Reflections on Media and Human Rights in the Gulf Region : a case study of Oman

By V M Sathish M.A.M.Phil *

“Human Rights” is a much used jargon by the Middle East media as every newspaper, TV channel and Internet sites prominently report the rampant human rights violations by Israeli forces against Palestinians. Due to historical reasons and a religious frenzy created by the century old Arab Israeli issue, human rights, read Palestinian rights, captures the headline of the media almost every day. However, on domestic issues including human rights violations and the journalists’ role in society, a number of subtle measures are adopted to keep the media within strict control. Full Report

American Way of Liberating Iraqis - US Soldiers Stimulating Oral and Anal Sex among Iraqi Prisoners of War

Saudi Boy Killed in Washing Machine

JEDDAH, 1May 2004 — Negligence on the part of a Saudi mother in the central region of Qasim has cost the life of her son, Al- Madinah reported. The boy was crushed and beaten by the blades of the high spinning machine after falling in. The boy used a box to stand on to fulfill his mother’s request of loading more dirty clothes but toppled into the machine in the process. A family member later found the boy’s body inside the machine. The incident happened in the Habeeriya town in the region.

British troops in torture scandal

The controversy over the abuse of Iraqi prisoners deepened last night when photographs were released apparently showing the torture of a PoW by a British soldier.Full report from the Guardian

KM Exclusive

Malayali Family’s Problems Worsened as Nirmala Tightens grip

George being treated at Badr Al Samaa, leg partially amputed

KM correspondent Target is to lure the Young Beautiful girl of the family in distress

MUSCAT – When George Thomas who has worked in Abu Dhabi for 25 years lost his job, his only daughter was an 11 th class student there. When a distant relative in Muscat came forward with a helping hand, offering job and chance for continuing her education in Oman, George did not think twice to lend her 50,000 Dhms. In return the lady, Nirmala (full name withdrawn), the second wife of a distant relative, lured them to Muscat offering just three visit visas. The girl was admitted to the Indian School Muscat, using her high level influence. (How it happened? ISM needs to give an explanation)? The family members alleged that the main target is the beautiful young girl in the family. (Expect a detailed report on sex trafficking and sex racket in Oman). At least RO 1500 is required to repatriate the three member family to Kerala. It is alleged that the lady has been demanding more money from George and the problems started when he refused to pay. “Her target is the grown up daughter in the family. She has shown more interest in the family matters after visiting their Abu Dhabi home and seeing the girl. She tried several times to take the girl alone, but the careful interference of her mother prevented her from doing so,” the mother told KM sources. Full Report and more News

One More Indian School Student Run Over by School Bus More

Saudi Government to crack down on Illegal Visa Trade

Despite growing concern about unemployment in Saudi Arabia, about 600,000 visas were issued in 2003 and 70 per cent sold in the illegal visa market, said Saudi Minister Read the full report in Arab News

GULF AIR TO INCREASE WEEKLY FLIGHTS TO TRIVANDRUM

Muscat , Oman – 27 April 2004 Gulf Air, the national airline of the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman and Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has announced plans to increase flights between Muscat and Trivandrum to three times per week effective 20 May 2004. Trivandrum , a bustling seaport, is the gateway to Kerala, a beautiful and lush state that is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination in India Full Report

Vice President Cheney Hiding Energy Task Force Secrets

April 28, 2004 Vice President Dick Cheney's repeated attempts to block disclosure of activities from his 2001 energy task force reached the Supreme Court yesterday. Despite two federal court rulings against these efforts, the administration continues to insist the American public has no business knowing about the involvement of corporate executives like Ken Lay of Enron in shaping the nation's energy policy, reports American Progress

Pastor Arrested for Molesting Boy

The pastor of the Westside Victory Baptist Church was arrested Monday, accused of sexual assaulting a 13-year-old male church member at least four times, three of them inside the pastor's church office. Full Report

Church Youth Minister Indicted

In an arrest affidavit, investigators say Majano invited the boy to his house "to spend the night and watch movies" because, "his wife and kids were out of town and he was sad and lonely." The victim told police that during the movie, he fell asleep on the couch, but woke up when Majono placed a hand inside his pants. Full Report

