are in this abode.” Abu Tharr replied, “The owner of which Allah has forbidden [to be Allah be upon him, said: “He who that permits the taking of souls Ransom for manslaughter is or- this abode would not leave us in it.” killed] except by [legal] right.} helps in (the spilling of) the blood of dained by Islam so that people do ‘Ali ibn Abi Taalib, may Allah be pleased with him, used to say: [Qur’an 6:151]. The right that per- a Muslim, even with half a word, it was explained by the Prophet, not take life lightly and to inspire “Verily, this worldly life is departing and the Hereafter is approach- mits the taking of souls was ex- will be written between his eyes on peace and blessings of Allah be respect for the human soul. ing and each of them has its children. So be children of the Here- plained by the Prophet, peace and the Day of Judgment ‘Desperate of upon him, when he reportedly Undoubtedly, the first thing after, not children of this world, for today there are (opportunities blessings of Allah be upon him, the mercy of Allah’.” [Al-Bayhaqi] said: “It is not permissible to about which the servants will ren- to do) deeds and there is no reckoning, but tomorrow there will be when he reportedly said: “It is not The Noble Qur’an prohibits us spill the blood of a Muslim der account on the Day of Judg- reckoning and no deeds.” permissible to spill the blood of a from killing our children out of except in three cases: the mar- ment is murder. The erudite An- Allah Knows best. Muslim except in three cases: the fear of poverty and starvation. Al- ried person who commits adul- dalusian Scholar Ibn Hazm, may married person who commits adul- lah Says (what means): {And do not Allah have mercy upon him, said: tery, a life for a life, and the one kill your children for fear of pov- tery, a life for a life, and the one “I do not know of any sin, after who forsakes his religion and sepa- erty. We provide for them and for who forsakes his religion and polytheism, greater than killing a rates from the group.” [Muslim] you. Indeed, their killing is ever a separates from the believer without right or abandon- Out of its great concern for the great sin.} [Qur’an 17:31] group.” [Muslim] ing prayer.” The Prophet, peace and “There has certainly been for you in the Messenger protection of life, Islam threatens In another verse that speaks blessings of Allah be upon him, is those who deem it permissible to about a common practice among reported to have said: “Every sin of Allah an excellent pattern for anyone whose hope kill with the severest punishment. the Arabs during the pre-Islamic them.} [Qur’an 4:90] may be forgiven by Allah except is in Allah and the Last Day and [who] remembers In the Qur’an, Allah Almighty says Era of Ignorance, Allah, The Ex- This also applies to the one who a man who dies as a disbeliever (what means): {But whoever kills a alted, says (what means): {And commits suicide. Allah Almighty or a man who kills his (Muslim) Allah often” – [Qur’an 33:21] believer intentionally – his recom- when the girl [who was] buried warns us against this, saying (what brother.” [An-Nasa’i] In another pense is Hell, wherein he will abide alive is asked for what sin she was means): {And do not kill yourselves Hadeeth, he, peace and blessings of eternally, and Allah has become killed.} [Qur’an 81:8-9] This equal- [or one another]. Indeed, Allah is to Allah be upon him, said: “A servant angry with him and has cursed him ly applies to the non-Muslims who you ever Merciful.}[Qur’an 4:29] continues to guard his faith (and and has prepared for him a great live under the rule of a Muslim na - Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be thus hopes for the mercy of Allah) punishment.} [Qur’an 4:93] tion and enter into an agreement of pleased with him, narrated that so long as he does not shed blood Moreover, it is clearly indicated protection with the Muslim ruler – the Prophet, peace and blessings unjustly.” [Al-Bukhari & Muslim] “ To Allah belong servants who understand, and in authentic Ahadeeth that kill- be they Jews or Christians. ‘Abdul- of Allah be upon him, said: “He This is Islam. It came to pre- ing a believer is one of the gravest lah ibn ‘Amr ibn Al-‘As, may Allah who commits suicide by throttling serve the human soul and the blood when they understand they act and when they act sins. In a Hadeeth on the author- be pleased with him, narrated that shall keep on throttling himself in of Muslims, lest people may take they make (their actions) sincere.” – [Al-Junaid] ity of Al-Bara’ ibn ‘Azib, may Allah the Prophet, peace and blessings the Hellfire, and he who commits Muslim blood lightly. 14 Friday, November 20, 2020 The Last Word

