Middle East

Iranian President comes to America to Lecture Us on Nuclear Weapons

2010-05-02T20:50:00.000-07:00

Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad is coming to New York to attend the United Nation’s conference on the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. The conference, which is held every five years to review the status of Treaty compliance and consider changes, is scheduled to have a speech tomorrow from the Iranian leader who criticizes the West for their possession of nuclear weapons. At the same time Iran pursues a nuclear capability despite being a signatory to the non-proliferation treaty. Iran hopes to embarrass the West by pointing out Israel’s possession of nuclear weapons. I suspect he will fail to mention that Israel is not a signatory party to the treaty.

Iran is trying its best to pursue a nuclear option and lately Ahmadinejad has been travelling to meet with Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe, Evo Morales of Bolivia, Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, and President Lula of Brazil. All these travels have had two common themes anti-American rhetoric and talks about uranium or access to nuclear technology.

Iran is concerned that obtain sources for its nuclear needs that are not dependent on the West which is increasingly concerned about the secrecy of Iran’s “peaceful” pursuit of nuclear power.

New York City was the scene of a failed attempt at a terrorist bombing over the weekend. Pakistani Taliban, supported by Iran, claimed credit. But the UN will be a gracious host to the Iranian President whose nation just was granted a seat on the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women. Iran, where women are routinely imprisoned, abused, hung, and at times stoned, will now help shape global policy for the welfare of the feminine gender. The hypocrisy of the international body that allows this human rights travesty will tomorrow applaud Ahmadinejad’s duplicitous call for making the Middle East a nuclear free zone at the same time doing nothing about Iran’s violations of the very treaty under discussion. It should be noted that the conference in 1995 already passed such a resolution but again it has had no effect on Israel because Israel is not a signatory to the treaty. Iran is a signatory and had already been sanctioned by the UN three times for its failure to live up to its nuclear treaty commitments.

Ahmadinejad’s “diplomatic” efforts to forestall international sanctions on its own nuclear program are combined with various bluster. Iran has conducted provocative exercises in the Arabian Gulf and is pushing missiles to its Hezbollah surrogates in Lebanon. Just this last week an Iranian spy ring was wrapped up in Kuwait. Increases in Al Quds force presence are being noted in Latin America and they continue to play a role in Yemen. Some say Iran would like to promote a war between Israel and Lebanon this summer in hopes this will make the Israelis reconsider a strike on Iran until after Iran has what it needs to build a bomb. Using the UN is just another tool in Iran’s efforts to achieve what it has promised it does not seek – a nuclear weapon.

During the Second World War, Churchill and others took extraordinary measures to make sure Hitler could not gain access to Norwegian Heavy Water because they feared a nuclear weapon in the hands of a madman. Let us hope that there are men like Churchill today who will do the same things to prevent modern madmen from getting such weapons.

US Secretary of State makes farewell tour of the Middle East

2008-10-31T05:43:00.000-07:00

Just a year after the United States sponsored a Middle East Peace Conference at Annapolis, Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice is off to the region next week to meet with various parties in order to encourage them to press ahead.

Last year, America urged the parties to conclude a peace deal by the end of President Bush’s term of office but that doesn’t look likely now. Arabs and Israelis both agree on at least one thing and it is that the American timelines will not be met.

Rice will start her tour the day after America elects a new President. The election will undoubtedly impact on the parties’ views of what will be possible in the weeks and months ahead.

But the American election is not the only one at issue. Ms. Livni’s failure to put together a coalition means Israel will go to fresh elections in February. And Palestinians are also divided over who is in charge and some are calling for fresh elections. The Israeli elections alone should delay any peace negotiations until well into the spring of 2009.

Secretary Rice will visit Egypt, Israel, Jordan and the Palestinian territories during her four-day tour. After soliciting views from Fatah Palestinians, various Israelis and Jordan’s King, Rice will huddle with representatives of the Middle East Quartet at Egypt’s Sharm el-Sheikh resort on the 9th of November. The Quartet, composed of the EU, US, UN and Russia, are unlikely to be able to offer much encouragement.

Meanwhile, Hamas and Fatah are scheduled to start reconciliation discussions in Cairo on the same day Rice meets on the Red Sea with the Quartet. These intra-Palestinian talks are very important. Hamas currently controls Gaza while Fatah has broader sway on the West Bank. Before Palestinians can hope to succeed in talks with the Israelis, they must have a clear idea of who is in charge and what they want.

The same applies to the Israelis. Political leadership in Israel is passing to a younger generation but lately they seem equally incapable of deciding who is in charge of their political future.

There will be no progress towards Peace until the two sides have determined who will speak for them and what they will say. America must do the same before it can help.

Pirates and Marines

2008-10-08T17:38:00.000-07:00

A new class of American amphibious ship recently made its first transit through the Suez Canal. The USS San Antonio, part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group, transited the Suez on the 23rd of September and headed down the Red Sea towards the area where Somali pirates have seized more than a score of merchant ships this year.

Currently, US Fifth Fleet ships, including the USS Howard, are watching a pirate-seized merchant ship, the MV Faina. The Belize-flagged cargo ship is owned and operated by Kaalbye Shipping Ukraine and is carrying a cargo of 33 Ukrainian T-72 tanks and related equipment. The ship was attacked on Sept. 25 and forced to proceed to an anchorage off the Somali Coast. The pirates are demanding a $20 million ransom to release the ship and crew. There are some reports that demand has been reduced recently to $8 million. As many as 50 pirates are on board the MV Faina holding its crew hostage. One Russian crew member has died while in pirate control.

There maybe scores of pirates but there are about 1,900 US Marines abroad the USS Iwo Jima and several hundred more embarked on the USS San Antonio and they can be quickly transported by about two dozen helicopters.

The embarked Marines are the 2,200 man 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. The unit has had combat tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan and its men are highly experienced.

The USS San Antonio (LPD 17) is a new class of amphibious transport dock ship. It carries four helicopters and a variety of tactical vehicles in its hull. It can also transport up to 800 Marines.

“As we enter the Fifth Fleet area of operations, we will conduct Maritime Security Operations, maritime infrastructure protection and will work to deter destabilizing activities in order to help create a lawful maritime order,” said Cmdr. Kurt Kastner, San Antonio’s commanding officer.

One of the challenges of the Suez transit was the narrow passage San Antonio had to navigate. “The path through the Suez is only 119 meters wide with water as deep as 14.8 meters,” said Lt. j. g. Kathleen Friel, San Antonio’s navigator. “Therefore, the turns made by the helmsman need to be precise when adjusting course.”

San Antonio is deployed as part of the Iwo Jima Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security operations (MSO) in the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet area of operations. MSO help develop security in the maritime environment. From security arises stability that results in global economic prosperity. MSO complements the counterterrorism and security efforts of regional nations and seek to disrupt violent extremists' use of the maritime environment as a venue for attack or to transport personnel, weapons or other material.

Also in the Iwo Jima group are the guided-missile destroyer USS Ramage (DDG 61), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Carter Hall (LSD 50) and the guided-missile destroyer USS Roosevelt (DDG 80) seen here transiting through the Suez Canal.

Since the MV Faina was seized, six other ships have also been seized or attacked by Somali pirates. The international community is frustrated at the expense and danger to cargos transiting this important shipping corridor. The US is also concerned that the tanks and other weapons and ammunition not fall into the hands of the Islamists who are fighting the Somali central government. These groups reportedly are getting a cut of the pirate ransoms which they use to finance their rebellion. Last week the Somali government authorized foreign powers to take action against pirates inside Somali territorial waters if such actions were coordinated with them.

Anyone familiar with the USMC hymn knows that the Marines have a long history of fighting pirates on African shores. I suspect the 26th MEU is planning to add a new chapter to that history.

Photos courtesy the US Navy.

Iran’s Military Defenses in the Gulf

2008-09-16T05:45:00.000-07:00

Tehran announced today that the Iranian Revolutionary Guards was now in charge of the country's naval defense of the Arabian/Persian Gulf. Previously, the regular Iranian Navy had the lead role in this effort.

Over the years Iran has repeatedly warned it would shut down transit of the Strait of Hormuz at the southeastern end of the Gulf if Iran were attacked by outside forces such as the United States or Israel. Over a third of the world’s oil, some of it Iranian passes through the Strait on oil tankers.

The Strait and other parts of the Gulf are routinely patrolled by U.S., Arab, European, and other warships. Occasionally, there have been tense incidents with Iranian vessels. Last winter Revolutionary Guards speed boats threw debris in the path of U.S. warships and made threatening radio calls. There have been fewer incidents of that type with the Iranian regular navy.

Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, the top military adviser of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, announced the change at this morning’s press conference. He said "responsibility to defend the Persian Gulf" has been delegated to the Revolutionary Guards' navy. MG Safavi, himself a former commander of the Revolutionary Guards, said Iran’s regular navy was “assigned for the defense of the Gulf of Oman and Caspian Sea.” The Gulf of Oman is east of the Strait of Hormuz. The Caspian Sea is landlocked.

"The Guards' missiles are able to cover the whole width of the Persian Gulf. No warship can pass through the waterway without being in our range," he said. "Our armed forces, possessed with defensive weapons including missiles, air, sea and torpedoes, are able to control the Strait of Hormuz."

MG Safavi stated Iran's armed forces, including Army, IRGC and the 11-million-member Basij (militia) forces, were ready to stand up against any threat. Turning to Israel, he said, "the Zionist regime doesn't have the necessary political, economic and social capabilities to start a big war."

Concerning America, he noted, "In case of venturing into hostility with Iran, the US’s 200,000 troops in the region would be in serious danger."

America stepped its naval presence in the Gulf in recent years. Aircraft carriers are often in the confined waters of the Gulf and in the Gulf of Oman in order to provide air cover to U.S. Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tehran caused tensions with some Gulf Arab states over the occupation of some islands whose sovereignty has not yet been determined. Iran has had some clashes with the British Navy as well. They seized, and eventually released, a number of British sailors who were part of a boarding party trying to stop oil smuggling from Iraq.

Monday, Iran also announced an air defense exercise named “Defenders of Velayat.”

The commander of the Khatam-ul Anbia air base, Brigadier General Ahmad Miqani, said the “three stage” air exercise involved scores of aircraft and a large number of air bases countrywide.

Iranians invade America

2008-07-18T11:13:00.000-07:00

Uniform-wearing Iranians are in the middle of the US heart land to do battle with America’s finest and to try and learn some of our secrets. Sounds scary but actually it may help promote peace between the two countries.

In a program sponsored by George Bush, Iran’s national basketball team is in Utah to play some pre-Olympic tune-up games against the NBA and others. They are here on official business to learn as much from the NBA games as they can before they move on to Beijing for the Olympic Games in a few weeks.

To help them learn our secrets, they are being allowed to watch NBA teams practice as they get ready for the Rocky Mountain Revue summer series. They will also play the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks as part of the series of exhibition games. And they will play two other games against NBA Development League players.

Iran Basketball Federation director Mashhoun Raza said "We want to learn some more techniques of the basketball in America to take with us back. America is one of the best basketball teams in the world, so we are here to get some experience from them and play with them and to learn from them (and) get to a higher level."

The Iranians have a pretty good team themselves. They not only qualified for the Olympics for the first time in sixty years in this sport but they are the reigning FIBA Asian basketball champions.

They won’t just be stealing our basketball secrets. They will share some also. The Iranians helped at a free youth basketball clinic with D-League standouts at the Utah Flash's training facility.

And if they get a chance, they will take in some of Utah’s tourist venues. That may be the most interesting event as the Iranian Shi’a Muslims encounter the Utah Mormons.

State Department spokeswoman Darlene Kirk, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, said this exchange program began in 2006 when President Bush asked her office to "expand our people-to-people contacts with Iranian people." More than 160 Iran citizens from various professions — doctors, lawyers, judges, artists and other national sports teams — have visited the U.S. so far. A group of elite American wrestlers returned the favor by traveling to Iran in 2007. "This is one of the ongoing commitments to build a bridge with the Iranian people through citizen exchanges," Kirk said

The NBA is happy to help. "In an increasingly turbulent world, it is rewarding to bring people together to celebrate teamwork, discipline and respectful competition on the court," said NBA commissioner David Stern in a statement released by the league regarding the Iranians' Utah visit. "In this spirit," Stern continued, "the NBA embraces the opportunity to welcome the Basketball Federation of Iran and the Iranian Olympic team in a demonstration of how something as simple as a game of basketball can promote understanding."

On the court, the Iranians will fight the Americans with all they have. But they will be fighting without their best player, Aidin Bahrami, who was killed in a car accident in December. That said, they still have a 7-foot-5-inch beanpole center, Jaber Rouzbehani. The Iranian team is coached by Rajko Toroman, a native Serbian. He is assisted by Mehran Hatami, former Iranian national team member.

In the run up to the Olympics, the Iranians will have played 28 exhibition games in Italy, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Lithuania, Australia and China, as well as the United States. After a week of intense basketball in the USA, the Iranians will retreat back home to Iran for five days of rest and recuperation before heading to China to get ready for the Olympics. Perhaps they will battle Americans there on the courts one more time.

Thirty sharks arrive at the Dubai Mall

2008-07-13T09:57:00.000-07:00

The Dubai Aquarium located at The Dubai Mall now hosts the first batch of thirty Sand Tiger sharks. They were delivered under the supervision of the Oceanis Australia Group in line with international best practices.

Dubai Aquarium, one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world, will open to the public on August 28, 2008. The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping and entertainment destinations in the world and will eventually feature over 1,200 retail stores and over 120 restaurants and cafes.

The Sand Tiger sharks form part of the expected population of 33,000 aquatic animals in Dubai Aquarium. Also known as Grey Nurse sharks, Sand Tiger sharks are large bodied animals, reaching up to 11 feet (3.5 metres). They are a docile, non-aggressive species. These sharks can grow up to 30,000 needle-like teeth in their lifetime which they use to grab small prey. They are found in warm or temperate waters throughout the world's oceans, except the eastern Pacific and have a tendency towards shoreline habitats.

The Sand tiger shark is the only shark known to adjust its buoyancy by burping—gulping and expelling air at the surface. This strategy allows the shark to hover nearly motionless in the water column.

Another interesting adaptation gives pups a head start: although several eggs develop at one time, the first two pups to hatch feed on the remaining eggs and embryos while still within the mother. At birth, the surviving one or two pups are already more than 3 feet (1 m) long. It has one of the lowest reproductive rates known among sharks, giving birth to one or two large pups every two years. As a result, population growth and recovery from over-fishing are slow.

The Sand tiger shark is listed as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and is a candidate species for the U.S. Endangered Species list.

Sand tiger sharks actually eat very little. At an aquarium, they are generally only fed about two percent of their body weight each week. These sharks are not native to UAE waters.

Mr Yousif Al Ali, General Manager, The Dubai Mall, said, “With the largest viewing panel in the world, Dubai Aquarium is a fascinating attraction that will appeal to visitors. Apart from its leisure aspect, the aquarium will also educate visitors on the fascinating array of aquatic life. The Sand Tiger sharks are among the 85 species to be hosted in the aquarium.”

Mr Paul Hamilton, Curator of Dubai Aquarium said: “Total care was taken in the transportation of the sharks which are now adapting to their new environment. The management of marine species for Dubai Aquarium involves careful logistical planning and we are working with a highly qualified and vastly experienced staff. Sand Tiger sharks are amazing creatures and their arrival to the aquarium marks a major milestone for the project.”

The methodology employed in transporting, housing and maintaining the selected species within Dubai Aquarium comply with all relevant international and regional government permits, including CITES. The planning and setting up of Dubai Aquarium is in accordance with the guidelines of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), and abides by a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Animal Care with respect to the acquisition and display of the selected species.

Other attractions at The Dubai Mall will include the region's first SEGA indoor theme park covering 76,000 sp ft; the world's largest indoor gold souk with 220 retailers; a 440,000 sq ft fashion precinct with 70 flagship stores dedicated to haute couture; the Middle East's first Galeries Lafayette department store; KidZania, a 80,000 sq ft children's 'edu-tainment' centre; a 22-screen Cineplex; an Olympic-size ice rink; and The Grove, an indoor-outdoor streetscape with fully retractable roof.

Saudi Arabia launches a Billion Dollar 'Energy for Poor' Program

2008-07-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

Saudi Arabia has launched an initiative to set up a billion dollar OPEC fund to help poorer countries cope with high oil prices. In addition, the Kingdom plans to offer a half billion dollars in soft loans, through the Saudi Development Fund, to countries struggling to make oil purchases at the elevated prices on the world market. Some of the Saudi money would go to finance energy development projects that would make countries less dependent on oil.

King Abdullah personally announced the creation of these efforts to help developing countries cope with high oil prices. King Abdullah also called on the World Bank to set up a conference for donor nations to discuss these initiatives.

Saudi Oil Minister Ali Al-Naimi recently said that the kingdom is willing to produce more than the 9.7 million barrels of oil a day for the rest of the year if the need arises. He also said that the Kingdom will invest a further $129 billion in the energy sector over the next five years to help increase production capacity. The Minister added that 'the current status of oil markets doesn't please anyone and that things are not in the interest of either consumers or producers'.

The King said that his country's policy, since the establishment of OPEC, has been based on adopting a fair price for petroleum that is beneficial to both the producers and the consumers.

'Starting from this policy, we have been allocating a great part of our income for the assistance development, and in the last few months we have increased our daily production of petroleum from nine million barrels to 9,700,000 barrels and we are ready to meet any additional requirements in the future', the King said.

Syrian dirt being inspected and suspected

2008-06-23T08:56:00.000-07:00

The International Atomic Energy Agency has dispatched a four man inspection team to Syria. They will be spending three days this week investigating the al-Kibar site in the desert near the Euphrates river in north-central Syria.

There is not much to see at the site. Israel bombed it on 6 September 2007. The rubble was then quickly bulldozed away by the Syrians. It took the Syrians less than six weeks to completely level the site.

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Israel and the United States aid the site was a nascent nuclear plant similar in design to one in North Korea. Damascus has had several stories about what the plant was, but only one on what it wasn’t. They say it was not a nuclear facility.

The deputy chief of the IAEA, Olli Heinonen - who is leading the team of inspectors - said the inspectors were "looking for the facts".

Syria says it welcomes the inspection but insists that the IAEA’s work will be limited to the al-Kibar site.

In April of this year, America released pictures allegedly showing North Korean experts at the construction site, which it said closely resembled a North Korean reactor at Yongbyon.

In October of 2007, Syrian officials, to include President Assad, said the bombed site was a “military facility under construction,” and denied that it had anything to do with a nuclear facility.

IAEA chief Mohamed ElBaradei said: "We have no evidence that Syria has the human resources that would allow it to carry out a large nuclear program. We do not see Syria having nuclear fuel."

