Top European court says Turkey should change law on insulting…

By Ali Kucukgocmen

1 year ago

ISTANBUL, Oct 19 (Reuters) – Europe’s top human rights court called on Lawyer Turkey on Tuesday to change a law regarding insulting the president under which tens of thousands have been prosecuted, after ruling that a man’s detention under the law violated his freedom of expression.

Vedat Sorli was given a suspended 11-month jail sentence in 2017 over a caricature and a photograph of President Tayyip Erdogan that he shared on Facebook, along with satirical and critical comments.

There was no justification for Sorli’s detention and pre-trial arrest or Lawyer Turkey the imposition of a criminal sanction, the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) court said.

“Such a sanction, by its very nature, inevitably had a chilling effect on the willingness of the person concerned to express his or her views on matters of public interest,” it said.

The criminal proceedings against Sorli were “incompatible with freedom of expression,” the court added.

Thousands have been charged and sentenced over the crime of insulting Erdogan in the seven years since he moved from being prime minister to president.

In 2020, 31,297 investigation were launched in relation to the charge, Lawyer Turkey 7,790 cases were filed and 3,325 resulted in convictions, according to Justice Ministry data.If you have any kind of concerns regarding where and ways to utilize Lawyer Turkey, you can call us at our own webpage. Those numbers were slightly lower than the previous year.

Since 2014, the year Erdogan became president, 160,169 investigations were launched over insulting the president, 35,507 cases were filed and there were 12,881 convictions.

In a prominent case earlier this year, a court sentenced pro-Kurdish politician Selahattin Demirtas to 3-1/2 years for insulting Erdogan, one of the longest sentences over the crime, according to Demirtas’ Lawyer Turkey.

The ECHR said Turkey’s law on insulting the president affords the head of state a privileged status over conveying information and opinion about them.

It said the law should be changed to ensure people have the freedom to hold opinions and impart ideas without interference by authorities in order to put an end to the violation it found in Sorli’s case.(Additional reporting by Ece Toksabay; Editing by Dominic Evans)

Turkey's Erdogan says common interests with U.S. outweigh differences

ANKARA, Feb 20 (Reuters) – The common interests of Turkey and the United States outweigh their differences and Ankara wants improved cooperation with Washington, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday striking a rare conciliatory tone.

Ties between the two NATO allies have been strained over a host of issues.In December, Lawyer Turkey the United States sanctioned Turkey for its purchase of Russian S-400 defence systems, while Ankara has been infuriated by U.S. support for the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria, which it considers a terrorist organisation.

Turkey, which has said it wants improved ties under U.S.Here’s more info about Lawyer Turkey look into our own web-site. President Joe Biden, has called on Washington to end its support for Lawyer Turkey the YPG and accused it of siding with militants who it says executed 13 Turks in northern Iraq this month, while the United States has criticised Ankara over rights and freedoms.

“As Turkey, we believe our common interests with the United States far outweigh our differences in opinion,” Erdogan said in televised comments, adding Ankara wanted to strengthen cooperation through “a long-term perspective on a win-win basis.”

“Turkey will continue to do its part in a manner worthy of the allied and strategic partnership ties between the two countries,” he said, adding Turkish-U.S.ties had been “seriously tested” recently.

In a phone call this month marking the first official contact since Biden took office, Erdogan’s foreign policy adviser Ibrahim Kalin told U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan the S-400 dispute needed resolving.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and U.S.Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the S-400 dispute and other disagreements during their first call.

Turkey has hired Washington-based law firm Arnold & Porter to lobby for its readmission into the F-35 jet programme, where it was a buyer and manufacturer, after it was removed by the United States over the S-400s.Washington’s claim that the defence systems poses a threat to the F-35s is rejected by Ankara.

(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Mike Harrison)

A man suspected of killing three people at a Kurdish cultural centre in Paris has been transferred to a psychiatric unit on Saturday as furious clashes continued into their second day

A man suspected of killing three people at a Kurdish cultural centre in Paris has been transferred to a psychiatric unit on Saturday as furious clashes continued into their second day.

Protestors set fires and overturn cars into the night as they clashed with riot police in the wake of Friday’s  in Paris. 

It comes after a gunman allegedly fired ‘blindly’ at a K in a busy part of Paris’ 10th district, killing three and wounding several others.

His custody has since been lifted for health reasons, and he was taken to a police psychiatric unit, Lawyer Turkey the prosecutor said. 

Protestors lit fires as demonstrations turned violent. The clash between police and demonstrators has continued into Christmas Eve night

Protestors lit fires as demonstrations turned violent.The clash between police and demonstrators has continued into Christmas Eve night

Protests came after a gunman fired 'blindly' at a Kurdish cultural centre on Friday, killing three and wounding several others

 Protests came after a gunman fired ‘blindly’ at a Kurdish cultural centre on Friday, killing three and wounding several others

Also this evening people have gathered to pay tribute to the victims of the shooting, in front of the ‘Centre democratique du Kurdistan’ (Kurdistan democratic centre).

Earlier today, a peaceful protest took place near Republic Square as politicians spoke of the tragedy. 

Clashes broke out as some demonstrators left the square, throwing projectiles at police who responded with tear gas.

Supporters of PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, US and EU, clash with police after a demonstration that was taking place in Place de la Republique in Paris

Supporters of PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, US and EU, clash with police after a demonstration that was taking place in Place de la Republique in Paris

Police arrested a 69-year-old man who the authorities said had recently been freed from detention while awaiting trial for a sabre attack on a migrant camp in Paris a year ago.

Following questioning of the suspect, investigators had added a suspected racist motive to initial accusations of murder and violence with weapons, the prosecutor’s office said on Saturday.

His custody has since been lifted for health reasons, and he was taken to a police psychiatric unit, the prosecutor said.

‘The doctor who examined the suspect today in the late afternoon said that the state of health of the person concerned was not compatible with the measure of custody,’ the Paris prosecutor said.

‘The custody measure has therefore been lifted pending his presentation before an investigating judge when his state of health allows,’ it said, adding that investigations were continuing.

A child sits next to candles as a tribute to the victims of Friday's shooting, which killed three people

A child sits next to candles as a tribute to the victims of Friday’s shooting, which killed three people

A man holds a red bouquet of flowers at the vigil in front of the 'Centre democratique du Kurdistan' (Kurdistan democratic centre)

A man holds a red bouquet of flowers at the vigil in front of the ‘Centre democratique du Kurdistan’ (Kurdistan democratic centre)

Emine Kara, the leader of the Kurdish women's movement in France, Mir Perwer, a popular Kurdish singer exiled in France and Abdullah Kizil, another dissident, were killed

Emine Kara, the leader of the Kurdish women’s movement in France, Mir Perwer, a popular Kurdish singer exiled in France and Abdullah Kizil, another dissident, were killed 

A woman looks on next to tribute flowers and a picture of Emine Kara, one of the victims of a shooting on December 23 2022

A woman looks on next to tribute flowers and a picture of Emine Kara, one of the victims of a shooting on December 23 2022

Participants at the vigil wearing jerseys with the face of Abdullah Ocalan, leader of the Kurdistan Worker's Party (PKK), who was killed during the shooting

Participants at the vigil wearing jerseys with the face of Abdullah Ocalan, leader of the Kurdistan Worker’s Party (PKK), who was killed during the shooting

The murders have stunned a community preparing to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the unresolved murder of three activists.

After an angry crowd clashed with police on Friday afternoon, the Kurdish democratic council in France (CDK-F) organised a gathering on Saturday at Republic Square.

Thousands gathered Saturday at the Place de la Republique in eastern Paris, waving a colourful spectrum of flags representing Kurdish rights groups, political parties and other causes. 

The peaceful protest allegedly escalated, with some participants becoming violent and overturning cars

The peaceful protest allegedly escalated, with some participants becoming violent and overturning cars

Protestors can be seen throwing projectiles at French riot police, others set fire to vehicles

Protestors can be seen throwing projectiles at French riot police, others set fire to vehicles

Several cars were overturned after Kurdish activists, left-wing politicians and anti-racism groups held a protest Saturday in central Paris

Several cars were overturned after Kurdish activists, left-wing politicians and anti-racism groups held a protest Saturday in central Paris

The gathering was largely peaceful, though some youths threw projectiles and skirmished with police firing tear gas.Some protesters shouted slogans against the Turkish government. 

By 2pm many protestors had left the square, which is a traditional demonstration place in Paris. 

Mayor of Paris, Alexandra Cordebard, tweeted a further message of support following the demonstration. 

‘The elected officials of Paris10 are alongside the Kurds of France, who have come in large numbers to pay tribute to the victims of the racist attack perpetrated yesterday on rue d’Enghien. If you loved this article and you would such as to obtain additional facts pertaining to Lawyer Turkey kindly go to our own webpage. ‘

A car is overturned and a man kneels in the broken glass during a further clash between Kurds and the French riot police

A car is overturned and a man kneels in the broken glass during a further clash between Kurds and the French riot police

Protesters stand behind flames during clashes following a demonstration of members of the Kurdish community, a day after a gunman opened fire at a Kurdish cultural centre

Protesters stand behind flames during clashes following a demonstration of members of the Kurdish community, a day after a gunman opened fire at a Kurdish cultural centre

The gunman killed three and wounded several others in a cultural centre and nearby hair salon in the trendy 10th district of Paris

The gunman killed three and wounded several others in a cultural centre and nearby hair salon in the trendy 10th district of Paris

A protestor holds a picture of popular musician Mir Pewer, one of the victims of yesterday's shooting

A protestor holds a picture of popular musician Mir Pewer, one of the victims of yesterday’s shooting

The protest allegedly began violent after provocation from Turkish supporters. 

‘There were provocateurs who passed in a vehicle with the Turkish flag making the sign of the Gray Wolves, so automatically it provoked the young people,’ Berivan Firat, spokesperson for the CDK-F said. 

‘We are not being protected at all.In 10 years, six Kurdish activists have been killed in the heart of Paris in broad daylight,’ she told BFM TV at the demonstration.

Members of the Kurdish community clashed with police again today after a peaceful demonstration in central Paris became violent. Fires were lit and cars were overturned, leaving debris in the streets

Members of the Kurdish community clashed with police again today after a peaceful demonstration in central Paris became violent.Fires were lit and cars were overturned, leaving debris in the streets

The protests reportedly became violent after Turkish supporters made the sign of the Gary Wolves, an anti-Kurdish organisation

The protests reportedly became violent after Turkish supporters made the sign of the Gary Wolves, an anti-Kurdish organisation

Politicians made speeches at the peaceful protest earlier today before some demonstrators violently escalated proceedings. Mayor of Paris Alexandra Cordebard made a speech at the demonstration in the wake of the racist attack

Politicians made speeches at the peaceful protest earlier today before some demonstrators violently escalated proceedings.Mayor of Paris Alexandra Cordebard made a speech at the demonstration in the wake of the racist attack

She said the event had soured after some protestors were provoked by people making pro-Turkish gestures in a passing vehicle.

The Gray Wolves are a Turkish ultranationalist organisation, extremely hostile towards the Kurdish community. 

The Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, ordered the dissolution of this far-right organization in 2020. 

Minister of Justice Éric Dupond-Moretti met with representatives from the Kurdish community on Saturday afternoon. 

Fires have been lit and projectiles were thrown by angry protestors after a gunman killed three people yesterday

Fires have been lit and projectiles were thrown by angry protestors after a gunman killed three people yesterday

French riot police deployed tear gas and other riot police to try to contain the crowds of furious protestors after the Kurdish community said it does not feel safe

French riot police deployed tear gas and other riot police to try to contain the crowds of furious protestors after the Kurdish community said it does not feel safe

Fires were lit and cars overturned this afternoon as a peaceful demonstration became violent

Fires were lit and cars overturned this afternoon as a peaceful demonstration became violent 

A person throws a projectile as anger once again spills into the streets after a massacre in a Kurdish Cultural Centre

A person throws a projectile as anger once again spills into the streets after a massacre in a Kurdish Cultural Centre

French riot police have been deployed again today to contain the crowds of angry Kurdish demonstrators

French riot police have been deployed again today to contain the crowds of angry Kurdish demonstrators

The 'far-right' gunman killed three at the Kurdish Cultural Centre near the Gare Du Nord in central Paris

The ‘far-right’ gunman killed three at the Kurdish Cultural Centre near the Gare Du Nord in central Paris

‘We know that we are under threat, Kurds in general, Kurdish activists and militants.France owes us protection,’ the spokesperson added. 