CURTAIN COMES DOWN ON WORLD INNOVATION SUMMIT FOR HEALTH 2020 Health integral to living a ful lled life: Sheikha Hind Session at Qatar Foundation’s virtual WISH 2020 summit deliberates on whether health and education are being properly integrated

CATHERINE W GICHUKI if we are going to tackle stu- you have an eye problem, it’s DOHA dent well-being, we need to purely ‘the luck of the draw’. be serious about creating a But if we are able to reverse ONE should look at health less anxious future,” she said. that understanding through as an integral component to During the session, Rus- creating better awareness of living a fulfilled life, said Her sell Viner, professor in Ado- treatments, the positives of Excellency Sheikha Hind bint lescent Health, University wearing glasses, and ensur- Hamad Al Thani, Vice-Chair- College London, presented a ing the availability of afford- person and Chief Executive report on ‘Building Healthy able eye services, the effects Officer of Qatar Foundation, Societies-A framework for In- can be profound. Teachers adding, “it needs to be part tegrating Health and Health and schools are absolutely of a holistic learning environ- Promotion into Education.” critical when it comes to ment that we create for our Referring to the report, these kinds of messages and children”. HE Sheikha Hind said that as interventions. She was speaking at the HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad part of the suggestions from “The engagement of chil- World Innovation Summit Al Thani the report, what she found dren in helping to educate for Health (WISH) 2020 intriguing was the issue of ronment.” linked in ways that we need HRH The Countess of each other about the impor- at a session on ‘The Role of health as an integral compo- mental health language and Prof Viner said, “Children to better understand.” Wessex, who is Patron of tance of eye care is beginning Schools in Child and Adoles- nent of living a fulfilled life,” teaching children the right and young people constitute Other panellists at the ‘Vision 2020: The Right To to turn the tide of under- cent Health’. she said. vocabulary to express their 25 percent of the global pop- session included HRH The Sight’ and Global Ambas- standing that eye issues can According to HE Sheikha “The first step is identify- feelings which is something ulation, but they are 100 per- Countess of Wessex, World sador for the International be treated, that glasses are Hind, “mental health is a ing how schools themselves most often overlooked. cent of all our futures, across Health Organization (WHO) Agency for the Prevention of good, that eyes are precious, critical subject that is really are contributing to the men- Talking about empow- every culture. The great task Regional Director for Africa Blindness, explained that she and that poor eyesight or missing in our education sys- tal health crisis – what is the ering children, HE Sheikha of childhood for children Dr Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti has seen first-hand “the effect diseased eyes should not be tem. But, I don’t believe add- effect on children of regular Hind said, “To empower themselves and for nations is and President of the global that early intervention can ignored and accepted as fate. ing it to school assignments exams, of bullying, of com- children is to give them ad- to grow up into knowledge- children’s charity ‘Their- have on preventing young And we need governments to or looking at it as a metric to petitive sport? We should equate tools that can cater able, productive, healthy and world’ and Executive Direc- eyes losing sight”. understand that education improve school performance take an honest look at how to their unique needs and al- happy adults. Both health and tor of the Global Business “In so many developing and health, when they work will solve the issue. We need we, as institutions, can help lowing them to grow in a safe, education are a key to achieve Coalition for Education Jus- countries, there is historically together, are a winning com- to take a step back and look at to relieve that stress, because healthy and nurturing envi- this, and they are inextricably tin van Fleet. a culture of acceptance that if bination.” Grand prize winners Doha Healthcare Week highlights of WISH 2020 Award health bene ts of music therapy TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK depression, Alzheimer’s, cerebral contests announced DOHA palsy and strokes.” With regard to mental health, THE concept of using music ther- Dr. Bendriss added that many apy to address health issues may studies have shown that listening seem somewhat unusual, but it is to music reduces cortisol in the becoming an increasingly popular blood, also known as stress hor- and effective medical tool, physi- mone, while increasing the level cians and therapists said