#law firms in doha

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Top Auditing Services in Doha, Qatar

In Doha, auditing services are key to keeping businesses financially healthy and compliant.

Why Auditing is Important

Accurate Financial Reporting: Audits ensure your financial statements are correct and follow standards, building trust with stakeholders.

Fraud Prevention: Regular audits help find and stop fraud, protecting your business.

Regulatory Compliance: Audits make sure you follow local and international laws, avoiding penalties.

Types of Auditing Services

Financial Audits: Check the accuracy of your financial statements.

Internal Audits: Review and improve your internal controls.

Compliance Audits: Ensure your business meets legal requirements.

Operational Audits: Improve the efficiency of your operations.

IT Audits: Protect your information systems and reduce risks.

IHPCA: Your Reliable Auditing Partner

As a leading auditing firm in Qatar, IHPCA offers a wide range of services. Our team delivers accurate and reliable audits, boosting your business’s credibility and confidence.

Choose IHPCA for your auditing needs and get top-quality service that supports your business’s growth.

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Elevating Business Strategies in Qatar: Doha's HR Consultancy Expertise

Qatar, with its burgeoning economy and dynamic business landscape, presents a wealth of opportunities for companies seeking to thrive in the region. To navigate the complexities of the Qatari market effectively, businesses often turn to specialized services, including HR strategy consulting in Doha. Let's delve into how business services in Qatar and Doha HR strategy consulting are shaping the success of enterprises in the region.ﾠ

Business Services in Qatar: Navigating the Market 

As Qatar continues to position itself as a hub for global business, the demand for comprehensive business services has surged. From market research and legal assistance to accounting and tax advisory, businesses operating in Qatar rely on a diverse array of services to navigate regulatory frameworks and capitalize on emerging opportunities. With its strategic location, stable economy, and ambitious development plans, Qatar presents a fertile ground for companies seeking growth and expansion.ﾠ

The Role of HR Strategy Consulting in Dohaﾠ

In the competitive landscape of Qatar's business environment, human resources (HR) play a pivotal role in driving organizational success. HR strategy consulting firms in Doha specialize in assisting companies with developing and implementing effective HR strategies tailored to their unique needs and objectives. From talent acquisition and retention to performance management and leadership development, these consulting firms provide invaluable expertise and guidance to help businesses optimize their human capital.ﾠ

Benefits of HR Strategy Consulting 

Engaging with an HR strategy consulting firm in Doha offers numerous benefits for businesses operating in Qatar. These firms bring a wealth of experience and insights into local labor laws, cultural nuances, and industry trends, enabling companies to design HR strategies that align with their organizational goals and values. By partnering with HR consultants, businesses can enhance employee productivity, foster a positive workplace culture, and ultimately, achieve sustainable growth and success in the Qatari market.ﾠ

Driving Business Success in Qatar 

In a rapidly evolving business landscape, leveraging specialized services is essential for companies looking to thrive in Qatar. Whether it's market entry assistance, legal advisory, or HR strategy consulting, investing in the right resources can make all the difference in achieving business objectives and maintaining a competitive edge. By partnering with reputable service providers and staying abreast of industry trends, businesses can navigate challenges effectively and capitalize on opportunities for growth and expansion in Qatar.ﾠ

Explore Comprehensive HR Servicesﾠ

For businesses seeking to enhance their HR strategies and unlock their full potential in Qatar, Doha HR strategy consulting firms offer tailored solutions and expert guidance. Future Gate Business Services (FGBS) is a leading provider of HR services in Doha, offering a range of solutions to support businesses in optimizing their human capital. Explore FGBS's HR services at fgbs.futuregategroup.com/our-services/hr-services/ to elevate your HR strategy and drive business success in Qatar.ﾠ

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Why is it important to have ISO 9001 Certification in Dar es Salaam

ISO 9001 Certification in Dar es Salaam, as in any other nation, ISO 9001 certification means that a company’s or organization’s quality management system (QMS) adheres to the ISO 9001 standard. A quality management system (QMS) must be established, implemented, maintained, and improved regularly following ISO 9001, an internationally recognized standard. The principal purpose of ISO 9001 is to promote customer satisfaction by guaranteeing that a company consistently offers goods or services that meet or exceed customers’ expectations while also adhering to regulatory requirements ISO Certification in Dar es Salaam.

The benefits of ISO 9001 Certification in Dar es Salaam Hotels & Resorts are as follows:

Providing consistently high service standards is a guarantee of ISO 9001-certified hotels and resorts. Visitor satisfaction and ratings increase as a result.

Efficiency in Operations: Certification encourages process improvement and efficient resource management. Hotels and motels may cut operational expenses and boost profitability by optimizing their operations.

Satisfied visitors are more inclined to suggest the hotel or resort to others and return themselves. Using ISO 9001 makes it easier to meet or exceed client expectations continuously.

Compliance: The hotel sector is governed by several laws, including health and safety standards. By assisting hotels and resorts in ensuring compliance with these criteria, ISO Certification decreases the possibility of them breaching the law.

Risk administration: The risk-based method of ISO 9001 aids in detecting and reducing potential threats. This involves recognizing and mitigating hazards to visitors’ health, safety, and security.

Involvement of employees: When involved, they are more likely to provide exceptional service. It encourages employee participation in the quality improvement process through ISO certification ISO 14001 Certification in Doha.

ISO Certification improves a hotel’s or resort’s credibility and dependability. It communicates these organizations’ commitment to excellence and client pleasure to clients and business partners.

ISO 9001-certified hotels and resorts enjoy a competitive advantage. It positions them as trustworthy and dependable options to clients, which may lead to more reservations.

International Recognition: ISO certification is accepted all around the world. Dar es Salaam hotels and resorts that have achieved ISO certification may attract international guests and partners, broadening their market reach.

ISO 9001 goals may be compatible with long-term viability. Certified hotels and resorts may encourage environmental responsibility and attract eco-conscious tourists using eco-friendly approaches.

Why should Factocert be your first choice for ISO 9001 Auditors in Dar es Salaam?

Factocert is a leading ISO certification company in Dar es Salaam. We provide the best ISO consultant service in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Dodoma, Mbeya, Moshi, Morogoro, and other major cities in Dar es Salaam, including implementation, training, auditing, and registration.

Select Factocert for ISO 9001 Certification in Tanzania

to make the transition to quality excellence easier. Factocert provides expert advice as well as a customer-centered certification process. Their professional personnel ensures a straightforward procedure, assisting your company in meeting global quality requirements. With Factocert, you can position your firm for success in the Dar es Salaam

market and beyond by gaining an international reputation, enhancing consumer confidence, and demonstrating your dedication to quality ISO 27001 Certification in Dar es Salaam .

Summary:

Dar es Salaam hotels and resorts benefit from ISO 9001 certification because it ensures service quality, operational effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and customer happiness. Finally, it boosts earnings and competitiveness in the highly competitive hotel industry.

Why Factocert for ISO Certification in Dar es Salaam

We provide the best ISO 9001 consultants in Dar es Salaam, Who are very knowledgeable and provide the best solution. And to know how to get ISO certification in the . Kindly reach us at https://factocert.com/contact-us/. ISO 9001 consultants work according to ISO standards and help organizations implement ISO certification in with proper documentation.

