Latest news with #Al-Hashemi
Arab Times
24-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab Times
Question: Why does the West defend Israel?
IN a 2014 article published by 'Middle East Transparent' that was recently republished, Mohammad Al-Hashemi offers a perspective with notable revisions. He wrote, 'Arabs often repeat two naive narratives to explain the West's bias in favor of Israel. The first claims Israel is merely a colonial outpost of the West and the second views it as the West's 'infidel thorn' aimed at undermining Islam.' According to Al- Hashemi, the truth is more complex. While the West's deep-seated guilt over the Holocaust, committed by the Nazis, does play a role, it alone cannot fully explain the scale and intensity of the West's unwavering support for Israel. Therefore, the explanation lies in the following facts, which many Arabs find difficult to grasp: 1. The political elites who founded and shaped the State of Israel aligned their interests with the West, not the Soviets. As a result, they built their institutions on Western, secular, democratic, and liberal foundations, embracing freedoms such as women's rights, a free economy, peaceful transfers of power, and an independent judiciary. 2. Israel's pursuit of technological and industrial excellence has elevated its status in the developed world, making it a valuable strategic partner due to its meaningful contributions to global innovation and cultural advancement. 3. Israel has succeeded in forging strong alliances with major powers, including NATO, and maintains a deeply rooted strategic partnership with the United States. 4. In contrast, the West often views many of Israel's regional adversaries as repressive, authoritarian regimes that are openly hostile to the values and principles of Western democracy. This is in addition to the authoritarian powers that have dominated Palestinian decision-making since 1948, without a constitution, parliament, functioning institutions, or any peaceful transfer of power. Al-Hashemi concluded his article by asserting that the West supports Israel because it sees it as an ally and a democratic, parliamentary, multi-party, and liberal state with peaceful transitions of power, European-style institutions, and a high level of technological and industrial development. In contrast, Israel is surrounded by dictatorial regimes ruled by small circles of power, many of whose leaders specialize in destruction and violence, openly express hatred for the West and the United States, and carry out acts of terrorism such as bombings, stabbings, and vehicular attacks in major Western capitals, while calling for the annihilation of the State of Israel. I believe I know the author of the article, as he is Kuwaiti, but he prefers to remain anonymous for personal reasons. I do not feel obligated to name him, even though my relationship with him and others has recently been strained due to our positions on the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. I find it difficult to understand their unconditional moral support for Israel and their failure to condemn its repeated crimes. Perhaps it stems from their hatred of Hamas or their attachment to wealth. However, no one with a shred of dignity or reason, who is genuinely engaged in public affairs, can adopt such a dismissive stance that casts doubt on the legitimacy of Palestinian rights. I agree with the author that Israel is an oasis of security, the only democracy in the region, a haven for inventors, and a homeland for brilliant minds. This stands in contrast to Palestine and several other Arab countries, whose dire and disappointing conditions I have written about extensively in hundreds of articles. However, none of this blinds me to the reality of Palestinian rights. If a thousand of the world's top scientists, doctors, inventors, and Nobel Prize winners, Jews or otherwise, came to my home, claimed ownership, and forcibly evicted me, would I be expected to accept it simply because they are accomplished individuals, embrace a Western lifestyle, support democracy, and have the backing of the developed world?
Arab Times
30-05-2025
- Arab Times
Pilgrims Depart In Peace As Kuwait Executes Flawless Hajj Plan
KUWAIT CITY, May 30: The Hajj season officially commenced this morning as the first groups of Kuwaiti pilgrims departed from Kuwait International Airport through Terminals 1 and 4, bound for the Holy Land. The spiritual journey began with a sense of serenity and efficiency, reflecting months of careful planning and coordination by relevant authorities. Kuwait Airways and Saudi Airlines operated the initial flights, carrying approximately 200 pilgrims on each, with the first Kuwait Airways flight from Terminal 4 heading to Jeddah. The departure lounges were filled with an atmosphere of devotion, as families bid emotional farewells to their loved ones embarking on this sacred journey. In a statement by Mansour Al-Hashemi, Director of Operations at Kuwait Airport under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), it was confirmed that two flights took off this morning, marking the beginning of Hajj pilgrimage operations. A total of 36 flights are scheduled to depart by the end of Monday, transporting nearly 8,000 Kuwaiti pilgrims to Saudi Arabia. Al-Hashemi outlined the DGCA's extensive preparations, which include deploying field teams from the Operations Department in coordination with the Ministries of Awqaf, Health, and Interior, as well as Customs and ground service providers. These teams are tasked with guiding and assisting pilgrims throughout the departure process. To streamline the experience, authorities have implemented several measures: special counters have been designated for pilgrims, boarding passes are being distributed in advance or upon arrival at the airport, and customs procedures have been expedited to avoid delays and congestion. The Ministry of Islamic Affairs has also set up dedicated booths in the departure halls to distribute informational brochures, educating pilgrims on the rituals of Hajj and ensuring they are well-prepared for the spiritual experience. Pilgrims interviewed by Al-Seyassah expressed appreciation for the smooth and highly organized procedures, praising the high standards of care and planning. The efforts by all involved agencies aim to ensure that the "Guests of God" begin their journey with comfort, safety, and peace of mind.
