#Global citizenship programs Lebanon | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

maklodes · 4 months

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Not really endorsed:

One case that you could make that I haven't really seen is that Zionism was a mistake -- but it was a mistake that should be understood as belonging to a whole family of mistakes relating to the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire.

I.e., Israel, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, etc: none of them ought to have been created. The victorious WW1 allies were, firstly, harsh in their terms of peace -- harsh to Germany with all those reparations demands (widely regarded as being a factor precipitating the second world war), yes, but even harsher toward the Ottomans, ripping them apart wholesale! Secondly, they were convinced that nation-states like France were the way of the future: that a just world consisted of independent nation-states (although the implications of this for the Allies' own empires, like British India, were deferred for a later date), and that as such empires such as the Ottomans and Habsburgs should be carved up -- and if those new nation-states didn't exactly have a populace uniformly supportive of these arrangements -- say, if some people in the newly-minted Czechoslovakia would rather have been Germans -- well, France wasn't built in a day. (Or rather, all the Bretons, Occitanians, etc, didn't become French in a day.)

This division of the Ottoman Empire lead to some problems in the former Ottoman Vilayet of Beirut and Mutasarrifate of Jersusalem, which would later be called the British Mandate of Palestine, and still later be called Israel. Lots of the people living there were killed and exiled by victorious Zionists, and others were relegated to second class citizenship or indefinite occupation. And now the parts that were subject to occupation are subject to brutal -- possibly genocidal -- war in Gaza, and a more gradual but seemingly-inexorable wave of dispossession and terror in the West Bank.

Looking at other parts of the former Ottoman Empire, though, one is hard pressed to call the case of the Vilayet of Beirut/Palestine/Israel unique. Syria (once the Damascus Vilayet, Mosul Vilayet, Aleppo Vilayet, etc) recently underwent a brutal civil war following decades or repressive authoritarianism. Lebanon endured horrific sectarian violence in the late 20th century. Iraq (once the Baghdad Vilayet, Basra Vilayet, etc) has endured vicious tyranny, war with Iran, invasion, and a chaotic aftermath -- although obviously the United States of America is primarily to blame for at least the later part.

As for Turkey, well, the Armenian genocide did take place during the reign of the last Ottoman Sultan, but the people really driving it were the modernizing Turkish nationalists who would later create Kemalist Turkey -- people who were more in accord with the modern ideas being espoused by people like Woodrow Wilson than with the traditional governance of the Ottoman Empire. (Although this is not by any means to claim traditional Ottoman governance was particularly humane or enlightened.) The Greeks and Turks also jointly agreed to expel their respective minority populations to each others' states. (The Turkish expulsion of ethnic Greeks in 1922 displaced about 900,000, the Israeli Nakba of 1947 displaced about 750,000, and the Greek expulsion of ethnic Turks displaced about 400,000.)

Could Jordan be a qualified example of a post-Ottoman success story? I'm not really entirely sure how bad Black September was. Jordan did completely cleanse territories it occupied in wars with Israel of Jews, but whatever.

One can think of idealistic, utopian alternatives to nation-states, of course: a global democratic federation, or some such. However, one needn't blame the victorious allies of the First World War for failing to pursue such lofty goals. One need only blame them for pursuing their own idealistic, utopian program of carving old empires into nation-states (Woodrow Wilson's "national self-determination," "making the world safe for democracy," Fourteen Points, etc), rather than the more staid, conservative policy of reforming the existing institutions of empires like the Ottomans and Austria-Hungary, to build on what already worked about them and cautiously, incrementally modify what didn't. It's not surprising that the decision to rip up the order that had prevailed in the Middle East since the Ottomans had subjugated the Mamluks four centuries earlier lead to some upheavals.

This is, of course, an apologia for imperialism, but I don't think all imperialism is the same. The Ottoman Empire did involve Turkish domination over Arabs, Greeks, Jews, etc, but I don't believe the differentiation between colony and metropole was as stark in the Ottoman Empire as in some empires. For example, elections to the Ottoman general assembly were not fully democratic, but were not limited to a Turkish electorate. (The U.K. dominated Nigeria, and within the UK England dominated Scotland, but the status differential was really very different between the two cases. I believe the Ottoman Empire was somewhere between these two, but perhaps closer intra-UK case than to the case of the British Empire in Africa.)

Of course, even if we accepted this argument, it's hard to know what implications to draw from it. We can't go back in time to prevent the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire, nor can we restore it.

(Note: I'm not endorsing this argument, primarily because I'm not sure that any path existed toward a "good" ending for the Ottoman Empire. A lot of subject peoples were sick of Turkish rule regardless of what the Allies wanted. (Even if T. E. Lawrence drowned in a bathtub as a baby, Arab nationalism would not be easily quelled.) Autocratic rule was dysfunctional, and attempts to get onto a kind of glide-path toward a more constitutional monarchy that might have hypothetically ended with a more functional and democratic Ottoman Empire with the sultan/caliph becoming a figurehead and symbol of Sunni unity ended up empowering forces like the CUP, which endorsed a bunch of revanchism, Turkish supremacism, and ultimately genocide.)

#history #first world war #ottoman empire #israel #palestine

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elitepassport123 · 29 days

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Why Lebanese Investors Should Consider Malta for Dual Citizenship: A Pathway to Global Freedom

In an increasingly interconnected world, global access and financial security have become crucial for investors. Many individuals explore investment in dual citizenship Lebanon to secure a more stable and prosperous future for their families. Malta has gained a reputation as a stable and prosperous European Union (EU) member state with a robust economy and a high standard of living. Malta’s Citizenship by Investment program is particularly appealing due to the ease of application, the quality of life it offers, and the benefits that come with holding an EU passport.

Additionally, a Malta passport for Lebanese citizens opens up new opportunities for investment in the EU, allowing access to a vast market with strong legal protections and business-friendly regulations. Beyond financial benefits, it offers the freedom to travel without the hassle of obtaining visas, making it easier to conduct business or enjoy leisure trips.

Many people are exploring how to get a second passport in Lebanon as a strategic way to enhance their global mobility and secure future opportunities. Choosing the right partner to guide you through the citizenship process is crucial. The Elite Passport specializes in providing expert advice and seamless service, ensuring a smooth and successful application for a Malta passport. For more information visit The Elite Passport’ blog at - https://medium.com/@elitepassport255/why-lebanese-investors-should-consider-malta-for-dual-citizenship-a-pathway-to-global-freedom-7c2a41c86100

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riftrustuae · 1 month

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RIF Trust’s Guide to the Safest Countries in the World for New Residency or Second Citizenship

Mimoun A. Assraoui, our CEO, is ideally positioned to discuss the safest countries in the world for securing new Residency or Citizenship by Investment. Born in Morocco, educated in France, and based in the UAE, Assraoui is also an economic citizen of St Lucia. He emphasizes that “our desire to find a safe space is innate, a pursuit to replicate the comfort and warmth we first experienced in our mother’s womb.”