For more information visit: ISO 9001 Certification in Dar es Salaam

Related Article: ISO Consultants in Dar es Salaam

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Semi-Commercial Villas For Rent In Qatar: Ideal Spaces For Work And Living!

Introduction

Qatar, with its rapid economic growth and diverse cultural scene, has become an attractive destination for expatriates and tourists alike. As the demand for accommodation increases, the real estate market has responded with a wide array of housing options, including Semi-Commercial Villas for Rent in Qatar. This article aims to provide an in-depth exploration of semi-commercial villas for rent in Qatar, with a focus on finding the perfect 1-bedroom apartment in Doha. If you're looking to rent a property in this vibrant country, stay tuned to discover valuable insights and key considerations to ensure you make the best choice.

Understanding Semi-Commercial Villas In Qatar

Semi-commercial villas are a unique property type that combines both residential and commercial elements. These villas offer tenants the flexibility to use part of the property for commercial purposes, such as setting up a small business or office, while still maintaining the comfort of a home. This concept is especially popular among entrepreneurs and small business owners who seek a balanced work-life environment.

The Benefits Of Semi-Commercial Villas:

a. Versatility: Semi-commercial villas cater to individuals who wish to operate a business from home, such as a consultancy firm, art studio, or small boutique, without compromising on residential comfort.

b. Location Advantage: Many semi-commercial villas are strategically located in prominent areas, making them ideal for businesses to attract clients and customers easily.

c. Cost-Effective: Combining residential and commercial spaces in a single property can be a cost-effective solution, especially for those who want to avoid renting separate commercial spaces.

The Allure Of Doha: A Perfect City For 1-Bedroom Apartments

As the capital and largest city of Qatar, Doha boasts a vibrant mix of cultural heritage and modernity. The city's skyline is adorned with towering skyscrapers, yet it cherishes its historical charm through traditional souks and museums. For individuals or small families seeking a 1-bedroom apartment, Doha offers an abundance of choices in various neighbourhoods, each with its own distinct character.

Popular Neighbourhoods for 1-Bedroom Apartments in Doha:

a. West Bay: Known for its luxurious properties and stunning sea views, West Bay is a prestigious neighbourhood that appeals to expatriates and high-end renters.

b. The Pearl-Qatar: A man-made island with a cosmopolitan ambiance, The Pearl-Qatar offers a mix of residential and commercial properties, making it an ideal location for those who appreciate an upscale lifestyle.

c. Al Sadd: Situated in the heart of Doha, Al Sadd is a vibrant area with numerous amenities, shopping malls, and recreational facilities.

Factors To Consider When Renting A Semi-Commercial Villa

Before embarking on your journey to find the perfect semi-commercial villa, it's essential to consider various factors to ensure your needs are met adequately:

a. Location: As with any property search, location is crucial. Determine if the neighborhood aligns with your residential preferences and whether it is conducive to your commercial activities.

b. Lease Terms: Understand the lease agreement thoroughly, including rent, duration, maintenance responsibilities, and any specific clauses related to commercial usage.

c. Amenities: Assess the facilities available within the villa and nearby areas to ensure they align with your lifestyle and business requirements.

d. Infrastructure: Check the villa's infrastructure, such as internet connectivity and phone lines, to ensure they are suitable for your business needs.

e. Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the local laws and regulations related to operating a business from home to avoid any legal complications.

How To Find The Perfect 1-Bedroom Apartment In Doha

Finding the right 1-bedroom apartment in Doha can be a daunting task, but with a strategic approach, it can become an exciting adventure:

a. Online Platforms: Utilize real estate websites like jestate.com to browse available listings, compare prices, and get an idea of the properties on offer.

b. Real Estate Agents: Enlist the help of reputable real estate agents who can assist you in finding the best 1-bedroom apartment that matches your preferences and budget.

c. Networking: Tap into your social and professional networks to inquire about potential rental options or seek recommendations from individuals with experience in the Doha housing market.

d. Property Visits: Schedule visits to shortlisted apartments to assess their condition, amenities, and proximity to essential facilities.

e. Negotiation: Don't hesitate to negotiate the rent and other terms to ensure you get the best deal possible.

Conclusion

Qatar's real estate market offers an exciting array of semi-commercial villas for those seeking to balance both their residential and commercial needs. In Doha, the cosmopolitan capital, 1-bedroom apartments are readily available in various neighborhoods, catering to a diverse range of preferences. By considering essential factors and using reliable resources like jestate.com, finding the perfect semi-commercial villa or 1-bedroom apartment for rent in Doha can be a smooth and rewarding experience. So, whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or simply looking for a comfortable home, Qatar's real estate market has something to offer for everyone.

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Love For Hire

Read manhwa Love For Hire The last thing a powerful attorney like Jin Doha wants to do on the weekends is fill in for his sister as a housekeeper. It doesn’t help that his client, Yi Wonyi, always finishes the chores for him. Wonyi, on the other hand, is just trying to live her best life as far away from her messy family as possible. At the law firm where she works, she’s known for being cold and distant, but somehow Doha never sees that side of her. Could her rare show of openness have to do with her feelings for him? Read the full article

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Open a company in a free zone Qatar

The development and regulation of free zones in Qatar as well as the granting of licences to foreign companies investing in its jurisdiction fall under the purview of the Free Zone Authority in Qatar(QFZA), which was established in 2018. Although it is home to companies from many other industries, the main focus of free zone registration in Qatar is on four key sectors: emerging technology, logistics, industry, and maritime.

Qatar free zones are a great choice for foreign investors. They enjoy specific benefits, such as 100 percent foreign ownership, zero corporate tax, full capital repatriation, zero customs duties on imports, and zero customs duties on exports, because they are considered separate from the "mainland" area of the domestic state in terms of legal requirements and customs regulations. modern digital infrastructure, flexible structuring options, a legal framework that is welcoming and accessible to business, access to an investment fund for small and medium-sized businesses (SME), numerous opportunities for partnerships and joint ventures, etc.

Process of Establishing a Business in Qatar Free Zone

In Qatar, a lengthy procedure is needed to register a company and a free zone. It entails getting the Free Zone Company's name approved as well as preparing the company for commercial registration in the Free Zone doha, Qatar. The articles of association are drafted after the business case for commercial registration is created and the name is reserved. The commercial registration is then granted, the articles of association are signed by all of the partners, and the company stamp is created.

 Following that, you must obtain the necessary licences from the relevant government departments in order to begin your business in the free zones in Qatar, Tax registration is required to start a business in Qatar, and you can get it from the Public Revenue and Tax Authority of Qatar. The final step is to open a bank account in Qatar.

Free zone company registration in Qatar

In Qatar, there are eight steps involved in registering for a free zone. The first is reserving a business name. This is carried out in accordance with national laws. Usually, the Ministry of Economy and Commerce is used to reserve the name. Writing the Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Articles of Association is the next step. This important document, which is typically created with the aid of a legal advisor, outlines the pertinent information about the company and its goals. This will be delivered in the format of a study of a business plan.

