The Great Mini World museum is testimony to Moshe Samter’s boundless imagination, sense of fun and painstaking attention to detail.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Great Mini World: A unique museum of imagination
Herzog to fly to Abu Dhabi for condolence visit over president's death
Senior sources have said that President Isaac Herzog is planning on flying to the UAE to represent Israel at the funeral of President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Herzog to fly to Abu Dhabi for condolence visit over president's death
Secret British ‘black propaganda’ campaign targeted cold war enemies
Britain stirred up tensions, chaos and violence in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, according to declassified papers..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Secret British ‘black propaganda’ campaign targeted cold war enemies
From childhood in Al Ain to revered leader: Sheikh Khalifa’s path to UAE presidency
It was on November 3, 2004, that Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in his 57th year, took over as the United Arab Emirate’s second-ever president and leader of the nation.He succeeded his father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Al Nahyan, as the 16th ruler of the emirate of Abu Dhabi, the largest of the country’s seven cities and until 1971 an independent emirate, a day after the founding father’s passing.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Just a few weeks later, in a poignant speech on his first National Day as President, Sheikh Khalifa spoke of the “deep sense of sadness and bereavement that has filled our hearts over the passing of our father, leader and Founding Father of our nation.”Sheikh Zayed, he said, had “cherished a dream and devoted his life to achieving that dream, using the oil wealth to build a modern state in which both UAE nationals and resident expatriates enjoy a decent living. His deep sense of commitment to the welfare of his people enabled him to overcome the hurdles that stood in his way, ultimately succeeding in bringing the country to where it is today.”Sheikh Khalifa turned to his goal of carrying on in his father’s footsteps to chart the UAE towards a path of progress and prosperity.At that time, he was already accustomed to a life of public service, which first began in his teenage years.Born in 1948 in al-Muwaiji fort, Sheikh Khalifa was trained at the first local school in al-Ain, which had also been established by his father.It was on September 18, 1966, when he was aged just 18, that Sheikh Khalifa was appointed Ruler’s Representative in the Eastern Region and Head of the Courts Department in al-Ain.Over the years his responsibilities extended.On February 1, 1969, Sheikh Khalifa was nominated as the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and on the next day, he was appointed Head of the Abu Dhabi Department of Defense. In that post, he oversaw the build-up of the Abu Dhabi Defense Force, which after 1971 became the core of the UAE Armed Forces.Following the establishment of the UAE in 1971, Sheikh Khalifa assumed several positions in Abu Dhabi: Prime Minister, head of the Abu Dhabi Cabinet (under his father), Minister of Defense, and Minister of Finance. After the reconstruction of the Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates, the Abu Dhabi Cabinet was replaced by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, and Sheikh Khalifa became the second Deputy Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates (December 23, 1973) and the Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi (January 20, 1974).In 1976, following the decision by the Federal Supreme Council to create a unified military force for the new nation, he was appointed as Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, with responsibility for training and the introducing modern equipment.Some of Sheikh Khalifa’s most prominent roles were his chairmanships of Abu Dhabi’s Supreme Petroleum Council, founded in 1988, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which he was instrumental in creating in 1976 and has since grown to become the largest sovereign wealth fund in the world.After being named the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on November 3, 2004, he was reelected in 2009 for a second five-year term, a term which was renewed again until his passing.Away from public duties, Sheikh Khalifa – whose full name is Khalifa bin Zayed bin Sultan bin Zayed bin Khalifa bin Shakhbout bin Theyab bin Issa bin Nahyan bin Falah bin Yas – was married to Sheikha Shamsa bint Suhail al-Mazrouei, and together they have eight children: two sons and six daughters.Widely loved and revered, Sheikh Khalifa was renowned for being a good listener, modest, affable and interested in his people, and was known for his regular tours of the regions and other emirates.He was reputed to have had many hobbies, including fishing and falconry, both pastimes he developed a love for from his father, the late Sheikh Zayed.Like his father, Sheikh Khalifa had a vision for the future. In October last year, he issued a decree on the adoption of the country’s ten principles for the next fifty years.Read more: UAE president issues decree to adopt country’s ten principles for next 50 yearsThese included strengthening the Union, its institutions, legislature, capabilities and finances.Another principle was for the UAE over the upcoming period build the best and most dynamic economy in the world.Sheikh Khalifa had rarely been seen in public since 2014 after undergoing surgery following a stroke, even as his country continued to gain recognition on the global scene.Read more:UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed dies at age 73Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed: UAE ‘lost its righteous son’ following Sheikh Khalifa death
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: From childhood in Al Ain to revered leader: Sheikh Khalifa’s path to UAE presidency
Shireen Abu Aqla: Violence at Al Jazeera reporter's funeral in Jerusalem
Police with riot gear hit mourners, saying they were pelted with stones, as crowds carry her coffin..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Shireen Abu Aqla: Violence at Al Jazeera reporter's funeral in Jerusalem
