Latest news with #Sabra
Scoop
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
The Verdict Of History: How Political Calculations Betrayed Gaza
The Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem released a comprehensive report on July 27 describing the Israeli war on Gaza as genocide. However, the delay in publishing such an indictment is troubling and adds to an existing problem of politically motivated decision-making processes that have, in their own right, prolonged the ongoing Israeli war crimes. The report accused Israel of committing genocide, a conclusion reached after a detailed analysis of the military campaign's intent, the systematic destruction of civilian life, and the government-engineered famine. This finding is significant because it adds to the massive body of legal and testimonial evidence affirming the Palestinian position that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute a genocide. Moreover, the fact that B'Tselem is an Israeli organization is doubly important. It represents an insider's indictment of the horrific massacres and the government-engineered famine in the Strip, directly challenging the baseless argument that accusing Israel of genocide is an act of antisemitism. Western media were particularly interested in this report, despite the fact that numerous first-hand Palestinian reports and investigations are often ignored or downplayed. This double standard continues to feed into a chronic media problem in its perception of Palestine and Israel. Claims by Palestinians of Israeli war crimes have historically been ignored by mainstream media or academia. Whether the Zionist militia's massacre of Tantura in 1948, the actual number of Palestinians and Lebanese killed in the massacres of Sabra and Shatila in Lebanon in 1982, or the events resulting in the Jenin massacre in the West Bank in 2002, the media has frequently ignored the Palestinian account. It often gains a degree of validation only if it is backed by Israeli or Western voices. The latest B'Tselem report is no exception. But another question must be asked: why did it take nearly two years for B'Tselem to reach such an obvious conclusion? Israeli rights groups, in particular, have far greater access to the conduct of the Israeli army, the statements of politicians, and Hebrew media coverage than any other entity. Such a conclusion, therefore, should have been reached in a matter of two months, not two years. This kind of intentional delay has so far defined the position of many international institutions, organizations, and individuals whose moral authority would have helped Palestinians establish the facts of the genocide globally much earlier. For example, despite the ICJ's historic ruling on January 26, 2024, that determined that there are plausible grounds for South Africa's accusation of Israel of committing genocide, the court is still unable, or unwilling, to produce a conclusive ruling. A definitive ruling would have been a significant pressure card on Israel to end its mass killing in Gaza. Instead, for now, the ICJ expects Israel to investigate itself, a most unrealistic expectation at a time when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promises his extremist ministers that Israel will encourage the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. The same indictment of intentional and politicized delays can be attributed to the International Criminal Court. While it issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former defense minister on November 21, 2024, no concrete action has been taken. Instead, it is the Chief Prosecutor of the court, Karim Khan, who finds himself attacked by the US government and media for having the courage to follow through on the investigation. Individuals, too, especially those who have been associated with 'revolutionary' politics, the likes of Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Senator Bernie Sanders, among others, have been reluctant to act. On March 22, 2024, Ocasio-Cortez refused to use the term genocide in Gaza, going as far as claiming that, while she saw an "unfolding genocide," she was not yet ready to use the term herself. Sanders, on the other hand, who has spoken out repeatedly and strongly against Netanyahu, describing him in an interview with CNN on July 31 as a "disgusting liar," has had repeated moral lapses since the start of the war. When the term genocide was used by many, far less 'radical' politicians, Sanders doubled down during a lecture at a university in Ireland. He said that the word genocide "makes him queasy," and he urged people to be 'careful about it'. These are not simply lost opportunities or instances of moral equivocation. They have had a profound and direct impact on Israel's behavior. The timely intervention of governments, international institutions, high courts, media, and human rights groups would have fundamentally changed the dynamics of the war. Such collective pressure could have forced Israel and its allies to end the war, potentially saving thousands of lives. Delays born of political calculation and fear of retribution have given Israel the critical space it needed to carry out its genocide. Israel is actively exploiting this lack of legal and moral clarity to persist in its mass slaughter of Palestinians. This must change. The Palestinian perspective, their suffering, and their truths must be respected and honored without needing validation from Israeli or other sources. The Palestinian voice and their rights must be truly centered, not as an academic cliché or political jargon, but as an undeniable, everyday reality. As for those who have delayed their verdict regarding the Israeli genocide, no rationale can possibly absolve them. They will be judged by history and by the desperate pleas of Gaza's mothers and fathers, who tried and failed to save their children from the Israeli killing machine and the world's collective silence or inaction. - Dr. Ramzy Baroud is a journalist, author and the Editor of The Palestine Chronicle. He is the author of six books. His forthcoming book, ' Before the Flood', will be published by Seven Stories Press. His other books include 'Our Vision for Liberation', 'My Father was a Freedom Fighter' and 'The Last Earth'. Baroud is a Non-resident Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Islam and Global Affairs (CIGA). His website is
