Latest news with #Masri
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Buc-ee's is coming to NC, but critics remain vocal about mega-center's impact
Buc-ee's has already received the green light to build one of the world's largest gas stations on 32 acres at Exit 152, off Interstates 85/40 in Mebane. But the project's opponents in this small but growing blue-collar town refuse to back down. The Indigenous-led 7 Directions of Service, in partnership with North Carolina Environmental Justice Network (NCEJN), have released a report, renewing health, air and water concerns against the 120-pump gas station planned for a largely vacant stretch of Trollinger-Hawfields Road in Alamance County. It's about 50 miles west of downtown Raleigh and 130 miles north of uptown Charlotte. 'Mega gas stations like Buc-ee's are not just roadside stops — they are sources of toxic pollution,' Rania Masri, NCEJN's co-director, said on Tuesday outside Mebane City Hall, in a press conference livestreamed on the groups' Instagram pages. The approved store will be less than half the size of Mebane's Walmart Supercenter. Among the report's charges: that the mega gas station would consume an estimated 23,000 gallons of water daily, sit across from a mobile home community, and store fuel in quantities that pose risks to drinking water if leaks occur. 'We do not need more toxic infrastructure,' Masri said. 'We need more clean water, breathable air, and communities where health and dignity are non-negotiable.' The report also highlights the project's potential harm to historic Native American trading paths that served the Catawba, Occaneechi and Waxhaw. 7 Directions has collected over 1,600 signatures on a petition against the project and rallied speakers to attend public hearings.. It's working to map the path and document its history to fight against Buc-ee's. 'It's a disgrace that the city would allow this piece of historic landscape to be bulldozed over,' said Crystal Cavalier, its cofounder, at the conference. Buc-ee's officials were unavailable for comment. In January 2024, the Mebane City Council unanimously voted to approve the project and rezone the site. On Tuesday, the city provided a video link to the meeting and stood by its decision. 'Mebane citizens and the general public presented statements and evidence as required by North Carolina General Statutes and Mebane Unified Development Ordinance,' Mebane spokeswoman Kelly Hunter said in a statement. This was Texas-based Buc-ee's second attempt to make a foray into North Carolina. The first was about eight miles east in Orange County, where the project was roundly dissed before Buc-ee's withdrew its application. Buc-ee's has a cult following, thanks in part to its Beaver Nuggets, housemade brisket and barbecue. But opponents say the benefits won't outweigh the negative impact to traffic, the environment and town character. Many of those who opposed the planned Buc-ee's in Orange County also fought the plan for Alamance County. Buc-ee's will have a 74,000-square-foot convenience store, 120 gas pumps (60 fueling stations) and 652 parking spaces, including 24 electric vehicle charging stations. Neighboring tenants include two UPS facilities, a copper mill, and Lidl, Walmart and Amazon distribution centers. The travel center said it will hire at least 225 full-time workers, pay annual property taxes of $120,300 to the city and county, and bring in about $1.8 million in sales tax revenue. The company is not getting any city or county economic development incentives. Buc-ee's could add up to 1,500 more trips each hour at peak times, and nearly 2,300 trips at peak hours on Saturdays. Buc-ee's does not serve tractor-trailer trucks. City staff expect Buc-ee's to use 23,000 gallons of water a day, compared to 2.1 million gallons a day for existing Mebane customers. Buc-ee's has submitted detailed plans to the city and to the N.C. Department of Transportation, which remain under review, said Ashley Ownbey, Mebane's development director. Construction could start once the developer gets building permits. 'We have a few more comments for them to address,' she said in a phone call Tuesday. 'I imagine they'll be able to turn those around quickly.' Road improvements also are needed before the store opens, including more travel and turn lanes on Trollingwood-Hawfields Road and the Interstates 85/40 on-and off-ramps, new stoplights and a wider bridge over the interstate. The N.C. Department of Transportation started work on the $38.7 million project this spring, with Buc-ee's picking up $10 million of the cost. The work could take up to two years, but shutdowns and detours are not expected, NCDOT officials have said.
Economist
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Economist
The rise, fall and contested future of Hizbullah
On the night the Middle East changed, Abdulrazaq al-Masri was at home with his wife and children in the Syrian town of Qusayr, glued to social media. It was December 7th 2024, and his Twitter feed was full of astonishing rumours. Rebels were said to be advancing on Damascus; the president, Bashar al-Assad, had supposedly fled the country. Masri glanced out of his window – it was eerily quiet. Just after midnight, he decided to venture outside to see what was happening. The Assad dynasty was indeed falling that night, but Masri was about to witness the crumbling of a different regime.
