The terrible events in Israel and Gaza truly illuminate what a multipolar and divided world we live in. The US and its allies have been united in backing Israel to the hilt – to the extent that British Home Secretary Suella Braverman has told senior police that waving a Palestinian flag may constitute a criminal offence.
However, in South-East Asia, home to about 260 million Muslims, statements by the governments of Indonesia and Malaysia – where the vast majority of the region’s Muslims live – were very much in line with those issued by Saudi Arabia and Qatar over the weekend.
“The root of the conflict, namely the occupation of the Palestinian territories by Israel, must be resolved, in accordance with the parameters agreed upon by the UN,” Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry said. “The confiscation of land and property belonging to the Palestinian people is done relentlessly by the Zionists,” Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said. “As a result of this injustice, hundreds of innocent lives were sacrificed.”
These echoed Doha’s statement, which held “Israel solely responsible for the ongoing escalation due to its ongoing violations of the rights of the Palestinian people”, and Riyadh’s “repeated warnings” of escalation in light of “the ongoing occupation and the deprivation of the Palestinian people of their legitimate rights, as well as the repeated deliberate provocations against their holy sites”.
Neither officially nor among the general public did there appear to be significant condemnation of Hamas or any sympathy for Israel, which on Saturday saw hundreds of its citizens killed in the surprise attack from Gaza, and many others kidnapped and held hostage.
Indonesia and Malaysia have long been firmly on the Palestinian side; neither country has diplomatic relations with Israel. Perhaps a disproportionate response by the Netanyahu government was expected and grimly factored in. Yet in the region there was little sign of the horror that arose in western cities as news came in of the civilians who were massacred at a music festival on Saturday morning.
Why so? After all, these were innocent people, not combatants.
Part of the reason may be that few in Indonesia and Malaysia could think, “this could have been Levi and Ruth who used to live next door to us” and feel automatic empathy for the lost lives. For there is no Jewish community in Malaysia, and only one working synagogue and perhaps 200 Jewish Indonesians across the breadth of the country’s huge archipelago. There is simply no connection whatsoever with Israel or Jewish people – a distinction many will not make, in any case.
To ask another difficult question: is there any element of anti-Semitism in the response to what an Israeli military spokesman called “by far the worst day in Israeli history”? Well, Malaysia’s former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad is not alone in the region in believing that “today the Jews rule the world by proxy”, as he put it in his speech to the Organisation of Islamic Conference in Kuala Lumpur in 2003, words which he tweeted again this July. But such sentiments are only fuelled by what South-East Asia’s Muslims see as the enormous double standard applied to Israel.
Settlers dispossess Palestinians still further. Innocent people are shot dead. Children are left amputees. Even a former head of the Mossad has said that Israel has become “an apartheid state”. Gaza is routinely described as the world’s biggest open-air prison. The “complete siege” of the strip that Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has announced has been condemned by many as a war crime. And all of this is done with seeming impunity. Meanwhile in the US, Tel Aviv’s great sponsor and protector, politicians compete among themselves to be the most pro-Israel.
Indonesians and Malaysians don’t, on the whole, make very much of grievances against their former colonial powers, the Netherlands and the UK. But they know they were colonised, and they can see it happening to the Palestinians.
Indeed, they have seen it from the start. Both Indonesia and Malaysia have championed their cause for decades, raising their plight at the UN, the Organisation of Islamic Conference, the Non-Aligned Movement and numerous other gatherings. In fact, it is almost inconceivable that a Malaysian prime minister would make a speech on international affairs, anywhere or at any time, without mentioning Palestine.
One of the reasons why they feel so connected to the Palestinians is because of their deep attachment to the idea of the “umma”, the worldwide Muslim community.
Mr Anwar once said that South-East Asian man was “homo religiosus”. Politicians know they need sufficient Islamic credentials to succeed, with even Indonesia’s Gen Suharto – more a Javanese spiritualist than a devout Muslim – seeking to burnish his, towards the end of his three-decade rule. The plight of Palestine, and its holy sites, has become iconic to them, in the struggle to restore the glory of the Muslim world and its final liberation from colonial oppression – and it is an issue that is never forgotten.
Over the past few days, two prominent Palestinians – ambassador Husam Zomlot and former information minister Mustafa Barghouti – have responded, when asked to condemn Hamas in media interviews, by insisting that the attack be seen in the context of their people’s decades-long fight for freedom and dignity.