Muscat Daily
5 days ago
- Politics
- Muscat Daily
Omani experts urge to anchor social media use in cultural identity
Muscat – Social media has become a powerful force shaping public opinion, cultural awareness and personal identity. Experts in Oman are calling for a collective responsibility to ensure that digital behaviour reflects the country's values and national character. Dr Sabra bint Saif al Harrasi, academic and educational researcher, said that Omani identity is deeply rooted in a legacy of character and tolerance. 'Whenever the Sultanate of Oman is mentioned, morals come before borders, and character before name,' she said. Quoting a saying attributed to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), she noted that Omanis have long been known for their noble conduct and refined speech. Dr Sabra warned that as digital platforms shape taste and behaviour, preserving cultural identity online has become essential. 'This is not only an educational need but a pillar of cultural security. The content we produce should reflect our heritage and values,' she said. She stressed that the role of the family remains central. 'There is no digital upbringing without an active family presence. Children learn more from what is practiced at home than what is preached.' She emphasised the need for conversations over commands, and role models who live the values they promote. On content creation, Dr Sabra said children should be encouraged to be producers, not just passive consumers. 'When they create, they become more cautious about what they receive.' She called for digital libraries at home and meaningful content archives to shape their preferences. Dr Amal bint Talib al Jahouri, a researcher in media and cultural affairs, said social media's impact on identity is double-edged. 'It can be a tool to spread pride in national culture or a challenge due to the overlap of global influences,' she said. She noted that traditional and modern media, guided by Oman Vision 2040, have a responsibility to deliver content that strengthens national identity and educates youth on cultural values. 'Media must counter misinformation by providing reliable information and reinforcing cultural identity in interactive ways.' She recommended creating spaces for dialogue between generations and empowering youth to lead digital content creation that reflects Omani values. Qut al Qulub bint Azzan al Hussaini, a social media activist, believes digital influence carries a responsibility. 'Anyone active on these platforms should be an ambassador of our identity. Influence is not a privilege – it's a moral obligation,' she said. She called for a professional environment to support content creators and emphasised that quality should never be compromised for views. 'We must simplify ideas without diluting their meaning, and connect the younger generation to local and global issues through values-driven content.' As Oman continues to navigate the digital age, the consensus among experts is clear: Preserving identity online is a shared duty, starting at home and extending through schools, media, and digital platforms.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Sabra (SBRA) Q2 Earnings: Taking a Look at Key Metrics Versus Estimates
For the quarter ended June 2025, Sabra Healthcare (SBRA) reported revenue of $189.15 million, up 7.4% over the same period last year. EPS came in at $0.38, compared to $0.10 in the year-ago quarter. The reported revenue represents a surprise of +1.98% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $185.47 million. With the consensus EPS estimate being $0.37, the EPS surprise was +2.7%. While investors scrutinize revenue and earnings changes year-over-year and how they compare with Wall Street expectations to determine their next move, some key metrics always offer a more accurate picture of a company's financial health. As these metrics influence top- and bottom-line performance, comparing them to the year-ago numbers and what analysts estimated helps investors project a stock's price performance more accurately. Here is how Sabra performed in the just reported quarter in terms of the metrics most widely monitored and projected by Wall Street analysts: Revenues- Interest and other income: $10.34 million versus $10.03 million estimated by three analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +13.6% change. Revenues- Rental and related revenues: $99.82 million versus $95.9 million estimated by two analysts on average. Compared to the year-ago quarter, this number represents a +0.7% change. Revenues- Resident fees and services: $78.99 million compared to the $78.6 million average estimate based on two analysts. The reported number represents a change of +16.3% year over year. Net Earnings Per Share (Diluted): $0.27 compared to the $0.17 average estimate based on three analysts. View all Key Company Metrics for Sabra here>>> Shares of Sabra have returned -1.8% over the past month versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.6% change. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), indicating that it could outperform the broader market in the near term. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Sabra Healthcare REIT, Inc. (SBRA) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Daily News Egypt