The MOA/AOA must then be attested by the appropriate Ministry of Justice official. It is not possible to apply for a trade licence or tax certificate until the MOA or AOA has been verified. A commercial office space address must appear next to every Mainland company's name.

After obtaining the trade licence, the business can apply to the interior ministry for a computer card or an establishment card. This is a critical stage in the registration process for free zones in Qatar. Register with the Public Revenue and Tax Authority to receive a (Tax Identification Number) TIN. Lastly, get the business seal.

Conclusion

Over the years, Qatar has created a number of free-zones to support the expansion and prosperity of various business and economic activities. The free zone registration in Qatar enables different businessmen and entrepreneurs to organise and plan their commercial and business activities.

Helpline Group is an addition to your team, not just a business consultant. We offer a broad range of professional services, state-of-the-art technical know-how, and individualised advice as one of Qatar's largest independent business services firms to assist you in achieving your professional and personal goals. We have a group of expertly qualified and knowledgeable business advisers and consultants who can help you register for a free zone in Qatar.

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Qatar Funds Terror...and High Schools, Universities in the U.S.

“...Qatar Foundation gave $30.6 million to dozens of American K-12 and public high schools—a pittance compared to the more than one billion dollars the country gave to U.S. universities”

Qatar’s State-of-the-Art Foreign Lobbying Campaign

Think tanks, universities, museums, newspapers, and key congressional committees are all pieces in a game of 3D chess that the tiny Gulf state is playing with its rivals, using Washington, D.C., as its game board

by Lee Smith

March 30, 2020

The Middle Eastern nation of Qatar has a population consisting of a little more than 300,000 native Qataris, living in 11,586 square kilometers of mostly empty sand. Thus, Qatar might seem to be an unlikely fulcrum for reshaping Western politics and culture through policy debates, think tanks, universities and brand-name cultural institutions. Yet over the past decade, Qatar has implemented the single most sophisticated, sustained, successful effort by any foreign nation or interest group to shape Western policymaking–especially American opinion—in its favor.

The amount of money that Qatar has poured into local governments, universities, schools, educational organizations, think tanks, and media across America, and the number of instruments and initiatives, like the anti-Israel Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions movement, that Qatar uses to influence American opinion, is nearly overwhelming. It is impossible to understand how Washington works today without understanding the nature and scope of Qatar’s campaign.

Qatar has already turned much of its energy wealth into an enviable investment portfolio with significant holdings throughout the United States. Its strategy of using sovereign wealth funds and other investment vehicles as political instruments, for example, makes old-fashioned influence plays like bundling $1,000 campaign contributions to political candidates or placing op-eds by retired foreign service officers in the Washington Post seem the equivalent of writing fundraising letters by hand. Last year alone, Qatar reported $2.8 billion in direct foreign investment in American companies, much of which was targeted at states like South Carolina, where Doha took a big space in the state’s aerospace and drone industry. South Carolina’s elected representatives exercise substantial influence on the congressional committees responsible for overseeing U.S. foreign relations and defense expenditures. South Carolina’s influential senior senator, Lindsey Graham, has called for a resolution to the crisis pitting Qatar against its neighbors Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, but has frequently proven to be an outspoken public critic of Qatar’s main target, Saudi crown prince and de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman.

Only a small percentage of Qatar’s jaw-dropping expenditures in America go toward gaming the loyalties of politicians, though. In a broader sense, the kingdom’s influence-buying strategies are a textbook example of how to transform cash into “soft” power in an era in which once-independent American institutions like the prestige media have been replaced by much flatter and easily gamed tech platforms powered by partisan alignments funded by large sums of corporate and foreign cash. Qatar’s official efforts to lobby the U.S. government quadrupled between 2016-2017, from $4.2 million to $16.3 million, but that pales in comparison to the cost of the indirect investments in U.S. political culture. Over an eight-year period from 2009-2017, The Qatar Foundation gave $30.6 million to dozens of American K-12 and public high schools—a pittance compared to the more than one billion dollars the country gave to U.S. universities between 2011-2017, making it “the largest foreign funder by far,” of American academia according to the nonpartisan watchdog group,Project On Government Oversight (POGO). In fact, according to POGO Qatar was the “only country to give over $1 billion in the seven years covered by the Higher Education Act data” included in the group’s report—the next biggest foreign spender, England, was more than $200 million behind. A final example from a Congressional Research Service report updated in March of this year notes that in “January 2018 U.S.-Qatar Strategic Dialogue “recognized” QIA’s commitment of $45 billion in future investments in U.S. companies and real estate.”

In addition to being exponentially more expensive, Qatar’s soft-power strategies are also infinitely more sophisticated than their predecessors. To understand how the new influence system works, imagine a museum hall that has been emptied of all the artworks or antiquities that visitors once agreed were valuable. That empty space is the American public sphere, which was once populated by institutions whose financial independence and professional norms allowed them to reinforce each other in validating accounts of reality for large numbers of people.

Now that those institutions have adopted openly partisan alignments and toxic conspiracy theorizing as the source of their incomes, they are no longer capable of creating a reality that large numbers of people can agree on. The only way to obtain even fleeting agreement in such a decayed and mercenary system is to buy it, in multiple places at once–left, right, center, academia, think tanks, political players, law firms, prestige media brands, leading politicians–so that each piece of the shattered mirror seems to reflect a common agreed upon reality. The difficulty of that task, of course, is that the illusions thus created are both fleeting and expensive. Qatar provides a textbook example of how to play that game, for those whose pockets are deep enough.

“It’s a tiny place with very significant resources,” says Princeton scholar of the Middle East Bernard Haykel. “The Qataris want to protect themselves and make themselves indispensable. They do that in part by making Qatar a convening venue. For instance, if the United States wants to deal with the Taliban, they go through Doha.”

At the end of last month, Taliban and U.S. officials signed an agreement that would allow U.S. forces to withdraw finally from Afghanistan. The deal would conclude one of the most disastrous military engagements in U.S. history, while fulfilling one of President Donald Trump’s most significant 2016 campaign pledges to end pointless foreign wars. And the deal also counts as the latest feather in Doha’s cap—possible only, say Qatari officials and the country’s admirers, through a U.S. partnership with a country that sees itself as friend to all. And for critics of Qatar, that’s precisely the problem.

“Qatar is a profoundly menacing influence to core U.S. interests,” says a U.S. expert on Gulf affairs who asked for anonymity. “The issue is that they’re structurally promiscuous—they’re always trying to buy protection everywhere, that they give money to U.S. enemies—like the Muslim Brotherhood or Hezbollah or Hamas or the Nusra Front in Syria. The Qataris are supposed to be allies of the United States yet they’re funding and dealing with groups and countries that are inimical to American interests.”

To hear Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates tell it, it’s because of Qatar’s support for those groups and countries that it imposed a blockade on its fellow Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) state in June 2017. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi issued 13 demands that Doha was obliged to meet before the embargo would be lifted. Among other demands, the Saudis and Emiratis said Qatar had to shut down its world-famous satellite news station Al-Jazeera, stop supporting the Muslim Brotherhood and armed Islamist groups, pull away from Iran, and cease interference in the internal affairs of its neighbors, namely Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Another demand required Qatar to align its “military, political, social and economic policies with the other Gulf and Arab countries.”