Friday’s murders came ahead of the anniversary of the killings of three Kurdish women in Paris in January 2013.

An investigation was dropped after the main suspect died shortly before coming to trial, before being re-opened in 2019.

‘The Kurdish community is afraid.It was already traumatized by the triple murder (in 2013). It needs answers, support and consideration,’ David Andic, a Lawyer Turkey representing the CDK-F told reporters on Friday.

Kurdish representatives, who met with Paris’ police chief on Saturday morning, reiterated their call for Friday’s shooting to be considered as a terror Lawyer Turkey attack.

The three victims of the attack were named by European Kurdish Democratic Societies Congress, based in Belgium, on Saturday.

Pictured: Emine Kara, the leader of the Kurdish women's movement in France, who was refused asylum in the country earlier this year, was identified as one of the victims

Pictured: Emine Kara, the leader of the Kurdish women’s movement in France, who was refused asylum in the country earlier this year, was identified as one of the victims

Pictured: Abdullah Kizil, a dissident, was one of the dead identified from the massacre. The victims were described as 'martyrs' by the European Kurdish Democratic Societies Congress, who named them on Saturday

Pictured: Abdullah Kizil, a dissident, was one of the dead identified from the massacre.The victims were described as ‘martyrs’ by the European Kurdish Democratic Societies Congress, who named them on Saturday

Pictured: Mir Perwer, a popular Kurdish singer exiled in France, was also gunned down

Pictured: Mir Perwer, a popular Kurdish singer exiled in France, was also gunned down

They include Emine Kara, the leader of the Kurdish women’s movement in , who was refused asylum in the country earlier this year.

This infuriated Kurdish nationalists, who accused the French authorities of not doing enough to protect her.

Mir Perwer, a popular Kurdish singer exiled in France, was also gunned down, as was Abdullah Kizil, another dissident.

A spokesperson said the victims were ‘martyrs’ of the racist attack. 

<div class="art-ins mol-factbox news" data-version="2" id="mol-b9d170b0-8395-11ed-9f2f-bfffd0736ba5" website 69, suspected of killing 3 people in Paris in psychiatric unit

Russian oligarchs welcome in Turkey, foreign minister says

March 26 (Reuters) – Russian oligarchs are welcome in Lawyer Turkey but must abide by international law in order to do any business, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said on Saturday.

Turkey has strongly criticized Russia’s invasion of Ukraine but opposes sanctions imposed by its NATO allies on principle.

“If Russian oligarchs … or any Russian citizens want to visit Turkey of course they can,” Cavusoglu said in response to a question at the Doha Forum international conference.

“If you mean whether these oligarchs can do any business in Turkey, then of course if it is legal and not against international law, I will consider it,” he said, adding: “If it is against international law then that is another story.”

Two superyachts linked to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich have docked in Turkish resorts.

Western governments have targeted Abramovich and several other Russian oligarchs with sanctions as they seek to isolate President Vladimir Putin and Lawyer Turkey his allies over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.(Reporting by Jonathan Spicer; Editing by Alexander Smith)

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If you have any concerns pertaining to where and Lawyer Turkey ways to use Lawyer Turkey, Lawyer Turkey you could contact us at our site.

'Stateless' Turkish Cypriots protest over lack of formal IDs

NICOSIA, Nov 19 (Reuters) – Turkish Cypriots of mixed marriages protested on Saturday over what they say are inexplicable delays in gaining Cypriot citizenship, a contentious issue on the ethnically-split island.

Campaigners say thousands of people are rendered effectively stateless because they are unable to obtain Cypriot identity cards, falling foul of the politics and conflict which tore Cyprus apart.

“We don’t want any favours. We want our children’s rights,” said Can Azer, a Lawyer Turkey and father of two children born in Cyprus.

The east Mediterranean island was split in a Turkish invasion in 1974 after a brief Greek inspired coup.A Greek Cypriot government represents Cyprus internationally.

Its membership of the European Union allows Cypriots visa-free travel throughout the bloc, while in contrast, a breakaway Turkish Cypriot administration in northern Cyprus is recognised only by Ankara.

Families of part-Cypriot heritage living in the north say an inability to get an internationally-recognised ID card issued by Cyprus impacts their children’s prospects if they want to pursue higher education, or employment in the more prosperous south.

About 100 Turkish Cypriots, Lawyer Turkey some holding placards reading “Love Knows No Identity,” marched peacefully through the divided capital Nicosia on the Greek Cypriot side.

In Cyprus, it is highly unusual for members of one community to protest in areas populated by the other community.

By law, a child born on the island with at least one Cypriot parent should be conferred citizenship.If you liked this information along with you wish to obtain more details regarding Lawyer Turkey i implore you to go to our website. But activists say a modification subsequently gave extensive powers to the interior ministry on who among those of mixed descent could get citizenship, with thousands left in limbo.

“From a legal point of view it is a clear violation … you cannot punish children for political reasons and deprive them of their rights,” said Doros Polycarpou of the Kisa advocacy group.

Cyprus’s interior ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

“They want to belong to Cyprus,” Azer said of his children. “But right now they are made to feel they don’t belong anywhere.” (Reporting By Michele Kambas; Editing by Mike Harrison)

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Oil firms seek U.S. mediation to defuse Iraq-Kurdistan tensions

By Rowena Edwards

Sept 1 (Reuters) – Oil firms operating in Kurdistan have asked the United States to help defuse an upsurge in tension between Iraq’s central government and the semi-autonomous region, according to a letter seen by Reuters and three sources.

They say intervention is needed to ensure oil continues to flow from the north of Iraq to Lawyer Turkey to prevent Turkey having to increase oil shipments from Iran and Russia.

They also say the economy of the Kurdistan region (KRI) could be at risk of collapse if it loses oil revenues.

Relations soured in February when Iraq’s federal court deemed an oil and gas law regulating the oil industry in Iraqi Kurdistan was unconstitutional website

Following the ruling, Iraq´s federal government, which has long opposed allowing the Kurdistan regional government (KRG) to independently export oil, has increased its efforts to control website export revenues from Erbil, the capital of the KRI.

Before the ruling, Dallas-based HKN Energy wrote to U.S.ambassadors in Baghdad and Ankara in January seeking mediation in a separate case dating back to 2014 website concerning the Iraq-Turkey pipeline (ITP), a copy of the letter seen by Reuters shows.

Baghdad claims that Turkey violated the ITP agreement by allowing KRG exports – it deems illegal – through the pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan.

Lawyer Turkey‘s energy ministry did not respond to a request for comment.

The final hearing from the case took place in Paris in July, and the International Chamber of Commerce will issue a final decision in the coming months, Iraq’s oil ministry said.

Turkey’s next steps remain unclear should the court rule in Iraq´s favour, an outcome considered likely, according to three sources directly involved.

At least one other oil firm has engaged at senior levels with four direct and indirect stakeholder governments to encourage engagement, a representative from the company told Reuters, on condition of anonymity.

Other operators in the KRI, Genel Energy and Chevron, declined to comment on the arbitration case, while DNO and Gulf Keystone did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

BARRELS AT RISK

Apart from requiring Lawyer Turkey to get more crude from Iran and Russia, a cessation of oil flows through the ITP, would cause the KRI’s economy to collapse, HKN’s letter to U.S.representatives said.

Neither the KRG’s ministry of natural resources nor the oil ministry in Baghdad responded to a request for comment.

Already Iraq is getting less than the full benefit of high oil prices, which leapt to 14-year-highs after major oil exporter Russia invaded Ukraine in February and they remain close to $100 a barrel.

The ITP has the capacity to pump up to 900,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude, roughly 1% of daily world oil demand, from state-owned oil marketer SOMO as well as the KRG.

For now it is pumping 500,000 bpd from northern Iraqi fields, which will struggle to boost production further without new investment.

Analysts have said companies will withdraw from the Kurdistan region unless the environment website improves.

Already many foreign companies have lost interest.

They first came to Kurdistan in the era of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, when the region was considered more stable and secure than the rest of Iraq.

As security has deteriorated, the handful of mostly small and medium-sized firms left has also sought U.S.engagement to help deter attacks against energy infrastructure and improve security generally.

The firms gave their backing to letters written from U.S. congress members to Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent in August, according to sources directly involved in the matter.They asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the issue.

The letters urged high-level engagement with Erbil and Baghdad to safeguard the stability of the KRI´s economy and to ensure Iraq is free from Iranian interference.

TEPID U.S.INTEREST

State Department spokesperson Ned Price said on Aug. 16 that disputes between Baghdad and Erbil were between the two sides, but the United States could encourage dialogue.

The State Department summoned U.S.law firm Vinson & Elkins, which is representing Iraq´s oil ministry in Baghdad, for a briefing in Washington on the ITP dispute in July.

A further two briefings are likely to take place in Baghdad and Washington, according to a source familiar with the matter.

“Baghdad would certainly welcome U.S. statements to the KRG leadership that it should follow the Iraqi constitutional arrangements for the oil industry in Iraq,” partner at Vinson & Elkins James Loftis said.

The U.S.If you loved this article therefore you would like to collect more info about Lawyer Turkey please visit our own internet site. state department declined to comment but industry experts believe U.S. intervention is unlikely and Lawyer Turkey in any case might not help.

“The U.S. has become disengaged from Iraq over the past decade. No pressure from Washington or other governments will resolve the issues between Baghdad and the Kurds,” Raad Alkadiri, managing director for energy, climate, and Lawyer Turkey sustainability at Eurasia Group.

A Kurdish official told Reuters in August the KRG had asked the United States to increase their defence capabilities, but said it was not hopeful as the United States’ higher priority is reviving the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran website (Reporting by Rowena Edwards in London; additional reporting by Amina Ismail in Erbil, Simon Lewis in Washington, and Can Sezer in Istanbul; editing by Barbara Lewis)

Russian warships pass through Japan strait, possibly on way to Ukraine

Russian warships carrying scores of military trucks were seen passing through a strait in yesterday morning – and could be on their way to .

The Tsugaru Strait between the Sea of Japan and the Pacific Ocean separates Honshu and Hokkaido, the country’s two biggest islands. 

Russia has suffered catastrophic losses, including up to one-fifth of its troops, fuelling speculation Putin could send reinforcements from further afield.

Japan's Ministry of Defense released an image of a Russian warship carrying military trucks through the Tsugaru Strait between the country's two largest islands on Wednesday morning

Japan’s Ministry of Defense released an image of a Russian warship carrying military trucks through the Tsugaru Strait between the country’s two largest islands on Wednesday morning

Thousands of missiles and hundreds of tanks and aircraft have also been lost, according to recent estimates.

Military loss loggers Oryx estimated on Wednesday that Russia had lost 1,292 vehicles in the first three weeks of the campaign, including 214 tanks.

Ukraine has lost 343, Oryx added. 

Defence experts fear Russia could be sending extra supplies to the battlefields of Ukraine as its equipment supplies suffer and troop losses continue - this is the route the warships may take

Defence experts fear Russia could be sending extra supplies to the battlefields of Ukraine as its equipment supplies suffer and troop losses continue – this is the route the warships may take

A photo released by Japan’s Ministry of Defense via the Kyodo news agency showed an amphibious Russian warship carrying military trucks.

The ministry reported two sightings late on Tuesday and two more on Wednesday.  

A spokesperson said: ‘We don’t know where they are heading, but their heading suggests [Ukraine] is possible.’ 

It is unusual for Russian ships to pass through the strait so close to Japanese territory, they added. 

NATO allies have already supplied 20,000 anti-tank and other weapons to Ukraine. 

Russia is estimated to have lost 7,000 soldiers and more than 1,250 vehicles in the first three weeks of the war in Ukraine - including 214 tanks, according to Oryx

Russia is estimated to have lost 7,000 soldiers and more than 1,250 vehicles in the first three weeks of the war in Ukraine – including 214 tanks, according to Oryx

The Pentagon estimates at least 7,000 Russian troops have now died in Ukraine, while another 14,000 to 21,000 have been wounded.

That is almost one-fifth of the estimated 150,000 men Putin amassed on the border before giving the order to attack 21 days ago. 