Qatar Tribune
10-05-2025
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
GU-Q's 20th anniv: Dean Safwan Masri looks ahead on expanding global impact and regional relevance
Hanane Djoua Doha As Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) celebrates its 20th anniversary, Dean Safwan Masri reflects on a journey marked by academic excellence, deep regional engagement, and a forward-looking vision that positions the institution at the nexus of global scholarship and local impact. In an exclusive interview with Qatar Tribune, Dean Masri underscored how GU-Q has evolved from its initial offerings into a dynamic academic institution, grounded in the Georgetown tradition while being responsive to the shifting needs of Qatar and the broader region. 'Over the past decade, Georgetown University in Qatar has grown in both depth and breadth,' said Masri. 'Our academic offerings have remained anchored in Georgetown's tradition of excellence in international affairs, while becoming more interdisciplinary and responsive to the needs of our region.' Expanding Academic Horizons Since launching its Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service (BSFS) degree in 2005, GU-Q has significantly diversified its programmes. Originally offering majors in Culture and Politics and International Politics, along with a Minor in Arabic and a Certificate in American Studies, the university has since introduced majors in International Economics and International History, and a Certificate in Arab and Regional Studies. 'We created a Certificate in Media and Politics with Northwestern Qatar a decade ago and recently launched a joint minor in Africana Studies,' Masri noted. 'We also introduced minors in Indian Ocean Studies and French, and a joint Certificate in Energy Studies with CMU-Q and TAMU-Q, with more programmes to come.' These academic developments reflect GU-Q's commitment to providing a globally relevant, comprehensive education that equips students with both intellectual rigor and real-world applicability. Scholarship with Purpose The university's growing portfolio of impactful research is another point of pride. 'I'm especially proud of the rise in impactful scholarship produced by our faculty—ranging from books and journal articles to policy-relevant research that speaks to global and regional issues,' Masri said. This academic output is matched by the university's efforts to bridge theory and practice. Experiential learning opportunities, such as the Community Engagement and Academic Internship programmes, allow students to confront real-world challenges. 'Our Innovation Lab is a great example,' Masri said. 'It transforms traditional academic breaks into immersive, hands-on career development experiences. This evolution reflects our mission to develop students who are not only academically strong but also socially conscious and globally minded.' A Synergy, Not a Balancing Act Masri rejected the notion that GU-Q must choose between maintaining global standards and serving local priorities. 'Maintaining Georgetown's global academic standards while contributing to Qatar's development is not a balancing act—it's a synergy,' he emphasised. He pointed to GU-Q's role in aligning with Qatar National Vision, particularly through research and partnerships that speak to local and regional needs. From public policy and migration to the legacy of the FIFA World Cup, GU-Q faculty and students are engaged in scholarship that matters. Strategic collaborations, such as the one with Education Above All, further highlight the university's commitment to accessibility and social impact. Vision for the Future Looking ahead, Masri envisions GU-Q building on its current momentum to deepen its contributions to the region and the world. 'One of my aspirations is to strengthen our research ecosystem further and create more interdisciplinary spaces where faculty and students can explore the challenges of our time,' he said. 'Another is to deepen our engagement with the Global South, ensuring that our students see themselves as part of global conversations that matter.' He emphasised GU-Q's unique positioning 'at the intersection of global scholarship and regional relevance,' calling for a continued focus on cultivating ethical leaders and critical thinkers who are prepared to shape their communities and the broader world. A Community of Purpose For Dean Masri, the 20-year milestone is not only institutional—it is also deeply personal. 'To lead an institution like GU-Q—where students, faculty, and staff are genuinely committed to the pursuit of knowledge and service—has been one of the greatest honors of my career,' he said. 'What I'm most proud of is the community we've built. Our graduates are shaping policy, leading organizations, and giving back to their communities in meaningful ways. We have become a home for dialogue, inquiry, and innovation.' As GU-Q marks two decades of transformative education, the institution stands as a testament to what is possible when global excellence meets local commitment. And if Dean Masri's vision is any indication, the next chapter promises even greater impact—rooted in purpose, driven by values, and inspired by the enduring Georgetown mission of service to others.