In April the White house issued the following statement:
Today, administration officials have briefed select Congressional committees on an issue of great international concern.
Until 6 September, 2007, the Syrian regime was building a covert nuclear reactor in its eastern desert capable of producing plutonium. We are convinced, based on a variety of information, that North Korea assisted Syria's covert nuclear activities. We have good reason to believe that reactor, which was damaged beyond repair on 6 September of last year, was not intended for peaceful purposes.
Carefully hidden from view, the reactor was not configured for such purposes. In defiance of its international obligations, Syria did not inform the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) of the construction of the reactor, and, after it was destroyed, the regime moved quickly to bury evidence of its existence.
This cover-up only served to reinforce our confidence that this reactor was not intended for peaceful activities.
'Must come clean'
We are briefing the IAEA on this intelligence. The Syrian regime must come clean before the world regarding its illicit nuclear activities.
The Syrian regime supports terrorism, takes action that destabilises Lebanon, allows the transit of some foreign fighters into Iraq, and represses its own people. If Syria wants better relations with the international community, it should put an end to these activities.
We have long been seriously concerned about North Korea's nuclear weapons program and its proliferation activities. North Korea's clandestine nuclear cooperation with Syria is a dangerous manifestation of those activities. One way we have chosen to deal with this problem is through the Six Party Framework.
Through this process we are working with our partners to achieve the verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. The United States is also committed to ensuring that North Korea does not further engage in proliferation activities. We will work with our partners to establish in the Six Party Framework a rigorous verification mechanism to ensure that such conduct and other nuclear activities have ceased.
'Risks of Iran'
The construction of this reactor was a dangerous and potentially destabilising [sic] development for the region and the world. This is particularly true because it was done covertly and in violation of the very procedures designed to reassure the world of the peaceful intent of nuclear activities.
This development also serves as a reminder that often the same regimes that sponsor proliferation also sponsor terrorism and foster instability, and co-operate with one another in doing so. This underscores that the international community is right to be very concerned about the nuclear activities of Iran and the risks those activities pose to the stability of the Middle East.
To confront this challenge, the international community must take further steps, beginning with the full implementation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions dealing with Iranian nuclear activities. The United States calls upon the international community to redouble our common efforts to ending these activities and preventing the spread of weapons of mass destruction in this critical region.

Oil News Ahead of the Saudi Oil Summit

2008-06-19T08:08:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, UAE Oil Minister Mohamed al-Hamli said a shortage of oil refineries is the main cause of record oil prices. He indicated that industrial nations have not built new refineries due to environmental concerns and this has caused a shortage in refined products and elevated prices at the pump.
* * *
Also on Tuesday, Iran’s President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said oil prices are being manipulated by “invisible hands” in a “fake way” for political and economic reasons. At an OPEC conference in the Iranian city of Isfahan, Ahmadinejad said the price rise is “completely fake and imposed.” He said the price increases are happening when “the market is full of oil and the growth of consumption is lower than the growth of production.” He said the price rise was due to the lower value of the dollar. "The hard currency reserves of OPEC countries have been heavily affected" by the fall in the dollar, he said. "I repeat my suggestion made six months ago at the OPEC summit in Riyadh to create a basket of credible currencies which would be the basis for oil transactions," said Ahmadinejad. "Or alternatively, that OPEC countries create a new currency for their transactions."
At the same meeting, Iran's OPEC representative, Mohammad Ali Khatibi, said Iran opposed any unilateral move by Saudi Arabia to raise its crude oil output without a consensus of OPEC member states. "Any output increase should be approved in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries' ministerial meeting." Khatibi said, "If Saudi Arabia decides to increase its crude output unilaterally, it will be a wrong move."
Ironicaly, Iran’s opposition to increased Saudi production comes at the same time Iran plans to sell increased crude itself. National Iranian Oil Company official, Hojjatollah Ghanimifard, said yesterday that exports from the country will rise by 300,000 barrels per day to at least 2.5 million bpd this month and next as the country sells off excess oil it had been storing in tankers offshore because of refinery maintenance shutdowns. "The floating barrels will be cleared up by mid-August, we hope," Ghanimifard said. Ghanimifard did not say how much oil Iran is storing, but some analysts have estimated the amount at about 30 million barrels. Iran hopes to sell the oil at the current high prices and the Saudi increased production along with their planned sales cut cause a price reduction.
The refinery shutdowns and high prices have a major impact on another sector of the Iranian oil market – the domestic refined product market. Iran's government plans to ask parliament for $7 billion to pay for increasingly expensive fuel imports. Hojjatollah Ghanimifard, says the amount needed during the Iranian year that ends in March 2009 could rise even further if international gasoline and other fuel prices continued to rise.
He told the daily Tehran-e Emrouz newspaper in an interview on Monday that consumption was estimated at 80 million liters in Iran, above a figure of roughly 75 million liters given by officials when rationing was introduced for motorists in June 2007.
Officials had previously said both consumption and imports fell sharply after Iran launched rationing to curb soaring consumption which had risen well beyond its ability to refine crude, forcing the government to rely on expensive imports.
"If the (fuel) prices continue to rise the budget needed to import will be more than $7 billion. It will be around $9 billion," Ghanimifard was quoted as saying.
Iran's parliament authorized in February the Oil Ministry to import gasoline and gas oil for the equivalent of $3.2 billion in the fiscal year that started on March 21, but Monday's report made clear this would not nearly be enough.
Under the rationing scheme, all fuel had been sold at the heavily subsidized price of 1,000 rials (about 11 US cents) a liter. But the government revised the system starting from March to let drivers buy fuel above their 120 liter a month quota at 4,000 rials a liter.
One official said in October imports would decline by at least 20 percent to $4 billion in the 2007-08 Iranian fiscal year, from $5 billion previously.
In May, another official said Iran expects to import about 20 million liters of gasoline per day during the 2008-9 year, less than half the amount it would have imported had it not launched rationing a year ago.
But that figure was still 5 million liters higher than an import estimate given in February, before Iran allowed the sale of extra, higher-priced gasoline outside the rationing system.
Meanwhile Iran has more crude following an announcement last Suday that Iran has discovered a new sub-field within its southwest Jofeir oilfield that is expected to boost Jofeir's oil output to 33,000 barrels per day. Iran's new discovery is estimated to have reserves of 750 million barrels, according to Iran's Oil Minister, Gholamhossein Nozari.
* * *
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia will host a meeting on June 22 for oil producing and consuming countries where ways to control soaring energy prices will be discussed. America will participate as both a major producer and consumer. The US will send a delegation to Sunday's meeting in Jeddah, led by US Energy Secretary Samuel Bodman. Venezuela said it would not attend the meeting. China has indicated its Vice President, Xi Jinping, will attend. China is becoming a major oil consumer, accounting for about 40 percent of the growth in global oil consumption but recent earthquakes and bad weather have temporarily reduced China’s oil needs. British Prime Minister Gordon Brown will also attend the meeting. Iraq’s Oil Minister, Hussain al-Shahristani, said he will not attend the meeting.
* * *
Iran and Malaysia's Amona Company have signed a $1.5 billion deal to develop the Resalat oilfield in the Persian Gulf. The Malaysian company will complete the project within three and a half years under terms of the contract. Iranian officials say that on completion of the project Resalat's daily output would increase from the current 8,000 barrels a day to 47,000 barrels a day. Resalat oilfield is located about 50 miles from Lavan Island in the Persian Gulf.
* * *
Oil prices briefly shot up to $137 a barrel on world markets today after the Anglo-Dutch oil company Shell reported it had shut down production at a major offshore oil facility in Nigeria because of another militant attack. "We shut down production at the Bonga oilfield following an attack by unknown militants this morning," Shell spokesman Precious Okolobo told AFP. Violence in the southern Delta region has reduced Nigeria's total oil production by a quarter since January 2006.
* * *
Reliance Industries, India's largest company, is increasing crude oil imports from Saudi Arabia as it seeks to secure supplies in the midst of rising demand in India and the rest of Asia, P.M.S. Prasad, president of the company's oil and gas business told Reuters. The company, which is building the world's largest refinery, is boosting purchases by at least 90,000 barrels a day, accounting for 30% of Saudi Arabia's output increase of 300,000 barrels a day this month.
* * *
Oil revenues for Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE combined will be twice that of the US GDP if the high price of crude continues according to a Saudi investment company. If the annual average price hits $150, then the three countries will have a capital flow of $25.7 trillion, with $16.6 trillion going to the kingdom and the rest split evenly between Kuwait and the UAE. The GDP in the US, said Brad Bourland, Chief Economist and Head of Research at Jadwa Investment in Saudi Arabia, is $13 trillion. If the average price settles at $100, the three GCC countries will earn $17.2 trillion.
* * *
An official in In Iraq’s Naft Al Janoub (Southern Oil Co.) confirmed yesterday that Iraq oil exports from Basra regained their normal level after storms had suspended oil tankers activity for 4 days. Exports were completely when storms stopped tankers from anchoring in Basra port at the beginning of the week. However, the official said that the amelioration in weather conditions allowed two tankers to anchor in the port on Tuesday.

FRENCH AND LEBANESE PRESIDENTS TO MEET IN BEIRUT

2008-06-01T09:50:00.000-07:00

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is making a trip to Lebanon next Saturday to meet and congratulate newly-elected Lebanese President, General Michel Suleiman. Sarkozy will also visit France’s army battalion that is part of the United Nations’ peace-keeping force in southern Lebanon

France, the former colonial power in both Lebanon and Syria, has been actively involved in trying to solve the deadlock in the election of a new Lebanese President. Lebanon was without a President since November of last year. Early on, France sent its Foreign Minister to Lebanon in an attempt to end the election crisis.

Ultimately, it was Qatari mediation that brought a resolution to the impasse. That mediation was initiated following a spate of violence by Hizballah that left 82 people dead.

Under the Qatari deal, General Suleiman, the Lebanese Army chief who refused to confront Hizballah, would become President but Hizballah would gain virtual veto power over governmental decision making by holding a majority of positions in a new Cabinet.

Throughout the Presidential election impasse, France backed the West-leaning coalition in opposition to PM Fuad Siniora. This put a strain on Franco-Syrian relations as did the eruption of the Hizballah violence. Sarkozy’s visit will again show support for the Lebanese government and may irritate the Syrians.
It is believed that Sarkozy will also meet with newly–reappointed Prime Minister Siniora. PM Siniora just completed two days of discussions with various Lebanese factions concerning the formation of the new Cabinet. He called on all factions to work together to "heal wounds" caused by recent fighting.

The upcoming visit follows last Thursday’s telephone call between Sarkozy and Syrian President Bashir al Assad. Sarkozy reportedly expressed his appreciation for Syria’s support of the Doha Agreement. Syria’s official news agency SANA, said that during the phone conversation Sarkozy praised "the tireless efforts made by President al-Assad for the success of the Doha agreement and the election of the president by the Lebanese parliament."

PM Suleiman’s official duties started immediately. The first official foreign visitor to see President Suleiman was Germany’s Foreign Minster, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, who is in Lebanon on the first leg of a tour of the Middle East. Steinmeier’s visit was followed closely by a congratulatory phone call from Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. The new President then bid farewell to Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifah al-Thani who had be on a visit to Lebanon. That was followed by a meeting with Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry, Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah.

HAMAS AND IRAN COMMIT TO EACH OTHER

2008-05-28T10:57:00.000-07:00

The chief of Hamas’ Political Bureau, Khalid Mishal, is in Tehran to hold talks with a wide range of the Iranian leadership. Chief among them was Ayatollah Ali Khameini. The ayatollah pledged complete economic, political and military support for Hamas even in the event Syria should abandon the movement as a result of peace talks with Israel. Khameini reportedly approved the transfer of up to $150 million in new assistance to Hamas within the next six months. This boost in economic aid comes at a time when Hamas’s rival, the Palestinian Authority is claiming its coffers are empty.

In addition to seeing Iran’s Shia spiritual leader, Mishal held talks with the head of the Revolutionary Guards, Major General Jafari, and the head of the Qods Force, Brigadier Qasim Sulaymani. The Qods force is Iran’s foreign military and intelligence arm that is often involved in terrorist activities. It maintains a strong presence in Lebanon and in the Sudan. The head of Iran’s Military Industrial Organization, Brigadier Ahmad Wahid, also met with Mishal to discuss the transfer of advanced missiles that are being produced specifically for Hamas by Iran.

On the political front, Mishal held meetings with Iranian president Ahmedinajad and Foreign Minister Manuchehr Motaki and two of his Deputies for Middle East affairs, Dr Mohammadi and Mohammad Reza Baqiri. These talks focused on the Israel-Syrian peace negotiations. Hamas is concerned that progress in these talks would leave Hamas without access to Syrian training bases, banking facilities, weapons and even a home for Mishal himself.

Ironically, Syria’s Defense Minister and Deputy Commander of the Syrian armed forces, Lieutenant General Hassan Turkmani, is also in Iran trying to reassure Iran’s leaders that the peace talks with Israel will not affect Syria’s relations with Iran. Syria has benefitted enormously from Iranian purchase of Russian and Chinese weapons for Syria over the last couple of years. Iran has also built weapons production facilities in Syria to supply not only the Syrian military but Hizballah and Hamas.

The visit of Mishal and the apparent commitment of more money and weaponry to its cause show that Iran is not done being an obstacle to peace in the region. Hamas has brought chaos to Gaza and undercut efforts of the Palestinian Authority to advance the Quartet’s peace program. Mishal undoubtedly briefed Tehran on the state of play of Egyptian-brokered reconciliation talks with the Palestinian Authority. Given the prizes he obtained from Iran’s leadership, Hamas is likely to push forward with its own violent agenda rather than cooperate with the Palestinian Authority. And in the future Mishal may spend more time in Beirut and Tehran than Damascus or Cairo.

SAUDI 'HILLARY' MAKES THE SUMMIT OF EVEREST

2008-05-22T14:25:00.000-07:00

Farouk Saad Hamad al-Zuman, a 30-year-old Saudi, is the first citizen from the Kingdom to climb Mount Everest, the world's highest mountain. He reached the summit early yesterday as part of an eight-member summit team, including four Americans, a Frenchman, an Omani and a team leader from Canada. The Omani was forced to drop out because of altitude sickness but the others made the summit as well. Earlier others in the group dropped out at lower altitudes and one Japanese climber died.

Farouk’s accomplishment is the culmination of a life-long dream and has been a source of great pride of Saudi citizens. There he has garnered the nickname of "Sir Edmund Hillary of Saudi Arabia". Farouk is a US-educated public relations executive working for Attariq Communications, who sponsored the climb.

Farouk started climbing in the U.S. as an economics student at Oregon State University. He climbed Washington’s Mount Rainer and Mount Shasta in California.

Thanks to Arab News for the photo.

PRESIDENT BUSH TRAVELLS TO THE MIDEAST

2008-05-14T17:37:00.000-07:00

President Bush and the First Lady arrived in Israel on May 14th at the beginning of a three-nation tour of the MidEast.

Upon arrival at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion airport the Israelis rolled out the red carpet. The embattled Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and President Shimon Peres were there to greet him. In welcoming remarks Shimon Peres said President Bush may be the best friend Israel has ever had in its 60 year history. Wednesday night he held talks with Peres at his Tel Aviv residence and then addressed an international conference hosted by President Shimon Peres. There, President Bush said, "With every passing year, the bonds of friendship between America and Israel have grown stronger. America stands for peace, and so does Israel. And as we stand in peace, we must understand the realities of the world in which we live. We must be steadfast, and we must be strong in the face of those who murder the innocent to achieve their objectives. And in the long run, we share a powerful belief in a powerful weapon against the terrorists. We believe that the surest way to defeat the enemies of hatred is to advance the cause of hope through the cause of freedom; liberty as the great alternative to tyranny and terror." He also visited the Western Wall that evening with the First Lady.

Tomorrow, he and First Lady Laura Bush, makes a trip to Masada. Upon his return, he will speak to the Israeli Knesset. That evening, he will view the biblical Isaiah Scroll, the most complete and best-preserved of the Dead Sea Scrolls dating from 120 BCE. It has recently been put on display at the Israel Museum as part of the Nation’s 60th Anniversary events.

Security is tight for all these Presidential events. Traffic has been banned in the area around the President’s hotel and 14,000 Israeli police have been marshaled to help the Secret Service provide security.

Friday, President Bush finishes the mainly ceremonial trip to Israel and he flies in Air Force One to Saudi Arabia. There the President will hold talks with the aging King Abdullah. The visit officially is to commemorate the 75th year of formal U.S.-Saudi diplomatic relations. Talks are expected to focus on Iran. Saudi Arabia warned Iran today that they must be careful about their activities in Lebanon where their Shi’a surrogates, the Hizballah, fought sharp battles with Sunni and Druze forces in Beirut and Tripoli in the last week. President Bush is expected to ask the King to increase oil production. The Kingdom is currently producing 8.5 million barrels a day down from a peak production capacity of 11 million BPD. The President’s plea is likely to fall on deaf ears. The Saudi’s for their part will warn the President about the weakening of the U.S. dollar and its regional consequences.

From Saudi Arabia, Air Force One will make the short flight across the Red Sea to the Egyptian resort city of Sharm es Sheikh. There he and the First Lady will be the guests of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. He is also scheduled to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and other Arab leaders, including Jordan’s King Abdullah, for substantial talks on regional issues. Topics will include the Israeli-Palestinian talks, Syria, Lebanon and Iran. Leaders from Iraq and Afghanistan are also reportedly coming to some of the meetings. He will also make remarks at the World Economic Forum on the Middle East. Once again security will be very tight as Egypt pulls out all the stops in deploying their best military and police assets.

It would not be impossible that there may be an unannounced visit by the President to Iraq on the way home. The President may see this as his best opportunity to say goodbye to the troops and to get a new update from General Petraeus, who will also soon leave Iraq to take command of U.S. Central Command.

BAHRAIN NAMES A JEWISH, WOMAN AMBASSADOR TO THE UNITED STATES

2008-04-29T14:31:00.000-07:00

Huda Ezra Ebrahim Nonoo is named as Bahrain’s next Ambassador to the United States. Bahrain has long enjoyed close diplomatic ties with America so the appointment of a new Ambassador is not unusual - usually.

This appointment is historic for a couple of reasons. First Ambassador Huda is a woman. Rarely do Islamic States send women as their envoys to foreign powers. Secondly, and even more unusual is that Ambassador Huda is Jewish. She comes from that small Jewish population that remains in otherwise Arab Bahrain.

There has been a small Jewish population in many of the Arab states for hundreds if not thousands of years. Most have long departed for Israel due to persecution by their Muslim neighbors. Bahrain has been an enclave of religious freedom in the region. Many of the Jewish families there emigrated from Iraq over the last several hundred years. Her family came in the later part of the 19th century. In 1948, there were anti-Jewish riots in Bahrain, as in many places in the region. Most of the Jewish population left at that time but a number of families did not. The trading family known as the Nonoo family decided to stay.

The head of the family today is Ebrahim Daoud Nonoo, who is the Ambassador’s grandfather and head of the Basma Company. This large trading conglomerate markets equipment, cleaning services, and security services to other firms in the region.

Huda, a businesswoman herself, was the first Jewish woman to sit on Bahrain’s Shura Council, a 40-member consultative body that is the upper house of the bicameral legislature. She replaced her uncle. A Christian woman, Alice Sama’an, also sits on the Shura council which interestingly enough has 11 women, compared with only one elected woman MP, Lateefa Al Gaood, in the 40-member lower house.

