In an often-divided world, can we agree on one thing? It’s difficult to make sense of the apparent contradictions wrapped up in the Donald Trump presidency. One day tariffs on some US trading partners are on. The next day – maybe even the same day – they are off. Then on again.
One day the US is backing Ukraine. Then vital military intelligence to Ukraine’s forces is cut.
Then there is talk about annexing Greenland, the Panama Canal and even Canada. And then there’s the Elon Enigma. Mr Musk is hiring and firing government employees.
Then, last week Mr Trump said that hiring and firing will now be done by those he has put in charge of various government departments, not by Mr Musk. Confused? Well, maybe it’s time to speak plainly. These are not “apparent contradictions”. They are real contradictions and some see an underlying Orwellian mindset.
George Orwell wrote in 1984 that “Eastasia has always been at war with Oceania,” when the opposite had previously been true. In his novel “that past was alterable”. Yet even in Orwell’s fiction, inconsistencies in U-turns in policies were not a daily event.
The cliche is that we must not take Mr Trump “literally” but take him “seriously”. Perhaps over the next four years, we need to take Mr Trump’s inconsistencies both seriously and literally. Inconsistency, contradictions and uncertainties so far appear to be Mr Trump’s governing strategy. We need to get used to this. This view was echoed recently by a lead story in the New York Times. The headline read “You Can’t Pin Him Down: Trump’s Contradictions Are His Ultimate Cover”.
The article goes on to say that Mr Trump’s “shifting positions and outright lies have presented the American public with duelling narratives at every turn”. True, and as diplomats and political leaders across the world are noticing, confusion is not seen within the Trump White House as a flaw, but as an asset.
And this has profound implications for European security, Ukraine’s future, the Middle East, China, Canada, Mexico and indeed every part of the world where the US has an interest, perhaps even ultimately including Russia – although so far Mr Trump appears to be consistent in his praise for Russian President Vladimir Putin and the policies of the Kremlin.
Trump cabinet members finally – if politely – challenged the president over the role of Elon Musk
Insider reports from Washington in the past few days reveal that Trump cabinet members finally – if politely – challenged the president over the role of Elon Musk. Mr Trump appears to have (for now at least) limited Mr Musk’s powers. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is one of the key Trump team members said to be less than awe-struck by Mr Musk’s talents.
When I was a journalist in Washington, I covered numerous US presidencies and I cannot recall any in recent years having reports of significant cabinet dissent made public so soon.
The puzzle is this. If Mr Musk’s job is to cut government bureaucracy and improve things through Doge, the supposed Department of Government Efficiency, how can he do that if other people decide on the biggest cost, hiring and firing employees?
The language of Mr Musk’s job has certainly changed. He was taking a “hatchet” to bureaucracy. Now it’s a “scalpel”. News reports suggest, for example, there have been significant rows about firing or laying-off air traffic controllers, especially after the horrific crash at Washington’s main airport. If other people hire and fire, what is Mr Musk’s role?
Two things are striking about this insider gossip. The first is that Mr Musk and Mr Trump are hugely successful alpha males, but in any power struggle Mr Trump will win, although given Mr Musk’s high profile, if they fall out, both perhaps could be damaged.
The second striking fact is that the stories and gossip coming out of the Trump Cabinet meetings appear very well sourced. Within the highly competitive inner circle, the top tier of the Trump White House and administration, there is loyalty to the leader but also clearly declared rivalries. That promises more leaks and news stories.
Above all, uncertainty and U-turns are not a by-product of the Trump administration. They are baked in to the way Mr Trump runs things. If Ukraine, European allies, Canada, Mexico, nations across the Middle East and others are uncertain what Mr Trump will do next, so are some of those in the Trump Cabinet.
The trouble with that kind of approach was summed up by a previous president, George W Bush. When there were problems in his administration Bush was clear: “I’m the decider,” he said.
Mr Bush listened to arguments then decided. He stuck by his decisions. Even if you disagreed with his policies, Bush’s “I’m the decider” remark sums up the job description of the US presidency.
Mr Trump is now clearly the decider. But the problem for his Cabinet members, his allies, his neighbours, American investors and indeed the rest of the world is this: if Mr Trump is the decider, is he a leader for whom his indecision is final? Will today’s decisions be reversed tomorrow? Uncertainty has its uses. It also has severe limitations.