UAE is the 6 th largest exporter of dates in the world Anti-desertification potential of Date Palm cultivation highlighted

DUBAI April 28, 2004 According to a report on Date Palm Cultivation by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, UAE is the 6 th largest exporter of dates to the global markets. The country is also the single largest gross exporter of dates to the global markets, with a 37 per cent market share.. Full Report

Sand Lobster successfully bred in India Full Report

RADISSON SAS SHARJAH LAUNCHES SPECTACULAR NEW CREW LOUNGE

 

DUBAI - April, 2004 The waterfront Radisson SAS Resort Sharjah recently marked the launch of its spectacular new crew lounge with a reception for its contracted airline managers and in-house cockpit crews. The lounge, which has been entirely designed and constructed in-house, has been planned with geometric patterns in mind and in calm tones of topaz and taupe.

Muscat Malayali Family in House Arrest? Relative helps Abudhabi based Malayali family with visit visa?

A Malayali christian family from Abu Dhabi was offered "help" by a Muscat based lady, a relative, who gave them a visit visa and charged 50,000 Dhs! Afterwards the lady confined the family including a grown up guirl to a remote house near Indian School Darsaid where the aged father developed serious ailments. The man, who is being treated for diabetics at the Badr Al Samaa Polyclinic is in a serious condition as his leg is in a critical condition. The influencial lady did not allow the man to go out for one and half years, saying that the local police will catch him as there was no valid visa. She has extracted more money from the family. The poor family is desperate to leave Muscat for further treatment.The lady is holding on to their passport. As usual Asianet channel representative in Muscat has promised the Christian lobby that the story will not be published..reason, she belongs to the Christian community and it is a shame for the Church that such a report is telecast in Asianet.-- Watch this space.

Malayali businessman dies in Rumais Prison of Oman?

MUSCAT - A prominent Malayali businessman in Muscat who was in Rumais prison for a cheque bouncing case has reportedly died inside the prison. According to KM sources the Malayali businessman who was running a company faced severe financial difficultues due to unfavourable business developments and liquidity crisis. He was in prison for sometime and later released. It was the third time that he was imprisoned for financial default. The Malayali, faced financial difficulties due to unfavourable business environment in the Sultanate of Oman. While the officials or the Indian embassy have not confirmed strong rumous about the death, KM is awaiting for details."We dont know whether he died or not. Some people say he was mentally depressed due to mounting financial liabilities. This rumous has been going on for sometime now," said one of his friends in Muscat. Prison sources also did not confirm the news.

LG Electronics extends Lafinion TV and LCD projection screen TV ranges

 New products strengthen LG presence in GCC

 Dubai, April 24, 2004: Global consumer electronics giant and digital leader LG Electronics has strengthened its reputation for stylish and innovative products with today’s launch of two new additions to its Flat TV range, and a new product in its LCD projection TV portfolio. All three products are available from leading retailers in the UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait. The new 21-inch Lafinion and 29-inch Lafinion TVs continue LG’s popular design concept Simple, Slim and Sleek - and their progressive triangular shape ensures easy installation into the corner of any room. Full Report and more News

Dubai ranks among top 10 digital cities in e-government privacy and security

The Emirate also ranks high in service delivery in a global survey covering 100 cities

April 25, 2004 Dubai has outranked several digitally advanced cities in the world, including Dublin , Paris and Copenhagen , in terms of privacy and security on its official portal, according to a new global survey that covered 100 major cities.The survey of the official city websites, conducted by Rutgers University (the State University of New Jersey), ranked Dubai in the 9 th position, along with Auckland, scoring 7.86 out of 20 points, against the average score of 2.85. The survey ranked Dubai 11 th worldwide in the service delivery category, ahead of Dublin , Helsinki and Tokyo , according to Dubai-based Madar Research Group, which has released the findings.Full Report

Police suspect Sharon family took perks from Austrian tycoon

Boston Radio Host Says Kill All Muslims;

Islamic Civil Rights Group Calls for Host's Termination WASHINGTON, April PRNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today called for the termination of a Boston-area radio talk show host who allegedly said, "Let's kill all Muslims." Full Report