Ambassador Huda also is the first Jewish woman to head a National level Human rights organization - the Bahrain Human Rights Watch. She is its secretary-general.

Bahrain is one of the top countries in the Arab world when it comes human development and providing educational opportunities to women, according to a United Nations report. The Arab Human Development Report 2005 classed Bahrain as a country of high human development and ranked it 43rd in the world Human Development Index (HDI).

Bahrain’s government insists it is not trying to send a message to America with the appointment and that the Ambassador was picked based on her extensive talents. Bahrain has many talented people and is at the forefront of using the talents of its female population. In this case, I think Bahrain has chosen wisely.

Bahrain International Motor Show postponed due to lack of Interest

2008-04-20T06:15:00.000-07:00

The first annual Bahrain International Motor Show which was scheduled to open 24-27 April in Bahrain in cooperation with Messe Essen GmbH has been postponed until October 4th according to the Bahrain Exhibition and Convention Authority (BECA).

The event, to be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Center, was hoped to be packed with different activities in addition to parallel events at the Bahrain International Circuit such as 4X4 rides and drag racing.

It has been postponed due to lack of adequate entries, said BECA senior sales officer and BIMS 2008 project manager Ali Al Shehabi.

Obviously, BECA’s German partners promised more than they could deliver on short notice.

"Exhibitors that have confirmed their participation in BIMS this year are from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, UK, Germany, Japan and the UAE," he said. "But the entries that we have received are not what we were expecting and need more exhibitors. We hope to encourage more exhibitors to join the event by October." National pavilions from Germany, Taiwan and the UAE have already reserved a presence at the event.

BECA, which owns and produces BIMS in joint venture with Germany's Messe Essen GmbH, is headed by Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro.

BIMS 2008, when finally held, promises to be a spectacular experience for trade show visitors as well as the entire family.

"BIMS is shaping up to be a hallmark event for Bahrain with its unique exhibits of production, concept and performance cars across different brands," he says.

"Its inaugural launch in October coincides with the celebration of Eid Al Fitr, enabling thousands of car enthusiasts and families to visit the show." Dr Fakhro said that the new dates in autumn would make it more viable for Bahrain's auto dealers to showcase their new models and concept cars.

"We are working closely with the automotive media for additional visitor marketing promotions and have launched an extensive promotional campaign in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon and Bahrain to increase visitor attendance to BIMS 2008," said BECA acting chief executive officer Debbie Stanford-Kristiansen.

“Motorsports in particular, and the automotive industry, in general, are an important driver of Bahrain’s economy. The success story that is The Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix and the recent launching of the German, high-performance sports car maker, RUF GmbH in Bahrain, the first ever automobile manufacturing and assembly facility in the Arab world, are testimony to the wealth of entrepreneurial and high-tech skills residing in the country,” says Mohammed Dhirar Al Shaer, CEO of BECA. “Bahrain Motor Show is one of the ideal platforms for the Kingdom’s automotive industry to be placed on the international map and win in the race for economic prosperity.”

This is most unfortunate for all concerned. The show is a great concept and we hope it can be salvaged in October.

Muqtada as Sadr Blinks

2008-03-30T17:23:00.000-07:00

Sunday, Muqtada as Sadr ordered his militia, the Mahdi Army to pull out of the street fighting in Basra and Baghdad. The Shi’ite leader issued a statement via his office in Najaf. "We want the Iraqi people to stop this bloodshed and maintain Iraq's independence and stability," said a statement bearing Sadr’s seal. "For that we have decided to withdraw from the streets of Basra and all other provinces."

He said it was his "legitimate responsibility to stop the bleeding of Iraqis, to maintain the reputation of Iraqi people, the unity of land and people, to prepare for its independence and liberation from the dark forces and to quell the fire of division by the occupier and its followers." Sadr also distanced himself from those "who carry weapons and target the government, the offices of the government and its parties." However, he demanded that the "random" arrests of his followers must be stopped by Iraqi governmental security forces.

Iraq’s Prime Minister, himself a Shi’ite, welcomed Sadr’s order as a “step in the right direction.” Maliki has personally been directing the government offensive in Basra.

The same can not be said of Muqtada as Sadr. Sadr has spent most of the last year living in Teheran, Iran and commuting several times a week to Qom. There he is undergoing religious studies in the city’s famous Shi’a seminaries. It is an effort to enhance his religious credentials. It is thought that he issued his order to the Mahdi Army from Qom.

Leadership by fax when his militia is engaged in heavy combat with Iraqi, American and British forces will undermine his military credentials among his followers who have suffered hundreds of casualties. The same happened in their fighting in 2004. Then, like now, when his forces were losing - he blinked. This will have important consequences for the future of Iraq.

Wrap Up of a Busy Week in the Middle East

2008-03-28T20:16:00.000-07:00

This last week has seen some interesting developments and the coming weekend may be a bit anti-climatic. Early in the week, US Vice President Cheney visited the region. He talked about oil, Iran, Syria/Lebanon, and finally the Palestinian/Israel situation.

In Yemen, Fatah and Hamas signed a reconciliation agreement. The Yemeni agreement is a framework for a dialogue between Hamas and Fatah that, in theory, returns the situation in both Gaza and the West Bank to the status that existed prior to June 2007. Supposedly, there are no preconditions to the start of the cooperation. The office of Palestinian President, Nabil Abu Rudaina, said that the deal would remain invalid until Hamas renounces its control over the Gaza Strip.

Thursday, seventeen of the Arab League’s 22 member states sent their Foreign Ministers to Damascus for preparatory talks ahead of this weekend’s Arab Summit. Syria called on the ministers to abandon the 2002 Arab peace proposal. In a major defeat to Syria, it was agreed at the meeting that the Saudi-sponsored peace initiative would remain the basis for Arab peace engagement with Israel.

Israel for its part announced that it was trying to restart peace talks with Syria. PM Olmert and another of his ministers separately told reporters about the new initiative.

Iraqi PM Maliki issued ultimatums to Shi’a militias in Basra to surrender within 48 hours and then backed up and extended it to ten days. It is unclear whether he had to do that because of political pressures or military exigencies.

Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice departed for the Middle East. She is scheduled to meet with Palestinian PM Mahmoud Abbas and other Arab leaders during her week-long trip. Abbas today met with Jordan’s King Abdullah ahead of his meeting with Rice and then went to Damascus.

Also today, Admiral William Fallon, the Commander of US Central Command stepped down after just one year on the job and into retirement following a long career. His public political statements and approach to Iran are believed by many to have been at odds with Washington’s civilian leadership. He was replaced temporarily by his deputy, US Army Lieutenant General Martin Dempsey.

Finally, the UN issued its 10th interim report by a panel headed by Canadian former prosecutor Daniel Bellemare saying a "criminal network" of individuals acted together to carry out the 2005 murder of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri and many other attacks against anti-Syrian Lebanese figures perpetrated between October 2004 and December 2005. Bellemare was appointed in November to replace the Belgian Serge Brammertz as head of the UN group working to uncover who was behind Hariri's death in a Beirut car bombing. Brammertz' German predecessor, Detlev Mehlis, implicated senior officials from Syria. Damascus has denied any connection with Hariri's death or 20 attacks against anti-Syrian targets in Lebanon.

All these events set the stage for another failed Arab Summit set to commence Saturday in Damascus. Yemen, Iraq, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Morocco, Oman, Jordan, and Egypt will all send low-level delegations. Syria’s Foreign Minister inferred that those countries constituted an “American virus” and that their absence was a positive thing. In reality, it shows Syria’s increasing isolation, not only over Lebanon but also over its continued willingness to follow Iran’s lead at a time when the Arab states are nervous about Iran’s intentions in the region. The fact that Damascus trumpeted today’s arrival of the President of the Comoros Islands shows how desperate they are to give the appearance that a summit is actually taking place.

Syrian-Lebanese Dance of Chaos Continues

2008-03-25T05:39:00.000-07:00

Lebanese Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri has again postponed an important Presidential Election session. A parliamentary session scheduled for today in order to elect a new Lebanese President was cancelled and has now been re-scheduled for noon on April 22d. This is the 17th such cancellation.

Parliament has so far been unable to elect a replacement for pro-Syrian head of state, President Emile Lahoud. His term ended in November, and Lebanon has been without a president for over three months.

The latest delay may have been induced by reports that Syria recently moved three Army Divisions close to the Lebanese border.

Meanwhile, the United States has deployed three warships, including the destroyer USS Cole, to Lebanese and Syrian coastal waters. The U.S. says the ships will remain there until after a successful Lebanese Presidential Election takes place.

Damascus obviously wants a pro-Syrian President but right now Damascus doesn’t want the distraction of an election. Syria is focused on hosting an Arab Summit this week. This was to be a political plum for Syria. But it is back-firing, as Egypt and Saudi Arabia have announced that they are sending low-level diplomats to the meeting in retaliation for Syrian obstruction of the Lebanese Presidential election. Other Arab states are likely to do the same. Many Arab nations are bent on isolating Syria who has increasingly been improving its relations with Iran.

Saudi Arabia, long an important player in Lebanon and Syria, announced yesterday that neither King Abdullah nor Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal would attend the summit. Riyadh's ambassador to the Arab League, Ahmad Qattan, said he would head his country's delegation.

To add to the tension, Monday was the end of the 40 day mourning period of the death of arch-terrorist Imad Mughniyeh. He was killed in Damascus in a February bombing. Syria’s Hezbollah allies held bellicose demonstrations and gave speeches saying they would avenge his death. They accuse Israel of having assassinated Mughniyeh. These threats and Syrian troop movements have made Israeli officials concerned.

Thus the stage is set for another failed Arab Summit and a protracted period of political impasse in Lebanon.

Abu Dhabi Camel Festival

2008-02-27T18:35:00.000-08:00

The Mazayin Dhafra Camel Festival 2008 will take place in Abu Dhabi’s Western Province 2-5 April. It is part of efforts to promote local culture and folklore.

The festival will take place in Zayed City under the sponsorship of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. During the festival there will be a ‘camel beauty contest’, musical performances, sporting events, and displays of Emirati handicrafts.

The event will attract a large number of participants for other Gulf States (mostly from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait). Abu Dhabi hopes to make the festival into a large annual event as a way to preserve the role of the camel as an important part of Arab heritage.

The festival will have special shows for ‘Asayel’ (pedigree) and ‘Majahim’ (dark-colored) camels. Participating camels will be judged based on age groups. Breeders/owners can show more than one camel.

Similar Camel Festivals take place throughout the Arab world. Well known ones include the fairs at Goulimine, Morocco and Douz, in southern Tunisia. Most of the Gulf States hold major camel races as well.

Turkey invades Iraq in surprise wintertime attack on the PKK

2008-02-23T11:41:00.000-08:00

Iraq’s Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari has protested Turkey’s military incursions into Northern Iraq aimed at guerrillas of the Kurdish PKK terrorist group that is fighting for an independent Kurdish state. Zebari, himself a Kurd of Mr. Barzani’s Kurdish Democratic Party, decried the infrastructure damage and a lack of coordination and notification concerning the attacks. He said five bridges, including an important bridge over the Zab river, had been damaged despite previous Turkish assurances to Iraq that they would not damage infrastructure in their on-going battles with the PKK. He said Iraq had not been informed about the attacks.

It should be noted that the American White House acknowledged that the U.S. had been informed of the attack ahead of time but had urged restraint on the Turks. This will undoubtedly put some strain on the recently established arrangement under which Iraq, Turkey, and the United States share intelligence on the activities of the PKK.

The attack started just before noon on Thursday with a multi-hour air and artillery bombardment of suspected PKK facilities in isolated areas of northern Iraq. The attack reportedly caught the PKK completely by surprise and Turkey said more than a score of guerrillas were killed in the bombardment and many leaders were noted to be fleeing the border region to the south. Turkey has never before conducted a major operation against the PKK in mid-winter. Both sides usually sit out the winter and resume their operations when the snows melts in the spring.

Just after dusk, Turkish troops crossed the border on land. Some were also transported by helicopters into the rugged, snow covered mountains. Fighting has been centered around Hakurk and Sidekan, just south of the Turkish border town of Cukurca. Additional fighting has been reported in and around Bamerni, which is about 25 miles further west.

Turkish press reports say as many as 10,000 troops were involved in the multi-day operation but Zebari said only several hundred had crossed into Iraq. In what may have been an attempt at deception, the Turkish news also announced the return of their troops to their barracks on Friday, but afterwards Turkish artillery attacks resumed that evening and some fighting has been reported on Saturday.

Turkey claimed to have killed at least 79 members of the PKK and to have lost five soldiers in the fighting. The PKK say they have killed 24 Turks and had five of their fighters wounded. Given that much of the fighting has taken place by aerial and artillery bombardment, it is safe to say that neither side has a good idea of what damage they have inflicted on the other side. Turkey said nearly 4,000 PKK fighters had been in winter camps in the otherwise mostly uninhabited and inhospitable terrain.

Two Assassinations, a Summit, and Syria

2008-02-14T18:43:00.000-08:00

A funeral took place in Beirut today for the few charred remains of the ruthless terrorist, Imad Mugniyah, of Hizballah, who was killed yesterday in a car bomb in Damascus. It took place on the third anniversary of the yet unresolved assassination of Rafiq Harriri, Lebanon’s the Prime Minister. Both murders remain unsolved although there is ample speculation as to who is responsible for both events.

Yesterday, a bomb shattered the normally peaceful Syrian Kafr Soussa neighborhood. The blast and plume of dark smoke could be seen and heard at the America Embassy. But so far no one has walked in there to claim the $5 million dollar reward offered by the USA for Mugniyeh’s arrest. Since assassination is forbidden by US law, it is not a suspect, despite more than ample justification for wanting to see Mugniyeh dead.

The main suspects are listed by most MidEast pundits as Israel (a natual and automatic suspect), Lebanese anti-Syrian forces, and Syria itself. Ironically, Syria is suspected of killing Mugniyeh to eliminate an embarrassing link to terrorism and thus win some appreciation from those who think Syria was behind the Harriri killing. The timing would suggest someone in Lebanon trying to embarrass Syria over Harriri and the blocking of Presidential elections.

The Arab League’s Chief Amr Mousa has been trying to resolve the political impasse between Syria and Lebanon for some months without the slightest iota of success. Meanwhile, bombings in Lebanon have targeted anti-Syrian and American personalities.

Bombings of any kind are rare in Syria. This latest one follows close on the heels of an Israeli bombing attack on a yet to be explained facility in the desert. That attack and now a bombing in a populated area under score Syria’s shady dealings with the likes of Hizballah, Iran and North Korea. Mugniyeh was also known to be in contact with al Qaeda in Iraq.

Syria has been very mute in its response. Hizballah has threatened war and retaliation on Israel. Given the damage done to Hizballah and Lebanese infrastructure in the last war with Israel, there won’t be much enthusiasm for that by any but a few.

Two unresolved assassinations, political turmoil, and risk of war. These are just some of the subjects to be confronted by the 2008 Arab Summit in Damascus next month. Hopefully, the wise leaders among the Arabs will look at the region’s chaos and question the value of allowing terrorists to remain in their midst and will vote to free their societies of the blight of terror and assassination.

Egyptians went crazy this week

2008-02-11T23:16:00.000-08:00

Thousands of Egyptians went wild in the streets this week but it was not a political protest. They were celebrating Egypt’s win in the 2009 Africa Cup of Nations football tournament in Accra, Ghana. Sunday, the Egyptian Pharaohs beat Cameron 1-0. As news of the victory spread millions of Egyptians went into the streets to celebrate. Fireworks erupted in Cairo as cars honked their horns. Police struggled to control traffic and at times joined in the festivities. Egypt has won the tournament six times, more than any other nation. They last won in 2006 when Egypt hosted the event.

Lebanese election delayed 14 times

2008-02-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

Despite an apparent agreement to elect Army Chief of Staff General Michel Suleiman, Lebanon’s Parliament has delayed its vote to elect a president for the 14th time. Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese parliament, said the vote would take place on 26 February. By then Lebanon will have been without a president for over three months.

The Arab League’s Amr Musa has made a number of trips to Lebanon and Syria to try and resolve the issue but always without success. He has advocated GEN Suleiman’s election and the forming of a national unity government. The election of a President will be much easier than getting the parties to form a united government. In the meantime bombs and assassinations and riots take place as the parties play full-contact politics. The Saudis and Iranians as well are working behind the scenes to advance their agendas.

For its part the United States is choosing this critical time to replace its Ambassador. The highly effective Jeff Feltman, who had stayed in Lebanon six months longer than planned, departed just days after a bomb attack on an Embassy vehicle left two dead. He is being replaced by Ambassador Michele J. Sison, a career diplomat. Ambassador Sison, pictured here, just completed a four year tour of duty as American Ambassador in the United Arab Emirates. Upon her arrival see made the following comments about the Presidential election impasse:

“The United States strongly supports the election of a new president of Lebanon. It is regrettable that a vacuum continues, and that presidential elections have been postponed twelve times. An agreement on a consensus president was reached long ago. Outside forces must stop obstructing Lebanon’s democratic process. The Parliament should meet and elect a president now, without conditions. It is tragic that this vacuum has been marked by violence and the loss of many lives.”

“I look forward to offering the congratulations of the U.S. government soon to a new Lebanese president– one who is elected freely and according to Lebanon’s constitution.”

American Golfer wins in Dubai

2008-02-08T17:46:00.000-08:00

Tiger Woods won the 2008 Dubai Desert Classic golf tournement earlier this week at the twenty year old Majlis Golf Club course. He won $416,660 (U.S.) in prize money which is pretty good money for just a couple of days work. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum presented Woods with his trophy. Last year's winner was Henrik Stenson. Woods also won in 2006. The course is played on natural grass. Woods shot a blistering 65 in the final round.

A New Al Qaeda Video

2007-12-14T12:17:00.000-08:00

Ayman az-Zawahiri al-Musri, al Qaeda’s number two man, is featured in a twenty minute video released today. It was released by as-Sahab, the terrorist group’s media arm. The terrorist is seen speaking before a backdrop of still pictures of him and the recent Annapolis talks.

He attacks those that attended the conference in Maryland, especially Arab and Palestinian leaders. Over 40 nation and organizations participated, including some prominent Arab countries, such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. He called them traitors to the Palestinian cause. "The Arab states and governments were present as false witnesses to the latest of the treacherous deals to sell Palestine."

The Egyptian-born terrorist called on Muslims to stand by their Palestinian brethren in the face of those Arab leaders who would compromise with the Americans and Israelis.

December 11th

2007-12-13T11:54:00.000-08:00

On December 11th 1960 there was a huge snow storm in New York City. It threatened to delay the opening of a new Broadway play called Wildcat, starring Lucile Ball.

Across the Atlantic, French President Charles de Gaulle had just arrived in Algeria, which was then a French colony. He did not receive a warm welcome because France then was locked in a vicious struggle with the Algerians for political and economic control. More than a decade after World War II had opened the possibility of independence to North African nations, the French were as resistant as ever to the idea. Thus de Gaulle was "welcomed" by huge pro-independence demonstrations that turned into riots that were then crushed by French police and army units. Scores died and hundreds were wounded on a day that most Algerians see as the real beginning of the finale struggle for independence.