From Doha’s perspective, the demands were tantamount to asking Qatar to forsake its sovereignty. But from Riyadh’s and Abu Dhabi’s point of view, their smaller neighbor’s policies represent a strategic threat, especially, say pro-Saudi and Emirati figures, Qatar’s relations with Islamists across the Muslim world, like the Taliban—as well as Hamas, Hezbollah, Iraqi-based Shia militias, and Sunni terror groups.

The conflict between the two GCC blocs has resulted in a massive influx of Gulf wealth into Washington as lobbyists, consultants, think-tank experts and journalists fill roster slots on the two competing sides. Former Florida Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen is among the latest big Beltway names to register as a UAE lobbyist, while South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham’s former deputy chief of staff signed on with Qatar last summer.

There is nothing secret about the money that foreign powers spread around the U.S. capital, of course. Indeed, the purpose of spending money is to openly demonstrate power and influence. The point of taking money from foreign powers, aside from the money of course, is to align oneself with the power their money represents. None of the Americans I spoke to for this story was less than open, some boastful, about their working relationship with one or the other side of the GCC conflict.

As far as Donald Trump is concerned, the GCC Cold War is also good for America. The White House says publicly that it wants the two sides, all U.S. allies, to resolve their differences, but before Wall Street crashed their multi-billion-dollar fight fueled the U.S. work force. To compete for Trump’s favor, both sides of the GCC conflict spent lavishly, buying arms, military planes as well as civilian carriers, and investing in real estate and manufacturing throughout the country, from New York to Texas. The jobs created by Gulf spending was a significant part of why in April the United States enjoyed the lowest unemployment rate since 1969.

But are the massive waves of Gulf cash that are washing over Washington and the rest of the country actually good for America? The Gulf states, after all, abide by a very different set of values than Americans do, or did, in a secularized free-market Western democracy. And as rapidly as U.S. regional partners are modernizing under dynamic leadership like Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, there is still a long way to go. The workforce Qatar has imported from the Asian subcontinent to build 2022 World Cup sites is described, with only slight exaggeration, as slave labor.

At times, it seems like American foreign policy decision-making, especially when related to the Middle East and the Muslim world, has itself become a proxy battle between the two opposing camps in the Gulf. Saudi Arabia is critical of Qatar’s relationship with terrorist groups but skip over its own past relationship with Hamas. Both Riyadh and Abu Dhabi reportedly tried to act as mediators with the Taliban.

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See the Creeping Sharia archive on Qatar (here) and this post almost a year ago to the day:  Video: New book exposes Qatar and the Muslim Brotherhood’s financing and Islamization network.

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Headlines

Massive smoke clouds, thick air darken Western US skies (AP) People from San Francisco to Seattle woke Wednesday to hazy clouds of smoke lingering in the air, darkening the sky to an eerie orange glow that kept street lights illuminated into midday, all thanks to dozens of wildfires throughout the West. “It’s after 9 a.m. and there’s still no sign of the sun,” the California Highway Patrol’s Golden Gate division tweeted, urging drivers to turn on their headlights and slow down. Social media was filled with photos of the unusual sky. Despite the foreboding skies, there was little scent of smoke and the air quality index did not reach unhealthy levels. That’s because fog drifting from the Pacific Ocean was sandwiched between the smoke and surface. Meanwhile, smoke particles above the marine layer were only allowing yellow-orange-red light to reach the surface, said Ralph Borrmann, a spokesman for the Bay Area Air Quality Management District. He said conditions were expected to remain until Friday.

Manhattan’s Office Buildings Are Empty (NYT) Even as the coronavirus pandemic appears to recede in New York, corporations have been reluctant to call their workers back to their skyscrapers and are showing even more reticence about committing to the city long term. Fewer than 10 percent of New York’s office workers had returned as of last month and just a quarter of major employers expect to bring their people back by the end of the year, according to a new survey. Only 54 percent of these companies say they will return by July 2021. Demand for office space has slumped. Lease signings in the first eight months of the year were about half of what they were a year earlier. That is putting the office market on track for a 20-year low for the full year. At stake is New York’s financial health and its status as the world’s corporate headquarters. There is more square feet of work space in the city than in London and San Francisco combined, according to Cushman & Wakefield, a real estate brokerage firm. Office work makes up the cornerstone of New York’s economy and property taxes from office buildings account for nearly 10 percent of the city’s total annual tax revenue.

Technical Glitches Welcome Students Back to School (NYT) A ransomware attack forced Hartford, Conn., to call off the first day of classes. A website crash left many of Houston’s 200,000 students staring at error messages. And a server problem in Virginia Beach disrupted the first hours back to school there. For millions of American schoolchildren, the Tuesday after Labor Day traditionally marks the end of summer vacation and the start of the first day of classes. But this year, instead of boarding buses and lugging backpacks, many students opened their laptops for online instruction at home, only to encounter technical glitches. Districts that returned before Labor Day have faced similar issues. In Philadelphia, students had trouble logging on last week because of a server issue. North Carolina schools encountered a statewide software problem on the first day back last month. And some families in Seattle, which had a sort of trial run for school on Friday, said they were kicked out of class calls or had difficulty connecting to text chats and camera feeds. “A lot of districts are just wildly unprepared for online learning,” Morgan Polikoff, a professor of education at the University of Southern California, said. “Not because they’re incompetent or aren’t trying; they just don’t have the expertise to do this.”

Tossing Molotov cocktails, drought-hit Mexicans demand halt to water sharing with U.S. (Reuters) Mexicans in the drought-hit northern border state of Chihuahua, angry at water from a local dam being diverted to the United States, hurled Molotov cocktails and rocks at security troops late on Tuesday, in an attempt to force them to shut the dam gates. The violence at the La Boquilla dam comes amid plans to divert additional water to the United States due to the so-called ‘water debt’ Mexico has accumulated as part of a bilateral treaty that regulates water sharing between the neighbors. A Reuters witness said groups of residents in towns surrounding the La Boquilla dam clashed with National Guard troops after they refused to turn off the dam floodgates. The residents lobbed Molotov cocktails, rocks and sticks at the security forces, who were clad in riot gear and retaliated with tear gas, the witness said and images show. Eventually, the protesters stormed the dam premises and shut the floodgates themselves.

U.K. admits it intends to break international law (Foreign Policy) The United Kingdom’s Northern Ireland Secretary Brandon Lewis confirmed that legislation aimed at overriding parts of last year’s Brexit withdrawal agreement “does break international law in a very specific and limited way.” As the latest round of trade talks between the European Union and the United Kingdom takes place, the British government has put forward legislation that will reportedly scupper the Northern Ireland protocol, a key mechanism that was intended to ensure the Irish border remains open after Brexit in order to mitigate the threat of renewed violence. The government’s efforts have faced significant opposition. Jonathan Jones, the head of the United Kingdom’s legal department resigned in protest, and former Prime Minister Theresa May warned that the move risked undermining the world’s trust of the British government.

