Pilgrims urged to abide by Hajj instructions

20 Pages·2017·5.84 MB·English

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WORLD
Russia backs Milestone in brotherly ties
Saudi Arabia
Finance Minister Shaikh
Dubai
Ahmed bin Mohammed Al
Khalifa, Transportation
Russia sided with Saudi
and Telecommunications
Arabia in the ongoing
Minister Kamal Ahmed,
diplomatic rift with Canada Kuwaiti Ambassador to
yesterday, issuing a state- Bahrain Shaikh Azzam
ment accusing the latter of Mubarak Al Sabah and
attempting to “politicize senior government officials
human rights issues.” yesterday received Kuwaiti
The statement said Russia Finance Minister Dr Nayef
rejected the “authoritative Falah Al Hajraf and his
tone” of Canada toward accompanying delegation,
Saudi Arabia, adding that who arrived at the Bahrain
the Kingdom had the full International Airport (BIA)
sovereign right to manage aboard Kuwait Airlines’
its own affairs. inaugural flight from Kuwait
International Airport’s (KIA)
“We consistently and
new passenger terminal, T4.
firmly advocate compli-
The new terminal, which will
ance with universal human
be used exclusively by Kuwait
rights with due regard for
Airways and its subsidiaries,
the specific national cus-
will play an important role in
toms and traditions that de-
the ongoing development of
veloped in a given country
Kuwait’s aviation industry.
over a long period of time.
It also brings the country
We have always said that another step closer towards
the politicization of human its Vision 2035 of becoming
rights matters is unaccept- a leading financial and
able,” Russian Foreign Min- commercial centre.
istry spokeswoman Maria
Zakharova said in a state-
ment posted on the minis-
try’s website. No room for mediation
She added Russia believed
the Kingdom had entered a
path toward large-scale so-
cioeconomic reform.
US braces for Iran Several countries back Saudi in its rejection of Canadian government’s interference in its internal affairs
cyberattacks
in the dispute with Canada. He told Saudi citizens that the tients to Canadian hospitals, told
•
Washington Al Jubeir also Adel Al Jubeir said that Ottawa Kingdom is keen on protecting Saudi trainee doctors in Canada
knows what it needs to do to “fix their interests in Canada. to come home, suspended edu-
said the kingdom
The US is bracing for cy- its big mistake”. Al Jubeir also said the kingdom cational exchanges, and moved
was considering
berattacks Iran could He also confirmed that the was considering implementing Saudi scholars to other countries.
launch in retaliation for the implementing economic measures taken by additional measures against Can- Saudi’s state airline said it was
re-imposition of sanctions additional measures Saudi Arabia only affect new in- ada, but he did not elaborate. suspending flights to and from
this week by President Don- vestments by the Kingdom and Saudi Arabia cut diplomatic Toronto.
against Canada.
ald Trump, cybersecurity that previous investments are ties and halted new investment Saudi Arabia’s main state
and intelligence experts say. • still ongoing. in Canada on Sunday night after wheat buying agency told grains
Concern over that cyber Saudi Arabia cut Speaking at a press conference the Canadian foreign ministry exporters it will no longer ac-
threat has been rising since diplomatic ties and in Riyadh, Al Jubeir said several urged the Kingdom to free civil cept Canadian-origin grains in
There is nothing
May, when Trump pulled halted new investment in countries stand with Saudi Ara- and women’s rights activists ar- international tenders, European
out of the 2015 nuclear deal, bia in its rejection of the Canadi- to mediate. rested in the Kingdom.  traders said.
Canada on Sunday night.
under which the US and an government’s inference in its Ottawa knows Saudi Arabia accused Cana- Bilateral trade between Can-
other world powers eased internal affairs.  what it needs to da of interfering in its internal ada and Saudi Arabia is worth
economic sanctions in ex- Jeddah He also said that Canada do to fix its big affairs.  nearly $4 billion a year. Canadi-
change for curbs on Iran’s should change its approach in The kingdom has taken several an exports to Saudi Arabia were
mistake.
S
nuclear program. The ex- audi Arabia’s Foreign Min- dealing with Saudi Arabia, add- measures to punish Ottawa. about $1.12 billion in 2017, or 0.2
perts say the threat would ister said yesterday there ing that it “knows what it needs MR AL JUBEIR In addition to the trade freeze, percent of the total value of Ca-
intensify following Wash- was “nothing to mediate” to do.” Riyadh has stopped sending pa- nadian exports.
ington’s move Tuesday to
re-impose economic restric-
tions on Tehran. ALERT CALL
Pilgrims urged to abide by Hajj instructions
DON’T MISS IT including taking preventive
•
The Consul General vaccinations against epidem-
ic diseases in health centres in
stressed that Saudi
the Kingdom, in order to avoid
authorities currently
03 Rent at your infectious diseases.
prohibit the entry of The official urged pilgrims to
own risk!
non-pilgrims to Mecca. adhere to all instructions, advice
and guidance issued by the con-
04Sturdy partners cerned authorities.
in growth Manama The Consul General also
warned that this year’s tem-
Woman ‘molests, The Bahraini Consul Gen- I urge pilgrims perature is expected to rise way
eral in Jeddah, Ebrahim to adhere to Hajj pilgrims arrive at a bus station in Saudi Arabia. above average in comparison to
05 robs Asian
M Al Meslimani has all instructions previous years, which calls for
laundryman’
urged Bahraini citizens, pilgrims issued by Saudi He stressed that Saudi au- during the Hajj season to avoid campaigners to fully prepare
and residents to abide by the di- thorities currently prohibit the violating the laws and the expo- pilgrims.
authorities.
rectives and instructions issued entry of non-pilgrims to Mecca. sure to legal accountability and He assured complete support
by the Saudi Hajj authorities. MR AL MESLIMANI The Consul General called seizure of vehicles. for Bahraini Hajj pilgrims, ap-
Mr Al Meslimani said that on Bahraini travellers, who are He also stressed the need to preciating the efforts of all min-
the Bahraini pilgrims will have checks at the request of security not pilgrims, to not enter or ap- complete all instructions for the istries to help pilgrims success-
to show Hajj permits at border personnel. proach the borders of Mecca Hajj season for the current year, fully complete the pilgrimage.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018
03
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018
big story
Rent at your own risk!
Owners who rent out private vehicles illegally warned of possible dangers
TDT|Manama
checks on them, they needed thing Bahrainis and expatriates a business owner’s point of
Mohammed Zafran
to have a valid driving licence should stay away from as the view, it harms all of leasing
with more than a year of driving risks tied to this are aplenty. companies since they invested
I
n their quest to make addi- experience and I did not want to Social Activist and commen- in their establishments legally
tional revenues, many resi- give it to young people.” tator, Mahmood Al Balooshi and expect legal, fair market
dents and citizens have been “I made a mistake when some- said that this arrangement is competition. I believe that it
engaging in a dangerous act by one I knew asked for one of my unfair to renting and leasing should be prohibited by law and
giving their personal vehicles for cars for his son to go to the uni- companies who have invest- discussed by the Consultative
rent or lease illegally. versity. Due to his persuasion I ed heavily in providing a legal Council.”