This year on the 11th of December, al Qaeda in North Africa filled two trucks with hundreds of pounds of explosives and set them off in the heart of Algiers. One bomb struck the UN headquarters and the other the Algerian Constitutional Council building located on the 11th of December 1960 Boulevard. A total of 67 died and more than another 150 were wounded.

Al Qaeda likes the 11th for bloody attacks. They have conducted not only the 9/11 attacks in America but other attacks in several countries on the 11th. For example, the Madrid train bombings took place on March 11th. An earlier double bombing on April 11th of this year killed 33 people in Algiers.

This latest attack on the 11th may be a message to Algerian officials not to cooperate with the French. (French resident Sarkozy visited just a couple of days earlier.) Or it may be in retaliation for the recent arrest of a top al Qadea in North Africa leader, Bouderbala Fateh, just last month. Or it may be a response to al Qadea leader Ayman Zawahiri’s call in September of this year to ‘cleanse North Africa of the children of France and Spain.’

In any case, the 11th of December will continue to be known as a bloody day of ideological struggle in Algeria.

President Bush is going to Israel

2007-12-07T11:07:00.000-08:00

The White House announced on Tuesday that President Bush would visit Israel next month in order to try to advance peace efforts started during the Annapolis talks.

President Bush has made multiple trips to the MidEast but all his recent trips have been to Arab countries. He has visited Jordan twice since taking office.

This will be his first trip to Israel since assuming the Presidency. He visited it while Governor of Texas in 1998. During that visit, Ariel Sharon took him on a tour of the West Bank but he didn’t meet with any Palestinian officials. This time he will presumably meet with both Israelis and Palestinians and encourage them forward in their current efforts to find a common basis for peace.

It is not known if he will visit any other place in the MidEast but that may be possible. I am sure he will be tempted to hop over to Iraq and talk to the troops who are doing such a magnificent job there.

A Word about Teddy Bears and Islam

2007-11-30T09:22:00.000-08:00

We watch with interest as hundreds of people in Khartoum call for the execution or severe punishment of a 54-year old British elementary school teacher.
She has been convicted of the crime of insulting Islam and sentenced to 15 days in jail and deportation. But evidently that is seen by some in the Sudan as too light a punishment for her having allowed her 7 year old students to name a teddy bear Mohammed.
In the west, observers are completely baffled by the severity of the punishment for what seems to be an innocuous incident. West and East seem to be poles apart in the case.
Here is the key to understanding the case.
In Islam, there are certain animals that are considered unclean for a number of reasons. Most Westerners know about dogs being considered as unclean but most are not aware that bears are also unclean. It is a great insult to call a man a “Dhib” or bear. So even the lowly teddy bear is charged with religious meaning on a level most of us don’t understand. By naming the toy after the Prophet Mohammed the students were allowed to associate his revered name with an unclean animal. That’s what all the fuss is about. I doubt that Gillian Gibbons knew that fact when she allowed the students to pick a name or even when she picked the toy bear as a classroom tool.
Cultural understanding is important in avoiding situations like this that can then escalate to levels of unpleasantness that are unwarranted.
Unfortunately the nice British lady will probably spend two uncomfortable weeks in jail, young Sudanese students will lose a good teacher, and East and West will feel more alienated. All over a toy bear.

Day two of the Annapolis Talks

2007-11-28T09:17:00.000-08:00

It appears that two days of talks in Annapolis have resulted in an agreement to agree. The Parties to the Arab-Israeli conflict have agreed to direct, near full-time negotiations on all issues until a final agreement is reached in 2008. Some of the future negotiating sessions will be hosted by Russia. President Bush has appointed retired USMC General Jones as his special representative to the two negotiating parties. (That should be a relief to MG Dayton who has been stuck with the job for the past two years.)

Agreeing to agree does not seem like a big success at first glance. But remember the Conference only lasted a day and a half and involved 40 disparate parties. It was a major accomplishment just to get them all to the table (Not quite all; Djibouti was invited but failed to attend.) Just getting people to agree who are the interested parties was a major event. Getting them to then actually participate was another. It was also an accomplishment to decide to negotiate about the issues - not to negotiate about what would be negotiated. It was a success to agree to negotiate all issues, including core issues such as Jerusalem and the Right of Return. In the past, those thorny issues have always be postponed for future talks. They have now agreed to talk directly about the tough things for the first time. To talk about all the issues all the time prevents one party or the other from using arguments of sequential nature to slow progress across the board.

Hopefully, General Jones will play a useful role in determining negotiation procedures and venues. Getting the parties back into talks again will be a challenge but it should be undertaken quickly to prevent forces opposed to conflict resolution from marshalling their forces and resources against peace. Setting up lines of communications between parties who are not used to talking is another valuable role America can play.

Annapolis appears to have been an agreeable success but it is only the first stop a new track towards peace. Many things can derail it. Let us hope that this effort makes farther down the tracks than past efforts and that it finally brings great peace, prosperity and understanding to the troubled MidEast.

Annapolis Talks

2007-11-27T08:44:00.000-08:00

Annapolis is most often thought of as a nautical town with the presence of the U.S. Naval Academy. This time of year it is cold and blustery with wind-driven clouds, occasional rain, dying leaves, and migrating geese overhead. But right now it is the scene of U.S.-hosted Mideast Peace talks. Representatives of 40 countries have met together to see what happens. I don’t think they have met to actually make peace in the region. The conflicts there are too historic and too intractable for resolution by the parties assembled in Maryland. And because of that, the political expectations and press coverage are equally low.

That said, the mere fact that such a disparate group has assembled at one location is historic in and of itself. It should be noted that they are here because of America. We invited them and they came. Not the UN; not the EU; not the Russians. Only America maintains relations with all; even the radicals. And only we have enough leverage to make them come. It is also an indication that the parties themselves are concerned about the situation in the region and concerned that nothing be altered without their knowledge and participation.

They are concerned not just about Arab-Israeli relations but Shi’a-Sunni conflicts, oil, terrorism, disintegration of polities, the dollar, Iraq, Lebanon, nuclear ambitions, Darfur, Somalia, Gaza, and a host of other very real issues. Annapolis provides a wonderful opportunity for many of these issues to be discussed on the margins. In fact the whole Conference may be just a discussion on the margins by people who don’t normally get to talk with one another.

The MidEast is a place where perceptions are often more important that reality. That is why so many of the parties put out lists of pre-conditions to their attendance. They wanted to ensure the continuation of some of the perceptions and deceptions that make resolution of conflicts so difficult in the region. My father used to tell me that the worst lie you ever tell is the one you tell yourself. Many of the participants in this conference have not only done that but they have told themselves these “lies” so long they have started to believe them. Chief among these self-deceptions is that Arabs and Israelis can not resolve their conflicts except by violence. Rationalization of their own faults and false perceptions of other actors have impacted on the ability of all the players to make reality-based decisions.

The reality of Annapolis is different than that experienced by most of the participants back at their homes. The damp leaves and green lawns are not their normal environment. There will be lively discussions about what seafood is halal or kosher. There will be frantic purchases of sweaters and rain jackets as they try to adjust to a new physical reality. Hopefully, Annapolis will help the players to realize that there is a bigger world and reality beyond the MidEast. And peace and cooperation with that broader world is possible and desirable.

Etihad set to start Doha flights

2006-06-13T12:34:00.000-07:00

Abu Dhabi, June 12, 2006

Etihad Airways has announced a six-flights-a-week service between Abu Dhabi and Doha starting from June 18.

The airline will fly every day of the week except Tuesday on the route using Boeing B767-300 aircraft.

"We are delighted to start services to Doha next week," said Dr Sheikh Ahmed bin Saif Al Nahyan, chairman of Etihad Airways.

"Abu Dhabi and Doha are premier business cities in the region and rapidly developing into key leisure destinations too. The new service will drive growth in both sectors."

The aircraft, which will accommodate 196 guests with 10 seats in Diamond, 36 in Pearl and 150 in Coral zones, can also hold up to 12 tonnes of cargo with a full passenger load.

Outbound, Etihad flight EY705 will depart Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) at 21.30pm and arrive at Doha International Airport at 21.30pm local time. Return flights on EY706 depart Doha at 22.30 pm, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 00.30 am.

The new service links up two of the energy powerhouses in the region and provides further economic impetus to both development-focused cities.-TradeArabia News Service

Syrian economy promising says Schroeder

2006-06-13T12:30:00.000-07:00

Damascus, June 10, 2006

The former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has described the Syrian economy as a promising one in his speech at the opening of the Second Syrian-Emirati Economic Forum in Damascus yesterday.

He also said that the Syrian economy is taking continuous steps towards integration in the world economy.

Sheikh Tarek bin Faysal Al Qasimi, head of Economic development department in Sharjah, stressed in his remarks that oil has contributed in developing economies in the emirates as well as infrastructure development.

Sheikh Al Qasimi stressed that economic growth rate ranges between 1 - 18 per cent especially in tourism, industry, education sectors.

Abdullah Dardari, Syrian deputy prime minister for economic affairs, said: " I cannot imagine investments in Syria without the presence of Emarati investors as well as the presence of Syria's traditional friends in Europe, especially Germany."

Dardari said that Syria's GDP growth rate had reached more than 4.5 per cent due to the stress on macro development in its economic policies.

Dardari said the government's role should be always present to create job opportunities or preparing an economic environment that would indirectly contribute to creating job opportunities, transparent working mechanisms and continuous legislative development that is compatible to modernisation and integration in world economy.-TradeArabia News Service

Bahrain appoints first Arab Woman Judge

2006-06-07T06:47:00.000-07:00

(AFP), 6 June 2006

MANAMA - Bahrain appointed a woman judge on Tuesday for the first time in its history, becoming the first to do so among the conservative and male-dominated Gulf Arab states.

King Hamad issued a decree appointing Mona Jassem Al Kawari to the civil courts, the official Bahrain News Agency reported.

“I am very proud to be the first woman judge in Bahrain,” Kawari told AFP after her appointment.

“This nomination does not surprise me though because his majesty has been encouraging women since the launch of reforms.”

There are at present two women ministers in the Bahraini government.

Bahraini women only got the vote for the first time in a 2001 referendum on turning the small Gulf archipelago into a constitutional monarchy.

A total of 31 women stood as candidates in municipal and parliamentary elections the following year but not one won election.

The next round of elections is tentatively expected in October but no date has yet been formally set.

King Abdullah meets President Bush

2006-05-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Washington, DC - May 30 (Petra) -- During a brief visit to the United States, His Majesty King Abdullah met with U.S. President George W. Bush in Washington on Monday evening, May 29th 2006, to discuss bilateral ties as well as latest developments in the Middle East.

His Majesty expressed gratitude for the continued support provided by the United States to Jordan and thanked the President for considering additional assistance to the Kingdom this year, at a time when Jordan's economy is facing many challenges associated with high oil prices.

On the Palestinian-Israeli issue, King Abdullah underlined the importance of moving forward in the pursuit of a two-state solution as outlined in President Bush's vision for peace.

He also stressed the need for both Israelis and Palestinians to resume negotiations as soon as possible and reiterated the need to channel assistance to the Palestinian people in order to avert a humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories.

His Majesty also stressed that Jordan will continue to play a key role in moving the peace process forward.

King Abdullah will be meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, as he regularly does, and separately with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert in the next few weeks.

The King also welcomed the formation of the new Iraqi government as a step forward in establishing peace, stability and security and emphasized the need for an inclusive political process in Iraq.

His Majesty stressed that Jordan will continue to support the Iraqi government and the Iraqi people in achieving their aspirations.

King Abdullah will head to Germany on Friday for talks with Chancellor Angela Merkel on the latest regional developments and means to enhance bilateral ties.

Yemen, Saudi Arabia to sign final border maps this week

2006-05-30T08:11:00.000-07:00

MUKALLA, YEMEN - Yemen and its oil-rich neighbour Saudi Arabia are due to sign this week the final maps marking their joint borders after land demarcation was completed, Yemeni officials said Monday.

The officials said the maps would be signed during meetings of the Yemeni Saudi Higher Coordination Council (YSHCC), which is scheduled to begin in the south-eastern Yemeni city of Mukalla on Wednesday.

Demarcation of the joint Yemeni-Saudi 1,845-kilometre border was completed in 2004 after 824 markers were put in place. Last April, a German company delivered to the two states the final maps marking the border line based on a 2000 border treaty that ended a long-standing dispute.

The treaty ended a 66-year-old dispute between Saudi Arabia and Yemen over the unmarked borders, including handing over territory to each other as the border demarcation was completed.

On May 16, Saudi Arabia handed over to Yemen the last of 13 border outposts designated as Yemeni territory by the border treaty.

The two-day meetings of the YSHCC are to be co-chaired by the Saudi Crown Prince Sultan bin Abdul-Aziz and Yemeni Prime Minister Abdul-Qader Ba-Jammal.

The meetings would also discuss several issues including economic ties, efforts to fight terrorism and the combat against cross-border drug and arms smuggling and infiltration of terrorists, Yemeni official said.

Large quantities of arms and explosives are smuggled to Saudi territories through the porous border from Yemen every year. (DPA), 29 May 2006

Qatar's Drivers hold lead in Jordan Rally

2006-05-27T08:38:00.000-07:00

Qatar's Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah and co-driver Chris Patterson held an advantage of 2minutes 03.6seconds after the opening leg of the Jordan Rally, round four of the FIA Middle East Rally Championship.
Dubai's Shaikh Suhail Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum completed the leg in second position, while Jordanian drivers Amjad Farrah and Faris Bustami were third and fifth overall.
Sharjah's Shaikh Abdullah Al Qasimi held fourth place in his Subaru Impreza WRX STi.
In temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Centigrade at the lowest place on earth, teams were forced to endure the adverse elements, in addition to coping with slippery and technical special stages for this WRC candidate event, which finishes on Saturday evening.
Al Attiyah drew first blood by beating Dubai's Shaikh Suhail by 21.6s and Shaikh Khalid Al Qasimi by 24s in the opening Turki stage.
It set the tone for the morning, with Shaikh Khaled and Shaikh Suhail locked in a battle for second place, ahead of Jordan's Amjad Farrah, Shaikh Abdullah and Jordan's Faris Bustami.
"I started very well and set a good time on the first stage," said Al-Attiyah.
"But then there was a problem with a gear linkage. This is a very difficult rally. You need four or five days to set the car up properly for these stages. It has been very challenging."
Leading positions at end of leg one after Special Stage 10:1. Nasser Saleh Al-Attiyah (QA)/Chris Patterson (GB) Subaru Impreza WRX STi 1h 50m 06.5s; 2. Shaikh Suhail bin Khalifa Al Maktoum (UAE)/Wael Marjan (UAE) Subaru Impreza WRX STi 1h 52m 10.1s; 3. Amjad Farrah (HKJ)/Khaled Zakaria (HKJ) Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution IX 1h 56m 24.1s.

Kuwaiti Women make History

2006-05-26T07:21:00.000-07:00

Five Kuwaiti women become first females to register as candidates for parliamentary elections.
By Omar Hasan - KUWAIT CITY

Five Kuwaiti women made history Thursday by becoming the first females to register as candidates for parliamentary elections, ending a 44-year-old ban on their political participation.
"It's a historic day. It's a dream come true and the actual beginning of Kuwaiti women's participation in public life," leading women's rights activist Rula Dashti said after filing her papers at the election department.
Registration opened on Thursday for the June 29 election in the oil-rich Gulf emirate which was called on Sunday in a bid to end a deep political crisis over an electoral reform bill.
"Today, we strengthen the role of women's participation in the political life," said Dashti, a holder of a doctorate in economics from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University in the United States and chairwoman of the Kuwaiti Economic Society.
She said she would focus her campaign on economic reforms, unemployment and combatting corruption.
Kuwaiti women, deprived of a political role since parliament was established in 1962, won the right to vote and run for public office in May last year in a historic vote by the assembly.
Two women contested a municipal council by-election in April, and one came second among eight candidates for the only seat.
"Today I feel that democracy has gained a second wing... We have tried men for long and it's time to give women the opportunity," journalist Aisha al-Rasheed said after registering her candidacy.
Rasheed, running in the district of Keifan, an Islamist stronghold, said she would focus on the issues of women "who have been ignored for four decades.
"I will fight for equality among the sexes in rights and duties."
The other three women candidates are Khaleda al-Khader, a holder of a doctorate in public health from the United States, Ghanima al-Haider, a professor at a local college and Taiba Ibrahim, a writer.
More women are expected to lodge their candidacies before registration expires on June 3.
Four of the five women candidates were waiting at the election department long before registration opened, before any male candidate arrived.
Registration took place in two separate offices in line with a law that requires segregation of the sexes, but the two offices were almost entirely staffed by women employees.
Under the election law, all candidates must be Kuwaiti by birth, over 30 years old, know how to read and write Arabic, registered on the electoral roll and not have a criminal record.
Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah dissolved parliament Sunday following a bitter standoff over a bill calling for a reduction in the number of electoral constituencies from 25.
Opposition MPs have accused the government of deliberately blocking political reform, complaining that the large number of constituencies opens the way for vote-buying and other electoral fraud.
Dozens of young activists carrying orange banners and Kuwaiti flags gathered outside the election department in Kuwait City to urge candidates to back a reduction in the number of constituencies to five.
"We are here to resume our national movement for reform, and to support all national and clean candidates and help in the downfall of corrupt elements," Khaled al-Fadalah, a leader of the so-called Orange Movement said.
The number of eligible voters is 340,250, or 34 percent of native population, including 195,000 women, according to election department head Ali Murad. The voting age is 21 and servicemen are barred from casting a ballot.
A majority of the 50 MPs in the dissolved parliament along with hundreds of other candidates are expected to contest the election.
But the Islamist Ummah (nation) party, launched last year as the first political party in Kuwait and the Gulf Arab region, said Wednesday it will boycott the polls because of alleged corruption and vote-buying.

Iran prepares for new round of executions in Ahwaz

2006-05-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

May 13, 2006 - Ahwazi Arab activists are warning of a potential massacre in Ahwaz as the Iranian regime prepares to execute up to seven Arabs in its campaign to stop anti-government unrest in the region in the southwest of Iran.

The Governor of Khuzestan has promised more "trials" and executions of Ahwazis, according to IRNA, an Iranian government news agency.

The British Ahwazi Friendship Society (BAFS) has received a list of seven Ahwazis currently in custody who are likely to be executed by the regime in the immediate future:

Ali Matouri Zadeh
Abdullah Abdulhousain Salman
Abdulamir Farajulla Chaab
Mohammad Chaab Pour
Khalaf Khazirawi
Malek Banitamim
Jalil Moghadam

Ali Matouri Zadeh's wife, Fahima Ismail Badawi, is also in custody. In March, she gave birth to a baby girl Salma in prison. At just under eight weeks old, Salma is the world's youngest political prisoner.