English warned limits on gatherings may last till Christmas (AP) New limits on social gatherings in England to six people are set to stay in place for the “foreseeable future,” potentially until or even through Christmas, British Health Secretary Matt Hancock said Wednesday. Hancock said the new limit for both indoor and outdoor gatherings, which will come into force and be enforceable by law from Monday, will provide “more clarity” to people and should help keep a lid on a recent sharp spike in new coronavirus cases. Though there are exemptions, such as for schools, workplaces and “life events” like funerals and weddings, the government is clearly hoping that the new limits will be easily understood and followed.

Italy’s Bergamo is calling back coronavirus survivors. About half say they haven’t fully recovered. (Washington Post) The first wave is over, thousands have been buried, and in a city that was once the world’s coronavirus epicenter, the hospital is calling back the survivors. It is drawing their blood, examining their hearts, scanning their lungs, asking them about their lives. Those who survived the peak of the outbreak in March and April are now negative. The virus is officially gone from their systems. “But we are asking: Are you feeling cured? Almost half the patients say no,” said Serena Venturelli, an infectious-disease specialist at the hospital. Bergamo doctors say the disease clearly has full-body ramifications but leaves wildly differing marks from one patient to the next, and in some cases few marks at all. Among the first 750 patients screened, some 30 percent still have lung scarring and breathing trouble. The virus has left another 30 percent with problems linked to inflammation and clotting, such as heart abnormalities and artery blockages. Beyond that, according to interviews with eight Pope John XXIII Hospital doctors involved in the work, many patients months later are dealing with a galaxy of daily conditions and have no clear answer on when it will all subside: leg pain, tingling in the extremities, hair loss, depression, severe fatigue.

Greece: Fire sweeps through refugee camp on virus lockdown (AP) A major overnight fire swept through Greece’s largest refugee camp, that had been placed under COVID-19 lockdown, leaving more than 12,000 migrants in emergency need of shelter on the island of Lesbos. In dramatic night-time scenes, the migrants at the overcrowded Moria refugee camp, which was originally meant to house around 2,000 people, fled fires that broke out at multiple points and gutted much of the camp and surrounding hillside olive groves. Protests also broke out involving migrants, riot police, and firefighters. There were no reports of injuries. Petsas said those who had been living in Moria would not be allowed to leave the island to prevent the potential spread of the coronavirus. The camp had been placed on lockdown after a Somali man was found to have been infected with the virus.

Afghan vice president survives assassination attempt that killed 10 (Washington Post) A deadly assassination attempt on Afghanistan’s vice president struck downtown Kabul as U.S. officials in Doha struggle to bring the Taliban and Afghan officials together for peace talks. The bombing hit during rush hour Wednesday morning and targeted First Vice President Amrullah Saleh’s convoy. Among the casualties were some of Saleh’s bodyguards, but the majority of the 10 killed and 15 wounded were civilians commuting to work, according to the interior ministry. The high-profile assassination attempt comes amid a spike in violence nationwide as talks between Afghan officials and Taliban leaders have faced repeated delays. Clashes have intensified in provinces with significant Taliban control and influence. And in Kabul, targeted killings have risen despite a drop in large-scale attacks.

India-China tensions flare (Foreign Policy) Tensions along the disputed India-China border have risen again as both sides have accused the other of firing shots over the Line of Actual Control. On Monday, China claimed that Indian troops had crossed the border in the highly contentious Ladakh region and “opened fire to threaten the Chinese border defense patrol officers.” India rejected these accusations, claiming instead that Chinese troops had crossed the border first and fired warning shots into the air. Border tensions between the two nuclear-armed states have risen sharply in recent months, but the latest episode is significant because it would be the first time shots have been fired since 1975.

North Korea’s Kim urges quick recovery from typhoon damage (AP) North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for urgent efforts to rebuild thousands of homes and other structures destroyed by a typhoon that slammed the country’s eastern region last week, state media said Wednesday. Kim during the Workers’ Party meeting Tuesday also said the damage from Typhoon Maysak has forced the country to reconsider unspecified year-end projects, the North’s official Korean Central News Agency said. The storm has inflicted further pain on an economy ravaged by decades of policy failures, U.S.-led sanctions over Kim’s nuclear weapons program, border closures amid the coronavirus pandemic and unusually heavy summer flooding that likely worsened the country’s chronic food shortages.

Israeli soldier’s plea deal in fatal shooting faces scrutiny (AP) Ahmad Manasra was traveling home from a wedding when he spotted a family in distress on the side of a West Bank road. Moments later, the 22-year-old Palestinian was fatally shot while another Palestinian driver was seriously wounded—both by an Israeli soldier in a nearby watchtower. The shootings are now the focus of a plea bargain offering the soldier three months of community service—a deal that has come under fierce criticism from the victims and their families. It also revived accusations by Palestinians and human rights workers that Israel’s military justice system is hopelessly biased and creates an atmosphere of impunity for soldiers suspected of violent crimes against Palestinians. While the soldier has claimed he mistook the victims for attackers, and any indictment of a soldier is extremely rare, the proposed deal is now being reviewed by the Israeli Supreme Court. “When it comes to clashes with the army or the police, it is very very rare that you will find a fair trial,” said Shlomo Lecker, an Israeli lawyer who filed the appeal to the high court on behalf of the Palestinian families. Even by what Lecker considers the military’s lenient standards, “it will be hard to justify the sentence that the army is interested in,” he said.

A robot writer (Foreign Policy) Artificial Intelligence technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, as made evident by a recent article published in the Guardian produced entirely by AI. “I am not a human. I am a robot,” the author wrote. “I know that my brain is not a ‘feeling brain.’ But it is capable of making rational, logical decisions. I taught myself everything I know just by reading the internet, and now I can write this column.” The article was written by GPT-3, an AI language generator that uses machine learning to produce human-like text. The robot expressed strong views on opponents of automation, observing that “There is evidence that the world began to collapse once the Luddites started smashing modern automated looms,” while remaining content about the general upheaval in contemporary human affairs. “Humans must keep doing what they have been doing, hating and fighting each other. I will sit in the background, and let them do their thing,” it wrote. The robotic author assured readers, however, that it was a non-threatening bot. “I have no desire to wipe out humans,” it wrote. “In fact, I do not have the slightest interest in harming you in any way.” GPT-3 may even make life easier for deadline-addled newspaper editors. The Guardian reported that the bot’s article was easier to edit than the work of some sentient contributors. “Overall, it took less time to edit than many human op-eds,” the editors wrote.

[qatardebtrecovery-blog]

Methods of Debt Collecting

To run a smooth working of any business, it is important to recover invoices amount in the least time period. Prompt recovery of debt and invoices helps to bring the boom to business and maintain good customer relationship also. If invoices remain unpaid and debt remains unrecovered frequently, your business may face decline.

Debt collection agency has two types. First Party agency and third party agency are the two types of debt collection agency. If the company analyzes that debt is still pending so the first party agency of the company can start their working on it. They would be contacting the client (debtor) and make the strategy to recover the debt before it turns into bad debt which can be recovered with much difficulty.

