I have always been puzzled by a common political cliche. When a leader abandons one policy and chooses another, why is that leader condemned by opponents and the media for “doing a U-turn”?
Of course, consistent political leadership is important. No one like sudden policy changes. But stubbornness in a leader in the face of changing facts is potentially dangerous.
The world-renowned British economist John Maynard Keynes nodded in that direction when he said: “When the facts change, I change my mind. What do you do, sir?” And back in the 19th century, the American poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson was even more brutal, insisting that “a foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds” and that foolishness was a flaw “adored by little statesmen”.
Right now, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is trying to prove that he is not a little statesman by refusing to do any kind of rethink or U-turn on his new tax policies. In Mr Starmer’s case, it seems wise not to “do a U-turn” so early in his term, but U-turns can sometimes be the most sensible thing to do.
I proved it last week. I performed a U-turn in my car because I was stuck on a blocked road behind a long traffic jam. I am suggesting that the same common sense should apply to some intractable political and diplomatic problems that are the highly dangerous equivalents of a traffic jam. If you are stuck, maybe turn around.
That notion is why – despite the many reservations some people have about Donald Trump’s character, comments and past actions – the US president-elect’s inconsistencies in government could become a real advantage. He is strong enough to show some bold flexibility on issues that concern us all. Ukraine is one example.
It appears increasingly likely that Mr Trump is planning a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Famously, Mr Trump boasted he could end the Ukraine war in 24 hours. He also told Nato leaders in Europe to raise defence expenditure to 5 per cent of their respective countries’ gross domestic product. Neither ending the war in one day nor the 5 per cent target looks likely, but the direction of travel is important.
European defence spending is rising, and Mr Trump’s exaggerated rhetoric gives Europe’s leaders a push to do more. Russia experts I have talked to also suggest that Mr Trump’s loud pronouncements could indeed bring about a Ukraine ceasefire, even if a lasting peace is much more complicated.
One obvious scenario is that if Ukraine fails to agree, Mr Trump could threaten to cut off US weapons supplies to Kyiv. But diplomats also privately speculate on a less obvious idea. If Mr Trump thinks that Moscow is proving difficult, the US could U-turn and actually boost weapons supplies for Ukraine. Even the idea of an unpredictable president swerving one way or another could be a diplomatic asset.
A similar unpredictability – call it a U-turn if you will – could even change America’s fractious relations with Iran.
Last year, the Iranian government witnessed unpopularity at home and numerous humiliations abroad, the collapse of its allies in Syria and Israel’s successes against Hezbollah. Mr Trump’s Tehran policy was always “maximum pressure”. This year, he could keep up that pressure, support Israel, yet offer a bold diplomatic opening towards serious talks with Iran, especially on its nuclear weapons programme.
A similar unpredictability – call it a U-turn if you will – could even change America’s fractious relations with Iran
A U-turn? Well, when the road is blocked, going nowhere is not a useful option.
This is all speculative, of course, not predictive. But Washington’s influential Foreign Policy magazine recently suggested a Trump parallel with former US president Richard Nixon. In 1972, Nixon – anti-communist to his core – went to China. He engaged in constructive dialogue with the Chinese Communist Party. A U-turn if you like, but Nixon was right to talk, and bold enough to take risks.
Mr Trump could be bold, too. Like Nixon, he is on the right of the Republican Party. And he (boldly if unsuccessfully) tried to engage with North Korea. Future talks with Iran, or with Russia, will not damage Mr Trump as it might a less conservative politician.
Again, these are possibilities – not predictions. But few would have predicted Mr Trump openly speaking of annexing Greenland or Panama either. His unpredictability may prove a diplomatic asset, U-turns included. A western expert on Russia told me recently that Russian business leaders (and political leaders) generally start negotiations with a noisy, combative and maximalist position, then strive for a deal. That fits the Trump style.
Yes, 2025 can look scary. But wars, conflicts and diplomatic stand-offs often resemble a dangerous kind of traffic jam. Nobody moves. In diplomacy and on the highway, a U-turn can be a sign of intelligent problem-solving, not weakness. Gaza, Sudan, Ukraine and other conflict zones all look like the most horrendous diplomatic traffic jams. So instead of condemning U-turns in 2025, we should see diplomatic changes of direction more positively.
Given the immense power of the US, Mr Trump, like any American president of recent times, can adopt a carrot-and-stick policy. The carrot is that he will not use the stick.