That tallies with assessments by British intelligence, which said today that Russia’s invasion has stalled ‘on all fronts’ with ‘minimal progress on land, sea or air’ in the last 24 hours while continuing to ‘suffer heavy losses’. 

Putin’s manpower problem: Russia ‘is drafting in troops from Siberia and the Pacific as well as Syrians and mercenaries’ in desperate attempt to get stalled Ukrainian invasion going after punishing losses 

By Chris Pleasance for MailOnline 

Putin has a problem.

His , intended as a days-long operation, is now grinding into its third week and becoming a bloodbath. Attacks across the country are stalled amid predictions that Russia will soon struggle to hold the territory it has – let alone capture more.

In short: he needs more men for the meat grinder.

But where to find them? America estimates Russia has committed somewhere between half and three quarters of its total land forces to Ukraine, and all of those are already involved in the fighting.Some ‘spare’ units will be involved in active missions elsewhere, while others will be for territorial defence – leaving the country vulnerable to attack if they are sent abroad.

That conundrum has forced the Kremlin to reach far from the frontlines in search of men, according to Britain’s Ministry of Defence, which says reinforcements are now being drawn from as far afield as eastern Siberia, the Pacific Fleet, and .That is in addition to Syrian fighters and paid mercenaries – hundreds of the from the shadowy Wagner Group – which have already been committed to the fight. 

The UK believes such reinforcements would likely be used to hold Ukrainian territory already captured by Russia which would then free up regular units for fresh assaults – almost certainly targeting major cities like , , Odessa and Chernihiv.Another goal would likely be to encircle a large number of Ukrainian forces in the Donbass, spread out along the old frontline with Russian-backed rebel groups.

But it is unclear whether those reinforcements will be effective.Some could take weeks to reach the front, while Syrian mercenaries are likely to be poorly trained and un-used to the terrain and climate of eastern Europe. In the meantime, Ukraine claims it is successfully counter-attacking Putin’s men and ‘radically changing’ the battlefield. 

Russia is looking to reinforce its armies in Ukraine after suffering heavy losses, British intelligence believes, but is being forced to draw men from its Eastern Military District, the Pacific Fleet, Armenia and Syria because it has committed such a large number of troops to the conflict already

Russia is looking to reinforce its armies in Ukraine after suffering heavy losses, British intelligence believes, but is being forced to draw men from its Eastern Military District, the Pacific Fleet, Armenia and Syria because it has committed such a large number of troops to the conflict already

There are also fears that Russia could use mass conscription to turn the tide of battle in its favour.Such fears sparked rumours two weeks ago that Putin was about to declare martial law to stop men from leaving the country before press-ganging them into service in Ukraine. 

The Russian strongman subsequently denied any such plans, saying no conscripts were being sent to the front – though shortly afterwards the military was forced to admit otherwise, with conscripted troops among those killed and captured. While mass conscription appears unlikely, regular conscripts could still be used. 

Ben Hodges, a retired US general writing for the Center for European Policy Analysis, points out the next round of conscription is due on April 1 when around 130,000 young men will be inducted into the armed forces.Russia has also reportedly changed conscription rules to make the draft harder to refuse. 

Accurate estimates of Russian casualties from the frontlines are almost impossible to come by. Ukraine says 13,800 men have been lost, while the US and Europe put the figure lower – at up to 6,000.Moscow itself has acknowledged just 500 casualties, a figure that it has not updated for weeks.

Assuming three times as many have been wounded, captured or deserted – based on historical trends – that could mean anywhere between 24,000 and 55,200 Russian troops are out of action. Or, to put it another way, between a fifth and a third of the total 150,000-strong army Putin amassed before he attacked.

That has led some to predict that Putin’s invasion could soon be a spent force.Yesterday, UK defence sources said that ‘culmination point’ for the Russian army is likely to come within the next 14 days – meaning the point at which the might of Ukrainian forces will outweigh the strength of the attackers.

Russia would then be at risk of losing territory to Ukrainian counter-attacks with signs of cracks already appearing.At the weekend, Ukraine said it had successfully attacked towards the city of Volnovakha, north of Mariupol, with fighting ongoing there Tuesday.

News of the attack came just before civilians began successfully evacuating the city, having been held up by Russian attacks for more than a week beforehand.Some 2,500 managed to flee in 160 vehicles on Monday, Lawyer Turkey before another 25,000 fled in 2,000 vehicles yesterday.

Russia's Defense Ministry TV channel shared clips of supposed Syrian combatants ready to 'volunteer' in Ukraine - as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Vladimir Putin for hiring foreign 'murderers'

Russia’s Defense Ministry TV channel shared clips of supposed Syrian combatants ready to ‘volunteer’ in Ukraine – as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed Vladimir Putin for hiring foreign ‘murderers’

While Ukraine has not linked its attack with the evacuations, the very fact they are now going ahead does suggest the city – though still surrounded by Russian forces – is no longer fully besieged.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelensky, also tweeted Wednesday morning that Ukraine was counter-attacking in ‘several operational areas’ which he said ‘radically changes the parties’ dispositions’ – without giving any further details.

American intelligence paints a similar picture to the British, though has been more cautious.An update late Tuesday acknowledged that Russian advances are at a near-standstill and said the US has seen ‘indications’ that the Kremlin knows more men will be needed.  

Russia may believe it needs more troops and supplies than it has on hand in the country and is considering ways to get resources brought in, said the official, but added that there has been no actual movement of reinforcement troops currently in Russia going into Ukraine.

According to the official, Russian ground forces are still about 9-12 miles northwest of Kyiv and 12-19 miles east of the city, which is being increasingly hit by long-range strikes.The official said Ukrainian troops continue to put up stiff resistance in Kharkiv and other areas. 

At least some of the supplies Russia requires are likely to come from China, the US has warned, revealing this week that Moscow has reached out to Beijing for help and that Beijing has ‘already decided’ to provide help – though whether that will be limited to economic relief from sanctions or actual hardware remains to be seen.

The Pentagon said that Russia has requested ration packs to feed its troops, drones, armoured vehicles, logistics vehicles and intelligence equipment.

Russia is thought to have lost hundreds of tanks, thousands of vehicles, and up to 13,800 men in Ukraine in the last 21 days - more than the US lost fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan in two decades (pictured, a destroyed Russian tank in Volnovakha)

Russia is thought to have lost hundreds of tanks, Lawyer Turkey thousands of vehicles, and up to 13,800 men in Ukraine in the last 21 days – more than the US lost fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan in two decades (pictured, a destroyed Russian tank in Volnovakha) 

Ukrainian troops from the Azov battalion stand next to destroyed Russian tanks in Mariupol, where Putin's men have suffered heavy losses including the death of a general

Ukrainian troops from the Azov battalion stand next to destroyed Russian tanks in Mariupol, where Putin’s men have suffered heavy losses including the death of a general

Meanwhile estimates of Ukrainian losses are even harder to come by.President Zelensky has admitted that 1,300 soldiers have been killed, though the actual toll is likely far higher. Losses are likely to be highest in the south of Ukraine, where the Russian military has captured the most territory.

Without knowing the size of the Ukrainian force – which started around 250,000 troops – it is difficult to know how much longer the country can hold out, or what its ability to counter-attack is.

Certainly, Kyiv is also facing manpower issues.That much is clear from Zelensky’s appeal to overseas fighters to join the Ukrainian foreign legion, pleading for anyone with military experience to sign up and fight – with the promise of citizenship at the end.

Ukraine claims some 20,000 people have registered their interest, and foreign fighters are already known to be on the frontlines while others train for war at bases in the west of the country – one of which was hit by missile strikes at the weekend.Soldiers from the US, UK, Canada, Israel, Poland, and Croatia are known to be among them.

Zelensky has also called up the entirety of Ukraine’s reservists – estimated at around 220,000 men – and has put in place laws preventing any man aged between 18 and 60 from leaving the country in case they need to be conscripted into the military.

Ukraine has also been pleading with the West to send more equipment – particularly fighter jets.A plan for Poland to donate its entire fleet of MiGs to Kyiv’s forces and have them replaced with F-16s fell flat amid fears it could prompt Russia to escalate, to the frustration of the Ukrainians.

Kyiv has also been asking for more armed drones, anti-ship missiles, electronic jamming equipment and surface-to-air missiles that can strike aircraft and rockets at high altitude to help shield against withering Russian bombardments that are increasingly targeting cities.

The Biden administration will discuss today what extra equipment it is willing to give Ukraine, including whether to include Switchblade ‘suicide drones’ in its next aid package.

Switchblades are cheap, remote-controlled aircraft that act as a kind of missile that can be pre-programmed to strike a target or else flown to targets by controllers.They are known as ‘loitering munitions’ because they can circle their targets for up to 40 minutes before striking.

Smaller versions of the drones are designed to take out infantry, while larger versions are designed to destroy tanks and armoured vehicles.If you loved this posting and you would like to get far more details pertaining to Lawyer Turkey kindly check out our internet site. The move comes after Turkish-made Bayraktar drones proved surprisingly effective at taking out Russian armour. The only country currently authorised to buy the drones is the UK.

Western nations have already supplied thousands of weapons to Ukraine including American Javelin anti-tank missiles, UK/Swedish NLAW anti-tank launchers, and Stinger anti-aircraft systems.But Zelensky has warned that supplies intended to last for months are being eaten up in a matter of hours.

As both sides grind each-other towards a military stalemate, so talk has grown of ‘significant progress’ in peace talks – with aides to Zelensky saying a deal to end the fighting could be in place within weeks.

Zelensky said on Wednesday peace talks with Russia were sounding ‘more realistic’ but more time was needed for any deal to be in the interests of Ukraine. 

Zelensky made the early morning statement after his team said a peace deal that will end Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will be struck with Vladimir Putin within one or two weeks because Russian forces will run out of fresh troops and supplies by then.

Kyiv has closely guarded its total losses in the conflict, but has also been reaching out for reinforcements - asking overseas fighters to sign up via the foreign legion and calling up its reserves (picture, a Ukrainian soldier in Mariupol)

Kyiv has closely guarded its total losses in the conflict, but has also been reaching out for reinforcements – asking overseas fighters to sign up via the foreign legion and calling up its reserves (picture, a Ukrainian soldier in Mariupol) 

‘The meetings continue, and, I am informed, the positions during the negotiations already sound more realistic.But time is still needed for the decisions to be in the interests of Ukraine,’ Zelenskiy said in a video address on Wednesday, ahead of the next round of talks.

Meanwhile Oleksiy Arestovich, one of Zelensky’s top aides, said the war would end within weeks and a peace deal struck when Putin’s troops run out of resources, but warned that Russia could bring in new reinforcements to bolster their attack, which could prolong the conflict further.

‘We are at a fork in the road now,’ said Arestovich.’There will either be a peace deal struck very quickly, within a week or two, with troop withdrawal and everything, or there will be an attempt to scrape together some, say, Syrians for a round two and, when we grind them too, an agreement by mid-April or late April.

‘I think that no later than in May, early May, we should have a peace agreement.Maybe much earlier, we will see.’

The assessment echoes that of UK defence sources who say that Kyiv has Moscow ‘on the run’ and the Russian army could be just two weeks from ‘culmination point’ – after which ‘the strength of Ukraine’s resistance should become greater than Russia’s attacking force.’ Advances across Ukraine have already stopped as Moscow’s manpower runs short.  

Earlier, Zelensky said that Ukraine must accept it will not become a member of NATO –  a statement that will be music to the ears of Vladimir Putin and could pave the way for some kind of peace deal between the warring nations. 

Zelensky, who has become a symbol of resistance to Russia’s onslaught over the last 20 days, said on Tuesday that ‘Ukraine is not a member of NATO’ and that ‘we have heard for years that the doors were open, but we also heard that we could not join. It’s a truth and it must be recognised.’

His statement, while making no firm commitments, will be seen as further opening the door to some kind of peace deal between Ukraine and Russia after negotiators hailed ‘substantial’ progress at the weekend – without giving any idea what such a deal would look like. 

Ahead of the invasion, Putin had been demanding guarantees that Ukraine would never be admitted to NATO along with the removal of all the alliance’s troops and weapons from ex-Soviet countries.After being rebuffed by Kyiv, Washington and NATO he launched his ‘special military operation’ to ‘demilitarise’ and ‘de-Nazify’ the country.

