Yemen foils Al Qaeda plot to seize cities

Source: Khaleej Times (Read full story)

Yemeni authorities have foiled an Al Qaeda plot to seize control of two cities and an oil export terminal and to kidnap foreigners, a government spokesman said on Wednesday.  “The main aim of the plot was to seize control of two cities, Al Mukalla and Ghayl Bawazeer” in the southeast, Rajeh Badi told AFP, adding that oil export facilities near Mukalla were also to be targeted. Foreigners working at the terminal were to be kidnapped as well, he said. He said that the Mina Al Dhaba oil terminal west of Mukalla, and a nearby export facility for oil derivatives, were to be targeted by militants disguised in army uniforms.

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Cabinet, parliament must cooperate for development – Premier calls for unity

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His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Jaber Al-Mubarak Al-Hamad Al-Sabah said here yesterday that the cabinet will exert more effort in cooperating with the National Assembly to achieve the hopes and aspirations of the people of Kuwait. Sheikh Jaber expressed happiness on the opening of the first session of the 14th legislative term of the National Assembly, congratulating members of parliament, wishing them success in translating the aspirations of the Kuwaiti people, in facing challenges and accelerating the process of reform and development to reflect positively on the country and its people. During the opening of the first session of the 14th legislative term of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister said “today, we begin a new stage in the path of national work, looking forward to benefit from previous experiences in facing future challenges.”

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The 3rd US-Saudi Business Opportunities Forum set for Los Angeles is about a month away. This landmark three-day gathering, which builds on highly successful events in Chicago and Atlanta, will highlight the U.S.-Saudi commercial and trade relationship and how U.S. companies can participate in Saudi Arabia’s extraordinary economic growth as well as provide a unique platform for American and Saudi executives to establish new and lasting business ties. Already the largest economy in the region and a key member of the G20, Saudi Arabia is undergoing an extraordinary economic boom. Massive public investment, rapid private-sector growth and new sector initiatives are driving an expansion projected to offer more than $1 trillion in trade and investment opportunities over the next decade.

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King Abdullah appoints son of Saudi crown prince new deputy defence minister

Source: The National (Read full story)

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Crown Prince Salman was made minister after the death of the late Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, who had held the role for over five decades, in 2011. Over the past two years King Abdullah has reshuffled a number of government positions held by princes as he oversees a transition towards younger men. Prince Sultan replaces Prince Fahd bin Abdullah bin Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, from a minor branch of the ruling family, who was appointed to the job less than four months ago. Prince Fahd’s predecessor, Prince Khaled bin Sultan, was a son of the previous defence minister and commanded Saudi forces during the 1991 Gulf War. He had until recently been seen as a possible future contender for higher office in the kingdom.

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Qatar Charity raises QR20m for Syrians

Source: The Peninsula (Read full story)

A Qatari philanthropist has donated through Doha-based charitable organisation, RAF, 10,000 tonnes of wheat flour for Syrian refugees, while Qatar Charity (QC) has raised QR20m within two hours of live broadcast via Aljazeera Mubasher (Direct) as part of their 10-day relief campaign for the refugees. Called “Syria… Pain and Hope”, QC’s campaign had a live broadcast at 11pm on Monday and within two hours it collected QR20m, a large chunk of the fund was donated by Qatari philanthropists. The campaign was also broadcast internationally in 25 television channels and radio stations. Held at Aljazeera Centre for Training and Development, the event saw the participation of a number of Islamic scholars and officials from Qatar Charity.

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