Both in public and private, Lebanese officials are expressing frustration with the US team currently dealing with Lebanon. “They have no experience or institutional memory,” one senior minister recently told me. Since the Biden administration imposed a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah last year, the situation has settled into a status quo, in which diplomacy has stagnated.
Recently, the culture minister, Ghassan Salameh, made his views known in a television interview, when he commented on the many, often contradictory recent statements by Tom Barrack, the interim US envoy to Lebanon. As a former UN envoy himself, Mr Salameh said that he had learnt two things when playing this role: talk less and learn the history of the country you are dealing with.
The rebuke was harsh, but it also spoke to a very real sense of confusion in Lebanon about American messaging. For example, Mr Barrack stated recently in an interview with The National, “The Lebanese … all they do is talk [about Hezbollah’s disarmament],” without taking action. This came only weeks after he had said the precisely the opposite, praising the Lebanese for taking a decision in cabinet to disarm all non-state actors, including Hezbollah.
At the time, Mr Barrack had declared: “The Lebanese government has done their part. They’ve taken the first step. Now what we need is for Israel to comply with that equal handshake.” Mr Barrack indicated he could secure Israeli concessions, such as getting Israel to withdraw from some areas it occupies in Lebanon and reduce its attacks in the country, which the Lebanese could use as leverage to persuade Hezbollah to surrender its weapons. Yet when he returned to Beirut, he said Israel had refused to budge.
In other words, Mr Barrack had no White House or State Department backing for his efforts, damaging his credibility. Equally significant, Mr Barrack had told the Lebanese the US would provide $1 billion annually to the Lebanese army, which he admitted was underequipped to take on Hezbollah. Yet upon his return, he didn’t bring the matter up. Though a friend of US President Donald Trump, Mr Barrack just couldn’t deliver.
Nor did Mr Barrack do himself any favours when he stated in the interview with The National: “We’re not arming [the Lebanese army] to fight Israel… We’re arming them to fight their own people.” It’s not often that US envoys admit they are encouraging a civil war.
There has also been puzzlement about who speaks for the Trump administration. Initially, the Lebanon envoy was Morgan Ortagus, who made way for Mr Barrack. However, when he made valid but controversial remarks in Beirut – declaring that Iran could not be ignored, and that Hezbollah had to be given something in return for surrendering its weapons – Ms Ortagus, a vocal supporter of Israel, was suddenly accompanying Mr Barrack on his Lebanon visits.
On Mr Barrack’s last trip, not only was Ms Ortagus in tow, but also another prominent Israel backer, Senator Lindsey Graham. Mr Graham subsequently travelled to Israel and declared, “If we cannot reach a peaceful disarmament solution for Hezbollah, then we need to look at plan B. Plan B is disarming Hezbollah by military force.”
The belief that the Americans simply have nothing to offer is permeating a segment of the government that is normally friendly to the US. The Lebanese are well aware that, even if this is true, the Trump administration cannot be ignored. However, it may be time for the government to embark on more multifaceted, imaginative diplomacy, in such a way as to secure a margin of manoeuvre from Washington and Israel.
The Lebanese would have to be careful how to manage the US in this situation. However, in the end, this is a sovereign Lebanese decision
What might this involve? Certainly, a willingness to open discreet contacts with Iran, the final decision-maker on Hezbollah’s weapons. Nothing may come of it, but the Lebanese need to get a sense of Iranian thinking on the question, beyond public statements, and determine whether Iran might consider a quid pro quo on the party’s weapons. Hezbollah is a card Iran won’t surrender for nothing in return, so Beirut has to get a better sense of possible openings if they exist.
The Lebanese should also explore whether other countries can help with Hezbollah. Russia has strong ties with Iran, and there is no reason not to see if there are potential advantages on that front. China has also played a central role in reconciling Iran and Saudi Arabia, so testing the possibilities there might be worthwhile.
Any contacts that take place must be under the radar and isolated from the thrusts and parries of Lebanese politics. The rival political calculations of the country’s parties, particularly in a pre-election year, could well thwart Lebanon’s diplomatic efforts.
The Lebanese would have to be careful how to manage the US in this situation. The Americans would have an incentive to torpedo all such talks. However, in the end, this is a sovereign Lebanese decision, whose sole aim would be to disarm Hezbollah, advance Lebanese interests and maintain contacts with all sides, but also affirm that Lebanon’s decisions cannot be imposed by the US, Iran or Israel.