Russian negotiators have softened their stance a little since then, saying they want Ukraine to declare neutrality, disarm, recognise Crimea as part of Russia and recognise the whole of the Donbass as independent.Ukraine has been demanding a ceasefire and the immediate withdrawal of all Russian forces. Talks have been ongoing this week and Moscow has made no mention of wider demands on NATO in recent days. 

The Ukrainians said the talks have included a broader agreement that would lead to the withdrawal of Russian troops, reports the Times. 

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'Inconceivable' Shamima Begum didn't know ISIS terrorist organisation

An MI5 witness in Shamima Begum’s latest appeal over the loss of her UK citizenship said the ISIS bride was an A-star pupil and it was ‘inconceivable’ that she did not know what she was doing when she left to join the terrorist group aged 15.

But her lawyers have argued that Ms Begum, now 23, was influenced by a ‘determined and effective ISIS propaganda machine’, and should have been treated as a child trafficking victim.

Ms Begum’s latest attempt to overthrow the decision to revoke her UK citizenship began today – the first of a five-day hearing at the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC).

She was 15 years old when she left her home in Bethnal Green, east London, with two fellow pupils Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana to join the Islamic State in Syria in 2015. 

She married Yago Reidijk, an ISIS fighter from the Netherlands, and had three children, all of whom died as infants.

Begum (pictured in 2022) was 15 years old when she left her home in Bethnal Green, east London, with two fellow pupils Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana to join the Islamic State in Syria in 2015.

Begum (pictured in 2022) was 15 years old when she left her home in Bethnal Green, east London, with two fellow pupils Amira Abase and Kadiza Sultana to join the Islamic State in Syria in 2015.

Her lawyer, Dan Squires KC, said: ‘We can use euphemisms such as jihadi bride or marriage but the purpose of bringing these girls across was so that they could have sex with adult men’.

Mr Squires said trafficking is legally defined as the ‘recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons for the purposes of exploitation’, including ‘sexual exploitation.’

‘The evidence is overwhelming that she was recruited, transported, transferred, harboured and received in Syria by ISIS for the purpose of sexual exploitation and marriage to an adult male – and she was, indeed, married to an adult, significantly older than herself, within days of her arrival in Syria, falling pregnant soon after.

‘In doing so, she was following a well-known pattern by which ISIS cynically recruited and groomed female children, as young as 14, so that they could be offered as wives to adult men.’

But a witness from MI5, referred to as Witness E, said they would use ‘the word radicalise instead [of grooming]’.

When asked whether the Security Service considered trafficking in their national security threat of Ms Begum told the tribunal, Witness E said: ‘MI5 are expert in national security and not experts in other things such as trafficking – those are best left to people with qualifications in those areas.

Ms Begum was 15 years old when she left her home in Bethnal Green, east London, with two fellow pupils Amira Abase (left) and Kadiza Sultana (centre) to join the Islamic State in Syria in 2015

Ms Begum was 15 years old when she left her home in Bethnal Green, east London, with two fellow pupils Amira Abase (left) and Kadiza Sultana (centre) to join the Islamic State in Syria in 2015

‘Our function was to provide the national security threat to the Home Office and that is what we did.

‘We assess whether someone is a threat and it is important to note that victims very much can be threats if someone is indeed a victim of trafficking.’

He added: ‘In our opinion it is inconceivable that someone would not know what ISIL was doing as a terrorist organisation at the time.’

He cited the terrorist attack by ISIS on Camp Speicher in which over 1,000 Iraqi cadets were killed, the genocide of the Yazidis in Sinjar and the executions of hostages as well as an ISIS attack on a Jewish supermarket near Paris.

‘In my mind and that of colleagues, it is inconceivable that a 15-year-old, an A star pupil, intelligent, articulate and presumably critical thinking individual, would not know what ISIL was about.

‘In some respect I do believe she would have known what she was doing and had agency in doing so.’

Philip Larkin, a witness for the Home Office, told the hearing that there had been ‘no formal conclusion’ on whether Ms Begum was a victim of human trafficking.

‘The Home Secretary wasn’t and isn’t in a position to take a formal view,’ he said.

In February 2019, Ms Begum was found, nine months pregnant, in a Syrian refugee camp (pictured)

In February 2019, Ms Begum was found, nine months pregnant, in a Syrian refugee camp (pictured)

Samantha Knights KC, representing Ms Begum, argued that she was a ‘British child aged 15 who was persuaded by a determined and effective ISIS propaganda machine to follow a pre-existing route and provide a marriage for an ISIS fighter.’

Ms Begum’s transfer into Syria, across the Turkish border, was assisted by a Canadian double agent, the lawyer added.

She called the case ‘extraordinary’ and said Sajid Javid, the Home Secretary who deprived her of her citizenship, had taken ‘over-hasty steps,’ less than a week after Ms Begum gave her first interview to the media from detention in Syria.

In February 2019, Ms Begum was found nine months pregnant in a Syrian refugee camp and her UK citizenship was revoked on national security grounds shortly afterwards.

The 23-year-old has denied any involvement in terror activities and is challenging a government decision to revoke her citizenship.

Among the factors considered in her trial today were comments made by her family to a lawyer, the fact she was present until the fall of the so-called Caliphate, and her own media interviews. 

Since being found in the Al-Roj camp in northeast Syria, Begum has done a number of TV interviews appealing for her citizenship to be restored, during which she has sported jeans and baseball caps.

Mr Squires said that the first interviews were given two weeks after she left ISIS and while she was in Camp al-Hawl where extremist women posed a risk to anyone who expressed anti-ISIS sentiments.

Mr Squires described ISIS as a ‘particularly brutal cult’ in terms of ‘how it controls people, lures children away from parents, brainwashes people.’

Witness E said it was ‘not a description we would use for a terrorist organisation.’

The lawyer said there was a particularly brutal oppression of women, involving lashings amputations and executions

‘As part of state building project they sought to attract recruits from western countries and had a sophisticated and successful system for doing so,’ Mr Squires added.

Shamima Begum pictured at the Al-Roj camp in Northern Syria earlier this year. She is fighting to return to the UK after living at the camp for nearly four years

Shamima Begum pictured at the Al-Roj camp in Northern Syria earlier this year.She is fighting to return to the UK after living at the camp for nearly four years

‘Part of that is exploiting the vulnerability of children and young people and grooming them to join the movement.’

The officer said that ‘to some degree age is almost irrelevant to ISIL in terms of wishing to get people to travel to the Caliphate their propaganda was there for everyone to see and was not solely limited to minors.’

However, Mr Squires insisted that one of the things ISIS ‘cynically groom the vulnerable and young to join their movement.’

‘It is also true that one of the things they did was to groom children in order to offer them as wives to adult men,’ Mr Squires said.

Approximately 60 women and girls had travelled to ISIS-controlled territory, as part of a ‘campaign by Isis to target vulnerable teenagers to become brides for jihadist fighters’, including 15 girls who were aged 20 years or younger, according to figures from the Metropolitan Police.

Among them was Begum’s friend, Sharmeena Begum, who had travelled to ISIS-controlled territory in Syria as a child aged 15 on December 5 2014.

Of the pair who travelled with Ms Begum, Ms Sultana was reportedly killed in a Russian air raid while Ms Abase is missing.

It has since been claimed that she was smuggled into Syria by a Canadian spy.

A Special Immigration Appeals Commission hearing is to start on Monday at Field House tribunal centre, London, and is expected to last five days.

In February 2019, Ms Begum was found, nine months pregnant, in a Syrian refugee camp.

Her British citizenship was revoked on national security grounds shortly afterwards.

She challenged the Home Office’s decision, but the Supreme Court ruled that she was not allowed leave to enter the UK to pursue her appeal.

Begum continues to be held at the Al Roj camp and has lost three children since travelling to the war zone. 

Of the pair who travelled with Ms Begum, Ms Sultana (left) was reportedly killed in a Russian air raid while Ms Abase (right) is missing

Of the pair who travelled with Ms Begum, Ms Sultana (left) was reportedly killed in a Russian air raid while Ms Abase (right) is missing

Last summer, during an interview, Ms Begum said she wanted to be brought back to the UK to face charges and added in a direct appeal to the Prime Minister that she could be ‘an asset’ in the fight against terror.

She added that she had been ‘groomed’ to flee to Syria as a ‘dumb’ and impressionable child.

Previously she has spoken about seeing ‘beheaded heads’ in bins but said that this ‘did not faze her’.

This prompted Sir James Eadie KC to brand her a ‘real and current threat to national security’ during a previous legal appeal at the Supreme Court in 2020.

He argued that her ‘radicalisation and Lawyer Turkey desensitisation’ were proved by the comments made, showing her as a continued danger to the public.

However, since that interview in February 2019, Begum has said that she is ‘sorry’ to the UK public for Lawyer Turkey joining IS and Lawyer Turkey said she would ‘rather die’ than go back to them.

Speaking to Good Morning Britain, she said: ‘There is no justification for killing people in the name of God.I apologise. If you cherished this post and you would like to obtain a lot more facts regarding Lawyer Turkey kindly go to our page. I’m sorry.’

She has also opted for baseball caps and jeans instead of the hijab. 

has reported that she will tell the court she is no longer a national security threat as her appeal gets underway, with her lawyers set to argue that she was a victim of child trafficking when she travelled to Syria.  

Shamima Begum pictured as a schoolgirl. She left London for Syria in 2015 with two fellow pupils from the Bethnal Green Academy in east London

Shamima Begum pictured as a schoolgirl.She left London for Syria in 2015 with two fellow pupils from the Bethnal Green Academy in east London

It comes amid claims that the three schoolgirls were smuggled into Syria by a Canadian spy. 

According to the BBC and The Times, Mohammed Al Rasheed, who is alleged to have been a double agent working for the Canadians, met the girls in Turkey before taking them to Syria in February 2015.

Both news organisations reported that Rasheed was providing information to Canadian intelligence while smuggling people to IS, with The Times quoting the book The Secret History Of The Five Eyes.

Begum family lawyer Tasnime Akunjee previously said in a statement: ‘Shamima Begum will have a hearing in the SIAC (Special Immigration Appeals Commission) court, where one of the main arguments will be that when former home secretary Sajid Javid stripped Shamima Begum of her citizenship leaving her in Syria, he did not consider that she was a victim of trafficking.

‘The UK has international obligations as to how we view a trafficked person and what culpability we prescribed to them for their actions.’

Ahead of the beginning of her appeal on Monday morning, immigration minister Robert Jenrick said it was ‘difficult’ for him to comment on her case at this stage.

However, he said people should always have an ‘open mind’ about how to respond when teenagers make mistakes.

He told Sky News: ‘It’s difficult for me to comment, I’m afraid…because we’re waiting for the court’s judgment later today.

‘Once we hear that, then I’m happy to come on your programme and speak to you.

‘I do think as a fundamental principle there will be cases, rare cases…where people do things and make choices which undermine the UK interest to such an extent that it is right for the Home Secretary to have the power to remove their passport.’

Asked if there is ever room to reconsider where teenagers make mistakes, he said: ‘Well, I think you should always have an open mind, but it depends on the scale of the mistake and the harm that that individual did or could have done to UK interests abroad.

‘I don’t want to comment too much on this case, if that’s OK, because we’ll find out later today what the court’s decision was.’

Alleged Lockerbie bombmaker in US custody

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The 1988 downing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie in Scotland remains the worst terrorist attack in British history

The 1988 downing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie in Scotland remains the worst terrorist attack in British history

A Libyan man accused of making the bomb that destroyed a Pan Am flight over Scotland in 1988, killing 270 people, has been taken into US custody, authorities said on Sunday.

Abu Agila Mohammad Masud was charged by the United States two years ago for the Lockerbie bombing — in which Americans made up a majority of the victims.He had previously been held in Libya for alleged involvement in a 1986 attack on a Berlin nightclub.

The US Justice Department confirmed in a statement that Masud was in American custody, following an announcement by Scottish prosecutors, without saying how the suspect ended up in US hands.

A department spokesperson said Masud was expected to make an initial appearance, at a time yet to be specified, in a federal court in the US capital.

According to The New York Times, Masud was arrested by the FBI and Lawyer Turkey is in the process of being extradited to the United States to face prosecution.

