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Saudi Arabia said Monday an F-15S fighter jet crashed after suffering a technical fault, though its two pilots safely ejected.
The Royal Saudi Air Force F-15 was on a training mission around King Abdulaziz Air Base in the kingdom’s Eastern Province, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported, citing a military statement.
An investigation is under way into the reasons behind the technical fault that caused the crash.
Source: National News Agency
One of the largest and rapidly growing Muslim and Arab American communities in the United States lives and works in Dearborn, Michigan.
“Arabs are almost half of the city,” said Osama Siblani about his adopted hometown, a Detroit suburb of about 110,000 people that, among other things, is home to the Arab American National Museum and the offices of Lebanese-born Sibani’s Arab American News. “We are the oldest, the largest Arab American publication in the country.”
Since Siblani started the weekly bilingual publication in the 1980s, each election brought unique challenges for his growing community, many of them recent immigrants – and new U.S. citizens – just learning English.
“I came here in 1976, and I find some difficulty in writing and reading some of these proposals and understanding them,” he told VOA.
Over the years, many turned to The Arab American News and other community organizations, like ACCESS, or Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services, to understand who – and what – was on their English language ballots.
“Arabic is not a language that is covered by the Voting Rights Act,” explained University of Michigan political science professor Dale Thomson, adding that ballot access for those not considered one of the protected classes in the version of the landmark Voting Rights Act that Congress amended in 1975 falls to local officials. “It’s largely an optional thing clerks can do if they decide that it serves the voting population well in their particular community. There is no obligation to do this.”
For decades in Dearborn, despite an overwhelming need for access to Arabic-language ballots, there was no political will to do it either.
Until now.
In Michigan’s August primary election, for the first time, voters in Dearborn could access official Arabic language ballots to cast their votes.
“The reason is the culture has changed,” Siblani said, due to changes in local elected leadership reflecting the changing ethnic and cultural makeup of the community.
“The actual number of people who speak Arabic at home has increased significantly over the past 10 to 15 years,” said Mustapha Hammoud, elected to Dearborn’s City Council in 2021.
He added that many things contributed.
“A confluence of political ability and kind of like the times being more accepting for voter access,” he said. “Having our first Arab American mayor. Having a council that is more friendly to those kinds of measures.
“The general conversation has shifted over time in America as far as the importance of voter accessibility and integrating people in our democracy,” he added.
Soon after being sworn in, Hammoud drafted legislation to provide official translated election materials for any language spoken by more than 5% of the city’s population, or 10,000 total people.
The measure passed unanimously earlier this year.
“There are states like California that have already implemented things like this,” Hammoud said. “For that step to be taken in Dearborn, it seemed like common sense to me.”
Voters in the midterm election can also now access Arabic-language ballots in Hamtramck, a Detroit suburb with a large Yemeni immigrant population.
“I hope to see at least that over time and in the near future that this will be expanded throughout the state of Michigan,” said Nadia Alamah, a voter outreach program coordinator for the nonprofit organization Asian and Pacific Islander American Vote Michigan.
Alamah’s parents immigrated from Lebanon and settled in Flint, Michigan, a place where she would like to see access to Arabic-language ballots.
“It’s good for us to have this everywhere because that way we have the opportunity for our community to feel at home in America everywhere,” she told VOA.
While the midterm election is not the first in Dearborn to use Arabic language ballots, it could provide the best indication yet of its impact, given the low voter turnout for Michigan’s August primary election.
Source: Voice of America
Baghdad President of the Republic Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid affirmed that Iraq seeks to guarantee its fair share of the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates and their tributaries.
He explained that Iraq was one of the countries most affected by global warming, and we are working with the international community to reduce its damage.
The President stressed that the problem of water scarcity in Iraq is exacerbating the phenomenon of desertification in the region.
Rashid said in his speech during the climate conference in Egypt: “The increasing drought in Iraq poses a serious challenge to the livelihood of citizens and the state’s economy, noting that desertification has threatened 40 percent of Iraq’s area, which is expanding green spaces to reduce environmental damage.”
The President of the Republic expressed the hope that neighboring countries would cooperate with Iraq in the water file.
Source: National Iraqi News Agency
Riyadh, Deputy Speaker of the Shura Council Dr. Mishaal bin Fahm Al-Sulami met here today with European Union Special Representative Eamon Gilmore, and his accompanying delegation.
The Shura Council’s Deputy Speaker emphasized the importance of strengthening relations between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the European Union, affirming the Shura Council’s concern for human rights, as evidenced by the formation of a “Human Rights” committee within the Council’s specialized committees.
For his part, the Special Representative of the European Union praised the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the significant reforms it has made in the field of human rights and expressed appreciation for the role it has played in promoting security, peace, and stability in the region. He praised the Green Saudi and Green Middle East initiatives, which were unveiled by His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, asserting that the Kingdom is a strategic partner of the European Union.
During the meeting, they discussed issues of common interest between the Shura Council and the European Union, and the importance of enhancing cooperation opportunities between the Shura Council and the European Parliament.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
Riyadh, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Non-European Countries, Economic and Development Cooperation of the Czech Republic Martin Tlapa, expressed his country’s desire to enhance economic cooperation with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in various economic sectors and to raise the volume of trade exchange by increasing exports and imports between the two countries.
This came during his meeting with Saudi businessmen in the Federations of Saudi Chambers, which was attended by a Czech delegation that includes a number of businessmen and government officials in the Czech Ministries of Industry, Trade, Environment, Agriculture, Health and Regional Development.
