Latest news with #Qataris
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Time for Newcastle owners to make statement and put end to Alexander Isak saga
Towards the end of a season that brought that elusive trophy and qualification for next season's Champions League, Eddie Howe was having to field familiar questions about transfer interest in his players. Here is what he said. 'It is a frustration," he declared. Only looking mildly frustrated, to be fair. "That's because I don't see why our players are getting linked here, there and everywhere with other clubs.' There are a few reasons why this continues to happen but the main ones are that a) you have got a lot of very good players, Eddie, and b) a lot of people are under the impression that you don't pay them the sort of money they could earn at a truly elite Champions League club. And, of course, under the Profit and Sustainability Rules, the art of balancing the books within regulations seems to be more delicate than it was when, for example, Manchester City's new owners were taking their club to new levels or the Qataris were developing Paris Saint-Germain. Which is why there actually might be one or two observers out there who think it would make sense for Newcastle to accept a huge offer for Alexander Isak. After all, losing a talismanic, world class striker does not automatically mean a downgrade in team performance. Ask PSG and Kylian Mbappe. And just think what Newcastle could do with the £150million that many think is what the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal would pay for Isak. No matter what the entire Newcastle fanbase might think, keeping Isak is not a complete no-brainer. But it IS the right thing to do, assuming, of course, he wants to stay. Isak has three years left on his Newcastle contract so, in theory, the decision is not with him. But it is, really. This is the real world and such is the allure of obvious suitors such as Liverpool and Arsenal, Newcastle will open talks over a new contract with Isak, presumably sooner rather than later. Now-ish would be ideal. His current wages - believed to be in the region of £120,000 a week - are clearly not commensurate with his standing as one of the world's best strikers. Whatever the top line Newcastle can come up with under their wage structure, it is likely to be less than Isak can earn elsewhere. But he genuinely does seem happy there and Howe has assembled a squad that is still developing. That is why, to Eddie's gentle annoyance, there is frequent talk of interest in the likes of Anthony Gordon, in Sandro Tonali, in Tino Livramento, as well as Isak. At the risk of stating the obvious, deep, talented squads win major trophies. And while there was no investment in extra talent last summer, Howe has a squad that is not far off being able to sustain a serious Premier League title challenge while giving a strong account of itself in Europe. Along with a pay rise, that is what should keep Isak at St James' Park. So, it is over to the Saudi Arabian owners to find a way, find a way of taking that extra step. And the starting point in that journey should be - despite the temptation of a record transfer fee - to sort out a contract for Isak. That should be Newcastle's biggest statement of intent this summer. Sky has slashed the price of its bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more. Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
The Hill
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
If Republicans won't denounce their king, America will
These days, I find myself wondering what it would take for congressional Republicans to recognize and resist Trump's dictatorial ambitions to be an unaccountable king. Would he have to wear an actual crown in the White House rose garden he is paving over? Install a throne in the flying palace he procured from the Qataris? I wonder what it would take to stop hearing from pundits that we're overreacting to Trump and his happy-birthday-to-me military parade — the same week he deployed the National Guard and U.S. Marines against Americans on American soil — in a confrontation manufactured by his administration's assault on peaceful, law-abiding immigrants. This week, Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) was shoved to the floor and handcuffed when he tried to ask Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem a question at a press conference where she declared that she and her federal agents would 'liberate' Los Angeles from its elected leadership. That's not democracy. It's fascism. I wonder whether the president's defenders are lying to themselves, or just to us. Probably some of both. For the brutally cynical power players, the administration's cruelty and criminality are part of the plan. Project 2025 architects, like White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, have been clear from the start that the president wouldn't let the law get in the way of asserting and abusing his power. Trump claimed ignorance when it appeared Americans didn't like what Project 2025 was selling, but now Trump is aggressively implementing Project 2025's agenda, laws and Constitution be damned. It's good to remember that Trump did not win more than 50 percent of the popular vote in his narrow victory. And since he took power, Trump and Trumpism have become increasingly unpopular with the American public. That's probably why Trump and Stephen Miller have been accelerating the brutal abductions and cruel detentions of immigrants. They are convinced that Americans, like the MAGA base, can be mobilized with anti-immigrant rhetoric. They are convinced that Americans will rally around his decision to send military troops against protesters. I think Trump and Miller are wrong. A lot of Trump voters accepted the campaign's claims that the administration's anti-immigrant hammer would fall primarily on violent gang members. Now they know the truth. To look tough and to satisfy Miller's desire for big numbers, the administration is kidnapping and disappearing hard-working people who are supporting their families and contributing to their communities, people who have tried to do everything right and are snatched as they show up for appointments. Even Florida state Sen. Ileana Garcia (R), the founder of Latinas for Trump, knows she was had: 'This is not what we voted for,' she said. She acknowledged the importance of removing any 'criminal' in the country illegally. However, she called the current efforts 'arbitrary measures to hunt down people who are complying with their immigration hearings — in many cases, with credible fear of persecution claims.' 