Lebanese activists launch mock ‘lollar’ currency to denounce high-level corruption
Lebanese activists Friday rolled out mock banknotes featuring paintings of a gutted central bank or the Beirut port explosion to denounce high-level corruption that has helped to wreck the country.The collapse of the Lebanese pound and frozen bank accounts have left Lebanon with a confusing currency system, with a multitude of exchange rates applying to various situations in daily life.The dollars stuck in accounts that citizens can only withdraw in Lebanese pounds at a fraction of their original value are known locally as “lollars.”With parliamentary elections two days away, the Lebanese Transparency Association (LTA) decided to take the joke to the streets, with a stunt encouraging people to use “lollars” for the day.The “monetary disobedience” campaign, entitled “Currency of Corruption,” encourages people to print their own “funny money” at home and try to use it as a means of raising awareness.“We will not adapt to this mockery anymore, we are #NotPayingThePrice,” the LTA said in a statement unveiling the campaign and its hashtag.The mock banknotes feature paintings by acclaimed Lebanon-based artist Tom Young depicting calamities that have hit Lebanon in recent years, from the deadly August 2020 port blast to forest fires, solid waste pollution and shortages.On one of Beirut’s main squares Friday, organizers installed a fake ATM from which passers-by could withdraw “lollars.”LTA communications officer Hazar Assi said the campaign was aimed at reminding voters that their current plight was to blame on the country’s corrupt hereditary leaders.“When people vote, they should make a choice based on accountability and rejecting the corruption that is affecting all of our lives,” she said.Lebanon’s traditional sectarian parties will seek extend their stranglehold on power in parliamentary elections on Sunday but a new generation of independent candidates are hoping for a breakthrough.Read more:Braced for battle: The candidates with influence over Lebanon’s electionsLebanese passports are exits to nowhereUS says ‘no wiggle room’ on Lebanon holding May elections
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Lebanese activists launch mock ‘lollar’ currency to denounce high-level corruption
UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed passes away
UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs announced a 40-day period of mourning and a three-day suspension of work in all ministries and the private sector..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: UAE president Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed passes away
Saudi Arabia’s King, Crown Prince mourn death of UAE’s Sheikh Khalifa
Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman offered their condolences to the UAE following the death of the country’s President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.King Salman and the Crown Prince received the news of Sheikh Khalifa’s death with great sadness and deep sorrow, the report said.The King and the Crown Prince offered their sincere condolences to the UAE’s government, people and Al Nahyan family as well as to the Arab and Muslim world over the death of Sheikh Khalifa, a leader who achieved a lot for his people, his nation and the world.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.The Kingdom’s foreign ministry also offered its condolences to the UAE over the death of its president.“We voice our sincerest condolences to the UAE’s government and its people for the death of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed. May God have mercy on him,” the Kingdom’s foreign ministry said in a Tweet.Sheikh Khalifa, who served as the president of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi since November 3, 2004, died at the age of 73.Since becoming the president of the UAE, Sheikh Khalifa has presided over a major restructuring of both the federal government and the government of Abu Dhabi.Some of Sheikh Khalifa’s most notable roles were his chairmanships of Abu Dhabi’s Supreme Petroleum Council, founded in 1988, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which he was instrumental in creating in 1976.Read more:Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed: UAE ‘lost its righteous son’ following Sheikh Khalifa deathFrom childhood in Al Ain to revered leader: Sheikh Khalifa’s path to UAE presidency
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Saudi Arabia’s King, Crown Prince mourn death of UAE’s Sheikh Khalifa
On visit to Iran, Qatar emir offers support to revive nuclear deal
Iran’s President Ebrahim Raisi described Sheikh Tamim’s one-day visit to Tehran as a turning point in relations between Iran and Qatar..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: On visit to Iran, Qatar emir offers support to revive nuclear deal
Pentagon chief speaks to Russian counterpart for first time since Feb. 18
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Russian counterpart for the first time since Feb. 18 today, the Pentagon says.“Secretary Austin urged an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and emphasized the importance of maintaining lines of communication,” according to a readout of the call.For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.Despite repeated attempts by the Pentagon to reach out to Russian military officials, the Kremlin has largely ignored US calls since it invaded Ukraine in February.Washington and Moscow quickly opened a deconfliction hotline to avoid any misunderstanding ahead of Russia’s invasion and as the US beefed up its troop presence in and around NATO’s eastern flank.While repeatedly saying it did not want a direct conflict with Russia, the US has sent billions of dollars in military and economic aid to Ukraine as it fends off what Vladimir Putin has dubbed a “special military operation.”Read more: ‘This is a fight he really doesn’t want’: Pentagon chief warns Russia’s Putin
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Pentagon chief speaks to Russian counterpart for first time since Feb. 18