#activities to do in doha

[octuscle]

It’s so bitterly cold here in the Midwest USA, I wish I could be hanging with hunky guys in Dubai or something for Christmas. You think you could help me with that man?

You should have landed at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport by now. But because of a snowstorm, you were diverted to Chicago O'Hare International Airport. This cursed journey to the holidays is getting worse by the minute. And if you drink another beer to drown your frustration, you're going to puke. But right now you need to take a piss. You find it a little difficult to get up. Firstly, because of the alcohol in your blood. On the other hand, because you've become a real heavyweight since last Christmas. A bit more exercise and less eating and drinking would also do you a lot of good…

The toilet is empty. It's amazing that so many people are stranded here so close to the holidays… And there's a sports bag by the washbasin. And it's still there when you come back from the urinals. Not a soul in sight… Could there be a bomb in there? A normal and sober person would now inform the security service. But you are definitely not sober. So you grab the bag. And in a reasonably quiet corner, you check the contents. Jackpot! Not much special. Sportswear, a white nightgown… And a wallet with quite a lot of cash, a passport from the UAE and above all: a flight ticket to SHJ. No idea what and where that is. But you have to change planes at JFK and DOH. That sounds exotic. It certainly sounds better than Kansas. Boarding starts in 20 minutes. As best you can with your beer belly, you walk towards the gate.

When you arrive at the gate, boarding is almost complete. The ground crew member asks you for your boarding pass and passport. Shit, you didn't even think about the fact that you don't look like your passport photo. The guy looks at your passport, looks at you, grins and wishes you a good flight. As you pass him, you hear him say to his colleague that you've really become a fat pig since the photo was taken. Well, that's probably your luck in this case.

You have a layover of over five hours at JFK. You heard in the in-flight program that the TWA Hotel & Fitness Center at JFK is supposed to be the largest hotel gym in the world. You really need a gym. And you have time too. So you set off. Not much sporting activity is to be expected from you. But after an hour of power walking on the treadmill and half an hour on the cross trainer, your new sports clothes from the bag you found are soaked with sweat. But you feel fit. Really fit. As you stand in front of the mirror after your shower, you run your hands over your stomach. Flat and hard. When you tense your muscles. That's how it should be. And you get rid of the rest of the fat too. It sucks with the beard. You shaved your beard for Thanksgiving. Because you were invited to a friend's parents' house. You didn't want to scare them off with your beard. But now the beard hasn't grown back the way you'd hoped. Your mother will scold you terribly.

You grab a salad and a protein shake at the bar in the gym. You want to sleep on the plane. The food on board is delicious and plentiful, but not good for your body. To make sleeping on board quicker, you put on just a tank top and jogging suit for the flight. It takes you a good twelve hours to reach Doha. You want to use this time to arrive home well-rested.

At boarding, the ground staff greet you in Arabic. Of course. As usual. It's nice to study in the USA. But you don't have to stay with the infidels in winter. You're now looking forward to the warm sun in the Gulf. The person sitting next to you is a non-believer. And obviously not familiar with Qatar Airways' in-flight catering. She has brought a large portion of chicken wings with fries from KFC on board. You almost feel sick. She offers you something. You flex your biceps and say in English with a heavy Arabic accent that you can't get these babies at KFC.

The flight was quiet, apart from the brief interruption during which you fucked the infidel chick in the airplane toilet. You'll have to do without a wet pussy for the next few weeks. Hehehe, but your cousins and your bruhs have tight asses. That works at least as well. You only have just under two hours in Doha before the last flight segment. You quickly go to the airport mosque, do your ablutions and sunset prayers, change into your spotless white dishdasha and board the plane to Sharjah. Over the next few weeks, you are the perfect son again. You will enjoy it. And as soon as the crazy holidays of the infidels are over, you'll be looking forward to fucking, drinking and partying again!

I found the last picture of you before you change to immaculate white at @alphaincar

[girlactionfigure]

🟨 SAMARIA COUNTER-TERROR OP HEATS UP - Morning events from Israel

ISRAEL REALTIME - Connecting to Israel in Realtime

▪️A HERO SOLDIER HAS FALLEN.. Amit Friedman, 19, from Or Yehuda fell in battle in Gaza.  May his family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and may G-d avenge his blood.

▪️JUDEA-SAMARIA - an extensive IDF divisional operation began in three areas in Samaria, Tubas, Tulkarm, Jenin. Various firefights, 11 terrorists eliminated.  Parts of Jenin and Tulkarm without power and water due to IDF activity.  

.. Enemy report: IDF forces are operating simultaneously in several locations in the West Bank - in Jenin, in the Noor al-Shams, in the Tulkarm, and in Al-Fara in the Tubas area.  IDF forces deployed by the hospitals.

.. Enemy report: a vehicle was attacked in the Jenin area, three (terrorists) were killed in the attack.

.. Foreign Minister Katz on the operation in Jenin and Tulkarm: "Iran is working to establish an eastern terrorist front against Israel in the West Bank, according to the Gaza and Lebanon model. We must deal with the threat just as we deal with the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza - including the temporary evacuation of residents.”

.. IDF D9 bulldozers plowing roads to find landmines and IEDs.

▪️YEMEN.. extreme weather, storms and heavy flooding, continue in Yemen with massive impact.  This is likely the reason why the Houthis have not attacked Israel in a while.

▪️OBSERVATION BALLOON/BLIMP.. After Hezbollah hit the "Tal Shamayim" military observation balloon/mini-blimp in the north of the country, the Ministry of Defense and the IDF are considering canceling the project, not fixing the system and closing the dedicated unit that was established for the purpose of operating it.

▪️SIREN TESTS TODAY..  10:00 in Nechusha, Bnei Darom and in Yavneh.

▪️ECONOMY - THE MINUS.. in Israel 40% of bank customers - 2.5 million people - are in overdraft, including even a third of the customers in the top deciles, and all of them pay insane interest.  (In Israel your credit card has a strict limit that must be paid off monthly, BUT your bank account is allowed to go negative - with a limit - for which you pay high interest, like you do on credit card debt it the U.S.  This is commonly referred to as “a minus”, as in a negative balance in the bank account.  Last I saw the minus interest rate was around 15%.)

⭕ Last rocket/drone alert was 7:30 PM last night.  (Usually immediately after I write and post this there is an alarm.)

🔸DEAL NEWS.. A delegation of the working ranks from Mossad and Shin Bet will leave for Doha, Qatar today after holding consultations in Israel and returning from Cairo, Egypt last night. The delegation is expected to continue the working talks with the mediators with the aim of working to reduce the gaps in the open issues of the outline of a hostage/ceasefire deal.  The delegation is expected to meet with representatives of Egypt, Qatar and the US, who continue negotiations and work with Israel and Hamas.  The source briefed on the details said that the issues are very complex.

[jikookuntold]

The Untold Truth of Jungkook’s WeLives

I had the idea of this post in my mind for a long time, but I didn't know how to put it out. Since most Jikookers have noticed some kind of pattern in JK's livestreams recently, I thought maybe it's time to write this post and add my notions to the known theories and facts. 

Weverse, instead of VLive

Let’s go back one year in time. On June 16th, 2022, a day after BTS announced the pause in their group activities, which caused chaos due to media misinterpreting it as their hiatus or even disbandment, someone had to reassure ARMY about the continuation of BTS and do the damage control. And for some reason, JK was the one to be called for this duty. He started his first solo livestream in Weverse app in a place we had never seen before. That place had a few pieces of furniture from their Hannam dorm, rumored to be rented by Big Hit just a couple of weeks earlier. 

Months passed, and JK didn’t do any livestreams until his birthday came, and another assigned live in the Weverse app happened at the same place. Like the other six members (five, to be more accurate since Tae evaded this), he promoted his photobook and did the routine of his lives by singing songs and casually talking with ARMY. His next solo live happened after the World Cup performance in a Doha hotel room, and he didn’t appear in any Weverse lives for some time. 

Midnight Streamer

After doing only three lives in almost a year, all assigned by the company, JK came back to Weverse app on the first night of February, and this time it wasn’t an assigned livestream, but it was an unplanned and unauthorized one. He appeared at 2 AM singing songs, including Vibe, the newest release by Jimin. Since this live happened out of nowhere, Namjoon and later Tae tried to intervene and control the situation, then they realized there was nothing to worry about. 

The next JK live happened only two nights later around midnight, and Jimin was the first one to comment. JK was so excited to see Jimin’s comments and invited him to have chicken, but Jimin was too busy with his schedule (even at midnight) to accept his offer. A few days later, on the 11th of February, JK did a livestream at his boxing trainer gym, and again, Jimin was one of the first ones to comment. JK and his coach invited Jimin to resume his training and implied that they both train with the same coach. 

