Qatar hosts int’l conference to address Islamophobia
Georgetown University in Qatar holds an international conference on September 30 to explore the root causes of the rising anti-Islamic sentiments. Themed “Global Histories and Practices of Islamophobia”, the two-day event will bring together a host of scholars, activists, policymakers and journalists. During the event, participants will engage in insightful conversations, pose critical questions and explore the intellectual roots of manifold dimensions of prejudice against Muslims and Islam. The international conference will feature prominent voices against Islamophobia, including Ebrahim Rasool, founder of the World for All Foundation, and theorist, Anne Norton, along with several other scholars.
“This GU-Q conference promises to be an intellectually stimulating and transformative event, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex issue of Islamophobia and contributing positively toward meaningful resolutions,” said Karine Walther, Associate Professor of History at GU-Q and conference co-organiser. “As part of its foreign policy agenda, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is currently undertaking a series of initiatives on anti-racism, including Islamophobia,” said Khalid Fahad Al Khater, Director of Policy Planning at the Foreign Ministry, who will address a high-level roundtable discussion during the event.
Afghanistan’s Currency Surges Amid Economic Challenges
In an unprecedented turn of events, Afghanistan’s Afghani currency has surged to the top of global rankings this quarter, despite being a country grappling with poverty and ongoing economic challenges. The rise in the Afghani’s value has been attributed to several factors, including humanitarian aid and increased trade with Asian neighbors, as well as the Taliban’s stringent currency control measures.
The Taliban, who assumed power in Afghanistan two years ago, have implemented a series of measures aimed at maintaining control over the Afghani currency. These measures include banning the use of US dollars and Pakistani rupees in local transactions, tightening restrictions on taking foreign currencies out of the country, and even making online trading illegal. Violators of these rules face the threat of imprisonment.
Data reveals that the Afghani has experienced a remarkable 9% increase in value this quarter alone, surpassing the 3% gain seen in the Colombian peso, for instance. The Afghani’s performance is all the more surprising, considering the country’s economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, widespread poverty, and deflationary pressures as reported by the World Bank.
Turkish, Qatari charities distribute aid to needy in northern Syria
Turkish and Qatari aid organizations said they have distributed aid materials among the needy and orphans in northern Syria, reports Ahmed Asmar for Anadolu Agency. Türkiye’s IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation said it distributed food parcels and hygiene kits to nearly 320 orphans and families in several areas of Tal Abyad district. IHH said it has been providing aid and support to orphans since the early days of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
Meanwhile, the Qatar Charity humanitarian organization said it distributed food aid to quake-affected people in northwestern Syria’s Afrin district. Some 1,550 food parcels were distributed, its statement said. It added that 7,750 people have benefited from its aid distribution in 19 refugee camps in the northern town of Jindires. On Feb. 6, magnitude 7.7 and 7.6 quakes struck numerous Turkish provinces, taking over 50,000 lives, while in Syria, more than 8,000 people were killed.
Over 100 killed in fire at wedding celebration in northern Iraq
At least 113 people died in a fire at a Christian wedding celebration in Iraq’s northern Nineveh province, Anadolu Agency reported on September 28. Earlier, the official Iraqi News Agency reported that 100 people were killed in the fire, which broke out at the Al Haytham Wedding Hall in the Al-Hamdaniya district, southeast of Mosul. For his part, Interior Minister Abdul Amir al-Shammari said that “fireworks” caused the fire.
Earlier local media reports said that at least 500 people were injured in the incident, citing Ahmed Hamdani, deputy director of the Mosul Health Department. The Iraqi News Agency (INA) said the fire was caused by fireworks, candles, and other materials used during the event. Footage of the fire breaking out while the bride and groom were dancing was widely circulated on social media, also showing panicked people running. There were around 1000 people at the wedding hall when the fire broke out. Iraqi Prime Minister Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani declared three days of national mourning following the incident.
TRT World documentary wins first Int’l Emmy for Türkiye
In a resounding victory for Turkish broadcasting, TRT World has been honored with the International Emmy Award in the “News and Current Affairs” category for its documentary series, “Ukraine Wartime Diaries.” The prestigious award was presented at the 44th International Emmy Awards ceremony held in New York City, solidifying TRT’s position as a global leader in television journalism.
The acclaimed documentary series “Off the Grid,” produced by TRT World, garnered international acclaim for its episode “Ukraine Wartime Diaries.” This remarkable achievement came after a rigorous selection process by the International Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, which saw TRT World’s work stand out among thousands of entries in the category.
Mehmet Zahid Sobacı, General Manager of TRT, emphasized the significance of this win, especially in the context of Türkiye’s centennial celebrations. “Bringing this award to Türkiye for the first time is a source of immense pride for TRT. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all my colleagues who have produced powerful content with global impact. Our journey of transformation and success will continue,” he said. The documentary, directed by MouhssineEnnaimi and produced by Alexandre Pauliat, explores the lives of civilians in Ukraine after the war. Ennaimi reflected on their journey: “We didn’t know how we would make a difference, what untold stories we would share. Today, we have received recognition for our dedication, passion and relentless fieldwork.”
Tlaib rebukes US decision to grant Israel entry to visa waiver programme
Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib slammed the Biden administration’s decision to accept Israel into the US visa waiver programme (VWP), saying it enables Israel’s “discriminatory practices”, a report said on Sep. 29. “The Biden Administration’s decision to admit Israel into the Visa Waiver Program explicitly condones and enables the Israeli government’s discriminatory practices towards Americans requesting entry, including hours of detainment and interrogation,” Tlaib said in a statement.
The decision to allow Israel into the programme means “the US government is allowing a foreign government to discriminate against its own citizens based on protected class”. Entry into the VWP for any country requires that both countries abide by the principle of reciprocity, which means that any US citizen be allowed freedom of movement without any discrimination during entry and exit protocols.
Reciprocity has been the main sticking point for critics of Israel’s acceptance. A US-based rights group filed a lawsuit seeking an injunction on Tuesday, arguing that Israel is not eligible for the programme because it discriminates against Palestinian Americans.