They are putting themselves agreed. His son wrecked my car service. Sharing a similar view, Social
in legal risks by giving their in two days. He had taken the car He added that people should activist and Al Fateh Youth co-
personal vehicles for rent to for some illegal racing and stunt consider the fact that insurance alition member Yaqub Al Sulais
strangers without caring for event. He came out okay but the This arrangement It is difficult companies do not cover such said, “It is quite surprising that
consequences, as a good number car was badly damaged. It took is unfair to to understand arrangements and the other this sort of thing happens at all,
of these ‘customers’ would use me six months to get my money companies renting how people give risks involved. that people would give their
them for illegal activities. back from them.” out vehicles their own cars “This act has many sides to own car for rent. It is difficult
In most cases the residents However, the final blow came consider. From the legal point to understand how people give
as they have to strangers
find the lessee either online when one of those who rented of view there are no regula- their own cars to strangers
invested heavily without any legal
or through friends. “Various the car got involved themselves tions that govern leasing of without any legal documen-
in providing the documentation.
online websites that are used in a hit and run, injuring a pedes- personal use vehicle to inde- tation.”
for buying and selling products trian. “Police informed me that service. MR AL SULAIS pendent lessee. It may seem “We know about the system
are also used for finding such they need to question me about like at the end both leaser and that Uber and similar servic-
MR AL BALOOSHI
arrangements,” a source told the hit-and-run incident. I swore lesse would benefit, as the less- es where people use their own
Tribune. to them that I was not involved. er having extra vehicle and car as a taxi. There is also the
“After negotiations, a monthly This incident was so shocking aiming for extra income, and system for food delivery where
rent would be agreed upon. In to me. In the end, I was able to the lessee will get it cheaper people use their own car to de-
other cases, they do not need to settle this out of court. The vic- customers upon their request. ment online.” as he will not have to pay for liver food for restaurants and
go online, they just check with- tim, who was a poor man from “This is a practice that has the insurance deposits or any they would get compensated.
in their social circles to find a Bangladesh, did not really want been going on for a long time. Warning tax fees. But it may backfire But this is more extreme that
customer.” to put me in any legal trouble. I I encounter these types of cus- in case of any accident as the all of these, getting to a point
paid for his medical expenses tomers a few times a month. I insurance policies do not cover of renting your own car is even
Dangers and paid a small amount as a always warn the customers that According to social commen- illegal leasing.” stranger. To me it sounds like
settlement.” the contracts will not have any tators and activists, this is some- “And if we looked at it from there is too much risk involved.”
“The man who caused the ac- value because this practice is
A Bahraini, who wished not to cident did not pay me anything not recognised.
be named, said he chose to give for it, he did not even pay me the “The contracts written are
cars under his name for rent ille- rent. He still owes me around BD not necessarily about renting
gally after his car rental business 260. After this, I sold all of the the cars, the contract would be
failed to take off. cars and I completely stopped written in a way that suggests
He said he was at the cusp of this sort of thing.” that the person is selling the car
registering his business as a legal “I would advise everyone to to the other party.”
one but some final bottlenecks stay away from these things.
prevented him from launching Other than the things that I ex- Illegal
his business. Having already perienced, there are other risks
purchased about four cars, he as well such as traffic fines the
decided to give those cars for customer accumulates, you will Common customers for
rent illegally. be the one paying it in the end.” these types of arrangements
“I had this idea to open my are those who operate illegal
own car rental business. I had Contract taxis. They told Tribune that it
no intention of doing it illegally is fairly easy to find someone
but I faced many issues with willing to rent their personal
the authorities in registering According to stationery shop cars.
the business. In the end, I had workers, a government letter- An illegal taxi operator, who
to give up. And instead I started head is used in these arrange- doesn’t want to be identified,
this illegal route” ments to serve the purpose of said that those who offer to
“I used to put up ads in ex- a contract. A stationery shop rent their personal car offer
patriates.com, I did not put my worker said that he receives better rates than car rental
name I only put my contact many such requests every businesses. “The car that I am
number. When I received cus- month. The worker said that currently driving is not owned
tomers I would have background he writes the contacts for the by me. It belongs to a former
customer of mine. After he got
his licence he stopped calling
me for rides as he bought a car
for himself but he proposed to
me that he could buy another
car and give it to me for rent.
“He wants to have that car
perpetually in rent. He knows
I am a safe driver and he has
a strong trust in me as he has
been my customer for a very
long time, so he did not hesitate
to do this, he sees it as some-
thing that is beneficial for me
and him.
“Despite the lower rent, he
will make a good profit. The
car rental shops have various
overheads such as shop rent,
employee salaries etc so it
makes sense that they would
charge higher.
“In my case he knows I use it
as an illegal taxi cab. But other
illegal taxi operators may not
reveal that they are going to use
it as an illegal cab, especially if
A document being used as a contract they are finding the arrange-
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018
04
Sturdy partners in growth
Kingdom becomes the first country to receive a flight from the Kuwait International Airport’s newly-constructed Terminal 4
His Majesty receives the Kuwaiti delegation. HRH the Premier receives the Kuwaiti delegation. HRH the Crown Prince receives the Kuwaiti delegation.
day morning. His Highness Shaikh Sabah Al play an important role in the on- its first flight to the Kingdom. It Dr Nayef Falah Al Hajraf said,
TDT|Manama The Minister of Finance, Shai- Ahmed Al Jaber Al-Sabah; the going development of Kuwait’s will also help accommodate the “Firstly I would like to thank
Mohammed Zafran kh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Crown Prince, His Highness aviation industry. It also brings increased demand for travel to everyone in the Kingdom of
Khalifa received his Kuwaiti Shaikh Nawaf Al Ahmed Al the country another step closer Kuwait, which exceeds 70,000 Bahrain for this outstanding and
B
ahrain was chosen as the counterpart, Dr Nayef Falah Al Jaber Al Sabah; and the Prime towards its Vision 2035 of be- passengers every year,” it said. warm welcome. Kuwait has en-
destination for the first Hajraf and his accompanying Minister, HH Shaikh Jaber Al coming a leading financial and Speaking to reporters on the joyed strong historical relation
flight to take off from delegation. Mubarak Al Sabah, on the histor- commercial centre. occasion, Shaikh Ahmed said between with Bahrain, the two
Kuwait International Airport’s Shaikh Ahmed was accompa- ic achievement the new terminal “HH Shaikh Sabah Al Ahmed that Bahrain being chosen as brotherly countries, its people
newly-built Terminal 4(T4). nied by Bahrain Airport Com- represents. Al Jaber Al Sabah personally the first flight from the terminal and the leadership has always
A flight from the neighboring pany (BAC) Chairman and the “He also stressed the impor- inaugurated the new passen- reflects the close relation be- been close.
country’s national carrier Ku- Minister of Transportation and tance of improving the level of ger terminal, which has a total tween the two countries. “I am “Therefore, today, we feel that
wait Airways’ landed at Bahrain Telecommunications, Kamal cooperation between Bahraini area of 55,000 sqm, 14 departure happy to see that the Kingdom of we have come from our home to
International Airport yesterday Ahmed, Dean of the Diplomatic and Kuwaiti authorities and gates consisting of nine bridge Bahrain was chosen as the first another home in the Kingdom
morning, making Bahrain the Corps, Kuwaiti Ambassador to praised the efforts of both coun- gates and five ground gates, as destination. of Bahrain. From myself and on
first country to receive a flight Bahrain, Shaikh Azzam Mubar- tries’ governments to strength- well as 10 arrival gates consisting “I am happy to see the achieve- behalf of all the brothers and
from the new $173.2m T4 wing. ak Al Sabah, and other officials. en bilateral relations.” Bahrain of nine bridge gates and a ground ment of Kuwait with the new the sisters from Kuwait who par-
Ministers and senior govern- Airport Company (BAC) said in gate,” BAC statement read. terminal as well as the country’s ticipated in this journey I thank
ment officials from both coun- “Shaikh Ahmed welcomed a statement. The Minister of Transporta- success in the field of transpor- you all.”