Unfortunately, this was the last livestream from that gym since JK’s privacy got invaded and videos of him doing work out there, were leaked by some stalker. A few weeks later, on the last day of February, JK did another live (this time around noon), and the same day, he deleted his Instagram account.

Is This the End?

You know that I’m among the hardcore believers of Jikook living together. And at this era, anons and non-anons kept asking me if I am still in my belief or not, since JK was showing up alone in the middle of the night, which was against this belief. But I couldn’t wrap my head around it because couples don’t suddenly stop living together unless they break up, which wasn’t the case because they weren’t acting like exes, since you don’t invite your ex for dinner or boxing together, you don’t go watch his dance practice and cheer for him. So, why were these all happening?

Jimin was getting ready for his solo debut at this time, and when the Bangtan Bomb for Jimin dance practices came out, we saw him talking about the strict diet he was on for keeping his weight around 50kg since dancers had to carry him for choreo. We weren’t strangers to Jimin’s strict diets before each comeback, but this statement was the information I needed to have my ultimate conclusion. Jikook had to stay separated for a short time because Jimin was working hard and dieting harder, and spending time with JK would work against his plans (he was literally inviting him for food in one live, remember?). This was the exact time JK started doing his routine livestreams from Brunnen because he had to stay there apart from his Jiminie hyung. But this was not the only conclusion I had from JK’s regular livestreams.

I’m Hyung’s Fan

In March, JK kept doing his livestreams which was a sign of the continuation of Jimin’s tight schedules. JK did one livestream on the 3rd day of March around 2 AM, and I don’t remember anything specific about it, but the next one was unforgettable. On March 14th, The White Day, when Jimin was out of the country for recording Jimmy Fallon show, JK did four consecutive livestreams from around 8 PM till midnight and played a playlist consisting of “There for You”, “Christmas Day” and “Nothing”, all Jimin-coded songs. He finished the fourth live a few minutes before midnight and reminded us that something amazing is coming at 00:00, which happened to be Jimin’s solo pre-release, Set Me Free Pt2. He changed his outfit three times in these lives from a black jacket to a white shirt and a purple jacket which at first didn’t seem to mean anything until Set Me Free MV and dance practice video came out.

The next JK Weverse live was another undercover promotion for his Jiminie hyung. A few hours before the official release of “Face” he came online and spoiled “Letter” the hidden song in the album he did the back vocals for. If you think JK was being obvious in promoting Jimin, then you should have watched the next WeLive he did. Four days after his last livestream, he came back online to watch the newest episode of Suchwita because Jimin was the guest. He admitted that he had never watched any episodes of this drinking show before, and after that, he watched other videos of Jimin on YouTube, letting the algorithm expose his bias. 

The next day, he answered Jimin’s comment about missing “ARMY” with “me too” and Jimin replied making it obvious that JK was missing “him”. The same day, Jimin did a livestream on his way back from pre-recording a stage performance, and JK spammed it with 19 comments. JK never did this for any other member. All the Hyung line had their solo releases too, but JK never did anything for them that was remotely close to what he did for Jimin. He obviously wasn’t lying when he commented ‘I’m Hyung’s fan”. 

I Really Want to Stay at Your House

After the end of Jimin’s solo album promotions, JK’s regular livestreams suddenly became less and less regular, and it was safe to say they were back to their normal living routine. I know Jikookers heard his voice in Jimin’s livestream after getting Billboard Hot100 No.1 on April 3rd, but I’m not going to go there. JK did a short WeLive on April 8th before his trip to LA, but it was a different story, he did that to explain the situation earlier happened in the house. On the 18th of April, when Jhope was enlisting, we saw Jikook’s passionate hug and hinting about the drinking they had the night before, proving again that they spend a lot of time together in their free time.

On April 25th, Jimin traveled to NYC for a Tiffany event and recorded his latest collaboration, and on the same night, JK appeared in Weverse app for another livestream, and the first song he played was named “I Really Want to Stay at Your House”. The next day he posted his food, and a few days later he attended the LV event after-party with Mingyu. On the 4th of May, he complained about a stalker sending food to his door in a Weverse post and threatened with legal action. Two days later Jimin came back from NYC, and JK went on socmed hiatus again. On May 21st he posted a cute photo of Bam, and on the 23rd Jimin left for London, and the next day JK came back to WeLive like a clockwork. 

I tried to review everything in chronological order, but I know I have spared lots of details. I don’t think this post needs any conclusion or further explanation because everything explained itself, and you are free to have your own concussion. JK doing livestreams or posting food photos only when Jimin is away or busy, promoting his work and adoring him the way we had never seen before, only has one reasonable explanation, and anything other than that is not valid. 

[mariacallous]

In its latest assault on basic freedoms, Afghanistan has banned women and girls from speaking in public. It marks a new low in the Taliban-led government’s enforced gender apartheid.

Promises that girls and women would be allowed to study and work were broken shortly after the Taliban returned to power. The group banned girls from going to school beyond sixth grade and outlawed them from pursuing higher education at university. It even prohibited them from taking a stroll in the park or going to the gym, and from nearly all professions that could earn them a living and a semblance of independence and dignity.

And yet even as Afghan women are kept prisoner in their homes and denied basic rights, neither the Islamic nations in the region nor the United States have taken an active interest in compelling the group to reverse its misogynistic policies.

The new rules were announced in the middle of the presidential campaign in the United States, but both candidates kept mum on the issue of women’s rights, even though each of their respective governments knowingly left Afghan women to a fate that was hardly unexpected.

When Kamala Harris and Donald Trump faced off in a debate last week, Afghanistan was raised only in the context of the domestic ramifications of American withdrawal. No mention was made of what happened to Afghans left behind. Neither candidate said a word about how the U.S. exited without securing any guarantees from the Taliban on the future of women and their rights.

The Taliban, firmly in control, brushed off all of its atrocities on Afghan women and violation of their very basic rights as “Afghan values’’ in a conversation with Foreign Policy. Taliban spokesperson Suhail Shaheen said the group was open for engagement with the West, but on economic issues only.

“They can invest in minerals,’’ he told FP. “China, Russia, all have business ties with us, the West can also do that. It is good for them and good for us.’’

“Women’s rights and those things are up to us, and we will determine them according to Afghan values and traditions,’’ he added, as if speaking and reading were matters of Afghan sovereignty and not basic human rights.

Mahbouba Seraj, an Afghan women’s rights activist who was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize last year, blamed both the Trump and Biden administrations for the circumstances the Afghan girls and women find themselves in.

“When they were discussing the agreement in Doha, we were not even given the visa to come to Qatar because we would have asked questions, we would have confronted the Taliban, but that could have scuttled the deal and the Trump administration didn’t want that,’’ she told FP over the phone.

“Biden may not have had enough room to change the deal, but that was not the reason he stuck with it,’’ she said. The Biden administration “wanted to get out.’’

The key tenet of the U.S. policy on Afghanistan has been security and containing the threat that terrorist groups based there can pose to Western countries. The Doha agreement between the U.S. and the Taliban, which led to the U.S. exit, called on the Taliban “to prevent the use of Afghan soil by any international terrorist groups or individuals against the security of the United States and its allies.’’

But even the word “women’’ is missing from it. A post-withdrawal concern has been that a deteriorating humanitarian situation could exacerbate the refugee crisis, particularly in Europe.

In order to address these concerns, and heed calls by humanitarian actors, the U.S. agreed to ease some sanctions and infuse Afghanistan with billions in cash. That helped Afghans, but it also kept the Taliban afloat and emboldened it to carry on as it pleased.

“Since August 2021, the U.N. has purchased, transported, and transferred at least $2.9 billion to Afghanistan using international donor contributions,’’ according to a report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) in January. It added that the U.S. is the largest donor, with $2.6 billion of that sum contributed by the American taxpayer.

While throwing money at the problem has somewhat mitigated a humanitarian crisis, it has also kept the Taliban in power and allowed it to maintain a support base. The report said that the Taliban has accumulated, “a large supply of U.S. dollars, through the conversion process of dollars for afghanis.’’

Some Afghan analysts argued that stopping the cash flow will weaken the Taliban, reduce its acceptability, and ideally encourage an anti-Taliban uprising. Or, at the very least, force them to make some concessions.

22-year-old Miryam, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, pleaded that the West, and especially the U.S., “should stop sending money to the Taliban.’’ Her education was cut short when the Taliban took over in 2021, she can’t wear what she wants, or do anything professionally, or step out of the house.

“Don’t recognize the Taliban,’’ she said from Kabul in her message to the international community, “put pressure on them to at least give women the right to work and study.’’