'This undermines the sense of fairness and justice that the American people value,' Garcia said. Meanwhile, Trump's record of corrupting everything he touches is extending more deeply into the American military. He turned West Point's graduation into a chance to air his personal grievances and launch partisan attacks on his enemies. And last week, after he had ordered the National Guard and Marines into the streets of Los Angeles and just days before his self-glorifying military parade, Trump talked to soldiers at Ft. Bragg as if they were his personal army devoted to enforcing his will rather than defending the country and its Constitution. Many veterans were alarmed by Trump's speech and the hawking of partisan MAGA merch on the base violated both tradition and Pentagon rules. All this makes it hard to take when a think-tank scholar tells us that 'sometimes a parade is just a parade.' Sometimes, sure. But not this time. Nothing about Trump's second term suggests that there's a reason for giving him the benefit of the doubt. He has defied federal judges and attacked Supreme Court justices who don't fall in line 100 percent. He has nominated his former criminal lawyer and current ideological enforcer to a federal appeals court — the level just below the Supreme Court. He has taken action to undermine checks and balances, unilaterally rewrite the Constitution and force media companies, law firms and universities to submit to his extortion and control. He has turned the pardon process into a brazenly corrupt auction. He has abused his presidential powers in untold ways and even tried to assert power he doesn't have. All the while, Republicans in Congress abandon their oversight responsibilities, hand over their constitutional authority and cheer on the dismantling of democracy. Polls suggest, and the nationwide No Kings protests affirm, that the American people are more willing to resist Trump's desire to rule like a king than many elected leaders who swore an oath to protect the Constitution. Congressional Republicans may be willing to act like Trump's royal subjects, but most Americans are not. We'll see you in the streets — and in the voting booth. Svante Myrick is president of People For the American Way.
Qatar Tribune
14-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
We'll continue working with our Qatari friends to strengthen ties in all fields: Russian envoy
Ashraf Siddiqui Doha Ambassador of Russia to Qatar HE Dmitry Dogadkin has expressed his satisfaction with the active development of bilateral relations between Qatar and Russia. Speaking at a gala reception to celebrate Russia's National Day, he said, 'We will continue working together with our Qatari friends to strengthen our ties in all fields.' The event was attended by Minister of Municipality of Qatar HE Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya, Director of the Department of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Ambassador Ibrahim Yousif Abdullah Fakhro, Ambassador of Eritrea and Dean of the Diplomatic Corps HE Ali Ibrahim Ahmed, members of the diplomatic community, dignitaries and distinguished guests. Ambassador Dogadkin noted that political dialogue between Russia and Qatar has reached an unprecedented level, with both countries sharing aligned views on most global and regional issues. He highlighted the continued engagement between the nations' leadership, citing the state visit of the His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani to Moscow in April, and the visits of Russian Foreign Minister HE Sergey Lavrov to Doha in December and February. He expressed gratitude to Qatar for its balanced stance on the Ukraine conflict and this principled approach reflects the wise leadership of HH the Amir. On the economic front, the ambassador emphasised growing cooperation, including the fifth session of the Joint Intergovernmental Committee on Trade, Economic, and Technical Cooperation – the first since 2019. 'Qatar remains the largest investor in the Russian economy, and our trade and business ties show great potential,' he noted. He also acknowledged the rise in cultural and humanitarian exchanges. 'In 2024, 120,000 Russians visited Qatar, and 11,000 Qataris visited Russia. Qatar has become one of the most popular destinations in the Middle East for Russian tourists,' he said. Ambassador Dogadkin thanked attendees for joining the celebration, saying, 'We mark one of our most important national holidays, reflecting on our achievements and the resilience of the Russian people, who continue to defend our homeland and contribute to its progress.' He extended appreciation to countries that have supported Russia's sovereignty and criticised what he called attempts by the 'collective West' to impose its will. 'We are not intimidated by sanctions – over 30,000 have been imposed against us – the most in the world. Yet, we stand strong.' He reaffirmed Russia's commitment to peace through dialogue, emphasising that the root causes of the Ukraine conflict must be addressed. He said, 'Our goals will be achieved, and we look to the future with confidence and optimism, knowing we stand on the side of truth.' The envoy thanked HE Ibrahim Yousif Fakhro, PJSC Gazprom, especially Dmitry Solovyov, the Sheraton Grand Doha team, and all guests for their presence and support. The Russian envoy impressed the guests by delivering his address in fluent Arabic. The cake-cutting ceremony was followed by generous hospitality, featuring an array of Russian and local cuisine. A cultural corner was also set up, showcasing items representing Russian culture and heritage.