tries were present at reception the Kuwaiti delegation to Bah- “The new terminal, which will tion hailed Kuwait’s rapid devel- tation and infrastructure. We are His Majesty King Hamad
event at the Bahrain Interna- rain and extended his congrat- be used exclusively by Kuwait opment, particularly its aviation also pleased with the presence bin Isa Al Khalifa, His Royal
tional Airport VIP longue yester- ulations to the Emir of Kuwait, Airways and its subsidiaries, will industry, and expressed his ap- of the delegation here today,” Highness Prime Minister Prince
preciation to Kuwait Airlines he said. Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa
for choosing the Kingdom of “Any development in the State and His Royal Highness Prince
Bahrain as its first destination of Kuwait and its infrastructures Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa,
from the new terminal. such as Kuwait International the Crown Prince, Deputy Su-
“This demonstrates the close Airport and its developments preme Commander and First
and historical ties between our benefit all of us. The invest- Deputy Prime Minister sepa-
two countries and the high ments that we in Bahrain make rately received the delegation
level of cooperation between in infrastructure and the Ku- from Kuwait. They stressed the
them. It shows the marked waiti investment in their in- brotherly ties between both na-
difference in the cooperative frastructure will all return to tions, highlighting the King-
relationship between Kuwait the benefit the GCC,” Mr Kamal dom’s commitment to continue
Airways and BIA, which began Ahmed said. strengthening cooperation and
in the 1960’s when it operated Kuwaiti Minister of Finance coordination with Kuwait.
Premier’s directive to include new
policies, initiatives in GAP
Manama
H
is Royal High-
ness Prime
Minister Prince
Khalifa bin Salman Al
Khalifa gave directives
to include 29 policies and
106 initiatives distribut-
ed in six main themes in
the 2019-2022 Govern-
ment Action Plan.
HRH the Premier was
speaking while receiv-
ing, at the Gudaibiya
Palace yesterday, Depu-
ty Premier, Shaikh Mo-
hammed bin Mubarak
Al Khalifa, who handed
over to him a report on
the workshops to deter-
mine future aspirations
in the Government Ac-
tion Plan 2019-2022.
The policies and ini- HRH the Premier receives report on future aspirations’ workshops from Shaikh
tiatives were proposed Mohammed.
during the workshops to
determine future aspirations in ment and citizens and translate HRH the Premier lauded the
the next government blueprint. them into themes and feasible pivotal role played by His Royal
While receiving a report on initiatives and policies to ensure Highness Prince Salman bin
the workshops, HRH Premier the continuity of the develop- Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown
lauded their outcomes and com- ment and progress march, in Prince, Deputy Supreme Com-
mended the efforts exerted to line with the aspirations of His mander and First Deputy Prime
anticipate and determine the Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Minister, to follow up on the
future aspirations of the govern- Khalifa. workshops.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018
05
Woman ‘molests, robs Religious figure
pleads not guilty
in defamation
case
TDT|Manama
Asian laundryman’ Ali Tarif
A
Bahraini religious
figure accused of
insulting a symbol
belonging to a Muslim sect
online pleaded not guilty
before the Lower Criminal
Accused faces trial before the High Criminal Court Court.
The defendant was put on
trial for defaming the sym-
the court heard. The woman was arrested in another bol on Twitter, but he stated
The 32-year-old woman, a mother robbery case, and she denied her links that he had only intended
•
The defendant’s youngest of seven children, faces charges of in- to this incident. to discuss a scientific study.
Suddenly, she came
decent assault and robbery apart from However, her involvement was con- The defendant was arrest-
child is a newborn, who is with
inciting her victim to prostitution and close and pressed her firmed after reviewing CCTV cameras ed after the police received
her at the detention centre.  stands trial before the High Criminal body against mine. installed in the shop. a complaint from the an-
Court. “I came to Bahrain with my husband ti-cyber crimes directorate
VICTIM
The victim filed a case with the police seven months ago. I took to begging over the tweet he published.
•
The act was confirmed by after the incident. “The woman was for the livelihood but was arrested in Prosecutors said that the
wearing a niqab when she entered the connection to a robbery incident,” the defendant had admitted to
police after reviewing CCTV
shop. She asked me water and then en- woman told prosecutors. owning the account which
cameras installed in the shop.
quired about toilet. I said the shop did snatch his wallet and take BD 8 from it The defendant’s youngest child is a tweeted the comment in
not have toilet facility,” the man told before fleeing the scene. newborn, who is with her at the deten- question.
TDT|Manama prosecutors. The victim said he couldn’t stop the tion centre.  He was earlier ordered to
Ali Tarif “Suddenly, she came close and pressed robbery as the woman had a large-built The lawyer representing the woman be detained for seven days,
her body against mine. She forcefully body. urged the court to show mercy on her pending the outcome of his
A
n Asian laundry worker was mo- hugged me before grabbing my private “I informed my sponsor immediately on grounds that she needs to take care trial. He will appear before
lested by an Arab woman before parts,” he said. about the robbery and he reported it to of her children, who would otherwise the court on August 14 for
robbing money from his wallet, The man alleged that she would later police,” he said. suffer when their father goes to work. the closing arguments. 
National Information Committee holds key meeting
Manama
tion Committee on results of high-level meetings
which were held with UN officials on the sidelines
Bahrain’s participation in the high-level po- of the high-level political forum. 
litical forum, which is affiliated with the UN He pointed out the events and functions, which
Economic and Social Council, yesterday came were held on the sidelines of the forum, by the
under the spotlight. Labour Market Regulatory Authority (LMRA),
Chaired by Cabinet Affairs Minister Mohammed the Labour Fund (Tamkeen) and the Ministry of
Al Mutawa, the National Information Committee Housing.
held a meeting at the court of His Royal Highness The Ministry of Youth and Sports outlined
the Premier and outlined results of its participa- projects in line with the 2030 Sustainable Devel-
tion in the three-day event, which opened at the opment Goals, citing, in particular, the Bahrain
UN headquarters in New York on July 16-18.  The meeting focused on Government efforts to promote SDGs. Scientific Centre for Sustainable Goals, which
Bahrain presented its First National Voluntary was inaugurated by His Majesty’s Representative
Report for the 2030 Sustainable Development tion from HRH the Premier to the team in charge keenness on supporting global efforts to promote for Charity Works and Youth Affairs, Supreme
Goals (SDGs 2030). Other events were also held of the report for the efforts they had exerted the sustainable development goals 2030, stressing Council for Youth and Sports (SCYS) Chairman
on the sidelines of the high-level political forum. under the supervision of the National Informa- Bahrain’s landmark strides in this regard. and Bahrain Olympic Committee (BOC) President
Mr Al Mutawa conveyed thanks and apprecia- tion Committee. He reiterated the Government’s He briefed members of the National Informa- HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018
06
King receives citizens
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al
Khalifa yesterday received a group
of Al Zallaq citizens within the royal
keenness to meet Bahraini citizens of
various governorates. The audience
expressed appreciation of the royal
interest in meeting their aspirations.
They wished HM the King abundant
good health and happiness to
continue bringing development and
prosperity. HM the King welcomed the
contributions of Al Zallaq’s citizens
to the ongoing development process
and their dedication to serving the
homeland and defending the national
gains.
Crown Prince holds majlis
His Royal Highness Prince Salman
bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown
Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander
and First Deputy Prime Minister,
yesterday held his weekly Majlis at
Riffa Palace. Members of the royal
family, senior government officials,
members of the Shura Council and
Council of Representatives, members
of municipal councils, religious and
community leaders, journalists,
and diplomats attended the Majlis.