Davood Moradian, founder and the director-general of the Afghan Institute for Strategic Studies (AISS) now based in London, argued in favor of slashing the aid. “America is the main source of Afghan currency,’’ he told FP. “The moment the U.S. stopped funding, the Taliban will face a serious challenge,’’ to its rule, he added.

Others said if the Taliban didn’t break under 20 years of American presence, they wouldn’t abandon their hardcore ideology now, due to a cash crunch. Seraj, the women’s rights activist, advocated a diametrically different approach and said that the West should instead open the floodgates of developmental aid in a way that upward mobility emboldens the Afghan people to rebel against Taliban’s excesses and fight for women’s rights.

“You can’t even use the word women with them,’’ she said. “You have to come up with things like more investments and business deals and let that create the right conditions.’’

Thus far, the U.S. has threatened the Taliban with a global boycott if it doesn’t grant women their rights. But efforts ostracize the group from the international community are a farce since China, Russia, Pakistan, Qatar and several others continue to engage the group for economic and security reasons.

The truth is there hasn’t been an active U.S. policy to try and bring about a change or help the women of Afghanistan since the U.S. retreated. The policy has been outsourced to the U.N., which is engaging the group, often on the terms set by the Taliban. For instance, in July the U.N. organized Doha III, a dialogue platform to engage the Taliban and various stakeholders on the future of Afghanistan. But to appease the Taliban and make sure they attended, not a single women’s rights activist was invited.

One idea, way short of full recognition, could be to bring together a coalition of Islamic nations to challenge the Taliban’s understanding of Shariah and compel the group to let women and girls study and work, just as they can in other Islamic countries.

In April, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) called on the Taliban’s deputy chief minister Abdul Kabir to end the ban on education and employment for women and girls. Last year, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said that preventing education for girls is “inhumane and un-Islamic.” Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, a prominent political advisor in the United Arab Emirates, told FP that an Emirati delegation visited Kabul to discuss women’s rights. “There are so many trends in Islam, some more moderate, others more extreme. The Taliban, they are following a very backward ideology,” he said.

But Afghan women’s rights activists say that the condemnations from fellow Islamic countries appear to be more perfunctory and unserious. It could carry weight if it was a cohesive regional policy pushed by the U.S. as one of the pillars of its Afghanistan strategy. The Taliban, after all, is carrying out its oppression in the name of Islam.

Shaheen, the Taliban spokesperson, seemed to make some room for concessions when he told FP that the decision on education and employment for girls and women was pending, and subject to a report by an Afghan “committee.”

As for the next American president, ignoring Afghanistan would be at their own peril. Caging women in their homes and denying them basic rights represents a pattern of the Taliban reneging on promises—and it’s easy to imagine that extending to foreign policy.

“They are all there, all there,’’ Seraj, the activist, said. “ISIS-KP, Al Qaeda, other terrorist groups, they are all there. They are all getting training. Don’t think nothing is happening. The American intelligence knows what’s going on.”

[rolandkaros]

i've been ruminating a lot on it because i think i'm bad at putting my thoughts into words but i need y'all to understand that while there are absolutely a lot of Not Good Things about the finals being held in saudi arabia for three years...the way people seem to treat is as morally black and white is shortsighted and unhelpful.

realistically the players traveling there will be protected. it may be uncomfortable, it's certainly not ideal, but they will travel there for a few weeks, play their tennis, then leave. there are a lot of women, a lot of queer people who actually live in saudi arabia who cannot just leave, who are actually subjected to laws and social climates...and to me it just seems very disrespectful to that actual lived experience, for everybody to sort of turn their noses up and get on their high horses. of course, if the players wish to opt out, that is their choice, but that is their choice to make. that's their judgement. not ours.

and then, what about a tournament like miami? florida is literally experiencing one of the worst active regressions that i've seen in the us (granted i'm young). things like critical race theory and lgbtq+ ed are being removed from curriculums, rights for trans youth, trans healthcare, etc. are going backwards. abortion rights? gun violence? and yes i know that the laws and climate in saudi arabia are different gravy, i understand that, but my point is, no one would ever DREAM of arguing against hosting a tournament in miami despite all of these issues. and we can extend this to a lot of other tournaments! i mean, all the outrage about fifa hosting a world cup in qatar, but we don't have any of these sentiments about doha? i've seen other people bring up that the finals were hosted in singapore when gay marriage was still illegal there. we've already talked about italy's fascist prime minister. and i could go on and on and on about the war crimes of countries like the us or the uk - is the us not participating actively in genocide right now? where is the standard? if you argue against hosting the finals in saudi arabia for the reason of human rights, to me it seems you have to uphold that standard for the location you do land on. and i can guarantee, you will not find a single country in the world with clean hands.

i want to be clear i am not arguing that hosting the finals in saudi arabia is a good thing, especially for three years, especially because it's definitely going there because of money, and not for any of the "good" reasons i think some people want us to believe about "improving the region" (which is very weirdly white savior-esque anyway). i don't really have an official "conclusion" to this discussion.

what i am arguing is that i think a lot of the protests against saudi arabiahosting the finals are more an example of implicit anti-arab bias and islamophobia, rather than genuine discussion. key word implicit: i don't think most people are purposefully trying to be anti-arab/islamophobic. or at least, i'd like to believe nobody is. but i also think, particularly in the west, there is already so much of this xenophobic sentiment ingrained. and this is why i think it's really really REALLY important to check ourselves when we talk about it instead of just jumping straight to the human rights conversation without a second thought.

i'll say it plainly: i don't think the finals should be held in saudi arabia. but for me, it has more to do with sportswashing, with the dangers of the way money is thrown around in sports, and because i think it's more evidence that the wta doesn't care about player welfare but rather about making a profit (what else is new). human rights are absolutely a concern of mine, but how is it fair to hold saudi arabia to a standard that we don't seem to care about for literally anybody else?

literally look at the us's ugly ugly history, past and present, and tell me why we deserve to host a tennis tournament.

[straynoahide]

Oct 7, 2024

I don't usually post in these tags and I didn't intend to make this blog about I/P politics, but today is different.

Today is the first anniversary of the Simchat Torah Massacre, Oct 7, one of the darkest days in Jewish and Israeli history.

It is not a day for silence. Not for Western silence, especially not when Iran boasts of the pain it has caused and wants yet to cause, and weak leaders cave in to pressures and opportunism.

People who devised the spilling of blood, from the river to the sea, succeeded. And this shiva will take more than a year to sit - it has no clear good ending. Peace and a full victory are still not in sight.

This day of Jewish and Israeli grief should extend to all humanity, a day to remember immeasurable loss and pain. More than lives were lost when so many hopes shattered in front of our eyes, in hours.

A year ago, innocent people in the kibbutzim of Kfar Aza, Be'eri, Nir Oz, among other communities, and in the Nova Music Festival, became victims of opportunity to Gazan militiamen harangued by jihadist groups dressed as a liberation movement.

Men welcomed in the safer offices of Doha and Teheran, running a regime with no free elections, sat out the ugly parts while they ordered 2M people to hallow death in the name of the destruction of Israel.

At the same time, they planned one of the greatest campaigns of disinformation and lawfare. All, so the aligned interests of Iran, dressed in progressive language, stoked the ageless antisemitism, left-wing and right-wing, and made western societies more unstable, divided and devoid of their liberal democratic principles - in all fronts and to all consequences, which transcend I/P.

And in the end, this is not just about ideals. Performative activism means nothing. This is about warfare- the economic dimension is critical, in whose ability to attack and defend is funded by supposed allies of democracy, progressive values and peace.

We can't have good societies if we don't believe in our own capacity for goodness and abandon the very principles that made us universal-hearted and freedom-loving in the first place.

Neither thoughts nor prayers in any Abrahamic religion could have stopped Hezbollah from killing Druze, Iran from killing Bedouin and Palestinian Arabs. No, that takes the infrastructure of a society built to protect lives and not end them, but it costs to maintain, and an international community brave enough to stand up to Iran.

Due to personal reasons, involving some folk I hold dear, it was on Oct 7 I began the spiritual journey that made me who I am today and although I am not part of Am Yisrael, I'm involved with the Israeli community.

As a transcultural person with universal values and as a Hebrew-speaking Christian, I will always defend my Jewish cousins worldwide; no matter their religion, country or life choices. I always say that Ukraine's struggle made me feel Western, and ironically, Israeli Jews made me connect more with Christianity than my own national heritage ever could.

You are right to feel the West has failed you, and I believe the same. There is an undeniable darkness. I want you to hear this from me as a Jewish ally, especially if you are from Israel - your pain is seen and your grievances are heard. Western nations, governments, even societies. Entire political parties and political families. You are right to feel like you don't have anyone.

