Parties must come together to reach a ‘middle’ ground
THE US debt, which is expected to increase to $14.3 trillion on Aug 2, requires an agreement between the Obama administration and the Republicans to raise the debt limit to avert a crisis in the local and international economies.
While the Democrats insist on avoiding imposing higher taxes on the rich, the Republicans seem keen on forcing the former to cut spending in social security, medical care and other socio-economic areas.
Disagreements between the two parties should not affect the role of America in international financial and trading systems, which are intertwined.
Furthermore, this should not affect the American role in global security and military role in many parts of the world that depend on the US to maintain their security and sovereignty. Kuwait is one of the countries supported by the US military, especially during the Desert Shield, Desert Storm, and maybe this time when we are facing threats from some militant groups in our northern neighbor due to our plan to build Mubarak Al-Kabeer port.
The two political parties in the US must come together to reach the middle ground. They should first focus on making more revenues. They should take into consideration that people in need will survive through the support of the government in the form of social and medical programs, and the rich can contribute more during the crisis to save America and its allies, as well as the world security and economy.
Email: labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171903/reftab/73/Default.aspx
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Wednesday, 20 July 2011
New Delhi must combat terrorism
‘Triple efforts’
MUMBAI, the commercial and financial center in India, recently witnessed three terrorist bombings that killed 21 innocent people and injured several others. The bombings were carried out in crowded areas to derail development and peaceful efforts in the region.
The series of major attacks on India’s urban area like Delhi, Pune, Varanasi, Bangalore and Mumbai, from 2008 to 2011 should serve as a wake-up call for the nation to triple its efforts in combating terrorism.
It is necessary to invest more on counterterrorism training programs and intelligence systems to maintain peace and stability in the densely populated country, which is considered an emerging super power due to its rapid economic growth.
The international community should be more vigilant, unite in condemning atrocious acts and fully support India in its bid to combat terrorism.
The East and the West must be strongly committed to the global counterterrorism efforts to prevent the recurrence of tragic attacks.
Moreover, the second India-US strategic dialogue, peaceful talks in the region, and constructive efforts between India and Pakistan should not be disrupted, considering their historic relations as neighbors. Both nations and their leaderships must work together, along with the international community, to maintain security and stability in one of the important parts of the world.Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171679/reftab/36/t/New-Delhi-must--combat-terrorism/Default.aspx
MUMBAI, the commercial and financial center in India, recently witnessed three terrorist bombings that killed 21 innocent people and injured several others. The bombings were carried out in crowded areas to derail development and peaceful efforts in the region.
The series of major attacks on India’s urban area like Delhi, Pune, Varanasi, Bangalore and Mumbai, from 2008 to 2011 should serve as a wake-up call for the nation to triple its efforts in combating terrorism.
It is necessary to invest more on counterterrorism training programs and intelligence systems to maintain peace and stability in the densely populated country, which is considered an emerging super power due to its rapid economic growth.
The international community should be more vigilant, unite in condemning atrocious acts and fully support India in its bid to combat terrorism.
The East and the West must be strongly committed to the global counterterrorism efforts to prevent the recurrence of tragic attacks.
Moreover, the second India-US strategic dialogue, peaceful talks in the region, and constructive efforts between India and Pakistan should not be disrupted, considering their historic relations as neighbors. Both nations and their leaderships must work together, along with the international community, to maintain security and stability in one of the important parts of the world.Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171679/reftab/36/t/New-Delhi-must--combat-terrorism/Default.aspx
Monday, 11 July 2011
The new republic of South Sudan
Separation was only remedy
THE republic of South Sudan is one of the newest countries in the world with a population of around eight million. The UN will deploy 7,000 military personnel and 900 international policemen to maintain peace and help in the development of the new nation.
The separation of North and South Sudan was the only remedy after 21 years of civil war in which both sides lost enormous number of innocent men, women and children and which caused extensive damage to roads, buildings and services.
Surely, the UN peacekeepers will have a vital role to play in transforming an area of outlaws to a new country by patrolling the streets to prevent conflicts between the new established state and any militant combatants.
They will also have to support other UN agencies in the peace-building programs by promoting development and ensuring security of the civilians.