His Royal Highness welcomed the
broad range of visitors at the weekly
Majlis, which demonstrates Bahrain’s
commitment to rooted traditions and
values, that are underpinned by His
Majesty’s aspirations to maintain
a strong bond amongst Bahrain’s
society.
‘Maids are not machines’
Justice Minister warns against torture or forced labour of housemaids and domestic workers
Mr Al Absi revealed that 33
•
Bahrain was cases of human trafficking were 33
registered in the Kingdom in the
ranked first in the
last year.
US Department of
“Trials have begun in some of
State’s classification the cases while investigations are cases of human
trafficking were
for the most successful on in others. The victims are all
registered in the
foreigners.”
countries in the Kingdom last year.
The official explained that ac-
fight against human
cording to Bahraini laws human
trafficking. trafficking is not limited to issues
Housemaids or
of indecency and prostitution. which the victim’s family alerted
domestic servants “Our primary achievement a local organisation in the Asian
TDT|Manama
should not be in the fight against human traf- country, which came in contact
Thamer Tayfour
forced to work ficking is the national referral with the staff of an American
Shaikh Khalid along with officials and dignitaries at the function. even for an hour. system. The labour market reg- organisation, who informed us
T
he tendency from the part ulator is not alone in the fight about the victim. The victim was
of employers to force do- rights of domestic workers are ed the need to increase aware- MR AL ABSI against human trafficking. We rescued and sent back home with-
mestic workers includ- protected, the minister urged. ness among the people to win the work hand in hand with the Jus- in 48 hours of the first mail sent
ing housemaids to work longer This came as Shaikh Khalid at- battle. tice Ministry, Interior Ministry, by the local organisation in her
hours while flouting their legal tended a seminar on ‘Bahrain’s “Domestic workers and house- mah Al Absi, Labour Market Reg- courts and Public Prosecution.” home country.”
rights is totally unacceptable, Experience in Combatting Traf- maids are not machines. They too ulatory Authority (LMRA) Chief Citing a few examples in which Bahrain was ranked first in the
said Minister for Justice, Islamic ficking in Persons’ yesterday at are human beings and they have Executive Officer said forced la- the victims were sent back to US Department of State’s classi-
Affairs and Endowments Shaikh the Institute of Judicial and Legal rights equal to any other person bour is against the laws of the land join their families in their home fication for the most successful
Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa yes- Studies. in this country,” the minister said, and the Constitution. countries, he highlighted how the countries in the fight against hu-
terday. Citing the steps taken by the adding that labour contracts must “Housemaids or domestic serv- Kingdom is setting an example for man trafficking. It became the
Laws and legislations must be government to end trafficking in not be based on deceit. ants should not be forced to work other countries to emulate. first country in Middle East and
considered to ensure that the persons, Shaikh Khalid highlight- Speaking at the seminar, Ausa- even for an hour,” he said. “In March we received a case in North Africa to achieve this feat.
University achievements stressed Minister receives delegation
Finance Minister Shaikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al Khalifa received his Kuwaiti counterpart Dr Nayef Falah Al Hajraf
Assistant Foreign Minister, Abdullah Al Doseri, received in his office at the Ministry’s General Court yesterday, the and his accompanying delegation who arrived at Bahrain International Airport (BIA) aboard Kuwait Airlines’ inaugural
President of the University of Bahrain (UoB), Prof. Riyad Y Hamzah. The assistant foreign minister welcomed the flight from Kuwait International Airport’s (KIA) new passenger terminal, T4. The minister was accompanied by Bahrain
President of UoB, and praised the efforts exerted by the University of Bahrain, highlighting the University’s 31 ranking Airport Company (BAC)’s Chairman, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications Minister Kamal Ahmed, Dean
among other regional universities. of the Diplomatic Corps Kuwaiti Ambassador to Bahrain Shaikh Azzam Mubarak Al Sabah, and other officials.
07
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018
business
BMW confirms Solidarity, Skiplino sign China Tower trades
recall of 323,700 flat on Hong Kong
cars across Europe debut
deal for queuing solutions
AFP| Frankfurt am Main AFP| Hong Kong
German luxury carmak- State-owned China Tower
er BMW on Wednesday -- the world’s largest op-
confirmed it would recall erator of telecoms towers --
323,700 cars across Europe ended its trading debut un-
•
due to a faulty component The tie-up will help changed in Hong Kong on
that could cause engines to Wednesday, having chalked
Solidarity customers
catch fire Skiplino queuing up the world’s biggest ini-
queue ahead of their
Just under a third -- system is an efficient tial public offering for two
96,300 -- of the affected ve- arrival at the branch way for customers to years.  The Beijing-based
hicles are in Germany, while conveniently make firm’s $6.9 billion IPO was
75,000 are in Britain, a BMW at the lower end of its ex-
TDT| Manama an appointment
spokesman told AFP. pected range, making it the
prior to their visit to
Some 23,500 cars in second to fall short of its
S Solidarity branches
France and 24,700 in Italy olidarity Bahrain, one main target with investor
are also hit. of the largest insurance confidence hit by uncertain-
JAWAD MOHAMED
The Europe-wide recall companies in Bahrain ty linked to the China-US
came after the company was and a subsidiary of Solidarity trade row.  China Tower
forced to take back more Group Holding, has announced Jawad Mohamed and Zaman Abdulhameed Zaman singing the deal is the world’s largest IPO
than 100,000 cars in South its partnership with Skiplino waiting time will elevate cus- since Postal Savings Bank of
Korea over the problem. Technologies. As a first-of-its- tomer experience to new lev- China’s $7.6 billion offering
BMW also had to apolo- kind initiative by an insurance officials from Solidarity Bahrain es,” said Jawad Mohamed, CEO els and will provide Solidarity in 2016, according to data
gise as more than 30 of its company in Bahrain, the tie-up and Skiplino Technologies. Solidarity Bahrain. with insightful reports on how compiled by Bloomberg.
vehicles caught fire this will provide Solidarity Bahrain “We are proud to take our “This is a step forward for us customers and agents interact Last month Chinese
year there. customers with the possibility partnership with Skiplino to in leading the insurance indus- inside all branches,” said Zaman smartphone maker Xiaomi
The car giant blamed a to queue ahead of their arrival at the next level. The Skiplino try’s innovative digital trans- Abdulhameed Zaman, CEO of raised less than half its $10
faulty component called the the branch, keeps them updated queuing system is an innova- formation and embracement of Skiplino Technologies billion initial target. Some
exhaust gas recirculation on the estimated time to reach tive, convenient and incredibly Fintech and support to Bahraini “Solidarity’s dedication to observers say investors may
cooler that generated exces- the branch and the status of the efficient way for our customers startups,” he added. digital transformation and large see China Tower as a safe
sive sediment and caused queue. to conveniently make an ap- “We are very excited to part- branch network made this the bet on the country’s mobile
engines to catch fire “in rare The signing ceremony took pointment prior to their visit to ner with Solidarity Bahrain. ideal partnership for us,” he market because of its gov-
cases”. place in the presence of senior any of solidarity retail branch- Skiplino’s ability to eliminate added. ernment backing.