Zawya
04-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Kuwait airport readies for Ramadan surge with DGCA's operational plan
KUWAIT CITY - The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced the development of an integrated operational plan to ensure smooth travel flow through Kuwait International Airport during the holy month of Ramadan. This includes managing the increased demand for Umrah trips to the holy land and preparing for the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr holiday. The DGCA confirmed that it has increased the capacity of all airport facilities to guarantee smooth travel during Ramadan, while maintaining the highest safety and operational standards. It also approved the airlines' request to have their own schedule during the holy month. In order to ensure seamless travel, the DGCA held discussions with the concerned authorities to streamline procedures in line with the anticipated increase in traffic during Ramadan. Director of the Operations Department at DGCA Mansour Al-Hashem stated in an interview with Al-Akhbar TV that the operational plan involves coordinated efforts between all stakeholders at Kuwait International Airport. Al-Hashemi explained that the plan encompasses all airport buildings; ensuring compliance with safety, durability and operational protocols. In another development, the State Audit Bureau (SAB) is reviewing three contracts and projects at Kuwait International Airport, valued at KD 1.5 million. According to reliable sources; the review covers a lease contract for an area adjacent to the air cargo sector, a second extension contract for agricultural works, and the procedures for awarding a contract for one of the investment sites in Terminal Four. Arab Times | © Copyright 2024, All Rights Reserved Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Arab Times
03-03-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
Kuwait airport readies for Ramadan surge with DGCA's operational plan
KUWAIT CITY, March 3: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has announced the development of an integrated operational plan to ensure smooth travel flow through Kuwait International Airport during the holy month of Ramadan. This includes managing the increased demand for Umrah trips to the holy land and preparing for the upcoming Eid Al-Fitr holiday. The DGCA confirmed that it has increased the capacity of all airport facilities to guarantee smooth travel during Ramadan, while maintaining the highest safety and operational standards. It also approved the airlines' request to have their own schedule during the holy month. In order to ensure seamless travel, the DGCA held discussions with the concerned authorities to streamline procedures in line with the anticipated increase in traffic during Ramadan. Director of the Operations Department at DGCA Mansour Al-Hashem stated in an interview with Al-Akhbar TV that the operational plan involves coordinated efforts between all stakeholders at Kuwait International Airport. Al-Hashemi explained that the plan encompasses all airport buildings; ensuring compliance with safety, durability and operational protocols. In another development, the State Audit Bureau (SAB) is reviewing three contracts and projects at Kuwait International Airport, valued at KD 1.5 million. According to reliable sources; the review covers a lease contract for an area adjacent to the air cargo sector, a second extension contract for agricultural works, and the procedures for awarding a contract for one of the investment sites in Terminal Four.
Zawya
27-02-2025
- Zawya
Kuwait Airport to manage 1,700 flights in a 5-day holiday rush
KUWAIT CITY - Kuwait International Airport is fully prepared to handle the surge in passenger traffic during the upcoming National Day holiday, according to Mansour Al-Hashemi, Director of Operations at the General Directorate of Civil Aviation. Al-Hashemi confirmed that an integrated plan has been implemented in coordination with relevant authorities to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience. Between February 25 and March 1, the airport is set to manage a total of 1,691 flights, including 849 departures and 842 arrivals. The number of passengers is expected to reach approximately 225,000, with 113,000 departing and 112,000 arriving during this period. To streamline operations, the airport has deployed dedicated teams to assist travelers from the moment they enter the terminal until they board their flights. Measures have also been put in place to manage passenger flow, prevent congestion, and expedite arrival and departure procedures. Authorities are advising passengers to arrive at least three hours before departure to complete check-in and security procedures without delays. With the holiday rush approaching, Kuwait International Airport remains committed to ensuring a seamless travel experience for all passengers.
