Latest news with #Barakat
Memri
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Memri
Designated Terrorist Khaled Barakat Of PFLP, Samidoun, And Masar Badil Lauds 'Heroic' Pro-Palestinian Shooter Who Targeted Washington DC Event For Jewish Professionals, Killing Two Israeli Embassy Emp
On May 29, 2025, Designated Terrorist and Canadian citizen Khaled Barakat published an article on the website of his organization, Masar Badil, lauding Elias Rodriguez, the pro-Palestinian activist who targeted a Washington DC event for young Jewish professionals in a shooting attack outside the Capital Jewish Museum which killed a young couple who were employees of the Israeli Embassy. In the article, which was also published in Arabic in the Lebanese Al-Akhbar newspaper, Barakat praised Rodriguez for his "heroic operation", emphasizing that "today's battle is not confined to Gaza or the West Bank, but includes the diaspora as well", and calling for "the forces of the resistance and their allies" to "build on this moment", adding: "the battle is long and open to all possibilities, but clarity of vision and direction—as Rodriguez demonstrated—is the first condition for victory." Khaled Barakat (see MEMRI TV Clip No. 11905 Canadian-Palestinian PFLP Senior Official Khaled Barakat: The Problem Is Not Israel, It Is America; Israel Is Merely Guarding American Interests In The Region; 'America Is The Plague', March 19, 2025) Khaled Barakat is the founder of both Samidoun and Masar Badil, the Palestinian Alternative Revolutionary Path Movement, and a member of the latter's executive committee. He has been identified by the U.S. government as a senior member of the PFLP. He is also designated terrorist by the U.S. and Canada.[1] A Canadian citizen, Barakat has been residing in Beirut for several months after being designated in Canada in October 2024. Khaled Barakat's article on the Masar Badil website ( Barakat previously expressed support for the shooting attack on his social media accounts, as did his wife and international coordinator of Samidoun, Charlotte Kates. The following is the text of Barakat's article praising the Washinton D.C. attacker and inciting further attacks. "The Operation Carried Out By The Feda'i [Fighter] Elias Rodriguez Was Not A Passing Event... [It] Was A Natural And Legitimate Response" "The operation carried out by the feda'i Elias Rodriguez was not a passing event or an act isolated from the current political and strategic context. Rather, it marked a pivotal moment in clarifying positions and exposing contradictions—especially in the international arenas where solidarity movements with the Palestinian people are active. Occurring amid one of the fiercest phases of the genocidal war waged by the Zionist entity against the Gaza Strip for more than twenty months, the operation was a natural and legitimate response to this brutal aggression and an echo of the voice of resistance that remains alive and deeply rooted in the conscience of free peoples. The revolutionary intellectual and martyr Ghassan Kanafani (1936–1972) was the foremost theorist of revolutionary violence in confronting imperialism and Zionism. Kanafani's link to armed struggle was not romantic but was tightly bound to his political thought, his convictions, and the approach whose logical and moral coherence he defended until the moment of his martyrdom. This practical, organic connection was among the chief reasons for his assassination. Kanafani also waged an unrelenting intellectual struggle against those—whether Palestinians, Arabs, or others—who opposed "external operations." The author of the dictum "behind the enemy everywhere" continually affirmed, up to the moment of his assassination, that there is neither separation nor contradiction between the actions of the fedayeen in Palestine and across its borders and "external operations," so long as the political strategy is unified and the enemy is one. Has the enemy camp changed today? Have its colonial policies changed, or have they grown even more savage? Rodriguez's "Heroic Operation" Revealed "Who Truly Stands With The Resistance And Who Hides Behind General Slogans" Rodriguez's heroic operation clarified that the "solidarity movement" with the Palestinian people is not a single current or unified vision, but rather a mixture of diverse forces: some believe in the path of resistance and the liberation of Palestine from the river to the sea, while others have positioned themselves within liberal frameworks that confine the conflict to human rights discourse and the diplomatic arena, and practically call for what is termed the "two-state solution" as the only viable horizon for the Arab-Zionist conflict. This divergence is not new. It reflects the political and ideological contradictions that have always accompanied international solidarity movements, from the Algerian revolution to the support movements for the struggles in Vietnam, South Africa, Ireland, and others. In fact, it also reveals internal Palestinian contradictions—but that is a longer discussion… At the heart of this complex picture lies the importance of Rodriguez's operation. It was not only a security challenge to the U.S. security apparatus but also held up a mirror reflecting the reality of positions: who truly stands with the resistance, and who hides behind general slogans to promote a vision oscillating between nihilism and surrender. Many speak of "the Palestinian people's right to resist," yet they reject any actual, conscious practice of this right if it steps outside the bounds of discourse acceptable in the West, a discourse that often translates into calls for compromises and political concessions, foremost among them the promotion of the "two-state solution" and a "peace" that entails recognition of the Zionist entity's legitimacy and the surrender of Palestine—and of our minds as well. "There Are Those Who [Stand] Firmly And Clearly With The Resistance, Not Only As A Theoretical Concept, But As Practical Action" Conversely, there are those who stood firmly and clearly with the resistance, not only as a theoretical concept, but as practical action grounded in the principles of liberation, return, and the rejection of the occupation's legitimacy. These are the natural extension of Palestinian liberation movements around the world, who view the Palestinian struggle as part of a global front against colonialism, racism, and predatory and brutal capitalism. For this reason, we are witnessing the advance of radical labor, youth, student, and women's forces, while the trend of "conditional solidarity" is in retreat. Rodriguez's operation not only revealed the limits of liberal discourse; it also restored the value of direct action as a mobilizing and agitational tool, placing everyone before their responsibilities. The broad popular response to this operation, particularly among youth and within Palestinian, Arab, and Muslim communities, reveals that popular sentiment remains aligned with armed struggle and a revolutionary position on Palestine. The battle being waged by the Palestinian people is not confined to the West Bank and Gaza, but extends and expands globally within the framework of revolutionary struggle against imperialism, Zionism, and reactionary and fascist regimes. These differences, despite their sharpness, must not turn into a source of nihilistic discord; rather, they should be understood as part of the natural plurality within global liberation movements. Historically, solidarity movements with just causes have witnessed similar divergences, whether in supporting the Cuban revolution, the struggles of Latin America, or even positions on the resistance in Iraq and Lebanon. However, there is an urgent need to prevent the enemy from exploiting this "plurality," especially amid the genocide. The Zionists, through propaganda campaigns and political and legal pressures, seek to demonize all who support the resistance and its supporters, and to sow doubt and distrust within the ranks of solidarity activists in general. Our assessment is that the majority of the Palestinian people—inside the homeland and in the diaspora—especially in light of the massacres in Gaza, see the revival of feda'i action as a revolutionary necessity. They are calling for broader popular participation in supporting the resistance, whether political, financial, media, or cultural support, or through direct involvement. This is the popular cradle and the revolutionary driving force needed to halt the aggression, shift the balance of power, and achieve liberation. The greater the occupation's crimes, the deeper the conviction that there is no place for neutrality and that confronting the enemy has become a duty, not a choice. "Today's Battle Is Not Confined To Gaza Or The West Bank, But Includes The Diaspora As Well... The Forces Of The Resistance And Their Allies Must Build On This Moment" Today's battle is not confined to Gaza or the West Bank, but includes the diaspora as well. Therefore, Rodriguez's operation represents a cry in the face of the American system, and a message that resistance is not the preserve of geography, race, or color, but is an affiliation, an identity, and an ethical and political stance that allows for no compromise. In conclusion, the forces of resistance and their allies must build on this moment, broaden the circles of revolutionary dialogue with liberation movements on an international level, and safeguard their ranks against the Zionist campaigns that seek to isolate and defame the resisters. The battle is long and open to all possibilities, but clarity of vision and direction—as Rodriguez demonstrated—is the first condition for victory.