Oman Cricket Club – The true story (Discussion Forum Message)

After 25 years of existence Oman cricket Club Managed by Khimjis’ have only around 50 Omani players. Most of them – Baluchies migrated from Pakistan. It has no playing ground of its own neither they have their own coaching facilities. After repeated announcements Green turf wicket & ground remains a distant mirage & stadium exists only in dreams.More

THE FATE OF INDIAN SCHOOL SEEB-OMAN

After an early & untimely Exit of H.E. K. M. Meena , the previous Indian Ambassador to Oman - the future of INDIAN SCHOOL SEEB appears to be in doldrums. If you remember Mr. Meena was instrumental in bringing back this school in the hands of Indian Community from the Business lobby. He has to suffer a lot for the same reason. Before Mr. Meena left - all the MOUs & Agreements were signed by the concerned School Authorities with a private party to construct a purpose built school with play ground facility. All the ground work to start the construction was over More

Move to control Illegal Trade in Ozone Depleting Substances

New Delhi - The 2nd Joint South East Asia Pacific and South Asia Customs and Ozone Officers Cooperation Workshop has called for a strict control on illegal trade of ozone depleting substances (ODS).The Workshop focused on information exchange and training as key areas to be strengthened to control illegal trade at National, Regional and Global level.More

Saudi Investors Repatriate Billions of Investments from Western Markets due to Anti Arab Sentiment --Report by V M Sathish in International Herald Tribune A large number of Saudi investors are repatriating their overseas investments in local stocks following a crack down on Arab players in international financial markets for allegedly funding Islamic terrorist groups. Full Report

UAE Women dominate Banking and Financial Market as Men look for Greener Pasteures..Writes V M Sathish in International Herald Tribune

The Arab woman is said to be confined to the four walls of her traditional home. But in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), thousands of educated women are running financial institutions. In a society demographically dominated by expatriates, the banking sector in the Emirates increasingly relies on a backbone of women staffers Full Report

Britain resists pressure to extend Iraq force

Britain's Ministry of Defence is resisting US pressure to extend its sphere of military influence in Iraq to some of the most violent parts of the country, including the capital, Baghdad, reports a leading British Daily. "Britain is being leaned on by the US military, although no formal request has been issued, to provide a new headquarters unit in south-central Iraq to replace Spanish troops being pulled out by the new Madrid government. That would take British troops into the troubled town of Najaf, where the radical Shiite imam Moqtada al-Sadr is holed up," said a joint report by y Patrick Wintour in London, and Luke Harding in Baghdad Full Report

SHUAA Capital acquires over 16% of Oman National Investment Corporation

Dubai , Friday 23 April 2004 : SHUAA Capital acquired today a block of shares of Oman National Investment Corporation SAOG (ONIC) equal to 16.7% in a transaction valued at AED 73 million. The block of shares was purchased from ABRAAJ Capital who had recognised the fundamental value of ONIC and had acquired shares over the past 12 months. Full Report

Adobe to launch a new technology that can automate complex print workflows

DUBAI - April 25, 2004 Adobe Systems Incorporated today announced the company's participation at drupa 2004 in Dusseldorf , the largest international tradeshow for print media, publishing and converting. At the show, Adobe will promote industry-wide adoption of the Job Definition Format (JDF) standard by demonstrating practical examples of how the XML-based job ticket file format improves communication between document creators and print production teams, as well as how JDF can automate complex print workflows. Full report

Saudi Companies dupe Saudiazation committee by using fake employees

JEDDAH, 24 April 2004 — Smart Saudi companies dupe government by using the names or ID cards of Saudi citizens who do not really work for them. According to an n investigation by Al-Watan newspaper many companies employed Saudi straw men. Some of these institutions are experts on the labor law and how to get around it, the paper added. Full Report from the Arab News

KM Story on fake recruitment agent in Dubai neglected by the Malayalam Media, taken up by the mainstream Gulf media

Times of India, The Hindu and Mathrubhoomi publish fake company's job advertisement and help racketeers trap many unemployed youth of Kerala. Many victims of this irresponsible journalism have lost 75 pounds each..