Ahwaz previously witnessed a wave of executions in March, including the public hangings of Ali Afrawi and Mehdi Nawaseri (seen above) following show trials over recent bomb attacks in the city. The executions were broadcast around the world, including a special report on human rights in Iran by the UK's Channel 4 News. The trials, televised "confessions" and executions were condemned by Amnesty International, the world's leading human rights organization.

Ahwaz is a focus of anti-government anger, with Ahwazi Arabs enraged by ongoing persecution, land confiscation, poverty and state terrorism. Unrest began in April 2005 after revelations that the government had a 10-year plan to reduce the Arab proportion of the province's population from 70 per cent to 30 per cent, contained in a leaked secret letter by former Vice-President Ali Abtahi (click here to download). Thousands have been arrested and scores killed since the uprising began.

Ahwazi activists have written to the British Ahwazi Friendship Society (BAFS) fearing a "big massacre in Ahwaz" and calling on the "international community to take a stand against this crime against humanity."

Discoveries increase Syrian oil prospects

2006-05-15T06:47:00.000-07:00

February 11, 2006 - The UK's Emerald Energy and the Houston-based Gulfsands Petroleum say they may be sitting on between 560 million and 720 million barrels of oil and gas in fields near the Iraq border. This and other recent promising finds are stimulating fresh interest in Syria's oil and gas sector whose reserves have been falling sharply in recent years.

Current Syrian oil production, which provides two thirds of export receipts, is thought to be around 450,000 b/d down from a peak of 600,000 in the late 1990s and 530,000 only two years ago. Petroleum and Mineral Resources Minister Ibrahim Haddad oil says production peaked in 1997-1998 with a rate of decline measured at between 4-6 per cent a year.

According to Haddad, 'Our studies show this rate is expected to continue if no new discoveries are made with production falling to 370,000 b/d by 2012 and stabilizing at around 370,000 by 2030.'

Illicit imports of oil from Iraq during the last two years of Saddam Hussein's rule in Iraq helped Syria to sell more of its own oil to the international market. Exports rose nearly 18 per cent after the Kirkuk pipeline from Iraq to Banias was re-opened in 1999. .

Syria's efforts to reverse the trend in declining oil production have focused on switching oil-fired electric power plants to use natural gas in order to release as much crude for export as possible. The government has also intensified exploration and field development. Launch of a new round of tenders for oil and gas exploration is thought to be imminent.

US exit
The exit by some US oil majors such as ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips has encouraged Syria to seek a more global involvement in exploration. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation and China National Petroleum Corporation, the leading oil firms of India and China respectively, have just finalized a joint $580 million acquisition of Petro-Canada's 37 per cent stake in Syria's Al-Furat oil venture operated by Royal Dutch Shell.

The acquisition includes shares in 36 producing fields which comprise the principal oil producing areas of Syria. These produced at average of 187,350 b/d in the first half of 2005. The asset is believed to hold reserves of 300 million barrels equating to 4.38 years of production at current rates.

Talks have also been held with French, Chinese and Russian companies to sign up for oil deals valued at more than $4 billion. Discussions have also been held with the Iran Oil Exploration Operation Company and with the Croatian oil and gas company INA.

Alternative partners
Canada's Stratic Energy and Kuwait Foreign Petroleum Exploration Company signed an agreement last year covering oil and gas exploration in a 5,000 square kilometers block in the Palmyra belt east of Damascus involving $92 million of investment. Russian company Tafneft is planning to sink three exploratory wells in south-eastern Syria.

Haddad has hinted that Syria may offer more favorable investment terms to foreign companies. 'They are continuously under review, and whenever we feel there are ways to improve terms for the investors we will do that.'

Iranian Basketball Team to visit Jordan

2006-05-12T06:09:00.000-07:00

Iran will send its juniors' basketball team to Jordan on May 14 to take part in the west Asian competitions, the federation reported here Wednesday.
Amman, the Jordanian capital, is to host the tournament from May 15-19.
Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Syria, and Lebanon will compete during the event. Iran's federation will name the players for the competitions next Saturday.

World Islamic Funds & Capital Markets Conference in Bahrain

2006-05-07T10:56:00.000-07:00

HE Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Governor, Bahrain Monetary Agency welcomed 400 participants from more than 20 countries from around the globe to the second annual World Islamic Funds & Capital Markets Conference at a grand opening ceremony today at the Gulf International Convention Center in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
This conference is a unique platform to engage senior decision-makers in the global Islamic Fund Management and Investments Industry.

Recent studies indicate that Shari'ah-compliant assets, growing over the last 20 years, represent an estimated USD 300 billion banking assets & approximately USD 400 billion Capital Market activities. The estimated annual growth for Islamic Capital Markets ranges from 15% to 20%. Given this dynamic growth scenario, the theme of the conference 'Bringing Together Investors, Fund Managers & International Financial Institutions to Capture Growth Opportunities in Islamic Capital Markets' is geared towards realising opportunities in this sector.

Speakers from UK, USA, UAE, Kingdom of Bahrain, Pakistan, Malaysia, India, Kuwait and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia came together to identify new growth opportunities in the swiftly evolving Shari'ah-Compliant Funds Market and the rapidly increasing global Sukuk and Islamic Capital markets. WIFC & WICMC 2006 moderator William McSheehy of Bloomberg encouraged debate and facilitated discussions between the expert international panelists and audience.

Addressing the conference participants, HE Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, BMA Governor, said

'It is our constant endeavour to better the environment for Islamic funds and capital markets in the global investment market. Bahrain's advances in regulation of Islamic instruments have had a positive impact on this segment of the Islamic Financial industry that is on the rise and we are pleased to host this significant world conference in the Kingdom'.

Ijlal Alvi, Chief Executive Officer, International Islamic Financial Market led the discussions at the opening 'Regulatory & Business Open Forum' session that focussed on Effective Regulatory Frameworks for the Development of Islamic Capital Markets. He commented 'Islamic Capital Markets have the potential to reach several trillion USD. With the complexities of the Capital Market and the various instruments on offer or to be offered, clearly an international Islamic authoritative body is required to define and provide guidance on what is and is not permissible under Islamic Law'.

Islamic securities (Sukuk) are emerging as a significant class of asset for the Islamic Banking Industry. These were addressed at the next session 'Realising the Full Potential of the Global Sukuk Market' that focussed on overcoming obstacles to the growth of the sovereign and corporate Sukuk market, developing the secondary market for Sukuks: creating liquidity and exploring the potential for new international Sukuk issues. Speaking during the session, Ahmed Abbas, Chief Executive Officer, Liquidity Management Center, said 'As at the 1st Quarter of the year 2006, the size of the Sukuk market was approximately USD 14 Billion. Approximately USD 5 Billion issued by Sovereign entities and USD 9 Billion issued by corporate entities.'

The session also heard from Asad Zafar, Managing Director, Asset Finance and Advisory Group, HSBC Amanah and Fuad Al-Homoud, Head of Founder's Committee, Sokouk Exchange Center Co. (Tadawul).

In the following session 'Assessing Key Developments & Innovations in Islamic Funds' Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al-Baker, Executive Director-Financial Institutions Supervision, Bahrain Monetary Agency addressed the participants. Dhafer AlQahtani, General Manager- General Directorate of Specialised Funds, Al-Tawfeek Company for Investment Funds Ltd. spoke about Trends and Outlook for the Islamic Funds and discussed global trends and new developments.

The World Islamic Funds and Capital Markets Exhibition running alongside the conference was opened by the Deputy Governor of the Bahrain Monetary Agency, HE Anwar Khalifa Al Sadah and showcased leading Islamic financial institutions, conventional banks, consulting & advisory firms, IT solution providers and international media.

The sessions that followed included 'The Shari'ah Open Forum on Capital Markets & Investment Funds'; 'Global Perspectives on Islamic Funds'; and 'Exploring New Opportunities & Tackling Challenges in Islamic Capital Markets'.

On the sidelines of the conference a press conference and a closed door session on Capital Markets was held that was facilitated by Sokouk Exchange Center Co. (Tadawul).

At the end of the first day's proceedings, The World Islamic Funds Excellence Award and the World Islamic Capital Markets Excellence Award will be presented during the Awards Ceremony.

This will be followed by the Conference Luncheon hosted by the Bahrain Monetary Agency. The conference will feature several networking functions including the Gala Dinner themed Business Strategies for Global Markets that will be hosted by HSBC Amanah.

To explore Real Estate Funds, Venture Capital, Hedge Funds, Private Equity and Sector Funds, day two's proceedings will start with the session on 'Capturing Growth Opportunities in Key Islamic Fund Sectors'. The session will be delivered by Richard Thomas, Head of Islamic Financial Services, Islamic Asset Management and alburaq, ABCIB Islamic Asset Management Ltd; Mustafa E. Al - Saleh, Managing Director, Adeem Investment Company; Stella Cox, Managing Director, Dawnay, Day Global Investment Limited; Hany Shawky, Senior Investment Manager-Strategic Investment Group, Global Investment House and Mohamed Shaikh, Assistant General Manager, Head of Product Structuring, Al-Tawfeek Company for Investment Funds Limited.

The other sessions will include 'Institutional Investors & End-Users RoundTable'; 'Assessing Key Trends in Capital Markets' and 'International Perspectives on the Development of Islamic Capital Markets'.

The conference will conclude with 'The Investment Funds & Capital Markets PowerTable 2006' tomorrow. This is an interactive round table discussion group that will be led by Ernst and Young.

Speakers and panelists from McKinsey & Company, Islamic Development Bank (IDB), Al Tamimi & Company Advocates & Legal Consultants, King Abdulaziz University, Unicorn Investment Bank, Calyx Financial, Islamic International Rating Agency, Shari'ah Capital/ Meyer Fund Management, Calyon Corporate & Investment Bank, Norton Rose, Maybank Investment Banking Group, ABC Islamic Bank, Infrasoft Technologies, EFG-Hermes and Meezan Bank will also address conference participants on 7 & 8 May 2006.

The Strategic Partners & Associates of the conference include Bahrain Monetary Agency who are supporting the event, Strategic Partner McKinsey and Company; Platinum Strategic Partners Al Baraka Banking Group, Al Tawfeek Company for Investment Funds, Al Amin Bank and Al Baraka Islamic Bank; Gold Strategic Partners ABC Islamic Bank, ABCIB Islamic Asset Management, Adeem Investment Company and Infrasoft Tech; Sukuk Partner Sokouk Exchange Center Co. (Tadawul); Gala Dinner Host HSBC Amanah; Silver Strategic Partners & Awards Associate Ernst &amp;amp; Young; Silver Strategic Partner KPMG; Associate Sponsor Calyx Financial; Strategic Associate Al Tamimi & Company, Advocates & Legal Consultants; Development Associate International Islamic Financial Market; Technology Partner Path Solutions; Bronze Partner Zawya; Day 2 Conference Luncheon Host Financial Technologies; Lanyard Sponsor Shamil Bank; and Associate Supporters Bahrain Economic Development Board and General Council of Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI).

Bahrain Financial Harbour, National Investments Company and Ohad Trusts are exhibiting along with the other partners and associates of the conference. (AME)

Work starts on a New International Exhibition Center in Abu Dhabi

2006-05-01T05:41:00.000-07:00

ADNEC, the new Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company, announced today that it had already begun construction of a world-class exhibition complex in Abu Dhabi to benefit the UAE and Middle East markets.

The decision to build a new exhibition center for the UAE was driven by an in-depth review of the existing and potential exhibition market. The conclusion reached by the Government of Abu Dhabi is that the demand from visitors and exhibitors has expanded dramatically and significant opportunities exist for new international exhibitions and conferences. In particular, Abu Dhabi is emerging as a unique market and the massive developments that are planned will support a range of significant exhibitions.

The exhibition complex will include 57,000 square metres of gross exhibition floor space, a massive 21,000 square metres visitor concourse and 7,500 square metres of multi-purpose halls. The new center will also feature dedicated conference facilities for 1,200 people, banqueting areas and more than 30 high-specification meeting rooms.

The first phase of the project is already well under way and on schedule for completion by December 2006 to host the internationally recognised IDEX 2007 defence exhibition and conference. Built in the 'U-shape' that has proven so successful in the best venues in the world, the Center will contain a central landscaped plaza for outdoor events.

The focal feature of the complex will be an iconic soaring tower that will curve above the center and look out to the sea. Innovative in its design, the tower is a bold architectural statement that reflects ADNEC's plans to become an internationally recognisable venue. The tower will become the brand that promotes the venue and Abu Dhabi to the world.

ADNEC Chairman is His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan.

The location for this center was carefully selected: close to the major hotel developments and a short distance from Abu Dhabi Airport. The site is only 35 minutes from Jebel Ali, Dubai. The surrounding road network has been planned to allow for easy access and exit to the center and multi-storey car parks will provide ample capacity for visitor and exhibitors.

The area surrounding the new center is scheduled for immediate development and will feature hotels, serviced apartments for 2000 people, 17 office towers, a marina development and a retail zone with over 100 outlets.

As part of the development, the existing Sheikh Zayed Grandstand will be refurbished and linked to the new halls. Within it will be offices, food courts and a range of companies servicing the exhibition industry.

Jordanian Prince marries Saudi Princess

2006-04-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

Jordan's Prince Hashem on Saturday welcomed guests to the Royal Court, where King Abdullah hosted lunch for tribal and refugee camp leaders, journalists, diplomats, senior officials and officers in celebration of Prince Hashem's marriage to Princess Fahdah, daughter of Sheikh Mohammad Ben Ibrahim Ben Suleiman Abu Niyyan. The Monarch and other Royal family members also welcomed guests from Saudi Arabia and Oman. A captain in the Jordan Arab Army's 3rd Royal Rangers Battalion, Prince Hashem, born in 1981, obtained last year his undergraduate degree in comparative studies from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Services. He is the son of King Hussein and Queen Nour. (Photo by Yousef Allan)

The Fabulous Four Exhibits in Dubai

2006-04-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

Dubai will host four food-production oriented exhibitions and scientific seminars in late April.
The four events take place simultaneously and have some overlapping interest for those associated with the food and agricultural sectors.
The events are: The Agri-Business Expo; the Mideast Poultry Show; the Middle East Flower and Garden Show; and the Middle East Aquaculture and Fishing Show.
They run from 22-25 April 2006 at the Dubai International Exhibition Center.
Agri Business Expo. Middle East is the 10th edition and its goal is to make a contribution in it's own special way by introducing modern technology and equipment to the Middle Eastern region and thereby influencing the development of the agricultural sectorThe event targets the rapidly evolving Agriculture, Floriculture, Horticulture, Irrigation, Animal Husbandry, Poultry and Aquaculture industries, and will be held in Dubai, the business hub of the Middle East.
The Four-In-One exhibition plays a very important role by promoting and networking the varied trade activities of the Middle East market such as date cultivation, farming, landscaping, irrigation systems, green houses, horticulture, fertilizers, agro-chemicals, agricultural and garden tools, coir products, fencing etc., and will also have a special focus on pest control.
The Middle East is undoubtedly one of the biggest consumer markets for poultry products and the show is specifically aimed at promoting the flourishing poultry industry in the region.A number of local and international dairy, poultry and animal feed companies will participate in this event, very much of it was evident in the last show, with a strong emphasis on incubators, farms and hatcheries, humidifiers, state-of-the-art poultry vaccine manufacturing technology, poultry processing and much more.
Last year the show saw tremendous growth, support and representation from all parts of the world. Two well attended Scientific Symposiums were conducted last year by Arab Poultry Breeders (OMMAT) from Saudi Arabia and (Middle East Agriculture Publishers) MEAP from Lebanon.
The Middle East Aquaculture & Fishing Show caters to the vast potential for fishing and fish farming methods being implemented in the Middle East and aims at tapping the same, the slow but steady growth of the event is ample proof that it has been acknowledged as the exhibition most befitting the industry. The innovative exhibition will offer exhibitors an ideal venue to cash in on the unique opportunities.Spanning all aspects of the industry the focus will be on hatcheries, fish farming, fish farming equipment, processing methods such as fish skinning and scaling machines, consultancy and diagnostic services, fish feed, insulated tubs and all fish related activities.
The Floriculture industry in the Middle East has undergone a revolutionary transition into hi-tech growing and distribution. The post-harvest technologies, proper packaging, efficient cool-chain and excellent transportation are the most critical elements in distribution of the flowers from the growers to the ultimate consumer in their freshest forms.
GARDENEX, formerly known as 'Agriflor' is a specialized floriculture event with an emphasis on cut flowers, flower care equipment, flower arrangements and anything to do with flowers. The exhibition is into its 5th year and owes its success to the increased representation and interest of the many countries which are rich with floricultural related industries, such as Thailand, Malaysia, Kenya and South Africa, Holland and France, Brazil and Venezuela which now recognize the growing potential of the Middle East Market.
The setting up of the US$ 300 million 'Dubai Flower Centre' as a Free Zone operation, gives a further boost to the event. The excellent infrastructure and world-class cool chain will be very instrumental in transforming Dubai into a specialized and highly efficient redistribution hub.
Feedback from both exhibitors and visitors has prompted GARDENEX go beyond the essentials of Floriculture and embrace all the other related service and product providers which support this industry. This will extend across both commercial and domestic applications. It will seek to encompass tooling and equipment, displays and fixtures, packaging and preservation, leisure (swimming pools), Furniture and general flower care. Plus of course the latest developments in what it takes to be a leader in this fast growing global industry.If you would like to attend or participate in these events please contact: http://www.mideastconsultants.com

First Arab Catholic woman to be member of Israeli parliament

2006-04-06T14:07:00.000-07:00

By Judith Sudilovsky, 4/5/2006, Catholic News Service (www.catholicnews.com)

JERUSALEM – Israel will have its first Catholic Arab female parliament member when Nadia Hilou is sworn in April 17 at the opening of the Knesset's 17th session.

Nadia Hilou, a Catholic and an Israeli Arab, is seen during a visit to the Hirsch Early Childhood Development Center in Jaffa, Israel, April 3. She won a seat in the Israeli parliament and will be sworn in April 17. (CNS)

The social activist for early childhood education and women's rights won the seat reserved for a woman candidate March 28.

Hilou, 51, national vice president of the Na'amat women's organization, said she first decided to enter politics in 1995 with the signing of the Israeli peace accords with the Palestinians.

She said she chose to run on the Labor Party ticket rather than with one of the Arab parties because she believes she can accomplish more as a member of a large political party. She described herself as a "woman of action."

"You can make changes when you are in a big party. You can have more influence, you can serve better," she said in a telephone interview. "I will continue in politics my work of 30 years regarding social issues, including the status of woman and equality and integration for the Arab sector. There is a clear gap from which Arab society is suffering."

With former labor union head Amir Peretz now at the helm of the Labor Party, it is the first time the Labor Party – or any party – has put social issues at the head of its agenda, said Hilou.

"The Labor Party has now clearly placed the individual at the center of its agenda," she said. "Peretz is a social activist, and I have worked with him in the past. He is a person of peace, both politically and socially. I know his history of fairness within the Arab sector. For him all races, creeds and religions are equal."

Although at first it looked like Kadima Party head and acting Prime Minister Ehud Olmert – a protege of former Prime Minster Ariel Sharon who founded the new party – was a shoo-in as the next prime minister, some Israeli newspapers have speculated that perhaps Peretz will have a better chance of forming a coalition. The Kadima Party won the most seats in the elections.