Assraoui notes that “investors are particularly drawn to the world’s safest regions, especially when considering relocation with their families.” Using the Institute for Economics and Peace’s Safety Perceptions Index (SPI), here’s our overview of the safest countries in the world to secure new residency or second citizenship, presented in reverse order:

5.) United States

With an SPI score of 0.187, the United States ranks 43rd among the 121 countries surveyed. It ranks significantly higher than countries like Brazil (115th), India (90th), and Nigeria (104th). The US EB-5 Investor Visa is a three-step process toward obtaining American citizenship. After 27 months of residency, you receive a provisional Green Card. A conditional Green Card follows 3-6 months later, leading to lawful permanent residency and eventual US citizenship after five years.

4.) Malta

On the European continent, Malta scores 0.166 on the SPI, placing it 35th among the safest countries globally. Malta surpasses countries like Algeria (61st), Kenya (101st), and Lebanon (55th). The Maltese Exceptional Investor Naturalization (MEIN) offers a direct route to Malta Citizenship through a minimum investment of €600,000. This Citizenship by Investment program allows you to obtain a Maltese passport after 16-18 months, granting visa-free access to 175 countries. For those interested in Malta Citizenship and Residency by Investment, this is a prime opportunity.

3.) Canada

Canada, the United States’ neighbor to the north, holds the 33rd position with a 0.163 score. It ranks higher in safety than countries such as Iran (75th), Mexico (90th), and Tunisia (66th). Through the Canadian Start-Up Visa Program, a C$275,000 investment grants you Permanent Residency. To qualify for Canadian citizenship, you must reside in Canada for at least 730 days (two years) over five years, and for at least 1,095 days (three years) out of those five.

2.) United Kingdom

The United Kingdom ranks 24th on the SPI with a score of 0.148. This places it above countries like Colombia (88th), Ghana (105th), and South Africa (107th). The Innovator Founder Visa provides a pathway to acquiring a UK passport, granting visa-free entry to 177 countries. Following five years of Permanent Residency in the UK, you can apply for British citizenship, all starting from a minimum £200,000 investment.

1.) United Arab Emirates

The SPI ranks the UAE as the second safest country in the world, with a score of 0.073. Around 50% of residents in the UAE report feeling no risk while living there. The UAE Golden Visa is the only non-European golden visa program outside of Europe. Although you can’t apply for a UAE passport, which ranks as the number one travel document in our Passport Index, UAE residency provides visa-free access to 18 countries with a minimal physical residence requirement of just one visit every six months.

How to Establish a Base in One of the Safest Countries in the World Through Residency and Citizenship by Investment

Residency and Citizenship by Investment offer an excellent option for relocating to a safer and more stable country. If you’re considering Malta Citizenship and Residency by Investment or exploring other safe options, we recommend consulting with an expert like RIF Trust. Contact us now, and we’ll guide you on how to invest in a secure residency or second citizenship.

#us eb 5 visa #maltacitizenship #citizenship by investment #second citizenship #riftrust #uae goldenvisa #canadavisa #canadacitizenshipbyinvestment #canadainvestment

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austedu · 6 months

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Discover Diplomacy: AUST's BA in International Affairs in Lebanon

Introduction: Welcome to the world of international affairs, where diplomacy, global politics, and cultural understanding intersect. At the American University of Science and Technology (AUST) in Lebanon, we invite you to embark on a transformative educational journey through our BA in International Affairs program. In this blog, we'll explore the unique opportunities and experiences awaiting you as a student of diplomacy and global relations at AUST.

Section 1: Understanding International Affairs In the rapidly evolving landscape of international relations, understanding the dynamics of global politics, economics, and culture is essential. Our BA in International Affairs curriculum at AUST is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of these complexities. Through courses in political science, economics, history, and international law, students gain the foundational knowledge necessary to navigate the intricacies of international affairs.

Section 2: Exploring Diplomacy Diplomacy lies at the heart of international relations, serving as a vital tool for conflict resolution, negotiation, and cooperation among nations. As a student in AUST's BA in International Affairs program, you'll have the opportunity to explore the theory and practice of diplomacy. From studying the principles of diplomatic strategy to simulating diplomatic negotiations, our curriculum offers hands-on experiences that prepare students for careers in diplomacy and foreign service.

Section 3: Global Perspectives One of the greatest strengths of AUST's BA in International Affairs program is its emphasis on fostering global perspectives. Lebanon, with its rich history, diverse culture, and strategic location, serves as an ideal setting for exploring global issues from multiple vantage points. Through study abroad opportunities, cultural exchanges, and guest lectures by leading experts, students gain insights into the diverse perspectives that shape international relations.

Section 4: Hands-On Learning At AUST, we believe in the power of experiential learning to enhance academic understanding and skill development. Our BA in International Affairs program offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in hands-on learning experiences. Whether through internships at international organizations, participation in Model United Nations conferences, or conducting research projects with faculty mentors, students gain practical skills and real-world experience that set them apart in the job market.

Section 5: Career Opportunities Upon completing our BA in International Affairs program, graduates are well-equipped to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in diplomacy, government, non-profit organizations, international business, and more. With a solid foundation in global politics, cultural awareness, and diplomatic skills, our alumni go on to make meaningful contributions to the world, serving as diplomats, policy analysts, humanitarian workers, and global leaders.

Conclusion: As you consider your academic and career path, we invite you to discover the world of diplomacy and global affairs through AUST's BA in International Affairs in Lebanon. With a curriculum that combines academic rigor with practical experience, world-class faculty, and a vibrant international community, AUST offers an unparalleled educational experience that prepares students to thrive in today's interconnected world. Join us and embark on a journey of discovery, learning, and global citizenship at AUST in Lebanon.

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khalidalqoud · 1 year

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🤝🏆 Celebrating an Unbreakable Bond!

We are thrilled to announce a momentous occasion during President Khalid AlQoud's visit to Lebanon! The Rotary Club of Salmaniya and the Rotary Club of Beirut Cadmos have taken their friendship to the next level by signing the Twin Club Certificate!

Twin clubs are two extraordinary clubs from different countries that come together in a powerful partnership to share and complete special programs.

