Tehran's expansionist ambitions in the region are likely to pose major headaches for those running Kremlin, given its budding relations with the Gulf countries. EPA
Tehran's expansionist ambitions in the region are likely to pose major headaches for those running Kremlin, given its budding relations with the Gulf countries. EPA
Tehran's expansionist ambitions in the region are likely to pose major headaches for those running Kremlin, given its budding relations with the Gulf countries. EPA
Raghida Dergham is the founder and executive chairwoman of the Beirut Institute, and a columnist for The National
January 23, 2022
Freezing the Ukraine crisis temporarily seems to be the only way to avoid a military confrontation between Russia and Nato. This would amount to stalling for time until comprehensive security arrangements vis-a-vis Europe can be formulated and Moscow can reach a broader agreement with the US-led security umbrella.
This seems to be the logic as Russian and American diplomats work behind the scenes while maintaining their respective threats of military action and sanctions. Reaching an agreement on the Ukraine question, specifically its desired membership of Nato, remains a challenge and perhaps even out of the question at this stage.
Amid tensions in Eastern Europe, Russia is deepening its relations with Iran, possibly with the intention of using the regime in Tehran as a means to pressure the West in various ways.
Indeed, it is possible that Russian President Vladimir Putin felt compelled to host his Iranian counterpart, Ebrahim Raisi, last week – despite the ongoing crisis in Europe. Tehran, it is said, was keen to hold the meeting. True or not, the visit marked a milestone in Russian-Iranian relations. The two sides essentially agreed to take a strategic leap in their alliance and collaborate at all levels. As such, Russia will become a partner of the so-called Islamic Republic through a permanent, sustained and long-term procedural mechanism agreed upon by the two leaders.
The countries, it seems, have also resolved to co-ordinate their respective objectives in Syria, where both sides maintain close relations with the Assad regime. They are likely to jointly stand up to Israel, with whom Iran and Syria both maintain adversarial relations. Israel, which has a longstanding border dispute with Syria, has been conducting its own covert military operations against Iranian proxies on the ground. But these operations may also have inconvenienced Russia's military objectives in the country – although Moscow is unlikely to immediately act on Israel's activities, given its current focus on the Ukraine crisis.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, right, hold talks in Moscow last week. EPA
The Russians, however, have to thread a fine needle in the Middle East at the moment. Tehran's expansionist ambitions in the region are likely to pose major headaches for those running Kremlin, given its budding relations with the Gulf countries with whom Iran has been at odds for decades. One of the many sources of friction is the ongoing civil war in Yemen, where the Gulf countries back the internationally recognised government while Tehran supports the Houthi rebel group.
The Moscow meeting took place just days after a drone attack on Abu Dhabi that the Houthis claimed responsibility for killed three people and injured six others. Whether the drones used in this attack were supplied by Iran remains unclear. And while it is believed that Yemen was not discussed in detail, I am given to understand that the hosts described the attack on the UAE as a "destabilising" development.
The US hasn't appeared any firmer than Russia has on the attack. The two countries may be at odds with each other over various issues, but they currently appear to prioritise improving relations with Tehran. For Russia, it's about improving strategic ties. For the US, it's about securing a nuclear deal, for which talks are ongoing in Vienna.
Of course, Washington has vowed to hold the Houthis accountable for the Abu Dhabi attack, but the Biden administration is divided on what action to take. US President Joe Biden is considering redesignating the militia as a terror group only a year after taking it off America's terror list, but those within the administration opposing such a move insist that resolving the Yemen crisis requires including both sides in the peace process.
A woman draped in a Ukrainian flag wipes a tear while standing at the Wall of Remembrance, which shows the photographs, names and birth and death dates of approximately 4,500 professional and volunteer soldiers who have died fighting for Ukraine in the ongoing Donbas conflict. Getty Images
The reality, however, is that the Biden administration has effectively tied the hands of its Yemen envoy, Tim Lenderking, on account of these internal divisions. Yet, it is clear that imposing sanctions on the Houthis is a necessary step to coerce them into agreeing to the US-UN-Gulf proposal that, by the way, accepts them as a party to the peace process and in a future government formed through negotiations.
The Houthis have a choice. Either submit to the pressure being exerted by the Iranian regime and its proxy Hezbollah to reject the peace plan, and thereby invite sanctions and the terror redesignation; or break free of these pressures and join the peace process. This would give it the right to participate in government with Gulf – and international – recognition, which will eventually end Yemen’s tragedy through a project to rescue its people and rebuild its infrastructure.
It won't be easy for the Houthis to disentangle themselves from the Iranian agenda.
Iran will attempt to showcase its skills in service of the anti-US coalition in the making
The Biden administration, meanwhile, needs to act tougher with Iran as well. Its priority may be securing a new and improved nuclear deal with Tehran. But it must understand that the regime is capitalising on Washington's anxiety over the fate of the nuclear negotiations. It must also realise that it may end up damaging its own relations with Arab countries by appearing weak against the Iranians over a number of issues, not least their expansionist policies across the Middle East.
