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As Election Day approaches, the Arab-American community in an unassuming former steel town in Pennsylvania is struggling to reconcile its desire for a strong economy at home and lasting peace in the Middle East.
People are scared, said Joseph Elias, who founded Elias Market in Allentown more than four decades ago. The Lebanese-born businessman has only recently returned from his homeland, where Israeli forces have bombarded Beirut after launching a ground invasion against Hezbollah.
“I went through Beirut and I could smell … it's like a chemical or something from the bomb. I was … going to Beirut airport – it's bad,” he told The National.
With war threatening to engulf his homeland, Mr Elias – and others in Allentown's Arab-American community – are concerned over how the coming US presidential elections will affect them as well as friends and family back in Lebanon.
Pivotal swing state
Pennsylvania is a battleground state that is home to about 126,000 Arab Americans, according to the Arab American Institute. Lehigh County, where Allentown is, voted Democrat in 2016 and 2020.
It was Pennsylvania that delivered Joe Biden the presidency in 2020 after he won the state by 1.2 per cent. And the state could determine this year's election as well.
A recent Quinnipiac University poll showed the 2024 race was a virtual dead heat between Republican nominee Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris, with both needing the Keystone State's 19 electoral votes to help secure the win.
Both candidates understand the high stakes. Ms Harris, who unveiled her economic agenda in Pittsburgh in September, held a town hall event in a Philadelphia suburb on Monday while Mr Trump campaigned in Oaks, an unincorporated community 29km north-west of Philadelphia. He also held rallies in Scranton and Reading last week.
While Ms Harris holds a three-point edge in the state overall, Mr Trump holds narrow leads on the economy (plus 2) and the conflict in the Middle East (plus 1).
Both issues are weighing on Mr Elias's customers. “They have family overseas and they all worry about them because people are fleeing their homes … people are displaced and leaving their homes and going somewhere else to live,” he said. “Some of them are staying in schools now but I hope things get better.”
Elias Market has not felt the sting of inflation – which Mr Elias credits to buying the right products – but he has noticed it affecting his customers. “Lots of people depend on us. Some people cannot afford stuff. I give it to them a little bit cheaper. I give it to them for free. I donate to a lot of organisations. They need help. They ask for help. We're here to help.”
At a shop next to the Americus Hotel in central Allentown, a question about the economy led to a heated discussion between the owner, who identified himself only as "AB", and the Syrian-American owner of the Americus, Albert Abdouche.
When asked about his thoughts on why he trusts Mr Trump to handle the economy, AB said: "Yeah, he's an [expletive]. We got no respect for when he talks but he's a businessman."
When pressed on how the economy had changed since Mr Trump left office, he responded: "My dad's been in and out of the hospital … almost for the past three years. Just closed his business down. Need I say more?"
Mr Abdouche interjected with a question on the wars in the Middle East and Ukraine.
“How can he settle that? Listen to him,” he said.
AB responded: "I'm not sure. I'm not sure who America benefits in the wars outside here."
Inflation bites
The Americus has become a nexus of political activity in Allentown. A 'Syrians for Trump' event was held there on Friday night. It will also host a Democratic event later this month.
Speaking to The National, Mr Abdouche said he was torn between the economy and wars in the Middle East and Ukraine: while he trusted Mr Trump to take better care of the economy, Ms Harris was his preferred foreign policy candidate.
As a real estate businessman, Mr Abdouche bemoaned house prices, which remain a stubborn obstacle in taming inflation.
According to a report from the Case-Schiller National Home Price Index published in April, US home prices have increased by 47 per cent since 2020, to the detriment of potential homeowners. The average home in Allentown is valued at $285,500 today, up 6.6 per cent year-on-year, according to the Zillow Home Values Index. The median rent is $1,600, an annual increase of 3.22 per cent.
Numerous factors have played into rising housing costs including a lack of availability, high interest rates forcing homeowners to stay put and businesses to spend more on capital to build inventory.
And while he believes Ms Harris's plans to build three million homes and provide a $25,000 credit to first-time homebuyers, Mr Abdouche said more should have been done sooner, tying her economic record to President Joe Biden's.
“Why is she is waiting to do it next year? Why can't she do it [now]?” he asked.
Inflation has also taken a toll on Soumaya & Sons, a Lebanese bakery that opened its doors in 1979. Christopher Ballan, who now manages the bakery that his parents founded, told The National that profits have not been the same since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Any small business … that says they're killing it, they're lying,” he said.
Food prices swelled in 2022, and have risen 28 per cent since 2019. Although he declined to say who he would vote for, Mr Ballan said the economy is the most important issue for him in this election.
His views are in line with mainstream Pennsylvania voters who are concerned about their finances. Inflation was named as the top or second-most important issue by 62 per cent of Pennsylvania's voters, with 45 per cent pinpointing “economic growth and jobs” as one of their two most important issues, according to a Monmouth University poll released last month.
Mr Ballan said not only has inflation limited his own purchasing power at the grocery shop, but customers are buying less at the bakery than before the pandemic.