Moreover, the new government, in cooperation with the UN, will need to take steps to ensure the rule of law, justice, political space and democratic rights, and will have to make extraordinary efforts to combat poverty and the previous loss of order.
One can only hope that the dispute does not get reignited between the Arab-dominated north and the ethnic African south because of greed on reserves of oil on the borders between the two capitals Khartoum in the north and Juba in the south, especially now when many geographic and demographic changes are expected to occur in the new Arab world order.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171313/reftab/73/t/The-new-republic-of-South-Sudan/Default.aspx
THE republic of South Sudan is one of the newest countries in the world with a population of around eight million. The UN will deploy 7,000 military personnel and 900 international policemen to maintain peace and help in the development of the new nation.
The separation of North and South Sudan was the only remedy after 21 years of civil war in which both sides lost enormous number of innocent men, women and children and which caused extensive damage to roads, buildings and services.
Surely, the UN peacekeepers will have a vital role to play in transforming an area of outlaws to a new country by patrolling the streets to prevent conflicts between the new established state and any militant combatants.
They will also have to support other UN agencies in the peace-building programs by promoting development and ensuring security of the civilians.
Moreover, the new government, in cooperation with the UN, will need to take steps to ensure the rule of law, justice, political space and democratic rights, and will have to make extraordinary efforts to combat poverty and the previous loss of order.
One can only hope that the dispute does not get reignited between the Arab-dominated north and the ethnic African south because of greed on reserves of oil on the borders between the two capitals Khartoum in the north and Juba in the south, especially now when many geographic and demographic changes are expected to occur in the new Arab world order.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171313/reftab/73/t/The-new-republic-of-South-Sudan/Default.aspx
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Hezbollah and Special Tribunal
New stage in fact-finding
THE indictment the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) released on June 30, 2011, accusing four members of Hezbollah group and 22 others in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Al-Hariri was a declaration of a new stage in the fact-finding mission.
The court mentioned in its statement that ‘this is not a verdict of guilt and an accused in presumed innocent unless his or her guilt is established in a trail.
’International reports said thorough investigations were conducted in many countries, including Lebanon and the surrounding countries, to find the political motives that led to the decision to kill Hariri and how the plans for the assassination were made and implemented, besides the steps taken to cover the traces left behind by the assassins.
After his speech on July 1, 2011, Hassan Nasrallah vowed that the four members of his group indicted by the STL will never be arrested.
He fully denied the role of the court, rejected all charges against the group and raised doubts about the competence of the court.
No doubt, there will be lots of challenges for the Lebanese government in the coming stage.
It had initially requested the UN to establish a tribunal of an international character to try those who are responsible for the attack on Rafiq Al-Hariri.
Now, it must serve the indictment in 30 days or the court will publish the indictment in the local media.In fact, the court might proceed with the trial against the suspects in absentia or decide to re-draft the indictment like how it happened in Jan 2011.It can show many doubts in the evidence to make sure that the court will have enough to rely on to go for trial against the above-mentioned suspects or any others in the whole issue.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171141/reftab/36/t/Hezbollah-and-Special-Tribunal/Default.aspx
THE indictment the UN-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) released on June 30, 2011, accusing four members of Hezbollah group and 22 others in the 2005 assassination of former Lebanese prime minister Rafiq Al-Hariri was a declaration of a new stage in the fact-finding mission.
The court mentioned in its statement that ‘this is not a verdict of guilt and an accused in presumed innocent unless his or her guilt is established in a trail.
’International reports said thorough investigations were conducted in many countries, including Lebanon and the surrounding countries, to find the political motives that led to the decision to kill Hariri and how the plans for the assassination were made and implemented, besides the steps taken to cover the traces left behind by the assassins.
After his speech on July 1, 2011, Hassan Nasrallah vowed that the four members of his group indicted by the STL will never be arrested.
He fully denied the role of the court, rejected all charges against the group and raised doubts about the competence of the court.
No doubt, there will be lots of challenges for the Lebanese government in the coming stage.
It had initially requested the UN to establish a tribunal of an international character to try those who are responsible for the attack on Rafiq Al-Hariri.