Dubai - Khaleej Times, the leading English daily from the UAE has followed up the story in detail and published this report today. While the Kerala media in the Gulf, especially the Malayalam News, Asianet and Gulf Madhyamam operating from the UAE, have been alerted about the story by KM almost two weeks ago, only Khaleej Times reporter Prerana Suri had the courage to do a detailed story and protect innocent people from falling in the trap. While the Kerala Media in the gulf have always been obsessed with petty issues and bogged down in ego clashes, they shut their eyes towards crucial issues. Read the Full Report in Khaleej Times below and see how Indian media like the Times of India, the Hindu, Mathrubhoomi and other papers have carelessly carried advertisements of Saturnjobs.com and trapped thousands of unemployed youth of the state.. We are proud to say that it was KM which alerted Khaleej Times editors about the racket operating from Emirates Towers and provided necessary input for the story. When will our great Malayali journalists come out of their narrow sectarian mindset?

KM report on NBO bad loans prompt depositors to seek cash withdrawal from the bank...Watch this space.

Fake online firm takes jobseekers for a ride

By Prerna Suri

22 April 2004 DUBAI -An online recruitment company has duped thousands of Indians and Bangladeshis of their money by promising them lucrative jobs abroad. Saturn Jobs apparently pilfered thousands of dirhams from job seekers from these two countries by offering them fake jobs in countries such as Japan, Malyasia, Saudi Arabia and Singapore.The modus operandi of the conmen seemed straight out of a Hollywood movie. A UK based company, Saturn jobs set up its virtual operations in Dubai (www.saturnjobs.com) and targeted job seekers in India and Bangladesh.   Renting an office space in the city for only a period of 25 days (18.12.2003- 13.1.2004), Paul Marks, the apparent mastermind behind the scheme then proceeded to place advertisements in some of India's leading dailies (Times of India and The Hindu) inviting job seekers to apply through the company's website for placements abroad. An offer letter was then dispatched to the unsuspecting victims, without an interview of any sort, citing that the job was theirs, provided they pay a processing fee of 75 pounds (Dh495), which would cover visa charges and air tickets.Full Report

Here is what KM wrote last week.

Emirates Towers Office Address used to Lure, Dupe Overseas Job Seekers

Beware of lucrative job offers through Internet and Chat rooms Special Report V M Sathish

DUBAI – THIRUVANANTHAPURAM – A new recruitment syndicate has apparently duped many unemployed youth from Kerala and other parts of the country and the Middle East in a smart way using a virtual office on the Internet and a temporary office in the prestigious Emirates Towers building, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. It is learned that a company called Saturnjobs registered an office in the Emirates Towers two months back and hosted a website (http://www.saturnjobs.com) offering lucrative jobs in various categories to qualified and not so qualified candidates. Unlike the normal visa racket, which cheats people by charging one lakh and above for visas, this “virtual” recruiting agent has been taking only 75 pounds equivalent to Indian Rupees Six thousand, 6300 per candidate as recruitment fees. More Full Report

McDonald's employs syphilitics, those with AIDS and Hepatitis, says Pravda Report

21-year old waitress of Mcdonald's located in the town of Kazan has died due to cocaine overdose right at work. Kazan lawyer Lavrenty Sichinava has filed a lawsuit April 8, 2004 in regards to the inciden, the Pravada reported. " In it, he asks a district court of the town of Vakhitovsk to reimburse moral damages and impose a penalty on the company "McDonald's-Moscow" in the amount of 5 million rubles," reported the newspaper "Russian courier."Mr. Sichinava presents the following grounds to substantiate his claims. Apparently, on April 2 from the issue of "Evening Kazan", he has learned that a 21-year old McDonald's waitress had died of drug overdose right at work. Full Report

Reflections on Media and Human Rights in the Gulf Region : a case study of Oman

By V M Sathish M.A.M.Phil *

“Human Rights” is a much used jargon by the Middle East media as every newspaper, TV channel and Internet sites prominently report the rampant human rights violations by Israeli forces against Palestinians. Due to historical reasons and a religious frenzy created by the century old Arab Israeli issue, human rights, read Palestinian rights, captures the headline of the media almost every day. However, on domestic issues including human rights violations and the journalists’ role in society, a number of subtle measures are adopted to keep the media within strict control. Full Report