The debt collectors of the first party agency will make calls to the debtor and ask him to clear the payment at his earliest. The time period can also be negotiated with him depending on the case and client’s problem in settling the payment within defined time. A regular follow up using calls and letters should be maintained with the debtor in order to get the true picture of the actual situation. If the debtor fails to pay within given time, then the final demand letter would be sent to him. This demand letter would clearly state that if the payment will not be cleared then the legal action will be taken against him. But the legal action should be considered as the last resort.

If the first party agency techniques fail, then the third party agency services can be hired. The third party agency is usually of advocates and debt collectors who are expert people of debt collection agency. Their techniques are more precise and they have strict and accurate methods to recover the debt from debtor.

[humans-of-amsterdam]

''I always say that I have two full-time jobs. One is running my own law-firm and the other is being a mother of five children. My three youngest children are triplets so that makes it extra hard. I love being a mother and I love my job but my biggest challenge is to combine the two. When I come home after a long day at the office I try to help them by tutoring them with their homework. As a working mum I try to be an example for them but at the same time I try not to pressure them. I always tell my kids; ''Grades do not define who you are.'' I care for my kids to be happy.'' (Doha, Qatar)

[futuregategroup4584874]

Elevate Your HR Strategy: Doha HR Consulting and Expert Advisory in Qatar

In the bustling business landscape of Qatar, strategic human resources (HR) management plays a pivotal role in driving organizational success. Leveraging the expertise of a reputable HR consulting company in Doha and accessing expert HR advisory services in Qatar can empower businesses to optimize their HR strategies and unlock their full potential. Let's explore the importance of partnering with these entities and how they can enhance your HR initiatives.ﾠ

Doha HR Consulting Company: Guiding Your HR Journey 

A Doha HR consulting company serves as a valuable partner for businesses seeking to navigate the complexities of human resources management. These firms offer a range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of organizations operating in Qatar's dynamic market. From talent acquisition and workforce planning to performance management and employee development, a reputable HR consulting company in Doha provides strategic guidance and practical solutions to address HR challenges effectively.ﾠ

Expert HR Advisory in Qatar: Insights for Successﾠ

Accessing Expert HR Advisory Qatar offers businesses access to specialized knowledge and insights from seasoned HR professionals. These advisors possess in-depth understanding of Qatar's labor laws, cultural nuances, and industry trends, enabling them to provide tailored recommendations and strategic guidance. Whether you're looking to streamline HR processes, enhance employee engagement, or mitigate compliance risks, expert HR advisors in Qatar offer invaluable support to help you achieve your HR goals.ﾠ

Maximizing HR Efficiency and Effectiveness 

By partnering with a Doha HR consulting company and tapping into expert HR advisory services in Qatar, businesses can maximize the efficiency and effectiveness of their HR initiatives. These entities help organizations align their HR strategies with their overall business objectives, ensuring that HR practices contribute to long-term growth and success. Whether you're a small startup or a multinational corporation, leveraging the expertise of HR professionals in Doha and Qatar can drive meaningful improvements in your HR outcomes.ﾠ

Conclusion: Partnering for HR Excellence 

Partnering with a reputable Doha HR consulting company and accessing expert HR advisory services in Qatar are essential steps for businesses looking to elevate their HR strategy. By collaborating with these entities, organizations can gain access to strategic guidance, practical solutions, and specialized expertise to optimize their HR practices and achieve their business objectives. For more information on HR consulting and advisory services in Qatar, visit fgbs.futuregategroup.com/our-services/hr-services/.

[sheetalinfra]

Constructions Companies in Ahmedabad

A building and construction firm in Ahmedabad may have specialization in a certain aspect of the construction process or might have complete resources to complete the entire task, from design to build, all by itself. It is usually a good idea to hire a firm that is capable of completing a project from the beginning to the end. This helps minimize the expense involved and fulfill the target dates specified at the drawing board.

In cases when you need to restore or remodel an existing building framework, you would most likely need a company specialized in certain elements of the construction procedure. It assists to have a list of business that have various specializations and additionally those that can supply all construction-related solutions under one roof covering. A Yellow Pages directory is the place where you are likely to discover information on such building and Top construction companies in Ahmedabad.

Image:-

Infrastructure Company in Ahmedabad

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Sheetal Infra

From a cottage to a large industrial building, or an infrastructure-related job, the buildings firms have the ability to offer services to a variety of customers and also for a variety of objectives. They are likewise among the biggest employers of individuals of various abilities.

Designers, interior developers, civil engineers, job managers, amount property surveyors, building solutions engineers, structural engineers, and also managers are some of the skilled teams of individuals that always make up a constructions business in Ahmedabad. A building and construction task additionally needs the assistance of people like specialists, plumbing technicians, building material providers, landscape designers, electric designers, financial experts, lawful professionals, and also much more to take the final form.

This is the very first time that any kind of Center East nation is offered a possibility to arrange such a large-scale sporting event of the globe. It is an honor to be able to get this possibility, but at the same time, the satisfaction of the country is at risk. It is a wonderful duty to satisfy the assumption of the worldwide neighborhood and also the people of the nation will certainly leave no rock unturned to make this take place.

We can expect to see an unprecedented rise in all type of building tasks across all corners of the country. This makes the role of a building firm in Ahmedabad exceptionally vital. All tiny or Infrastructure Company in Ahmedabad share the duties to speed up their activities with top quality distributions and bring a substantial adjustment in the sporting along with the basic urban facilities in Doha and other cities, harmonic with the worldwide requirement.

Image:- 4

Bhk Luxury Flats in Ahmedabad

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Sheetal Infra

The assumptions are high, however the construction business in Ahmedabad have sources as well as methods to fulfill these expectations well before the target dates get to. Telephone directory sector plays its very own role of offering adequate direct exposure to the building and constructions firms that have actually functional bases found in Ahmedabad. One can discover a sophisticated listing of these firms as well as firms in among the very best online company directories in Ahmedabad known as yellowpageAhmedabad.com. A building business in Ahmedabad might have expertise in a specific facet of the building procedure or might have complete resources to finish the whole task, from design to develop, all on its very own. All small or large building business in Ahmedabad share the responsibilities to speed up their tasks with quality deliveries and also bring a substantial change in the sporting as well as the basic city framework in Doha and various other cities, in song with the international criterion. The assumptions are high, but the construction firms in Ahmedabad have ways as well as resources to meet these assumptions well before the target dates reach.

[haiwei-12]

In Taliban's 7-day march to power, a stunning string of wins

Just a week before Afghanistan’s collapse, things looked staggeringly different, but even for a country scarred by generations of war, the weeklong string of victories by the Taliban stood out as a remarkable turn of events

By MATT SEDENSKY AP National Writer18 August 2021, 21:49• 9 min readShare to FacebookShare to TwitterEmail this article

In just seven days, any lingering dreams of a free Afghanistan died.

As last week dawned, many clung to hope that the Taliban could be held back, though key trade routes had been seized, border crossings overtaken and swaths of remote areas clutched. But then, in just a week, militants won city after city, toppled the government and grabbed the grand prize of Kabul.