Moscow's deepening ties with Tehran, in the face of American uncertainty, could well be part of what is appearing to be the expansion of an anti-US coalition that also includes China. And the Iranian regime will undoubtedly attempt to showcase its skills in service of this coalition by expanding its operations around the globe, from faraway Venezuela and the Caribbean to the Middle East, Central Asia, Africa and Europe. Indeed, there is an opportunity for the regime to engage in a militarised duel in what could become an era of militarised diplomacy. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – Iran's de facto rulers – are mobilised and ready for this purpose.
Even with this grim scenario in the making, could Russia and the West, for the sake of peace and stability, find common ground in Eastern Europe? There are signs that such an outcome is still possible, including in the form of Mr Biden's carefully nuanced statements on the crisis in recent days. One can only hope for the best.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
All matches in Bulawayo Friday, Sept 26 – First ODI Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Date of Birth: April 25, 1993 Place of Birth: Dubai, UAE Marital Status: Single School: Al Sufouh in Jumeirah, Dubai University: Emirates Airline National Cadet Programme and Hamdan University Job Title: Pilot, First Officer Number of hours flying in a Boeing 777: 1,200 Number of flights: Approximately 300 Hobbies: Exercising Nicest destination: Milan, New Zealand, Seattle for shopping Least nice destination: Kabul, but someone has to do it. It’s not scary but at least you can tick the box that you’ve been Favourite place to visit: Dubai, there’s no place like home
GREATEST ROYAL RUMBLE CARD
The line-up as it stands for the Greatest Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia on April 27
50-man Royal Rumble
Universal Championship
Brock Lesnar (champion) v Roman Reigns
Casket match
The Undertaker v Rusev
Intercontinental Championship
Seth Rollins (champion) v The Miz v Finn Balor v Samoa Joe
SmackDown Tag Team Championship
The Bludgeon Brothers v The Usos
Raw Tag Team Championship
Sheamus and Cesaro v Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy
United States Championship
Jeff Hardy (champion) v Jinder Mahal
Singles match
Triple H v John Cena
To be confirmed
AJ Styles will defend his WWE World Heavyweight title and Cedric Alexander his Cruiserweight Championship, but matches have yet to be announced
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023 More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
How to apply for a drone permit
Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
Submit their request
What are the regulations?
Fly it within visual line of sight
Never over populated areas
Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
8.50pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 Group Two $450,000 (D) 1,900m
9.25pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,800m
10pm Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,400m
The National selections
6.30pm Well Of Wisdom
7.05pm Summrghand
7.40pm Laser Show
8.15pm Angel Alexander
8.50pm Benbatl
9.25pm Art Du Val
10pm: Beyond Reason
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
Ad Astra
Director: James Gray
Stars: Brad Pitt, Tommy Lee Jones
Five out of five stars
RESULTS
2pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m Winner: Najem Al Rwasi, Fabrice Veron (jockey), Ahmed Al Shemaili (trainer)
2.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m Winner: Fandim, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
3pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m Winner: Harbh, Pat Cosgrave, Ahmed Al Mehairbi
3.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m Winner: Wakeel W’Rsan, Richard Mullen, Jaci Wickham
4pm: Crown Prince of Sharjah Cup Prestige (PA) Dh200,000 (D) 1,200m Winner: Jawaal, Fernando Jara, Majed Al Jahouri
4.30pm: Sheikh Ahmed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Cup (TB) Dh200,000 (D) 2,000m Winner: Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer
Farage on Muslim Brotherhood
Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister. "We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know. “All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.” It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins. Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement. The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Etihad, Emirates and Singapore Airlines fly direct from the UAE to Singapore from Dh2,265 return including taxes. The flight takes about 7 hours.
The hotel
Rooms at the M Social Singapore cost from SG $179 (Dh488) per night including taxes.
The tour
Makan Makan Walking group tours costs from SG $90 (Dh245) per person for about three hours. Tailor-made tours can be arranged. For details go to www.woknstroll.com.sg
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
She is the eldest of three brothers and two sisters
Has helped solve 15 cases of electric shocks
Enjoys travelling, reading and horse riding
'The Batman'
Stars:Robert Pattinson
Director:Matt Reeves
Rating: 5/5
Disposing of non-recycleable masks
Use your ‘black bag’ bin at home
Do not put them in a recycling bin
Take them home with you if there is no litter bin
No need to bag the mask
Fixtures:
Wed Aug 29 – Malaysia v Hong Kong, Nepal v Oman, UAE v Singapore
Thu Aug 30 - UAE v Nepal, Hong Kong v Singapore, Malaysia v Oman
Sat Sep 1 - UAE v Hong Kong, Oman v Singapore, Malaysia v Nepal
Sun Sep 2 – Hong Kong v Oman, Malaysia v UAE, Nepal v Singapore
Tue Sep 4 - Malaysia v Singapore, UAE v Oman, Nepal v Hong Kong
Thu Sep 6 – Final
