WASHINGTON: The United States will merge the US Consulate General, which serves Palestinians, with its new embassy into a single diplomatic mission in Jerusalem, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday.
“This decision is driven by our global efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of our operations,” Pompeo said in a statement. “It does not signal a change of US policy on Jerusalem, the West Bank, or the Gaza Strip.”
The consulate-general in Jerusalem is the top mission for Palestinians, who want East Jerusalem for their capital.
“We will continue to conduct a full range of reporting, outreach, and programming in the West Bank and Gaza as well as with Palestinians in Jerusalem through a new Palestinian Affairs Unit inside US Embassy Jerusalem,” Pompeo said.
He said the Trump administration was committed to a peace effort between Israel and the Palestinians.
US President Donald Trump outraged the Arab world and stoked international concern by recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital in December and moving the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May.
The status of Jerusalem is one of the thorniest disputes between Israel and the Palestinians and Palestinian leaders accused Trump of sowing instability by overturning decades of US policy.
Palestinians, with broad international backing, seek East Jerusalem as the capital of a state they want to establish in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip.
Israel regards all of the city, including the eastern sector it captured in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed, as its “eternal and indivisible capital,” but that is not recognized internationally. The Trump administration has avoided that description, and noted that the city’s final borders should be decided by the parties.
US to merge Jerusalem consulate in to new embassy
US to merge Jerusalem consulate in to new embassy
Sound judgement: The best Arab alternative albums of 2024
- Bojan Preradovic’s pick of records released by indie artists from the Arab world this year
Tayar
‘Kol Shi Sar’
Tayar consists of Amman-based songwriters Ahmad Farah and Bader Helalat, who is also a producer and filmmaker. Since 2020, the pair have released a string of singles and EPs, often using their music as a means of processing life in a region immersed in grave injustice and trauma. Their first LP is a genre-defying record that oscillates effortlessly between indie rock, earworm electronica, and delectable, quartertone-laced neo-psychedelia. Between gorgeous, piano-driven interludes, Farah and Helalat snake their way through a sonic canvas of exquisite vocal harmonies, irresistibly danceable beats, synth-soaked laments, and lusciously arranged instrumentals narrated by the likes of double bass, oud, and trumpet.
Fulana
‘ground:from — Chapter One’
Vancouver-born, Jeddah-raised artist Nadine Lingawi’s evolution as a songwriter since signing with Saudi Arabia’s Wall of Sound in 2020 has been remarkable, culminating in this month’s ‘ground:from,’ an enlightened exploration of brooding indie pop and instantly iconic electronica. Collaborating with Abdulmajeed Alwazna and Husam Al-Sayed — Saudi duo Input/Output — Lingawi employs her lyrical prowess to convey deep, existential ruminations on themes such as death and rebirth. While watery, delay-drenched guitars drive tracks such as opener ‘the burn’ and ‘decompose’, and memorable synth melodies are an indelible feature of ‘letter #9’ and ‘marigold’, it’s Lingawi’s soulful vocal delivery and tasteful harmonies that power the album’s allure. An immensely talented up-and-comer to watch out for.
Tamara Qaddoumi
‘Sorry Signal’
The Kuwaiti-born singer-songwriter moves on from her dalliance with trip-hop into the glacial embrace of profound, reliably infectious cold pop. “Sorry Signal” sees Qaddoumi bristle with brilliance, as she reflects on lost innocence and the insidious, shape-shifting nature of grief. From the crystalline harmonies elegantly wrapped around disquieting introspections of “Cold In The Mourning” to the heaving torrents of synths and rhythmic beats of the title track, Qaddoumi weaves the threads of seemingly insurmountable desolation into a compellingly hopeful requiem that looks to a brighter tomorrow.
Hello Psychaleppo
‘Cipher’
The Syrian producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Samer Eldahr has audaciously pushed the boundaries of the very foundation of traditional Arabic music for the past decade. With his third LP, he has fully alchemized his own brand of electro-tarab, sharpening any rough edges into a well-rounded, unmistakably unique sound. The album features illustrious guest appearances, including former Mashrou’ Leila frontman Hamed Sinno, and DJ, producer, and singer Anas Maghrebi (formerly of Khebez Dawle), whose vocals grace the feverish beats and synths of the album opener, “Katha Altawq.” “Cipher” is a towering addition to Hello Psychaleppo’s already impressive catalogue.
Snakeskin
‘They Kept Our Photographs’
Julia Sabra — frontwoman of Lebanese dream-pop outfit Postcards — has a long history with producer Fadi Tabbal — who has shepherded countless indie artists in his Beirut-based Tunefork Studios. Their sophomore album as Snakeskin perfects the distinctive formula of Sabra’s ethereal, instantly recognizable vocals and Tabbal’s visionary production and electronic experimentation. The pair are at their most imperious on tracks like “Bodies,” which rattles off a machine-gun beat as a scene-setter for Sabra, who vocalizes with both fragility and poise to the aqueous, hypnotic soundscapes of synths engineered by Tabbal. This is a mournful, beautiful record, to be listened to with headphones in the twilight of a dying day, or just before the dawn of a new one.