BAS to handle 5628 201
INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENT
30 June 2018 (Reviewed)
Hajj pilgrims
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
At 30 June 2018 For the six months ended 30 June 2018 (Reviewed)
Reviewed Audited Three months ended Six months ended
TDT| Manama will deal with 5625 pilgrims 30 June 31 December 30 June 30 June
from the Kingdom of Bahrain, 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
US$ ‘000 US$ ‘000 US$ ‘000 US$ ‘000 US$ ‘000 US$ ‘000
B
ahrain Airport Servic- including 430 residents, who
ASSETS Income
es Company (BAS) has are under 58 licensed local Investment in sukuk 882 1,930 1,759 2,866
begun to implement its campaigns”. Cash and balances with banks 1,564 1,823 Investment in equities and funds 51 10 59 29
Murabaha receivables 8,002 13,004 Due from banks 37 9 93 27
procedures to service the pil- Janahi pointed out that BAS Due from banks 8,491 15,500
Financing receivables 34 54 130 187
grims from Bahrain Interna- has been in contact with cam- Mudaraba receivables 2,351 5,071 Mudaraba receivables 17 39 33 51
Financing receivables 2,647 5,851
tional Airport (BIA). paigners and their organizers Investment in sukuks 74,010 73,461 Less: Return to short term sukuk
Mohammed Janahi, Senior to arrange travel procedures, IInnvveessttmmeenntt iinn ereqauli etisetsa taen d funds 2 57,,019818 2 57,,655417 i nv estors and banks (531) (435) (1,014) (803)
Manager of Passenger Servic- which include pre-checkup Equipment 139 139 490 1,607 1,060 2,357
es, said that the actual prepara- of bags. Other assets 2,903 1,366 Investment banking fees 73 197 141 265
Ijarah income 327 391 657 781
tions for the Hajj season began Ministry of Justice and Is- TOTAL ASSETS 132,386 149,413 Foreign exchange (Loss) gain (2) (1) (2) 21
last July by checking visas for lamic Affairs mention that Other income 23 87 258 114
LIABILITIES AND OWNERS’ EQUITY
the international pilgrims de- the date of August 15 is the OPERATING INCOME 911 2,281 2,114 3,538
parting from the Kingdom’s last date for the departure of Liabilities
Due to short term sukuk investors and banks 78,275 93,461 Staff costs 609 745 1,234 1,415
airport. Janahi said that the Hajj campaigns from Bahrain Staff payables 947 979 General and administrative expenses 266 293 458 503
first group of pilgrims left from International Airport. BAS is Other liabilities 975 832 Depreciation 181 181 362 362

Bahrain International Airport the official operator of ground Total liabilities 80,197 95,272
OPERATING EXPENSES 1,056 1,219 2,054 2,280
on Tuesday. services at BIA. A trusted name
Owners’ Equity
He added: “We have allo- in the world of services as a Share capital 59,039 59,039 NET (LOSS) PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD
cated a staff of trained and company certified by the Air RAecsceurmveusl ated losses (1 85,,218322 ) (1 83,,546675 ) BE FORE IMPAIRMENT PROVISION (145 ) 1,062 60 1,258
qualified professionals to work Transport Safety Audit Pro- Net recoveries (allowances) for credit losses - - 280 (33)
professionally with the pres- gram of the International Air Total owners’ equity 52,189 54,141 Unrealised fair value loss on investments in funds - - (285) -

sures of work. The company Transport Association. TOTAL LIABILITIES AND OWNERS’ EQUITY 132,386 149,413 NET (LOSS) PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD (145) 1,062 55 1,225
INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN OWNERS’ EQUITY
For the six months ended 30 June 2018 (Reviewed)
Reserves
Flaw found inWhatsApp
Investment Total
Share Statutory General fair value Total Accumulated owners’
capital reserve reserve reserve reserves losses equity
US$ ‘000 US$ ‘000 US$ ‘000 US$ ‘000 US$ ‘000 US$ ‘000 US$ ‘000
AFP| Paris
Balance at 1 January 2018 59,039 3,881 2,226 2,460 8,567 (13,465) 54,141

Transition adjustment on adoption of FAS 30 as of
Researchers at Israeli cyber- 1 January 2018 - - - - - (2,007) (2,007)
security firm said Wednes-
Restated balance as of 1 January 2018 59,039 3,881 2,226 2,460 8,567 (15,472) 52,134
day they had found a flaw in
Net profit for the period - - - - - 55 55
WhatsApp that could allow
Cumulative changes in fair value - - - (285) (285) 285 -
hackers to modify and send
Balance at 30 June 2018 59,039 3,881 2,226 2,175 8,282 (15,132) 52,189
fake messages in the popular Last month, the app an-
social messaging app. nounced limits of forwarding Balance at 1 January 2017 59,039 3,669 2,226 2,460 8,355 (15,370) 52,024

CheckPoint said the vul- messages following threats by Net profit for the period - - - - - 1,225 1,225

nerability gives a hacker the the Indian government to take Balance at 30 June 2017 59,039 3,669 2,226 2,460 8,355 (14,145) 53,249
possibility “to intercept and action after more than 20 peo-
manipulate messages sent by ple were butchered by crazed INTERIM CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
For the six months ended 30 June 2018 (Reviewed)
those in a group or private con- mobs after being accused of Hassan Amin Jarrar Ameer Abdul Ghani Ahmed Abbas
versation” as well as “create child kidnapping and other Six m3o0n Jtuhns eended Chairman Director Chief Executive Officer
and spread misinformation”. crimes in viral messages cir- 2018 2017
US$ ‘000 US$ ‘000 4 These were extracted from the Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements on which Ernst &
The report of the flaw comes culated wildly on WhatsApp. Net cash (used in) from operating activities (12,261) 2,188 Young issued an unqualified opinion dated 2nd August 2018 which are available on LMC website.
as the Facebook-owned is com- WhatsApp said in a state- 4 These Interim Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been authorized for issuance in
ing under increasing scrutiny ment: “We carefully reviewed (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (12,261) 2,188 accordance with a resolution of the board of Directors dated 2nd August 2018
as a means of spreading misin- this issue and it’s the equiv- Cash and cash equivalents at 1 January 30,327 10,579 4 Liquidity Management Centre B.S.C. (c) is Licensed by the Central Bank of Bahrain as Wholesale Islamic Bank.
formation due to its popularity alent of altering an email to CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT 30 JUNE 18,066 12,767 Liquidity Management Centre B.S.C. (c)
and convenience for forward- make it look like something a CR 49092 P.O. Box 11567, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain. Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
ing messages to groups. person never wrote.” * Note: The full consolidated statement of cash flows is available in LMC’s website.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018
08
BCCI holds Stocks mixed amid trade war
training course
TDT | manama
The Bahrain Chamber of benchmark FTSE 100 index
•
Commerce and Indus- Trade fears carved out a gain of 0.8pc.
try (BCCI) organised a train- “It is not hard to find the
dog investors
ing course for the first batch cause of the FTSE 100’s out-
of its employees on “Behav- • performance today,” said Chris
ioural Competencies” by Dr FTSE 100 index Beauchamp, chief market ana-
Adel Al Abdulla. The course carved out a gain of 0.7pc lyst at online trading firm IG.
was held in collaboration “The pound continues its slide
•
with Bahrain Institute of versus the dollar on fears of a
Wall Street had
Banking and Finance (BIBF). ‘No Deal’ Brexit, providing at
provided a strong lead
In this regard, BCCI’s Treas- least a pleasing tailwind for UK
urer and Acting Chief Ex- for Asian markets stocks.”
ecutive Officer Aref Hejris The pound sank this week on
said, “Organising this train- growing concern of a chaotic
ing course comes in line London | United Kingdom no-deal exit for Britain from the
with the board’s strategy European Union in March 2019.