Qatar Tribune
12-06-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Qataris rank third globally in daily online ad exposure: Study
Tribune News Network Doha Internet users in Qatar are shown almost 1,200 ads daily, according to a new study by Eskimi, a leading creative and media technology platform. This number positions Qatar in the third place among countries most exposed to digital ads. 'Try imagining the ads you've seen today. Let me guess — you remember none or a very few. We are exposed to thousands of ads daily, but become resistant to them. In many instances, we do not even need ad-blockers, as our brains do just that. With this comes a challenge for businesses — how to cut through this block and get noticed,' said Vytautas Paukstys, CEO of Eskimi. To draw these conclusions, Eskimi researchers investigated ad statistics from apps and websites across 188 countries worldwide. Below are the key takeaways from the study. While Qataris are heavily exposed to digital ads, a few countries rank even higher. Internet users in Nauru, a tiny island in Oceania, are the most exposed to digital ads worldwide. One individual is shown almost 1,600 placements daily. Iceland ranks second with over 1,500 ads. Among the analysed countries, the average number of ads displayed to a person per day varies from tens to almost 1,600 ads every day. Across all the studied markets, internet users are exposed to more app ads than website ads. This difference is particularly pronounced for internet users in Qatar, who experience four times more ads on apps than on websites. According to Paukstys, multiple factors affect ad exposure differences. Device types and internet connectivity play a role here, as devices display ads differently, and faster connections allow for more complex and engaging ad formats to load more quickly. Moreover, certain countries receive more attention from advertisers than others. The more competitors for the ad space, the less likely that the ad placement will stay vacant. This factor is relevant for both the popular advertising markets and smaller countries in terms of population. For instance, Nauru, an island exposed to digital ads the most, has only over 10,000 residents, so ad impressions per user tend to be much higher than in larger countries. Online habits of country residents also impact the number of ads they are exposed to daily. The recent 2025 Global Digital Report by Meltwater and We Are Social reveals significant differences in the country's average time spent online. South Africans, for instance, spend almost 10 hours online every day, while Japanese people spend only four. Knowing display ad exposure trends in various countries can significantly help businesses develop smarter advertising strategies, said Paukstys. Suppose one knows that in a particular market, internet users are flooded with ads. In that case, advertisers can prioritise investing in engaging rich media visuals over placing a high number of static creatives in standard ad placements. 'Being exposed to hundreds of ads is very different from truly seeing them. When people are bombarded with too many ads, they tend to tune out and become immune to the messages. To break through ad fatigue, advertisers need to step up their game by returning to creativity and evaluating the actual impact of their campaigns,' said Paukstys.