One More Blastin Saudi General Security Services Kills 9

Riyadh Car Bomb Hits Saudi Security Headquarters April 21 -- A car bomb exploded today in the center of Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, gutting the headquarters of the Saudi general security services, Saudi television reported. More Reports on the blast

Dubai Festival City Completes Excavation of The Waterfront

Dubai - 21 st April 2004 Piling work has started on the Waterfront Centre, Dubai Festival City’s 2.5m sq. ft. retail, hospitality and entertainment hub, following the excavation of over 800,000 cubic metres of material to create space to house underground parking and services. The Dhs52 million contracts, awarded to Swissboring Overseas Piling, will see over 2900 piles driven into the waterfront Crescent site that will provide the foundations for a 160,000 square metre platform to support the iconic super-centre.More

Al Qaeda plan to hit during elections puts US on alert

Journalism professor exposes war media

Study: U.S. and British reporters reinforced Bush's pro-war rhetoric with loaded language U.S. and British media have reinforced President George Bush's perspectives in their coverage of weapons of mass destruction, according to a recent study by a university journalism professor. Assistant professor Susan Moeller's study - released March 9 - found most journalists accepted Bush's terminology and viewpoints on WMD issues, validating the administration's essage Full Report

Indian Railways to Do Business in Saudi Arabia

“Indian Railways have enormous opportunities to take up mass rapid transit system, sky bus and provision of catering and packaged drinking water to the Haj Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia”. This was stated by Shri K. Hassan, Advisor while giving an audio-visual presentation on “The Haj Experience—A First Hand Account” under the aegis of the Institute of Rail Transport here. Shri Hassan was speaking about his experience of the Haj this year in Saudi Arabia More

Indian School Monitor - Muladha.

Indian School Moladha Anniversary Celebrations. Indian Ambassador in Oman Talmiz Ahmed joins the first anniversary celebrations of Indian School Muladha with the who is who of big business in Oman? Seeb Indian School, for which lot of fighting was going on, is very adjacent and it may not take long before the Seeb School is handed over to to the private promoters who got the former Ambassador K M Meena transferred and harassed and brought Talmiz with a mission More

Annan names independent panel to probe 'Oil-for-Food' allegations

21 April 2004 – United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan today announced the formation of the independent panel that will conduct an inquiry into allegations of impropriety in the administration and management of the Iraq Oil-for-Food Programme. The panel will be chaired by Paul A. Volcker, former Chairman of the Board of Governors of the United States Federal Reserve System. Its other two members are Justice Richard Goldstone of South Africa, who previously served as the Chief Prosecutor of the United Nations International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda, and Mark Pieth of Switzerland, a Professor of Criminal Law and Criminology at the University of Basel with expertise in money-laundering.More

 

Fallujah Cannot Even Bury Its Dead

BAGHDAD - The story of Yusuf Fakri Amash is the story of so much of Fallujah. The 11-year-old boy just managed to escape from the town with his family. But not before the U.S. military killed his best friend. "Ahmed was in my class," he says. "He was younger than me. He was standing next to the wall of the secondary school and was trying to cross the street. He was hit by a bullet. The American troops fired the bullet. Full Report from Commondreams Home

Photos from Falluja, Aljazeera news crew inside the town

April , 2004 The Aljazeera crew, including cameramen Layf Muftaq and Hasan Walid, sound engineer Sayf al-Din and correspondent Hamid Hadid, are the only media personnel inside the town. Hospital sources said at least 52 Iraqis were killed and 90 injured in attacks on the besieged town of Falluja on Wednesday, said Aljazeera correspondent in Falluja, Ahmad Mansur."Iraqi medic Rafi al-Isawai said the number of casualities is expected to double," he added. Another 53 Iraqis died in attacks overnight in the besieged town which American forces sealed off on Sunday. "More than 200 Iraqis, including women children, were injured in the past 24 hours," said Mansur.Full Report and more pictures

Three persons identified for probe of UN Oil-for-Food, UN spokesperson confirms

16 April 2004 – Three persons have been identified for the independent panel that will conduct an inquiry into the Oil-for-Food humanitarian relief effort for Iraq, a United Nations spokesperson confirmed today in response to press questions in New York. More

Iraq Oil smuggling through Dubai comes to an end due to Opening up of market.