Roya News
28-04-2025
- Business
- Roya News
Arab Bank Group profits grow by 7% to $271 million for first quarter of 2025
Arab Bank Group reported solid results for the first quarter of 2025, with a 7% increase in net income after tax reaching USD 271 million as compared to USD 252.8 million for the same period last year. The Group maintained its strong capital base with a total equity of USD 12.1 billion. The Group's Assets grew by 6 percent to reach USD 72.7 billion, loans grew by 5 percent to reach USD 39.1 billion, and deposits grew by 7 percent to reach USD 53.2 billion. Mr. Sabih Masri, Chairman of the Board of Directors, stated that Arab Bank's first-quarter 2025 results were strong despite the global economic conditions and geopolitical developments. He attributed the bank's robust performance to its diversified and agile business model, underpinned by a broad regional footprint—particularly across the GCC region. Mr. Masri underscored the bank's strong capital position, high-quality assets, ample liquidity, and prudent risk management framework as key pillars supporting its efficient operating model. Mr. Masri reiterated his trust in the bank's ability to continue delivering good and sustainable returns to shareholders, citing its forward-looking vision and well-integrated institutional strategy. Ms. Randa Sadik, Chief Executive Officer, stated that Arab Bank delivered robust results during the first quarter 2025, as a result of the bank's resilience and its ability to deliver consistent performance while maintaining the strength of its balance sheet. The bank's revenues grew by 4 percent driven by sustainable growth in its business. Ms. Sadik added that the Group's liquidity and asset quality remain solid where loan-to-deposit ratio stood at 74 percent and credit provisions held against non-performing loans continue to exceed 100 percent. Arab Bank Group maintains a strong capital base that is predominantly composed of common equity with a capital adequacy ratio of 17.2 percent. Ms. Sadik commented on the bank's significant strides in digital transformation and innovation, aimed at enhancing customer experience and delivering value to shareholders. These strides underscore the Group's commitment to staying at the forefront of digital innovation in the financial sector.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Harvard dean's council member resigns from post after lawsuit claims he 'aided and abetted' Hamas
A member of the Harvard University Kennedy School of Government Dean's Council has resigned from his position after he was sued last week by nearly 200 family members of Americans killed in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 terror attack on Israeli concert-goers. According to the lawsuit, Bashar Masri, a Palestinian American billionaire, is accused of "aiding and abetting" Hamas by helping the terror group build tunnels and rocket launch sites, as well as allowing top Hamas leaders to use his facilities at his properties in Gaza. Masri resigned from his Harvard post in the wake of the allegations. The Kennedy School of Government confirmed his resignation in an email to Fox News Digital on Thursday. Trump Admin Sets Terms For Harvard To Address Antisemitism To Avoid Losing Billions In Taxpayer Dollars "Following conversations with the Kennedy School of Government, Bashar Masri has stepped down from his role on the Dean's Council, while he seeks the dismissal of the false allegations made against him," Masri's office told Fox News Digital. "Neither he nor any businesses associated with him have ever engaged in unlawful activity or provided support for violence and militancy," the statement said. "Bashar Masri has been involved in development and humanitarian work for decades. His continued efforts to promote regional peace and stability have been widely recognized by the United States and all concerns parties in the region. He unequivocally opposes violence of any kind." Read On The Fox News App The lawsuit paints a different picture. Trump College Crackdown: List Of Students Detained Amid Antisemitism On Campuses "Masri and the companies he controls—including Defendants Palestine Development & Investment Company ("PADICO"), Palestine Real Estate Investment Company ("PRICO"), and Palestinian Industrial Estate Development Company ("PIEDCO")—developed and operated prime properties in Gaza for outwardly legitimate purposes," the lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia on April 7, reads. READ THE LAWSUIT – App Users, Click Here: "But in reality, they were also used to construct and conceal Hamas's attack tunnels, store and launch its rockets at Israel, host Hamas leadership and foot soldiers, train Hamas naval commandos—and even to produce electricity for Hamas's attack tunnel infrastructure," according to the suit. "Just prior to the October 7 Attack, Masri even installed an individual closely tied to Hamas as Chairman of PIEDCO." That leader was identified in the lawsuit as Yahya Sinwar, head of Hamas in the Gaza Strip of Hamas in the Gaza Strip beginning in 2017, whom the lawsuit alleges used Masri's luxury seaside hotels "to host public and private Hamas events." The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) killed Sinwar last October. Harvard Went Easy On Students For Antisemitic Conduct, House Committee Finds Masri is the man behind the $350 million Rawabi project, an effort to create the first modern industrial area in the West Bank. The lawsuit alleges that that project was mostly funded by a Qatari state-owned real estate investment firm. "In 2018 he established and currently funds the graduate Rawabi Fellowship for Leaders from Palestine at the Harvard University Kennedy School. This fellowship program provides tuition, health insurance, and stipends for Palestinian graduate students at Harvard," the lawsuit says. The Gaza Industrial Estate (GIE), is described as the "crown jewel" of Masri's developments, which the lawsuit says was financed through Masri's companies with money from USAID, the United Nations, the European Union, and more recently, the International Finance Company (IFC) in Washington. "In developing the GIE, Masri and the other Defendants worked directly, openly, and knowingly with senior Hamas leaders, including, in the months before the October 7 Attack, the Hamas official in charge of the development of Hamas's military-industrial base in Gaza," the lawsuit says. According to the lawsuit, while GIE appeared to be a totally legitimate company that manufactured products to meet the needs of ordinary people, it was very closely tied to Hamas terror, saying that "…Masri and the companies he controls worked with Hamas to construct and conceal an elaborate subterranean attack tunnel network which Hamas used to burrow under the border into Israel, to attack nearby Israeli communities, and to ambush Israeli military personnel." The suit claims that GIE was used to "probe the border fence and test the IDF's response times and countermeasures in the lead up to the October 7 Attack," and that "Hamas even installed an anti-tank battery in one of the GIE's water towers facing the border." Masri's office called the complaint "baseless." "He was shocked to learn through the media that a baseless complaint was filed today referring to false allegations against him and certain businesses he is associated with," his office told Fox News Digital. "Neither he nor those entities have ever engaged in unlawful activity or provided support for violence and militancy."Original article source: Harvard dean's council member resigns from post after lawsuit claims he 'aided and abetted' Hamas