But, you do. You have allies and you always will. And, this is not final. Despair is their weapon, too. So it must be an inflexion point instead. As it is always darkest before dawn - it is always worse before it gets better. We must organize, build bridges and coalitions, empathize and understand each other. We must together change the world, in our similarities and differences, and I have a deep faith that in the future, antisemitism has no place.

We will be there when it matters. There is no future for humanity without Jewish self-determination, sovereignty and security in the ancestral homeland.

Believe it, because I do, and our will is stronger than the will of our enemies, whoever takes up that path to nowhere.

If you need to hear it, hear it: your allies understand the assignment, never again is now; and that it means never again is now. We will never go on without you again.

For every single life lost in Oct 7, for those who can't fulfill the dream, we owe them to try and dig the world out of this hole, and we will, united. This is the best homage. Bear witness.

Sincerely, a random soul from Sefarad who loves you very much

May their memories be a blessing.

Am Yisrael Chai

[spiritualsoul1969]

The Timeless Wholeness of Being: A Spiritual Exploration of Sant Namdev’s Doha

Saint Namdev’s doha, "Ek Na Chhin, Do Na Chhin, Reh Jaaye Poora," translates to "Not one moment, not two; it remains complete." This profound verse invites us to contemplate the concept of completeness beyond the constraints of time and duality. Sant Namdev’s wisdom challenges our conventional understanding of time and existence, urging us to explore the timeless essence of our being—a state of wholeness that is ever-present and unbroken.

A Divergent Perspective on Completeness

In our daily lives, we are often caught up in the pursuit of fleeting moments—moments of happiness, success, or peace. We measure our lives by the passage of time, counting the seconds, minutes, and hours that make up our existence. However, Sant Namdev’s doha compels us to look beyond these transient markers and recognize that true completeness is not something that can be quantified or divided into moments.

"Ek Na Chhin, Do Na Chhin" speaks to the idea that the essence of our being is not bound by time. It is not confined to individual moments, nor is it fragmented by the passage of time. Instead, it remains whole and undivided, existing in a state of eternal completeness. This realization shifts our focus from the temporal to the eternal, from the fragmented to the whole.

Sant Namdev’s doha encourages us to understand that the true nature of our existence is beyond the duality of time and space. The "poora" or completeness that he refers to is the timeless, formless, and eternal essence of the self—a state of being that is always whole, regardless of external circumstances. It is the realization that we are not mere beings living in time, but timeless beings experiencing life in the present.

The Spiritual Significance of Timeless Wholeness

In the context of spirituality, Sant Namdev’s doha is a powerful reminder of the inherent wholeness of our true nature. This wholeness is not something that can be attained through external achievements or experiences; it is the fundamental reality of our existence. When we identify with this timeless essence, we transcend the limitations of the mind and ego, which are constantly seeking completeness in the external world.

The doha also speaks to the futility of seeking fulfillment in transient moments. When we chase after individual moments of happiness or success, we are essentially fragmenting our experience of life, reducing it to a series of disconnected events. However, when we recognize that our true nature is already complete, we no longer need to seek fulfillment outside of ourselves. We realize that the completeness we seek is already present within us, here and now.

Sant Namdev’s teachings remind us that the present moment is a doorway to this timeless wholeness. When we are fully present, free from the distractions of the past and future, we tap into the eternal essence of our being. In this state of presence, we experience life as it truly is—complete, whole, and undivided.

Practical Toolkit for Embracing Timeless Wholeness

To help you integrate the wisdom of Sant Namdev’s doha into your daily life, here is a practical toolkit:

Mindfulness Meditation:

Begin each day with a few minutes of mindfulness meditation. Focus on your breath and the sensations in your body. As you meditate, let go of thoughts about the past or future and bring your attention to the present moment. This practice helps you connect with the timeless wholeness within.

Embrace Presence in Daily Activities:

Practice being fully present in your daily activities, whether it’s eating, walking, or working. Instead of rushing through tasks, slow down and savour each moment. This helps you experience the completeness of life in the here and now.

Cultivate Gratitude for the Present Moment:

Throughout the day, take a few moments to express gratitude for the present moment. Recognize that in this moment, you are whole and complete. Gratitude shifts your focus from what is lacking to what is already present.

Let Go of Time-Based Goals:

Challenge the notion that your worth or happiness depends on achieving certain goals within a specific timeframe. Instead, focus on the process and the experience of the present moment. This helps you cultivate a sense of inner completeness, regardless of external outcomes.

Practice Non-Dual Awareness:

Engage in practices that cultivate non-dual awareness, such as self-inquiry or contemplative prayer. These practices help you transcend the duality of time and space, allowing you to experience the timeless essence of your being.

Create Moments of Stillness:

Set aside time each day for moments of stillness and silence. In these moments, simply be with yourself, without any agenda or goal. This practice allows you to reconnect with the timeless wholeness that underlies all of existence.

Affirmation of Completeness:

Use affirmations to reinforce the awareness of your inherent wholeness. For example, repeat the affirmation, "I am whole, complete, and timeless," throughout the day. This affirmation helps you shift your perspective from lack to abundance.

Disconnect from Time-Based Stress:

Identify areas of your life where you feel stressed by time-based pressures. Take conscious steps to reduce this stress, whether it’s by delegating tasks, adjusting deadlines, or simply allowing yourself to slow down. By disconnecting from time-based stress, you create space for the experience of timelessness.

Deep Listening:

Practice deep listening in your interactions with others. When you listen fully and attentively, without interrupting or planning your response, you enter a state of presence that transcends time. This practice enhances your relationships and deepens your connection to the present moment.

Reflect on the Timelessness of Nature:

Spend time in nature, observing the timeless cycles of the natural world. Whether it’s watching the sunrise, listening to the sound of the ocean, or walking in the forest, nature offers countless opportunities to experience the timeless wholeness that Namdev’s doha speaks of.

By incorporating these practices into your daily routine, you can align yourself with the timeless wholeness that Sant Namdev so beautifully describes. This state of being is not something to be attained or achieved; it is already present within you, waiting to be recognized and embraced. As you cultivate this awareness, you will discover that true fulfillment lies not in the pursuit of fleeting moments, but in the recognition of your inherent completeness—a completeness that remains whole and undivided, regardless of the passage of time.

[misdeliria]

misdeliria's romance manhwa rec list

Of course, this is far from the number of manhwas I've read, but here are the highlights. Comment your recs if I don't have it here or my inbox is open!

[MANHWACLAN FAVORITES] This website may produce a lot of ads, so for the best experience, download an ad blocker from the app store {i.e., adguard}

Death Is The Only Ending For The Villainess [ ongoing - currently: 162 chapters ] Penelope Eckart reincarnated as the adopted daughter of Duke Eckart and the villainess of a reverse harem dating sim.

I love this manhwa. FL has to navigate how to capture the hearts of the MLs, who all despise the villainess.

Lee Seob’s love [ ongoing - currently: 56 chapters ] The epic office romance between Tae Lee Seob, who doesn’t want to do anything, and Kang Minkyung, who must somehow succeed!

This super cute office romance has me in a chokehold. The art is beautiful, and the MLs moral dilemma is a personal issue he's trying to work through while chasing the FL.

I Can’t Be This Stupid [ completed - currently: 91 chapters ] Doha takes an active role as Rowoon’s secret love consultant, and a romantic life together begins.

A super cute slice-of-life modern romance between two kids on opposite ends of the wealth class—with a little splash of telepathy.

The Villainess Lives Twice [ ongoing - currently: 217 chapters ] But in return for her devotion, Artizea got betrayed. And the one that reaches out his hand to save her from the verge of death is her righteous enemy, Grand Duke Cedrick.

Another unforgettable historical romance where the FL is transported into the villainess' role. Part of the fan translation is messy towards the 100-chapter milestone, but the plot holds up, and I continuously root for the leads in this one.

I'm Not The Final Boss' Lover [ ongoing - currently: 62 chapters ] Jun is prepared to guide Fabian through the second playthrough to the true ending when… Fabian abandons her. Now Grand Duke Mayer Knox—captain of the Dark Knights and the secret final boss—is determined to have her join his party.

I was a total dork about this one. There's a lot of gamer-talk from the FL with historical/fantasy elements. The romance is also perfect (ML falls first, AND harder)

I Thought It's A Common Possession [ ongoing - currently: 77 chapters ] If I was going to die anyway, according to the original, then let’s give a kiss to my handsome husband!

Another villainess isekai (I have a serious obsession). Something about how the FL gets so angsty because they're forced into a role where everyone hates them, and somehow, she manages to get the ML to fall in love with her. UGH, poetry.