Special Report - Oil Smuggling from Iraq thorugh Dubai using traditional dhows has been rampant, but the opening of the Iraqi ports and removal of Saddam Hussain has opened a new era of trade between these ports. V M Sathish writes in the International Herald Tribune

Rising steel and Cement Prices have already caused enough damage to the construction sector of Oman and the UAE. Special report by V M Sathish writes in the International Herald Tribune

Prosecution: Israel PM's son must disclose location of Appel tapes By Baruch Kra, Haaretz Correspondent

State Prosecution officials on Sunday demanded that the prime minister's son Gilad Sharon testify before the court and disclose the location of the tapes that contain recordings of his conversations with David Appel on the millions of dollars the contractor allegedly promised to pay him in return for Sharon's services. More News

If anybody is to be blamed for NBO's problems it has to the Khimji family and the W J Tower Family..

Extracts from Arabies Trends about NBO.

MUSCAT - Quoting highly placed sources within NBO, Arabies Trends said the NBO is currently sitting on bad loans in excess of $400 million, for which provisions have yet to be made. Chances of any substantial recovery on these loans, according to the sources, are extremely low. "Wiping this slate clean could take at least three years. Bad loans are the major factor behind NBOs dismal returns in 2003, when it recorded a whopping loss of 51.8 million Rials., making it one of the worst performers among Middle Eastern financial institutions last year. Senior management does not seem to have any solutions to the problems ailing the bank, said a leading shareholder in NBO. For the new CEO John Finigan, the new few months will be crucial," the report says. " There have been rumours that Finigan will not be able to deliver the desired results, and that it would be best to find a replacement. The wrong person is getting the blame," it said quoting regional banking analysts. “If anyone has to be blamed it has to be NBO’s senior shareholders, such as the Khimji group and W J Towell Group,” said one Muscat based analyst. “In the second half of the 1990s, when then CEO Aubyn Hill was raising NBO exposure across the region, they did not utter a word because the returns were quite good. It is only when these loans turned bad, and Hill absconded in 2001 that these shareholders woke up. The problems at NBO are entirely their doing,” the report said.

Proud to be an Indian!

By Nishad Anwar

WHEN the Indian team flew to Pakistan last month, who would have imagined them winning their first Test series in that country? And in such style! Winning 2-1, inflicting innings defeats on Inzy and Co in both the winning Tests. After their fabulous show in Australia and this incredible triumph the Indian team are poised to take the title of the Best Team in the World from Ricky Ponting's side. Salute Sourav's Heroes! More

 

Woman of the Week Designer Nisha Merchant from Mumbai Exploring Dubai Market.

 

Largest NBO shareholders responsible for $400 million "very bad loans" : Arabies Trends Report

MUSCAT - A leading international magazine has said in a detailed report on the National Bank of Oman (NBO) that its problems are caused mainly by the two leading business families in Oman that control the bank. The well reputed business magazine, Arabies Trends from Paris has said in a report that many middle level NBO managers are leaving the bank to new financial centers in Dubai and Bahrain because they firmly believe that about $400 million bad loans in its portfolio are not recoverable. The report specifically mentions the Khimji Ramdas family and the Towell group as responsible for the banks' bad loan problems. The importance of the second family can be gauged from the fact that Oman's Minister of Commerce and Industry Maqbool Ali Sultan is a Towell Family member. It may be noted that the former Chief Exeuctive Officer was recruited from one of the family businesses in another Gulf country to head the bank. While the local journalists in Oman always write goody goody reports about NBO and its former Chief Executive officer Ayubin Hill, the Arabies Trends reporter had a uncomfortable interview with the bank Chief Executive, who abruptly ended the meeting without answering serious questions raised by the magazine Read the latest issue of Arabies Trends and see the trend in Oman's banking sector.--Watch this space.

