It's the economy, stupid.. Trump attacked the "devils"
November 11, 2024, 9:26 am

It's the economy, stupid.. Trump attacked the

إبراهيم جلال فضلون (1)

Since 2010, the Middle East has entered a dark tunnel under the leadership of the Democratic administrations of Obama and Biden, characterized by bloodshed and destruction, deliberate impoverishment, and an attempt to impose normalization visions that the Arab world, especially the Gulf states, cannot accept. Even the United States itself has not been spared from economic and social ruin, engaging in Western conflicts that fear Trump's victory. The Democrats and the West supported Ukraine in its war with Russia, which at one point threatened global peace through the potential use of nuclear weapons, raising concerns about a possible third world war. This situation allowed Trump to portray the Democrats as a "Satanic party," mocking Biden and Harris, who stated, "We must act. Praying alone is not enough, and talking alone is not enough," claiming that "in just two days, we can influence the destiny of our nation for generations to come."

Undoubtedly, everyone in the region wants to see America as the great nation built by George Washington, James Madison, John Adams, Abraham Lincoln, and Dwight Eisenhower, striving for freedom and democracy—values that were stifled or extinguished before they could take root in the Middle East by their predecessors. The return of Trump may represent a turning point in American foreign policy, especially with his unconventional approach to dealing with various issues. Some nations may need their aggressive tendencies curtailed without resorting to wars, such as America's favored position with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who has burdened his people through the Gaza conflict following the Al-Aqsa flood—a truly seismic event that shook the standing of rogue powers and uncovered those who assisted them. Consequently, there must be a return to a firm strategy that moves beyond blood, destruction, starvation, and the humiliation of peoples, as seen in the disregard for humanity in Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, and elsewhere.

The return of President 47 to the White House signifies a change from Trump's internalized vision of the American citizen. This is why all financial and economic indicators surged upon the announcement of his victory, alongside figures like Musk, Vance, and Junior—faces within Trump's new image, along with others shrouded in mystery, potentially joining the new American administration, such as Richard Grenell, Suzy Wiles, and Doug Burgum. This opens the way to what is called the "2025 project," a terrifying agenda for electoral dictatorship.

Here he has returned, the American zombie, without any constraints. Whether you like it or not, he'll govern for another four years. Everyone is pondering what it would feel like to be Palestinian, Arab, Chinese, or Ukrainian, and one would genuinely feel a deep worry, considering he is a businessman who thinks only of money and economics—"It's the economy, stupid," as the cliché goes. Kamala Harris referred to him, with her "low intelligence," as a "fascist" and someone who is "naturally tyrannical." If she is right, Trump sees the economy as the core issue and pushes in that direction. Despite the events following January 6, 2021, and his subsequent conviction, as well as the pending legal issues against him, many believed he was done for. Yet, he returned, achieving the most significant comeback since Lazarus (or at least since Grover Cleveland in 1892).

He has returned and his MAGA faction has taken over both the Senate and the House of Representatives, essentially securing "qualified immunity," which serves as a shield against prosecution to evade punishment in various pending cases against him.

In short, I believe Trump will make our world poorer and more unstable, and proxy wars may resurface. In Gaza, residents await, alongside the rest of the world, to see how Trump will fulfill his commitments. Similarly, the Lebanon file awaits a resolution on Trump's table between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah, which is classified as a terrorist organization by America, a conflict teetering on the edge of slipping into regional war amid the exchange of missile attacks between Israel and Iran. The fallout from this has even hindered a path Trump initiated in his first term to normalize relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, culminating in the Abraham Accords that included several Arab nations in the humiliating "Deal of the Century."

Finally, Americans may be choosing a dark path, but it is better than the Democratic rule symbolized by the donkey. It is difficult to envision a good ending as long as there is an occupying state that disregards agreements, international laws, or anything else. After four years of Trump’s rule, we may find ourselves with little hope for peace or security.

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Lavant: Ibrahim Jalal Fadloun

Israel Transforms Netzarim Corridor into Integrated Military Base in Gaza The Strategic Significance of Sayyeda Zaynab Area in Southern Damascus Amid Increased Israeli Airstrikes

BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.