Muslims in South-East Asia know that history. Many of Israel’s supporters wish the world to focus on the past few days, and only on Israel’s losses. Indonesians, Malaysians and others in the region are very aware of the bigger picture. That is why they are so sure about who to blame, and why it is unlikely that any new Israeli embassies will open in the region for some time to come.
Fire and Fury
By Michael Wolff,
Henry Holt
Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg result:
Ajax 2-3 Tottenham
Tottenham advance on away goals rule after tie ends 3-3 on aggregate
Final: June 1, Madrid
Three ways to get a gratitude glow
By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.
- During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
- As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
- In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
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Price: From Dh590,000
What can you do?
Document everything immediately; including dates, times, locations and witnesses
Seek professional advice from a legal expert
You can report an incident to HR or an immediate supervisor
You can use the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s dedicated hotline
In criminal cases, you can contact the police for additional support
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
RESULT
Leeds United 1 Manchester City 1
Leeds: Rodrigo (59')
Man City: Sterling (17')
Man of the Match: Rodrigo Moreno (Leeds)
Keane on …
Liverpool’s Uefa Champions League bid: “They’re great. With the attacking force they have, for me, they’re certainly one of the favourites. You look at the teams left in it - they’re capable of scoring against anybody at any given time. Defensively they’ve been good, so I don’t see any reason why they couldn’t go on and win it.”
Mohamed Salah’s debut campaign at Anfield: “Unbelievable. He’s been phenomenal. You can name the front three, but for him on a personal level, he’s been unreal. He’s been great to watch and hopefully he can continue now until the end of the season - which I’m sure he will, because he’s been in fine form. He’s been incredible this season.”
Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s instant impact at former club LA Galaxy: “Brilliant. It’s been a great start for him and for the club. They were crying out for another big name there. They were lacking that, for the prestige of LA Galaxy. And now they have one of the finest stars. I hope they can go win something this year.”
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More from our neighbourhood series:
Newcastle United 0 Tottenham Hotspur 2
Tottenham (Alli 61'), Davies (70')
Red card Jonjo Shelvey (Newcastle)
Day 4, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Not much was expected – on Sunday or ever – of Hasan Ali as a batsman. And yet he lit up the late overs of the Pakistan innings with a happy cameo of 29 from 25 balls. The highlight was when he launched a six right on top of the netting above the Pakistan players’ viewing area. He was out next ball.
Stat of the day – 1,358 There were 1,358 days between Haris Sohail’s previous first-class match and his Test debut for Pakistan. The lack of practice in the multi-day format did not show, though, as the left-hander made an assured half-century to guide his side through a potentially damaging collapse.
The verdict As is the fashion of Test matches in this country, the draw feels like a dead-cert, before a clatter of wickets on the fourth afternoon puts either side on red alert. With Yasir Shah finding prodigious turn now, Pakistan will be confident of bowling Sri Lanka out. Whether they have enough time to do so and chase the runs required remains to be seen.
MATCH INFO
Syria v Australia
2018 World Cup qualifying: Asia fourth round play-off first leg
Venue: Hang Jebat Stadium, Malayisa
Kick-off: Thursday, 4.30pm (UAE)
Watch: beIN Sports HD
* Second leg in Australia on October 10
Points tally
1. Australia 52; 2. New Zealand 44; 3. South Africa 36; 4. Sri Lanka 35; 5. UAE 27; 6. India 27; 7. England 26; 8. Singapore 8; 9. Malaysia 3
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
Breaking News: The Remaking of Journalism and Why It Matters Now
Alan Rushbridger, Canongate
The biog
Age: 59
From: Giza Governorate, Egypt
Family: A daughter, two sons and wife
Favourite tree: Ghaf
Runner up favourite tree: Frankincense
Favourite place on Sir Bani Yas Island: “I love all of Sir Bani Yas. Every spot of Sir Bani Yas, I love it.”
GIANT REVIEW
Starring: Amir El-Masry, Pierce Brosnan
Director: Athale
Rating: 4/5
MATCH INFO
Norwich 0
Watford 2 (Deulofeu 2', Gray 52')
Red card: Christian Kabasele (WatforD)
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
BlacKkKlansman
Director: Spike Lee
Starring: John David Washington; Adam Driver
Five stars