INDIA'S%20TOP%20INFLUENCERS
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ICC Intercontinental Cup
UAE squad Rohan Mustafa (captain), Chirag Suri, Shaiman Anwar, Rameez Shahzad, Mohammed Usman, Adnan Mufti, Saqlain Haider, Ahmed Raza, Mohammed Naveed, Imran Haider, Qadeer Ahmed, Mohammed Boota, Amir Hayat, Ashfaq Ahmed
Fixtures Nov 29-Dec 2
UAE v Afghanistan, Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Hong Kong v Papua New Guinea, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
Ireland v Scotland, Dubai International Stadium
Namibia v Netherlands, ICC Academy, Dubai
Bridgerton%20season%20three%20-%20part%20one
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The specs: 2019 Infiniti QX50
Price, base: Dh138,000 (estimate)
Engine: 2.0L, turbocharged, in-line four-cylinder
Transmission: Continuously variable transmission
Power: 268hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 380Nm @ 4,400rpm
Fuel economy: 6.7L / 100km (estimate)
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
Boulder shooting victims
• Denny Strong, 20
• Neven Stanisic, 23
• Rikki Olds, 25
• Tralona Bartkowiak, 49
• Suzanne Fountain, 59
• Teri Leiker, 51
• Eric Talley, 51
• Kevin Mahoney, 61
• Lynn Murray, 62
• Jody Waters, 65
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
Moonfall
Director: Rolan Emmerich
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Halle Berry
Rating: 3/5
THE%20SWIMMERS
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Our Time Has Come
Alyssa Ayres, Oxford University Press
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Paris%20Agreement
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
How to register as a donor
1) Organ donors can register on the Hayat app, run by the Ministry of Health and Prevention
2) There are about 11,000 patients in the country in need of organ transplants
3) People must be over 21. Emiratis and residents can register.
4) The campaign uses the hashtag #donate_hope
Indoor cricket in a nutshell
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side
8 There are eight players per team
9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.
5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls
4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership
Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.
Zones
A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs
B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run
C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs
D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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
The specs
- Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
- Power: 640hp
- Torque: 760nm
- On sale: 2026
- Price: Not announced yet
The Two Popes
Director: Fernando Meirelles
Stars: Anthony Hopkins, Jonathan Pryce
Four out of five stars
match info
Southampton 2 (Ings 32' & pen 89') Tottenham Hotspur 5 (Son 45', 47', 64', & 73', Kane 82')
Man of the match Son Heung-min (Tottenham)
Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sept 16-20, Insportz, Dubai
Iraq negotiating over Iran sanctions impact
- US sanctions on Iran’s energy industry and exports took effect on Monday, November 5.
- Washington issued formal waivers to eight buyers of Iranian oil, allowing them to continue limited imports. Iraq did not receive a waiver.
- Iraq’s government is cooperating with the US to contain Iranian influence in the country, and increased Iraqi oil production is helping to make up for Iranian crude that sanctions are blocking from markets, US officials say.
- Iraq, the second-biggest producer in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, pumped last month at a record 4.78 million barrels a day, former Oil Minister Jabbar Al-Luaibi said on Oct. 20. Iraq exported 3.83 million barrels a day last month, according to tanker tracking and data from port agents.
- Iraq has been working to restore production at its northern Kirkuk oil field. Kirkuk could add 200,000 barrels a day of oil to Iraq’s total output, Hook said.
- The country stopped trucking Kirkuk oil to Iran about three weeks ago, in line with U.S. sanctions, according to four people with knowledge of the matter who asked not to be identified because they aren’t allowed to speak to media.
- Oil exports from Iran, OPEC’s third-largest supplier, have slumped since President Donald Trump announced in May that he’d reimpose sanctions. Iran shipped about 1.76 million barrels a day in October out of 3.42 million in total production, data compiled by Bloomberg show.
- Benchmark Brent crude fell 47 cents to $72.70 a barrel in London trading at 7:26 a.m. local time. U.S. West Texas Intermediate was 25 cents lower at $62.85 a barrel in New York. WTI held near the lowest level in seven months as concerns of a tightening market eased after the U.S. granted its waivers to buyers of Iranian crude.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
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.
Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on
Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins
Read part one: how cars came to the UAE
if you go
The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.
The trip
Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.
It Was Just an Accident
Director: Jafar Panahi
Stars: Vahid Mobasseri, Mariam Afshari, Ebrahim Azizi, Hadis Pakbaten, Majid Panahi, Mohamad Ali Elyasmehr
Rating: 4/5