Web Release
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
BARAKAT'S GIVING AWAY FREE MOCKTAILS AND GIFTS THIS WEEKEND – HERE'S WHERE TO FIND THEM!
BARAKAT'S GIVING AWAY FREE MOCKTAILS AND GIFTS THIS WEEKEND – HERE'S WHERE TO FIND THEM! Get ready to sip, snap, and score! Barakat is transforming the UAE's most iconic hotspots into full-on flavor playgrounds this weekend with mocktail magic, stunning billboards, Instagrammable photo ops, and free mocktails galore. Kicking off at Kite Beach, Dubai on May 31, and continuing at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi on June 1, the two-day takeover promises bold flavors, big fun, and even bigger giveaways. Barakat's jaw-dropping mocktail billboards will be turning heads and turning up the fun. Each location becomes an immersive celebration zone, where you can pose at vibrant photo stations, grab exciting freebies, and sample Barakat's premium ready-to-drink mocktail cans – from tangy Bellini to exotic Blue Lagoon, each drink bursts with fresh fruit flavors—no artificial syrups, just pure taste. What to expect? Free mocktail sampling stations Tons of Instagrammable moments Billboard pop-ups bursting with flavor & flair Non-stop giveaways and exclusive merch Whether you're chilling with friends or bringing the fam, it's the coolest way to beat the heat this weekend. Plus, you just might discover your new favorite Barakat flavor! Follow the buzz on social media @barakatme for behind-the-scenes action, sneak peeks, and more surprises leading up to the big weekend.
Memri
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Memri
Leaders Of Designated Terror Organization Samidoun Call Murder Of Young Couple By Pro-Palestinian At Jewish Event In Washington, D.C. 'Only Logical' – Adding 'Yes – To Globalize The Intifada'
Following the murder of a young Jewish couple, both employees of the Israeli Embassy, outside the Capital Jewish Museum last night, the founder and international coordinator of the Samidoun Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network expressed support for the murder and blaming "Israel's crimes in Gaza" for it. Samidoun is affiliated with the designated terrorist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and in October 2024 was designated terrorist by the U.S., Canada, and other countries. It raises funds for the PFLP. Khaled Barakat, founder of both Samidoun and Masar Badil, the Palestinian Alternative Revolutionary Path Movement, and a member of the latter's executive committee, has been identified by the U.S. government as a senior member of the PFLP. He is also designated terrorist by the U.S. and Canada. A Canadian citizen, Barakat has been residing in Beirut for several months after being designated in Canada in October 2024. Charlotte Kates, Barakat's wife, is Samidoun's international coordinator. Kates was arrested in May 2024 following her speech at a rally in Vancouver, British Columbia in which she expressed support for Hamas, the PFLP, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Lebanese Hizbullah and demanded that they be removed from Canada's terror list. In August 2024, Kates traveled to Iran to accept Iran's "Eighth Annual Islamic Human Rights And Human Dignity Award," presented in Tehran on August 4 by the secretary general of the High Council for Human Rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran. The following day in Tehran, she gave a detailed interview to Iran's Ofogh TV, discussing her arrest. Kates traveled to Lebanon to attend the funeral of Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah in February 2025 and so far appears to still be there. Barakat and Kates (Source: May 18, 2018) Below are statements by Barakat and Kates about last night's murder: Samidoun Founder Khaled Barakat: "Israel's Crimes In Gaza Are Responsible For The Killing Of Its Representatives In Washington"; "We Affirm That The Occupation Is The Original Crime, And That Those Who Seek To Criminalize The Reactions While Remaining Silent On The Massacre Are Complicit In The Ongoing Crime" In a report published on the website of Masar Badil, aka the Palestinian Alternative Revolutionary Path Movement, following the murder, Barakat was quoted as saying: "[T]he shooting incident that occurred in the U.S. capital, Washington, targeting employees of the 'Israeli' embassy, is a natural consequence of the Zionist entity's crimes in the Gaza Strip." He added: "This explosion of anger in the heart of the U.S. capital is neither isolated nor random, but one of the manifestations of pain and deep rage stemming from the international community's disregard for the suffering of Palestinians, and its complicity in shielding the killers and granting them impunity. We affirm that the occupation is the original crime, and that those who seek to criminalize the reactions while remaining silent on the massacre are complicit in the ongoing crime." Samidoun International Coordinator Charlotte Kates: "People Will Act When There Is No Accountability Whatsoever Imposed Upon That Genocidal Regime [Israel]"; "It's Only Logical That People Will Find Alternative Means Of Imposing Consequences" – "And Yes, To Globalize The Intifada" On her X account, Samidoun International Coordinator Charlotte Kates wrote: "Urging everyone to avoid speculation about 'false flags' whenever an incident occurs that people find inconvenient for media." She added in the past that "basic actions of 'legal' protest are being criminalized." In subsequent messages, she went on to write: "It should surprise literally no one that people will act when there is no accountability whatsoever imposed upon that genocidal regime," i.e. Israel, and that "it's only logical that people will find alternative means of imposing consequences." She concluded: "And yes, to globalize the intifada."