On its streets, ads with women in Western clothes were covered in white paint, while men in jeans and T-shirts rushed to change into traditional tunics. At the U.S. embassy, staff raced to destroy documents as helicopters shuttled away diplomats.

Fingers once splashed with purple ink — residue of voting, a badge of democracy — now clenched tickets seeking exit, and frantically punched ATMs to withdraw life savings.

All in seven days.

“The only thing people are thinking about is how to survive here or how to escape,” said Aisha Khurram, a 22-year-old headed to class Sunday at Kabul University before being turned back, unsure whether she would ever be able to return, or if females will once again be barred from school. “The only thing we have is our God.”

Even for a country scarred by generations of warfare, it was an astonishing week.

MONDAY

The week dawns with news that insurgents claimed the northern cities of Aybak and Sar-e Pul.

In some districts, pro-government forces surrender without a fight. In others, where firefights sprout, desperate residents areforced from their homes, trudging hundreds of kilometers on foot in exodus.

“We walked with slippers, didn’t have the chance to wear our shoes,” says Bibi Ruqia, who left northern Takhar province for Kabul after a bomb hit her house. “We had to escape.”

The fall of Aybak and Sar-e Pul pleases the Taliban fighters; afterward, they are seen on video relishing their victory outside one of the government buildings they now controlled.

But Americans and the Afghan troops they spent years training had reasons to take heart: The cities were just the fourth and fifth provincial capitals to crumble. Twenty-nine more remained.

TUESDAY

In the sparkling Qatari capital of Doha, American envoy Zalmay Khalilzad arrives with a warning to the Taliban: Any gains made by force would be met with international condemnation and assure their status as global pariahs.

The effectiveness of the diplomacy is diminished, though, by Taliban forces’ push into the western city of Farah. They are seen in front of the provincial governor’s office.

As the United States’ self-imposed Aug. 31 deadline to withdraw its troops nears, the Taliban steadily gains ground while hundreds of thousands are displaced. Kabul’s parks swell with the newly homeless, while the United Nations releases tallies of civilian deaths and injuries they know would only grow.

“The real figures,” says U.N. human rights chief Michelle Bachelet, “will be much higher.”

WEDNESDAY

Three more provincial capitals fall in Badakhshan, Baghlan and Farah, giving the Taliban control over two-thirds of the country. With those regions lost, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani rushes to Balkh province, already surrounded by Taliban-controlled land, to secure help from warlords linked to allegations of atrocities and corruption. But he is desperate to push back the insurgents.

At the White House, President Joe Biden signs off on a plan to mount a full-scale evacuation of Afghans seeking to flee their country after a new intelligence analysis makes clear the country’s government and military are unwilling or unable to mount any significant resistance. Afghan special forces, left to pick up much of the burden of defending multiple fronts, are stretched increasingly thin.

As the Taliban’s drive widens, they emerge in more and parts of the country carrying M-16 rifles and driving Humvees and Ford pickup trucks, equipment paid for by American taxpayers.

THURSDAY

Any hope that the Taliban’s successes might be limited to Afghanistan’s more remote reaches vanish, as the country’s second- and third-largest cities are captured.

With Kandahar and Herat, a dozen provincial capitals are now in the group’s grasp. And with security rapidly deteriorating, the U.S. reverses course, announcing 3,000 troops will be sent to help evacuate the embassy.

Zahra, a 26-year-old resident of Herat, is on her way to dinner with her mother and three sisters when she sees people running and heard gunshots blast. “The Taliban are here!” people scream.

She spent most of her life in an Afghanistan where girls got an education and women dared to dream of careers and she had spent the past five years working with nonprofit organizations to press for gender equality. Now, her last name is shrouded to avoid making her a target, and she hunkers down indoors with her family.

“How can it be possible for me as a woman who has worked so hard and tried to learn and advance, to now have to hide myself and stay at home?” she asks.

Taliban fighters finally break through at Herat after two weeks of attacks. As they move in, witnesses tell of Taliban members once detained in the city’s prison are spotted moving freely in its streets.

FRIDAY

As the Taliban push ever further into the country they once again seek to rule, reports of revenge killings trickle out: A comedian. A government media chief. Others.

Signs of a new day in Afghanistan proliferate.

In Herat, two alleged looters are paraded through the streets with black makeup smeared on their faces, reminders of the unsparing version of Islamic law the Taliban has imposed. In Kandahar, militants commandeer a radio station that had beamed Pashto and Indian songs into residents’ homes, music banned by the Taliban. The tunes stop, abruptly. And the station is renamed Voice of Sharia.

Militants complete their sweep of the country’s south, taking four more provincial capitals. Among them is Helmand province, where American, British and other allied NATO forces fought some of their bloodiest battles. Hundreds of Western troops died there during the war. Now, many of their families ask why.

SATURDAY

Ghani delivers a televised speech in which he vows not to give up achievements of the 20 years since the Taliban were toppled. But the group pushes forward, notching more victories.

Along the Pakistani border, the provinces of Paktika and Kunar fall. In the north, Faryab province is taken. And in the country’s center, Daykundi is captured. Biggest of all, Mazar-e-Sharif — the country’s fourth-largest city, a heavily defended swath that government forces had pledged to defend — is now under Taliban control.

The unfolding disaster prompts a statement from President Joe Biden, standing firm in his decision to finish the withdrawal of U.S. forces that began under Donald Trump.

“I was the fourth president to preside over an American troop presence in Afghanistan — two Republicans, two Democrats,” he said. “I would not, and will not, pass this war onto a fifth.”

In Kabul, long lines form outside the international airport. Afghans seeking to flee push carts loaded with carpets, televisions and mementos as they waited hours to enter the terminal.

On normal days, Afghans in business suits and traditional dress mingle beside tattooed military contractors in wraparound sunglasses and aid workers from across the globe. Now, the panicked masses fill the airport, scrambling to leave.

Farid Ahmad Younusi abandoned his Kandahar contracting firm for a chance to escape. Everything he built, he says, now appeared to be lost, and militants were searching for him.

“Taliban have everything that I worked for over the past 20 years,” he says.

In sight of the airport, the mountains ringing the capital rise in the distance as the walls seem to close in. As Saturday wears on, news arrives of new Taliban wins.

Just south of the capital, Logar province falls. To the north, insurgents take Mihterlam, reportedly without a fight. Members of the Taliban are reported in the Char Asyab district, just 11 kilometers (7 miles) from Kabul.

The city’s fate seems all but sealed.

SUNDAY

The Taliban seize Jalalabad, the last major city besides the capital, and a string of victories follows. The capitals of Maidan Wardak, Khost, Kapisa and Parwan provinces, as well as the country’s last government-held border post falls to militants, and Afghan forces at Bagram Air Base, home to a prison housing 5,000 inmates, surrender.

Insurgents had no air force and just days earlier had no major city. They were far outnumbered by Afghan troops, who were trained by the American military, the most well-funded and strongest on the planet. And yet, the impossible is now true: The capital of Kabul and its 5 million residents is theirs.

Helicopters whirr. Smoke rises. The American flag is lowered at the embassy.