Recent winners
2002 Giselle Khoury (Colombia)
2004 Nathalie Nasralla (France)
2005 Catherine Abboud (Oceania)
2007 Grace Bijjani (Mexico)
2008 Carina El-Keddissi (Brazil)
2009 Sara Mansour (Brazil)
2010 Daniella Rahme (Australia)
2011 Maria Farah (Canada)
2012 Cynthia Moukarzel (Kuwait)
2013 Layla Yarak (Australia)
2014 Lia Saad (UAE)
2015 Cynthia Farah (Australia)
2016 Yosmely Massaad (Venezuela)
2017 Dima Safi (Ivory Coast)
2018 Rachel Younan (Australia)
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
If you go...
Flying
There is no simple way to get to Punta Arenas from the UAE, with flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi requiring at least two connections to reach this part of Patagonia. Flights start from about Dh6,250.
Touring
Chile Nativo offers the amended Los Dientes trek with expert guides and porters who are met in Puerto Williams on Isla Navarino. The trip starts and ends in Punta Arenas and lasts for six days in total. Prices start from Dh8,795.
French business
France has organised a delegation of leading businesses to travel to Syria. The group was led by French shipping giant CMA CGM, which struck a 30-year contract in May with the Syrian government to develop and run Latakia port. Also present were water and waste management company Suez, defence multinational Thales, and Ellipse Group, which is currently looking into rehabilitating Syrian hospitals.
VEZEETA PROFILE
Date started: 2012
Founder: Amir Barsoum
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: HealthTech / MedTech
Size: 300 employees
Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)
Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
The bio
Academics: Phd in strategic management in University of Wales
Number one caps: His best-seller caps are in shades of grey, blue, black and yellow
Reading: Is immersed in books on colours to understand more about the usage of different shades
Sport: Started playing polo two years ago. Helps him relax, plus he enjoys the speed and focus
Cars: Loves exotic cars and currently drives a Bentley Bentayga
Holiday: Favourite travel destinations are London and St Tropez
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
The specs
Engine: 5.2-litre V10
Power: 640hp at 8,000rpm
Torque: 565Nm at 6,500rpm
Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
Price: From Dh1 million
On sale: Q3 or Q4 2022
RESULTS
2.15pm: Al Marwan Group Holding – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner: SS Jalmod, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
2.45pm: Sharjah Equine Hospital – Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Ghallieah, Sebastien Martino, Jean-Claude Pecout
3.15pm: Al Marwan Group Holding – Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: Inthar, Saif Al Balushi, Khalifa Al Neyadi
3.45pm: Al Ain Stud Emirates Breeders Trophy – Conditions (PA) Dh50,000 (D) 1,700m
Winner: MH Rahal, Richard Mullen, Elise Jeanne
4.25pm: Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan Cup – Prestige Handicap (PA) Dh100,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: JAP Aneed, Ray Dawson, Irfan Ellahi
4.45pm: Sharjah Equine Hospital – Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Edaraat, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Springtime in a Broken Mirror,
Mario Benedetti, Penguin Modern Classics
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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
Heather, the Totality
Matthew Weiner,
Canongate
The Internet
Hive Mind
four stars
UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
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
More on animal trafficking
About Krews
Founder: Ahmed Al Qubaisi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Founded: January 2019
Number of employees: 10
Sector: Technology/Social media
Funding to date: Estimated $300,000 from Hub71 in-kind support
The stats
Ship name: MSC Bellissima
Ship class: Meraviglia Class
Delivery date: February 27, 2019
Gross tonnage: 171,598 GT
Passenger capacity: 5,686
Crew members: 1,536
Number of cabins: 2,217
Length: 315.3 metres
Maximum speed: 22.7 knots (42kph)
Muslim Council of Elders condemns terrorism on religious sites
The Muslim Council of Elders has strongly condemned the criminal attacks on religious sites in Britain.
It firmly rejected “acts of terrorism, which constitute a flagrant violation of the sanctity of houses of worship”.
“Attacking places of worship is a form of terrorism and extremism that threatens peace and stability within societies,” it said.
The council also warned against the rise of hate speech, racism, extremism and Islamophobia. It urged the international community to join efforts to promote tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
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
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
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.
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