02-08-2025
- Business
- Daily News Egypt
EBRD collaborates with Gamasa investors to strengthen SME sector
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), as part of its ongoing efforts to promote industrial development and enhance Egypt's business environment, has held a meeting with investors from the Gamasa industrial zone. The Saturday meeting brought together senior figures from the industrial sector alongside representatives of local production institutions. Organised by the Gamasa Investors Association, chaired by Ahmed Ismail Sabra, the gathering forms part of the association's broader efforts to foster meaningful cooperation with international development partners. Ahmed Ismail Sabra, Chairperson of the Gamasa Investors Association, described the meeting as a strategic step towards building a genuine development partnership to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in the industrial zone. 'It seeks to provide the technical and financial support needed to keep pace with regional and international competition,' he noted. The EBRD delegation presented an overview of the bank's non-financial services, which include advisory support, management training, governance improvement programmes, financial planning, and institutional capacity building. Sabra highlighted that these tools are key to enhancing operational performance across factories and industrial facilities in Gamasa. He further explained that the association's board aims, through partnerships like this, to stimulate growth and investment opportunities in Gamasa—particularly given the rising government focus on the area as one of the most promising industrial zones along Egypt's northern Delta coast. Reaffirming the association's role, Sabra added: 'We see ourselves as a vital link between investors and both local and international financial institutions. We believe that building a modern, productive economy requires openness to global expertise and the smart use of financial tools and institutional support — which we are actively working on with our current and future partners.' The EBRD remains one of the leading financial institutions supporting the SME sector across Southern and Eastern Mediterranean countries. Its interventions are designed to advance financial and economic inclusion while helping to create more resilient and competitive business environments.
Indian Express
28-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
How Delhi's queer icons are making Pride a daily practice
I was three when I knew I was different. I had no name for it, no word to wear like a badge or a burden. Just a feeling. A flutter in the chest. A hush in the room. A shadow that fell differently across my face than it did on others. I was not like the rest. Not like the other boys in New Delhi. Not like the cousins who grew into heroes of heterosexuality. Not like the classmates whose dreams were ready-made—school, job, wife, kids, done. I was something else. I was something to fear. Something to hide. Something to hush. That's what I learnt before I even knew how to spell my name in cursive. I was four or five and already a secret. Every year that followed tightened the noose of shame. I was the boy who walked with too much softness, spoke with a lisp, sang along to the wrong songs. I wanted to love. I wanted to laugh without checking if my joy was too flamboyant, too colourful, too gay. But in the India of the '70s and '80s, I was an aberration. A whisper of something unwanted. I carried suicide in my pocket like a crumpled paper with no address. I never unfolded it. But it was there. A thought. A threat. A possibility. My very existence was political, even when all I wanted was to play house and be the one who cooked, who cared, who kissed the boy. I had no one. No mirror that reflected back my truth. No magazine that said it was okay. No movie that held my story with tenderness. There were no icons in my image. No gods who looked like me and loved like me. And yet—I kept breathing. Isn't that a miracle in itself? At twenty, I left India with my shame, my softness, my secrets, and a suitcase full of dreams. I arrived in New York, hungry. Hungry to live, to taste life beyond repression, to find in the West what I could not even name in the East. But even in that shiny city, I was othered. Not just for who I loved, but for how I looked. I was brown. I was foreign. I was 'exotic.' I was mistaken for Arab, Sabra, Mexican, 'terrorist,' 'spicy,' 'dot-head.' I was a stereotype buffet. And still, I stayed. I spoke. I organised. I rose. Coming out at twenty didn't make the road easier—it made it real. My queerness, no longer cloaked in shame, became my compass. I leaned into activism. I fundraised. I spoke on panels. I joined political boards and roundtables. I used my voice because for years I didn't have one. I stood for the ones who were still whispering their truths in dark corners, the ones who, like me at four, thought they were alone. I stood for the future I had needed. Now, at fifty-two, I live again in the country of my birth. India, with all her noise and nuance. India, where pride is still whispered in alleys but shouted on Instagram. Where queerness is still criminal in family conversations even if not in the law books. And yet—I am out, proud, unflinching. I am here to disrupt. To stir. To shake the status quo until it spills enough room