The diplomatic mobilisation at the UN this week will be about more than speeches and meetings. It will mark a reckoning in traditional alliances, particularly between the US and Europe, against a broader contest between diplomacy on the world stage and militarisation on the ground.
The evolution of European positions is new, and one that is increasingly independent of Washington. And the US has clearly resolved to bless Israel’s onslaught to “cleanse” Gaza, not just of Hamas, but of its Palestinian population.
The situation on the ground is disgraceful. Israel is flattening towers and herding people along coastal corridors adjacent to Gaza’s beautiful shore, which US President Donald Trump hopes to transform into the “Riviera of the Middle East”. It is a painful, humiliating spectacle, especially for Arabs and Muslims, many of whom feel a sense of helpless resignation.
Arab and Muslim states have effectively declared that war is not an option. They have made clear they will not fight Israel nor sever bilateral security and co-operation agreements with the US. The US and Israel have understood this and concluded that now is the time to realise Israel’s expansionist ambitions.
The Doha Summit rallied international support for Qatari sovereignty and issued a statement condemning Israeli actions in Palestine, backed by the US. The summit expressed outrage and threatened retaliation if Israel repeated any attack on Qatar or any other Gulf state. This gathering aimed to send a message to the US, conveying rejection of its full embrace of the Israeli government’s violations of international and humanitarian law.
What unites Arab states, European countries, and much of the world, is an insistence on defending the two-state solution
But there were no declared concrete measures, and no promises of military or economic action. Mr Trump took note and declared that Israeli violations of Qatari sovereignty would not be repeated. He sent US Secretary of State Marco Rubio from Israel to Doha to reassure Qatar that the US was open to a reinforced defence co-operation agreement.
Mr Trump understands that Doha does not merely want defence co-operation but a formal US-Qatar mutual defence pact. Thus, he opened the door to “enhanced defence co-operation,” confident that such language would ease tensions. Indeed, every Gulf state desires closer security ties with Washington not just Qatar.
In the coming week, several ministerial-level meetings will take place in New York, including the traditional gathering between foreign ministers of the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) and the US Secretary of State. That meeting will focus heavily on security co-operation. Saudi Arabia signing a mutual defence pact with Pakistan last week was a notable development, and other Gulf states appear poised to follow suit.
The message directed at the US is that it should not assume that Washington is the region’s only option or partner, even if it enjoys primacy and preference. While building defence ties with China or Russia is highly unlikely at present, Gulf states could consider options depending on how Washington’s posture evolves.
Saudi Arabia’s choice of Pakistan as its mutual defence partner also carries a nuclear dimension, specifically, a nuclear counterweight to Israel’s and Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
A key implicit message to the US is that backing Israel’s unrestrained aggression and its campaign to erase Palestine and its people may trigger unintended consequences.
Indeed, Israel’s military campaign wears an American cloak of protection. Mr Rubio this week backed a swift military resolution in Gaza and pledged unconditional support for Israel in its quest to destroy Hamas, at any cost, so long as the destruction and displacement proceed quickly. For now, backlash against the US and Israel appears contained, but the situation could spiral. Israel’s starvation tactics, mass killings, and forced displacement could stretch for weeks, even months.
The situation Arab and Muslim states find themselves in is not solely the result of American or Israeli actions but is also due to European policies, albeit for different reasons. To be sure, European states have begun taking action against Israel economically, politically, and even in sport. They are also challenging the US in international forums.
What unites Arab states, European countries, and much of the world, is an insistence on defending the two-state solution, which Israel, backed by the US, is determined to destroy. Saudi Arabia and France lead a global effort to anchor Palestinian statehood within the UN and halt the American-Israeli push to erase it entirely.
There is, in parallel, a US effort to retaliate against this global defiance manifesting in the push for recognition of Palestine at the UN. This retaliation is not mere posturing. It is serious and bitter, for it entails not only embracing Israel’s occupation of Gaza, but also endorsing its annexation of the West Bank. The Trump administration intends to teach the world a lesson it will not forget: “Do not ever again take positions that embarrass and isolate America.”
But who will step up to protect the West Bank from what lies ahead, now that it is clear that no one is prepared to stop Israel’s occupation of Gaza? All talk of suspending or cancelling peace agreements with Israel remain unrealistic. There is no indication that Egypt is prepared to tear up the Camp David Accords with Israel, despite Israel threatening its national security by pushing Palestinian refugees towards the Egyptian side of Rafah and imposing the Muslim Brotherhood on Egypt at an extraordinarily sensitive moment.