The Redemption of Earl Nottingham [ ongoing - currently: 36 chapters ] Madelyn’s husband Ian was left broken after the war, and in turn, made her life a living hell. Fleeing her doomed marriage, she meets a tragic end.

Reincarnation trope! Ahh, love this one. It says it contains mature content, but I don't remember seeing anything—just keep it in mind before you decide to read this one. With miscommunication and pining, the ML really isn't a bad guy; he's just a traumatized eldest child.

Call Me The Devil [ ongoing - currently: 107 ] A plastic surgeon by day and a devil by night, Hyunshin has the power to seduce anyone with his eyes, but somehow, his irresistible temptation does not work on “Lee Na”, who suddenly appeared one day. 

The ML is a devil in this one. I loved it so much. The supporting characters really make this one, though. The little family, all of them together, makes my heart palpitate.

My God Is A Lustful Man [ ongoing - currently: 50 chapters ] Hye-sal, a timid ethics teacher who has lived her whole life without desires, finds that a neighbor who exudes desire and pleasure has moved in next door.

Dionysus is the ML in this, and this Greek mythology manhwa adaption is peak. I love the pining and mythology references. Initially, I found this comic on Webtoon, but I found a better source to read from.

I Can't Wait To Eat You [ ongoing - currently: 59 chapters ] I swore to resent her all my life when I was a kid, so I’m going to stick around to make her life impossible, I’ll make sure to eat her happiness away.

OOO, the ML in this one starts off as a little shit, but he definitely grows on you once he realizes his feelings and becomes the best boyfriend/boss ever.

Extroversion of an Immortal [ ongoing - currently: 55 chapters ] A fairy ‘Cheon Moran’, who killed a woodcutter for stealing her wings and lived like a celebrity while trapped in the human world, was discovered by ‘Sa Jeha’, a detective in charge of a murder case in which she was involved.

This one took a while for me to get attached to because I was constantly getting cliffhangers. I really like what it is so far. I'm heavy into speculating what the angst will become, but so far, the characters are so pretty, and that's my main argument.

Pure Love Operation [ ongoing - currently: 108 chapters ] I saw my boyfriend kissing my best friend. if that wasn’t enough, I was with a guy whose guts I hate from my class, Go Eun-Hyuk.

I'm sure many people have already seen this one, but if you haven't, you should. This was one of the stories that got me back into reading webcomics. The art is beautiful, the plot is gripping, and the romance is literally to die for (because I will never experience Dohwa falling in love with me and I'm so envious of Soo-Ae).

What I Decided To Die For [ completed - currently: 98 chapters ] Cha Gyeol, who met Ji Oh while having all sort of bad thoughts, is completely swoon over by Ji Oh with her dazzling smile. However, the people around Cha Gyeol are somehow dangerous for her to go head over heels with him.

This modern reincarnation romance is so good. I was experiencing turmoil rooting for the ML but it all played out right in the end and I should be so happy for the author LOL

[ WEBTOON FAVORITES ] As some of you may know, Webtoon stories aren't always available on other sites, so... The following links will take you to Webtoon's website.

Eaternal Nocturnal [ completed - currently: 101 chapters ] When Eve is visited one night by a mysterious apparition, she finds that her chronic insomnia is miraculously cured. Meanwhile Dae, the dream eater, finds himself unexpectedly and unwillingly drawn to Eve.

I love the author, instantmiso. She also wrote Where Tangents Meet and Siren's Lament, both are completed and I've read. The pining and Dae's character were so satisfying.

The Mafia Nanny [ ongoing - currently: 45 chapters ] Being an Elite Nanny is simple: protect the charge, obey the principle, and don’t get emotionally attached. Easier said than done when Davina’s first client is a dangerously compelling Venetian underboss who’s determined to get under her skin.

The leads in this one have me BARKING. I love a good mafia romance, and this manhwa adaption has me sat and waiting every week for the update. Davina is a badass, and her Venetian employer is such a good father. Some (his son) might even call him daddy. Hehe

Down To Earth [ ongoing - currently: 203 episodes ] Kade lives his average life alone and undisturbed... until a cute alien girl crashes into his backyard! 

I initially read this one because my friend kept harping me about it. It's a very cute, wholesome romance between a depressed dude and a sweet, gorgeous, lovable alien girl who crashes on Earth.

Of Swamp And Sea [ ongoing - currently: 100 chapters ] When a monster hunt gone wrong sets two strangers on the same path, they discover their relationship may be more than strictly professional.

I'll be honest and say I am not entirely caught up on this one, only because it went on hiatus after I got caught up. The relationship between the FL and ML was a little off to me at first because I really thought the FL was a teenager until it was revealed she was in her twenties. But, overall, the development between them is lovely.

I Love Yoo [ ongoing - currently: 254 episodes ] Dogged by pain and misfortune from the very beginning, Shin-Ae decides she wants nothing to do with people nor anything to do with romance.

Another extremely popular one, which should take first priority if you haven't started yet. A modern romance with modern-day problems, but the anguish that each character individually experiences keeps me hooked. I hope they all work through their issues and become their happiest selves. Also, the dad is a little bitch boy.

Act Like You Love Me [ completed - currently: 150 chapters ] When a mix-up at a temp job has her spending a day as famous actor Doyun Nam’s personal assistant, she takes her anger out on a doll... which turns out to have the magical ability to control him at her every whim.

This one was so, SO good. I really loved the second ML, but of course, the primary ML is still a heartthrob. The FL was such a lucky girl to have two successful hotties after her.

I could add a lot more, but this is a good start! Happy reading! ❤️

[toxicrevolver]

Ah, sorry if I made you freak out for a moment 😅🤣

I just wanted to thank you but I didn't know how to do it. I'm still too shy at starting conversations in DMs out of the sudden 😅

Oh I'm glad you think I'm famous here 😭 I don't care that much about followers because Tumblr is not built for this but I feel very honoured 🥹

I became mutuals with you thanks to Xeed, I was searching for more Greenies here at the time and you were pretty active with your reblogs, hence why. Guess now you have, like, a famous friend in your online clique now 🤣

Glad to see Keonhee being my brand™ 😌 And I appreciate the tag for me of course, feel free to use it all the time!

UO was supposed to be my second idol who should have become my brand™ but Xeed didn't last long enough to become that important 😞 I feel I should speak more about him here but there isn't much 😞

Thankfully, apparently, UO will release a song soon. Don't know when, don't know how, I only have his messages on Pocket Dolls confirming that but oh boy if I wish a return of his solo career now 😭

It was a good freak out! I’m also a shy person when it comes to starting convos in dms suddenly sk no worries!!

I also don’t care much about followers but it’s super cool seeing someone random I follow reblog a gif set or photo set and realize “wait. I’m moots with the person who posted this.” And then see it has like a ton of notes. My brain finds interest in the simplest things.

UO was the very next idol that popped into my head actually!! I ran the xeedtiktok account and I remember seeing you in the tags all the time!!

I didn’t know UO was potentially releasing a song soon tho!!! I know Doha is up to something (he’s got a meet and greet coming up with another idol) but other than that I don’t know what the rest of the guys are up too which is unfortunate. I wish XEED had been around longer. And the way everything went down still doesn’t sit right with me.

[acrazybayernfan]

Thoughts on Naglesmann going to PSG?

I think that he doesn't deserve so much pain. All the PSG trainers turns mad after six months in this club because in addition to an incredible level of pressure they have to deal with everything on their own, they will have to face all the criticisms and they will never have any support from the club.

Plus PSG isn't a club that works "normally".

First the star players are free to do whatever they want even if it's against the trainer's advise or opinion because since PSG isn't only a football club but also (and I should say mainly) Qatar's most efficient embassy they need to have players who will attract peoples, and since none of these players have any attachment for the club they have to bribe them with money and complete freedom. That's why Neymar has been free to ruin his health as much as he wanted over the course of the last years. Messi was the only player who faced a semblance of authority from the club lately and it was only in order to make sure that he will leave. People started to know about Qatar because they knew about PSG and they knew about PSG because Zlatan, Mbappé, Neymar and Messi played or plays there.

Secondly, there is no real sport director in PSG. Campos works here with a sort of part-time job and Henrique is called by the club when they need him. Knowing these two persons, none of them will stand by Julian and help him and none of them want of a trainer like him who won't be their little puppet. They will fight against him just like they fight against each other.

Finally, no one knows who is the real head of this club and who takes the final decisions. Nasser as so much things to do that it's impossible for him to really govern PSG. The persons in Doha are of course the real owners but they certainly doesn't care enough about the club to have an active part in every decisions but they can also impose they will according to their caprice.

For someone who so much needs to be in control, like Julian, perhaps that Bayern with it's strict organization wasn't the best place for him but a club like PSG, with no organization at all, won't be a better place for him either. He won't have the freedom and the power he wants, he is just going to be the smokescreen who will hide everyones' mistakes.