Under the leadership of President Khalid AlQoud and President Gulshan Youssef Saglam, the two clubs have pledged to join forces and embark on a journey of shared service and meaningful exchanges.

Through the Twin Club Certificate, we open doors to endless opportunities for collaboration, be it engaging in service projects or fostering deep-rooted friendships among our Rotaractors. Together, we will make a lasting impact on communities, transcending borders and uniting hearts. Said President Gulshan.

President Khalid AlQoud shared, "Signing the Twin Club Certificate with Rotary Club of Beirut Cadmos marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in our Rotary journey. We are ready to combine our strengths and resources to create positive change and promote international understanding."

Our commitment to Rotary's values of service, fellowship, and global citizenship binds us together as one united force for good!

Let's embark on this extraordinary adventure together, making a profound difference in the lives of others while fostering a spirit of harmony and collaboration.

#RotaryClubOfSalmaniya #RotaryClubOfBeirutCadmos #TwinClubCertificate #FriendshipExchange #ServiceAboveSelf #RotaryImpact #TogetherWeServe #GlobalCitizenship #ConnectingCommunities #BuildingABetterWorld

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ffarealestate · 16 days

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The Future of Real Estate Investment in Lebanon: Insights from FFA Real Estate

In the ever-evolving landscape of Lebanon's real estate, staying ahead of market trends is crucial for both investors and industry professionals. The latest blog from a well-known firm provides a comprehensive analysis of emerging patterns that could shape the future of property investments in Lebanon. This insightful piece highlights how a prominent real estate investment company in Lebanon is adapting to changes and seizing new opportunities in the market.

Exploring the Future of Property Ventures in a Dynamic Market

Lebanon has always been a unique market, rich with opportunities and challenges. Even so, the local experts are adapting to these changes, ensuring their strategies align with global trends. Whether you're a seasoned investor or just getting started, understanding these shifts can give you a competitive edge. In particular, this comprehensive analysis sheds light on how investing in real estate in Lebanon is taking a proactive approach, setting the standard for others in the industry. By leveraging local knowledge and global expertise, they are not only navigating the current market but also preparing for what lies ahead. Moreover, for investors seeking diversified opportunities. With any global citizenship for them FFA Real Estate provides Global citizenship programs in Lebanon that focus on both local and international trends, Here is a blog that is a must-read for anyone interested in the future of real estate in Lebanon. for those looking for a real estate company FFA Real Estate website for more information, and for reading the full blog, Visit here-https://ffarealestate.blogspot.com/2024/09/The-Future-of-Real-Estate-Investment-in-Lebanon-Insights-from-FFA-Real-Estate.html

#Real estate investment company lebanon #Invest in real estate lebanon #Global citizenship programs Lebanon

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armeniaitn · 3 years

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Armenian-American health expert Jirair Ratevosian tapped for US State Department role

New Post has been published on https://armenia.in-the.news/society/armenian-american-health-expert-jirair-ratevosian-tapped-for-us-state-department-role-78035-31-08-2021/

Armenian-American health expert Jirair Ratevosian tapped for US State Department role

Jirair Ratevosian, MPH—an Armenian-American advocate for global health and human rights—has been appointed by President Joe Biden to serve in the State Department’s Office of the US Global AIDS Coordinator and Global Health Diplomacy, The Armenian Weekly reports.

Ratevosian is taking on the role of senior advisor, where he will help oversee the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)—the leading, lifesaving program that has invested nearly $85 billion in the global HIV/AIDS response.

“Working at PEPFAR is an opportunity to carry forward a lifetime mission of pursuing health equity and social justice,” read Ratevosian’s statement following his swearing-in at the US State Department on Monday morning.

“Thanks to US leadership and continued bipartisan support, tremendous progress has been made in the fight against AIDS, but the work is far from over.”

An experienced leader in domestic and global HIV diplomacy, Ratevosian has announced that he will be working on developing PEPFAR’s strategy, strengthening partnerships with US governmental agencies and supporting coordination efforts with bilateral and multilateral institutions, like the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. “I look forward to working with our country partners and stakeholder communities in service of President Biden and PEPFAR’s lifesaving mission,” he shared on Monday.

Ratevosian has always appreciated President Biden’s record on HIV/AIDS, and it’s clear the respect has been mutual.

Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Ratevosian was always interested in the field of healthcare. A son of immigrants from Lebanon and Armenia, he recalls growing up with his paternal grandfather—his namesake, a proud community organizer and small-business owner. At a young age, Ratevosian learned the importance of community engagement and ultimately adopted his grandfather’s spirit of activism.

Following his graduation from UCLA, Ratevosian went on an eye-opening trip to South Africa in 2004 just as the international community began concentrating its resources on HIV awareness, prevention and treatment. “The impact of the HIV epidemic was everywhere in South Africa,” recalled Ratevosian in his recent conversation with the Weekly. “That shaped the way I thought about my own role on the planet and what I wanted to do with my life and why I wanted to be involved in something that reduced human suffering. Public health was the pathway for me to do that.”

Since then, Ratevosian, a graduate of Boston University’s School of Public Health, has made HIV/AIDS a focal point of his 15-year career. He worked with US Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA), a notable champion in the fight to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic and an original author of PEPFAR. During his three years on the Hill, Ratevosian witnessed a critical expansion to PEPFAR and the creation of a bipartisan Congressional HIV/AIDS Caucus, which Congresswoman Lee co-chairs.

“Jirair’s deep experience, including his service as my Legislative Director, will be a tremendous asset to the Biden administration in strengthening PEPFAR and all our global health and development priorities,” stated Congresswoman Lee in her written comments to the Weekly. “Because of programs like PEPFAR, we have saved millions of lives across the globe, and I look forward to working with President Biden and Jirair and building from PEPFAR’s success to bring broader health security benefits for all.”

Before accepting his current position at the State Department, Ratevosian spent seven years at Gilead Sciences, leading an international team that developed public health solutions for hepatitis in Pakistan, Armenia, Egypt and Rwanda; he also led in building lasting partnerships for access to HIV medications for populations in South Africa.

As he takes on this new post at the State Department, Ratevosian told the Weekly he would like to see more Armenians join him in representing a more robust workforce in government and public service. “We all have a role to play in our future,” he underscored in his parting comments about global citizenship, diversity and inclusion, “I think more Armenians need to see public service as a viable career path that is rewarding and fulfilling and ultimately will help make the world a better place.”

Read original article here.