Nor is Jordan likely to annul its peace treaty with Israel, even as Israel enables settlers to impose a new reality on the ground that paves the way for forced displacement, the annexation of the West Bank, and the execution of their dream of “Jordan as an alternative homeland for the Palestinians”.
The Palestinian Authority is not ready to trample on the Oslo Accords that brought it into power and require it to continue maintaining security in the West Bank. Nor is Hamas about to sacrifice itself by stepping aside to halt Israeli-engineered displacement and devastation being inflicted on Palestinian civilians.
Hamas will not acknowledge its mistakes but will persist in them no matter the cost. It clings to a futile, bankrupt, ill-conceived hostage card. Israel has used Hamas, and Hamas has served Israel, wittingly or unwittingly. Both have opposed the two-state solution and in this, both succeed together.
Palestine, as an idea, is being celebrated at the UN amid cheers of solidarity, a notion with moral and political value. But Palestine, in reality, is a different story. It will secure its place at the UN this year virtually. On the ground, however, no one will intervene to rescue it.
The world’s attention is consumed elsewhere, namely, the war in Ukraine and its repercussions across all of Europe, which is now genuinely preparing for the possibility of a large-scale war on European soil. A physician friend working in a European country relayed, almost casually, that his government had instructed doctors not to take leave in February because the signs are troubling. Europe thus wants Mr Trump to abandon his embrace of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Mr Trump is still searching for a way to avoid war with Iran. The leaders in Tehran are wavering between escalation and submission, fully aware that there is no way to predict reactions of the American president. At the UN, the Iran issue will draw less fanfare than the Palestine question, but side meetings with European leaders will be worth monitoring.
Syria, too, is likely to be an exceptionally interesting guest. The UN will roll out the red carpet for Ahmad Al Shara, now a moderate President of Syria. Global media attention will fixate on Mr Al Shara, his speech, his bilateral meetings, especially in light of Mr Trump’s open support for him. US special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack is hand-in-hand with Mr Al Shara and his Foreign Minister Asaad Al Shibani, charting the roadmap ahead.
Pragmatism is compelling Damascus to soften its tone and mute its protests over Israeli violations both inside Syria and against Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. Syria today is not prepared to be the vanguard in defending Palestine.
Mr Trump, who appears to despise the UN, will use the platform to deliver a scolding to those who criticise, oppose or embarrass him. In his view, he is the sole shining star of the show and in his book, no one should eclipse the US president.
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group H
Manchester United v Young Boys, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
The specs: 2018 Maxus T60
Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder
Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
The Baghdad Clock
Shahad Al Rawi, Oneworld
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
About Okadoc
Date started: Okadoc, 2018
Founder/CEO: Fodhil Benturquia
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Healthcare
Size: (employees/revenue) 40 staff; undisclosed revenues recording “double-digit” monthly growth
Funding stage: Series B fundraising round to conclude in February
Investors: Undisclosed
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
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
TV: World Cup Qualifier 2018 matches will be aired on on OSN Sports HD Cricket channel
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Points to remember
- Debate the issue, don't attack the person
- Build the relationship and dialogue by seeking to find common ground
- Express passion for the issue but be aware of when you're losing control or when there's anger. If there is, pause and take some time out.
- Listen actively without interrupting
- Avoid assumptions, seek understanding, ask questions
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Company profile
Date started: Founded in May 2017 and operational since April 2018
Founders: co-founder and chief executive, Doaa Aref; Dr Rasha Rady, co-founder and chief operating officer.
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: Health-tech
Size: 22 employees
Funding: Seed funding
Investors: Flat6labs, 500 Falcons, three angel investors
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Haltia.ai%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202023%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ECo-founders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Arto%20Bendiken%20and%20Talal%20Thabet%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20AI%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2041%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20About%20%241.7%20million%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Self%2C%20family%20and%20friends%26nbsp%3B%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
COMPANY%20PROFILE
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Revibe%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%202022%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Hamza%20Iraqui%20and%20Abdessamad%20Ben%20Zakour%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20UAE%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Refurbished%20electronics%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunds%20raised%20so%20far%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%2410m%20%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EFlat6Labs%2C%20Resonance%20and%20various%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company info
Company name: Entrupy
Co-founders: Vidyuth Srinivasan, co-founder/chief executive, Ashlesh Sharma, co-founder/chief technology officer, Lakshmi Subramanian, co-founder/chief scientist
Based: New York, New York
Sector/About: Entrupy is a hardware-enabled SaaS company whose mission is to protect businesses, borders and consumers from transactions involving counterfeit goods.