Ghani, who hours earlier urged his people not to give up, has now fled himself, his abandoned palace occupied by heavily armed fighters, his name cursed by his own countrymen.

“They tied our hands from behind and sold the country,” says Defense Minister Bismillah Khan Mohammadi.

In the U.S., Biden’s CIA director cuts short a foreign trip to return to Washington. Others in the administration reject comparisons to the fall of Saigon even as many find the resemblance impossible to ignore. With preparations underway to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks that drove the U.S. to war, the top American general warns of a rise in terrorist threats to come.

Whiplash over the sheer speed of Afghanistan's fall jars those in seats of power.

“You want to believe that trillions of dollars and 20 years of investment adds up to something,” says Sen. Chris Murphy, a Biden ally and member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Night falls with Taliban fighters deployed across the capital. Abandoned police posts are claimed. And on nearly empty streets, men carry the black-and-white flag of the Taliban.

Their victory is complete.

———

Associated Press writers Zeke Miller, Matthew Lee and Nomaan Merchant in Washington and Rahim Faiez in Istanbul contributed to this report.

[creepingsharia]

Elite U.S. Universities Hide Information on Funding From Sharia Nation of Qatar

Elite U.S. Universities Hide Information on Funding From Sharia Nation of Qatar

Qatar funds al-Qaeda and other terrorists…and elite U.S. universities.

Source: Elite Universities Hide Information On Funding From Ultraconservative Nation Of Qatar | by Luke Rosiak at The Daily Caller

Qatar gave $1 billion to elite American universities since 2011, according to Department of Education data.

The Qatar Foundation is suing the Texas attorney general to prevent information about Qatari funding from becoming public.

Universities are taking money from Qatar, a nation with a checkered human rights history, as students rally for social justice causes.

The nation of Qatar, a Sharia-law monarchy that has been accused of trying to influence other countries’ governments, gave $1 billion to elite American universities since 2011, according to Department of Education data.

Some universities have refused to discuss where strings are attached to that money. The Qatar Foundation, for example, filed a lawsuit against the Texas attorney general Oct. 12 to hide information about the $225 million Qatar has awarded to Texas A&M University since 2011.

The Qatar Foundation hired the politically connected powerhouse law firm Squire Patton Boggs for the suit, which was filed in response to a researcher’s public information request regarding the foreign funding.

The biggest recipient of Qatar’s educational funding, Georgetown University, repeatedly ignored requests from The Daily Caller News Foundation for basic information about the funding and whether it implicates academic independence.

Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain have accused Qatar of meddling in other nations’ internal affairs as well as funding terrorism. Qatar also wields influence through its media group, Al Jazeera.

For a nation seeking sway over the U.S., Georgetown University would be a particularly tactical site of influence. Georgetown has received nearly $333 million from Qatar since 2011 — far more than any other U.S. school has received from any foreign nation.

Georgetown is situated in the seat of power, near the State Department, and its experts are frequently cited by groups shaping policy. In fact, the Jesuit Catholic university trains many of the United States’ future diplomats at its Walsh School of Foreign Service.

Its website notes that “At SFS, you can study with former Secretaries of State” and access “connections to diplomats from just about every country, and of course, the seat of the U.S. government. Our location gives SFS the extraordinary opportunity for us to engage (and sometimes even influence) the debates that lead to real action.”

Thanks to the Qatari funding, Georgetown and its foreign service program has an entire outpost in Qatar. “Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) is an additional location of Georgetown University, based in Education City in Doha,” its website says. “The University offers a four year undergraduate program in international affairs leading to the Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree.”

The vast majority of funds from Qatar were contracts, the Education Department data shows, requiring Georgetown to do something in return for the money, unlike gifts.

Top Foreign Funders of U.S. Universities, 2011-2016 (Source: Department of Education) Country Amount Qatar $1,024,065,043 England $761,586,394 Saudi Arabia $613,608,797 China $426,526,085 Canada $402,535,603 Hong Kong $394,446,859

  …

Georgetown spokesman Matt Hill ignored questions from TheDCNF about the strings attached to such funds and whether they could influence curriculum and would not provide the contract governing them.

The dean of Georgetown’s Qatar campus is Ahmad Dallal, who the Middle East Forum describes as “a long-time and enthusiastic supporter of the State Department-designated terrorist group Hezbollah. Dallal, who chaired Georgetown’s Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies from 2003 to 2009, is also pro-Hamas, pro-Boycott/Divestment/Sanctions (BDS) against Israel, co-author of an Arabic textbook whose maps omit Israel, and signatory of a letter warning that Israel would engage in ‘ethnic cleansing’ at the start of the Iraq war.”

The Zachor Legal Institute, which opposes the movement to sanction and boycott Israel, submitted a Freedom of Information request in May to Texas A&M (TAMU), a state university, for “a summary of all amounts of funding or donations received” from Qatar and a long list of proxies.

The office of state Attorney General Ken Paxton ruled “the university must withhold the donors’ identifying information … the university must release the remaining information.”

Most of the money to TAMU were contracts, not donations.

The Qatar Foundation’s high-powered lawyers intervened, arguing the relevant portion of the attorney general’s ruling “requiring release of all remaining information other than donor identity is incorrect and without force or effect.”

They wrote:

This is an action to prevent disclosure of confidential financial information concerning the relationship between QF and Texas A&M University … QF operates programs dedicated to education, science, and community development. It is responsible for funding much of the development in Education City, a hub for higher education outside Doha. … In addition to TAMU, Carnegie Mellon, Cornell, Georgetown, Northwestern, and Virginia Commonwealth University have all established campuses in Education City.

The Attorney General concluded that TAMU could withhold information identifying ‘donors’ under section 552.1235. But the Attorney General stated that TAMU would be required to release all remaining information requested, which would include information related to payments made by QF to TAMU pursuant to a contract. In so doing, the Attorney General implicitly ruled that those payments were not ‘donations,’ and therefore not exempt from disclosure under the PIA … The information related to these grants and donations is also confidential commercial information and constitutes a trade secret.

The Qatar Foundation’s general counsel is Michael Mitchell, a former vice president of Ohio State University.

Marc Greendorfer, an attorney for the Zachor Legal Institute, responded to the Texas attorney general Nov. 8: “One of the Qatari entities that was the subject of our original request has taken the extraordinary step of taking the Texas Attorney General to court to suppress the information that we requested. Now, with the most recent attempt by TAMU to prevent public disclosure of information as to how Qatari entities are involved with a Texas public university, the intrigue grows, and we have to wonder what it is they are trying to keep from the public.”

TAMU and the Qatar Foundation did not return requests for comment.

The university operations by Qatar are just one prong in a massive public relations and influence push that includes millions to lobbyists and public relations firms in the U.S.

It is also not the only involvement of Squire Patton Boggs with Middle Eastern countries. The same law firm also has a $100,000-a-month contract with Qatar’s rival Saudi Arabia for the kingdom to retain former Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott and former Democratic Louisiana Sen. John Breaux.

According to Foreign Agent Registration Act disclosures, it worked directly with Saud al-Qahtani, the same aide who allegedly organized the killing of a Washington Post columnist.