Egyptian janitor murdered in Khaldiya public park

KUWAIT A 54-year-old Egyptian, working as a janitor at a public park in Khaldiya, was found murdered in his room adjacent to the park, reported an English daily from Kuwait. Quoting to security sources, it said another worker in the park who could not locate the janitor around the park went to his room and knocked the door. More

Virtual Office from Emirates Towers Still duping people!

"Thank you for the mail.  I have received yet another mail from saturnjobs that proves that still they are active and no action has been taken on them.  Anyway, let us try our best. Thank you once again for conducting an enquiry and publishing the matter" Rajesh Nair from Trivandrum who alerted KM about the racket.  

Forty year old man nabbed for Raping Boy

Kuwait - Investigators arrested a 40-year-old Kuwaiti in connection with the kidnapping and raping of a minor boy on the terrace of his building. Kuwait Times reported that the police began a manhunt immediately upon receiving the call from the boy's parents and arrested a number of suspects based on the description given by the victim. Later, the boy identified his tormentor in an identification parade. The man confessed to his crime during subsequent interrogation. More

"I read with lot of interest, virtually sitting on the edge of the chair, the whole article entitled , "Reflections on Media and Human Rights...

Dear Sir,

 

I read with lot of interest, virtually sitting on the edge of the chair, the whole article entitled , "Reflections on Media and Human Rights in the Gulf Region : a case study of Oman".    I had been a regular reader of KM and really appreciate your courage.  You are absolutely right, in your observations.  I was Internal Auditor of a company (predominantly owned by government) and faced the same problems like you, when I started reporting about corruption, obvious kickbacks in purchases, unnecessary purchases and contracts just to get commission and intentional internal control weaknesses just for the advantage and easiness of getting kickbacks.  When fraud is found the whole responsibility will be put on the Internal Auditor and Managers who are responsbile for the incident get promotion and more bonus.   

 

They threw stone and broke the glass of my car to scare me, when tactics like denial  of promotion, cutting bonus etc. didn't work.  Finally I got fed up with the profession itself.   

Thank god, I got another break in a different field in Oman itself and had decided not to open the chapter to anybody.  However after reading your experiences, I felt I am not alone and difficulties faced by me were nothing as compared to you.  Hopefully your experience will be read by people who take policy decisions at highest levels, and things will change for good.   

In the meantime all my best wishes to you.  May god give you the courage to continue the goood work. An expatriate in Muscat.(by email) - Name withheld on request.

Health Monitor - Overcome Arthritis

The word ‘arthritis’ literally means joint inflammation – swelling, redness, heat and pain caused by tissue injury or disease in the joint. Different kinds of arthritis comprise just a portion of the rheumatic diseases. Some rheumatic diseases are described as connective tissue diseases because they affect the body’s connective tissue – the supporting framework of the body and its internal organs. Others are known as autoimmune diseases because they are caused by a problem in which the immune system harms the body’s own healthy tissues. Some rheumatic diseases are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, juvenile reheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and gout. More

''Upsurge of Violence in Iraq Threatening Bush Administration's Reelection Prospects''

Despite the failure of the Bush administration to uncover the alleged massive stockpiles of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, the American public has been generally supportive of the U.S. mission there and still believes that the March 2003 invasion was justified. But as Iraq descends further into anarchy, many Americans are beginning to have doubts over whether the United States will be able to foster a democratic government in Baghdad, or whether Washington will be able to bring stability to the country

India : A Powerhouse of Knowledge

There is a tremendous scope for India to become a destination of “global knowledge for global good through global funding”. The R & D infrastructure in India provides a low cost option just as the large patient pool; trained doctors; good clinical diagnosis capacity and genetic diversity of the Indian people provide opportunities for clinical research. More

First Gulf First Quarter Results Encouraging

First Gulf Bank has continued its outstanding financial progress and lead in the UAE financial industry. The bank has announced AED 51.3 million net profits for Q1, 2004 an 85% increase compared to the same period last year. More

Element K to launch new courses and e-learning solutions at GITEX Saudi Arabia 2004

Eight People Die in Crane Crash at Construction Site in Sharjah

Eight people died in a crane Crash near a multistoried building construction site near Al Khan in Sharjah when a huge crane crashed onto a pick up van which was transporting people from the area to the city. It is learned that the crane was working at a construction site for a company called City Engineering. It was only recently that another crane in a construction site in Abu Dhabi crashed on the passing vehicle killing the crane driver. Construction companies in the UAE have the worst safety records. Not only that the workers are paid the least salary and facilities, companies dont follow health and safety measures according to international standards. This is mainly because expatriate workers are working in the construction sector. KM Special from Dubai - Job Advertisements in the Times of India, Hindu lured many Applicants to the Emirates Tower company.