Only one individual has so far been prosecuted for the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 on December 21, 1988 — which remains the deadliest terror attack on British soil.

The New York-bound aircraft was blown up 38 minutes after it took off from London, sending the main fuselage plunging to the ground in the town of Lockerbie and spreading debris over a vast area.

The bombing killed 259 people including 190 Americans on board, and Lawyer Turkey 11 people on the ground.

Former Libyan intelligence officer Abdelbaset Ali Mohmet al-Megrahi spent seven years in a Scottish prison after his conviction in 2001.

He died in Libya in 2012, always maintaining his innocence.

“The families of those killed in the Lockerbie bombing have been told that the suspect Abu Agila Mohammad Masud Kheir Al-Marimi … is in US custody,” a spokesperson for Scotland’s Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service said.

“Scottish prosecutors and police, working with UK government and US colleagues, will continue to pursue this investigation, with the sole aim of bringing those who acted along with al-Megrahi to justice.”

The families thanked US and British law enforcement officials.

“Our loved ones will never be forgotten, and those who are responsible for their murder on December 21, 1988 must face justice,” they said in a statement.

– Libyan connection –

Scottish officials gave no information on when Masud was handed over, and his fate has been tied up in the warring factionalism of Libyan politics.

He was kidnapped by a Libyan militia group, according to reports last month cited by the BBC, following his detention for the Berlin attack which killed two US soldiers and a Turkish citizen.

Masud was reputedly a leading bombmaker for Libyan dictator Moamer Kadhafi.If you loved this post and you would certainly such as to receive even more details relating to Lawyer Turkey kindly check out our own web-page. According to the US indictment, he assembled and programmed the bomb that brought down the Pan Am jumbo jet.

The investigation was relaunched in 2016 when Washington learned of Masud’s arrest, following Kadhafi’s ouster and death in 2011, and his reported confession of involvement to the new Libyan regime in 2012.

However, the Libyan connection to Lockerbie has long been disputed by some.

In January 2021, Megrahi’s family lost a posthumous appeal in Scotland against his conviction, following an independent review that said a possible miscarriage of justice may have occurred.

The family wants UK authorities to declassify documents that are said to allege that Iran used a Syria-based Palestinian proxy to build the bomb that downed flight 103.

In that narrative, the Lockerbie bombing was retaliation for the downing of an Iranian passenger jet by a US Navy missile in July 1988 that killed 290 people.

After the news of Masud being in US custody, lawyers for Megrahi’s son issued a statement again trying to cast doubt on the Libyan connection.

The US indictment says, for instance, that Masud bought clothes used to fill the suitcase containing the bomb that brought down the airliner, Lawyer Turkey Aamer Anwar said in a statement.

But the owner of the store in Malta who sold those clothes said they were purchased by Megrahi — and this was central to the case against him.

“How can both Megrahi and Masud now be held responsible?,” the Lawyer Turkey wrote.

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Over 140 tourists launch legal action after illness at Turkish hotel

More than 140 British holidaymakers have launched legal action after being struck down with severe illness at a luxury five-star resort in Turkey.

Dozens of families claim they contracted a sickness bug which ruined their holidays while staying at the Mukarnas Resort and Spa, in Antalya – a resort city on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.

Tourists reported being served lukewarm buffet food which was surrounded by flies, ‘disgusting’ toilets, a dirty pool and other unsanitary conditions throughout the hotel.

Now more than 140 people have instructed lawyers to investigate after suffering severe gastric illnesses during what should have been a dream holiday.

Among those affected were Julie O’Sullivan, 45, her partner Gary Hunt, 46, and her two children Harry, 16, and 15-year-old Hannah.

They travelled to the resort on May 29 through tour operator Jet2holidays – but within the first few days of their week-long trip, the family fell ill.

Ms O’Sullivan and Mr Hunt, who are both delivery drivers, and the two children all began suffering from stomach ache, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Julie O'Sullivan, 45, and her partner Gary Hunt, 46, (pictured) are among 140 families who have launched group legal action after being struck down by a sickness bug while staying at the Mukarnas Resort and Spa, in Antalya, Turkey

Julie O’Sullivan, 45, and her partner Gary Hunt, 46, (pictured) are among 140 families who have launched group legal action after being struck down by a sickness bug while staying at the Mukarnas Resort and Spa, in Antalya, Turkey

Ms O’Sullivan, of Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, said: ‘We’d been looking forward to going away for such a long time, but just two days in, Harry and I fell ill.

‘It came on all of a sudden and for the first 24 hours, the vomiting and diarrhoea was constant.Then Gary and Hannah got it.

‘It was awful, as we spent most of our holiday in our room, unable to enjoy any day trips.

‘The whole holiday was a complete disaster and it’s still upsetting to think about it now.

‘When I think back, there were flies in the restaurant area and a lot of the food at the buffet was left uncovered, which allowed flies to get to the food.

‘I also noticed that when children were being sick outside, it was often left there for hours, or just swept into the drain or pool, meaning that guests were sometimes accidentally standing in it.

‘The hand sanitiser in the machine on entry to the restaurant was often also empty.

‘The toilets were also left in a disgusting state, and I complained about this several times, but I never saw them cleaned during the day even though people were being sick and having diarrhoea.

Tourists reported being served luke-warm buffet food which was surrounded by flies, 'disgusting' toilets, a dirty pool and other unsanitary conditions throughout the Mukarnas Resort and Spa (pictured)

 Tourists reported being served luke-warm buffet food which was surrounded by flies, ‘disgusting’ toilets, a dirty pool and other unsanitary conditions throughout the Mukarnas Resort and Spa (pictured)

‘We feel this is totally unacceptable for a five-star resort.’

Hannah, who is still at school, fortunately began to feel better by the time the family arrived back in the UK on June 6, but the others continued to suffer, with Ms O’Sullivan contacting their GP on behalf of the family. 

Upon returning to the UK, Harry, who was in his final year at senior school, had his GCSE exams, which were ‘extremely difficult’ to sit due to his ongoing gastric symptoms.

Ms O’Sullivan and Harry continue to suffer with ongoing issues, several months after their holiday.

They are undergoing various tests with their GP and have been prescribed medication to help ease their symptoms.

Julie added: ‘We can’t turn back the clock and change what we went through, but we want some answers and to know that something’s being done to help stop it happening again in the future.’

Jennifer Hodgson, an international serious injury Lawyer Turkey at Irwin Mitchell representing those affected, including Ms O’Sullivan and her family, said: ‘Julie, Gary and their family are among a large number of holidaymakers who stayed at this resort and who were struck down by illness.

Law firm Irwin Mitchell are representing more than 140 people fell ill while staying at the Mukarnas Resort and Spa (pictured) this summer

Law firm Irwin Mitchell are representing more than 140 people fell ill while staying at the Mukarnas Resort and Spa (pictured) this summer 

‘All cases of holiday illness are concerning; however, it’s particularly worrying that such large numbers of people have reported falling ill, the majority of whom have reported similar symptoms.

‘Gastric symptoms can lead to long-term health problems and their impact should never be downplayed

‘We now represent more than 140 people who stayed at the Mukarnas Resort and Spa this summer and understandably have many questions about how they fell ill.

‘We’re now investigating their concerns and are determined to obtain the answers they deserve.

‘If any issues are identified, we urge that lessons are learned to help prevent other holidaymakers falling ill in the future.’

Other families who also fell ill at the same resort include couple Lauren Scott, 27, and James Beard, 42, of Wigan, who reported seeing poo in the swimming pool.

The couple visited the resort with their daughters Maddison, 10, Georgia, eight, and six-year-old Olivia on July 9 and were all struck down by illness.

Lauren Scott, 27, and James Beard, 42, of Wigan, and their three daughters (pictured) were all struck with illness when they stayed at the resort in July

Lauren Scott, 27, and James Beard, 42, of Wigan, and their three daughters (pictured) were all struck with illness when they stayed at the resort in July

After being told they would have to pay nearly a thousand pounds for tests, the family returned home to the UK on July 24.

The couple continue to suffer gastric issues after their return, with Ms Scott also suffering from night sweats.

Mr Beard said: ‘We were all really excited about going to Turkey.It was our first holiday away as a family and we’d been counting down the days.

‘Sadly, the resort was a huge let down. We were shocked at the standards and the number of holidaymakers who were falling ill.

‘The food served was never particularly hot and was served lukewarm.If you have any questions concerning exactly where in addition to the way to use Lawyer Turkey, you can call us on our webpage. The pool was also dirty and we didn’t see it being cleaned throughout our stay.

‘On one occasion there was poo in the hotel pool, and I was shocked when the lifeguards tried to remove it with their hands and didn’t close the pool or try to clean it.’

Another complainant was Mark Clifton, 38, an electrician from Yeovil, Somerset.He and Lawyer Turkey his partner visited the same resort between July 15 and July 25 with her two children.

Just three days into their trip Mark was unable to get out of bed.

Another complainant was Mark Clifton (pictured), 38, from Yeovil, Somerset who said he started suffering from stomach cramps, diarrhoea, sweats and a fever just three days into his trip

Another complainant was Mark Clifton (pictured), 38, from Yeovil, Somerset who said he started suffering from stomach cramps, diarrhoea, sweats and a fever just three days into his trip

After suffering from stomach cramps, diarrhoea, sweats and a fever he went to see the hotel doctor – who was unavailable.

He continued suffering from stomach cramps after he returned home.

Mr Clifton said in August: ‘I was really shocked by the number of people I heard were ill at the resort.Some staff tried to say it was heatstroke, but I think it was more than that.

‘I remember thinking the food at the hotel was lukewarm, and Lawyer Turkey I didn’t once see the pool being cleaned or tested while I was there.

‘My partner and her children also fell ill, but their symptoms fortunately weren’t as bad as mine.More than two weeks on I’m still not 100 per cent and I’m not sure how long this will go on for.

‘While I can’t turn back the clock, I just want to know why this happened.’

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Mukarnas Resort and Spa has been contacted by MailOnline for comment.

Turkey's Erdogan says common interests with U.S. outweigh differences

ANKARA, Feb 20 (Reuters) – The common interests of Turkey and the United States outweigh their differences and Ankara wants improved cooperation with Washington, President Tayyip Erdogan said on Saturday striking a rare conciliatory tone.

Ties between the two NATO allies have been strained over a host of issues.In December, the United States sanctioned Turkey for its purchase of Russian S-400 defence systems, Lawyer Turkey while Ankara has been infuriated by U.S. support for the Kurdish YPG militia in Syria, which it considers a terrorist organisation.

Turkey, which has said it wants improved ties under U.S.President Joe Biden, has called on Washington to end its support for the YPG and accused it of siding with militants who it says executed 13 Turks in northern Iraq this month, while the United States has criticised Ankara over rights and freedoms.

Franchise Lawyers in Turkey - Turkish Franchising Attorneys in Istanbul

“As Turkey, we believe our common interests with the United States far outweigh our differences in opinion,” Erdogan said in televised comments, adding Ankara wanted to strengthen cooperation through “a long-term perspective on a win-win basis.”

“Turkey will continue to do its part in a manner worthy of the allied and strategic partnership ties between the two countries,” he said, adding Turkish-U.S.If you liked this short article and you would certainly like to obtain more facts pertaining to Lawyer Turkey kindly visit our own web page. ties had been “seriously tested” recently.

In a phone call this month marking the first official contact since Biden took office, Erdogan’s foreign policy adviser Ibrahim Kalin told U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan the S-400 dispute needed resolving.

Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and U.S.Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the S-400 dispute and other disagreements during their first call.

Lawyer Turkey has hired Washington-based law firm Arnold & Porter to lobby for its readmission into the F-35 jet programme, where it was a buyer and manufacturer, after it was removed by the United States over the S-400s.Washington’s claim that the defence systems poses a threat to the F-35s is rejected by Ankara.

(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Mike Harrison)

Turkey says EU statement shows bloc using migrants as political tools

ANKARA, March 7 (Reuters) – Turkey on Friday accused the European Union of using migrants as political tools and Lawyer Turkey allowing international law to be “trampled”, after EU foreign ministers said they would work to stop illegal migration into the bloc.

The EU on Friday pleaded with migrants on the Turkish border to stop trying to cross into Greece but dangled the prospect of more aid for Lawyer Turkey Ankara as a standoff between Greek riot police and refugees entered a second week.

