Comment

The late Hisham Al Hashimi only saw goodness in others

A hundred days since he was assassinated, the life of Iraq's foremost security expert continues to inspire his countrymen and women

Rasha Al Aqeedi
Rasha Al Aqeedi

October 27, 2020

  • English
  • Arabic

Monday marked a hundred days since unidentified gunmen assassinated Hisham Al Hashimi outside his house in Baghdad. The tragic loss of this foremost expert on radical groups, and an adviser to the Iraqi government, dealt a massive blow to the country's academic, social and security institutions. Very few are spared the wrath of violent armed groups, whether they are non-state or state-sanctioned.

The world lost a historian who documented ISIS and the various extremist groups that preceded it (most if not all literature on these topics extensively source Al Hashimi’s works). Iraq lost a sociologist who understood and embraced his country’s complexities. A family lost a loving husband, father, brother and uncle. And many of us lost a good friend.

Aristotle once said: “A friend to all is a friend to none." Had he known Al Hashimi, he would have paused to reconsider his statement. If there was one thing Al Hashimi rejected, it was any ideology that would push human beings to kill one another. And yet, he made friends with anyone, whatever their world view was, so long as they did not resort to violence.

Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashimi was shot dead outside his home in Baghdad on Monday night. AFP
Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashimi was shot dead outside his home in Baghdad on Monday night. AFP
Security forces stand guard at the scene of Husham Al Hashimi's assassination in the Zeyouneh area of Baghdad. AP
Security forces stand guard at the scene of Husham Al Hashimi's assassination in the Zeyouneh area of Baghdad. AP
Iraqi police officers investigate the scene outside Husham Al Hashimi's house after he was shot dead in Baghdad on Monday following threats from Iran-backed militias. AP
Iraqi police officers investigate the scene outside Husham Al Hashimi's house after he was shot dead in Baghdad on Monday following threats from Iran-backed militias. AP
Iraqis carry the coffin of Iraqi terrorism expert Husham Al Hashimi, who was assassinated by an unknown armed group outside his house. EPA
Iraqis carry the coffin of Iraqi terrorism expert Husham Al Hashimi, who was assassinated by an unknown armed group outside his house. EPA
Mourners carry Husham Al Hishami's coffin during the funeral in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters
Mourners carry Husham Al Hishami's coffin during the funeral in Baghdad, Iraq. Reuters
Al Hashimi, a leading expert on ISIS and other armed groups, was shot dead in Baghdad on Monday evening after receiving threats from Iran-backed militias, Iraqi security officials said. EPA
Al Hashimi, a leading expert on ISIS and other armed groups, was shot dead in Baghdad on Monday evening after receiving threats from Iran-backed militias, Iraqi security officials said. EPA
Mourners pray over the coffin of slain Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashemi, who was shot dead yesterday outside his house in the Iraqi capital. AFP
Mourners pray over the coffin of slain Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashemi, who was shot dead yesterday outside his house in the Iraqi capital. AFP
Al Hashimi was an authoritative voice on militant factions, including ISIS, but was also frequently consulted by media and foreign governments on domestic Iraqi politics and armed groups. Reuters
Al Hashimi was an authoritative voice on militant factions, including ISIS, but was also frequently consulted by media and foreign governments on domestic Iraqi politics and armed groups. Reuters
A mourner cries during the funeral. Al Hashimi had warm ties with top decision-makers, including President Barham Saleh, but was also trusted by rival parties and armed groups, which used him as a mediator. AFP
A mourner cries during the funeral. Al Hashimi had warm ties with top decision-makers, including President Barham Saleh, but was also trusted by rival parties and armed groups, which used him as a mediator. AFP
A relative reacts during the funeral of former government adviser and political analyst Husham Al Hashimi, who was killed by gunmen, in Baghdad. Reuters
A relative reacts during the funeral of former government adviser and political analyst Husham Al Hashimi, who was killed by gunmen, in Baghdad. Reuters
Mourners embrace during the funeral of slain Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashimi, who was shot dead on Monday outside his house in the Iraqi capital. AFP
Mourners embrace during the funeral of slain Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashimi, who was shot dead on Monday outside his house in the Iraqi capital. AFP
An Iraqi federal policeman stands guard while mourners carry the flag-draped coffin of Husham Al Hashimi during his funeral in the Zeyouneh area of Baghdad. AP
An Iraqi federal policeman stands guard while mourners carry the flag-draped coffin of Husham Al Hashimi during his funeral in the Zeyouneh area of Baghdad. AP
A general view shows the spot where Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashimi was shot dead yesterday outside his house in the Iraqi capital Baghdad’s Zeyouneh district. AFP
A general view shows the spot where Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashimi was shot dead yesterday outside his house in the Iraqi capital Baghdad’s Zeyouneh district. AFP

