Abdallah Ocalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, formerly supported by Syria, with his guerrillas, at a training camp in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, 1992. AFP
Abdallah Ocalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, formerly supported by Syria, with his guerrillas, at a training camp in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, 1992. AFP
Abdallah Ocalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, formerly supported by Syria, with his guerrillas, at a training camp in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, 1992. AFP
Abdallah Ocalan, leader of the Kurdistan Workers Party, formerly supported by Syria, with his guerrillas, at a training camp in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, 1992. AFP

Erdogan's diplomatic overtures to Assad likely to yield only minor wins


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  • Arabic

The last time ties between Ankara and Damascus improved, in the late 2000s, Turkish goods flooded Syria, helping to fuel a consumer boom. Demand was even high for Turkish SIM cards in border areas, to avoid eavesdropping by Syrian authorities.

The two countries had strained relations over Syria's support for the Kurdistan Workers Party, a separatist group fighting against the Turkish government.

The opening was part of a wider foreign policy realignment by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to improve Turkey's standing in the Arab world. The rapprochement was a win-win, helping Syrian President Bashar Al Assad break international isolation over his country's suspected role in the assassination of Lebanese statesman Rafik Hariri, while Turkey gained regional influence and economic benefits.

The main loser was anti-Turkish Kurdish militia fighters based in Syria, where they had enjoyed decades of sanctuary.

Between 2007 and 2010, in response to demands by Ankara, Syrian security forces rounded up Kurdish militia commanders, before a secret court in Damascus sentenced them to long jail terms.

But after the outbreak of the Syrian civil war with Syria splintered into different zones of control, Turkey backed Sunni rebels and carved out an area of influence near the border, while US-backed Kurdish separatists seized control of parts of northern and eastern Syria.

Turkish forces and their proxies have clashed with the Syrian army and its Iranian backers several times.

Now, after years of tense relations, the potential for another reconciliation between Ankara and Damascus appears to be gaining traction.

Neither Ankara nor Damascus has provided a clear road map or timeline to normalisation. But on board a plane after returning from watching the Turkish football team exit the Euro 2024 tournament in Berlin, Mr Erdogan renewed an offer to meet Mr Assad, underlining the need to resolve the civil war.

"We have now come to such a point that if Bashar Al Assad takes a step towards improving relations with Turkey, we will show that approach towards him," Mr Erdogan said.

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi talks with Syria's President Bashar Al Assad ahead of the Arab League Summit in Jeddah, , May 19, 2023. Reuters
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi talks with Syria's President Bashar Al Assad ahead of the Arab League Summit in Jeddah, , May 19, 2023. Reuters

Moscow and Tehran, Mr Assad's two closest allies, both support their possible reconciliation, and Mr Erdogan said Russian President Vladimir Putin would attend the proposed meeting with Mr Assad.

Iran has been also using its regional contacts to urge Mr Erdogan to normalise, seeking to strengthen its regional position against Israel by bringing Turkey closer to the anti-Israel "Axis of Resistance".

Turkey has taken a tough stance against Israel and in support of Iran-backed Hamas in the Gaza war.

Rapprochement with Ankara would be a major diplomatic victory for Mr Assad, who wants Turkey and the US out of Syria, and to end his isolation, a process that began last year with the restoration of ties with many Arab countries.

Mr Erdogan also hopes to gain from the move. The Turkish President has three main goals, according to diplomats and members of the Syrian opposition briefed by Turkish officials.

First, he wants Syrian security forces to launch sustained military action against US-backed Kurdish militias in north-west Syria. Turkey's government is fiercely opposed to the Kurdish militias, whose allied separatists have carried out attacks across the border in Turkey. Second, Ankara wants Mr Assad to guarantee the safe return of masses of Syrian refugees who are currently living in Turkey.

Third, it wants talks to resume on a political solution to the war that takes account of Turkish interests in reconstruction and other postwar arrangements.

Mr Erdogan described this potential solution to the war as a "new inclusive social contract".

However, experts have warned Mr Erdogan is unlikely to achieve these goals.

“Even the Turks do not see a real possibility of Assad conceding to anything substantial,” one European diplomat said. “His strategy throughout the war has been not to compromise and rely on Russia for protection.

"Assad has an interest, like Erdogan, in seeing the Kurds undermined, but the United States is in the way," he said.

But even if Mr Erdogan does not achieve his major strategic goals, he could still stand to gain from meeting Mr Assad. The Turkish government faces growing domestic pressure to send Syrian refugees back across the border, and talks could project the image that Mr Erdogan is addressing the public's concerns.

Former Turkish diplomat Omer Onhon said even if Mr Erdogan achieves “a handshake and a kiss" with Mr Assad, it would not solve Turkish concerns as far as the Kurdish militias and refugees.

“He has abandoned this [former] policy of a Syria without Assad," said Mr Onhon, who was ambassador to Syria at the outbreak of the revolt against Mr Assad in 2011.

"This is a very long process," he said.

Serhat Cubukcuoglu, senior researcher at TRENDS Research and Advisory in Abu Dhabi, did not rule out a meeting between Mr Erdogan and Mr Assad, but suggested it was unlikely to produce a political outcome.

“Even if Assad meets with Erdogan, I think the aim is to have a photo op, to appear as having shaken hands, and for Erdogan to both satisfy his domestic interlocutors and his foreign partners," Mr Cubukcuoglu said.

Lizzie Porter reported from Istanbul and Nada AlTaher reported from Abu Dhabi.