[coochiequeens]

“Qatar has shown the world that football can be enjoyed without alcohol, and women can enjoy it without fearing for their safety,” Yes Qatar has human rights issues but this raises some very interesting questions about drinking culture and Women’s safety. 

Doha, Qatar – When Andrea M set off from New York to follow Team USA’s journey at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, she reassured her friends and family that she would not do anything risky during the tournament.

What she had read about Qatar painted an alarming picture of the host country.

“The US media’s portrayal of the Middle East has been very different from what I have experienced here,” Andrea, 29, told Al Jazeera, adding that her friends decided against travelling to Qatar.

Andrea said she is glad she came. “Simple things like taking a walk around the city late at night, that’s something I can’t do back home.”

A 10pm (19:00 GMT) kickoff time for many of the group stage matches and knockout games mean that fans exit stadiums, use public transport and celebrate in fan zones well past midnight. And women, in groups or on their own, are watching football at public screenings, singing and dancing with other fans and moving around without worrying about their safety. According to the Numbeo Crime Index, Doha routinely ranks as the safest – or the second-safest – city in the world.

For Joy Nkuna, the experience has been a stark contrast to her home country South Africa, which ranks as among the most dangerous countries for women travellers. “We have very high crime rates in my country, especially against women,” she said. According to recent government figures, more than 1,000 women were murdered in South Africa in a three-month period between the start of July and the end of September.

Nkuna, 39, said she doesn’t venture out alone past sunset in her country. “From the minute it gets dark, women can’t be out alone or they will be in danger,” she said. “Here, me and my daughter walked around at 3am and nobody intimidated us, catcalled us or looked at us in a way that would make us feel unsafe.”

It’s an experience that Tatiana Lopez can relate to. Thirty-three-year-old Brazil fan Lopez, who has travelled from Colombia with two female friends, said men in public places have been very courteous. “While it is strange to see more men in public places (compared to women) than I’m used to seeing in Colombia, they have all been very respectful.”

Lopez said she has been enjoying the tournament without worrying about her belongings, which is something she’s not used to back home. “I can actually carry my backpack on my back, and keep my phone in my pocket because I know nobody will snatch it from me.”

Women who have been living in Qatar said safety is not a new phenomenon linked to the World Cup.

Khadija Suleiman, a 32-year-old Ethiopian who has been living in Qatar for 10 years, was at the Lusail Stadium for a 10pm kickoff recently with her three children and two nieces. “I don’t feel the need to be with a man in order to feel safe,” she said as she walked towards the stadium.

To be sure, security presence has increased in Qatar because of the World Cup. But Suleiman said that women’s and children’s safety in public places has never been a concern for her while in the country. “If I need to, I can send my children to school in a taxi and not worry about their safety.”

That confidence is shared by women from other parts of the Gulf region, many of whom have been able to participate in the Middle East’s biggest-ever sporting extravaganza without fear.

Dalia Abushullaih has travelled to Qatar from Saudi Arabia and said she is overjoyed to see women celebrating in public spaces. “Qatar has made sure that women feel safe and comfortable in being an active part of the tournament and enjoy freely,” the 29-year-old said. “The world is finally witnessing our beautiful Arab culture, and it is beautiful to see people taking it all in and going back home with a part of it.”

Apart from the stadiums, women and children have thronged tourist areas such as Doha’s Souq Waqif and fan zones spread all over the city. Some arrive during the day as festivities are getting started, while others push through the crowds with strollers to join the post-match celebrations.

The decision by organisers to ban alcohol sales in or near the match venues has also added to the confidence of many women that attending games won’t compromise their safety.

Camilla Ferrierra, a tournament volunteer from Brazil, said knowing that she won’t be surrounded by drunk fans at the stadiums made her feel safer.

“I could never imagine going to a football match alone [in Brazil],” she told Al Jazeera. “I can’t imagine being outside late at night, using my phone in public without fear and just being able to enjoy a walk or a football match. Here, I feel 100 percent safe and that’s a great thing for us women: to be able to enjoy the festivities and football in a safe and secure manner.”

Hanoof Abdullah, a Kuwaiti football fan, sat by herself in the middle of thousands of Brazilian fans at the Lusail Stadium. She said Arab families would have found it difficult to stay out at night if they knew alcohol was being served.

“Qatar has shown the world that football can be enjoyed without alcohol, and women can enjoy it without fearing for their safety,” she said. “The bar has been set very high, and now the world will have to work very hard to match it.”

[beardedmrbean]

The political institutions of the European Union are in turmoil with a cash-for-favours corruption scandal engulfing the European Parliament with the potential to spread.

Former European Parliament Vice President Eva Kaili is one of four people in detention, charged by Belgian prosecutors with "participation in a criminal organisation, money laundering and corruption." 

She has already been booted out of her political parties and affiliations and stripped of her vice presidency, accused of accepting bribes from Qatar.

Gleaming speeches about the Gulf state in the European Parliament, voting in favor of files related to Qatar in committees, on which she didn't sit, and attending numerous unregistered events in the country are the alleged links between Kaili and Doha.

In a statement published online, the Mission of Qatar to the EU called the allegations "baseless and gravely misinformed."

While official details of the scope and depth of the police investigation in Belgium remain scant, the activities of members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and other EU bodies will now come under increased scrutiny.

EU experts are questioning whether the existing anti-corruption measures in place suffice.

"When there is highly complex and entrenched policymaking like there is in the EU, it becomes untransparent, and then it makes it easier to buy influence," Jacob Kirkegaard from the German Marshall Fund told DW News. "You can buy a vice president of the European Parliament for €600k! Are they really that cheap?"

"This is clearly a woman who wasn't afraid of being caught. It indicates that whatever measures and processes the European Parliament has, have no deterrent effect," he said. "Even stupid people, if they were afraid, wouldn't do it.”

Transparency measures

So what measures are in place at the EU?

It has a database, in which NGOs, lobby groups, consultants, charities, and any other organizations wanting to influence lawmaking must register.

All those listed in the Transparency Register are required to declare their budgets, and any donations above €10,000 (ca. $10,545) for NGOs.

Significantly though, Fighting Impunity, the NGO at the heart of the current corruption scandal, is not on the register.

Its president, former Italian MEP Pier Antonio Panzeri, is also in detention. And Eva Kaili's partner Francesco Giorgi works there too. Furthermore, Fighting Impunity shares an office with the Italian non-profit No Peace Without Justice, whose director was also arrested in this case.

"With the loopholes in the system, this was bound to happen," Paul Varakas, president of the Society of European Affairs Professionals (SEAP), which helps lobbyists apply to the Transparency Register, told DW.

In 2021, the European Parliament refused to apply the principle of "strict conditionality" attached to the Transparency Register, which would have forced them to only meet with registered lobbyists.

Senior officials in the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, are already bound to this principle and only allowed to meet with lobbyists who are listed on the register.

But the MEPS argued that it would infringe on their "freedom of mandate" and rejected moves to force them to disclose all their meetings.

"That's how they [Fighting Impunity] were doing it," said Varakas. "You had an NGO influencing decision-making without having to disclose anything. They were invited by an MEP who didn't have to declare. It was simple for them."

SEAP and other organizations are now saying that while mandatory registration (and disclosure requirements attached to it) might be burdensome for smaller actors, such as NGOs, the pressure on the European Parliament to fall in line on the "conditionality principle" will be immense.

In the wake of the scandal, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has repeated a call for an ethics body to be set up that would oversee all EU institutions.

"We have one with very clear rules internally in the Euroepan Commission and I think it is time to discuss where we could establish this overall for all EU institutions" she said at a press conference in Brussels on Monday.

Diplomatic immunity

MEPS also enjoy diplomatic immunity so that they can carry out their political work without fear of prosecution.

According to a Protocol on privileges and immunities of the EU, they cannot "be subject to any form of inquiry, detention or legal proceedings in respect of opinions expressed or votes cast by them in the performance of their duties."

Immunity is not valid, however, "when a Member is found in the act of committing an offence and shall not prevent the European Parliament from exercising its right to waive the immunity of one of its Members."

If necessary, MEPs do have the right to request their immunity is upheld but the press office of the European Parliament said so far no request of that nature had been made by Eva Kaili.

Prosecuting judges in Belgium have also not asked for the immunity to be lifted.

"If there is no request for immunity to be withdrawn then that suggests that the judge has concluded that the criteria have been met for immunity to no longer apply," said European Parliament spokesperson Jaume Duch in Strasbourg.

In the past, immunity requests have been made in regard to extradition requests. But because the crimes are alleged to have been committed in Belgium, extradition would not apply in this case.

