Latest news with #Palestinian-Lebanese
Memri
03-06-2025
- General
- Memri
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam: The Government Will No Longer Tolerate Unsanctioned Weapons in Exchange for Hizbullah's Silence on Corruption; Neither Will Be Acceptable
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said in a May 26, 2025 interview with Sky News Arabiya (UAE) that the 'painful equation' - in which the government remained silent about Hizbullah's weapons in exchange for Hizbullah remaining silent about government corruption - is over. He declared that the Lebanese government would no longer tolerate corruption, mismanagement, or the presence of weapons outside state control. Salam also addressed the issue of arms in Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon, stating that while such weapons once served to highlight the Palestinian cause, this is no longer the case. He warned that these arms now risk fueling inter-Palestinian conflict, or even Palestinian-Lebanese strife.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Harvard ‘failed to respond' to 450 discrimination complaints. Staff hand-delivered them again
Last month, Harvard University made the news for resisting the Trump administration's demands. But Harvard Medical School instructor Lara Jirmanus said something else is happening behind the scenes. The Harvard administration has 'failed to respond' to discrimination against faculty, staff and students, especially those of Arab, Muslim and Palestinian descent or those who study or have been vocal about their thoughts on the war in Gaza, she said. 'We stand with Harvard as it fights for free speech ... and we want in,' said Jirmanus, who describes herself as a Palestinian-Lebanese American. A Harvard spokesperson didn't respond to a request for comment. Jirmanus is part of Harvard United for an Inclusive Community, a group of staff and faculty that hand-delivered 452 discrimination complaints to Harvard President Alan Garber's office on Monday. The complaints had already been submitted to the Harvard University Office for Community Conduct, which is responsible for non-discrimination and anti-bullying policies and the Presidential Task Force of Anti-Arab, Anti-Muslim and Anti-Palestinian Racism. The effort on Monday was aimed at trying to have the administration respond to the concerns of doxxing, harassment and death threats that the Harvard community has gone through since 2023, Jirmanus said. Read more: 'Willing to capitulate': Cracks emerge in Harvard's resistance to Trump over DEI Two weeks ago Harvard released two long-awaited reports from Harvard's task forces on antisemitism and anti-Israeli bias and anti-Muslim, anti-Arab and anti-Palestinian bias. According to the report on anti-Palestinian bias, students who purportedly supported Palestine dealt with doxxing trucks publicly displaying photos and personal information. Many appeared on campus while others were in front of their families' homes — in parts of Massachusetts, and as distant as Vermont and other East Coast states. 'The great irony here is that Harvard made many changes before the reports came out,' Jirmanus said. Jirmanus said Harvard has been 'eliminating the speech' of Arab, Muslim and Palestinian people through a series of 'utterly discriminatory' actions before the reports were published. 'It was too little, too late,' she said. For instance, Harvard School of Public Health cut ties with Birzeit University in the West Bank amid repeated claims that the university was tied to Hamas and dismissed faculty at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies, as critics claimed they failed to adequately represent Israeli perspectives. 'Harvard has capitulated to a campaign of academic McCarthyism by people whose main credential is their wealth and power,' said Dr. Aaron Shakow, a Harvard Center for Middle Eastern Studies alum. Shakow and other organizers said donors are partially to blame for Harvard's actions. 'Far from protecting itself, Harvard has instead surrendered its own values, 'destroying the village in order to save it,'' said Shakow, who is also a lecturer at Harvard Medical School. Jirmanus pointed to a January 2025 letter from the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, which backed up a complaint alleging Harvard discriminated against students on the basis of their national origin — Palestinian, Arab and/or Muslim students — when it failed to respond appropriately to incidents of harassment in the 2023-2024 school year. It found that Harvard's policies and procedures were insufficient in responding to Title VI harassment, that the institution failed to provide a 'prompt and effective response to reports of a hostile environment,' and its record-keeping practices are insufficient to 'make a determination about Title VI compliance.' Harvard United for an Inclusive Community wants Harvard to 'promote healing and repair' through restorative justice. Part of that would include acknowledging the harm done to Arab, Muslim and Palestinian students, apologizing and seeking to repair and rebuild the situation by reinstating programs, leaders and creating an Institute of Palestine Studies. Trump administration cuts another $450 million from Harvard An undocumented student's story: Why it's hard to be here no matter who is president Jennifer Coolidge tells Emerson grads to 'just friggin' go for it' State lawmakers float new tax on Mass. colleges as higher ed faces federal firestorm These are 4 of the most impactful cuts to higher ed in Trump's proposed budget Read the original article on MassLive.