U
stressing on investing and s stock markets large- The weak currency however
empowering our human re- ly shrugged off latest lifts shares in multinationals
source”. He said BCCI will volley of tariffs in the that derive the lion’s share of
continue offering training escalating trade war between their earnings in dollars.
courses and programmes the United States and China, Asia equities stuttered
bearing in mind the diverse although oil prices fell sharply. Wednesday, with Tokyo down
nature of our employees’ In late morning trading, Wall 0.1pc, Shanghai shedding 1.3pc,
Traders work on the floor at the closing bell of the Dow Industrial Average at the New York Stock Exchange
needs, preferences, and Street’s main indices were but Hong Kong ended up 0.4pc
abilities. mixed, with the blue-chip in value.
Dow Jones Industrial Average Global stock prices had risen
slipped less than a tenth of a per Key figures at 1530 GMT Tuesday on the back of solid
cent.  second-quarter US corporate
Ikea opens first However the broader S&P 500 New York - Dow Jones  0.07 percent at 25,611.58 points earnings which temporarily
and tech-heavy Nasdaq Com- London - FTSE 100  0.8 percent at 7,776.65 (close) took investor attention off fes-
Indian store
posite both climbed despite Chi- Frankfurt - DAX 30  0.1 percent at 12,633.54 (close) tering trade wars, dealers said.
na announcing it will impose KNOW WHAT Both the S&P 500 and the Nas-
Paris - CAC 40  0.4 percent at 5,501.90 (close)
Hyderabad | India 25 per cent tariffs on a further daq Composite are not far below
$16 billion of US goods, making EURO STOXX 50  0.4 percent at 3,492.00 records. Oil prices, which had
Ikea’s boss promised good on its promise to retaliate Tokyo - Nikkei 225  0.1 percent at 22,644.31 (close) climbed this week on expecta-
The US govern-
Wednesday to meet the against new American levies. tions that renewed US sanctions
“needs, frustrations and The US government an- Hong Kong - Hang Seng  0.4 percent at 28,359.14 (close) ment announced on Iran will reduce supplies to
dreams” of local consum- nounced late Tuesday that 25pc Shanghai - Composite  1.3 percent at 2,744.07 (close) late Tuesday that the market, fell sharply on data
ers with the Swedish firm’s tariffs on $16 billion in Chinese 25pc tariffs on $16 showing ample supplies in the
first Indian store, its second goods would go into effect on billion in Chinese United States.
attempt to break into a vast August 23. ket analyst David Madden at rather than to inflict financial “A weaker-than-expected fall
goods would go
but difficult market. “Markets had a muted reac- CMC Markets UK. pain on the US,” he added. in crude inventories has taken
into effect on Au-
“We bring an inspiring, tion to China’s announcement “The token retaliation from European markets were less the wind out of oil’s sales, with
gust 23
affordable and convenient that it plans to impose tariffs on Beijing keeps the trade spat sanguine, with both Frank- both Brent and WTI down by
home furnishing offer,” $16 billion worth of US goods, alive, and it seems like China furt and Paris stocks moving more than 2pc,” said IG’s Chris
Jesper Brodin said a day starting on 23 August,” said mar- were doing it to send a message, downwards. However London’s Beauchamp.
before the grand opening
of the furniture giant’s vast
store on the outskirts of the
southern city of Hyderabad.
Musk proposes to
go private
New York | United States
Tesla’s board of direc-
tors said yesterday it
will evaluate chief execu-
tive Elon Musk’s proposal to
take the electric car maker
private.
After Musk last week
raised the idea as a better Electricity and Water Affairs Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza receiving
solution for Tesla’s long- The National Bank of Bahrain (NBB) employees attending a one-day training workshop on the topic “Delivering Success researcher and media personality Abdul Karim Ismail, who presented him
term growth, directors in a Competitive World”. The workshops, led by John Berry from Customer Buyology over a course of 10 days, focused a copy of his latest book commemorating 10 years of Ramadaniat magazine
met “several times” and on helping employees at different levels gain a better understanding of how to effectively navigate change and drive issued by Afras Media. The minister expressed his thanks, appreciation and
are “taking the appropriate results in the fast-evolving world of retail banking admiration at the magazine for its excellence and success for over a decade
next steps to evaluate this,”
the board said in a brief
statement issued before the
stock market opened. Al Baraka, Kyrgyzstan’s BTA in Islamic banking deal
US GDP to top 5pc TDT | Manama
next quarter
Al Baraka Banking Group has
announced a plan to expand
Washington | United State the footprint of Islamic Banking
into new geographies, this time KNOW WHAT
President Donald Trump in the Kyrgyzstan Republic.
on Tuesday predicted The Group signed a MoU on
US economic growth would 26 July 2018 with BTA Bank to
There are just 29.5
soon hit above five percent work towards the development
in a bullish speech hailing of Islamic financial services in residents for each
his administration’s busi- Kyrgyzstan. square kilometre
ness record. “The choice of BTA Bank for of land – making
Speaking to business our cooperation is but natural, Kyrgyzstan one of
leaders at a lavish dinner given their experience in Kyr-
the world’s least
party at his New Jersey golf gyzstan, and collectively with
crowded countries
course, Trump said growth Al Baraka’s 40 years’ experi-
At the signing of the MoU: (R to L) : Abdulrahman Shehab, Executive Vice President, Head of Operations & Administration,
“could be in the fives” by ence in this domain, we hope to
Murat Kunakunov, Chairman of the Board and K. Krishnamoorthy, Executive Vice President, Head of Strategic Planning.
the next quarter.  “Nobody eventually set up a full-fledged
thought would be anywhere Islamic bank in Kyrgyzstan in The BTA Bank delegation dur-
above, even close to 2 (per- due course,” stated the Presi- ing their visit to Bahrain from
cent), and we’re at 4.1. And dent & Chief Executive, Adnan port BTA Bank in implementing ture, developing regulatory in- its workforce as well as raising July 24-26,2018 held meetings
I think we’re going much Ahmed Yousif. Shari’a banking services, setting struments, setting policies, pro- general awareness on Islamic at the Central Bank of Bahrain,
higher,” he said.  Al Baraka said it will sup- up the required IT infrastruc- cesses and procedures, training finance. AAIOFI, and the BIBF.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 9, 2018
09
Abu Dhabi hits four-year high Aramco buys out
rubber-making firm
AP | Dubai
Oil giant Saudi Aramco
Closing Bell says it will buy out the
•
Dubai’s index other 50-per cent stake in
SAUDI 0.4% » 8,210.3 a joint chemical venture in
was weighed down
DUBAI  0.1% » 2,949 the Netherlands in a deal
by Emirates NBD
ABU DHABI  0.3% » 4,926 valued at 1.5 billion euros,
which fell 1.0pc or $1.7 billion.
QATAR  0.1% » 9,962
Aramco made the an-
•
Saudi index falls KUWAIT  0.2% » 5,466 nouncement on Wednesday,
amid Canada row BAHRAIN  0.2% » 1,346 saying it would purchase
the entire interest in Ar-
OMAN  0.3% » 4,436
• lanxeo, a joint venture it set
Qatar Industries EGYPT  0.6% » 15,8623 up in 2016 with Lanxess AG.
drags down Qatar index Lanxess is a chemical
company based in Cologne,
Germany.
AFP | Dubai
Arlanxeo makes rubber
lagging because of concerns for tires and auto parts, as
A
bu Dhabi’s stockmarket about its financial position, busi- well as other industries.
touched four-year highs ness outlook and the outcome Both firms say they ex-
yesterday, helped by of an investigation by United pect the deal to close by the
bank stocks, while Saudi Ara- Arab Emirates authorities into end of the year. The com-
bia’s dipped amid a diplomatic financial violations by previous pany will remain in Maas-
row with Canada. management. tricht, the Netherlands.