The Czech Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs praised the economic developments of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the wide investment opportunities provided by the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, adding that the aim of the visit is to discuss ways of cooperation and economic partnership, and to identify the opportunities available in the Kingdom.
Source: Saudi Press Agency
Sharm El Sheikh, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, and President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, today convened the second edition of the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) Summit. The summit, held simultaneously with COP27, saw leaders reaffirm their commitment to MGI goals, discuss progress made since the 2021 launch and ensure that the region’s climate action priorities are spotlighted as part of the wider global discourse.
In his opening address at the MGI Summit, HRH the Crown Prince said: “If we are to achieve the desired objectives of the ambitious Middle East Green Initiative, continued regional cooperation and active contributions by member countries are needed to achieve global climate goals and accelerate the implementation commitments as part of international agreements.”
Two goals guide the MGI climate action roadmap. The first focuses on emissions reduction and serves to support efforts across the region to reduce emissions by 670 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). This figure represents the nationally determined contributions (NDCs) from all countries in the region, which represented 10% of global contributions at the time the target was announced.
In support of regional emissions reduction efforts, Saudi Arabia has scaled up its NDC, committing to reduce 278 mtpa of CO2e by 2030. HRH the Crown Prince today announced that as part of Saudi Arabia’s national emission reduction targets, and the implementation of the Circular Carbon Economy approach, the Kingdom will deploy of one of the largest Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) hubs in the world. This will capture 44 million tons of CO2e, equivalent to 15% of the Kingdom’s current NDC, by 2035.
The second goal under MGI is to plant 50 billion trees across the region. This ambitious project will rehabilitate 200 million hectares of degraded land, helping reduce emissions by 2.5% of current global levels. Planting 50 billion trees will combat desertification, reduce dust storms and protect against the environmental and socioeconomic impacts of land degradation, something that countries across West, Central and South Asia, North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa are especially vulnerable to. The Kingdom is spearheading regional cooperation to achieve the target, with the initial governance framework agreed by founding member countries during a ministerial meeting in Riyadh in October 2022.
To accelerate the implementation of initiatives to achieve the MGI goals, HRH the Crown Prince today announced that Saudi Arabia will establish and host a dedicated MGI Secretariat and will allocate US $2.5 billion to support MGI projects and governance.
HRH the Crown Prince also announced that Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) will aim to reach net zero by 2050, the first sovereign wealth fund in the Middle East and one of the first globally to do so. This will be achieved by financing projects that support the green transition and encourage further innovation. This is in line with the Kingdom’s Circular Carbon Economy approach to climate action and enhances the fund’s role as a key player in supporting global efforts to address climate challenges.
The MGI Summit is a first-of-its-kind, strategic regional platform designed to accelerate the region’s green transition, stimulate economic development and build a more sustainable future. The MGI Summit held simultaneously with COP27 epitomizes Saudi Arabia’s commitment to collaborating for a greener future for all.
For full details on the MGI Summit visit: https://www.greeninitiatives.gov.sa/mgi-summit
Source: Saudi Press Agency
Sharm El-Sheikh, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today visited the Kingdom of Bahrain’s pavilion at the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister emphasised the importance of COP27 in renewing global action to overcome the challenges of climate change.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad confirmed the Kingdom of Bahrain’s ongoing support for international cooperation to achieve global climate goals and a secure future for all.
His Royal Highness emphasised the importance of climate forums and conferences to nurture international cooperation, noting the Kingdom’s commitment to work within the international community to develop and adopt climate change initiatives and solutions.
His Royal Highness was briefed at the Bahrain pavilion on its accompanying programmes and activities and its role in highlighting Bahrain’s progress on clean energy and green initiatives.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister commended the Bahrain pavilion’s organisers for presenting an inspiring overview of Bahrain’s climate response at an important international conference.
His Royal Highness also visited the pavilions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and several other countries participating, where he was briefed on their efforts to address the climate emergency.
Source: Bahrain News Agency
Sharm El-Sheikh, His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, today attended the second edition of the Middle East Green Initiative Summit, co-chaired by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, Prime Minister and Chairman of the Higher Committee for the Saudi Green Initiative, His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the President of the Arab Republic of Egypt, HE Abdel Fattah El-Sisi.
The Middle East Green Initiative, in its second edition, is held in conjunction with 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27), in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.
During the visit, His Royal Highness highlighted the importance of coordinated international action to confront the challenges of climate change; by harnessing capabilities, intensifying efforts and strengthening cooperation.
HRH Prince Salman noted the important role environmental protection has to play in ensuring the sustainability of resources and providing healthy lifestyle opportunities for current and future generations.
His Royal Highness commended Saudi Arabia’s prominent role in establishing wide-ranging initiatives that further the region’s growth and development.
HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister noted the comprehensive regional action on climate change, such as the Middle East Green Initiative and the Saudi Green Initiative, launched by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, both of which aim to enhance cooperation on climate change and accelerate the transition towards a green and sustainable economy.
HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad underscored the Kingdom of Bahrain’s complete support for these initiatives, in accordance with the visions and directives of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa.
His Royal Highness commended Saudi Arabia’s leadership on green initiatives and driving regional development.
In this regard, HRH the Crown Prince and Prime Minister emphasised the Kingdom’s commitment to intensifying its efforts to reach net-zero carbon neutrality by 2060, through a range of innovative policies and programmes.
His Royal Highness expressed his best wishes for the success of the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, in supporting the regions progress towards sustainable green goals.
Source: Bahrain News Agency