Arab Times
14-04-2025
- Automotive
- Arab Times
Warba Bank wins first place in final round of the second GR Yaris Cup
KUWAIT CITY, April 14: Warba Bank earned the first place in the fifth and final rounds of the second season of the GR Yaris Cup, concluding a highly competitive and dynamic season. The GR2 team, representing Kuwait, also emerged victorious in the championship, defeating the Qatari team in the regional round. Held in Kuwait with the participation of racers from both Kuwait and Qatar, the cup concluded last weekend and witnessed exceptional performances from the talented young drivers, as Warba Bank celebrated this national achievement as a testament to the dedication and potential of Kuwaiti youth, an achievement that aligns with the bank's social responsibility and its vision to empower the youth and support them across diverse fields. Warba Bank's sponsorship of the cup affirms its ongoing commitment to supporting sports initiatives that showcase the passion, discipline, and advanced skills of Kuwaiti youth. These platforms provide young individuals with the opportunity to compete, grow, and realize their ambitions in a stimulating environment. On this occasion, the Chief Marketing and Corporate Communication Officer at Warba Bank, Dr. Mohammad Barakat, said, 'We are proud to have supported this outstanding sporting event, which reflects the spirit of competition and enhances Kuwait's reputation on the regional sports stage. This victory underscores the importance of investing in youth and providing them with opportunities to express their full potential, an objective that Warba Bank continues to uphold through its diverse initiatives focused on human development and empowerment.' Dr. Barakat concluded by congratulating the winners, organizers, and all participants, reaffirming Warba Bank's ongoing support for initiatives that combine excellence and innovation. He added, 'This cup reflects the values we believe in at Warba Bank, values captured in our slogan: 'We Hear You, Let's Own Tomorrow.'' Warba Bank places a strong emphasis on its social responsibility, demonstrated through its consistent support for initiatives that leave a positive and lasting impact on society. Warba is particularly focused on empowering the youth by investing in their creative, professional, and athletic potential. It also sponsors events that combine innovation and excellence, whether in education, technology, or sports, believing that investing in youth is a direct investment in the future of Kuwait. The bank's support for events such as the GR Yaris Cup aligns with its vision of enabling local talent and fostering a spirit of competition, creativity, and achievement among the next generation. Building a Better Tomorrow Guided by its slogan 'We Hear You, Let's Own Tomorrow,' Warba Bank remains committed to setting new standards for the future of Islamic banking. Through digital innovation, service excellence, and sustainable development, the Bank is reshaping customer experience while promoting a comprehensive and inclusive financial system. With one of the largest shareholder bases and being one of the fastest-growing Islamic banks in Kuwait, Warba continues to reinforce its position as a trusted partner for individuals and businesses alike. Its notable success in a short period has positioned it at the forefront of digital Islamic banking, offering Sharia-compliant products and services that are accessible, innovative, and aligned with the aspirations of a modern society.