#Armenia #Armenians #Society

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elitepassport123 · 1 month

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Why Dual Passport Services in Lebanon Are Rising: Dominica Citizenship by Investment

In recent years, there has been a noticeable rise in the demand for dual passport services. Lebanese investors are drawn to the Dominica passport by investment in Lebanon program for several compelling reasons. Dominica offers one of the most affordable and efficient paths to a second passport, making it an attractive option for those looking to enhance their global mobility.

The popularity of the Dominica citizenship by investment in Lebanon can also be attributed to its reputation for transparency and efficiency. A second passport from Dominica can be passed down to future generations, ensuring long-term advantages for the entire family. Lebanese investors appreciate the program’s reliability, as well as the benefits it provides for their families.

Another reason for the growing interest in dual passport services in Lebanon is the impact on travel and mobility. Lebanese passport holders often face restrictions when traveling to certain countries, which can be a hindrance for both personal and professional purposes. Whether for personal security, business opportunities, or enhanced global access, dual citizenship is becoming an essential asset for many Lebanese citizens. As a trusted provider, The Elite Passport is dedicated to guiding clients through this valuable process, ensuring they reap the full benefits of dual citizenship. For more information visit their latest blog - https://theelitepassport.wordpress.com/2024/08/14/why-dual-passport-services-in-lebanon-are-rising-dominica-citizenship-by-investment/

#dominica citizenship by investment

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faithfulnews · 4 years

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Lebanon has avoided a catastrophic COVID-19 outbreak so far

Lebanon (MNN) — Lebanon faces the coronavirus with a weakened economy and vulnerable refugee population, while the Church seeks to image Christ to the country. Wissam Nasrallah of the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development (LSESD) says, “One of the good things our government has done is imposed a lockdown early enough in the in the virus outbreak. So, it has been relatively contained.” Indeed, Lebanon now has just over 600 cases, very low compared to many other countries. But Wissam says, “The fear is if the virus spreads and the health care system is overwhelmed, we would probably witness a similar scenario as in Italy or other places.”

(Photo courtesy of LSESD on Facebook)

Refugees

While the refugee camps have so far avoided a serious outbreak, Nasrallah says the consequences could be catastrophic. “The main, basic things to do with a virus [are] wash your hands, have really good hygiene, and exercise social distancing. Both of which are not possible in refugee camps where families have eight or nine live in one room. And a lot of them don't have running water and access to proper hygiene.” Any sort of large outbreak would overwhelm Lebanon's healthcare system, let alone one in the refugee camps.

SKILD and MERATH

LSESD also provides therapy for children with learning disabilities through their SKILD program. Nasrallah says LSESD has to close the program. “We're afraid a lot of these kids will regress and we will lose a lot of a lot of the gains that we were able to achieve in previous months.”

(Photo courtesy of LSESD)

In response, SKILD will organize a conference promoting, "inclusion in times of distancing," corresponding with the National Day for Students with Learning Difficulties on April 22nd. Nasrallah says, "Our commitment to students with learning difficulties is strengthened as they particularly face one of their greatest challenges by being homebound during a nationwide lockdown." The conference will take place under the patronage of the Ministry of Education and in partnership with the British Council. Meanwhile, Middle East Revive and Thrive (MERATH) has begun distributing 4,400 hygiene kits to poor and refugee families. These packs include: 12 bars of soap, 2 bottles of hand sanitizers and two packs of tissues. Read more here.

The global church

Pray that the virus would be contained in Lebanon and that the country would not see the same kind of huge outbreak many other countries have experienced.

The Kadisha Valley, the site of many of Christianity's most ancient monasteries. (image courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Nasrallah says Christians around the world are facing the same kinds of lockdowns and restriction. He encourages Christians to pray for each other, “As the global Church family, as a global Body of Christ. This is a very important time for all of us to come together and pray for one another. But also to pray for our governments and authorities so that they may take the right decisions and [take] the necessary precautions.” Nasrallah encourages Christians everywhere to model good citizenship by loving our neighbors well, even through social distancing.

“May God give us the wisdom to think, 'How can this be the time of the church? How can this crisis be the time where the church is able to serve the community, to be present, to spread a message of hope to the community that is around us?'”

Refugee camp in Lebanon. (Header photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons)

Go to the article

#church #coroanvirus #covid-19 #learning-disabilities #lebanon

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jeremysavory · 5 years

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Pakistan is planning to sign an agreement with Turkey, allowing Pakistanis to acquire Turkish nationality easily, and vice versa. The deal is a win-win for both countries, especially for Pakistan, which is currently surrounded by political instability, economic crises and business that faces a downturn for various reasons.

If Pakistan and Turkey successfully sign the dual citizenship agreement, business individuals and real estate investors from Pakistan who are looking to expand their business will benefit from the deal.

Indeed, one of the best benefits a real estate investment can offer, besides lucrative returns, is obtaining residency and citizenship with the investment, as the case with Turkey. Turkish citizenship allows High-Net-Worth individuals to travel visa-free, access to world-class healthcare, high-quality education and business opportunities for them and their families.

Related Article: How to Apply for Second Citizenship in Europe?

As a country, Turkey is one of the largest emerging markets in the world. Its geographical location, and overall global economic power makes Turkey an attractive place for investors worldwide. It is the 17th largest economy in the world with a nominal GDP of USD 840 billion, and is set to be part of the Trillion-dollar Club in 2020 (16 other countries in that club are U.S., China, Japan, Germany, U.K. and others).

“The deal is a win-win for both countries, especially for Pakistan, which is currently surrounded by political instability and economic crises”

When it comes to dual citizenship, some countries allow their citizens of having dual citizenship, and some restrict it. Pakistan allows its citizens to have dual citizenship with 19 countries without relinquishing their Pakistani citizenship. If the agreement is signed, Turkey will be the 20th country where Pakistan nationals can apply for dual citizenship.

Citizens from Pakistan or any other foreigners who meet any of the following criteria may be eligible for Turkish citizenship:

Acquired a property worth a minimum of $250,000 or equivalent foreign currency or Turkish lira with a restriction on its resale for at least three years.

Deposited at least $500,000 or equivalent foreign currency or Turkish lira in banks operating in Turkey with the condition not to withdraw the same for at least three years.

Bought at least $500,000 or equivalent foreign currency or Turkish lira worth of government bonds with the condition that they cannot be sold for at least three years.

Bought at least $500,000 or equivalent foreign currency or Turkish lira worth of real estate investment fund share, or venture capital investment fund share, with the condition that they cannot be sold for at least three years.