Prominent Dubai Malayali, Director of leading International Airport Kerala delays Workers Salary for Months, Specialise in Harassing Indian Labourers

DUBAI - About 500 employees of a leading manpower supply company, controlled by a prominent Keralite businessman in Dubai holding important position in a leading International Airport, have been complaianing about undue delay in payment. The agitated workers who assembled to protest against the management are being pacified by the Indian Embassy in Dubai. Payment problem is a serious issue affecting the construction sector in the Gulf region and the local media have been reporting these events freely. "The payment problem has been going on for several years now and the company is notorious for delaying payment. The owner is a very important personality, who accompanies visiting delegations and ministers like M M Hassan. Even during the recent visit of M M Hassan to the Gulf countries, the VIP Malayali was sharing common platform with the minister," said a company worker. According to workers, the company is circumventing several labour rules by using a contractor license to get new people recruited to Dubai. New recruitment is taking place at a time when 500 workers are not paid salary for four months. --watch this space.

Residents of The Gardens donate household items for Iran's earthquake victims

Dubai April 2004 Residents of The Gardens, the residential project developed by Nakheel Properties, recently participated in a charity drive to donate household items for the rehabilitation of people affected by the earthquake in Bam, Iran. The drive was part of the humanitarian activities of the charity centre at The Gardens, where residents donate items for the underprivileged or victims of disasters More Dubai Monitor Stories

TV Reporter Wants to Shoot Workers Protest ends up in Police Station

About 300 Workers of Euro Emirates Company owned by a prominent Malayali businessman in Dubai boycotted work in protest against non payment of salary for several months. The company removed the striking workers from their Satwa labour camp and the agitated workers assembled in a public park. On hearing this Biju Abel Jacob, reporter Asianet Dubai rushed to the scene because eighty per cent of the affected workers are Malayalis. While he was shooting the workers agitation, police came and asked for shooting permission and media license to cover the "event". The shooting party's labour card and other documents were taken by the police. "You are not allowed to report these events," the reporter was advised.The recorded tape was removed and the reporter was send back empty handed. The Malayali business Babus enjoy so much clout here. The Gulf media keep praising these Babus.Watch this space.

Gulf Extrusions awarded exclusive rights to Henkel's Spectrocolor anodizing process in 5 GCC countries

New process provides a new range of anodizing colours for aluminium products in the construction industry
April 2004 Henkel, the global pioneer in the field of surface treatment of aluminium, has awarded exclusive rights of its recently patented Spectrocolor anodizing process for all GCC countries, excepting Saudi Arabia, to Gulf Extrusions, the UAE-based pioneer and market leader in aluminium extrusion for the GCC region.More

Woman of the Week

Gulf Air Airhostess

Biju Abel Jacob, upcoming journalist of Asianet Dubai.One of the talented and objective reporters the channel has appointed to cover its Middle East operations..Click

Arun from Uganda, African Malayali

Click picture.

KM Mate of the week

Raising Election Fund from Diaspora!

The BJP is engaged in a marathon Fund raising Campaign from the Indian Diaspora who atteneded the high profile NRI meet in New Delhi. A major source to fund the forthcoming election is the Pravasi Bharatheeya Day celebrations attended by the high networth NRIs.More

Sharqiya Letter - by Madhu Nambiar Sur Click

Tanmia collaborates with National Bank of Sharjah for training UAE nationals

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Doctors Online

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Raveendran C Sur Prominent Businessman.Linik

Ilaa defends widows

Mr.Kareem and Mr.Usman

Oneof the oldest Pravasis in Muscat