Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to Travel to the Middle East
Source: U.S. Department of Defense (Read full story)
Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel will travel to Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates April 20-27. Hagel will first travel to Israel where he will meet with Minister of Defense Moshe Ya’alon, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres to further the close military to military relationship between the United States and Israel. Hagel’s trip follows on President Barack Obama’s visit to Israel where he announced that the United States and Israel will negotiate a new 10-year agreement to provide Israel with foreign military financing. The secretary will also discuss regional challenges including those presented by Iran and Syria.
…
National Assembly backs Amir, supports security measures – Court to review Barrak’s appeal on April 22
Source: Kuwait Times (Read full story)
…
The interior ministry meanwhile strongly condemned in a statement protesters for resorting to violence and setting ablaze some public properties, adding that the security forces were forced to retailiate after they were attacked. The statement warned that authorities will firmly confront any act of violence and any attempt to break the law, adding that security men arrested a number of people who are subjected to interrogation.In the meantime, the national assembly yesterday issued a statement in which it condemned any attempt to insult the Amir whose status is protected under the constitution. The statement also declared the assembly’s total support for His Highness the Amir and for the measures being adopted by the security forces to maintain law and order.
Clashes erupt in Bahrain on eve of F1 race
Source: The National (Read full story)
Clashes between protesters and security forces erupted in several Shiite villages across Bahrain yesterday as authorities vowed to ensure security at this weekend’s Formula One Grand Prix. Opposition supporters have called for stepped-up protests during the race weekend to demand reform and an end to what they say is the economic and political marginalisation of the Shiite community on the island. Bahraini authorities and F1 officials, however, say that the high-profile race will be a boost to the country’s economy and efforts to end the political crisis. Jean Todt, the head of F1’s governing body, wrote to Bahraini rights groups that “sport, and the F1 Grand Prix, can have a positive and healing effect in situations where conflict, social unrest and tensions are causing distress”, according to a copy of the letter obtained by Reuters.
…
Falling prices spark gold rush
Source: Arab News (Read full story)
The crash in the prices of the yellow metal has sparked off a gold rush across Saudi Arabia. In the last three days, gold souks in the Kingdom have come alive with buyers flocking to cash in on the sharp drop in gold prices. Most of the shop owners in the gold souk in Kandra said that their businesses have increased 50 percent in the last three days, whereas those in Balad said sales of 22-carat had gone up by more than 75 per cent and were expected to rise further.Ismail, a salesman at Malabar Gold in Balad reported record rush since the drop in gold prices. Arshia Nuzhat Baig, an Indian housewife in Jeddah, said it was “good news.”
…
UAE cracks Al Qaeda cell
Source: The Khaleej Times (Read full story)
…
Dr Abdul Khaliq Abdullah, Professor of Political Science at the UAE University, said Al Qaeda was everywhere, and its offshoots and cells would remain a part of life. “It seems we are still plagued by it, but it is not what it was 10 years ago when it was at the height of its glory. Now, it is at its weakest,” he added. He said the UAE had succeeded in staving off Al Qaeda and its impacts, as it had become less and less open than in the past. “This is the evidence of its weakness, not like when it managed the 9/11 terrorist attacks,” he said. The six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) was always targeted by Al Qaeda, particularly Saudi Arabia because the latter borders Yemen. Describing the security forces in the UAE as strong, he said they were capable of keeping order, security and stability of the country.
…
Emirates NBD Wholesale Bank underlines significance of investments in green energy for GCC economies
Source: Emirates News Agency (Read full story)
…
Outlining the important drivers for renewable energy investments in the Middle East, Van der Tol said that the region’s geographical presence holds strong potential opportunities from climatic perspective for both solar and wind energy. “Not only do such alternate energy investments promote greener regional environment and share in reduction of global warming, they could also provide significant employment opportunities while widening the economic base.” Identifying some of the challenges to regional investment in green energy such as the cost competitiveness of green energy versus conventional energy, the financing challenges and the need for green energy incentives, Van der Tol emphasised the significance of governmental support.
…