The investment enables you and your family (dependents below 18 years of age) to have Turkish citizenship in three to six months, depending on individuals background. As a Turkish citizen, you can access over 110 countries and territories visa-free and with visa-on-arrival (i.e. Argentina, Japan, Jordan, Malaysia, Moldova, Montenegro, Qatar, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand, Lebanon and more).

Top Benefits of Dual Citizenship with Turkey:

Robust Economy

Extensive domestic and regional markets

Strategic location

Fast citizenship application processing

Property investment (with no donation required)

The potential return on investment

No residency requirements

Quick relocation to the U.S. (E2 treaty ‘Investor Visa’ signed between Turkey and the United States allows Turkish citizens to operate a substantial business in the U.S. and reside therein, similar to Grenada)

Fast relocation to the U.K. (Option to relocate to the U.K. and establish your business as a Turkish businessperson)

High standard of living

If you are interested in securing Turkish Citizenship and passport, let us guide you through Turkey Citizenship by Investment Program. Protect the future of your family by investing in a second passport and discover a world of possibilities, book a free consultation today with our team of multilingual consultants.

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adalidda · 5 years

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Illustration Photo: Female engineers performs maintenance (credits: © Rolls-Royce PLC / Flickr Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0))

TechWomen - Empower the Next Generation of Women Leaders in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

TechWomen aims to empower, connect and support the next generation of women leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) by providing them access and opportunity to advance their careers, pursue their dreams, and become role models for women and girls in their communities. TechWomen supports the United States’ global commitment toward advancing the rights and participation of women and girls around the world by enabling them to reach their full potential in the tech industry.

Launched in 2011, TechWomen is an initiative of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and is managed by the Institute of International Education (IIE).

2020 TechWomen Eligibility Requirements Applicants must: Be women with, at minimum, two years full-time professional experience in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields. Please note that internships and other unpaid work experience does not count toward the two-year professional experience requirement. Have, at minimum, a bachelor’s degree/four-year university degree or equivalent. Be proficient in written and spoken English. Be citizens and permanent residents of Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Palestinian Territories, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tajikistan, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan or Zimbabwe at the time of application and while participating in the program. Be eligible to obtain a U.S. J-1 exchange visitor visa. Not have applied for an immigrant visa to the United States (other than the Diversity Immigrant Visa, also known as the “visa lottery”) in the past five years. Not hold U.S. citizenship or be a U.S. legal permanent resident. Preference will be given to applicants who: Demonstrate themselves as emerging leaders in their chosen professional track through their work experience, volunteer experience, community activities and education. Are committed to return to their home countries to share what they have learned and mentor women and girls. Have limited or no prior experience in the United States. Have a proven record of voluntary or public service in their communities. Have a demonstrated track record of entrepreneurialism and commitment to innovation. Demonstrate a willingness to participate in exchange programs, welcome opportunities for mentoring and new partnership development, and exhibit confidence and maturity.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at 09:00AM PST (GMT-08:00)

Check more https://adalidda.com/posts/J9a82mgHpo5kEHbLS/techwomen-empower-the-next-generation-of-women-leaders-in

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rightsinexile · 5 years

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News on Countries of Asylum

GLOBAL

Is social media a platform for supporting or attacking refugees?

AFRICA

KENYA

Kenyan Somali refugees claim they are denied citizenship rights

Refugees faced with leaving safety in Kenya, returning home to fear in Somalia

Fate of Dadaab refugee camp in limbo as Kenya presses for closure

Scores of LGBT+ and other refugees protest outside UNHCR offices in Nairobi

Police disperse refugees outside UNHCR offices in Nairobi

UNHCR Kenya defends action against protesting refugees

NIGERIA: Displaced Cameroonians struggle in Nigeria

SOUTH AFRICA: South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs asks the UN Human Rights Council for help clearing the 150,000 refugee status appeals backlog

SOUTH SUDAN: Volunteer “guardian angels” open their homes to female victims of sexual and gender-based violence in Maban County’s four refugee camps

UGANDA

Germany withholds Uganda’s aid money for refugee resettlement over “lost” funds

UNHCR warns of possible increase of refugees from DRC, South Sudan in Uganda

AMERICAS

Asylum seekers forced to wait up to a year in Mexico before US court dates

UN urges Canada to take more of Mexico’s vulnerable Central American migrants

Peru and Colombia seek more aid to deal with Venezuelan migratory crisis

BRAZIL: On the Brazil border, Venezuela’s political crisis has become a humanitarian nightmare

CANADA: New bill would allow Canadian government to confiscate and repurpose seized assets of corrupt foreign leaders to help refugees

MEXICO

Mexico’s tiny refugee agency overwhelmed with 18,000 asylum applications

As migrant numbers swell on the US-Mexico border, so do unmet needs

Asylum seekers stranded and in danger in Mexico: MSF

PANAMA: Panamanian authorities struggling to contend with surge of migrants arriving from Colombia, passing through the Darien Gap

USA

New Mexico opens state migrant shelter, criticizes federal inaction

Trump tightens asylum rules, makes immigrants pay for humanitarian refuge

Trump’s efforts to stem asylum seekers run into legal, political and practical obstacles

Few family cases in Immigration Courts, but general backlog continues to climb

DHS reports some 6,000 asylum seekers have been returned to Mexico to await immigration hearings

ASIA

BANGLADESH: Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh face water shortage

IRAN

Iran warns Europe that Afghan refugees may be pushed out if US sanctions continue

Afghan refugees returning from Iran, citing economic problems, unemployment

NEW ZEALAND: New Zealand criticized for discriminatory resettlement policy

JAPAN: Japan to accept more refugees in resettlement program

PAKISTAN: For Afghan refugees Pakistan is a nightmare--but also home

SRI LANKA

Some 1,100 refugees fear for their own safety after amid desperate conditions

After Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, Muslim refugees targeted, relocated for safety

Assaults force refugees in Sri Lanka into hiding

Refugees in Sri Lanka threatened, attacked: HRW

Sri Lanka sends troops to keep peace as communal tensions rise

AUSTRALIA

Rising despair among refugees after Australian government’s re-election

More than 40 refugees transferred to Australia for urgent treatment since medevac law passed

Medevac law repeal a priority, Coalition says, as self-harm rises among refugees

EUROPE

Visa-free nationals, particularly Latin Americans, apply for asylum in record numbers

Restrictions of Mediterranean rescue operations and rough seas cost over 400 migrant lives so far this year

Transfer of vulnerable child refugees from France to Britain to end

Hundreds of Europeans arrested for “solidarity” with refugees, data shows

DENMARK: Ahead of elections, political parties focus on freeze of asylum seekers despite huge drop in numbers

