Belt and Road Initiative to benefit SE Asia, S Asia with Chinese investment CANBERRA—The Belt and Road Initiative is an existing trend which will benefit the development of Southeast Asia and South Asia with more Chinese investment pouring in these regions, said Gordon Flake, Director of Perth USAsia Center. In a recent interview with Xinhua, Flake said the Belt and Road Initiative is a reality, an existing trend. In the past 25 years, the defining development of that era has been the growth of China, he said. In the next 25 years, with China being strong and influential, many countries in Southeast Asia and South Asia, like Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and India, will enter a fast growing period. The center of economic gravity begins to shift to Indo-Pacific and a large reason of that is the Chinese investment and trade
with China of these countries under the Belt and Road Initiative, said Flake. Flake said there are worries about Chinese investment in some countries. But when looking back at history, people see the similar worries over Japanese investment in the 1970s and 1980s. Bangladash and Vietnam worried about investment from South Korea for their labor policy. “Now, nobody worries about Japanese investment and Korean investment. They welcome them,” said Flake. As for the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), Flake held that the United States did not handle the response to China’s initiative very well. “AIIB is not controversial at all,” he said. “AIIB now is very different. It has evolved a lot in a good way,” he said, “I wouldn’t be surprised, depending on performance, if at some point the United States and Japan join the AIIB.” Flake said Western Australia is well-postioned in this IndoPacific era.—Xinhua
Pope Francis stops, helps 12 Syrian refugee families ROME—In his most recent act of compassion and solidarity, Pope Francis returned to Rome with 12 Syrian refugees with him aboard the papal plane following his visit to the Greek Island of Lesbos. Lesbos currently sits at the center of Europe’s migrant crisis. It has become one of the primary ports of entry for the individuals and families fleeing conflicts across the Middle East and seeking refuge in Europe. Austria and several Balkan nations shut their borders to refugees in early March, stranding more than 50,000 people in Greece. Pope Francis – who has long directed much of his discourse towards the needs of migrants and refugees — visited the Greek Island Saturday, once again leading by example and showing that his words are reinforced by actions. While in Lesbos, Pope Francis visited the Moria Refugee camp, meeting with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I and Archbishop Ieronymos II – the leaders of Eastern Orthodox Christian churches. They addressed the necessity of empathetically addressing the issue of the swelling migrant populations both inside the camp and of those continuing to flood into and throughout Europe. “We have come to call the attention of the world to this grave humanitarian crisis and to plead for its resolution,” Pope Francis said during the joint visit to the Moria Camp. He went on to say: We Christians love to tell the story of the Good Samaritan, a foreigner who saw a man in need and immediately stopped to help. For us, it is a story about God’s mercy which is meant for everyone, for God is the All-Merciful. It is also a summons to show that same
South Sudan gunmen kill 140 in raid into Ethiopia ADDIS ABABA—Armed men from South Sudan try in December 2013. “Our forces have been have killed around 140 people and kidnapped a number of others in a cross-border raid into Ethiopia, the Ethiopian government said Sunday. Ethnic Murle gunmen on Friday “attacked near
Gambella and killed close to 140 people. They also abducted some of them,” Ethiopian foreign ministry spokesman Tewolde Muluteg told AFP. The Murle, a tribe from South Sudan based in the eastern Jonglei region, often stage raids to steal cattle. They attacked the Nuer tribe, one of the two main ethnic groups in South Sudan, but who also live across the border in Ethiopia. The western Ethiopian region of Gambella, which borders South Sudan, is also home to some 272,000 South Sudanese refugees who have fled the civil war that erupted in their coun-
in pursuit of the attackers and they decimated scores of them,” Muluteg said, without indicating whether the Ethiopian forces entered South Sudan territory. “In border areas cattle feuds and raids are
not uncommon. Of course, something of this magnitude is different,” he added. “We don’t think (the armed men) have any links to the South Sudan government or the rebels.” Ethiopia has been heavily involved in the South Sudan peace process, partly because of the risk that the conflict could destabilise Gambella. South Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar is due to return to South Sudan’s capital Juba on Monday from his rebel base at Pagak in the far east of the country, close to the Ethiopian border, rebel spokesman Colonel Nyarji Roman said.—Agencies
mercy to those in need. May all our brothers and sisters on this continent, like the Good Samaritan, come to your
met three families, comprised of a total of 12 people including six children, on the tarmac. They all then boarded the
Pope Francis has established a pattern of visiting and assisting people in need — from those living in homeless shel-
Netanyahu: Golan will remain Israel’s ‘forever’ JERUSALEM—Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Sunday that the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights would “forever” remain in his country’s hands as his cabinet held its first meeting in the territory. “The Golan Heights will remain in the hands of Israel forever,” Netanyahu said at the start of the cabinet meeting, in comments broadcast on public
aid in the spirit of fraternity, solidarity and respect for human dignity that has distinguished its long history.” The three leaders prayed for the many men, women and children who perished attempting the short though incredibly dangerous journey to Europe from Turkey in over-crowded, unseaworthy boats. Before enormous crowds the three led a minute of silence then each threw floral wreath into the Aegean sea in remembrance of those lives lost. Concluding his visit, Pope Francis
US teachers mode of coping with election rhetoric
Papal plane for the return trip to Rome where the Catholic charitable association, Sant’Egidio, will help care for the families and help them find work. In a published statement, the Vatican announced that all of the members of the three families are Muslim and come from regions that have been destroyed by armed conflicts with the Islamic State. All of their homes had been bombed. This trip, while a powerful message, is nothing new from this pontiff.