One of Hilou's main goals is the passing of a bill for free education – including university studies – for all. That would also allow more women in the workforce, she said. If the government is not able to provide funding for free higher education, her plan would include government interest-free loans, which would then be paid back at the end of the studies based on the assumption that the recipient is able to find employment that pays an average salary, she said. If the recipient is unable to earn such a salary, then the loan would become a grant, she said.

Many young Arabs in Israel complete their academic studies only to discover they cannot find suitable employment in their field and are forced to work in lower-paying jobs.

It is also important to work toward the integration of Arab women in the workforce while still following the tenets of societal traditions, added Hilou.

Establishing peace with Palestinians is a personal issue, she said. She has family members living in the Palestinian territories.

"We need to find a way to (continue) with the peace process," she said.

A mother of four, Hilou is one of only a handful of Catholics who have served in the Knesset since the founding of Israel in 1948.

As a member of St. Anthony Parish in Jaffa, Hilou said she still tries to attend Mass every Sunday despite her pressing schedule.

"I love to go to Mass; for me it is very important. I believe in my faith, and it is important for me to pass on these morals to my children," she said.

Hilou ran unsuccessfully for a Knesset seat in 1996 and 1999 and is the second Arab woman to serve in the Knesset. Hussniya Jabara was the first Arab woman and served in the Knesset 1999-2003 as a member of the Meretz Party.

Copyright (c) 2006 Catholic News Service/U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops

Kuwaiti women vote for first time

2006-04-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

Jinan Boushehri

Kuwaiti women have begun casting votes for the first time, less than one year after winning full political rights in the oil rich Gulf state.
Tuesday's by-election for a municipal council seat is being seen as a test-case of how women might fare in next year's parliamentary elections.
Two of the eight candidates running for the seat in the district of Salmiya, about 15 km southeast of the capital, are women.
They are Jinan Boushehri, 32, a chemical engineer who heads the food-testing department at Kuwait municipality, and Khalida al-Khader, 48, a US-educated physician and a mother of eight.
The seat became vacant when the council's speaker, Abdullah al-Mhailbi, was appointed to the cabinet in February.
Historic Voting began slowly as Tuesday is a normal working day, but is expected to pick up before ballots close at 8pm (1700 GMT).
The district has 28,000 eligible voters, 60% of whom are women.
Men and women are voting in segregated booths in accordance with a provision in the election law introduced last year by Islamist and conservative lawmakers.
Kuwaiti women were granted full political rights in a historic vote in parliament in only May 2005.
The government subsequently appointed two women members of the municipal council and named the first woman cabinet minister.
The council - a civic body that carries out tasks such as city planning, organisation and regulation of housing - has 16 members, 10 of whom are elected and the rest appointed by the emir.
Kuwaiti women will also be able to vote in the general election scheduled for 2007.

The first Library for Arabic Poetry opening in Kuwait

2006-04-04T13:22:00.000-07:00

The Al-Babtain Central Library for Arabic Poetry will be inaugurated next Saturday under the auspices of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, said Monday the Director of Al-Babtain Foundation Abdul-Aziz Al-Babtain.

In a press conference held today, Al-Babtain said that the library's objective was to collect scattered Arabic poetry in an attempt to assist intellectuals in preserving their Arab identity.

"Establishing the library in Kuwait is an honor for us all, but the ownership of its collection will be to all Arabs," Al-Babtain said.

Al-Babtain stressed the importance of the project as change has been storming our region attempting to alter our heritage, noting that the library would preserve the Arabic Language and its poetic heritage.

The library, said Al-Babtain, contained 80,000 books, noting that the collection's number would double up this year as large number of books was still in storages waiting to be shelved.

He noted that the library contained tens of rare books, some of which dated back to the 15th century.

The library, he added, would also organize computer courses for people over 35-year-old and lectures concerning cultural issues.

The library's director, Suad Al-Atiqy, explained that the ground floor of the three-story library would contain references, periodical and rare documents in addition to lecture halls, multimedia rooms, internet laboratories, the Arab Information Bank and Ibsar Center for people with vision impairment.

The first floor, she added, would contain Arab poetry books and university thesis books; meanwhile, the third floor would be dedicated for Abdul-Karim Al-Babtain library, which contains very rare documents and books.

Al-Atiqy noted that all floors would have reading halls and access to the library's electronic index.
Established in 1989, Al-Babtain Foundation for Poetic Creativity is a cultural non-profit organization based in the Egyptian capital, Cairo. The foundation has been organizing semi-annual prizes for creative poets since 1990.

Italians find ancient tablets

2006-03-31T10:03:00.000-08:00

(ANSA) - Rome, March 28 - Italian archeologists working in Iraq have found a trove of ancient stone tablets from the fabled civilisation of Ur .

The tablets bear around 500 engravings of a literary and historical nature, according to team leader Silvia Chiodi .

"This is an an exceptional find," she said, noting that the area in question had previously only yielded prehistoric artefacts .

She said the tablets, made of clay and bitumen, were discovered by chance at an archaeological site not far from the location of the ancient city .

"I was looking for a wall structure spotted by an airborne photo when I spotted a small inscription on bitumen and then realised it wasn't the only one" .

An expert on Sumerian civilisation, Giovanni Pettinato, said the finds probably dated back to one of Ur's most prosperous periods .

"The most surprising thing is the time span the tablets cover, ranging from 2,700 BCE, the First Dynasty of Ur, to 2,100 BCE, the Third Dynasty," Pettinato said .

"The place where the tablets were found, not far from the surface, leads one to suppose they contain information from a library," he said .

"There could be thousands of them down there" .

Chiodi said the tablets would probably occupy a prominent place in a new Virtual Museum of Iraq which Italy is building to show people what Baghdad's celebrated museum of antiquities looked like before it was looted in the wake of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq .

About a half of 40 star attractions of the museum have yet to be retrieved .

Of the 15,000 items taken from storeooms, 8,000 have not been returned despite an amnesty .

Ur, near the southern Iraqi city of Nassiriya, is cited in the Bible as the birthplace of the prophet Abraham .

It was the religious hub of Sumerian civilisation at the start of a series of dynasties that ruled Mesopotamia from around 4000 BCE .

Long before the Egyptians, the Sumerians invented the wheel and developed the first mathematical system .

The most famous classic of ancient literature, Gilgamesh, was written at Ur .

The most prominent monument at the site is the best preserved ziggurat, or stepped pyramid, in the Arab world .

It was built by the Sumerians around 4000 BCE and restored by Nebuchadnezzar in the sixth century BCE .

National Microfinance Bank inaugurated in Jordan

2006-03-28T09:26:00.000-08:00

Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania receive Saudi Prince Talal Ben Abdul Aziz on Monday (Photo by Yousef Allan)

AMMAN (JT) — Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania on Monday received Saudi Prince Talal Ben Abdul Aziz, president of the Arab Gulf Programme for United Nations Development Organisations (AGFUND).

They voiced appreciation for the prince's role in serving the cause of development in Jordan, through AGFUND.

The pan-Arab organisation yesterday opened the National Microfinance Bank (NMB) in Amman, the first such institution AGFUND launches in the Arab world.

In addition to AGFUND, stakeholders include the King Abdullah II Fund for Development (KAFD) and the private sector.

The King and Queen held a lunch banquet in honour of Prince Talal attended by KAFD Board of Trustees Chairman Faisal Fayez, his deputy Bassem Awadallah and Adviser to the Arab Open University Mohammad Hamdan.

According to the KAFD, AGFUND seeks to assist Arab countries in establishing their own microcredit organisations to finance projects for the needy, while ensuring sustainability of the beneficiaries' financial income.

NMB, previously known as Bank of the Poor, works to finance productive projects for underprivileged segments of the society, spread a culture of microcredit and carry out activities that are likely to serve its mission.

Queen Rania attended the opening ceremony, along with Prince Talal and Professor Mohammed Yunis, president of Bangladesh's Grameen Bank and a microcredit pioneer since the 1970s.

Fayez, Labour Minister Bassem Salem and senior officials also attended the ceremony.

The official inauguration was in parallel with the opening of two other NMB branches in Karak and Zarqa. The bank hopes to expand its network to 13 branches, covering all of the Kingdom's districts.

On the sidelines of the ceremony, the NMB signed an agreement with the Queen Rania Society for the Welfare of Servicemen and Families, under which it will provide eligible families with small loans to improve their living conditions.

Under the agreement, the bank will also train staff working for the organisation.

In his address at the ceremony, Prince Talal praised the flexibility in procedures to establish the bank, voicing hope that the bank would help Jordan achieve its development goals, including one to reduce poverty by 50 per cent by 2015.

NMB Manager Bassem Khanfar highlighted Queen Rania's efforts to enhance the microcredit culture in the Kingdom.

The Queen, who has played a key role in supporting microprojects in the Kingdom, was named UN Microcredit Ambassador last year. She is also a board member of FINCA, an international organisation that provides financial services to the world's poorest families so they can create their own jobs, raise household incomes and improve their standard of living.

In his address at the opening ceremony, Professor Younis outlined the experiences of Grameen, noting that most beneficiaries are women.

Meanwhile, NMB Chairman Fadi Ghandour presented plaques to the Queen and Prince Talal at yesterday's ceremony.

Syria’s First Female Vice President

2006-03-27T10:20:00.000-08:00

Somayya Jabarti & Abdul Maqsood Mirza, Arab News

JEDDAH, 24 March 2006 — Syria named a veteran former culture minister, Najah Al-Attar, as its first woman vice president, the official SANA news agency reported yesterday.

“Mrs. Najah Al-Attar was sworn in as second vice-president in charge of cultural policy by President Bashar Assad,” SANA said.

In Saudi Arabia, women were keen to hail the move as another step in the right direction of empowering qualified women for high positions of power. Fatin Bundugji, director of Women Empowerment & Research at the Khadija bint Khuwailed Center of the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry emphasized that “qualified” is the operative term.

“The fact that she’s a woman does not undermine the fact that she’s the most qualified one for the job,” Bundugji told Arab News. “The decision of her appointment as vice president was not gender-based, though the fact that she’s a woman is a plus for the women’s cause. Her appointment is based on qualification.”

Indeed, Attar, 68, has served as minister of culture from 1976 to 2000 and was most recently in charge of the ministry’s translation department. She holds a doctorate from Edinburgh University and has published a number of books.

Director General of the Khadija bint Khuwailed Center Nadiah Baashan said it was not only good news, but also righteous.

“Women are taking back their right that has been assigned by Islamic Law,” said Baashan. “The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) had assigned to Nusaiba, daughter of Kaab, a role identical to the head of a market-inspection team. What is happening to women in the world presently is aberration from the right.”

Muna Abu Sulayman, executive manager of strategy at Kingdom Holding Company, agreed that Islam is not what has created the glass ceiling for women in the region. “Having a woman in such a position is a great step forward for all in the Middle East,” said Sulayman, who is also anchor of MBC’s “Kalam Nouaem,” a weekly social entertainment and variety television program. “It’s a step further in breaking the glass ceiling... Islam doesn’t prevent women from achieving these kind of positions.”

A male political science professor at a prominent local Saudi university who did not want to be named said the political shift in Syria is a part of a greater move where women, who are underrepresented in politics in the region, have no choice but to keep their eyes on the prize and grab the fruits of power through hard work and diligence.

“There’s no doubt that women are being driven to join the Arab political arena because men’s representation on behalf of women’s voices is poor if not totally dumb,” he said. “There’s no doubt that the majority of Saudi men dread the involvement and competition of women; it’s called intimidation and control-loss.”

Bashar last month appointed former Foreign Minister Farouk Al-Shara as first vice president, replacing Abdel-Halim Khaddam, who resigned last year. “Attar will be responsible for following culture policy according to the directions of the president,” SANA said.

US Freezes al Manar's Assets

2006-03-24T06:07:00.000-08:00

March 23, 2006JS-4134
U.S. Designates Al-Manar as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist Entity
Television Station is Arm of Hizballah Terrorist Network
The U.S. Department of the Treasury today designated pursuant to Executive Order 13224 al Manar, a satellite television operation owned or controlled by the Iran-funded Hizballah terrorist network. Additionally designated today were al Nour Radio and the Lebanese Media Group, the parent company to both al Manar and al Nour Radio.
Al Manar and al Nour
Al Manar and al Nour are the media arms of the Hizballah terrorist network and have facilitated Hizballah's activities.
"Any entity maintained by a terrorist group – whether masquerading as a charity, a business, or a media outlet – is as culpable as the terrorist group itself," said Stuart Levey, Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence.
Al Manar has employed multiple Hizballah members. One al Manar employee engaged in pre-operational surveillance for Hizballah operations under cover of employment by al Manar.
Al Manar and al Nour have supported fundraising and recruitment efforts by Hizballah. Al Manar raised funds for Hizballah through advertisements broadcast on the network and an accompanying website that requested donations for the terrorist organization. As recently as late 2005, Hizballah-affiliated charities aired commercials on al Manar, providing contact information and bank account numbers for donations. Moreover, Hizballah Secretary General Nasrallah publicized an invitation for all Lebanese citizens to volunteer for Hizballah military training on al Manar and al Nour.
In addition to supporting Hizballah, al Manar has also provided support to other designated Palestinian terrorist organizations, including the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and al Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, notably transferring tens of thousands of dollars for a PIJ-controlled charity. PIJ is listed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist and a Foreign Terrorist Organization by the U.S. Government, and is also named on the European Union's list of terrorist entities.
Hizballah Secretary General Hasan Nasrallah, along with Hizballah's Executive Council, managed and oversaw the budgets of al Manar and al Nour.
The Lebanese Media Group
The Lebanese Media Group is the parent company of both al Manar and al Nour. Prominent Hizballah members have been major shareholders of the Lebanese Media Group.
Background on Hizballah
Hizballah is a Lebanon-based terrorist group. Until September 11, 2001, Hizballah was responsible for more American deaths than any other terrorist organization. Hizballah is known or suspected to have been involved in numerous terrorist attacks throughout the world, including the suicide truck bombings of the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Marine Corps barracks in Beirut in 1983 and the U.S. Embassy annex in Beirut in September 1984. Hizballah also executed the 1985 hijacking of TWA Flight 847 en route from Athens to Rome and assumed responsibility for the suicide bombing of the Israeli embassy in Argentina in 1992. It also attacked the Israeli cultural center in Buenos Aires in 1994.
On January 25, 1995, the Annex to Executive Order 12947 listed Hizballah as a Specially Designated Terrorist. The Department of State designated Hizballah as a Foreign Terrorist Organization in 1997. Additionally, on October 31, 2001, Hizballah was designated as a Specially Designated Global terrorist under Executive Order 13224.
Today's action prohibits transactions between U.S. persons and the designated entities and also freezes any assets they may have under U.S. jurisdiction.
The U.S. Department of State added al Manar to the Terrorism Exclusion List (TEL) in December 2004. For more information on this action, please visit: http://www.treas.gov/cgi-bin/redirect.cgi?http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2004/40081.htm.

Seven new Iranian petrochemical plants to become operational soon

2006-03-22T11:42:00.000-08:00

TEHRAN – Seven new petrochemical plants will come on stream in the next year (Iranian year starts March 21), noted here on Saturday, Oil Minister Kazem Vaziri Hamaneh.
Along with the crude oil sales, other oil products including petrochemicals as well as the natural gas are also exported, the minister said in response to a question asked by a reporter on why 100 years after the oil discovery in Iran the country was still a mere crude exporter.
The more we focus on the exports of our oil products the more value added we gain. However, the world is in need of energy too, the minister stated adding, therefore, "a portion of our exports should be allocated to the energy consumers," the Persian service of Fars News Agency reported on Saturday.
Hamaneh who was visiting an exhibition of the documents of Movement for Nationalization of Iran’s Oil Industry elaborated on the cultural aspects of the industry and maintained that, Iran’s oil industry is now free from colonial domination. The cultural aspect of the industry has had its influence on the lifestyle of the people of the southern parts of the country, he commented when referring to the transfer of the know-how and technology to the oil-rich Iranian regions particularly, in the south.

Dubai World Cup on 25 March 2006

2006-03-21T06:20:00.000-08:00

Forget the Grand National, the Kentucky Derby and even the Arc de Triomphe. When it comes to money, the Dubai World Cup at the Nad Al Sheba Racecourse is the richest horse race in the world.
The mile-and-a-quarter group-one race for four year olds and above offers an incredible US$6 million prize fund, with US$3.6 million going to the winner. It is no surprise that the best horses, jockeys and trainers make the annual trip to the UAE.
Thoroughbred racing traces its roots back to the Middle East and its homecoming could not be grander. The magnificent Nad Al Sheba Racecourse boasts state-of-art facilities, including television monitors in all areas to ensure you miss none of the action. A visit to the track is a must for any race fan. Not only is the race of the highest caliber, but the floodlit sand and dirt track is superb.
Dubai is regarded as the "Pearl of the Arabian Gulf", and the city finds the perfect blend between the past and the present. The atmospheric old town, with its markets and alleyways, is contrasted with the ultra modern and cosmopolitan new town. The new town provides the biggest attraction away from the track - some of the best shopping on the planet.

UAE Central Bank to fight money laundering

2006-03-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

UAE Central Bank to fight money laundering
BY HASEEB HAIDER
ABU DHABI — The UAE central bank in association with law enforcement agencies, has clamped down on attempts to launder money through the UAE in recent months, said Sultan bin Nasser Al Suwaidi, Governor, Central Bank of UAE, yesterday.
The central bank is closely monitoring charities and NGOs in the wake of a few attempts recently made to launder money through UAE.
"We are closely monitoring and following up any operation that could be an attempt to launder dirty money in the country," Al Suwaidi said.
"We are working in response to international calls to follow up and monitor operations and activities of charities to ensure that their funds are not used by terror groups," he told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar organised by the bank in cooperation with UK's Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs under a law of 1974, which regulates the activities of NGOs and charities is beefing up their licensing mechanism in a bid to monitor their operations.
Al Suwaidi said the UAE has given great attention to implement a national policy to encounter financial crimes, including money laundering and terrorism financing by evolving a proper legal framework and monitoring mechanism to check the inflow of dirty money into the country.
Governor said though the UAE is under threat of the global menace as other financial capitals, but the strong measures adopted till now have been quite successful, curbing the financial crimes effectively.
Describing anti-money laundering efforts as a battle which may take years to root it out completely, he said the Central Bank of UAE is discussing the possibility of signing an MoU with the Serious Organised Crime Agency of UK to share information and expertise in order to effectively check the financial crimes.
To a question, he said there were mechanisms to check the dirty money coming into the country from illegal channels even if it is invested into shares or real estate. Upon receiving information, the real estate and investments are confiscated before legal proceedings start against the concerned individual who is involved in the crime.
"There are ways to freeze and attach such properties and investments. But, the central bank gets involved in a final stage," Suwaidi told reporters.
He said: "The innovative methods adopted by the criminals involved in money laundering are a constant challenge to the authorities that is why, we are committed to continue improving and developing our legislation, systems, regulations and measures to encounter money laundering and to combat financial crimes and those behind executing them."
He said that following the biggest bank robbery in UK, central bank is monitoring the money transactions so as to check this money coming into the country. He said that recently 85 hawala dealers have been registered in the country while the money being remitted by generally blue collared class is insignificant.
Richard Makepeace, British Ambassador, said both the UAE and UK were convinced to enhance the cordial bilateral cooperation between the financial intelligence units in both the countries, in accordance with the requirements of the EGMONT Group and recommendations issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
Abdulrahim Mohammed Al Awadi, Head of UAE's Anti Money Laundering Unit, said that the MoU will outline avenues of cooperation, and exchange of information in combating money laundering.