Garwasha
‘Garwasha’
Saudi Arabia isn’t known for its jazz, but Riyadh-based, alternative fusion band Garwasha aim to change that with their debut album — a dexterous combo of jazz, rock, and experimental instrumentation, with nods to elements of traditional Arabic music. The LP is brimming with musicianship, as the four-piece storm through vibrant, frequently playful tracks. The eight-minute “Consolacao” is a mélange of jazzy progressions, funky breakdowns, and showcases of virtuosity. Meanwhile, song titles such as “Dancing Delicately Along the Dichotomies of Reverse Orientalism” follow a curious naming convention often deployed by post-rock bands that, like Garwasha, communicate their message effectively solely through the strength of their music.
Seera
‘Al Mojallad Al Awal’
All-female Saudi foursome Seera’s debut LP is an amalgam of psychedelic and indie rock that employs nuances of traditional Arabic music, stylishly ornamented by cathartic guitar parts, keyboard passages reminiscent of The Doors and the artistic exuberance of the late Sixties, and tinges of everything from blues to electronica. With an anonymous drummer who goes only by ‘Thing’ and wears a mask symbolizing Saudi heritage, Seera’s rise embodies the ongoing cultural change within the Kingdom, the blossoming spirit of creative freedom, and female empowerment.
Thunder run streak to 9 games as Shai ties career high with 45 points
- In a Florida showdown, Tyler Herro sank a jump shot with 0.1 of a second remaining to give the Miami Heat an 89-88 NBA thriller triumph over the host Orlando Magic
WASHINGTON: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander matched his career high with 45 points to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Indiana Pacers 120-114 on Thursday, stretching their NBA win streak to nine games.
The 26-year-old Canadian guard made 15-of-22 shots from the floor, 4-of-5 from 3-point range, and all 11 of his free throws while adding seven rebounds, eight assists, two blocked shots and a steal in a maestro performance.
“It’s the extra plays that put you over the edge,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “We have a group of guys that are hungry to do whatever it takes to win and that’s why we win.”
Jalen Williams added 20 points and Isaiah Hartenstein contributed 11 points and 13 rebounds for the Thunder in his 11th double-double of the season.
The Western Conference-leading Thunder are 24-5 and on a roll despite a loss in the NBA Cup final to Milwaukee that didn’t count against them in the regular season.
“The main thing is it’s genuine,” said Hartenstein. “We’re not coming in trying to fake something. We really all support each other.
“We’re not trying to put something on for the TV or for the world to see. We’re really supporting each other and I think that’s what makes it special.”
Andrew Nembhard led the host Pacers (15-16) with 23 points. Indiana took a 61-53 half-time lead before the Thunder struck in the second half and closed the game on a 17-7 run for the victory.
“We didn’t get off to the start we wanted,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “But that’s what good teams do, play through situations and because we did that we got the W.”
Gilgeous-Alexander, who set his career high of 45 points last month in a victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, sank a 3-pointer to give Oklahoma City a 114-109 edge with 59 seconds remaining and sank six free throws in the final 36 seconds to seal the triumph.
His crucial 3-pointer came after extra work on his outside shooting and confidence to keep firing after a miss.
“It feels good, but that’s what the work is about,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “It went in because I took the shot.
“In the past, I probably would have gotten discouraged missing one and not shooting it, but I would like to think I’ve grown a bit, enough to trust in my work, take a shot, stay true to it and it paid off tonight because of that.
“But it’s about continuing to push forward. I’m going to miss some and I’m going to make some. You’ve always got to stay shooting.”
In a Florida showdown, Tyler Herro sank a jump shot with 0.1 of a second remaining to give the Miami Heat an 89-88 NBA thriller triumph over the host Orlando Magic.
Herro scored 20 points to lead the Heat, whose president Pat Riley said hours earlier that the team has no plans to trade All-Star forward Jimmy Butler.
At Washington, the NBA-worst Wizards improved to 5-23 by beating Charlotte 113-110 as Jordan Poole scored 25 points, including the go-ahead 3-pointer for Washington with 8.1 seconds remaining.
Host Atlanta got 30 points and 15 rebounds from Jalen Johnson and 27 points and 13 assists from Trae Young in a 141-133 triumph over Chicago. Zach LaVine had 37 points in a losing cause.
The Houston Rockets, led by 30 points from Jalen Green and 27 off the bench by Cam Whitmore, beat host New Orleans 128-111.
With stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard out due to illness, the Milwaukee Bucks lost at home to Brooklyn 111-105 as Cameron Johnson led the Nets with 29 points.
Zach Edey had 21 points and 16 rebounds and Jaren Jackson added 21 points and 11 rebounds to spark the Memphis Grizzlies over visiting Toronto 155-126.
Pakistan PM hails late premier Benazir Bhutto’s legacy on 17th death anniversary
- Bhutto was assassinated on Dec. 27, 2007, in a gun and bomb attack during a rally in Rawalpindi
- Benazir Bhutto was a ‘champion of democracy’ and an ‘icon of courage and resilience,’ Sharif says
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday paid a tribute to Benazir Bhutto, Pakistan’s first woman premier, on her 17th death anniversary, describing her as a “champion of democracy.”