Now, it must serve the indictment in 30 days or the court will publish the indictment in the local media.In fact, the court might proceed with the trial against the suspects in absentia or decide to re-draft the indictment like how it happened in Jan 2011.It can show many doubts in the evidence to make sure that the court will have enough to rely on to go for trial against the above-mentioned suspects or any others in the whole issue.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171141/reftab/36/t/Hezbollah-and-Special-Tribunal/Default.aspx
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Gaddafi and criminal justice
Libyan leader on wanted list
The arrest order issued by the Netherlands-based international court against Muammar Gaddafi, his son and his intelligence chief Abdullah Al-Sanoussi is a historic decision as it is aimed at bringing to justice some of the dictators in the Middle East.The court convicted them for murdering Libyan civilians who rebelled against the regime and for orchestrating the killings, arrests and imprisonment of hundreds of civilians during the first 12 days of the uprising.
Adding Gaddafi to the list of wanted international criminal suspects from the Middle East is considered a vital step in widening the scope of the international criminal justice system and its reach.
It has also delivered an important message to all those rulers who they think the world is not watching them commit atrocities against their fellow countrymen, women and children.
Moreover, Tunisia became the 116th state to join the ICC’s governing treaty, the Rome treaty, on June 24, 2011. It is the 23rd country from Africa, the first from North Africa and the fourth country from the Arab world to do so.
It is a highly recognized step in the international community as it is practically an expression of commitment to the rule of the international law from Tunisia, given the dynamic changes there after the Jasmine revolution and the never-ending threats in the region.
More Arab countries need to take similar steps to seriously end the impunity of perpetrators of the most serious crimes like genocide, crimes against humanity, aggression and racial cleansing, which threaten peace, security and the wellbeing of the world.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171017/reftab/73/t/Gaddafi-and-criminal-justice/Default.aspx
The arrest order issued by the Netherlands-based international court against Muammar Gaddafi, his son and his intelligence chief Abdullah Al-Sanoussi is a historic decision as it is aimed at bringing to justice some of the dictators in the Middle East.The court convicted them for murdering Libyan civilians who rebelled against the regime and for orchestrating the killings, arrests and imprisonment of hundreds of civilians during the first 12 days of the uprising.
Adding Gaddafi to the list of wanted international criminal suspects from the Middle East is considered a vital step in widening the scope of the international criminal justice system and its reach.
It has also delivered an important message to all those rulers who they think the world is not watching them commit atrocities against their fellow countrymen, women and children.
Moreover, Tunisia became the 116th state to join the ICC’s governing treaty, the Rome treaty, on June 24, 2011. It is the 23rd country from Africa, the first from North Africa and the fourth country from the Arab world to do so.
It is a highly recognized step in the international community as it is practically an expression of commitment to the rule of the international law from Tunisia, given the dynamic changes there after the Jasmine revolution and the never-ending threats in the region.
More Arab countries need to take similar steps to seriously end the impunity of perpetrators of the most serious crimes like genocide, crimes against humanity, aggression and racial cleansing, which threaten peace, security and the wellbeing of the world.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/171017/reftab/73/t/Gaddafi-and-criminal-justice/Default.aspx
Sunday, 26 June 2011
Spain and Middle Eastern spring
Need to listen to people’s voice ...
THE youth gatherings in Spain to express anger on the rising unemployment rate, inflation and the government’s austerity measures, which were deemed against the middle class, have worsened the situation in the West Europe.Over 25,000 demonstrators recently gathered in Madrid’s main plaza in protest against the high unemployment rate in Spain, which now stands at 21 percent - the highest in the western world and a record of more than 4.5 million people without jobs.
Maybe the Middle Eastern springs have focused on the ouster of regimes engulfed in corruption, poverty and outright disregard of people’s demand for freedom of expression, while the spring of Spain emerged in an attempt to solve the unemployment problem.
However, one can still say Spain is a democratic country and It was wise not to use force against the protesters.
All that remains to be done is the quick implementation of economic reforms without overthrowing the regime.