FRANCE: Brit faces jail sentence for recording police abuse against refugees in Calais

GERMANY

Human rights group accuses Germany of mistreating rejected Afghan asylum seeker

Germany puts decisions about Syrian asylum “on hold” pending reassessment of security situation in Syria

GREECE: Asylum seekers on trial in Greece over protest of poor living conditions in Lesbos reception centre

HUNGARY: Hungary, Frontex give Afghan asylum-seekers choice that violates international and EU law

IRELAND: Refugees are organizing “Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland” to reform the asylum system in that country

ITALY

Italy plans to fine NGO boats up to EUR 5,500 per rescued migrant

UN special rapporteurs call for withdrawal of Salvini decree criminalizing search and rescue activities

Sicilian volunteers help LGBTI asylum seekers hit by new Italian law

Italian judge dismisses charges of collusion between an NGO and human traffickers following rescue off the coast of Libya [in Italian]

MALTA: Hundreds of migrants, refugees rescued by the Maltese navy

NETHERLANDS: Sea-Watch rescue ship to resume its operations as Holland loses court battle to block it

SPAIN: EU report links drop in refugee, migrant arrivals to Spanish-Moroccan cooperation

UK system to determine which asylum seekers are trafficking victims failing

Whistleblowers allege chaos, violations of the rights of asylum seekers in UK Home Office

MIDDLE EAST

ISRAEL: Estimated USD 194 million missing in “Deposit Law” funding for asylum seekers

LEBANON: Tens of thousands of Syrian refugees in Lebanon unable to afford medication

TURKEY: Nearly 330,000 Syrian refugees return home, crediting Turkish counter-terrorism operations, according to Turkey’s interior minister

#refugees

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newstfionline · 7 years

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Qatari capital brims with fear, uncertainty and resilience as Arab crisis intensifies

By Sudarsan Raghavan, Washington Post, June 10, 2017

DOHA, Qatar--Hanan bought extra suitcases on Friday. The Egyptian doctor, who has lived in this energy-rich nation for four years, had already gone to her bank and transferred some of her savings to Egypt. And she went to her children’s schools to get their academic records.

She’s taking them--and any valuables she can carry--when she and her family fly to Cairo to see relatives in a few days. That’s because they may not return.

“All the Egyptians here are feeling unstable,” said the doctor, who declined to give her family name because she feared repercussions. “We don’t know what will happen. Maybe Qatar will ask us to leave or Egypt might ask us to come back.”

It’s been a week since several Arab countries--led by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt--severed ties and imposed an economic blockade on Qatar after they accused it of supporting terrorism. The mood in this waterside Persian Gulf capital is a mix of fear, uncertainty and resilience as residents struggle to cope with a political and diplomatic crisis few imagined would so dramatically upend their world.

On Friday, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson urged the Saudi-led bloc to immediately ease the blockade, saying it has led to “unintended consequences” including food shortages, separated families and children being “pulled out of school.” He added that the blockade was also harming American and international businesses, while “hindering U.S. military actions in the region and the campaign against the Islamic State.”

Less than an hour later, President Trump appeared to undermine Tillerson’s plea by telling reporters in Washington that Qatar has historically been a “funder of terrorism at a very high level”, an accusation Qatar’s government has strongly denied.

Members of the Saudi-led bloc welcomed Trump’s demand that Qatar end its “funding and its extremist ideology,” but they have kept silent on Tillerson’s call to ease the economic pressure on the Gulf state. The UAE government in a statement Friday praised Trump’s “leadership in challenging Qatar’s troubling support for extremism.”

The Saudi-led bloc has severed links to Qatar--a nation heavily dependent on imports of food and other necessities--by land, sea and air. Member states have also given Qatari nationals living abroad two weeks to leave their countries, as well as for any of their own citizens to return from Qatar.

Human rights watchdog Amnesty International in a statement Friday said Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE “are toying with the lives of thousands Gulf residents as part of their dispute with Qatar.”

“These drastic measures are already having a brutal effect, splitting children from parents and husbands from wives,” said James Lynch, deputy director of the group’s global issues program. “People from across the region--not only from Qatar, but also from the states implementing these measures--risk losing jobs and having their education disrupted.”

“We are worried about losing access to our relatives in other GCC countries,” said Walaa El-Kadi, a Lebanese woman who has lived much of her life in Qatar. She was referring to the Gulf Cooperation Council, a body of six Persian Gulf countries that includes Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Mustafa, also from Lebanon, is worried, too. He’s a manager in a construction company, which this week has already faced delays in several projects. The firm used to bring raw materials and other goods over the border from Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Now, with the border with Saudi Arabia closed and shipping lanes shut, the company is forced to turn to Germany, India and other nations for raw materials.

“We’re facing delays of at least two to three weeks,” said Mustafa, who also feared giving his family name.

Both Bahrain and the UAE have publicly declared it a crime, punishable by multiyear prison sentences, to show sympathy for Qatar or to criticize their governments’ policies toward Qatar on social media or any other means of communication.

At several supermarkets, there were some shortages of foods imported from Saudi Arabia, such as milk and yogurt. But the panic-driven long lines and hoarding seen earlier in the week was gone. There were now milk and juice from Turkey, a key ally of Qatar, on the shelves, mitigating the lack of products from Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

At Doha’s Hamad International Airport, taxi drivers were fuming. Dozens of flights, mostly those of the national carrier Qatar Airways, had been suspended or rerouted. That meant fewer passengers arriving and fewer fares for the drivers. “It’s really bad,” lamented one.

While some residents fear that war could erupt between Qatar and its neighbors, many Qataris were resilient, even defiant. Some patriotically placed Qatar’s flag in front of their houses, and there was a sense the diplomatic dispute could create long-term animosities.

“I will never buy Saudi Arabian and UAE products again,” said a Qatari man leaving the Al Meera supermarket. “I will stay loyal to the people who support us now.”

Elgamal was born in Qatar, but holds Egyptian citizenship. He said Qatar should remain independent and not kowtow to the demands of the Saudi-led bloc. “I will not leave Qatar even if Egypt calls us back,” he said. “This is my first country.”

For Hanan, the pressure is building day by day.

Her family and friends in Egypt are sending emails and Facebook messages every day, concerned about her safety.

A lot of her friends have postponed their trips, fearing they may not be able to return. That’s why she’s carrying her most treasured possessions.

“I could postpone the trip, but I am too scared to stay,” she said.