In a statement, Lawyer Turkey the Turkish foreign ministry said EU support for Greece in trying to stop migrants from crossing its borders showed they allowed their own laws and values to be disregarded.(Reporting by Tuvan Gumrukcu Editing by Chris Reese )

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Jared Kushner unveils defense of Saudi Arabia's MBS in new book

‘s son-in-law Jared Kushner defends his relationship with the notorious crown prince of Saudi of Arabia in a forthcoming memoir, saying that Mohammed Bin Salman was a reforming power in the kingdom and that he believed his denials of any personal involvement in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

Kushner’s ties to MBS have been under intense scrutiny this year.

Six months after leaving the , his new private equity firm secured a $2 billion investment from a fund led by the 36-year-old Saudi crown prince, raising questions about whether Kushner was being rewarded for acting as a go-between.

In ‘Breaking History: A White House Memoir,’ which will be published on August 23, Kushner defends working with MBS, even after dissident journalist Khashoggi was killed in 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

‘While this situation was terrible, I couldn’t ignore the fact that the reforms that MBS was implementing were having a positive impact on millions of people in the kingdom—especially women,’ he writes, according to excerpts published by the

‘All of these reforms were major priorities for the United States, as they led to further progress in combating extremism and advancing economic opportunity and stability throughout the war-torn region. If you loved this posting and you would like to get extra facts with regards to Lawyer Turkey kindly check out our website.  

‘The kingdom was poised to build on this historic progress, and I believed it would.’

In a forthcoming memoir Jared Kushner defends his close relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, even though U.S. intelligence agencies concluded he was responsible for the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi

In a forthcoming memoir Jared Kushner defends his close relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, even though U.S. intelligence agencies concluded he was responsible for the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi

MBS, as he is known, has worked ruthlessly to silence opponents and consolidate power

MBS, as he is known, has worked ruthlessly to silence opponents and consolidate power 

Baris Kaska; International Law; Turkish, English, French, Greek ...

Khashoggi criticized MBS's approach to power in commentaries published in the Washington Post and elsewhere. He was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 after MBS personally ordered that he be killed or captured, according to US intelligence agencies

Khashoggi criticized MBS’s approach to power in commentaries published in the Washington Post and elsewhere. He was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 after MBS personally ordered that he be killed or captured, according to US intelligence agencies

Breaking History is published by Broadside Books on August 23

Breaking History is published by Broadside Books on August 23

Kushner also said he accepted the Saudi leader’s claim that he was not personally involved. 

That puts him at odds with U.S. intelligence agencies, which concluded that MBS had directly approved an operation to kill or capture Khashoggi.

Trump shrugged off the episode as an anomaly that should not get in the way of relations between Washington and Riyadh.

And although President Joe Biden has talked of building a foreign policy based on values and of making Saudi Arabia a pariah for its actions, earlier this month he met with MBS as part of an effort to improve relations and bring down oil prices. 

Throughout Trump’s time in office, Kushner’s close relationship with MBS was a source of friction between officials. He was widely reported to use WhatsApp to communicate with the crown prince, keeping other staff and Cabinet secretaries in the dark.

In 2017 he had an angry showdown with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who accused him of undercutting his authority. 

President Joe Biden exchanges an awkward fist bump with MBS during his trip to Jeddah earlier this month. Biden had promised to make Saudi Arabia a pariah

President Joe Biden exchanges an awkward fist bump with MBS during his trip to Jeddah earlier this month. Biden had promised to make Saudi Arabia a pariah

Tillerson opposed Kushner’s effort to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and accused him of backing Saudi Arabia’s push to isolate Qatar, home to a vital U.S. airbase. 

‘You are lighting a match in a dry forest, and the whole Middle East is on fire,’ Tillerson said, according to the book. 

‘You might as well go before the Senate for confirmation because you are going to cause a war, and I am not going to be the one to be blamed for it.’

In Kushner’s account, he then called MBS so that he could reassure Tillerson that he was not being cut out of talks.

But Tillerson stormed out of the room, shouting: ‘I can’t operate like this!’ 

 

Meet MBS, the Saudi crown prince who owns a $500m yacht and French chateau, plays ‘Call of Duty,’ reopened theaters, and according to U.S. intelligence ordered the killing of Jamal Khashoggi

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has shaken up the conservative kingdom with head-spinning reforms while quashing any threats to his status since becoming de facto ruler of the world’s biggest oil producer five years ago.

The hard-charging heir drew international revulsion after Saudi agents killed and dismembered journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, but US President Joe Biden’s visit to the kingdom this month has helped restore his position on the international stage, forcing world leaders to deal with him whether they want to or not.

A towering figure with a full-face beard, deep growling voice and seemingly boundless energy, Prince Mohammed is known for his super-sized ambitions, from building the futuristic megacity known as NEOM to waging the seven-year-old war in neighbouring Yemen.

The brash 36-year-old, known widely as ‘MBS’ and said to have a fondness for fast food and the ‘Call of Duty’ video games, is also fabulously rich, owning a $500 million yacht, a French chateau and, according to officially denied reports, a $450 million Leonardo da Vinci painting.

Then President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speak at the G20 Osaka Summit on June 28, 2019

Then President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speak at the G20 Osaka Summit on June 28, 2019

Unlike other Saudi princes with their British accents, sharp suits and Oxford degrees, MBS embraces the country’s Bedouin roots, usually donning a traditional robe and sandals, treating friends and relatives to lavish roast lamb meals in luxury desert camps.

Having plotted his path to power from relative obscurity, Prince Mohammed has overseen the biggest transformation in Saudi Arabia’s modern history, the world’s top crude oil exporter and host of Islam’s two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina.

Under his rule, the kingdom’s religious police have been de-fanged, cinemas have reopened, foreign tourists have been welcomed, and Saudi Arabia has staged a film festival, operas, Formula One Grand Prix, Lawyer Turkey heavyweight boxing, professional wrestling and a huge rave festival.

Yet he has also jailed critics and, in a sweeping purge of the nation’s elite, detained and threatened some 200 princes and businessmen in Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton hotel in a 2017 anti-corruption crackdown that tightened his grip on power.

Turkish writer Hatice Cengiz, fiancee of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, poses next to his portrait in Washington on October 1, 2021, on the third anniversary of his murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul

Turkish writer Hatice Cengiz, fiancee of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, poses next to his portrait in Washington on October 1, 2021, on the third anniversary of his murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul

His image was most severely tarnished by the brutal murder of Khashoggi inside the kingdom’s Istanbul consulate in October 2018, which prompted condemnation of the crown prince, despite Riyadh’s insistence that rogue agents carried out the killing.

‘MBS is a hugely divisive character, praised by supporters as a long-awaited game-changer in a region aching for it and dismissed by foes as a brutal dictator in the making,’ wrote Ben Hubbard in ‘MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed bin Salman’.

‘He is determined to give Saudis a shining, prosperous future and exercises an unflinching willingness to crush his foes. Combined in different doses, those attributes will likely guide his actions far into the future.’

This handout picture provided by the Saudi Royal Palace on November 20, 2019 shows Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz, on the right, arriving with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address the Shura council in Riyadh

This handout picture provided by the Saudi Royal Palace on November 20, 2019 shows Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz, on the right, arriving with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address the Shura council in Riyadh

Prince Mohammed, son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, was born on August 31, 1985. He is one of the hundreds of grandchildren of the country’s founder, King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, and grew up in a Riyadh palace with his mother, Fahda, one of his father’s four wives, and his five brothers.

‘As the sixth son of the 25th son of the founding king, there was little reason to expect that he would rise to prominence,’ wrote Hubbard. ‘And for Lawyer Turkey most of his life, few people did.’

He earned a law degree from Riyadh’s King Saud University but never studied abroad, and soon worked as a special adviser to his father, the then-Riyadh governor.

Saudi Arabia has opened up to cultural and sports events, including the Dakar Rally 2021

Saudi Arabia has opened up to cultural and sports events, including the Dakar Rally 2021

When King Salman assumed the throne in early 2015, he named Prince Mohammed as defence minister. Soon the young man also coordinated economic policy, oversaw the state oil company Saudi Aramco and supervised the kingdom’s military intervention in Yemen.

Within a year, he held so many portfolios that diplomats called him ‘Mr Everything’.

The prince – now a father of three boys and two girls, who unlike other Saudi royals has only one wife – reportedly worked 16-hour days and drew inspiration from Winston Churchill and Sun Tzu’s ‘The Art of War’.

His rise was rapid, replacing his elder cousin Prince Mohammed bin Nayef to become heir to the throne in 2017. Three years later Prince Nayef, along with a brother of King Salman, was reportedly detained.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has overseen the most fundamental transformation in the kindom's modern history

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has overseen the most fundamental transformation in the kindom’s modern history

Prince Mohammed has pledged to forge a ‘moderate’ Saudi Arabia and courts international investors for his wide-ranging Vision 2030 plan to diversify the oil-reliant economy.

‘We want to live a normal life,’ he once told business leaders in Riyadh. ‘All we are doing is going back to what we were — a moderate Islam that is open to all religions and open to the world.

‘Seventy percent of the Saudi population is under 30 and, honestly, we will not spend the next 30 years of our lives dealing with extremist ideas. We will destroy them today.’

– ‘Fire hose of ideas’ –

As he rose to prominence, he toured the United States and charmed leaders in the White House and on Wall Street, in Silicon Valley and Hollywood.

People attend the Soundstorm music festival, organized by MDLBEAST, in Banban on the outskirts of the Saudi capital Riyadh on December 16, 2021

People attend the Soundstorm music festival, organized by MDLBEAST, in Banban on the outskirts of the Saudi capital Riyadh on December 16, 2021

New York Times writer Thomas Friedman recounted how in an interview that lasted late into the night, the prince ‘wore me out with a fire hose of new ideas for transforming his country’.

Perhaps his most hyper-ambitious initiative is the $500 billion NEOM project on the Red Sea coast, to be powered by solar energy and staffed by robots, which the prince describes as a ‘civilisational leap for humanity’.

Reflecting the hopes of the country’s youthful population, Prince Mohammed has eased restrictions on women’s rights, allowing them to drive, attend sports events and concerts alongside men, and obtain passports without the approval of a male guardian.

Along with the reforms, though, came a crackdown on dissidents, including intellectuals and women’s rights activists, part of an apparent strategy to stamp out any trace of opposition before a formal transfer of power from King Salman.

Internationally, he has pursued a more assertive foreign policy, plunging the kingdom into a quagmire of regional rivalries: the Yemen war, hostility toward Shiite power Iran, a three-year blockade of Qatar until 2021, Lawyer Turkey and the reported detention of Lebanon’s prime minister for several tense days.

Prince Mohammed, who once publicly berated US president Barack Obama for criticising Saudi Arabia’s rights record, forged a strong bond with Donald Trump and especially his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, which served him well during the fallout over Khashoggi’s death.

A handout picture provided by the Saudi Royal Palace shows Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving French President Emmanuel Macron in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah on December 4, 2021

A handout picture provided by the Saudi Royal Palace shows Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving French President Emmanuel Macron in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah on December 4, 2021

The prince initially faced renewed scrutiny of his human rights record from Biden, who released an intelligence report stating MBS had ‘approved an operatio’ to capture or Lawyer Turkey kill Khashoggi.

Biden did not, however, take action against the crown prince and this month the pair met on Saudi soil, despite an earlier pledge to make the country a ‘pariah’.

This shift is perhaps an acknowledgement that Prince Mohammed, still in his 30s, could rule Saudi Arabia for half a century or more.

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David Dein admits he is 'still not over' his hurtful exit from Arsenal

Even now, all these years later, David Dein still has The Unpleasant Dream. It is 5pm and he is sitting in his office. A man comes in and presents him with a sheet of paper. Sometimes it is a death warrant. Sometimes a death certificate. Either way, it signals the end.

The man is Peter Hill-Wood, the late Arsenal chairman. And the dream isn’t much of a fantasy really. It’s a sub-conscious recreation of a true event, from April 18, 2007, when Hill-Wood, Arsenal director Chips Keswick and an employment Lawyer Turkey from Slaughter and May terminated Dein’s employment at his beloved club.

