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Marah Al-Bukai speake to Levant about the US Elections and the Future of US Presence in the Middle East

Marah Al-Bukai speake to Levant about the US Elections and the Future of US Presence in the Middle East
Analysing potential scenarios for the US elections and addressing key issues in the Middle East, Marah Al-Bukai calls for an international solution to the Syrian crisis.
In an exclusive interview with the Levant London newspaper, American-Syrian political scholar Marah Al-Bukai discussed the reasons behind President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race, her expectations for the election results between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, and her perspective on the situation in the Middle East and Syria.
Al-Bukai stated that President Biden’s inner circle did not want him to withdraw, nor did his family and advisors. However, his health deteriorated due to COVID-19, leading to his withdrawal following a request from Democratic leaders who met with him during his isolation at his home in Delaware. It appears they indicated that everyone wanted him to withdraw, essentially abandoning him.
Al-Bukai pointed out that Trump, a Republican, will undoubtedly be supported by Republicans, while Kamala Harris, who replaced Biden, will be supported by all Democrats. Each side will now focus on swing states where voters have not yet decided who to vote for, based on the candidates’ platforms. Current polls in swing states indicate that Trump is ahead because he focuses on the economy. Both Trump and Harris need to avoid personal attacks, as this approach is not effective.
Discussing the Syrian situation, Al-Bukai mentioned its complexity, stating that the US alone cannot provide all that Syrians need now. The situation requires international consensus, possibly led by the US, to end the chaos, instability, and the Syrian regime’s reluctance to engage in the necessary political process.
She highlighted that several countries have military presence and militias in Syria, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey. Regional and international efforts are needed to implement international and UN resolutions in Syria and ensure a smooth political transition within the framework established by the United Nations.
Levant: What is your opinion on President Biden's withdrawal from the presidential race?
Al-Bukai: “We know that President Biden's inner circle, including his family and advisors, did not want him to withdraw. However, his health worsened due to COVID-19, leading to his withdrawal following a request from Democratic leaders who met with him during his isolation in Delaware. They essentially abandoned him, unlike their support for Pelosi when she lost the House in 2022. His withdrawal seems to have resulted from this abandonment, especially by key Democratic leaders like Obama.”
Levant: What are your expectations for the US elections between Trump and Harris?
Al-Bukai: “Trump, as a Republican, will be supported by Republicans, and Harris, who replaced Biden, will be supported by Democrats. The focus now will be on swing states where voters have not decided yet, based on the candidates’ platforms. Current polls indicate that Trump is ahead due to his focus on the economy. Both candidates need to avoid personal attacks and focus on key issues such as the economy, immigration, inflation, foreign policies, and border security. Personal attacks are a tradition in the US, but Americans prefer to hear about political programs that benefit them, especially given the current economic struggles.”
Levant: What are the strengths and weaknesses of each candidate?
Al-Bukai: “For Trump, a major weakness is his age compared to Harris, who is in her late fifties. However, Trump’s health, mental acuity, and physical strength are commendable, showing no negative effects from his age. On the other hand, Harris, despite being younger, lacks significant political experience. In her four years, she had the opportunity to prove her capabilities as Vice President but failed to demonstrate effective management, notably in the immigration portfolio. Her response to a question about visiting the US-Mexico border was illogical and unwise. However, her strength lies in her appeal to women and minorities, which could help her gain their votes. Still, there could always be surprises in elections.”
Levant: What is the Future of the Middle East According to Each Candidate?
Al-Bukai on the Middle East:
“I believe that both parties’ candidates see the need for the US to withdraw from the Middle East physically. However, the manner of withdrawal is crucial. The Democratic way of withdrawal has shown poor examples, as seen in Afghanistan and Obama’s withdrawal from Iraq, which left a vacuum for Iranian influence. Republicans, too, want to withdraw but aim to leave behind partnerships with influential states and a secure Middle East.
For Syria, the situation is extremely complex. It’s not enough for the US alone to end the suffering of the Syrian people and find political solutions. There are occupying countries with militias and armies in Syria, including Russia, Iran, and Turkey. The situation requires international consensus, possibly led by the US, to end the chaos and instability and ensure the Syrian regime engages in the necessary political process.”
In conclusion, Al-Bukai emphasized that while the US has provided significant support, the solution requires regional and international efforts to implement UN resolutions and secure a smooth political transition in Syria according to the binding laws established by the United Nations.
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BENEFIT AGM approves 10%...
- March 27, 2025
BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).
Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.
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