#Qatar #Egypt

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marilynngmesalo · 6 years

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Born into al-Qaida: Hamza bin Laden’s rise to prominence

Born into al-Qaida: Hamza bin Laden’s rise to prominence Born into al-Qaida: Hamza bin Laden’s rise to prominence https://ift.tt/2OcjLTA

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The boy is only 12 years old and looks even younger and smaller kneeling next to the wreckage of a helicopter, flanked by masked jihadis carrying Kalashnikov assault rifles with bandoliers strapped across their chests.

Hamza bin Laden, with a traditional Arab coffee pot to his right and a rocket-propelled grenade launcher to his left leaning against the debris, made his worldwide television debut reciting a poem in a propaganda video just weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks planned by his father Osama.

Years after the death of his father at the hands of a U.S. Navy SEAL raid in Pakistan, it is now Hamza bin Laden who finds himself squarely in the crosshairs of world powers. In rapid succession in recent weeks, the U.S. put a bounty of up to a $1 million for him; the U.N. Security Council named him to a global sanctions list, sparking a new Interpol notice for his arrest; and his home country of Saudi Arabia revealed it had revoked his citizenship.

This wanted poster released by the U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice program shows Hamza bin Laden. (U.S. Department of State Rewards for Justice via AP, File)

Those measures suggest that international officials believe the now 30-year-old militant is an increasingly serious threat. He is not the head of al-Qaida but he has risen in prominence within the terror network his father founded, and the group may be grooming him to stand as a leader for a young generation of militants.

“Hamza was destined to be in his father’s footsteps,” said Ali Soufan, a former FBI agent focused on counterterrorism who investigated al-Qaida’s attack on the USS Cole. “He is poised to have a senior leadership role in al-Qaida.”

Much remains unknown about him — particularly, the key question of where he is — but his life has mirrored al-Qaida’s path, moving quietly and steadily forward, outlasting its offshoot and rival, the Islamic State group.

“LIVING, BREATHING” AL-QAIDA

Hamza bin Laden’s exact date of birth remains disputed, but most put it in 1989. That was a year of transition for his father, who had gained attention for his role in supplying money and arms to the mujahedeen fighting the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in the 1980s. Osama bin Laden himself was one of over 50 children of a wealthy, royally connected construction magnate in the kingdom.

As the war wound down, bin Laden emerged as the leader of a new group that sought to leverage that global network brought together in Afghanistan for a new jihad. They named it al-Qaida, or “the base” in Arabic.

Already, bin Laden had met and married Khairiah Saber, a child psychologist from Saudi Arabia’s port city of Jiddah who reportedly had treated bin Laden’s son by another wife, Saad, for autism. She gave birth to Hamza, their only child together, as al-Qaida itself took its first, tentative steps toward the Sept. 11 attacks.

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“This boy has been living, breathing and experiencing the al-Qaida life since age zero,” said Elisabeth Kendall, a senior research fellow at Pembroke College at Oxford University who studies Hamza bin Laden.

Hamza, whose name means “lion” or “strength” in Arabic, was a toddler when the bin Ladens’ life in exile began. They moved to Sudan after bin Laden’s criticism of the kingdom hosting American forces during the 1991 Gulf War alienated the Al Saud royal family.

Under growing international pressure after bin Laden declared holy war on the U.S., Sudan pushed him out and the family moved again to Afghanistan in 1996. Hamza bin Laden was 7.

Al-Qaida’s attacks against the U.S. began in earnest in 1998 with the dual bombings of U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania that killed 224 people. Its 2000 suicide attack against the USS Cole off Yemen killed at least 17 sailors.

Hamza bin Laden appeared in photographs alongside his father or in propaganda videos in this time, hanging from monkey bars in military-style training or reciting a poem in classical Arabic, garbed in a camouflage vest.

In this Nov. 5, 2001 image made from video broadcast by the Qatari-based television station Al-Jazeera, a young boy, centre, identified as Hamza bin Laden, reads a poem about Taliban leader Mullah Mohammad Omar in Ghazni, Afghanistan. (AP Photo/Al-Jazeera via APTN, File)

Then came Sept. 11, 2001. The co-ordinated al-Qaida hijacking sent two U.S. commercial airliners slamming into the World Trade Center in New York, one striking the Pentagon and another crashing in rural Pennsylvania, all together killing nearly 3,000 people.

So at age 12, Hamza bin Laden appeared in the video above the wreckage of a helicopter, likely a remnant of the Soviet occupation, not a U.S. warplane as al-Qaida claimed at the time.

He recited a poem praising his father’s ally, Afghan Taliban leader Mullah Mohammed Omar, as the “lion of Kabul,” ran in a field with other boys and held a pistol above his head as if fearless of American airstrikes. It marked the last moments before the U.S.-led invasion would topple the Taliban and send Osama bin Laden fleeing into the mountains of Tora Bora and, from there, Pakistan.

Hamza later remembered receiving prayer beads from his father with his brother Khalid before leaving him.

“It was as if we pulled out our livers and left them there,” he wrote.

And then, like his father, Hamza bin Laden disappeared.

THE IRAN YEARS

Hamza bin Laden and his mother followed other al-Qaida members into Pakistan amid the U.S.-led coalition bombing campaign on Afghanistan. From there, they crossed into Iran, where other al-Qaida leaders hid them in a series of safe houses, according to experts and analysis of documents seized after the U.S. Navy SEAL team raid that killed the elder bin Laden in the Pakistani town of Abbottabad.

The connection between al-Qaida and Iran has been a murky one, firmly disputed by Tehran. Iran, the Mideast’s predominant Shiite power, on its face seems a strange home for the Sunni Arab militants. Sunni extremists views Shiites as heretics and target them for violence.

But al-Qaida under Osama bin Laden made inroads with Iran during his days in Sudan, according to the U.S. government’s 9-11 Commission. The commission said al-Qaida militants later received training in Lebanon from the Shiite militant group Hezbollah, which Iran backs to this day.

Before the Sept. 11 attacks, Iran allowed al-Qaida militants to pass through its borders without receiving stamps in their passports or with visas obtained at its consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, according to a 19-page, unsigned report found among Osama bin Laden’s personnel effects in the Abbottabad raid. That helped the organization’s Saudi members avoid suspicion. They also had contact with Iranian intelligence agents, according to the report.

Iran offered al-Qaida fighters “money and arms and everything they need, and offered them training in Hezbollah camps in Lebanon, in return for striking American interests in Saudi Arabia,” the report said.