for every colour of the rainbow. Every Thursday, in the heart of Greater Kailash, there's a gathering. A quiet revolution with music, mezze, and mojitos. Depot 48, helmed by the extraordinary Vikas Narula—a man my age, my kind, my kin—becomes a sanctuary for our community. It's not just a restaurant; it's a chapel of courage. There, we strut. We sip. We sparkle. We breathe easier. There, we are not oddities—we are the ambience. We belong. Vikas, with his quiet daring, has made his business a beacon. A business with a backbone. He put queerness on the menu, not as garnish, but as the main course. And that visibility feeds us in ways food never could. I met an artist once—a boy half my age, but with a wisdom far beyond mine at that age. Aamir Rabbani. Visual storyteller, media director at ORF, and a soul from Muzaffarpur, Bihar. He told me he came from a village, not even a town, where being gay wasn't just dangerous—it was unspeakable. There were no pronouns. No pride flags. No support groups. There was only silence. And yet, here he is, forging his path, creating his name, supporting his family, climbing invisible mountains in heels made of glass and grit. From a young age, Aamir knew who he was. But he also knew—perhaps too well—what this country does to boys like him. Boys who dare to dream differently. Boys who wear tenderness like a second skin. He feared what the truth might cost him: his safety, his family's acceptance, his future. So he played the part. He told everyone he'd be a chartered accountant. Safe. Serious. Maths-minded. Even though he had no love for numbers. It was code for 'don't worry—I'm normal.' And they believed it. But Aamir, quietly, invisibly, was storing up a different dream. The dream of a city, a life, a breath that wasn't laced with fear. He knew he had to leave. To risk it all. To begin again in a place where he could paint his truth without erasure. Today, he lives in Delhi, and travels across the world—carrying not just his art, but his history. His mother, still in that village town, gave him affection. Her own version of love. But not the tools to see the full map of his journey. She doesn't know what he has climbed to get here. The storms he weathered. The closets he outgrew. The cost of becoming whole. She loves him, no doubt. But love without understanding can still feel like a locked door. Aamir walks with that contradiction daily—with grace, with grit, with gentleness. Some stories take time to be shared. Some truths are ripened over years. Aamir doesn't live with his mother—but she is with him. In spirit. In spice. In the food she once made for him, that he now makes for others. He cooks her memories. Her flavours. Her soul. Wherever he goes, he brings her through him. And he does so with unapologetic pride. As a gay man. As an artist. As a son. And that, too, is its own kind of revolution. There are others. Filmmakers like Onir and Faraz Arif Ansari—dreamweavers who have placed our stories on the big screen, not as caricatures, not as comedy relief, but as the protagonists of our own sacred sagas. They dared to imagine us with dignity. They stitched our struggles and triumphs into celluloid. They made our lives art. And in doing so, they gave many of us our first real vision of being possible. And then there's Keshav Suri. A hotelier, yes. But more than that—a builder of bridges. The Lalit chain is not just about luxury—it's about legacy. It's about a philosophy of welcome, of radical kindness, of hospitality that embraces not just your wallet but your whole self. The Lalit doesn't just tolerate us. It celebrates us. It platforms drag. It throws Pride parties. It educates. It includes. Keshav, with his open heart and sharp mind, has done what few can—he's created corporate queerness that isn't performative but powerful. His hotels are not shelters—they are sanctuaries. I look at these lives—Aamir, Onir, Faraz, Keshav, Vikas—and I marvel. We are no longer just whispers. We are songs. We are street parades. We are sculptures. We are schoolbooks. We are safe houses and house music and households that once never imagined children like us could grow into voices like ours. We have always existed. But now—we insist. Pride Month is more than floats and hashtags. It is memory. It is mourning. It is magic. It is the pulse of those who dared to love before love was allowed. It is for the ones lost to AIDS, to hate crimes, to mental illness, to isolation. It is for the ones who didn't make it, and for the ones who are trying. Still trying. Every day. To breathe. To believe. To belong. I walk this life proud, yes. But also grateful. For the teachers who didn't mock my voice. For the friends who chose me even when the world said not to. For the men who loved me and taught me to love myself. For every person who held my truth with both hands and said, 'I see you. You are real. You matter.' That's all any of us want. Not a throne. Not a rainbow cake. Just space. And grace. So, as this Pride Month ends, let it not end. Let Pride not be a punctuation mark but a posture. Let us celebrate not just in June but in July, and in all the months where silence once reigned. Let our colours not fade into the calendar but bleed into the sky. We are not mistakes. We are mosaics. Fractured, yes, but glittering. When we shimmer together, we are galaxies. We are possibility. We are proof that love wins—not in slogans, but in living rooms, kitchens, boardrooms, bedrooms, courtrooms, and street corners. To be queer is not to be alone. Not anymore. To be queer is to be part of a lineage of love and resistance. To be queer is to walk into a room and say, I have survived. I am here. I will dance. Let's keep dancing.