First Abu Dhabi Bank climbed The Dubai main index ended
by 0.7 per cent. Other banks also 0.1pc lower.
rose, with Abu Dhabi Islamic An investor walks past a screen displaying stock information at the Saudi Stock Exchange (Tadawul) in Riyadh, Saudi In Qatar, Industries Qatar
Bank up 1.8pc and Union Na- Arabia was the main drag on the index, Malaysian ex-PM
tional Bank rising by 2.8pc. falling by 1.6pc. After the mar- charged with
Banks are expected to be trading. The Saudi index ended 0.4pc Saudi exports of petrochemicals, ket closed, the company - the
among the beneficiaries of a 50 In Saudi Arabia, PetroRabigh, lower as investors worried about plastics and other products. Middle East’s second-biggest money-laundering
billion dirham ($13.6 billion) a joint venture between Saudi the fallout from a diplomatic dis- Dubai’s index was weighed petrochemicals firm - reported
plan announced by Abu Dhabi in Aramco and Japan’s Sumitomo pute between Saudi Arabia and down by Emirates NBD, which a rise in profit to 2.51 billion ri- Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
June to revitalise the economy. Chemical, tumbled by 8.2pc af- Canada. The dispute, over Cana- fell by 1.0pc. Deyaar Develop- yals ($689.5 million) for the first
The Abu Dhabi index closed ter it announced a 25.6pc fall dian support for jailed rights ac- ment was down by 5.8pc. half of 2018, up from 1.61 billion Malaysia’s former prime
0.3pc up, after hitting its highest in second-quarter net profit on tivists, threatens to hurt bilateral Drake & Scull was down by riyals in the same period a year minister Najib Razak
level since late 2014 in earlier Tuesday. trade which largely consists of 9.9pc. The company has been earlier. was hit with new charges
yesterday linked to a mul-
ti-billion-dollar financial
scandal that contributed to
IMF commends India reforms 10 millionth Mustang his shock election defeat
in May.
Appearing at a court in
Mumbai, India The car celebrated in Amer- Kuala Lumpur, Najib was
•
Mustangs soon will ican song and film, and rec- charged with three counts
India will remain one of the 7.3pc ognized the world over as of money-laundering over
be one of only two
world’s fastest-growing ma- an iconic American cultural claims he pocketed 42 mil-
passenger cars from
jor economies in coming years, export, will get a big party at lion ringgit ($10.3 million)
the International Monetary Ford -- along with a Ford’s Michigan headquarters.  from a former unit of scan-
growth is achievable for
Fund said yesterday, in wel- crossover Focus -- sold It’s a turning point for the dal-hit sovereign wealth
the fiscal year 2018-19,
come news for Prime Minister carmaker, which is banking fund 1MDB.
according to a forecast in North America.
Narendra Modi before elections on the Mustang’s wide appeal The 65-year-old, who is
by the International
next year. to help it grow global market free on bail, has denied all
Monetary Fund
In a wide-ranging report on Chicago, United States share.  the charges. 
Asia’s third-biggest economy, US sales of the Mustang are
the IMF commended govern- The Ford Mustang -- an dropping, but they are acceler-
ment economic reforms but vices tax (GST) in 2017, which iconic American brand ating overseas in markets such
called for action to contain in- replaced a myriad of state and and a symbol of cool -- will as China and Germany.  China trade surplus
flation and increase the number Indian Prime Minister Narendra national taxes. But it added that reach a major milestone as the To celebrate the Mustang with US down
of women in the workforce. GST, which sets different val- 10 millionth vehicle rolls off an milestone, Ford is appealing
Modi gestures to greet attendees
The Washington-based in- ue-added taxes for different assembly line at a Detroit-area to the sense of nostalgia for
during Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
stitution forecast GDP growth Parliamentray committee types of goods, could be im- plant.  what is seen as the original Beijing, China
for the  2018-2019 fiscal year at proved.  “freedom vehicle” that exem-
7.3 per cent, rising to 7.5pc the India’s quarterly growth fell plified Americans’ love of the China’s trade surplus
following year. Growth expanded to 7.7pc as low as 5.7pc in mid-2017. open road. After all, the car with the United States
The pickup follows a fall to for the quarter from January The decision to scrap 86pc of was named after a horse that eased in July after President
6.7pc growth in 2017-2018. to March, the highest for seven currency notes, known as “de- It is as American roams free in the American Donald Trump imposed
The IMF said India was facing quarters, as the economy start- monetisation”, in November as one can have an West.  “I can think of no other tariffs on Chinese goods in
a “broadly positive outlook” ed to recover from a rocky start 2016 dealt a major blow to the American product American car that captures the a showdown between the
thanks to “strengthening in- to Modi’s economic initiatives. economy.  love affair with the automobile world’s two biggest econo-
JOHN HEITMANN,
vestment and robust private Despite teething problems, The IMF noted that the move AUTOMOTIVE HISTORIAN that Americans have had... like mies, official data showed
consumption” but warned of the IMF commended Modi’s had caused “an acute monetary the Mustang,” automotive his- Wednesday.
risks from higher fuel prices government for introducing shock” but said the economy torian John Heitmann of the The Asian giant posted
and a weakening rupee. a nationwide goods and ser- has since recovered. University of Dayton said. a $28.1 billion surplus last
month after reporting a re-
cord $28.9 billion in June
according to Chinese cus-
Oil tumbles on slowing Chinese demand, trade spat
toms data.
China is slapping additional tariffs of 25pc on $16 billion worth of US imports
US tariffs on
Chinese goods to hit
Reuters | New York would slash demand for com-
modities. $50 bn
Oil prices slid almost 4 per- $71.92 “The US-China trade war is set
cent on Wednesday as a to worsen, and its impact on oil Washington, United States
trade dispute between the Unit- prices will be gradual as the sit-
ed States and China escalated uation develops,” said Abhishek The first round of Presi-
further and after Chinese import was the price of Brent Kumar, senior energy analyst at dent Donald Trump’s 25
data showed a slowdown in en- crude a barrel by 1633 Interfax Energy in London. per cent punitive tariffs on
ergy demand. GMT China’s crude imports recov- China will hit $50 billion in
Brent crude LCOc1 futures fell ered slightly in July after two goods starting August 23.
$2.73 to $71.92 a barrel, a 3.7 straight monthly declines, but Washington already im-
per cent loss, by 12:33 p.m. EDT remained low due to a dropoff posed tariffs on $34 billion
(1633 GMT). in demand from smaller inde- in Chinese products on July
US West Texas Intermediate worth of US imports, from fuel pendent refineries. 6. But it held off on a final
(WTI) crude CLc1 futures fell and steel products to autos and Shipments into the world’s $16 billion as a result of
$2.70 to $66.47 a barrel, a 3.9pc medical equipment. biggest importer of crude came concerns raised by US com-
loss. The session low of $66.32 The escalating trade war has in at 36.02 million tonnes last panies. China has already
A pump jack operates at a well site leased by Devon Energy Production
was the lowest since June 22. rattled global markets. Investors month, up to 8.48m barrels per retaliated with duties of its
Company near Guthrie, Oklahoma
China is slapping addition- fear a potential slowdown of the day from 8.18m bpd a year earli- own, and has pledged to
al tariffs of 25pc on $16 billion world’s two largest economies er and June’s 8.36m bpd. match with new tariffs.
ONLY IF YOU HAVE BEEN IN THE DEEPEST
QUOTE VALLEY, CAN YOU EVER KNOW HOW
OF THE MAGNIFICENT IT IS TO BE ON THE HIGHEST
DAY
MOUNTAIN.
