How time flies! It seems like just yesterday that Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) was opened. But it is already 10 years! In 2004, in the first ever F1 race held in the entire GCC and Middle East, here in Bahrain, we saw Michael Schumacher race to victory. In 2013, last year, it was Sebastian Vettel…
A tweet, on Saturday, by former US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott gave birth to yet another conspiracy theory. It adds to several other theories that already abound on the Malaysian Airlines Flight MH370 that disappeared nine days ago. Talbott had tweeted: “Malaysian plane mystery: Direction, fuel load & range now lead some to suspect…
Yesterday, at a large rally of thousands of people in Kiev, Ukrainian Prime Minister Arseniy Yatsenyuk vowed Ukraine would not give “an inch” of its territory to Russia. “Russia and its president should know that”, he said. Earlier, yesterday itself, Russians took over a Ukrainian border post on the western edge of Crimea at around…
Three more workers were killed in a fatal fire accident in Bahrain last Friday. Thirteen workers had also died in a deadly blaze in January last year – in a building that is just right across this one. And can we forget the sixteen workers who died in a horrifying fire at a labour camp…
His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s visit to India last week was literally historic. The economic and socio-political outcome of the visit was significant. For me, at a very personal level, there was a positive emotional outcome too; it was a sense of pride and satisfaction, of watching the many meetings between the…
The appointment of the new CEO of the $78-billion Microsoft made many Indians proud. After all, Satya Nadella, the 46 year old India-born techie is only the third CEO to head the global, path-breaking, multi-billion dollar company. This computer geek and suave executive now faces the daunting task of fitting into the over-sized shoes of…
With these words on Tuesday, Barack Obama addressed the joint session of the United States Congress, and US National TV Live, with his annual ‘State of the Union’ Speech. Many incredible, yet powerful, assertions were made throughout the speech. “The lowest unemployment rate in over five years. A rebounding housing market. A manufacturing sector that’s…
The 44th World Economic Forum (WEF) being held at Davos, Switzerland came to a close on Friday. The world’s top CEOs and some of the planet’s most powerful leaders converging at Davos for this annual gathering is now a much sought after event by many countries. Other than economy, its forums focus on various international…
The excitement and fascination I saw on people’s faces as they watched the flying display during Bahrain International Air Show 2014, that ended on Saturday, is not easy to describe. The number of visitors and the amount of business-deals, that this three-day show has seen, however, is somewhat quantifiable. We were surprised to learn from…
The Prime Minister of India Dr Manmohan Singh, who belongs to the ruling Congress Party, said to the large assembly of expatriate Indians in Delhi last week that “Good times are ahead.” Later, the Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi of the opposition party BJP spoke. He said, “Like the Prime Minister says, indeed, good times…
What do you say when you find out that terrorist attempts are being planned to disrupt the peace and security of Bahrain? How do you feel when you learn that a few twisted minds in Bahrain are taking foreign help to smuggle arms and ammunition into this peaceful country? It was shocking to all of…
As we bid adieu to an eventful 2013 tomorrow, we look towards an uncertain 2014. What will it bring ? From political conflicts to natural disasters, from business failures to sporting triumphs, and from princely births to significant demises, the year 2013 was a busy year for those like me, in the business of news. In…
After the arrest and mistreatment of the Indian lady-diplomat Devyani Khobragade, by the US officials, I am not-at-all surprised at the high-level of protest made by Indians and the Indian government. I think it was – and it is – necessary. All through the last week, the diplomatic row between US and India kept escalating…
It is a question we can ask ourselves today, as we celebrate the 42nd National Day and the 14th Anniversary of His Majesty the King’s Accession to the Throne. The answer to the question, however, cannot be short. This lovely island nation Bahrain is unique for a range of reasons. And they will not be easy…
Journalists work at unearthly hours, go to unwelcome places, ask uncomfortable questions, and face unappreciative criticism. But the best perks of the job include, if one is lucky, meeting the greatest people who walked the earth. It could even include conversing and dining with eminent personalities and taking away from them great value; not only…
Bahrain is to witness another momentous event in its history later this week. High level delegations from more than 20 countries will meet in Bahrain for three days, starting Friday, to discuss the key security challenges facing the region. The Manama Dialogue to be held during 6-8 December, will be the ninth to be co-organised by Bahrain’s Foreign…
November 16 is observed as the International Day for Tolerance by the United Nations. And Bahrain, we know, is a UN member state. So, as I listened to Bishop Camillo Ballin on November 23– during the start of the Sacred Heart Church’s 75 Anniversary celebrations at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel- I thought it significant…