during of dopamine, joy hormone, and the Doha Health Week session serotonin, mood hormone. And hosted by the Qatar Foundation’s that music can help you deal with (QF) World Innovation Summit pain management. for Health. “In people with Alzheimer’s, The panellists explained that when they listen to music, no new music therapy – such as listen- neurons will be produced – once Nonso Opurum, co-founder, SOSO Care Prof John Knight, MD, Ellen Medical Devices ing to music, singing or playing the cells die, they are dead – but an instrument – can improve the pact of music on everyday life. such as speech disorders, and psy- music can stimulate memories in TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK and $10,000 respectively as part of the health outcomes of patients, in- Rula Barghouthi, a music chological disorders, including the brain,” she said. DOHA prize. cluding children and people suf- therapist in Jordan, said: “Music anxiety and depression.” Dr. Bendriss also pointed On receiving the award, Nonso fering from mental illness. Several therapists work with individuals Dr Ghizlane Bendriss, a lec- out that drumming, especially in THE World Innovation Summit for Opurum, co-founder of SOSO Care, topics have been addressed, in- and small groups, depending on turer at QF partner university groups, enhances bonding with Health (WISH) announced the grand thanked the WISH community for con- cluding various treatment meth- the goals and needs of the indi- Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, other people, promotes well- prize winners of its two latest Innova- fidence in their work. “I am grateful for ods; patient effectiveness; ability vidual. Often, patients who can said: “Music is used to treat vari- being, helps reduce cortisol, and tion Award competitions during the your commitment to universal health,” to relieve pain and reduce stress be treated with music suffer from ous diseases and conditions, in- manages stress, as it requires a lot closing ceremony on Thursday. he said. and anxiety; and the overall im- central nervous system disorders, cluding mental health, anxiety, of concentration. WISH CEO Sultana Afdhal present- Professor John Knight, managing ed the awards for the WISH Innovation director of Ellen Medical Devices, said: Spark Competition to SOSO Care and “Here at The George Institute for Global the WISH Innovation Booster Competi- Health, our mission is to save millions of tion to Ellen Medical Devices for its af- lives; in this case, by providing affordable fordable dialysis machine. dialysis treatment to kidney patients all EC Speaker Series urges positive perception for disabled Afdhal said, “This year represents around the world. This award takes us TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK ten than not, humour. the first time we have hosted innovation one step closer to realising that dream.” DOHA “I am not a photographer of awards at WISH. The awards recognise The competitions received close to war. It’s my job to document love. and support achievement in healthcare 500 applications from 43 countries, set- IN the latest edition of the Qa- For people with disabilities, our innovation, but, more importantly, they ting a record number for WISH, with 30 tar Foundation’s Education City injuries are often the only focus shine a light on underlying issues in the finalists being selected for exceptionally Speaker Series, an award-win- of the story, but the things we innovation cycle, ensuring healthcare high calibre innovations. These innova- ning photographer, humanitar- should focus on instead are our startups have access to funding and the tors were given a platform at the WISH ian and activist who lost three of love stories. mentorship they need to succeed.” 2020 virtual Innovation Hub to show- his limbs in blast in Afghanistan, “I realised that my greatest SOSO Care is a micro mobile health case their work to global health experts spoke of the “constant challenge” disability is in the eyes of others insurance startup from Nigeria using and policymakers during the summit. people with disabilities face to he suffered in 2011, but with the arm when he stepped onto an im- and when people see me missing an innovative approach to bring health All selected innovators will receive make others realise what they are mental toll they took. provised electronic device while my limbs, they make assumptions insurance to millions of Nigerians by WISH media support for up to 12 capable of. In a talk titled ‘Reframing Our patrolling the US regiment in Af- about what I can and can’t do. And enabling insurance payment in ex- months and invitations to other sum- The event, in collaboration View of Disability’, held during the ghanistan. it’s hard, and there are days when change