Thursday, August 9, 2018 RICHARD NIXON
The Wrong Way to Fight a Drug War
for standing by the agency’s statistic of 1.8 million
Filipinos who used drugs once within a year. That
contradicted the president’s own estimate, which
fluctuates between 3 million and 4 million full-
fledged addicts.
Despite voicing good intentions, Duterte’s in-
sistence on prioritizing a punitive, rather than
MIGUEL SYJUCO
rehabilitative, approach to addiction is proving
shortsighted. Fear alone is unsustainable.
I
f you’ve tried shabu, you’ll understand its allure. “Among all the presidents I’ve known, Duterte’s
Taking it begins with ritual — folding foil into the only one who’s taken the drug problem serious-
a chute, rolling paper towel into a wick and ly,” said Rechi Cristobal, a specialist I spoke with
heating the gleaming crystal into running liquid who has spent years as a counsellor training health
trailing vapor. Inhaling it feels unbelievably clean, workers. Yet in tackling addiction, Duterte’s tactics
as if your body and mind are scrubbed of all weight. may be harming more than helping. “It’s scared
It was so good I tried it only once. everyone to the point that instead of seeking help,
The Philippines Shabu, or crystal methamphetamine, manipulates they’ve just gone underground.”
the reward pathways of the brain, flooding it with This is an urgency the president must face. “He
has undertaken a dopamine. As with other addictive drugs, repetition has set back the stigmatization of addiction by 10
hinders the brain’s transmitters and receptors, years,” Cristobal said.
brutal battle against pushing users to seek replenishment artificially. In the last year, local government agencies, com-
A fraction of users get stuck in that cycle, leading munity organizers and the private sector have been
shabu, or crystal to anti-social behaviours or even criminality. Even compensating for the Duterte administration’s lack
Potesters and residents hold lighted candles and placards at the wake of Kian Loyd delos Santos, a 17-year-old high school
kicking that drug can lead to dependency on other of preparation. But the lessons have been learned
methamphetamine. But student, who was among the people shot dead in an escalation of President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs in Caloocan city,
substances, increasing the likelihood of relapse. the hard way. In November, the government trium-
Metro Manila, on August 25, 2017. - Reuters (File photo)
This is why it is an addiction — not just shabu — phantly opened a 10,000-bed “mega rehab” facility
the government needs to
that is at the heart of a public health crisis in the in a remote part of the country — which ended up
Philippines. mostly empty. Dionisio Santiago, the new chairman
go after another target
Rodrigo Duterte, speaking to Filipinos’ alarm of the Dangerous Drugs Board, called the project a limited resources wisely.
about widespread shabu use, was elected president “mistake.” He was similarly fired and then accused I spoke with Bienvenido Leabres, a doctor who
entirely
in June 2016 on his promise to solve the country’s of corruption, which has not been proven. Yet his leads a government-run rehabilitation centre on
drug problem. But his government’s strategy, based assessment was on point: The resources, Santiago the outskirts of Metro Manila. When I visited the
on fear and law enforcement, is misguided. Since said, “should have been used for community-based center, some 600 patients, ages 13 to 71 at the time
he began his presidency, on average 33 people have rehab initiatives, small ones that can accommodate — 95% of whom are addicted to shabu — were un-
been killed per day — more than 4,500 suspected maybe 150 to 200 patients.” dertaking “therapeutic community rehabilitation”:
drug users — by police, with more than 23,500 Earlier this year I interviewed doctors, addiction a month of detoxification followed by roughly a
more deaths under investigation. The vast majority therapists, hospital dorm managers, social work- year of residential treatment in which patients and
comes from the poor, who cannot afford private ers, community organizers, teachers, priests and their families learn how to manage the social and
rehabilitation programs. drug-policy reform advocates to understand the psychological issues that led to addiction. During
This drug war has been dramatic, but its effec- scope of the Philippines’ drug problem and the ef- this phase, counselling, education and vocational
tiveness is dubious. Even official numbers remain forts to address it. I found reasons to be optimistic, training are essential; in a country lacking economic
hard to come by. Last year, the president fired the but only if the government listens sincerely to those opportunity, the drug trade thrives by creating
head of the government’s Dangerous Drugs Board involved in fighting drug addiction and allocates another dependency — financial — among addicts
most ferocious attempt to shame me, intimidate me
and break my spirit. Stalin would have been proud.
Two interviewers, both men, sit facing my older
My Sister sister and her daughter, my niece. Both are wear-
ing chadors. My sister first makes the case that I
am no longer myself — that somehow I’ve been
MASIH ALINEJAD brainwashed into my activism and rejecting com-
Disowned
pulsory hijab.
“She knows what she’s doing isn’t right. But I
O
n July 27, my sister publicly disowned me on feel she’s no longer herself. If this was really her,
prime-time Iranian television. then why are her eyes always teary? Why isn’t she
Me on
I can’t say this comes out of nowhere. Over happy?” my sister asks rhetorically. She goes on to
the past two decades — as a journalist critical of the say that I’ve “achieved nothing.” If I “had talent,
regime, as an outspoken feminist and ultimately a she’d be able to persuade my daughters and me.”
State TV dissident living in exile in America — the Islamic I’ve always respected my sister. I’ve never tried
Republic has tried to intimidate me and my family, to put pressure on her or on any members of my
which still lives in the poor village where I was family. I want women to have autonomy over their
raised in northern Iran. bodies, to be free to wear — or not wear — a head
As a journalist in Iran, I often got into trouble covering.
exposing the regime’s mismanagement and corrup- More pain was to follow. In one of several leading
tion until, eventually, my press pass was revoked. I questions, one of the interviewers asks my sister
was often threatened with arrest or worse for writ- and my niece: “What happened that you decided
ing articles critical of former President Mahmoud to publicly disown her?”
Ahmadinejad. Ultimately, I was forced to flee my “I’ve been silent for 10 years,” my sister says.
homeland in 2009. “Then I saw that she was challenging the Supreme
But the threats I faced as a journalist were noth- Leader. Everyone who’s familiar with me knows
ing compared to the abuse and attacks that began this. My red line is the Supreme Leader.”
Stalin would after I began My Stealthy Freedom in 2014, a cam- Even as she was denouncing me and praising the
paign against Iran’s compulsory hijab laws. regime, I felt sympathy for my sister. As I watched
have been proud
I have remained out of reach of the regime, but her, I thought about the reality of life for women
my family has taken the brunt. There has been and girls in the Islamic Republic: They face the very
of Iran’s latest
financial pressure: threats to revoke business per- shaming I was being subjected to if they publicly
attempt to break mits and licenses, for example. Some relatives have oppose compulsory hijab. Pro-democracy protesters taking out a protest in Tehran.- (File photo)
been threatened with firing until they proved their Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say
loyalty by offering secrets about me. And, of course, over almost everything in Iran, including what airs
my spirit
the Intelligence Ministry regularly sends officers to on television, has previously dismissed the civil the real story — the fact that Iranians lack basic
pay visits to my elderly parents. At one point they disobedience campaign against compulsory hijab as necessities, like water and electricity — makes it
offered to arrange a “family reunion” in Turkey. I “insignificant.” But this vile segment demonstrates even more stomach-turning.
can only imagine what they had in mind for me. that he’s apparently changed his mind about the In perhaps the most heartbreaking exchange of
But exploiting my family on the Iranian equiva- significance of our campaign. What’s more, the fact the segment, the interviewers push my sister to say
lent of “60 Minutes” was a new low. It was by far the that state TV is focused on my hair while ignoring that my parents had disowned me.
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