The Most Rev Dr Philipose Mar Chrysostum Valiya Thirumeni has been a source of inspiration to millions of people around the world. He is a much sought after religious head for journalists. Whenever I had the privilege to interact with him, he had lit up brighter lights on my career path. It was with much…
My visit to South Korea last week proved to be a highly enriching experience. As one of the speakers of a plenary session, I attended the ten-day General Assembly of WCC (World Council of Churches) at Busan, located some 400 km south east of Seoul. Held once in seven years, the WCC Assembly saw over 7000…
I had an interesting encounter this week, after His Majesty the King’s speech at the opening of the fourth session of the third legislative term at Shaikh Isa Cultural Hall . And I think it is worth sharing with the readers. After the end of his address, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, along…
Saudi Arabia’s decision to decline the newly-won non-permanent UN Security Council seat has stirred up a political storm, globally. I agree, and I strongly believe, that it was indeed high time, a country like Saudi Arabia stood up to the United Nations, and made them realize the new and emerging truth. The new…
As we enjoy a long holiday this week, on account of Eid Al Adha, I think it is pertinent that we also read, think, and understand why this festival is celebrated. I am sure there is much learning that we can acquire and apply to our current lives, from this second most-important festival celebrated…
“If Republicans want to shut down Washington, they’ll have to ask China’s permission first”. This was the headline of a Forbes magazine article I saw on 29 September, just two days before the US partial government shutdown began. China, Japan, and some other nations – like the Caribbean banking centres, and Arab oil exporters – are major…
Not only must the leaders of this beautiful country, but all of us here, must strongly condemn Barack Obama’s words spoken two days ago. In his speech at the 68th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the US President equated Bahrain’s situation with that of Iraq and Syria which I think is simply preposterous.…
“Youth is the first victim of war; the first fruit of peace”, said King Baudouin I, the late King of Belgium, once. I remembered this old quote when I read the words of HH Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa yesterday encouraging youth to work towards ‘peace’. “The youths make up more than half of the…
Bahrain is showing a major upward shift in its foreign policy. We can see it now in the historic state visit of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to China , which ends today. The fact that Bahrain is making new-inroads in foreign relations with other Asian giants is also evident from the…
We received news reports on Saturday quoting an international aid group which said that the medical centres it supported in Syria, near the site of the suspected chemical weapons attack close to Damascus, received more than 3,000 patients. Apparently, they all showed symptoms consistent with exposure to toxic nerve agents on the morning of August 21. And,…
With the deaths of over 600 people in one day, last Wednesday was the most violent day in Egypt, since its 2011 revolution. Many have died before, and after that day. And the world is helplessly and hopelessly watching Egypt being pushed onto the brink of a civil war. No one seems to know what to do! The question I have is this. Where has wisdom…
The impact that the Holy Month of Ramdan has on the social fabric of the Bahraini society is something that is worth appreciating and applauding. Not only does it have the appropriate religious significance, but also an endearing social consequence. It is during this month that I see the leaders of the country like the…
Watching the sixteen year old girl Malala Yousufzai addressing the United Nations, two days ago on television, was a highly emotional experience for me. It must have been the same for many people around the world who watched her speak. Only nine months ago we saw her battling for her life – with a bullet…
Once again, the land of one of the oldest civilizations is facing its newest storm. The winds of change are not merely sweeping across Egypt, but battering it mercilessly. And caught in the tempestuous upheavals are the irate citizens who are, clearly, as unsure about Egypt’s immediate political future as is the rest of…
Once again, Bahrain receives recognition from yet another global body, by being the host for the 23rd Joint GCC-EU Ministerial Meeting that began yesterday. Exactly one week ago the global 2013 United Nations Public Services Forum was held here for four days. Organised by United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and Bahrain’s eGovernment Authority it had…
Today is a momentous day for Bahrain. Hosting the global 2013 United Nations Public Services Forum is no small achievement, for a small nation likes ours. Starting today, for four days, there will be lectures, seminars and workshops on ‘Public Service’, and over 700 delegates have already registered to participate in this Forum. About 550…