The main point in both cases is the need to listen to the people’s voice at the right time and the right place. The citizens of any country should not be deprived of their basic needs like jobs, education and health programs.Governments all over the world must form crisis management teams to immediately take the necessary action and help the people. They should not remain in their respective posts for a long time and refrain from engaging in absolute denial.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170787/reftab/73/Default.aspx
THE youth gatherings in Spain to express anger on the rising unemployment rate, inflation and the government’s austerity measures, which were deemed against the middle class, have worsened the situation in the West Europe.Over 25,000 demonstrators recently gathered in Madrid’s main plaza in protest against the high unemployment rate in Spain, which now stands at 21 percent - the highest in the western world and a record of more than 4.5 million people without jobs.
Maybe the Middle Eastern springs have focused on the ouster of regimes engulfed in corruption, poverty and outright disregard of people’s demand for freedom of expression, while the spring of Spain emerged in an attempt to solve the unemployment problem.
However, one can still say Spain is a democratic country and It was wise not to use force against the protesters.
All that remains to be done is the quick implementation of economic reforms without overthrowing the regime.
The main point in both cases is the need to listen to the people’s voice at the right time and the right place. The citizens of any country should not be deprived of their basic needs like jobs, education and health programs.Governments all over the world must form crisis management teams to immediately take the necessary action and help the people. They should not remain in their respective posts for a long time and refrain from engaging in absolute denial.
Email: Labeed.abdal@gmail.com
By: Labeed Abdal
Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170787/reftab/73/Default.aspx
‘Luxury spring’ in Kuwait
Rallies put off due to hot weather
Some Kuwaiti MPs, who repeatedly called for the resignation of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in the series of Friday protests recently, proved they are not serious in their demand when they postponed the demonstrations due to the scorching heat of summer and for them to spend their summer holiday in Europe.
Under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and the prime minister, Kuwait has started moving towards advancement. It has laid down the $145 million development plan, which includes health cities, educational villages, underground transportation and rail road systems, new airports and other infrastructure projects.
Nevertheless, the incessant and unnecessary conflicts in the Parliament have stopped it from playing its role effectively. It should focus on the enactment of new legislation and monitor the performance of the ministers, particularly in carrying out their administrative duties and implementing public policy.
The Middle Eastern springs emerged due to rising unemployment rate and poverty. The average income in Egypt is two dollars a day and most people there cannot even afford to buy food, yet here we are busy trying different diet programs and undergoing surgeries to remove body fats.
As part of the Kuwaiti nation, we are responsible for building the country. We must work closely with our leaders to achieve the Amir’s vision of transforming Kuwait into a financial hub in the region without any further delay. However, the pointless escalation of tension has delayed the implementation of many mega projects and this will undoubtedly cost Kuwait billions of dollars!
By: Labeed Abdal -
Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170779/reftab/73/Default.aspx
Some Kuwaiti MPs, who repeatedly called for the resignation of HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah in the series of Friday protests recently, proved they are not serious in their demand when they postponed the demonstrations due to the scorching heat of summer and for them to spend their summer holiday in Europe.
Under the leadership of HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and the prime minister, Kuwait has started moving towards advancement. It has laid down the $145 million development plan, which includes health cities, educational villages, underground transportation and rail road systems, new airports and other infrastructure projects.
Nevertheless, the incessant and unnecessary conflicts in the Parliament have stopped it from playing its role effectively. It should focus on the enactment of new legislation and monitor the performance of the ministers, particularly in carrying out their administrative duties and implementing public policy.
The Middle Eastern springs emerged due to rising unemployment rate and poverty. The average income in Egypt is two dollars a day and most people there cannot even afford to buy food, yet here we are busy trying different diet programs and undergoing surgeries to remove body fats.
As part of the Kuwaiti nation, we are responsible for building the country. We must work closely with our leaders to achieve the Amir’s vision of transforming Kuwait into a financial hub in the region without any further delay. However, the pointless escalation of tension has delayed the implementation of many mega projects and this will undoubtedly cost Kuwait billions of dollars!
By: Labeed Abdal -
Attorney-at-Law
http://www.arabtimesonline.com/NewsDetails/tabid/96/smid/414/ArticleID/170779/reftab/73/Default.aspx
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