If so, the Americans must be kept apprised of what happens, but only enough so that Lebanon has space to act as best it can. This is much easier said than done, of course, given Lebanese divisions, American assertiveness and Israel’s predisposition to undercut any decisions that deny it the latitude to enforce its preferences.
Yet for the first time in decades, Lebanon has the chance to engage in a degree of sovereign diplomacy. Many outside actors may be unhappy with this, but the multi-polar nature of power in the region lends itself to thinking outside the box. If the American intention is to subcontract Lebanon to Israel, then wholly aligning with Washington requires a rethink.
WE%20NO%20LONGER%20PREFER%20MOUNTAINS
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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
Gulf Under 19s
Pools
A – Dubai College, Deira International School, Al Ain Amblers, Warriors
B – Dubai English Speaking College, Repton Royals, Jumeirah College, Gems World Academy
C – British School Al Khubairat, Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Yasmina Academy
D – Dubai Exiles, Jumeirah English Speaking School, English College, Bahrain Colts
Recent winners
2018 – Dubai College
2017 – British School Al Khubairat
2016 – Dubai English Speaking School
2015 – Al Ain Amblers
2014 – Dubai College
Sunday's games
All times UAE:
Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace, 4pm
Manchester City v Arsenal, 6.15pm
Everton v Watford, 8.30pm
Chelsea v Manchester United, 8.30pm
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
FORSPOKEN
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Diablo%20IV
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Baldur's%20Gate%203
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Assassin's%20Creed%20Mirage
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Starfield
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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1.
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United States
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2.
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China
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3.
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UAE
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4.
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Japan
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5
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Norway
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6.
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Canada
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7.
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Singapore
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8.
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Australia
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9.
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Saudi Arabia
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10.
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South Korea
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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F1 The Movie
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon, Javier Bardem
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Rating: 4/5
THE SPECS
Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 3.9 seconds
Price: Dh230,000
On sale: now
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.
Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
What drives subscription retailing?
Once the domain of newspaper home deliveries, subscription model retailing has combined with e-commerce to permeate myriad products and services.
The concept has grown tremendously around the world and is forecast to thrive further, according to UnivDatos Market Insights’ report on recent and predicted trends in the sector.
The global subscription e-commerce market was valued at $13.2 billion (Dh48.5bn) in 2018. It is forecast to touch $478.2bn in 2025, and include the entertainment, fitness, food, cosmetics, baby care and fashion sectors.
The report says subscription-based services currently constitute “a small trend within e-commerce”. The US hosts almost 70 per cent of recurring plan firms, including leaders Dollar Shave Club, Hello Fresh and Netflix. Walmart and Sephora are among longer established retailers entering the space.
UnivDatos cites younger and affluent urbanites as prime subscription targets, with women currently the largest share of end-users.
That’s expected to remain unchanged until 2025, when women will represent a $246.6bn market share, owing to increasing numbers of start-ups targeting women.
Personal care and beauty occupy the largest chunk of the worldwide subscription e-commerce market, with changing lifestyles, work schedules, customisation and convenience among the chief future drivers.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
KLOPP%20AT%20LIVERPOOL
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If you go
The flights
Emirates flies from Dubai to Seattle from Dh5,555 return, including taxes.
The car
Hertz offers compact car rental from about $300 (Dh1,100) per week, including taxes. Emirates Skywards members can earn points on their car hire through Hertz.
The national park
Entry to Mount Rainier National Park costs $30 for one vehicle and passengers for up to seven days. Accommodation can be booked through mtrainierguestservices.com. Prices vary according to season. Rooms at the Holiday Inn Yakima cost from $125 per night, excluding breakfast.
Results
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 1,200m, Winner: ES Rubban, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer)
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,200m, Winner: Al Mobher, Sczcepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 2,200m, Winner: Jabalini, Tadhg O’Shea, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami
6.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 2,200m, Winner: AF Abahe, Tadgh O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7pm: Handicap (PA) Dh85,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: AF Makerah, Tadhg O’Shea, Ernst Oertel
7.30pm: Maiden (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m, Winner: Law Of Peace, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar
