For both Israel and Turkey, the present moment may appear to be a golden opportunity to forge a durable bond in the coming years. But it is more likely that this is going to be a temporary, tactical alliance rather than a strategic partnership, given the conflicting nature of national interests and the personalities of their leaders.
Both Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are betting on US president-elect Donald Trump, with a mix of confidence and anxiety.
Indeed, Mr Trump, while mercurial, is decisive when it comes to American interests, which he prioritises above all else. Mr Trump disdains complacency, whether in personal relationships with world leaders or in assumptions about his broader policies and future actions. His influence is already shaping international and regional power dynamics even before entering the White House, redefining the positions of Turkey and Israel in the new map of the Middle East.
The outline of a new Pax Americana – or American-led peace – is reassuring to some but is triggering panic in others, who fear it might signal unchecked American hegemony at the expense of a multipolar world.
Yet, the traditional concept of Pax Americana is not the objective for Mr Trump, who does not want the US to bear the costs of maintaining such peace. He does not believe in paying for the defence of others, as evident in his stance towards Nato member states.
Mr Trump does not want America to fund state-building in any other country. Rather, he envisions a Pax Americana that brings benefits, profits and wealth to the US, one centred on investment in America, requiring favourable environments and the removal of obstacles to this vision.
The Middle East is undergoing seismic transformations that have, so far, resulted in pushing Russia out of its Syrian bases and potentially ejecting it from the Mediterranean. Regardless of Russian President Vladimir Putin's claim that withdrawing from Syria was a "mission accomplished" victory against terrorism, his statements about the future of Russian bases are striking.
The outlines of a new Pax Americana – or American-led peace – is reassuring to some but is triggering panic in others
He said Russia did not know to what extent it needs the bases in Syria and what they might offer, adding that Moscow is reassessing the future of its presence in Syria based on the actions of the new Syrian authorities.
Despite Mr Putin's claims, however, losing the Hmeimim and Tartus bases on the Mediterranean is likely to erode Russia's capabilities and curtail its ambitions in the Middle East and Africa. The loss in Syria will be costly for Russia in Libya and its African deployments.
Meanwhile, what Mr Erdogan could offer Mr Trump and other Nato leaders, as well as to Israel, is a new Syria, in which Turkey could help oversee upcoming elections and play a role in drafting a new constitution, applying Turkey's governance model. Mr Erdogan may promise, though not guarantee, that Syria will not turn into a hub for Islamic extremism.
Mr Trump has expressed admiration for Mr Erdogan’s ambitions and personality, calling their relationship "great" and Mr Erdogan a "very strong and smart man” worthy of the greatness of the Ottoman Empire, which previously dominated Syria for hundreds of years.
Mr Trump described Mr Erdogan's actions in Syria as an "unfriendly takeover" through opposition factions but stated, "I think Turkey is very smart," adding, "Turkey wanted control of Syria 'for thousands of years' and now they have it” in reference to the Ottoman history of Syria.
Turkey’s foreign minister objected to Mr Trump’s description of Ankara’s actions as a "takeover", but behind the scenes, Mr Trump’s team assured Mr Erdogan’s government that Mr Trump would not stand in Turkey’s way as long as it respects America’s red lines vis-a-vis the Kurds.
Furthermore, the US could drop opposition to Turkey's acquisition of F-35 aircraft, and to its imposition of its governance model in Syria and expansion of influence in North Africa from Libya to Egypt.
Indeed, US interests currently align with Turkey’s readiness to act on behalf of Washington and Nato capitals. And Turkey would double its regional influence should it succeed in imposing its model in Syria first, followed by Egypt and other Arab nations.
Iranian leaders are also concerned if the US decides to launch strikes against Iran. The US conditions to not strike, in simple terms, are firstly: Iran’s complete cessation of any projects or ambitions related to acquiring nuclear weapons as quickly as possible. Secondly, the dismantling of Tehran’s doctrine based on extending its influence and exporting its revolution through loyal proxies and militias.
As it appears now, Tehran is not prepared at this juncture to play by these rules, perhaps due to its internal disputes. However, Mr Trump does not want to wait for Iran to complete its nuclear programme. He wants to seize the opportunity presented by Iran’s current strategic weakness – otherwise, he could shift from incentives to threats and cripple Iran economically, along with its nuclear programme.
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It can be said that the most significant relationship for Mr Trump in the Middle East is the US-Israeli alliance, which the president-elect wants to be the strongest. Israel today is at its strongest regionally and it wants Turkey's co-operation with its policies towards Iran, particularly in relation of striking Iran's nuclear capabilities.
The regional balance of power has shifted dramatically following the decline of Iran’s influence and the rise of Turkey and Israel to prominence. Arab countries are cautious, aware that their weight could become more significant if they use their leverage effectively. Some Gulf countries are trying to avoid ideological alignment, taking a position on Iran, or entangling themselves in Turkish-Israeli relations.
The strongest leverage Gulf countries have is their openness to the "deal of the century", which Mr Trump wants to implement, particularly between Saudi Arabia and Israel, while maintaining their positions on a Palestinian state and the two-state solution.