Memri
08-04-2025
- Politics
- Memri
One Week Before October 7, 2023, PFLP Official Khaled Barakat: The U.S. Is Enemy No. 1 Of The Palestinian People; It Is Important To Support The Palestinian Armed Struggle Against Israel And Its Allie
In an address delivered as part of the closing remarks at the International People's Tribunal on U.S. Imperialism, hosted by the New York People's Forum on September 30, 2023—just a week before the October 7 attack—Khaled Barakat, who has since been identified as a senior official of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), called for support of the armed struggle against Israel and its allies. He accused the U.S. of being 'enemy number 1 of the Palestinian people' and emphasized the need to back Palestinian armed resistance, stating that 'Tel Aviv will not listen to Palestinians unless it is hit by missiles.' Barakat highlighted the role of Palestinian prisoner leadership, declaring that 'the prisoners of Hamas, the PFLP, the Islamic Jihad, and all the resistance movements in Palestine… are the true leaders of the Palestinian liberation movement.' He further stated, 'The Palestinian struggle has always been for liberation and return, not for a state.' Barakat also stated that 'Palestinians are manufacturing 90% of their weapons, thanks to Iran, which has provided knowledge and support, and to people like [IRGC Qods Force Commander General] Qassem Soleimani.' The Tribunal was hosted by the People's Forum, a New York-based socialist organization reportedly linked to the Chinese Communist Party, and was covered by Iranian state-run Press TV. The Tribunal steering committee was co-chaired by Nina Farnia, Professor of Law at Albany Law School, and Helyeh Doutaghi, former Deputy Director of the Law and Political Economy Project at Yale University. Khaled Barakat and his wife, Charlotte Kates, the International Coordinator of Samidoun, spoke at the event via video call. Khaled Barakat is the founder of Samidoun and a leader of Masar Badil, an organization closely linked to Samidoun. He has been identified by the United States as a leader of the U.S.-designated terrorist organization the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), and Samidoun has been designated a U.S. Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization and a sham charity. A Canadian citizen, Barakat has been in Beirut, Lebanon, for several months following his designation as a terrorist by Canada in October 2024. Barakat's wife, Charlotte Kates, also in Beirut since February 9, 2025, has been arrested and investigated by Canadian authorities for hate speech in support of U.S. and Canada-designated terrorist organizations. Khaled Barakat: "The U.S. is the enemy number 1 of the Palestinian people, and they initiate all of these war crimes. [...] "It wasn't the Lebanese government that was able to push Israel back, and to have the U.S. push back. It was the Lebanese resistance. And they did this by force – by weapons, by drones, by missiles, and by threatening to go into war. The same exact thing happened in Gaza. [...] "Tel Aviv will not listen to Palestinians unless it is hit by missiles. Only when Palestinians throw missiles at Tel Aviv, and those Israeli settlers, who are enjoying our shores and beautiful sands, go to their homes and to their refuge underground, Israel will not lose any kind of... In fact, they use the term 'tighten the noose on Gaza's neck.' And the only time they back off is when the Palestinian resistance shows force. [...] "These are for us the true leaders, and the trusted leaders of the Palestinian liberation movement. It is the prisoners of Hamas, the PFLP, and the Islamic Jihad, and all the resistance movements in Palestine. These prisoners in Israeli jails are the true leaders of the Palestinian liberation movement. [...] "The Palestinian struggle has always been for liberation and return, and not for a state. [...] "It is important to support the Palestinian people's armed struggle against Israel and against Israel's allies. The Palestinian people's armed resistance is a legitimate resistance. [...] "Now Palestinians are manufacturing 90% of their weapons, thanks to Iran, who provided us with the knowledge and the support, and thanks to people like the martyr Qassem Soleimani. [...] "Israel is doomed to fail. This Zionist racist colonial regime will fall apart. [...] "It is going to be a very tough battle for liberation, and a very painful process for liberation, but our people are going to be victorious."