[tourist-destinations]

5 Short Weekend Trips from Dubai

People living in Dubai would know how overwhelming the city can become. After all, being one of the most popular holiday destinations as well as a city with numerous attractions, it can be crowded and chaotic. In such a situation, as a citizen or resident of Dubai, it is natural to feel the need to take a break. The best part is that you do not need to travel far to another interesting place. Dubai is surrounded by some exciting places which you can easily visit during a regular or long weekend. While most can be reached by road, you may have to take a flight for a few of them, although the duration is not more than 30 minutes. With this note, let us look at the 5 bestweekend trips from Dubai.

Abu Dhabi, UAE

Abu Dhabi is known for its cultural attractions, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (the largest mosque in the UAE) being the most popular. Qasr Al Qatan, or the Presidential Palace and the Heritage Village, are also worth visiting, which are usually a part of most Abu Dhabi city tour. The city has an island dedicated to cultural attractions, with Louvre Abu Dhabi the star attraction of the place. The city also has an entertainment island, Yas Island, which is filled with theme parks. Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, Yas Water Park, etc., are the best attractions to visit in Abu Dhabi. Apart from all this, the Abu Dhabi Corniche is a beachfront location you must visit here.

Duration: 1.5 hours by road

Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

Ras Al Khaimah, or RAK, is the northernmost emirate of the UAE and a place known for its rugged mountains and beautiful beaches. This emirate is home to the tallest mountain in the country, Jebel Jais. Adventure lovers should visit Jebel Jais, as the place is teeming with adventurous activities. Ziplining is the best activity here, as Jebel Jais has the world’s longest zipline. Jais Sky Tour, Jais Sledder, and Jais Ropes Course are the other things you must try. RAK also has the most beautiful beaches, the Flamingo Beach being the most popular. You can also visit a pearl farm, the National Museum, Dayah Fort, Khatt Springs, and more in Ras Al Khaimah.

Duration: 1 hour 18 minutes by road

Musandam Dibba, Oman

Musandam is an exclave of Oman, which is the UAE’s neighbor. Musandam is the perfect place to visit if you want to spend time in the lap of nature. While there is plenty to see and do in Musandam, a tour of the Musandam Dibba is clearly the best. Endowed with fjords, rocky mountains, and natural waters, Musandam Dibba has a stunning landscape. Cruising is one of the best things to do in Musandam Dibba, giving you the chance to enjoy its natural beauty, especially the sight of the mighty Hajjar Mountains. You can also enjoy swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, banana boat riding, and handline fishing while cruising on the emerald-green waters of Dibba.

Duration: 3.5 hours by road

Al Ain, UAE

A part of the Abu Dhabi Emirate, Al Ain is an oasis city known for its lush greenery, picturesque landscapes, scenic beauty, and charming vibe. One of the best things to do here is explore the Al Ain Oasis, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spread around an area of 1200 hectares, Al Ain Oasis has more than 147000 date palms. For fun and adventure, you have the Al Ain Adventure Park, where you can go river rafting. The place also offers you the opportunity to enjoy swimming, wakeboarding, and surfing. It also has a massive obstacle course, zipline, vertical climb line, and a giant swing. Apart from adventures, Al Ain also offers a peak into the Emirati culture through its souks, where you can buy spices, incense, and more. Then there is Jebel Hafit Desert Park, where you can camp in the desert and enjoy the views of the tallest mountain of Abu Dubai, Jebel Hafit.

Duration: 1 hour 38 minutes by road

Doha, Qatar

Doha, the capital of Qatar, is the perfect amalgamation of ancient and modern. Doha is a sprawling modern city with ultra-luxurious and swanky constructions. And yet, the city has been able to preserve its deep-rooted culture and heritage beautifully. You can learn about the history and culture of Qatar at the National Museum of Qatar, Museum of Islamic Art, and Qatar National Park. Along with sightseeing, Qatar is also known for its outdoor adventures. During your weekend trip, you can try everything from desert adventures to extreme sports like skydiving. Kitesurfing, kayaking, etc., are also available here. Katara Cultural Village, Souq Waqif, Villaggio Mall, Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, State Grand Mosque, MIA Park, and Aspire Zone are some of the other places to visit in Doha.

Duration: 6+ hours by road and 1 hour by flight.

Conclusion

So, you see, you do not have to visit a crowded shopping mall or a theme park in Dubai this weekend. A new and interesting destination is just a short drive or flight away from Dubai. So, make the most of it.

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Three months ago, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, which swiftly responded with an operation to eradicate the militant group. So far, around 1,200 Israelis and an estimated more than 23,000 Palestinians have died, with many more injured. Amid calls for a cease-fire, many observers are speculating what a “day after” might look like in the Gaza Strip.

Whether or not Hamas can be destroyed is a matter of considerable debate. Regardless, Israel and the United States—its most important ally—have insisted that the group can have no role in Gaza’s future administration. Instead, both have proposed the establishment of a multinational force that would include a role for Arab states—including those in the Persian Gulf. This means that Gaza could become a hot spot for geopolitical rivalries between Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Qatar is at the center of this conflict. Its capital, Doha, has hosted and financially bolstered Hamas’s political wing since 2012, when it relocated from Damascus—providing Gaza with much-needed humanitarian assistance. Qatar’s support for Hamas is part of a broader geopolitical strategy to back Islamist groups, particularly those associated with the Muslim Brotherhood, along with allies Iran and Turkey. This counterbalances Qatar’s regional rivals, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

The small Gulf sheikhdom fashions itself something of a regional diplomat—and views diplomacy as a way to protect itself in a turbulent neighborhood. Since its traumatic 2017-to-2021 blockade, this has proved effective: Qatar moderated high-stakes talks like those between the United States and Taliban in 2020. It also secured the release of U.S. prisoners held in Iran in 2023.

The United States had previously requested that Qatar open a line of communication with Hamas in 2006 after the group’s legislative victory in the Palestinian territories, which preceded its 2007 takeover of Gaza and the Israeli blockade that followed. Since then, Doha—which does not have official relations with Israel—has actively mediated between Hamas and Israel on at least three occasions: in 2015, 2018, and 2021.

This time, Qatar is hoping to secure the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas—most of them Israeli—in exchange for a cease-fire or a humanitarian pause. From Nov. 24 to Dec. 1, 2023, ongoing talks resulted in the release of 110 hostages from Gaza and 240 Palestinian prisoners from Israel.

Qatar may go on to support nonmilitant members of the Muslim Brotherhood in Gaza after the war. (These could include members of Hamas’s political—rather than military—wing.) Doing so would satisfy U.S. and Israeli calls for Gaza to be rid of Hamas while also helping Doha to maintain its alliances with Turkey and, to a lesser extent, Iran—countering the influence of the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia has long competed with Iran for Islamic and regional leadership. Ever since the late Saudi King Abdullah launched what he called the Arab Peace Initiative in 2002, Riyadh has also supported the Arab-Israeli peace process. While Tehran—and Doha—financially and militarily back Hamas, Riyadh supports the Palestinian Authority (PA) and might wish to install the PA—which partially governs the West Bank—in postwar Gaza.

However, this could be difficult to implement. While U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed support for a post-Hamas Gaza under what he calls “a revitalized Palestinian Authority,” Israel remains opposed to any PA rule in the territory. What’s more, the PA, which many view as a proxy of Israeli occupation, is reviled by Palestinians—while Hamas’s popularity has soared. For PA rule in Gaza to be possible, Riyadh and Washington would need to do the difficult task of identifying a leader who is both accepted by Israel but also popular enough among Palestinians to dampen Hamas’s—and Iran’s—pull.

One potential candidate is former PA Prime Minister Salam Fayyad. Fayyad, a pragmatic leader, received support from the United States and Saudi Arabia during his tenure from 2007 to 2013. He also held talks with Hamas in 2021 in an unsuccessful attempt to form a national Palestinian unity government. In the past, Fayyad has suggested including Hamas under the umbrella of the Palestine Liberation Organization. While Fayyad has not commented publicly about the possibility of leading Gaza now, Saudi media reported in early January that his name has been mentioned by international diplomats in private discussions on the matter.

Before Oct. 7, Israel and Saudi Arabia had seemed to be moving toward normalization. The Biden administration had tentatively agreed to ambitious requests from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, including a NATO-style security pact, access to advanced weaponry, and a civilian nuclear program. The crown prince told U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken last week that normalization was still in the cards after the war ends—provided that there is also a road map to Palestinian statehood.

Saudi leverage in normalization talks might unsettle the UAE. Though the two countries are ostensibly allies—especially opposite Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood—they have stepped up their geopolitical competition in recent years in their respective quests to become the preeminent Gulf power. Both states have vied for regional dominance in the wars in Yemen and Sudan. The Arab-Israeli peace process in general—and discussions over Gaza’s future—could escalate this rivalry further.