Soumaya & Sons has recorded a decrease in catering orders as well. “We found the downgrade in the amount of stuff that people buy. They'll limit it now … four people in their household, they'll buy four spinach pies for – enough for that moment, there's not that excessive of a buy-in,” he said.
“Profits are not there any more where they were because of the price to get the goods.”
November in focus
Most of the people who spoke to The National in Allentown demurred when asked who they would vote for come November, not wishing to mix politics with business. Mr Elias said he was trying to stay out of politics.
AB was more direct. “I hope Trump wins,” he said.
While he admitted to his admiration for Mr Trump, Mr Abdouche was unsure where his vote will go in a few weeks.
Although he voted for Mr Trump in 2020, the unfolding crises abroad have weighed heavily on Mr Abdouche.
“The Syrian people here … are confused. Some of them for Trump, some of them for Harris,” he said.
Mr Abdouche believes “most” Syrians in the community will back Mr Trump because they favour his handling on the economy. But when asked which issue he was most concerned about, he paused to consider before answering.
“I'm only worried about international war. That's what I care about. I care about the economy in the United States. I wish I could get both.”
Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
TEACHERS' PAY - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Pay varies significantly depending on the school, its rating and the curriculum. Here's a rough guide as of January 2021:
- top end schools tend to pay Dh16,000-17,000 a month - plus a monthly housing allowance of up to Dh6,000. These tend to be British curriculum schools rated 'outstanding' or 'very good', followed by American schools
- average salary across curriculums and skill levels is about Dh10,000, recruiters say
- it is becoming more common for schools to provide accommodation, sometimes in an apartment block with other teachers, rather than hand teachers a cash housing allowance
- some strong performing schools have cut back on salaries since the pandemic began, sometimes offering Dh16,000 including the housing allowance, which reflects the slump in rental costs, and sheer demand for jobs
- maths and science teachers are most in demand and some schools will pay up to Dh3,000 more than other teachers in recognition of their technical skills
- at the other end of the market, teachers in some Indian schools, where fees are lower and competition among applicants is intense, can be paid as low as Dh3,000 per month
- in Indian schools, it has also become common for teachers to share residential accommodation, living in a block with colleagues
THE BIO
Born: Mukalla, Yemen, 1979
Education: UAE University, Al Ain
Family: Married with two daughters: Asayel, 7, and Sara, 6
Favourite piece of music: Horse Dance by Naseer Shamma
Favourite book: Science and geology
Favourite place to travel to: Washington DC
Best advice you’ve ever been given: If you have a dream, you have to believe it, then you will see it.
AUSTRALIA SQUAD
Aaron Finch (captain), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, David Warner, Adam Zampa
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Avengers: Endgame
Directors: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo
Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Josh Brolin
4/5 stars
Stage result
1. Jasper Philipsen (Bel) Alpecin-Fenix 4:42:34
2. Sam Bennett (Irl) Bora-Hansgrohe
3. Elia Viviani (Ita) Ineos Grenadiers
4. Dylan Groenewegen (Ned) BikeExchange-Jayco
5. Emils Liepins (Lat) Trek-Segafredo
6. Arnaud Demare (Fra) Groupama-FDJ
7. Max Kanter (Ger) Movistar Team
8. Olav Kooij (Ned) Jumbo-Visma
9. Tom Devriendt (Bel) Intermarché-Wanty-Gobert Matériaux
10. Pascal Ackermann (Ger) UAE Team Emirate
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Specs
Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
The burning issue
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
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How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
US Industrial Market figures, Q1 2017
Vacancy Rate 5.4%
Markets With Positive Absorption 85.7 per cent
New Supply 55 million sq ft
New Supply to Inventory 0.4 per cent
Under Construction 198.2 million sq ft
(Source: Colliers)
Mountain Classification Tour de France after Stage 8 on Saturday:
- 1. Lilian Calmejane (France / Direct Energie) 11
- 2. Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana) 10
- 3. Daniel Martin (Ireland / Quick-Step) 8
- 4. Robert Gesink (Netherlands / LottoNL) 8
- 5. Warren Barguil (France / Sunweb) 7
- 6. Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) 6
- 7. Guillaume Martin (France / Wanty) 6
- 8. Jan Bakelants (Belgium / AG2R) 5
- 9. Serge Pauwels (Belgium / Dimension Data) 5
- 10. Richie Porte (Australia / BMC Racing) 4
Brief scoreline
Switzerland 0
England 0
Result: England win 6-5 on penalties
Man of the Match: Trent Alexander-Arnold (England)
MATCH INFO
Austria 2
Hinteregger (53'), Schopf (69')
Germany 1
Ozil (11')
Ferrari 12Cilindri specs
Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
Power: 819hp
Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm
Price: From Dh1,700,000
Available: Now
Match info
Newcastle United 1
Joselu (11')
Tottenham Hotspur 2
Vertonghen (8'), Alli (18')
The five pillars of Islam
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Name: Brendalle Belaza
From: Crossing Rubber, Philippines
Arrived in the UAE: 2007
Favourite place in Abu Dhabi: NYUAD campus
Favourite photography style: Street photography
Favourite book: Harry Potter
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What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