for recycling waste. Ellen Medi- mits and events as additional benefits. with the World Innovation Sum- WISH 2020 Virtual Summit, Du- He told online audiences at it’s overwhelming, because we live cal Devices’ affordable dialysis machine As WISH innovation programme alum- mit for Health (WISH) saw Giles ley told his story through his own the QF global dialogue platform: in a society that makes it harder is the world’s first low-cost dialysis ni ambassadors, they will also receive Duley, renowned for his work on black-and-white photographs “Too often, people with disabilities for us. But I also believe that peo- system. The Spark Award and Booster mentorship and championship for up the human impact of war, talk – and those taken from him in are shown to be victims, but I rare- ple with disabilities can live a full Award winners also received $5,000 to a year. about his own journey to cope the moments, weeks and months ly find that – what I find instead is life – and that most importantly, not only with the physical injuries after he lost both his legs and his resilience, strength, and more of- we can love and be loved.” Doha to turn ‘blue’ for WISH and UNICEF event marking World Children’s Day

TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK the Ministry of Public Health, of grave violations against chil- world. The aspiring young mu- DOHA Doha International Family In- dren has almost tripled since sicians from the Qatar Music stitute and Sidra Medicine, to 2010. Academy will also be perform- ON the occasion of World Chil- support UNICEF’s annual day The full programme will ing at the event. There will also dren’s Day on November 20, of action for children, by chil- include a live art performance be special messages from two the World Innovation Sum- dren. The 2020 theme ‘A day by the Omani artist and dis- of the keynote speakers from mit for Health (WISH) will to reimagine a better future ability rights activist Safiya Al WISH 2020 – Morgan Free- host a special virtual event in for every child’ is a challenge Bahlani. She will be drawing man and Eva Longoria. partnership with UNICEF and to rebuild a better world for an original art piece based on The programme will con- stakeholders from Qatar and children. It will also act as the the day’s theme, and partici- clude with landmark locations across the world. launch pad for the publication pants can observe her creative across Doha turning blue, in- Kicking off at 1pm Doha of a significant new report by process during a live stream of cluding Msheireb Downtown time, the post-WISH 2020 international charity Save The the artist at work. Her com- Doha’s Barahat Square, the event will feature keynote Children. pleted work will be unveiled at Museum of Islamic Art, the talks, panel discussions, live The opening ceremony will Inger Ashing Dr Jasem Al Mutawa Henrietta Fore the end. National Museum of Qatar, musical and art performances, feature welcome addresses by The final segment of the 2015 Building (QF Headquar- and will conclude at 7.30 pm, HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Three interactive panel ing violence against children; based humanitarian charity programme will feature sever- ters). with Doha’s landmark build- Al Thani, Vice Chairperson discussions will highlight some and child development in the Save the Children, and active al live musical performances, WISH CEO, Sultana ings lit up in ‘UN blue’ to show and CEO of Qatar Founda- of the severest development information age – a time when WISH partner, will lead a including Kodi Lee, Korean Afdhal, said: “In support of support for universal child tion, and UNICEF Executive challenges. In turn, they will digital technology, such as so- presentation on their report, American singer-songwriter UNICEF’s key mission on rights. Director Henrietta Fore. The examine child and adolescent cial media, can be a significant ‘Stop the War on Children’. and pianist and America’s Got World Children’s Day, our WISH, Qatar Founda- Kuwaiti educational and social health during COVID-19, with threat to a child wellbeing. Their research has revealed Talent winner. The 22-year old event will encourage ‘together- tion’s (QF) global health ini- expert Dr Jasem Al Mutawa a focus on the need to protect Focusing on the plight of that five times more children singing prodigy, who is blind ness’ in achieving our shared tiative, is joining hands with will deliver a keynote speech as vulnerable children; a public children living in warzones, than fighters are being killed in and has autism, has inspired goal of protecting the rights of local organisations, including part of the event. health approach to address- Inger Ashing, CEO of UK- conflicts and that the number legions of fans all over the children.”