This matches up with the 9-11 Commission’s report, which found that eight of the Sept. 11 hijackers passed through Iran before arriving in the United States. However, the commission “found no evidence that Iran or Hezbollah was aware of the planning for what later became the 9-11 attack.”

It’s unclear why Iran allowed the al-Qaida members, including bin Laden’s children and wives, to enter the country immediately after the 9-11 attacks. Iran’s president at the time, the reformist politician Mohamed Khatami, and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei condemned the attack, and Iran helped the ensuing U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan. However, by January 2002, U.S. President George W. Bush declared Iran as part of an “Axis of Evil” alongside Iraq and North Korea.

Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not respond to a request for comment.

By April 2003, just weeks into the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq that toppled Saddam Hussein, Iranian intelligence officials had had enough of al-Qaida being beyond their control. It rounded up all the al-Qaida members it could find and detained them, apparently at a series of military bases or other closed-off compounds, according to contemporaneous accounts by several al-Qaida militants.

CAPITVITY

In Iran, Hamza’s mother Khairiah Saber urged the al-Qaida lieutenants there to take her son — now a teenager — under their wing. Hamza wrote to his father recounting the Islamic theology books he studied in detention, while expressing frustration that he was not among the jihadis in battle.

“The mujahedeen have impressed greatly in the field of long victories, and I am still standing in my place, prohibited by the steel shackles,” Hamza wrote in one of his letters found at Abbottabad. “I dread spending the rest of my young adulthood behind iron bars.”

But those shackles ended up keeping him and the other al-Qaida members safe as the U.S. under Bush and later President Barack Obama targeted militants across the Mideast in a campaign of drone strikes. Hamza’s half brother Saad escaped Iranian custody and made it to Pakistan, only to be immediately killed by an American strike in 2009.

“That probably saved (Hamza) that he was in Iran during that period where everyone else was being knocked off, detained,” said Tricia Bacon, an assistant professor at American University who focuses on al-Qaida and once worked in counterterrorism at the State Department. “It probably was one of the better places to be able to re-emerge at a later time.”

Hamza during this time even married into al-Qaida, picking a daughter of Abdullah Ahmed Abdullah, an Egyptian who the U.S. says helped plan the November 1998 embassy attacks. The two had two children, Osama and Khairiah, named after his parents.

“I ask God to place their image in your eye,” Hamza wrote his father. “He created them to serve you.”

By this time, rumours of al-Qaida members being in Iran had reached a fever pitch. A teenage daughter of Osama bin Laden, Eman, somehow escaped imprisonment in late 2009 and made her way to the Saudi Embassy in Tehran. Iran’s then-Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki said at the time: “We don’t know how this person went to the embassy or how she entered the country.”

Khalid bin Laden, another son of the wanted terrorist, later would write a letter that was posted online and addressed to Iran’s supreme leader saying his siblings were “beaten and repressed.”

After years of imprisonment, an opportunity emerged for the al-Qaida members held in Iran. Gunmen in late 2008 kidnapped an Iranian diplomat in northwestern Pakistan. He would be freed in March 2010 as Hamza and others also left custody.

Osama bin Laden thought of sending Hamza to Qatar for religious scholarship, but his son instead went to Pakistan’s Waziristan province, where he asked for weapons training, according to a letter to the elder bin Laden. His mother left for Abbottabad immediately, where her husband was in hiding, with Hamza hoping to come as well.

But on May 2, 2011, the Navy SEAL team raided Abbottabad, killing Osama bin Laden and Khalid, as well as others. Saber and other wives living in the house were imprisoned. Hamza again disappeared.

REEMERGENCE

In August 2015, a video emerged on jihadi websites of Ayman al-Zawahri, the current leader of al-Qaida, introducing “a lion from the den of al-Qaida” — Hamza bin Laden. The younger bin Laden was not shown in the video, speaking only in an audio recording. With a voice deepened from the tinny recitals he offered as a child, he praised al-Qaida’s franchises and other militants.

“What America and its allies fear the most is that we take the battlefield from Kabul, Baghdad, and Gaza to Washington, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, and to take it to all the American, Jewish, and Western interests in the world,” he said.

Since then, he has been featured in around a dozen al-Qaida messages, delivering speeches on everything from the war in Syria to Donald Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia on his first foreign trip as U.S. president. His style resembles his father’s, with references to religious studies and snippets of poetry, a contrast to the gory beheading videos of the Islamic State group, which had risen up from al-Qaida in Iraq to seize territory across Iraq and Syria.

“He’s not blood and guts,” said Kendall, the senior research fellow at Pembroke College at Oxford University. “His speeches are more literary and educated.”

While al-Zawahri still controls al-Qaida, the multiple messages have raised speculation that the terror group may be trying to plan for the future by putting forward a fresh face — albeit one they have so far only showed in old photographs of Hamza bin Laden as a child.

Meanwhile, the Islamic State group has seen its territory slip away as it was pounded by a U.S.-led coalition, Russian airstrikes and Iranian-backed forces.

That has left al-Qaida as the prominent jihadi group standing.

“I think as ISIS’ strength continues to deteriorate, the international community has perhaps realized that there are other terrorist groups — including the ones that never went away, such as al-Qaida,” said Sajjan Gohel, the international security director of the United Kingdom-based Asia-Pacific Foundation, using another acronym for the Islamic State group.

“In fact, al-Qaida has been quietly growing, regaining strength, letting ISIS take all the hits while they quietly reconstitute themselves,” he added.

The State Department named Hamza bin Laden as a “global terrorist” in 2017, then followed up in February with the bounty on his head as the U.N. blacklisted him.

The designations show officials consider him a threat.

“There is probably other intelligence that indicates something’s happening and that’s what put this thing on the front burner,” said Soufan, the former FBI agent.

But what’s happening within al-Qaida remains a mystery. Hamza bin Laden hasn’t been heard from since a message in March 2018, in which he threatened the rulers of Saudi Arabia. Why remains in question. Rumours have circulated he himself was targeted in an attack. The CIA also published video of him in November 2017 at his wedding in Iranian detention, showing the first publicly known photographs of him since childhood.

An image from that video now graces his U.S. wanted poster.

“Will he be successful? We don’t know. Will he live long to do what his father was able to do? We have no idea. We might drone him tomorrow,” Soufan said. “But this is the plan. This is what they wanted to do. This is what he is destined, I believe, to do from the beginning.”

Click for update news Bangla news https://ift.tt/2F7RyJE world news

#metronews24 bangla #Latest Online Breaking Bangla News #Breaking Bangla News #prothom alo #bangla news #b

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