Arab Stock Markets Up After Record Plunge Last Week

2006-03-18T21:40:00.000-08:00

Arab Stock Markets Rally After Record Plunge Last Week
Arab News - 18/03/2006
Arab stock markets rebounded over the past couple of days after an historical plunge that prompted intervention by respective governments.
However, analysts said yesterday they expected regional markets to remain wary of any significant advance in the short run, though blue-chip stocks stood to gain in the medium term, particularly early in April when first quarter results are due to come out.
Saudi Arabia will soon allow foreign residents to invest directly in the country's stock market as Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah on Wednesday instructed authorities to study measures for implementation soon.
Remarks by Chairman of the Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) Prince Alwaleed that he also intended to invest up to SR10 billion in Saudi stocks gave a boost to the Saudi stock exchange.
The Tadawul All-Share Index (TASI) plummeted 8.75 percent last week, closing on Thursday at 16,355.79 points, down from 17,924.70 points last week.
Saudi analyst Yousuf Qustantini predicted the rally would continue in the short term propelled by demand on blue-chip shares, but said its continuation in the long term would depend on "the availability of adequate liquidity" in the market.He advised small investors with little trading experience to stay on the sidelines in the forthcoming period and assign their decisions to investment funds.
The market turnover also dropped to SR60.84 billion last week compared to SR112 billion in the previous week.
The top losers for the week were Arab National Bank, Food Products Co., Eastern Agriculture, Filling & Packing Materials Manufacturing Co. and Qassim Agriculture.
Saudi Basic Industries Corp. (SABIC) shares fell 10.09 percent in a week to SR1,452 and Saudi Electricity Co. (SEC) shares by 10 percent to SR162.
In the telecom sector, shares of Saudi Telecom Co. (STC) dropped 9.30 percent in a week to SR926 and Etihad Etisalat by 8.03 percent to SR630.
"I believe regional stocks are in a consolidation phase after prices went down to levels where they appeared to provide a buy opportunity," Wajdi Makhamrreh, investment manager and head of brokerage at the Jordan Finance & Investment Bank, told Arab News.
"However, we do not rule out further downward corrections in the short term, but I believe first quarter results will give support to markets in the medium term," he said.
A substantial slippage at the Saudi stock exchange at the beginning of the week seemed to affect other Arab bourses particularly in Egypt, Jordan and Kuwait, which followed suit. The all-share price index of the Amman Stock Exchange shed 3.4 percent last week, closing on Thursday at 7,326 points, compared with previous week's close at 7,584 points, according to the ASE weekly report. "Most Jordanian stocks have ended up at logical levels and the market is passing through a consolidation phase," Bashar Amad, vice chairman of Amwal Invest Co. brokerage said. "Some investors have apparently come under psychological pressure as a result of slippage at other Arab stock markets," he added.
Kuwaiti stocks also plummeted last week and small investors reportedly staged a sit-in urging an intervention by the government.

The 13th Amman-Dead Sea Ultra Marathon

2006-03-18T16:18:00.000-08:00

The 13th Amman-Dead Sea Ultra Marathon will take place on April 7th 2006; more than 2500 participants are expected to participate.
The Amman Dead Sea Ultra Marathon is a grueling test of endurance. The competitors begin at the high elevations of Amman and make their way down to the lowest point on Earth, in the desert of southern Jordan.
The race begins at 900 meters above sea level and ends 50 kilometers later at around 400 meters below sea level (yes, that's a difference of 1300 meters).
It is actually divided into three events: the half marathon of 21km, the standard marathon that is 42km and the ultra-marathon topping the bill at 52 hot kilometers along tarmac roads with no shade! Runners can take part individually or within a team of four. If you are not of peak fitness, possessed of a steely will and vaguely acclimatized to the temperature, it's probably best to observe rather than compete.
The marathon is a fund raising event co-organized by the Society for Care of Neurological Patients (SCNP) and the Amman Road Runners.
"Run To the Lowest Point on Earth"
The Dead Sea Ultra Marathon (DSUM) has witnessed over a decade of rising national and international recognition with the joint effort of the Society for the Care of Neurological Patients (SCNP) and Amman Road Runners, under the patronage of HRH Prince Raad Bin Zeid.
The DSUM is held annually every April on the second Friday, from Amman to the Dead Sea. It is the main fund raising event for the SCNP, which provides neurological patients with medical aid and covers the costs of necessary surgeries for the needy.
So far, the Society has contributed to the treatment of 940 cases at a value of nearly 520.000 JDs. The SCNP is funded by donations from individuals, public and private companies, annual membership fees, as well as proceeds of sports events. The Society anticipates expanding its role in the treatment of neurological patients and becoming a developmental organization—creating social and technical programs in cooperation with related official and non-official sectors.
The DSUM has had a successful record of accomplishment since it first started. Several world record runners and champions participated, the year 2005 run broke all records, it marked a turning point in the future of the event as a national and international athletic, touristic and above all charitable event with the continuous support of Jordanian organizations with more than 1600 runners representing 48 nationalities.
If you would like to participate please contact http://www.mideastconsultants.com

Gold Demand Up in the Kingdom

2006-03-14T19:04:00.000-08:00

Gold Demand Rises 13% in Saudi Arabia
Arab News - 13/03/2006
JEDDAH, 13 March 2006 — Gold demand increased by 13 percent in Saudi Arabia, while it rose just five percent worldwide in 2005.
In Saudi Arabia, which represents a major market in the region, gold jewelry demand rose by 12 percent during the year compared to 2004, and by 13 percent in terms of both gold jewelry and retail investment sectors, according to the annual review of the regional office of World Gold Council (WGC) in Dubai.
This demand increase is due to the Kingdom's strong economy and the high spend capability. Also, it is expected that the demand will continue to grow similarly in 2006, especially in the context of the biggest budget ever announced by the Kingdom in addition to the increase of marketing activities by large scale gold jewelry manufactures and the WGC across the region.
The increase in gold demand prevailed in the Kingdom's neighboring Gulf countries including Turkey and Egypt. In the UAE, the total percentage of gold demand in 2005 remained positive to reach eight percent in spite of the small decrease in sales during the Q4 of the same year.
As for the other Gulf states like Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman, the total increase in demand reached five percent. This increase is also due to high oil prices and strong economy conditions in those countries as well as tourism, especially in UAE, in addition to the increase of marketing activities which were put forward by gold jewelers and the WGC, such as Dubai Shopping Festival, Dubai Summer Surprises, gold festivals and gold jewelry exhibitions in Kuwait and Bahrain in cooperation with several official sectors, such as Dubai government, Gold & Jewelry Committee in Dubai, Dubai Metals and Commodities Center, Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Kuwait, tourism sector in the Ministry of Information in Kuwait etc. Likewise, the growth remained on the rise in Turkey, for the third year in succession, and in Egypt to reach an extra seven percent in Turkey and four percent in Egypt.
Worldwide, the demand has increased on gold jewelry by five percent in 2005 compared to 2004 to reach 2,736 tons. Likewise, demand on gold for industrial use has also increased by two percent to reach 419 tons. The demand on gold for investment has reached 600 tons with an increase of 26 percent for 2005.
According to the figures compiled by Gold Fields Mineral Services Ltd. for the WGC in London for Q4 as well as the whole year of 2005, a remarkable demand increase has been noted for the investment sector, which reached about 200 tons in Q4 of 2005. On the other hand, the gold retail market was affected negatively in Q4 due to the upward surge in the world gold price that resulted from the investment inflows. Selling gold for profit was the trend. In spite of this, the demand in Q4 was strong enough to absorb the extra 10 percent increase in supply and the 12 percent increase in the price. "The region's gold markets are getting used to the price of $500 per ounce, which is due to the confidence of consumers in gold, whether it is for investment and saving or for gold jewelry in modern life," Moaz Barakat, managing director of the WGC for the Middle East, Turkey and Pakistan said.
"In addition to the high world oil prices and the flow of liquidity, a weak dollar and an uncertain geopolitical situation in the Middle East have added to the glitter of gold and made it a major investment beneficiary besides local stock exchange markets and real state," Barakat said. Internationally, gold demand has also increased in India — the largest gold consumer market in the world — to reach 17 percent in terms of weight in 2005 (equivalent to 25 percent increase in terms of dollar value). Likewise, China too has recorded an increase in demand.
On the other hand, there was an exception in Europe where gold demand growth was negative for many economic reasons.
As for the United States, which ranks second largest in terms of gold demand in the world, the demand increased in 2005 for the first time since 2001 despite high-energy prices and the two large hurricanes lashing the country in Q4.

U.S. Treasury orders ties cut to Syrian Banks

2006-03-10T05:19:00.000-08:00

March 9, 2006
Treasury Issues Final Rule Against Commercial Bank of Syria
U.S. Financial Institutions Must Terminate Correspondent Accounts
The U.S. Department of the Treasury today finalized its proposed rule against the Commercial Bank of Syria (CBS), along with its subsidiary, the Syrian Lebanese Commercial Bank, requiring U.S. financial institutions to terminate all correspondent accounts involving CBS.
The Commercial Bank of Syria is owned and controlled by the Syrian government, a designated State Sponsor of Terrorism since 1979. The Bank has been used by terrorists to move funds and has acted as a conduit for the laundering of proceeds generated from the illicit sale of Iraqi oil.
"The Commercial Bank of Syria has been used by terrorists to move their money and it continues to afford direct opportunities for the Syrian government to facilitate international terrorist activity and money laundering," said Stuart Levey, the Treasury's Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence (TFI). "Today's action is aimed at protecting our financial system against abuse by this arm of a state-sponsor of terrorism."
The Treasury's Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) today sent to the Federal Register the final rule that prohibits any U.S. bank, broker-dealer, futures commission merchant, introducing broker or mutual fund from opening or maintaining a correspondent account for or on behalf of CBS.
In May 2004, the Treasury found CBS to be of "primary money laundering concern" pursuant to Section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act, and FinCEN issued a notice of proposed rulemaking. No one disputed the grounds for the finding or the need for protective measures.
"As a state-owned entity with inadequate money laundering and terrorist financing controls, the Commercial Bank of Syria poses a significant risk of being used to further the Syrian Government's continuing support for international terrorist groups," Levey added. "The serious risks posed by CBS have not been adequately mitigated by the Syrian Government's limited efforts to address deficiencies in Syria's financial system."
The Syrian Government continues to provide political and material support to Lebanese Hizballah and Palestinian terrorist groups. HAMAS, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), among others, continue to maintain headquarters and offices in Damascus, from which their officers issue guidance and direct affairs. In January 2006, the Syrian Government hosted a meeting in Damascus between Iranian government officials and several designated terrorist leaders, including Abdullah Ramadan Shallah of PIJ, Ahmed Jibril of PFLP-General Command, Hassan Nasrallah of Lebanese Hizballah, and Khaled Mishal of HAMAS. The Syrian Government also continues to permit Iran to use Damascus as a transshipment point for re-supplying Lebanese Hizballah in Lebanon.
For more information on the Treasury's May 2004 designation of CBS as a "primary money laundering concern," please visit: http://www.treasury.gov/press/releases/js1538.htm

Contact information for the Syrian Bank is as follows:

COMMECIAL BANK OF SYRIA- HEAD OFFICE
YOUSEF AZMEH SQUARE
DAMASCUS
SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC
P.O.BOX 933
TELEX: 411205/411002
FAX: 963-11-2228524/2216975
TEL: 963-11-2218890-2222481

Best Bids for Saudi Refineries

2006-03-09T08:17:00.000-08:00

Oil Minister Ali Al Naimi of Saudi Arabia told reporters today in Vienna that ConocoPhillips had submitted the best tender for its 400,000 bpd Yanbu refinery, and Total SA for its 400,000 bpd refinery at Jubail. The bids are still being assessed and no decision on the awarding of contracts has been made yet. The refineries are expected to cost around $4bn-$5bn each.

The Dubai International Boat Show

2006-03-08T06:22:00.000-08:00

Since it was first held more than a decade ago, the Dubai International Boat Show has grown in tandem with Dubais rapidly growing status as a major player in the world economy. The largest marine industry exhibition in the Middle East, the event is a classic showcase of yachts and boats from both local and international builders together with the latest innovations in marine equipment and accessories. The show will be held at the beautiful, expansive Marina in the world class Dubai International Marine Club, the regional hub for national and international water sports enthusiasts. Over the years the show has carved a niche for itself as the ultimate marine event in the region, Dubai International Boat Show 2006 promises to be, if anything, far bigger and better than ever before.
Date: Mar 14, 2006 - Mar 18, 2006
Venue: Dubai International Marine Club, UAE
Organizer: Dubai World Trade Centre LLC

If you would like to attend this event please contact: http://mideastconsultants.com

US Seeks Trade Pact with Oman

2006-03-07T18:04:00.000-08:00

Monday, March 6, 2006 7:44 PM
The Bush administration is moving ahead with plans to establish a free trade agreement with Oman, despite the controversy over a deal giving a company in the United Arab Emirates significant control over six U.S. ports in the United States.
Deputy U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab says the free trade agreement - or FTA - will benefit workers in the United States and in Oman:
"The FTA will provide new market access opportunities for U.S. farmers, manufacturers, service providers, workers," said Susan Schwab. "It will also help to create an economic environment conducive to additional employment opportunities for the people of Oman."
Schwab made her comments before the Senate Finance Committee Monday, in the wake of an uproar over the Bush administration's approval of a deal to allow a company in the United Arab Emirates to operate terminals at six U.S. ports.
The administration has been accused of undermining national security by allowing the state-owned Dubai Ports World to take over significant operations at the ports. The controversy prompted the company to agree to a 45-day security review to allay concerns, although a growing number of U.S. lawmakers are calling for deal to be canceled.
The administration says the ports deal would not harm national security, and neither would a U.S.-Oman trade agreement. Deputy Trade Representative Schwab:
"As you know, whether it is through the World Trade Organization, the WTO agreement, or any of our free trade agreements, there are specific provisions where there are exceptions for essential security," she said. "No country would give up its ability to protect its own national security, and that is indeed the case with this agreement as well."
Schwab said the trade agreement would help support economic, political and social reforms in Oman, which she described as a key U.S. ally in the war on terrorism.
She said promoting trade is a key part of President Bush's vision for developing economic growth and democracy in the Middle East.
Edward Walker, President of the Middle East Institute and a former U.S. ambassador to the UAE, Egypt and Israel, agrees. He says the trade pact will help diversity Oman's economy and help promote stability.
"The problem Oman faces is that its oil reserves are decreasing while its population is increasing," said Edward Walker. "In the absence of economic diversification, Oman will face increasing problems in fulfilling the needs of its citizens, which may well lead to destabilizing trends in the society, trends that could work against U.S. interests. By anyone's reckoning, Omani reserves at current rates of production will be depleted in 16 to 22 years."
Like other free trade agreements the United States has brokered with other nations, the U.S. Congress will have to ratify this pact. And like previous trade accords, labor groups and their congressional allies are concerned about an erosion of U.S. workers' rights under this deal.
Thea Lee is policy director for legislation for the labor federation known as the AFL-CIO:
"Our argument has been that the worker rights provision in this agreement is entirely inadequate to ensure that workers human rights are respected," said Thea Lee.
Deputy Trade Representative Schwab argues otherwise, saying there are labor protections in the trade agreement.
David Hamod, president of the National U.S.-Arab Chamber of Commerce, notes that U.S. trade with Oman has been on the increase:
"According to our chamber's forecast for 2006, U.S. merchandise exports to Oman are on track to reach nearly $1 billion this year, which translates into more than 15,000 direct U.S. jobs," said David Hamod. "The 2006 figures represent an increase of nearly 56 percent over 2005, when U.S. merchandise exports totaled $593 million. The U.S. has become the third largest exporter to Oman behind the UAE and Japan."
The United States' effort to forge a trade accord with Oman is part of Washington's plans to establish a regional free trade agreement in the Middle East by 2013. It already has free-trade pacts with Jordan, Morocco, Bahrain and Israel.

Libya offers Tourism packages to see the Solar Eclipse

2006-03-06T15:05:00.000-08:00

The Libyan National Tourism office is promoting trips to the North African country for those wishing to see the next solar eclipse that will take place on 29 March. The Libyans have made considerable effort to publicize the event and seek to attract tourists.

If you are interested in travelling to Libya for the event please contact: http://www.mideastconsultants.com

Arab Monetary Fund holds session on how to counter money-laundering and terror financing

2006-03-06T14:36:00.000-08:00

Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) - 06/03/2006

AMF organized a work session on means to counter money-laundering and terrorism financing.

AMF Chairman and Director-General Dr. Jassem Al-Mannae, in an inaugural speech, said the session will cover global legislation governing money laundering and financing terrorism, tracking economic non-financial transactions relevant to real-estate and jewelry, as well as regulating professions related to accounting and legal practice.

He said due to their influence on financial and economic stability, as well as on a country's reputation, money-laundering and financial sources of terrorism should receive proper attention in terms of strategies.

Explaining that money laundering means hiding the source of the money that was obtained through illegal means, he noted that financial sources of terrorism are not necessarily from illegal business activities.

The session is organized in collaboration with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Established in 1976, AMF is a regional Arab financial institution aiming at integrating Arab economies, development of Arab Capital Markets and unification of Arab currencies.

UK Minister for Trade and Investment to visit Libya 5 - 7 March 2006

2006-03-04T08:09:00.000-08:00

Ian Pearson, Minister for Trade and Investment will visit Libya from 5 - 7 March to strengthen trade links between the two countries
The Minister will be accompanied in Libya by a 70-strong business delegation led by Scottish Development International, the Middle East Association and the British Council. The delegates will include senior representatives from HSBC Bank PLC, London and Glasgow Schools of English, International Power Associates and Emirates Bank.
Looking forward to his visit, Mr Pearson said: "I am delighted to be making my first trip to Libya as Minister for Trade and Investment and very keen to see our strong bilateral relationship developed further through increased trade and investment.
"Despite day-to-day challenges of the market, I am pleased to say that British interest in the Libyan market remains strong. A number of British companies are present in Libya and many more have expressed interest in pursuing business there and we are encouraging them to take a leading role as Libya's economic reform programme moves forward. The Minister will hold bilateral meetings with Libyan Ministers throughout his three-day visit. On 5 March, Mr Pearson will officially launch ELTEX English Language Training Exhibition and will deliver a keynote speech to the Scottish International and Middle East Association trade delegations. On 6 March, the Minister will meet representatives from Libyan government and members of the Libyan business community at the British Business Group and International Oil Companies Reception.