Abu Dhabi seeks to wield a moderating influence on the war while safeguarding its own regional interests. In addition to condemning Israel’s attacks on Gazan hospitals, the UAE has been proactive in getting aid into the enclave, particularly at the United Nations. That is in part because the UAE, which balances relations between major powers such as Russia and the United States, has expansionist ambitions. In addition to Yemen and Sudan, Abu Dhabi also backs proxies in conflicts in the Horn of Africa and Libya.

The UAE’s 2020 normalization of relations with Israel was another such strategic move. Yet the country remains cautious of potential shifts in regional power dynamics, and particularly the prospect of Saudi-Israeli normalization. Emirati détente was, in part, an attempt to become the preeminent Arab power that can effect change on Palestine, wrestling that mantle away from Saudi Arabia. If Riyadh normalizes with Israel, it will be able to reclaim the Palestinian file.

Abu Dhabi may be considering Mohammed Dahlan to manage Gaza within the framework of Biden’s “revitalized” PA. Dahlan, a prominent former leader of the PA’s leading Fatah party and a native of Gaza, was once its security chief. However, Dahlan is now despised in Gaza because he spent years battling Hamas. In the eyes of many Gazans, he is no better than an Israeli occupier.

Dahlan has lived in exile in Abu Dhabi since 2011 after allegations of involvement in financial corruption and the assassination of Yasser Arafat, the leader of the Palestinian Liberation Organization. He is thought to have influenced and mediated Israeli-UAE normalization. Although the former Fatah leader has publicly rejected playing a role in a post-Hamas Gaza, Dahlan has also hinted that he is open to leading Palestinian politics in the future. This would bring strategic dividends for the UAE.

Dahlan maintains a strong relationship with Egypt, one of the two neighboring countries with official ties to Israel. The other is Jordan. Both must be included in any international diplomatic discussion over Gaza’s future—and could find themselves pulled into Gulf rivalries.

Jordan, which borders the West Bank and occupied the territory from 1948 to 1967, is home to a large Palestinian refugee population. Amman’s 1994 peace treaty with Israel recognizes the Hashemite monarchy’s custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem—providing the country with an image of regional prestige, leadership, and religious significance. And in 1979, Egypt, the former occupier of Gaza, became the first Arab country to normalize ties with Israel. Ever since, it has aimed to balance its strategic relationship with Israel with popular support for the Palestinians and the need to maintain stability along its borders.

With most Gazans barred from Israel, Egypt’s Rafah border crossing is their main exit route. The border area also harbors Hamas’s smuggling tunnels. During this war, Cairo has helped control the Rafah crossing and shared intelligence with Israel, while President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has attempted to position himself as a mediator by hosting an international summit. Jordan has similarly convened U.S. and Arab leaders.

But both countries suffer from vulnerabilities that could be exploited by Gulf powers eager to play a leading role in post-Hamas Gaza. They are much poorer than their Gulf counterparts, and their respective economies are in dire states—fueling popular anger even in repressive political environments.

Amman has received relief aid from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations since 2018 and has become especially dependent on support from the group due to COVID-19 pandemic-induced pressures. Egypt was struggling economically before the pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war, but these crises—and their impact on food and fuel prices—have only made things worse. Sisi is under more scrutiny than ever.

In Egypt, Qatar could wield leverage by urging the government to ease pressure on the Muslim Brotherhood, which won Egypt’s first—and only—democratic election in 2012 and was subsequently labeled a terrorist organization after Sisi’s military took over in a 2013 coup. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi could exert sway Egypt to impact the wars in Sudan, Libya, and in Yemen.

Influence over Jordan would grant Gulf countries access to—and possible control over—the West Bank and East Jerusalem. National Defense University’s Michael Sharnoff argued in Foreign Policy in 2021 that Saudi Arabia wished to displace Jordan as the custodian of Jerusalem’s holy sites. Saudi Arabia’s demand to get this distinction would strengthen Riyadh’s hand in normalization talks with Israel and boost Riyadh’s image of being at the forefront of Islamic and Arab leadership—adding the Al-Aqsa Mosque (Islam’s third-holiest site) to the kingdom’s custodianship of Mecca and Medina (the first two).

Expanded Gulf influence over Jordan and Egypt could prove detrimental to Palestinians’ already fragile existence—and to the increasingly unrealistic two-state solution—by opening up new schisms in Palestinian society. It would also create a quagmire for the governments in Amman and Cairo. Being affiliated with a GCC state that helps displace Hamas in Gaza could bring much needed financial aid at the risk of alienating constituencies that are increasingly supportive of the militant group.

Intra-Gulf competition in Gaza has already begun. Among other actions, Qatar hosted three-way negotiations with the United States, Hamas, and Israel to allow for temporary pauses in fighting and provisions of humanitarian aid. Saudi Arabia was quick to bring forward its own initiatives, hosting a summit of major regional actors and Muslim-majority countries, such as Iran and Turkey, and announcing Chinese-brokered talks for ending the war. An Israeli start-up signed an agreement with the UAE to set up a land bridge to transfer goods from Dubai through Saudi Arabia and Jordan to Israel’s ports following a slate of Houthi attacks on Israeli cargo in the Red Sea.

Israel, the United States, and many Arab leaders are united in wanting to see Hamas’s demise. But in getting rid of one problem, others may arise. The Israel-Hamas war could intensify the growing rivalry among Gulf states—and one source of escalating regional tension may give way to another.

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Things to Do in Qatar on a Budget: Free and Affordable Activities

Qatar, known for its luxurious lifestyle and modern attractions, may seem like a costly destination. However, there are plenty of accessible and affordable activities that allow travelers to experience the country's rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant lifestyle without breaking the bank. Whether you're a tourist or a resident looking to explore your surroundings, here are some great things to do in Qatar on a budget.

Explore the Souq Waqif

Souq Waqif is a traditional market that offers an authentic glimpse into Qatari culture. Wander through the winding alleys lined with shops selling spices, textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The atmosphere is lively, and you can enjoy street performances and local musicians. Even if you don't plan on making any purchases, the vibrant ambience and beautiful architecture make it a must-visit.

Visit the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA)

The Museum of Islamic Art is an architectural masterpiece located in Corniche. Admission is free, allowing visitors to explore its impressive collection of Islamic art spanning over 1,400 years. The museum also features beautiful gardens and a stunning view of the Doha skyline. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and learn about the Islamic heritage of the region.

Relax at the Corniche

The Doha Corniche is a picturesque waterfront promenade stretching along the bay, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. It's an excellent place for a stroll, jogging, or picnicking with friends and family. The area is dotted with parks, playgrounds, and benches, making it an ideal spot to relax and soak in the beautiful surroundings.

Discover Katara Cultural Village

Katara Cultural Village is a hub of artistic and cultural activities. Visitors can explore galleries, theaters, and performance spaces showcasing local and international talent. The entrance is free, and free events, exhibitions, and performances often happen throughout the year. The beach area is also open to the public, where you can enjoy the sun and sea.

Visit the Qatar National Library

The Qatar National Library is not just a place for books; it's an architectural gem that hosts various events and exhibitions. Visitors can explore the vast collection of books and archives or attend free workshops and cultural programs. The library's stunning design makes it a worthwhile stop for architecture enthusiasts.

Take a Stroll in Aspire Park

Aspire Park is one of the largest parks in Doha and is perfect for outdoor activities. It features walking and biking paths, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The park is home to beautiful gardens and lakes, providing a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. Entrance is free, making it an ideal spot for families and friends to enjoy nature.

Enjoy the Katara Beach

Katara Beach is a public beach with crystal-clear waters and soft sands, perfect for a day of relaxation. While some amenities may have fees, the beach and surrounding areas are accessible. It's a great place to unwind, swim, or enjoy the sunset.

Attend Free Events and Festivals

Qatar hosts various free events and festivals throughout the year. From the Doha Film Festival to cultural exhibitions and concerts, there's always something happening. Keep an eye on local event calendars to make sure you don't miss out on these exciting opportunities.

Conclusion

Exploring Qatar on a budget doesn't mean sacrificing quality experiences. With its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities, Qatar offers a variety of accessible and affordable activities that cater to all interests. Whether you're exploring the traditional souqs, relaxing on the Corniche, or immersing yourself in art and culture at the MIA, you'll find that Qatar has plenty to offer without breaking the bank. So pack your bags and get ready to discover the hidden gems of this beautiful country while staying within your budget! If you have any questions or need further information about exploring Qatar on a budget, feel free to reach out to us! We'd love to help you plan your next adventure.