New York Post
10-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Hamas-Qatari plot to scuttle Trump middle east peace plan uncovered by IDF in Gaza: report
Documents found by the Israeli Defense Forces in Gaza show Qatari officials and leaders of Hamas plotting to scuttle Donald Trump's 'deal of the century' to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict during the president's first administration, according to a report. The documents apparently show leaders of Qatar and the terror group discussing ways to thwart the peace plan as well as efforts to have Arab countries, such as Saudi Arabia, normalize relations with Israel, according to Israel's Channel 12. The documents cite an emergency meeting in June 2019 between Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani and Hamas leaders including Khaled Mashal, former chair of the Hamas Political Bureau. 5 A screenshot from Israel's Channel 12 report claiming Qatari and Hamas leaders (Yahya Sinwa, on right) tried to scuttle peace negotiations brokered by President Trump during his first term in office. Israel Channel 12 5 Trump's 'deal of the century' was supposed to end the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians when it was announced in January 2020, but according to leaked documents found by IDF soldiers in Gaza the plan was nixed by Hamas working through Qatari mediators. EPA 'We must work together to oppose and eliminate the 'deal of the century,' ' Mashal said, according to the documents. Six months later Qatar's then-foreign minister Mahammed bin Hamad al Thani, speaking to a Hamas leader, Ismail Haniyeh, noted 'the Qatari grants are Hamas's main artery,' referring to cash doled out to the terror group — whose members killed 1,200 Israelis during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Haniyeh, head of the Hamas Political Bureau, was assassinated last year in Tehran where he was attending the inauguration of Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian. His remains were taken to Qatar where they were buried in Lusail, the country's second largest city. In addition, the documents reportedly include correspondence showing Hamas worked to sideline Egypt's diplomatic efforts in Gaza, and replace it with Qatar. 'The Egyptians were attempting to restrain the escalation and we caused them to leave the picture with empty hands,' said Yahya Sinwar in May 2021, when he was the leader of Hamas in Gaza. 'In their place, the Qataris came, and we gave them an opportunity to dictate the fruits of diplomacy.' Sinwar was killed in October 2024 during fighting by the IDF. 5 Former Hamas Prime Minster Ismail Haniyeh called cash grants from Qatar 'the main artery' of the Hamas terrorism network in documents that were leaked to Israel's Channel 12. AP The documents also reportedly reveal messages from Mashal thanking the Qataris for sending the Hamas leadership to Iran for the funeral of terrorist Qasem Soleimani, on January 7, 2020. Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike near Baghdad International Airport on January 3. 'Thank you to Qatari brothers who agreed to fly us,' reads the note from Haniyeh to the Qatari leadership. In a press release, the Qatari government called the documents, which The Post has not been able to independently verify, 'fabricated.' 5 Hamas leader Khaled Mashal (left) allegedly thanked his 'Qatari brothers' for flying Hamas terrorists to Tehran for the funeral of of terrorist Qasem Soleimani, on January 7, 2020. EPA They claimed they had been circulated in the Israeli media 'in an attempt to sow tension and division between Qatar and the United States at a crucial stage in our efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.' The country's International Media Office said in a June 10 press release the tactic had previously been used 'by those who want diplomacy to fail.' The White House did not return an email seeking comment. A spokesman for Hamas refused comment. 5 Qatar's Emir, Tamim bin Hamad al Thani (left) was allegedly cited in documents found by the IDF in Gaza in which Hamas leaders discuss how to thwart a Trump peace plan for the region. Getty Images In January 2020, Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu unveiled a deal for a two-state peace plan between Israel and the Palestinians. The plan, 'Peace to Prosperity: A Vision to Improve the Lives of the Palestinian and Israeli People,' called for the creation of a State of Palestine with its capital in East Jerusalem. As part of the deal, Sinwar was offered $10 billion and for Gaza to be recognized as Palestine and Hamas-led in exchange for 'forgetting about' the West Bank and other territory. Sinwar rejected the offer, according to the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). The deal ceded major settlements in the West Bank to Israeli sovereignty and called for a four-year freeze on new Israeli settlement construction. Qatar has had a long association with Hamas, who were designated a terror group by the US in 1997. Qatar's current defense minister, Sa'oud Aal Thani, posted tweets in 2014 backing the group during a round of fighting between Israel and Hamas in the summer of 2014. 'We are all Hamas,' he posted, according to Middle East Media Research Institute. A spokesman for the IDF declined to say when the trove of documents was found in Gaza.