“Let’s end extremism,” said Hasan Rowhani during one of his campaign speeches in Iran. “We have no other option than moderation.” Today, he stands elected as the new President of Iran. And the western world hopes he will stick to his word. Moderation. The huge confrontational attitude that Iran had had against the West in…
International Relations of Bahrain were at the forefront in the news this week. And I observed an outstanding display of excellence in the way the leadership of this country interacted with US on one side, and with India on another side. On the US front, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and the First Deputy…
“Iran gives itself the right to participate with the Syrian regime, in the killing of the Syrian people, but assumes the mere presence of the Peninsula Shield forces of GCC in the Kingdom of Bahrain as ‘foreign occupation’”. These words of Bahrain’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia , Shaikh Humood bin Abdulla Al Khalifa, I found,…
It was a very solemn occasion. With immense pleasure, I witnessed yesterday, the first Isa Award for Services to Humanity being presented by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to Dr. Jemilah Mahmood, the founder of the Malaysian Medical Relief Society (MERCY Malaysia). Dr Jemilah was almost in tears while accepting the award…
Three cricketers have done something bad. That does not mean the entire IPL (Indian Premier League) is bad.” These words of N Srinivasan, the current President of BCCI (Board of Cricket Control in India) show us his frustration at being asked by reporters, time and again, if the IPL which is in its sixth season,…
For the first time since 1977, in Pakistan, a democratically elected civilian government has completed its full term, and is handing over the governance to another democratically elected civilian government. With many a coup, the political timeline of Pakistan shows alternating governments between civilian and military. But with these Saturday’s elections, Pakistan can now be…
In 13 days from now, the 2013 F1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix race will begin. And the thousands of spectators sitting at the Bahrain International Circuit – and the millions watching on live TV around the word – will be treated to the pleasurable roar of the fastest machines on planet earth. There are…
Peace. The need for it just seems to be growing bigger every day. As a member of the media, whose job is to inform people daily on matters like the raging-violence in Syria, the war-threats in North Korea, the terrorist-blasts in Pakistan, the protestor-clashes in Egypt, the suicide-bombings in Iraq, I often ask myself,…
The trip of Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, to the state of Kerala, in India, before he left for Japan, was an eventful one on many fronts. Without a doubt, his visit brought special joy to the thousands of Keralites who have…
Bahrain’s Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa honored Daily Tribune Chief Editor Soman Baby and four other Malayalees during his successful visit to Kerala. At a specially organized solemn ceremony at Taj Vivanta in Kochi, he granted an exclusive audience to Soman , who introduced…
Both were completely unrelated but coincidentally consecutive. And both events could have caused destruction and devastation to earth much more massive than what we have experienced. Firstly, let us look at the meteorite incident. It flared through the sky of the Russia’s city of Chelyabinsk, of 1.1 million people, and broke apart some 15-20 miles…
Elected this week to lead the 1.2 billion strong Roman Catholic Church of the world, Pope Francis has a number of firsts to his credit. But, he also faces a number of challenges ahead. He is the first Jesuit, the first Latin American, and the first non-European, in nearly 1300 years, to become a pope.…
Twice last week, I got fresh new insights into ‘the soul of leadership’. One was through the words of Deepak Chopra, the renowned leadership teacher, and another through the words of a Bahraini businessman, a reputed leadership practitioner. During his seminar here in Bahrain, Deepak Chopra gave us an example that made me think of…
On Thursday night, I had had a wonderful experience listening to Michael W Smith, the three time Grammy Award winner, at the ‘Prayer for Peace” worship concert. Organized by the Christian community in Bahrain, along with Ta’Ayosh – Bahrain Society of Tolerance and Coexistence of Religions, this wonderful concert had uplifted my spirit; and also…
Perhaps, within a couple of weeks – without a key – secluded from the outside world, 117 cardinals from around the world will assemble in a large hall at Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, to elect a new pope to succeed Pope Benedict XVI who just resigned. The cardinals will be shut in it, with…
And, what is being addressed by the National Consensus Dialogue (NCD) that began in Bahrain yesterday, I believe, is just this. It is directed towards the ‘exploration of a particular subject’and ‘a resolution of a problem.’ Whatever the specific written objectives for NCD may be, for any average citizen or any resident of this wonderful…
This delegation from nearly 20 countries was here for a week-long interaction with Bahrain’s many government divisions, as a part of ‘Discover Bahrain’ campaign by Bahrain Good Word Society. At the headquarters of Bahrain Journalists Association (BJA) in Juffair, where the delegation was received on Tuesday, by BJA Chairman Moanes Al Mardi, …