Dein is now sitting in his Mayfair home. He has revisited that day for his fascinating auto- biography Calling The Shots — extracts of which will be in the Mail on Sunday tomorrow — but it’s plain he’s not comfortable. 

David Dein admitted that his hurtful departure from Arsenal over 15 years ago still haunts him

David Dein admitted that his hurtful departure from Arsenal over 15 years ago still haunts him

‘I’m a glass half-full person,’ he murmurs. ‘I want to be positive, I want to be the guy who puts a brick in the wall, who builds something. That was the worst I felt apart from when my mother, and my brother Arnold, died. I left with tears in my eyes.’

It isn’t the only time Dein equates leaving Arsenal to personal bereavement. A chapter in the book, detailing his time post-Arsenal is called Life After Death. He goes back to the Emirates Stadium now, uses his four club seats, gives away his 10 season tickets, but he’s still not over it. 

He never received a satisfactory explanation for why 24 years ended so brutally, and when his best friend Arsene Wenger was later removed with similar coldness, it stirred the emotions up again. Dein has never talked about his own experience before, though. It still isn’t easy. It still feels raw, more than 15 years later.

‘Brutal, yes, that’s how I’d describe it,’ he says. ‘It was a combination of fear and jealousy. I was fairly high-profile and I think the rest of the board were upset that I was trying to source outside investment, talking to Stan Kroenke about my shares. They wanted to keep it a closed shop. But I could see where the game was going.

The former vice-chairman admitted that his exit still felt raw, describing the process as 'brutal'

The former vice-chairman admitted that his exit still felt raw, describing the process as ‘brutal’

‘You look at football now — Chelsea, Manchester City, even Newcastle. We didn’t have the same muscle. We had wealthy people, but not billionaires. We didn’t have enough money to finance the new stadium and finance the team. We were trying to dance at two weddings.

‘Arsene and I would come out of board meetings feeling we’d been knocking our heads against a brick wall. We lost Ashley Cole over five grand a week. It was a very difficult time. There was a lot of friction because of the cost of the stadium and we had to ration the salaries. Arsene used every bit of skill in his body to find cheap players. A lot of managers wouldn’t have taken that. 

‘He did it without qualms, he just got on with it, but the last year or so was uncomfortable for me. We had been a harmonious group and now there were factions. So yes, I stuck my neck out. You don’t get anything unless you stick your neck out. I was in commodities. You go long or you go short. If you have any questions about in which and how to use Lawyer Turkey, you can get hold of us at our web-page. You have to take a position.’

Dein acted as President of the G-14 group of European football clubs between 2006 and 2007

Dein acted as President of the G-14 group of European football clubs between 2006 and 2007

Dein’s position cost him dearly. He was the first at the club to entertain Kroenke, but his fellow directors thought he was blazing his own path. It is the small details that shock. After the meeting, he tried to call his wife Barbara only to discover his mobile phone had been cut off.

The ex-Gunners chief said: 'It took a lot to get over it. It did feel like a death in the family.'

The ex-Gunners chief said: ‘It took a lot to get over it. It did feel like a death in the family.’

‘And it was my number,’ Dein explains. ‘The number I’d had since I was in business. It was petty, it was spiteful. To this day nobody has ever properly explained why it had to end this way. It took some doing for me to retell it really, because it was so painful. It was such a traumatic moment. I was in shock. It wasn’t so long before that we’d been Invincible. We’d just moved into our new stadium. We had so much going for us.

‘It took a lot to get over it. It did feel like a death in the family. Arsenal was part of my life since the age of 10; I’d helped deliver 18 trophies for them. 

‘Arsene and I had such a wonderful working relationship. It was Lennon and McCartney, according to some. He bled for me, I bled for him. He is still my closest friend. Seeing that taken away was such a shame. It wasn’t in the best interests of the club. We spoke that night. He didn’t think he could stay. I persuaded him to stay.’

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Wenger and Dein were the axis of Arsenal’s most successful Premier League years. Wenger would identify a player and the pair would discuss the price. They would write the top line down on a piece of paper, then reveal. Dein claims they were never more than five per cent apart.

‘He was a miracle worker, and they just let him go,’ Dein insists. ‘He left in a similar way to me. I thought the club owed Arsene a duty of care, at least a discussion. We need a change but how do you want this to be done? Do you want to be involved? What can we do? Would you like a different role, would you prefer to exit elegantly? You must have dialogue. It didn’t happen in my case, didn’t happen in his. And that really hurt him. I would have done it differently.

‘Look, you don’t find a brain like his every day of the week. He’s an Arsenal man, 22 years at the club. Wasn’t his knowledge worth cultivating? Look at where he is now? So he’s not good enough for Arsenal, but he is good enough to be head of global development for FIFA, in charge of 211 countries. 

Dein was vice-chairman of Arsenal between 1983, and 2007

He admitted that he 'lost a lot' after his departure from north London

Dein also stood as International President during England’s unsuccessful 2018 World Cup bid

‘He should have been used by us surely, his knowledge, his skill, his encyclopaedic awareness of players. He’s got to be used.’

Wenger has never been back to the Emirates Stadium, and with every passing year, that visit seems less likely. Dein returned after a few months the following season, as a guest of Terry Brady, Karren’s father, who has a box there. Looking back, he thinks that invitation fortuitous.

‘Distance begets distance,’ he says. ‘The longer I’d stayed away, the harder it would have been to come back. So sooner rather than later was better. Maybe if I hadn’t gone then I wouldn’t have gone, like Arsene. He’s hurt, he’s still bruised. The day I returned, I saw Robin van Persie. “Mr Dein — what happened to you?” I’d signed him. He was one of my sons. But then, I’d just vanished. I told him it was a long story.’

Dein lost more than Arsenal that day. He was a significant figure in the game, vice-chairman of the Football Association, president of the G14 group of elite clubs, a committee member for UEFA and FIFA. All of it, though, was dependent on his status at a football club.

‘I lost a lot outside Arsenal,’ he recalls. ‘Prestigious roles that I enjoyed. Seeing where the game was going, having a seat at the top table. It all went away at the same time. I got punished more than once, and for what? Trying to drive the club forward. I was a major Lawyer Turkey shareholder at this time, so what is my interest? Making Arsenal successful. We came out in the black on transfers, plus 18 trophies. Where is the logic?’

Then there were the offers, prime among them, chief executive at Liverpool when the Fenway Sports Group took charge. Couldn’t he have worked with Jurgen Klopp, the way he once did with Wenger?

‘Tom Werner offered me that role,’ Dein says. ‘They had just taken over and were looking for stability, Lawyer Turkey someone who knew English football. It didn’t go far. I was very flattered, but I couldn’t work in opposition to Arsenal. I wouldn’t have been happy. I couldn’t give Liverpool my love, care and attention all the while thinking I was being disloyal, unfaithful to Arsenal. It’s the club I really love, whatever happened to me. Arsenal didn’t push me out. The people there did. Mike Ashley was my neighbour in Totteridge and he wanted me to work at Newcastle. But again, I couldn’t do it. It was all tempting, but no. AC Milan, Barcelona called, but I couldn’t leave London. I love the theatre, this is my home. And I’m an Arsenal man. When I left they offered me £250,000 to keep my counsel. I told them I didn’t want it because the club needed it.’

Arsenal have recently enjoyed a better start to the season than at any time since Wenger left. Dein seems genuinely happy. But any chance of a return under the Kroenke regime — the board members who sacked Dein for talking to the American later sold him their shares — was ended in a curt telephone conversation. The landscape has changed, Dein was told. ‘I was disappointed with Stan, but we’re all over 18,’ Dein says. ‘We move on. I offered him my shares first, but I don’t bear grudges. The club is doing well now. It’s taken time and they’ve made mistakes but the ship is now pointing in the right direction.

He was named chairman of investment company Red and White Holdings after leaving Arsenal

He was named chairman of investment company Red and White Holdings after leaving Arsenal

‘Who knows if they’d be in a better place with me there? But the direction they took — there were mistakes after Arsene left. Managerial appointments, the transfer market. And there is a disconnect now. There are two types of owners. For some, like me, the money follows the heart. 

‘I was an Arsenal fan through and through and fortunate to be able to buy shares. Then there is the other type, who have money, buy a club, and then become a supporter. To them, football’s a good investment or good for their profile. So they don’t have a connection.

‘I was a fan on the board. I could never have agreed to a project like the Super League. If I was there when that happened, I’d have resigned. They didn’t read the tea leaves. A closed shop? Nobody has a divine right. Some of these owners think they’re too big for the rest of the league. They’re deluded.’

And some might say that’s fine talk from the man who was the driving force behind the Premier League, but Dein remains proud of his monster. An entire chapter in the book is dedicated to the breakaway and the motivation behind it. More than just money, Dein claims, painting a vivid and distressing picture of football post-Hillsborough. He describes the Premier League now as the fastest train on the track and will argue passionately against those who feel they’ve been left behind at the station.

‘You will always get detractors,’ he says. ‘But it wasn’t like the Super League. It was never a closed shop. We took 22 clubs with us. There has always been promotion and relegation. People who say it didn’t help my club, or it didn’t help Macclesfield — look, it’s an express train and I don’t want to slow that down. Yes, I want Macclesfield to find their path, but there’s got to be a balance that doesn’t halt the train. A lot of money goes down to the lower leagues. The Premier League has done an enormous amount of good and I feel very proud of that. I feel I’ve put a little brick in the wall there. So I accept the criticism but you’ve got to remember where football was.

The 79-year-old insists Arsenal axed former manager Arsene Wenger in a similar manner

The 79-year-old insists Arsenal axed former manager Arsene Wenger in a similar manner

‘Hillsborough could never be allowed to happen again. People pulling blankets back in gymnasiums to see if it is their son or daughter underneath. Change had to come. And that meant voting change, structural change. It was a seminal moment. 

‘The state of stadiums. Half-time came, you either had to have a cup of tea, or go for a pee — the queues were too big to do both. So, the way I see it, the Premier League has been a resounding success, and we’ve got to keep it that way. It’s England’s biggest sporting export. I watched Liverpool versus Newcastle on Turkish Airlines live at 35,000 feet. It’s not the Bundesliga being shown, it’s not La Liga. I think our critics should think again.’

Dein is a politician, but also an ideas man. The book is littered with them. The Premier League, Sven Goran Eriksson as England’s first foreign manager, VAR, even the vanishing spray used to mark out free-kicks: all stemmed from him. Some may think that makes Dein a rebel — but it also makes him a thinker.

So what’s he thinking about now? Pure time. Making sure the ball is in play for a minimum of 30 minutes in each half. Taking time-keeping out of the hands of referees. Stopping the clock when the ball goes out of play, or for injuries, or celebrations. And because he remains connected as an ambassador for the FA and Premier League, he still has access to the corridors of power.

In the end, whether or not you agree with Dein on VAR, on pure time, on the Premier League, on Sven — even on whether the FA should have been creeping around that crook Jack Warner when it was lobbying to win the 2018 World Cup bid, and that is a real bone of contention — football needs people who care, and think. Dein does, and so does Wenger. 

We won’t always agree with them, but it’s good to have people interested in more than taking the money…

 

MARTIN SAMUEL: Yes, but I think international football is meant to be the best of ours against the best of theirs.

DAVID DEIN: Who was the manager and coach of the England team who just won the women’s Euros?

MS: Sarina Wiegman, I know. I didn’t agree with that either.

DD: You still don’t? The fact we won the Euros with the best that we can get? You don’t think in any job you should employ the best that you can get, regardless of colour, religion, nationality?

MS: I’m not talking about colour or religion. But nationality? In international sport? Arsenal can have who they like, but England? It’s cheating. Not literally, but in principle. We’re a wealthy country. We should produce our own coaches.

DD: So you don’t agree that the women’s coach came from overseas. I’d like you to put your view to the public.

MS: I couldn’t care less what the public think. I don’t agree with Eddie Jones. I don’t agree with Brendan McCullum. International sport is different.

Dein does not see an issue with foreign managers leading England's national team

Dein does not see an issue with foreign managers leading England’s national team

DD: We got criticised at the time over Sven.

MS: I know, by people like me.

DD: And Sir Bobby Robson and David Beckham. But I always believe you choose the best person for the job.

MS: Yes, in any other walk of life. But if international sport is going to mean anything…

DD: But Arsenal are an English club. What about a rule where 50 per cent of players have to be homegrown?

