Why Qatar is the focus of terrorism claims

By Tom Keatinge 

Centre for Financial Crime and Security Studies

The dispute that has seen Saudi Arabia and its Gulf allies isolate Qatar stems from allegations that the tiny gas-rich nation is sponsoring extremist groups which are destabilising the Middle East.

This is not the first time Qatar's neighbours have expressed their displeasure over its individualist foreign policy - diplomatic relations were severed for nine months in 2014.

Tensions have arisen from Qatar's support for the Islamist Muslim Brotherhood; its close relationship with groups such as the Taliban and certain al-Qaeda affiliates; and its relationship with Iran, which has most recently led to allegations from Saudi Arabia that the state-funded broadcaster Al Jazeera is supporting Houthi rebelsin Yemen fighting government forces backed by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

Doha has strongly denied Riyadh's accusations, and said it has taken more robust counter-terrorism measures than some of its neighbours.

Yet this latest row is shining a particular light on the role Qatar plays with its immense wealth.

In April, it reportedly paid a ransom of as much as $1bn (£790m) to a former al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria and to Iranian security officials as part of a deal that resulted in the release of 26 royal family members reportedly kidnapped by Iranian-backed Iraqi Shia militiamen and of dozens of Shia fighters captured by jihadists in Syria.

Thus it is Qatar's alleged continued funding of radical ideology and extremism that is seemingly the cause of concern this time.

'Way to go'

Since 9/11, the United States-led global effort to disrupt terrorist financing has been relentless. Domestic laws and United Nations Security Council Resolutions have been passed; entities and individuals have been subject to national and UN sanctions; and suspected conduits for terrorist funding, such as remittance companies and charities, have been shut down.

But despite all this, the commitment of some key nations, including Qatar, has been repeatedly questioned.

Merriam-Webster dictionary sums up Trump's 'covfefe' blunder in 1 perfect tweet

We knew that Donald Trump wasn't great at spelling but the "covfefe" tweet is truly something else. 

The internet had a lot of fun trying to figure out what the U.S. president wanted to say with that incomplete tweet, which is still online after more than four hours. 

Despite the constant negative press covfefe

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 31, 2017

After only one hour, America's faithful educator, Merriam-Webster, chimed in with a post that perfectly encapsulated how the whole internet felt after checking Twitter: Read more...

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Study Tips Backed By Science

Rather than consuming that tenth cup of coffee or asking your exhausted classmate how they manage to study for their tests, turn to science instead.

When we think of “studying,” we probably have similar images in mind: long, endless hours sitting in the same spot, pouring over the same material, trying almost desperately to commit it to memory. These tedious study methods are often seen as tried and true, despite no actual scientific evidence proving that they are. Maybe you had some random success after pulling an all-nighter, or your friend managed to get an A on a test they waited until the last minute to prepare for, but these shouldn’t be the study habits you resort to on a regular basis. In fact, always studying in the same room, studying a single subject for long periods of time, and other often-shared study tips have actually been proven to be unhelpful.

So, if those famous study methods aren’t the ones that work, then what methods do? Rather than turning to that tenth cup of coffee or asking your exhausted classmate how they manage to cram for their tests, it might be a bit more beneficial to turn to science instead.

Get Your Blood Flowing

Studies have shown that working in a bit of exercise throughout the week can help you stay fit improve your memory. Try doing some light cardio, like taking a 30 minute walk, a few times a week. Ride your bike rather than driving or taking public transit if you can. While studying, taking short breaks to walk around or do a few jumping jacks can keep your mind alert and blood pumping. The act of taking quick breaks is also important during studying, no matter how you spend them.

Take Your Time

Rather than trying to cram all of your studying into one, long session, break it up over smaller sessions over a longer period of time. Spend a few weeks leading up to a test or exam studying in short bursts rather than solely relying on that all-nighter the night before. For example, if you have three chapters from a textbook to cover, try to spend a few days working through each chapter, or a week per chapter if you can. While it might be difficult to plan your study time well in advance of a test or exam, it could be especially helpful to do so.

Protest: UI suspends students’ unionism

An emergency meeting of the Senate of the University of Ibadan was called on Tuesday where it was decided that students’ union activities on the campus should be suspended until further notice.

Undergraduate students of the institution were also asked to vacate their halls of residence before 6pm on Tuesday after they disobeyed the order to do so on Monday.

The decision followed the Monday closure of the school by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Idowu Olayinka, after students staged a protest, blocking the busy Mokola-Ojoo Road, thereby causing gridlock for several hours.

Don’t fight over politicians, they always reconcile – Oba of Lagos

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has advised Nigerians not to engage in disagreement over politicians, saying politicians always have a way of reconciling their differences behind closed doors.

A statement on Tuesday said Akiolu spoke during the 60th birthday of Mrs. Folashade Ashafa, the wife of the Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Gbenga Ashafa.

Schools to teach Maths, Science subjects in indigenous languages – Minister

The Federal Government says primary and secondary schools in the country will soon start teaching Mathematics and Science subjects in indigenous languages.

The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, said this at the inauguration of the inter-ministerial committee in the teaching of Mathematics and Science subjects in Local languages in Abuja on Wednesday.

The inter-ministerial committee involved Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and Ministry of Education.

He said the inter-ministerial committee would help to develop the capacity of the local languages to serve as effective tools for teaching mathematics and science subjects.

According to him, the project will help Nigerian students to understand mathematics and science subjects better.

He said the project would also promote the application of science and technology for national development.

Raid On Ekweremadu’s House: Police Arraign Ahmed Echoda Over False Information

The Nigerian Police Force has arraigned one person for allegedly providing false information to the police in connection with the raid on the house of the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu. 

Mr Ahmed Echoda was arraigned on Tuesday allegedly providing false information to the police, leading to the raid of Senator Ike Ekweremadu’s house.

The suspect, who was arraigned on one count of giving false information to the police, pleaded not guilty to the charge.