Source: Associated Press
The official website of the Kataeb Party leader
Security & Justice
Israeli Strikes Kill at Least Two Medics in South Lebanon
Israeli strikes on villages in south Lebanon killed at least two medics early on Saturday, the Lebanese health ministry said, as Beirut’s southern suburbs were bombarded for a fifth consecutive day.
Saturday, November 16, 2024
Assurances Keep Beirut Airport Running Despite Conflict
Beirut Airport remains operational despite the ongoing conflict, with authorities implementing stringent safety measures to maintain civilian operations. While the facility has been spared direct attacks since the onset of hostilities in September, its hallways and terminals are largely deserted, reflecting the subdued atmosphere in a country grappling with uncertainty.
Friday, November 15, 2024
Opinion
The Challenges for Lebanon if It Gets into Bed with BRICS
Lebanon’s profound economic crisis has ignited a debate over the best route to recovery, with some voices advocating for a pivot away from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in favor of the BRICS bloc as an alternative source of support. Given Lebanon’s complex political structures, deep-rooted alliances, and economic challenges that resonate with those faced by BRICS countries, closer alignment with this emerging bloc appears increasingly plausible. Yet, a shift toward BRICS, while potentially appealing, necessitates a nuanced examination of both its prospective benefits and the challenges Lebanon would face in embarking on this path.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
The Trump Transition Could Give Us Clues on His Plans for Ukraine and the Middle East
By electing Donald Trump president for the second time and handing his Republican Party a majority in the Senate, US voters have given a ringing endorsement to his vision to “Make America Great Again”. This is a movement that, among other things, combines transactionalism with a continued commitment to project Washington’s primacy on the global stage.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Sports
Alcaraz Beats Rublev to Open ATP Finals Account
Carlos Alcaraz opened his account at the ATP Finals on Wednesday with an entertaining 6-3, 7-6 (10/8) win over Andrey Rublev which boosted his hopes of reaching the semifinals.
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Ecuador's Angulo, 22, Dies a Month After Car Crash
Ecuador international Marco Angulo has died at the age of 22 just over a month after being seriously injured in a car crash, his club has announced.
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Tuesday 24 September 2024 23:02:48
Qatar Is Second Muslim Nation Whose Citizens Can Travel to US Without Visa
The Gulf nation of Qatar on Tuesday became just the second Muslim-majority country to be admitted into a program that allows its citizens to travel to the United States without first obtaining a U.S. visa.
The departments of State and Homeland Security jointly announced that Qatar had met stringent eligibility requirements to join the visa waiver program. Those requirements include a low visa refusal rate, a low rate of visa overstays and a demand of reciprocal treatment of American travelers, who are already allowed to visit Qatar without a visa for up to 30 days.
“Qatar has been an exceptional partner for the United States, and our strategic relationship has only grown stronger over the past few years,” the departments said in a statement. “This is further evidence of our strategic partnership and our shared commitment to security and stability.”
Qatar, which has played a key role in trying to negotiate a cease-fire deal in Gaza and was an instrumental U.S. partner before and during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, is the 42nd country to be admitted to the program.
Most countries whose citizens can visit the U.S. without a visa are longstanding allies in Europe and Asia. The only other Muslim-majority country in the program is the tiny Southeast Asian nation of Brunei.
Although Qatar's population is just over 3 million people, only a small percentage of those — about 320,000 — are actually Qataris who would be eligible for the program if they hold valid passports. The vast majority of people who live in Qatar are foreign workers and other expatriates who do not hold Qatari passports.
The program allows citizens of qualifying nations to enter the U.S. for business or tourism without a visa for up to 90 days, although they must still obtain approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, or ESTA, which is done online and doesn't require an in-person interview as visa applications do.
After Oct. 1, U.S. citizens will be allowed to stay in Qatar without a visa for 90 days.
Israel was the last country admitted to the program in 2023, and it was allowed in despite significant concerns that it does not treat Palestinian Americans, Arab Americans or Muslim Americans the same as other U.S. passport holders.