Qatar Tribune
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Qatar Tribune
QF's Class of 2025 set to impact the world
Tribune News Network Doha Some graduates from Qatar Foundation partner universities have expressed their pride in obtaining their higher education from Education City, and they are all set to impact the world with their knowledge. Samah Sulyman, Palestinian-Lebanese: Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUarts Qatar) graduate in Fashion Design My experience at a university at Education City has been amazing. One of the qualities I gained from attending VCUarts Qatar is leadership. It helped me speak for myself and become a better person – a better speaker, a better leader, and a more creative individual. I believe leaders are not just practical people; they're also creative people. When I learned there was a fashion programme here, I knew it was for me – I knew I would go to Education City and study at VCUarts Qatar. After I graduate, I hope to gain more experience and eventually start my own business. At QF, I found the freedom to create and the space to turn my passion for design into purpose – one stitch, one layer at a time. Al Dana Al Disi, JordancTypeface:> Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) graduate in Biological Sciences I chose CMU-Q because I had heard so much about it, and about QF and the supportive community that I would find – and it proved all those expectations right. I always felt supported and part of a community. And because the classes are small, we formed strong bonds with each other and our faculty. The biggest thing is the wealth of opportunities available. I was able to engage in research as an undergraduate in ways I wouldn't have been able to elsewhere. When I was looking at my options, especially CMU-Q and QF, it was clear that it was a very supportive environment, and I knew my values aligned with theirs. I could already see the opportunities for self-growth. To me, the highlight is not just the training or the opportunities, but the open-mindedness I developed that allowed me to launch myself into those opportunities. As a biologist, I've ventured beyond the lab space into unimaginable experiences. Through the opportunities at QF, I didn't just gain molecular insight but also interdisciplinary curiosity. Ahamed Akmal Lebbe, Sri LankacTypeface:> Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (WCM-Q) graduate I always wanted to study medicine, and WCM-Q was the perfect combination. It was right at home, and it had a really great reputation. I'm really happy I made that decision. The support that the faculty give to the students is incredible, and we get a lot of opportunities we wouldn't get elsewhere. We can do research in the US, and that experience is really helpful in developing your research skills. Among students, there's a big focus on improving your communication skills. It takes a lot to be a good doctor – to know what your patient is thinking before they even ask. Leadership, analytical, and problem-solving skills are all really important, and we're encouraged to grow in all those areas. I want to be a gastroenterologist. I'm going to go into internal medicine. After graduating, I'll be going to the US to do my residency, which takes three years. After six years at QF, it's the community that stands out most. I'm grateful to have shared this journey with such an incredible group of people. Ghanim R. Al Kubaisi, Qatar: Georgetown University in Qatar (GU-Q) graduate in International Politics, with a minor in History and a certificate in Media and Politics I chose GU-Q because I felt it was a melting pot of cultures, and it's very diverse. I believe that diversity is key to broadening our perspectives and becoming better learners — so I thought GU-Q was the perfect environment for me. GU-Q helped me sharpen my pre-existing skills because it gave me the platform to exercise and refine them through various opportunities. GU-Q is very supportive of students who express themselves freely, which gave us more confidence. The nature of the environment itself allowed me to grow both personally and academically. I'm going into a master's programme in Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, which should take one to two years. After that, I'm still figuring things out — possibly between academia and diplomacy. Maybe both. At QF, I found that diversity opens minds and grants perspective. With perspective you can bridge different worlds. Khalid Alyafei, Qatar: HEC Paris, Doha, Executive MBA graduate and physician at Sidra Medicine I chose HEC Paris because it's a well-known business university, and people from all over the world apply to it. I had been thinking about it for a few years before signing up, but then I decided to go for it. In the past, I took leadership courses, but I felt HEC Paris would help me go further. I wanted to strengthen my skills – financially, economically, and in leading teams. That's why I enrolled. We had excellent professors who discussed current market issues, why they're happening, and what's predicted. The networking was also valuable. There were doctors, administrators, and professionals from different disciplines and operations. It was great to meet people from various sectors, and I saw this as a strong opportunity for business development, networking, and enhancing my leadership skills. My biggest takeaway was learning how to be an authentic leader. Sometimes there's a lot of politics and things beyond your control. But ethically, you want to do what's best for the organisation or society before thinking of yourself. I learned how to face those challenges and remain authentic. QF isn't just about education – it's where future leaders find purpose, drive innovation, and create change. Sashreek Garg, India: Northwestern University in Qatar graduate in Journalism, Media, and Integrated Marketing Communications The power to talk about the Global South through the means that we have is so important, because most of the universities that are highly ranked in media are in the Global North. So having a university in Qatar that focuses on the Global