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
F1 The Movie

Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem

Director: Joseph Kosinski

Rating: 4/5

What is an FTO Designation?

FTO designations impose immigration restrictions on members of the organisation simply by virtue of their membership and triggers a criminal prohibition on knowingly providing material support or resources to the designated organisation as well as asset freezes. 

It is a crime for a person in the United States or subject to the jurisdiction of the United States to knowingly provide “material support or resources” to or receive military-type training from or on behalf of a designated FTO.

Representatives and members of a designated FTO, if they are aliens, are inadmissible to and, in certain circumstances removable from, the United States.

Except as authorised by the Secretary of the Treasury, any US financial institution that becomes aware that it has possession of or control over funds in which an FTO or its agent has an interest must retain possession of or control over the funds and report the funds to the Treasury Department.

Source: US Department of State

The bio

Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.

Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.

Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.

Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.

SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202-litre%204-cylinder%20turbo%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E268hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E380Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFrom%20Dh208%2C000%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%0D%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The bio

Favourite book: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Favourite travel destination: Maldives and south of France

Favourite pastime: Family and friends, meditation, discovering new cuisines

Favourite Movie: Joker (2019). I didn’t like it while I was watching it but then afterwards I loved it. I loved the psychology behind it.

Favourite Author: My father for sure

Favourite Artist: Damien Hurst

Company%20Profile
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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.

Part three: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The%20specs
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Bert van Marwijk factfile

Born: May 19 1952
Place of birth: Deventer, Netherlands
Playing position: Midfielder

Teams managed:
1998-2000 Fortuna Sittard
2000-2004 Feyenoord
2004-2006 Borussia Dortmund
2007-2008 Feyenoord
2008-2012 Netherlands
2013-2014 Hamburg
2015-2017 Saudi Arabia
2018 Australia

Major honours (manager):
2001/02 Uefa Cup, Feyenoord
2007/08 KNVB Cup, Feyenoord
World Cup runner-up, Netherlands

What is tokenisation?

Tokenisation refers to the issuance of a blockchain token, which represents a virtually tradable real, tangible asset. A tokenised asset is easily transferable, offers good liquidity, returns and is easily traded on the secondary markets. 

Race 3

Produced: Salman Khan Films and Tips Films
Director: Remo D’Souza
Cast: Salman Khan, Anil Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Bobby Deol, Daisy Shah, Saqib Salem
Rating: 2.5 stars

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E77kWh%202%20motors%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E178bhp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E410Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERange%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E402km%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh%2C150%2C000%20(estimate)%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ETBC%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

While you're here
Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

ICC men's cricketer of the year

2004 - Rahul Dravid (IND) ; 2005 - Jacques Kallis (SA) and Andrew Flintoff (ENG); 2006 - Ricky Ponting (AUS); 2007 - Ricky Ponting; 2008 - Shivnarine Chanderpaul (WI); 2009 - Mitchell Johnson (AUS); 2010 - Sachin Tendulkar (IND); 2011 - Jonathan Trott (ENG); 2012 - Kumar Sangakkara (SL); 2013 - Michael Clarke (AUS); 2014 - Mitchell Johnson; 2015 - Steve Smith (AUS); 2016 - Ravichandran Ashwin (IND); 2017 - Virat Kohli (IND); 2018 - Virat Kohli; 2019 - Ben Stokes (ENG); 2021 - Shaheen Afridi

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
BAD%20BOYS%3A%20RIDE%20OR%20DIE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Adil%20El%20Arbi%20and%20Bilall%20Fallah%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EWill%20Smith%2C%20Martin%20Lawrence%2C%20Joe%20Pantoliano%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
If you go

The flights

Fly direct to London from the UAE with Etihad, Emirates, British Airways or Virgin Atlantic from about Dh2,500 return including taxes. 

The hotel

Rooms at the convenient and art-conscious Andaz London Liverpool Street cost from £167 (Dh800) per night including taxes.

The tour

The Shoreditch Street Art Tour costs from £15 (Dh73) per person for approximately three hours. 

UK-EU trade at a glance

EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years

Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products

Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries

Smoother border management with use of e-gates

Cutting red tape on import and export of food

Gulf Men's League final

Dubai Hurricanes 24-12 Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

Nepotism is the name of the game

Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad. 

Bib%20Gourmand%20restaurants
%3Cp%3EAl%20Khayma%0D%3Cbr%3EBait%20Maryam%0D%3Cbr%3EBrasserie%20Boulud%0D%3Cbr%3EFi'lia%0D%3Cbr%3Efolly%0D%3Cbr%3EGoldfish%0D%3Cbr%3EIbn%20AlBahr%0D%3Cbr%3EIndya%20by%20Vineet%0D%3Cbr%3EKinoya%0D%3Cbr%3ENinive%0D%3Cbr%3EOrfali%20Bros%0D%3Cbr%3EReif%20Japanese%20Kushiyaki%0D%3Cbr%3EShabestan%0D%3Cbr%3ETeible%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
2.0

Director: S Shankar

Producer: Lyca Productions; presented by Dharma Films

Cast: Rajnikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

Scorecard

Scotland 220

K Coetzer 95, J Siddique 3-49, R Mustafa 3-35

UAE 224-3 in 43,5 overs

C Suri 67, B Hameed 63 not out

Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
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MOST%20POLLUTED%20COUNTRIES%20IN%20THE%20WORLD
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How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE

When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.

Updated: July 15, 2024, 1:02 PM`