ters in America, reported the Washtington Post, to slums and prisons of South American, noted CNN. His first trip outside Rome after being elected pontiff in 2013 was Lampedusa, the Italian island at the center of their migrant crisis, receiving refugees making the crossing from Tunisia. “You pray for the hungry. Then you feed them. That’s how prayer works.” the Pope once stated, affirming his consistent message of combining prayer with action.—Agencies
China, Cote d’Ivoire agree to boost bilateral ties ABIDJAN—China’s top political advisor Yu cial development, adding that Cote d’Ivoire looked
NORTH CAROLINA—Ameri- Zhengsheng visited Cote d’Ivoire for four days forward to enhancing cooperation with China. Yu can school teachers can use election years to teach their students valuable lessons about citizenship, democracy, and responsibility. This year, however, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) one of the candidates is teaching students about something else: bullying. Donald Trump has been criticized by voters, commentators, and fellow politicians for his language and the violence that sometimes arises at his campaign events. This new report, however, says his campaign is reaching into the schools. The SPLC used data from an online survey through their Teaching Tolerance program to evaluate the impact that the election has had on students. According to the study, more than two thirds of teachers surveyed said that some of their students (particularly MexicanAmerican or Muslim students) expressed concerns related to the campaign. Teachers report that Mexican American and Muslim students are afraid that they will either be deported or disliked because of their heritage. One high school teacher in North Carolina said that students are so concerned about these things that they have taken to carrying their birth certificates with them, in order to be prepared to prove their US citizenship.—Agencies
from Wednesday to promote cooperation in various fields and enhance bilateral relations. Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), was visiting the African nation at the invitation of its Parliament Speaker Guillaume Soro. In a meeting with Cote d’Ivoire President Alassane Ouattara, Yu said Sunday that the bilateral relations between the two countries are at their best in history. “I intend via my visit to promote the implementation of what have been agreed upon at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Johannesburg, South Africa, in December last year,” Yu said. Specifically, Yu said his visit was focused on the alignment of the 10 major plans for China-Africa cooperation announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in December with the five-year national development plan of Cote d’Ivoire. This requires both sides to enhance their cooperation in such fields as industrialization, agricultural modernization and infrastructural construction, and to enrich the bilateral cooperation, Yu added. Ouattara said that the 10 cooperation plans proposed by President Xi showed China’s sincerity and its commitment to stronger ties with Africa. China’s decision to take Africa as its comprehensive strategic partner is a right strategic choice, and China’s assistance is essential for African countries to fully tap their development potential and achieve open and diversified economic development, he said. The president said he was grateful for the consistent support China has given to his country in economic and so-
radio. Israeli media have reported that Netanyahu planned the cabinet meeting as a statement amid fears Israel could come under pressure to return the Golan - which it seized from Syria in 1967 - as part of a future peace deal for its war-torn neighbor. Public radio said the premier was taking the step to make the international community understand that an Israeli withdrawal from the Golan was “in no way on the agenda, neither now nor in the future”. Israel seized 1,200 square kilometers (460 sq miles) of the Golan Heights from Syria in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognized by the international community. According to media reports, Netanyahu fears Israel could come under pressure to return the Golan as part of a future peace deal for war-torn Syria.—Agencies
11 civilians dead in Aleppo attacks: monitor
met with Soro on Thursday and said China and Cote d’Ivoire have maintained good relations in line with the principles of mutual respect and equality since they established diplomatic ties 33 years ago. To further advance bilateral ties, the two sides should have more high-level exchanges, enhance political trust, and strengthen friendly people-to- BEIRUT—At least 11 civilians were killed in Syria’s second city people exchanges in various fields, Yu said. He said the two countries should also expand Aleppo, a monitor said Sunday, their practical cooperation to achieve mutual beneficial and win-win results, and expand manufacturing cooperation to help upgrade Cote d’Ivoire’s industry and create more jobs. He also called on the two countries to increase their communication and coordination in international affairs. Yu said that the CPPCC stands ready
to deepen friendly cooperation and exchanges with Cote d’Ivoire’s parliament. Soro said that China and Cote d’Ivoire are good friends and partners, and that strengthening cooperation with China will help accelerate Cote d’Ivoire’s industrialization and promote its social causes.—Xinhua