Additionally, there are tools for influencing the reconstruction of Lebanon and Syria – not only practically on the ground but also by shaping the reconstruction of both countries to ensure they remain in the Arab fold, despite Turkish and Israeli projects aiming to impose changes in them aligned with their interests.
The US would be mistaken if it gave Turkey or Israel unchecked authority to meddle in Arab countries. This is because the new Pax Americana carries significant opportunities that could serve American interests through the Arab gateway. But this cannot be done by turning the Middle East into a Turkish-Israeli feast, to the tunes of an American carte blanche.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
23-man shortlist for next six Hall of Fame inductees
Tony Adams, David Beckham, Dennis Bergkamp, Sol Campbell, Eric Cantona, Andrew Cole, Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba, Les Ferdinand, Rio Ferdinand, Robbie Fowler, Steven Gerrard, Roy Keane, Frank Lampard, Matt Le Tissier, Michael Owen, Peter Schmeichel, Paul Scholes, John Terry, Robin van Persie, Nemanja Vidic, Patrick Viera, Ian Wright.
Profile of MoneyFellows
Founder: Ahmed Wadi
Launched: 2016
Employees: 76
Financing stage: Series A ($4 million)
Investors: Partech, Sawari Ventures, 500 Startups, Dubai Angel Investors, Phoenician Fund
WHAT IS GRAPHENE?
It was discovered in 2004, when Russian-born Manchester scientists Andrei Geim and Kostya Novoselov were experimenting with sticky tape and graphite, the material used as lead in pencils.
Placing the tape on the graphite and peeling it, they managed to rip off thin flakes of carbon. In the beginning they got flakes consisting of many layers of graphene. But when they repeated the process many times, the flakes got thinner.
By separating the graphite fragments repeatedly, they managed to create flakes that were just one atom thick. Their experiment led to graphene being isolated for the very first time.
In 2010, Geim and Novoselov were awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics.
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
The%20specs
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The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
The biog
Name: Sari Al Zubaidi
Occupation: co-founder of Cafe di Rosati
Age: 42
Marital status: single
Favourite drink: drip coffee V60
Favourite destination: Bali, Indonesia
Favourite book: 100 Years of Solitude
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
Visa changes give families fresh hope
Foreign workers can sponsor family members based solely on their income
Male residents employed in the UAE can sponsor immediate family members, such as wife and children, subject to conditions that include a minimum salary of Dh 4,000 or Dh 3,000 plus accommodation.
Attested original marriage certificate, birth certificate of the child, ejari or rental contract, labour contract, salary certificate must be submitted to the government authorised typing centre to complete the sponsorship process
In Abu Dhabi, a woman can sponsor her husband and children if she holds a residence permit stating she is an engineer, teacher, doctor, nurse or any profession related to the medical sector and her monthly salary is at least Dh 10,000 or Dh 8,000 plus accommodation.
In Dubai, if a woman is not employed in the above categories she can get approval to sponsor her family if her monthly salary is more than Dh 10,000 and with a special permission from the Department of Naturalization and Residency Dubai.
To sponsor parents, a worker should earn Dh20,000 or Dh19,000 a month, plus a two-bedroom accommodation
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
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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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
RESULTS
Argentina 4 Haiti 0
Peru 2 Scotland 0
Panama 0 Northern Ireland 0
Sun jukebox
Rufus Thomas, Bear Cat (The Answer to Hound Dog) (1953)
This rip-off of Leiber/Stoller’s early rock stomper brought a lawsuit against Phillips and necessitated Presley’s premature sale to RCA.
Elvis Presley, Mystery Train (1955)
The B-side of Presley’s final single for Sun bops with a drummer-less groove.
Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Two, Folsom Prison Blues (1955)
Originally recorded for Sun, Cash’s signature tune was performed for inmates of the titular prison 13 years later.
Carl Perkins, Blue Suede Shoes (1956)
Within a month of Sun’s February release Elvis had his version out on RCA.
Roy Orbison, Ooby Dooby (1956)
An essential piece of irreverent juvenilia from Orbison.
Jerry Lee Lewis, Great Balls of Fire (1957)
Lee’s trademark anthem is one of the era’s best-remembered – and best-selling – songs.
The specs
Engine: Turbocharged four-cylinder 2.7-litre
Power: 325hp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh189,700
On sale: now
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ERemedy%20Entertainment%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Microsoft%20Game%20Studios%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20PlayStation%204%20%26amp%3B%205%2C%20Xbox%3A%20360%20%26amp%3B%20One%20%26amp%3B%20Series%20X%2FS%20and%20Nintendo%20Switch%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: 2018 BMW X2 and X3
Price, as tested: Dh255,150 (X2); Dh383,250 (X3)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder (X2); 3.0-litre twin-turbo inline six-cylinder (X3)
Power 192hp @ 5,000rpm (X2); 355hp @ 5,500rpm (X3)
Torque: 280Nm @ 1,350rpm (X2); 500Nm @ 1,520rpm (X3)
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic (X2); Eight-speed automatic (X3)
Fuel consumption, combined: 5.7L / 100km (X2); 8.3L / 100km (X3)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Match info
Huddersfield Town 0
Chelsea 3
Kante (34'), Jorginho (45' pen), Pedro (80')
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
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