Initial investment/Investors: Entrupy secured a $2.6m Series A funding round in 2017. The round was led by Tokyo-based Digital Garage and Daiwa Securities Group's jointly established venture arm, DG Lab Fund I Investment Limited Partnership, along with Zach Coelius.
Total customers: Entrupy’s customers include hundreds of secondary resellers, marketplaces and other retail organisations around the world. They are also testing with shipping companies as well as customs agencies to stop fake items from reaching the market in the first place.
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Apple's%20Lockdown%20Mode%20at%20a%20glance
%3Cp%3EAt%20launch%2C%20Lockdown%20Mode%20will%20include%20the%20following%20protections%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMessages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Most%20attachment%20types%20other%20than%20images%20are%20blocked.%20Some%20features%2C%20like%20link%20previews%2C%20are%20disabled%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EWeb%20browsing%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Certain%20complex%20web%20technologies%2C%20like%20just-in-time%20JavaScript%20compilation%2C%20are%20disabled%20unless%20the%20user%20excludes%20a%20trusted%20site%20from%20Lockdown%20Mode%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EApple%20services%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EIncoming%20invitations%20and%20service%20requests%2C%20including%20FaceTime%20calls%2C%20are%20blocked%20if%20the%20user%20has%20not%20previously%20sent%20the%20initiator%20a%20call%20or%20request%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wired%20connections%20with%20a%20computer%20or%20accessory%20are%20blocked%20when%20an%20iPhone%20is%20locked%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConfigurations%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Configuration%20profiles%20cannot%20be%20installed%2C%20and%20the%20device%20cannot%20enroll%20into%20mobile%20device%20management%20while%20Lockdown%20Mode%20is%20on%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre V6
Power: 295hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 355Nm at 5,200rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
Price: Dh179,999-plus
On sale: now
The five pillars of Islam
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg
Bayern Munich v Real Madrid
When: April 25, 10.45pm kick-off (UAE)
Where: Allianz Arena, Munich
Live: BeIN Sports HD
Second leg: May 1, Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
WWE Super ShowDown results
Seth Rollins beat Baron Corbin to retain his WWE Universal title
Finn Balor defeated Andrade to stay WWE Intercontinental Championship
Shane McMahon defeated Roman Reigns
Lars Sullivan won by disqualification against Lucha House Party
Randy Orton beats Triple H
Braun Strowman beats Bobby Lashley
Kofi Kingston wins against Dolph Zigggler to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Mansoor Al Shehail won the 50-man Battle Royal
The Undertaker beat Goldberg
Bharat
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Starring: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Sunil Grover
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
DMZ facts
- The DMZ was created as a buffer after the 1950-53 Korean War.
- It runs 248 kilometers across the Korean Peninsula and is 4km wide.
- The zone is jointly overseen by the US-led United Nations Command and North Korea.
- It is littered with an estimated 2 million mines, tank traps, razor wire fences and guard posts.
- Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un met at a building in Panmunjom, where an armistice was signed to stop the Korean War.
- Panmunjom is 52km north of the Korean capital Seoul and 147km south of Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital.
- Former US president Bill Clinton visited Panmunjom in 1993, while Ronald Reagan visited the DMZ in 1983, George W. Bush in 2002 and Barack Obama visited a nearby military camp in 2012.
- Mr Trump planned to visit in November 2017, but heavy fog that prevented his helicopter from landing.
The%20end%20of%20Summer
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Salha%20Al%20Busaidy%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPages%3A%20316%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPublisher%3A%20The%20Dreamwork%20Collective%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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: 2018 Nissan Altima
Price, base / as tested: Dh78,000 / Dh97,650
Engine: 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder
Power: 182hp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 244Nm @ 4,000rpm
Transmission: Continuously variable tranmission
Fuel consumption, combined: 7.6L / 100km
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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