Bhutto was elected prime minister twice before being tragically assassinated on Dec. 27, 2007, in a gun and bomb attack during a rally in the garrison city of Rawalpindi, following her return to the country after eight years in exile. She had had a complex and often adversarial relationship with Sharif’s elder brother, three-time former premier Nawaz Sharif, marked by both rivalry and cooperation.
Despite their differences, both Bhutto and Nawaz united in 2006 to sign the “Charter of Democracy,” which aimed to strengthen democratic institutions and prevent military interventions in the South Asian country. The charter remains a significant chapter in Pakistan’s political history, symbolizing the potential for dialogue and reconciliation between political rivals.
“Today, we commemorate the 17th anniversary of the martyrdom of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto,” PM Sharif said in a post on X.
“A champion of democracy, and a staunch advocate of the power of dialogue and reconciliation in the political process, Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto remains an icon of courage and resilience.”
Sharif underlined that the charter of democracy signed between Bhutto and Nawaz stood “as a testament to her enduring legacy.”
He extended his respects to Bhutto’s family, including President Asif Ali Zardari, former foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and the party’s supporters who continue to “proudly carry forward her vision and advance her ideals.”
Court hearing set for man accused of fatally burning woman on New York City subway
- Sebastian Zapeta, a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, has been jailed at the city’s Rikers Island complex
- Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman and set her clothing on fire with a lighter, then sat on a bench and watched as she burned
NEW YORK: A court hearing is scheduled Friday for the man accused of setting a woman on fire on a New York City subway train and fanning the flames with a shirt as she burned to death.
Sebastian Zapeta has been charged with two counts of murder and one count of arson for the apparently random attack, which occurred early Sunday morning on a train stopped in Brooklyn.
The 33-year-old man made his first court appearance earlier in the week. He was not required to enter a plea, and his attorney has not responded to requests for comment.
The victim has not yet been publicly identified by police.
Zapeta, who federal immigration officials said is a Guatemalan citizen who entered the US illegally, has been jailed at the city’s Rikers Island complex.
Authorities say Zapeta approached the woman, who might have been sleeping on the train at the Coney Island station stop, and set her clothing on fire with a lighter. He waved a shirt at her to fan the fire, causing her to become engulfed in flames, prosecutor Ari Rottenberg said during the court appearance Tuesday.
Zapeta then sat on a bench on the platform and watched as she burned, prosecutors allege. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
Police took Zapeta into custody while he was riding a train on the same line later that day.
Zapeta told investigators that he drinks a lot of liquor and did not know what had happened, according to Rottenberg. However, Zapeta did identify himself in photos and surveillance video showing the fire being lit, the prosecutor said.
A Brooklyn address for Zapeta released by police after his arrest matches a shelter that provides housing and substance abuse support.
Federal immigration officials said he was deported in 2018 but returned to the US illegally sometime after that.
India announces state funeral for ex-PM Manmohan Singh
- Manmohan Singh, who held office from 2004 to 2014, died at the age of 92 late Thursday evening at a hospital in New Delhi
- The official date for the funeral was not announced, but a member of Congress party suggested it would be held on Saturday
NEW DELHI: India on Friday announced seven days of state mourning after the death of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, one of the architects of the country’s economic liberalization in the early 1990s.
Singh, who held office from 2004 to 2014, died at the age of 92 late Thursday evening at a hospital in New Delhi. He will also be accorded a state funeral.
“As a mark of respect for the departed dignitary, it has been decided that seven days of state mourning will be observed throughout India,” the Indian government said in a statement Friday, with mourning running until January 1.
“It has also been decided that the state funeral will be accorded to late Dr. Manmohan Singh,” it said, adding that the national flag will also be flown at half-mast.
India’s cricket team battling hosts Australia in the fourth Test took to the ground Friday with black arm bands to show respect for Singh.
The official date for the state funeral was not immediately announced, but a senior member of the Congress party suggested it would be held on Saturday.
The former premier was an understated technocrat who was hailed for overseeing economic boom in Asia’s fourth-largest economy in his first term but his second stint ended with a series of major corruption scandals, slowing growth, and high inflation.
The unpopularity of Singh in his second term, and a lacklustre leadership by Nehru-Gandhi scion Rahul Gandhi, the current leader of opposition in the lower house, led to the first landslide victory for Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014.
Born in 1932 in the mud-house village of Gah, in what is now Pakistan, Singh studied economics to find a way to eradicate poverty in the vast nation and never held elected office before taking the nation’s highest office.
He won scholarships to attend both Cambridge, where he obtained a first in economics, and Oxford, where he completed his doctorate.
Singh worked in a string of senior civil service posts, served as a central bank governor and also held various jobs with global agencies such as the United Nations.
He was tapped in 1991 by then Congress prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao to reel India back from the worst financial crisis in its modern history
In his first term Singh steered the economy through a period of nine-percent growth, lending the country the international clout it had long sought.
He also sealed a landmark nuclear deal with the US that he said would help India meet its growing energy needs.