South is very unique. I chose Northwestern because its journalism school is ranked as one of the best. I also chose Qatar as a location because I knew my experience would be much more unique than most people's. I thought studying in the Middle East, with a unique perspective, would set me apart from others. Having the opportunity to talk to so many different people from diverse backgrounds is very unique. This diversity makes me feel like I've learned so much more about the world – and about human experiences. My education at Northwestern Qatar taught me to look beyond binaries, to question who tells the story, who is left unheard, and to seek truth not in sides, but in nuance. Salwa Almulla, QatarcTypeface:> Hamad Bin Khalifa University PhD graduate in Islamic Finance and Economy From the first day I joined HBKU, I felt different. When I finish work, I come to study. But once I arrive at university, I feel relaxed. Professors teach us how to think outside the box, how to critically analyse, and how to read between the lines. As a PhD student, I've gained many skills. I see and read things differently. I've been a PhD student for five years, and I'm currently working full-time at the same time. It hasn't always been easy. I would like to become a professor in the future while continuing my current job. I'm also working as a writer for a newspaper. My academic journey has significantly influenced my writing – I write in a different way. Whatever we learn, we reflect it in our work and writing. My perspective has evolved, especially in areas like finance and sustainability. Graduation is just the beginning – a commitment to use my knowledge and passion to uplift the nation, defy limits, and serve humanity. Lolwa Al Kaabi, QatarcTypeface:Italic> Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ) graduate in Electrical and Computer Engineering TAMUQ offers a diverse environment. We had classmates representing different nationalities and backgrounds. It was a great experience engaging with people from all over the world. A highlight during my time at TAMUQ was going to College Station in Texas, where we presented our senior design project. Experiencing the main campus firsthand was incredible – it offered a completely different perspective and was a memorable part of my academic journey. My sister, Moza, was also enrolled in the same university; we tried to take the same courses and stay together. After graduation, my next step is to pursue a master's degree and, eventually, a PhD. QF has been a journey of growth, challenges, and lifelong connections that I will always cherish.
Asharq Al-Awsat
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Hamas Comes Under Pressure in Lebanon
Relations between Hamas and the Lebanese state have entered a critical phase not seen since the country's civil war era. In a rare and direct move, Lebanon's Supreme Defense Council on Friday named Hamas in an official warning, cautioning the group against using Lebanese territories to conduct activities that threaten national security. The warning follows rocket attacks in March, allegedly launched by Hamas operatives toward Israel from southern Lebanon, and signals a turning point in Beirut's handling of the longstanding issue of Palestinian arms. The issue is expected to dominate discussions during the upcoming visit of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to Beirut on May 21. Lebanese authorities are reportedly preparing to demand that Hamas hand over individuals implicated in the rocket attacks. Hamas officials in Lebanon declined to comment immediately, but sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that an official statement from the group is forthcoming. Last month, the Lebanese army said it had identified those responsible for the March 22 and 28 rocket launches, revealing a cell composed of Lebanese and Palestinian nationals. Subsequent raids led to several arrests and the seizure of equipment used in the attacks. Security sources later confirmed the detention of three Hamas members - two Palestinians and one Lebanese. Analysts and insiders believe Hamas now finds itself increasingly isolated in Lebanon. According to Palestinian political analyst Hisham Debassy, the group has little choice but to comply with Lebanese demands, including potentially disarming. 'The Defense Council's position marks a serious and strategic shift,' said Debassy. 'It sends a strong political message not just to Hamas but to any non-state actor operating militarily on Lebanese soil.' Debassy described Hamas as being at a crossroads. 'Either it cooperates with Lebanese authorities by handing over wanted individuals and signaling respect for state sovereignty, or it continues down a path of confrontation, an option that carries significant political and security costs.' He noted that Hamas currently lacks the internal cohesion and public support to take a defiant stance. Internal divisions have grown between factions aligned with Iran and others favoring political reintegration within the broader Muslim Brotherhood framework. Political analyst Dr. Qassem Qassir said Hamas' leadership, based largely in Qatar, remains mindful of Lebanon's fragile security. 'Hamas doesn't want to endanger Lebanon,' he said, adding that the group is likely to act cautiously given the broader regional context. Meanwhile, Abbas' visit is seen as an opportunity to reshape Palestinian-Lebanese relations and advance state authority in Palestinian camps. Lebanese officials are seeking a roadmap, backed by the Palestinian Authority, that could lead to the phased dismantling of weapons in refugee camps, following similar efforts targeting pro-Syrian Palestinian factions in the Bekaa and Naameh regions. Hamas' presence in Lebanon had traditionally been limited to social and political activities. But its military footprint began to emerge after a 2022 explosion in the Burj al-Shemali camp. Since the Gaza war erupted in October 2023, Hamas's armed wing has become more active in southern Lebanon, coordinating with Hezbollah in launching attacks on Israel, further complicating its position with Lebanese authorities.
