The uncertainty surrounding the fate of various conflicts around the world is likely to persist, with stakeholders keeping an eye on the US presidential election in November. Some of these actors appear to be either stalling for time, or making risky gambles, knowing that there will be a new president in the White House from January.
From Russia’s war in Ukraine – and now Ukraine’s counteroffensive in Russian territory – to Iran’s proxy wars against Israel and the piracy of the Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, the world remains in a state of suspense. Meanwhile, the conflicts in Gaza and Sudan show no signs of ending.
What began as a “special military operations”, Russia’s war in Ukraine has been going on for more than 900 days and is unlikely to conclude this year. New developments on the ground have dashed any hopes of positive negotiations between the two countries.
The UK’s reportedly private backing for Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles to strike into Russian territory is particularly significant, especially as the administration of US President Joe Biden is said to be cautious about the idea. But the Russian city of Kursk has become a focal point for Ukraine’s military operations inside enemy territory.
This is the first time since 1941 that foreign forces have entered Russia, displacing more than 133,000 people and threatening the Kursk nuclear plant, just 40 kilometres from the city. These developments underscore Moscow’s vulnerability and is a significant psychological blow to the Russian people.
With the war in Ukraine posing a bigger security threat to Europe than it does to America, it isn’t having the kind of impact on the US election that the Gaza conflict is
The current setback for the Russian leadership is compounded by the fear of another Chernobyl-like disaster, given that the Kursk nuclear plant is not designed to withstand missile attacks. President Vladimir Putin has accused Kyiv of planning to strike the Kursk reactor, and the International Atomic Energy Agency has concluded that the situation is extremely dangerous.
Russian diplomacy is, meanwhile, reportedly frustrated with India’s stance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who recently proposed a peace summit to be hosted in his country, has acknowledged the legitimacy of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s stance. This is troubling for Moscow, which considers New Delhi a friend.
The Kursk offensive, however, which surprised both Russia and some Nato members, seems to have dashed hopes for negotiations in the near future. This means that plenty can go wrong between now and January when the new US president takes office.
However, it’s important to point out that, with the war in Ukraine posing a bigger security threat to Europe than it does to America, it isn’t having the kind of impact on the US election that the Gaza conflict is. This is primarily because the latter involves Israel, for which both presidential candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump, have pledged their unwavering support.
Second, around the world Israel’s war has exposed its disregard for civilian lives and its rejection of the two-state solution. And while it claims to seek to destroy Hamas, it is no longer a secret that its government has contributed to Hamas’s sustenance in the past with a view to weaken its rival Fatah movement.
As long as Washington’s attempts to contain the Gaza war remain disjointed, transitional and driven by appeasement and covert deals – not only between Israel and Hamas but also between the Biden administration and Iran – the Middle East will remain in a perpetual state of anxiety.
And as long as Hezbollah and Israel agree on the rules of engagement, with one party exceeding these rules only after informing the other, Lebanon cannot expect either stability or prosperity.
Like ordinary Gazans, the Lebanese public cutting across divides is anxious. It isn’t enough for Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah to assure those who panicked and fled to safer places that they can return.
This does not provide lasting reassurance, nor does it respect Lebanon’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and the security of its citizens. It also does not guarantee that Lebanon will not be dragged into a broader war with Israel that neither side will win.
The war in Gaza may remain in a state of limbo and could even fade into obscurity and neglect in the coming months. This is unless the Biden team’s optimism materialises, with the release of hostages and prisoners and an eventual ceasefire deal.
If such a breakthrough does indeed happen, it will be because neither Israel nor Hamas can sustain an open-ended war of attrition. The next phase could well be a transitional period until the US election is over.
As for the Houthis, who claim independence from Iran’s directives and prioritise lucrative piracy above all else, it would be wise for them to show some compassion for the Yemeni people, who are facing a cholera outbreak following the floods.
It would also be beneficial if all the global superpowers made the unlikely decision to consider the consequences of their muted responses to the catastrophic policies and misadventures in Yemen, Sudan, Gaza and Lebanon.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
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UAE%20SQUAD
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The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20S23%20ULTRA
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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.
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
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
Zayed Sustainability Prize