Wheat to Iraq

2006-03-03T04:48:00.000-08:00

March 3 (Bloomberg) -- Australia's ABB Grain Ltd., CBH Group and GrainCorp Ltd. won a contract to sell wheat to Iraq, gaining an opportunity to replace Australia's monopoly wheat exporter AWB Ltd. during a kickbacks probe.

The three will work together to fill the order for as much as 350,000 metric tons of wheat, the companies said in a statement. Melbourne-based AWB agreed not to exercise a right to veto companies filling the order while it's under investigation for alleged illegal payments to Saddam Hussein's regime.

Prime Minister John Howard said this week that AWB's monopoly is open to question, raising the prospect that other companies may handle the forecast A$4.1 billion ($3 billion) in exports from Australia in the year ended June 2007. The contract would be the second time the nation, the world's second-largest wheat exporter, has sold wheat outside the monopoly.

``This could prove an important test case for the future of the wheat export industry,'' Greg Canavan, a senior equities analyst with independent researcher Fat Prophets, said in Sydney today.

Shares in AWB have slumped 36 percent since the inquiry started Jan. 16, plunging to their lowest in more than 2 1/2 years on March 1. They rose 26 cents, or 7 percent, to A$3.97 at the 4:15 p.m. close in Sydney on the Australian Stock Exchange.

Shares in Adelaide-based ABB, the nation's biggest barley exporter, have gained 8.5 percent since the inquiry started and stock in Sydney-based GrainCorp, eastern Australia's biggest grain handler, has risen 10 percent.

Willing

``AWB has confirmed that it is willing to provide access for Australian-owned grain trading companies to wheat from the national pool,'' Trade Minister Mark Vaile said in a statement. ``I encourage AWB to work expeditiously with these three companies to secure this opportunity.''

The contract would only be the second time Australia has exported a shipment of bulk wheat outside its monopoly system, David Ginns, the chief operating officer of the Grains Council of Australia, said from Canberra. The industry body could not give any details of that sale.

The contract would be worth about $50 million based on the current prices in Chicago.

Australia sold 1.5 million tons of wheat to Iraq in 2004-05 according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

On Feb. 14, it raised its estimate for the latest wheat harvest by 3.7 percent to about 25 million metric tons, which would be its second-biggest crop on record. Total wheat exports could be worth A$4.1 billion in the year ending June 30, 2007, according to Abare.

``AWB International believes that this arrangement is a positive outcome for Australian wheat growers,'' the company's spokesman Peter McBride said today from Sydney.

Separate Issues
Retired judge Terence Cole is investigating claims made in a United Nations report by former U.S. Federal Reserve Chairman Paul Volcker that AWB inflated wheat contracts and funneled $222 million back to Hussein through a Jordanian-based trucking company. Iraq last month refused to deal with AWB during the Cole inquiry.

SOFEX 2006

2006-03-02T06:59:00.000-08:00

SOFEX 2006 is in the final stages of preparation, with just over a month to go before the world's leading manufacturers of special operations and homeland security equipment converge on Amman, Jordan for the kick off of the exhibition on March 27th.

With a whole range of upgraded and expanded facilities, and the highest number of confirmed exhibitors in its history, the six in the series aims to re-enforce SOFEX as the most important event on the counter terrorism calendar.

Held under the Patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah Bin Al-Hussein and under the supervision of his Royal Highness Prince Faisal Bin Al Hussein, Chairman of the SOFEX board of directors, SOFEX 2006 will be a showcase of the latest and most up-to-date technologies used to combat terrorism. The Conference and Exhibition will provide the leading manufacturers and official military delegations from governments around the world, with the ideal opportunity to identify needs and acquire the resources that will keep citizens safe at a time when the threat of terrorism is prevalent around the globe.

Mr. Amer Tabbah, Managing Director of SOFEX 2006, stated, "Since the huge success of our 5th edition in 2004, we have invested in expanding and upgrading the SOFEX site to ensure that SOFEX 2006 is even better than the last edition. Furthermore we have now been accredited by the US Department of Commerce, as well as being awarded similar classifications from numerous European countries, showing the global trust and belief held by many in the SOFEX series.'

Mr. Tabbah added "Previous exhibitors will be present again, whilst we have also witnessed substantial interest from manufacturers around the world for whom this will be their first visit to SOFEX.

To cater for the increased number of participants this year, new halls were constructed for the exhibitors to display their equipment, special chalets were built for visitors to meet in private and the site was expanded to cater for more live demonstrations and mobility displays.

Mr. Tabbah added "The SOFEX site has been equipped with all the latest facilities to meet the needs and expectations of our guests. SOFEX is a world class venue, for a world class event and this has been verified by the number of repeat visitors growing year on year.'

Mr. Tabbaa added "We have also upgraded our media facilities to ensure the needs of our Media guests are well taken care of. Our new media center is equipped with all the latest technologies, which will allow the media to effectively cover all the activities and latest developments and news from SOFEX on a daily basis.'

It is also worth mentioning that many of the manufacturers of the burgeoning Jordanian defence industry will be attending SOFEX 2006. Manufacturers such as Jordan Aeronautical Systems, Jordanian Private Jets, Jordan Aerospace Industries, Fawaz Al Saraireh Trading AMITC, M.S. Jaffar & Son's Company will be participating, as well as the King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau (KADDB), a Jordanian research and development facility created to provide a one-stop solution for the supply of defense and commercial equipment optimized to the requirements of the Middle East.

If you would like to participate in SOFEX 2006 please contact: http//www.mideastconsultants.com

China and North Africa's Economy

2006-03-01T06:12:00.000-08:00

China Bites at the Markets of the Arab Maghreb
Samir Sobh Al-Hayat - 24/02/06//
The spider web woven by the Chinese economy over the past years has extended to the Arab Maghreb region, where Chinese companies have started to establish in a calculated and steady manner. So far, Algeria and Morocco are the two most targeted countries by the Asian giant.
Backed by both an active government and an increasingly growing economy, the Chinese companies were able to penetrate the markets of the Arab Maghreb countries, completing therewith their selective entrance of the African markets. The political trend that previously governed the trade exchanges and the economic relations with all the countries of the world gave way to the pragmatic economic trend. Based on this current reality, one can note that the Chinese private sector, which coordinates its steps according to the public strategy put forth by the government in Beijing, can now win the considerable agreements worldwide.
In this respect, it is worth noting that the continent and the Arab Maghreb region were not kept at bay of this economic invasion. In addition to being endowed with an advanced know-how, the products, which all bear the "Made in China" tag, will no longer stake on low price but will start, henceforth, to make quality their top priority. The Chinese have proven that they are the best when it comes to achieving projects at an unprecedented pace.
One of the most striking examples thereof is achieving the Algerian army hotel - both in construction and equipment - in less than six months. It is a five-star hotel located at Bani Msous region, one of the capital's entries. In Algeria, as in Morocco, especially when it comes to construction and public works, the achievements of the Chinese companies have become a reference. Thus, they have become an indivisible part of most bids undertaken in the countries of the Arab Maghreb.
In this case, is it possible to say that it is hard from now on to outperform the Chinese in the North Africa region? And subsequently to dub them as economic invaders?
With respect to the first part of the question, the Moroccan employers and industrialists confirm that it is too soon to judge. However, on the other hand, we should admit that, with respect to the most important listed offers, the Chinese companies are forever present in the competition arena, except in the fields of arms and civil aviation. As for the second part, the Chinese Ambassador to Rabat, Cheng Tao, responds by rebuffing the tag "economic invaders," which, according to him, does not reflect the reality at all. The reason is that trade between the two countries is developing bilaterally, bearing in mind that the Chinese companies were able to obtain these contracts because they submitted the best offers with respect to cost, quality, and speed of execution.
In Morocco, a noticeable presence…
From Casablanca to Marrakech to the rural areas on top of the Atlas Mountains, the Moroccans have lately and increasingly been coming across a large number of Chinese in their regions, at a time when their products are invading all the markets of the kingdom. Despite this reality, they are far from representing a threat to the Moroccan economy, at least now. China still ranks 8th on the list of exporters to Morocco. Moreover, the import therefrom did not exceed 5.5% of the total import volume for 2005. Thus, if its exports to Morocco have recorded a 30% increase until the beginning of October 2005 compared to the same period in 2004, the exports of the Kingdom, however, have made a giant leap that reached 121%. The purchased goods from China mainly included radio and TV sets (worth 704 million Dirham, the dollar is equivalent to 9.50 Dirham), tea (632 million Dirham), in addition to various tools and appliances (608 million). This has led the Chinese Ambassador in Morocco to talk about a real disequilibrium in the trade balance.
On the other hand, China has decided to allot a subsidy to import phosphate and cobalt minerals from the Moroccan mines. In return, the number of Chinese tourists flocking to Morocco is still very modest. As for direct foreign investments, the Asian giant did not ascribe enough importance to opportunities provided by Morocco in this field, although China has spent more than 4.5 billion dollars on foreign investments during the first 9 months of last year.
Although the Chinese had modestly headed towards the Moroccan markets through ordinary products, such as automobile parts and plastic and mechanic tools, as well as motorbikes, air conditioners, and sanitary ware, they are proving to be aggressive when it comes to major contracts. Based on this diagnosis, a manager at "Bouygues-Maroc," one of the branches of the giant French group specialized in construction and public works, which built Hassan II mosque in Casablanca - one of the most important landmarks in Morocco - admits that the Chinese have really started to complicate things for them through serious competition in the infrastructure field.
In this respect, it is worth noting that in October 2005, the Chinese were able to win a major contract by an agreement with the "Office National des Chemins de Fer du Maroc" to build a tunnel linking the cities of Sidi Kacem and Meknès. Sources reveal, in this respect, that the Chinese noticeably cut down prices to fend off their European competitors at any cost. According to the Moroccan sources in the Ministry of Supplies, this Chinese insistence to accept to implement the project at a lower price than the actual cost stems from a wager on acquiring the infrastructure market in the future, to which the government allocated 30 billion Dirham in the next 8 years. These sources also confirmed that the Chinese government sought to fund the building of three dams and three closed pools with all their supplies. This will provide these Chinese companies in Morocco with major opportunities. The Moroccan economic circles anticipate "a rush" of these companies in the field of popular residences construction, which is a project launched by King Mohamed VI to build thousands of units over the next five years.
But the principal goal of the Chinese lies in monitoring the repercussions of the free trade exchange agreement signed between Morocco and the US. Beijing never suppressed its expectations thereof, especially that due to the partnership agreement with the European Union, with the Arab countries in the framework of Agadir agreement, and now with the US, Morocco can now provide Chinese companies with many promising opportunities that they will subsequently invest to double their exports.
With Algeria, historical relations….
If the economic relations between China and Morocco practically saw the light in the early 80's, the friendship relations between Beijing and Algeria go back to 1964, i.e. two years after proclaiming the independence. For more than 20 years, the Chinese companies have been actively operating in the Algerian markets. They have been present in the framework of the cooperation agreements signed between the two countries with respect to agricultural projects to build dams and residences. The second half of the 90's has witnessed a major comeback of the Chinese companies through building a ceramic factory in Guelma, carrying out 55 thousand residences, and completing the construction works of the Oran (Wahran) governmental hospital, in addition to projects related to the energy field. Last December, "China Petroleum Engineering Construction" signed a contract with Algerian company "SONATRACH" worth 600 million dollars to build properties for the production and treatment of oil fields in Tuat area in the heart of the Big Sahara. The Chinese company sought to complete the work within only 18 months, at a time when rival companies submitted offers committing therein to complete the work in 24 months. On the other hand, Algeria handed the China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation (SINOPEC) another contract worth 525 million dollars to develop Zarzatin oil field, South of the country. It was also agreed that Algeria will export nearly 350 million dollars of crude oil to China through its national company. The Chinese did not cease to win the most substantial contracts in Algeria, including the project of expanding Hawari Boumediene international airport.
After reinforcing their positions in the infrastructure, oil, and residential construction markets, the Chinese companies are endeavoring to be present on all economic fronts in Algeria, especially after President Abdel Aziz Bouteflika announced that he allotted 55 billion dollars over the next five years to complete all infrastructure projects needed by the country. The Chinese, who are now more confident in their potential and performance of their companies than ever, are hoping to elicit the most sizeable share on the level of inviting offers. Thus, they are wagering on the quality and efficiency of the projects they carried out at an unprecedented pace and at preferential prices. This will tempt the Algerian authoritities to resort to their services once again, at a time when it is hard for their competitors, the Europeans in general and the French in particular, to provide the same facts, tools, and conditions. The Chinese are also wagering on the historical friendship with Algeria, a fact that has proven to be efficient in the competitions during the past years.
*Mr. Samir Sobh is an Economic Researcher.

UK Targets $1 Billion Mideast Security Market

2006-02-28T06:26:00.000-08:00

Dubai - Britain will mount the first ever country pavilion at Airport, Port and Transport Security Middle East (APTS ME) 2006, the region’s only integrated conference and exhibition focussed exclusively on key challenges facing airport, port and transport terminals.
Leading British security companies will display state-of-art devices, cutting-edge technologies and the latest training systems.
These include Hansard Security Services, Sensor Electronics, Free Track Marine, Secure Risks, Expamet, ACR Gulf, Wavelet, E-Surveillance, Detector Technologies, Sigma Group and International Risk Control.
“We supported APTS last year and benefited hugely from it,” said pavilion organiser Jason Castellino from the International Mass Transport Group, UK Trade & Investment – a government organisation supporting British companies doing business internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to set up or expand in the UK .
“So we have increased our involvement this year and our aim is to network with key companies from the Middle East’s transport and security industry.” APTS ME will be held at the Grand Hyatt Dubai on April 3 and 4 and will bring together leading regional and international security experts to discuss latest developments in Middle East border and transport security.
“Interest from UK companies has exceeded our expectations and the presence of the first UK Pavilion will provide them with a direct route to the lucrative Middle East security market, which according to current industry estimates is worth US$ 1 billion,” said Michael Costain, event manager, International Business Events, organiser of APTS ME.
This year APTS has a dedicated Supply Chain Conference stream in addition to its aviation and maritime conferences.
The event will be hosted by the Department of Civil Aviation, Government of Dubai and is under the patronage of Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai and Chairman, Emirates Group.
The confex, this year, has the official support of leading industry associations and government bodies including Bahrain International Airport, Sharjah International Airport and Fujairah Airport.
APTS ME is also supported by DP World, Emirates, Dubai Shipping Agents Association, Arab Air Carriers Organisation and UK Trade & Investment.
Organised by International Business Events, now in its second year, APTS ME is the region’s leading aviation, maritime and transport security event.
APTS ME provides the industry with a much needed opportunity to network, debate and exchange ideas on best practice and up-to-the-minute innovations, as well as giving security professionals the chance to experience for themselves the latest products, services and solutions available.
Over 700 attendees from 40 countries attended the inaugural event in 2005. TradeArabia News Service

If you would like to attend or participate in this event, please contact me for details via: http://www.mideastconsultants.com/

GCC Oil Earnings are Rising

2006-02-27T09:30:00.000-08:00

The oil revenues of the GCC states topped $23bn in January or more than $750m-a-day, according data in the latest Gulf Research Council report. Saudi Arabia was the biggest earner at $12.7bn, the UAE was second with $3.9bn and Kuwait earned $3.8bn, Qatar $1.4bn, Oman $1.3bn and Bahrain $120m. These revenues, fueled by higher oil prices, are creating tremendous opportunities for those doing business in the Arabian Gulf. Many of these Middle Eastern governments are translating increased oil income into new infrastructure projects on an unprecedented scale.

2006-02-27T07:57:00.000-08:00

POWER-GEN Middle East 2006 Conference & Exhibition

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 28th January 2006 - 150 exhibiting companies with 29% from the Middle East, 46% from Europe, 9% from Asia and 16% from North and South America will be participating in POWER-GEN Middle East 2006 – the 4th Conference & Exhibition which will be held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Diab Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority, between 30th January and 1st February 2006.

POWER-GEN Middle East 2006 (PGME '06) is the Gulf region's premier annual power generation event. Launched in October 2002 at the Abu Dhabi International Exhibitions Centre, PGME combines the region's largest power generation exhibition with a high-level conference tackling the critical issues currently facing the growing power sector.

The event is now established as the definitive conference and exhibition in the Middle East region focusing on power generation, transmission & distribution and associated desalination issues, combining a high-level three-day conference with the regions largest exhibition featuring the worlds top power companies and regional utilities. PGME will be the ideal platform to showcase the latest products and technology, from the 150 exhibiting companies from around the world, including regional utilities such as; ADWEA and its group of companies of the UAE, Saudi Electricity Company of the KSA, as well as major international companies like; ABB, GE, Alsthom, Hitachi, Doonsan, Siemens, Honeywell, to name but a few.

Running in parallel with the exhibition, PGME is presenting a high-level strategic and technical conference addressing the key issues facing the sector, covering areas such as; strategies to meet demand, financing options, project planning and cutting-edge technology in both power and desalination. It has been our priority to secure the participation of top-level speakers, market leaders and experts – electricity and water ministry officials, regulators, consultants, financiers and developers.

Acknowledging the role of the leadership of the UAE in the growth of the event, HE Ahmad Humaid Al Mazrouie, ADNEC Board Member & Managing Director of ADNEC said, "The Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC), aims to raise awareness of opportunities that continue to be created for trade, investment and tourism with its portfolio of international exhibitions, conferences, festivals and entertainment." He added, "Our economy is continually developing, diversifying and strengthening, as traditional sectors such as; oil and gas and re-export are supported by growing sectors such as; tourism, industry and export."

Mr Nick Ornstein, Group Publisher & General Manager of the PennWell Corporation said, "PGME has been brought to the Middle East as the regions power sector reaches a critical time in its development cycle. Electricity demand in the Middle East is expected to grow to an annual rate of between 7% and 10% over the next 10 years, outstripping the world average of 3%." He added, "Statistics from the WEC show that 10% of global growth in generating capacity will come from the Arab World within the next 10 years. The UAE will require 8,000 MW of new capacity within the next 10 years, while Saudi Arabic will require an additional 42 GW by 2020. Much of this growth in demand is being driven by the need for drinking water, high population growth rates and the drive to diversify to a more industrial based economy."

HE Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Director of Privatisation Directorate said, "Considering the fact that the Abu Dhabi Government and through the Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority (ADWEA) is undertaking the first programme for privatisation of the water and electricity sector in the region, achieving fantastic success attracting foreign investments, which contributed significantly to the expansion and construction of Power Generation and Desalination Plants." He added, "By now the total invested funds solicited by ADWEA has amounted to 38 Billion Dirhams."

Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) is the Emerald Sponsor for PGME '06. Supporting regional publication is Middle East Energy (MEE), Flagship media sponsor is Power Engineering International (PEI), Official airline is Etihad Airways and Co-hosted by the Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority.

If you would like to attend or participate in this event, please contact me for details via: http://www.mideastconsultants.com

Middle East Events and News

2006-02-27T07:48:00.000-08:00

This blog covers events and news of the Middle East.