in one of the highest single tolls since a fragile truce came into force. Nearly all warring parties in Syria — the regime, rebels, jihadists, and Kurds — have carved out zones of control in the war-torn northern province. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, six civilians were killed and eight wounded in regime air strikes on rebel-held eastern parts of Aleppo city on Saturday. Opposition groups fired rockets into the government-controlled western districts, leaving five people dead and 20 wounded, the Observatory added. “There’s a clear escalation.—Agencies
‘A room too crowded for an elephant’ SALMAN AL-ANSARI
T
here is an elephant in the room” is the expression often used to call out an obvious truth that no one wants to openly acknowledge. However, when put in the context of today’s American political room, we do not see an elephant but instead, three different inhabitants- a dragon, a bear and an intrusion of cockroaches. The dragon represents the US debt that currently amounts to over $19 trillion. More specifically, it symbolizes the Chinese lenders who spent the last few months selling their American debt and calling in loans from the biggest financial institutions in the US. Since China is a major US creditor, continuously decreasing its debt (now standing at about $1.2 trillion dollars or 6.5% of the national debt) leaves the US government in a vulnerable position, with much of their accounts dedicated to Medicare and Social Security. The bear represents a mighty Russia. Indeed, the superpower turned inwards following the Cold War and collapse of the Soviet Union, but it has emerged once again with a new expansionist agenda. It has successfully established its presence in the Ukraine and wasted no time establishing a military presence in Syria. While most remain quiet on these actions, it continues to advance, with its latest announcement to establish an airbase in Belarus. This is another strategic move taken by Russia that
demands careful consideration. Lastly, the cockroaches, which represent terrorist organizations such as al-Qaeda, Hezbollah, Iranian backed militias, and the terrorist organization that has thrived and continues to spread
its influence around the world: ISIS. Through its media campaigns, global network, effective recruiting tactics, and financial independence, ISIS has proven to have no borders. It is no longer only a threat to the Middle Eastern region but also threatens the national security of the United States and the
world. Entering a new election term poses both challenges and opportunities for the incoming US administration. Trusted and tested allies: What do these three challenges share in common? No matter the party or side of the next administration, they all pose a heavy and growing burden on the United States that calls for effective leadership and collective action. In fact, in recent years, America’s long-term role in the world has been put into question by their lack of willingness to show more support towards their allies. I even asked Senator John McCain at an event hosted by the Center for 21st Century Security and Intelligence at Brookings discussing the National Defense Authorization Act on October 20, 2015 about his views on the United States’ role in regional security, who himself acknowledged the importance of our time and the lack of American leadership. “The world has not seen more crises than we are in today since the end of World War II…I see an absence in American leadership. I see some of the countries in the region hedging their bets and accommodating”. Entering a new election term poses both challenges and opportunities for the incoming US administration. The challenges
are exemplified by the need to strengthen their relationships with the newly-formed, anti-extremist Muslim coalition of 34 countries, while the opportunities are presented by the chance to build resilient economic and financial ties with these nations that will drive the global economy towards growth, stability and even prosperity. It also needs to maintain and strengthen its relations with Japan, giving the US government a better chance at improving their debt situation with China. In very simple terms, what the US needs is to take a strong stance and set a clear strategy that restores commitment to working with its most trusted and tested allies, such as the GCC and Japan. By doing so, it will realize that restoring trust with these allies is the only viable solution to containing the three inhabitants of the American political room, because failing to do so will not only drive them further from the US, but closer to a dragon, a bear, and even closer to a threat of cockroaches. —Courtesy: AA [Salman Al-Ansari is the founder and president of the Washington DC-based Saudi American Public Relation Affairs Committee (SAPRAC). He is a Saudi writer and political commentator. He is specialized in Strategic and political communication and a frequent guest at Al Arabiya TV channel and other international media platforms, such as CNN and CNNArabic. He has been quoted numerous times in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, The Financial Times, and the New York Times. Besides his native Arabic language, he’s fluent in both English and Spanish with a U.S. degree in Communication from Saint Louis University. He’s active on social media with over 40K followers in twitter and has been regarded as one of the most influential media personalities in Saudi Arabia by the Saudi observatory organization “Elmam.” He tweets @Salansar1]