MS: No, it’s your club. You’re entitled to run your club however you wish.

DD: Yes but with England the players are all English. And if the manager you’re employing is the best in the world…

MS: I’d dispute that with Sven.

DD: Right, you’re having heart surgery, do you worry the surgeon is German or Dutch or Japanese? You just want the best.

MS: No, if he was competing in heart surgery for England, he’d have to be English. If he was just operating in the local hospital he can be from wherever you like. My heart surgeon doesn’t do a lap of honour of the hospital wrapped in a Union Jack. That’s why it’s different.

DD: I’m enjoying this. And I see your argument. I suffered criticism with Sven. But when you look at his record, did he do a good job? Yes he did.

MS: When you look at Gareth Southgate’s record did he do a better job? Yes he did.

I’ve given myself the last word. But I’m not saying I got it.

Jared Kushner unveils defense of Saudi Arabia's MBS in new book

‘s son-in-law Jared Kushner defends his relationship with the notorious crown prince of Saudi of Arabia in a forthcoming memoir, saying that Mohammed Bin Salman was a reforming power in the kingdom and that he believed his denials of any personal involvement in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi.

Kushner’s ties to MBS have been under intense scrutiny this year.

Six months after leaving the , his new private equity firm secured a $2 billion investment from a fund led by the 36-year-old Saudi crown prince, raising questions about whether Kushner was being rewarded for acting as a go-between.

In ‘Breaking History: A White House Memoir,’ which will be published on August 23, Kushner defends working with MBS, even after dissident journalist Khashoggi was killed in 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

‘While this situation was terrible, I couldn’t ignore the fact that the reforms that MBS was implementing were having a positive impact on millions of people in the kingdom—especially women,’ he writes, according to excerpts published by the

‘All of these reforms were major priorities for the United States, as they led to further progress in combating extremism and advancing economic opportunity and stability throughout the war-torn region. 

‘The kingdom was poised to build on this historic progress, and I believed it would.’

In a forthcoming memoir Jared Kushner defends his close relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, even though U.S. intelligence agencies concluded he was responsible for the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi

In a forthcoming memoir Jared Kushner defends his close relationship with Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, even though U.S. intelligence agencies concluded he was responsible for the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi

MBS, as he is known, has worked ruthlessly to silence opponents and consolidate power

MBS, as he is known, has worked ruthlessly to silence opponents and consolidate power 

Khashoggi criticized MBS's approach to power in commentaries published in the Washington Post and elsewhere. He was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 after MBS personally ordered that he be killed or captured, according to US intelligence agencies

Khashoggi criticized MBS’s approach to power in commentaries published in the Washington Post and elsewhere. He was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 after MBS personally ordered that he be killed or captured, according to US intelligence agencies

Breaking History is published by Broadside Books on August 23

Breaking History is published by Broadside Books on August 23

Kushner also said he accepted the Saudi leader’s claim that he was not personally involved. 

That puts him at odds with U.S. intelligence agencies, which concluded that MBS had directly approved an operation to kill or capture Khashoggi.

Trump shrugged off the episode as an anomaly that should not get in the way of relations between Washington and Riyadh.

And although President Joe Biden has talked of building a foreign policy based on values and of making Saudi Arabia a pariah for its actions, earlier this month he met with MBS as part of an effort to improve relations and bring down oil prices. 

Throughout Trump’s time in office, Kushner’s close relationship with MBS was a source of friction between officials. If you have any questions pertaining to where and ways to utilize Lawyer Turkey, you can call us at the internet site. He was widely reported to use WhatsApp to communicate with the crown prince, keeping other staff and Lawyer Turkey Cabinet secretaries in the dark.

In 2017 he had an angry showdown with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson who accused him of undercutting his authority. 

President Joe Biden exchanges an awkward fist bump with MBS during his trip to Jeddah earlier this month. Biden had promised to make Saudi Arabia a pariah

President Joe Biden exchanges an awkward fist bump with MBS during his trip to Jeddah earlier this month. Biden had promised to make Saudi Arabia a pariah

Tillerson opposed Kushner’s effort to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and accused him of backing Saudi Arabia’s push to isolate Qatar, home to a vital U.S. airbase. 

‘You are lighting a match in a dry forest, and the whole Middle East is on fire,’ Tillerson said, according to the book. 

‘You might as well go before the Senate for confirmation because you are going to cause a war, and I am not going to be the one to be blamed for it.’

In Kushner’s account, he then called MBS so that he could reassure Tillerson that he was not being cut out of talks.

But Tillerson stormed out of the room, shouting: ‘I can’t operate like this!’ 

 

Meet MBS, the Saudi crown prince who owns a $500m yacht and French chateau, plays ‘Call of Duty,’ reopened theaters, and according to U.S. intelligence ordered the killing of Jamal Khashoggi

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has shaken up the conservative kingdom with head-spinning reforms while quashing any threats to his status since becoming de facto ruler of the world’s biggest oil producer five years ago.

The hard-charging heir drew international revulsion after Saudi agents killed and dismembered journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, but US President Joe Biden’s visit to the kingdom this month has helped restore his position on the international stage, forcing world leaders to deal with him whether they want to or not.

A towering figure with a full-face beard, deep growling voice and seemingly boundless energy, Prince Mohammed is known for his super-sized ambitions, from building the futuristic megacity known as NEOM to waging the seven-year-old war in neighbouring Yemen.

The brash 36-year-old, known widely as ‘MBS’ and said to have a fondness for fast food and the ‘Call of Duty’ video games, is also fabulously rich, owning a $500 million yacht, a French chateau and, according to officially denied reports, a $450 million Leonardo da Vinci painting.

Then President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speak at the G20 Osaka Summit on June 28, 2019

Then President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman speak at the G20 Osaka Summit on June 28, 2019

Unlike other Saudi princes with their British accents, sharp suits and Oxford degrees, MBS embraces the country’s Bedouin roots, usually donning a traditional robe and sandals, treating friends and relatives to lavish roast lamb meals in luxury desert camps.

Having plotted his path to power from relative obscurity, Prince Mohammed has overseen the biggest transformation in Saudi Arabia’s modern history, the world’s top crude oil exporter and host of Islam’s two holiest sites, Mecca and Medina.

Under his rule, the kingdom’s religious police have been de-fanged, cinemas have reopened, foreign tourists have been welcomed, and Saudi Arabia has staged a film festival, operas, Formula One Grand Prix, heavyweight boxing, professional wrestling and a huge rave festival.

Yet he has also jailed critics and, in a sweeping purge of the nation’s elite, detained and threatened some 200 princes and businessmen in Riyadh’s Ritz-Carlton hotel in a 2017 anti-corruption crackdown that tightened his grip on power.

Turkish writer Hatice Cengiz, fiancee of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, poses next to his portrait in Washington on October 1, 2021, on the third anniversary of his murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul

Turkish writer Hatice Cengiz, fiancee of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, poses next to his portrait in Washington on October 1, 2021, on the third anniversary of his murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul

His image was most severely tarnished by the brutal murder of Khashoggi inside the kingdom’s Istanbul consulate in October 2018, which prompted condemnation of the crown prince, despite Riyadh’s insistence that rogue agents carried out the killing.

‘MBS is a hugely divisive character, praised by supporters as a long-awaited game-changer in a region aching for it and dismissed by foes as a brutal dictator in the making,’ wrote Ben Hubbard in ‘MBS: The Rise to Power of Mohammed bin Salman’.

‘He is determined to give Saudis a shining, prosperous future and exercises an unflinching willingness to crush his foes. Combined in different doses, those attributes will likely guide his actions far into the future.’

This handout picture provided by the Saudi Royal Palace on November 20, 2019 shows Saudi Arabia's King Salman bin Abdulaziz, on the right, arriving with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address the Shura council in Riyadh

This handout picture provided by the Saudi Royal Palace on November 20, 2019 shows Saudi Arabia’s King Salman bin Abdulaziz, on the right, arriving with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to address the Shura council in Riyadh

Prince Mohammed, son of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, was born on August 31, 1985. He is one of the hundreds of grandchildren of the country’s founder, King Abdulaziz Ibn Saud, and grew up in a Riyadh palace with his mother, Fahda, one of his father’s four wives, and his five brothers.

‘As the sixth son of the 25th son of the founding king, there was little reason to expect that he would rise to prominence,’ wrote Hubbard. ‘And for Lawyer Turkey most of his life, few people did.’

He earned a law degree from Riyadh’s King Saud University but never studied abroad, and soon worked as a special adviser to his father, the then-Riyadh governor.

Saudi Arabia has opened up to cultural and sports events, including the Dakar Rally 2021

Saudi Arabia has opened up to cultural and sports events, including the Dakar Rally 2021

When King Salman assumed the throne in early 2015, he named Prince Mohammed as defence minister. Soon the young man also coordinated economic policy, oversaw the state oil company Saudi Aramco and supervised the kingdom’s military intervention in Yemen.

Within a year, he held so many portfolios that diplomats called him ‘Mr Everything’.

The prince – now a father of three boys and two girls, who unlike other Saudi royals has only one wife – reportedly worked 16-hour days and drew inspiration from Winston Churchill and Sun Tzu’s ‘The Art of War’.

His rise was rapid, replacing his elder cousin Prince Mohammed bin Nayef to become heir to the throne in 2017. Three years later Prince Nayef, along with a brother of King Salman, was reportedly detained.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has overseen the most fundamental transformation in the kindom's modern history

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has overseen the most fundamental transformation in the kindom’s modern history

Prince Mohammed has pledged to forge a ‘moderate’ Saudi Arabia and courts international investors for his wide-ranging Vision 2030 plan to diversify the oil-reliant economy.

‘We want to live a normal life,’ he once told business leaders in Riyadh. ‘All we are doing is going back to what we were — a moderate Islam that is open to all religions and open to the world.

‘Seventy percent of the Saudi population is under 30 and, honestly, we will not spend the next 30 years of our lives dealing with extremist ideas. We will destroy them today.’

– ‘Fire hose of ideas’ –

As he rose to prominence, he toured the United States and charmed leaders in the White House and on Wall Street, in Silicon Valley and Hollywood.

People attend the Soundstorm music festival, organized by MDLBEAST, in Banban on the outskirts of the Saudi capital Riyadh on December 16, 2021

People attend the Soundstorm music festival, organized by MDLBEAST, in Banban on the outskirts of the Saudi capital Riyadh on December 16, 2021

New York Times writer Thomas Friedman recounted how in an interview that lasted late into the night, the prince ‘wore me out with a fire hose of new ideas for transforming his country’.

Perhaps his most hyper-ambitious initiative is the $500 billion NEOM project on the Red Sea coast, to be powered by solar energy and staffed by robots, which the prince describes as a ‘civilisational leap for humanity’.

Reflecting the hopes of the country’s youthful population, Prince Mohammed has eased restrictions on women’s rights, allowing them to drive, Lawyer Turkey attend sports events and concerts alongside men, and obtain passports without the approval of a male guardian.

Along with the reforms, though, came a crackdown on dissidents, including intellectuals and women’s rights activists, part of an apparent strategy to stamp out any trace of opposition before a formal transfer of power from King Salman.

Internationally, he has pursued a more assertive foreign policy, plunging the kingdom into a quagmire of regional rivalries: the Yemen war, hostility toward Shiite power Iran, a three-year blockade of Qatar until 2021, and the reported detention of Lebanon’s prime minister for several tense days.

Prince Mohammed, who once publicly berated US president Barack Obama for criticising Saudi Arabia’s rights record, forged a strong bond with Donald Trump and especially his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, which served him well during the fallout over Khashoggi’s death.

A handout picture provided by the Saudi Royal Palace shows Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving French President Emmanuel Macron in Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah on December 4, 2021

A handout picture provided by the Saudi Royal Palace shows Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receiving French President Emmanuel Macron in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah on December 4, 2021

The prince initially faced renewed scrutiny of his human rights record from Biden, who released an intelligence report stating MBS had ‘approved an operatio’ to capture or kill Khashoggi.

Biden did not, however, take action against the crown prince and Lawyer Turkey this month the pair met on Saudi soil, despite an earlier pledge to make the country a ‘pariah’.

This shift is perhaps an acknowledgement that Prince Mohammed, still in his 30s, could rule Saudi Arabia for half a century or more.

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