Iraqis come from diverse backgrounds and thinking, many of who may even be at odds with each other. But according to Al Hashimi, most Iraqis rejected, in particular, two extreme but influential ideologies: one that envisions an Islamic state and the return of the Caliph, and the other that calls for an Islamic revolution that eventually places entire states under the influence of a supreme leader. Both of these ideologies, however, espouse violence.

Al Hashimi did not believe a majority of Iraqis subscribed to either world view. And if he met an individual who did, and if he determined that that individual did not mean to physically harm someone else, then to his mind the angry rhetoric and sometimes empty threats amounted to little more than sound bites.

In Al Hashimi’s view, listening to and befriending people of all stripes and reconciling quarreling groups were the only ways to defeat extremists at both ends of Iraq’s unique political and identity spectrums. Maybe he was on to something. It is important to note that in the aftermath of his killing, only two groups of people rejoiced: those who were aligned with ISIS, and those who supported the militias backed by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and believed to be the prime suspects in his murder.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi offers condolences to the family of the late former government adviser and political analyst Husham Al Hashimi. Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi offers condolences to the family of the late former government adviser and political analyst Husham Al Hashimi. Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office
Husham Al Hashimi was killed by gunmen outside his home in Baghdad. Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office
Husham Al Hashimi was killed by gunmen outside his home in Baghdad. Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi has promised to hold the killers of Husham Al Hashimi to account. Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi has promised to hold the killers of Husham Al Hashimi to account. Iraqi Prime Minister Media Office
Iraqi protesters carry the picture of Iraqi terrorism expert Husham Al Hashimi with a slogan reading in Arabic 'Al Hashimi is the martyr of the October Revolution'. EPA
Iraqi protesters carry the picture of Iraqi terrorism expert Husham Al Hashimi with a slogan reading in Arabic 'Al Hashimi is the martyr of the October Revolution'. EPA
Men walk past a mourning tent bearing the poster of slain Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashimi, who was shot outside his house this week. AFP
Men walk past a mourning tent bearing the poster of slain Iraqi extremism expert Husham Al Hashimi, who was shot outside his house this week. AFP
Al Hashimi was an authoritative voice on Sunni factions including ISIS, but was also frequently consulted by media and foreign governments on domestic Iraqi politics and Shiite armed groups. AFP
Al Hashimi was an authoritative voice on Sunni factions including ISIS, but was also frequently consulted by media and foreign governments on domestic Iraqi politics and Shiite armed groups. AFP

Al Hashimi was of the firm belief that everyone was redeemable. He was an opponent of what is known today as "cancel culture". Perhaps he projected the swirling dynamics of his own life's trajectory on to a people who have had to deal with the trauma of conflict since the conception of their nation. He found his greatest joy in reconciliation, and that is what he spent a significant amount of his final years working on. He helped turn foes into friends and paved the way for a more unified stance in tackling the many challenges facing the country.

Al Hashimi was an outspoken critic of corruption and kleptocracy but he was not an enemy of the state. In fact, he believed in gradual reform from within the system. Over the past six years, he served as a security adviser to Iraqi President Barham Salih. He engaged with the US Central Command stationed in the country, as well as leaders of the various militias, especially when the threat of ISIS foreshadowed all other problems.

His in-depth knowledge of the ISIS organisation served to understand the group's blueprint. When it lost its territorial control, Al Hashimi wasted little time in warning about an imminent underground resurgence – just in case Baghdad failed to seize the opportunity provided by victory.

A photographer holding his picture of the Arc du Triomphe (Triumph's Arch) taken on March 14, 2014 in front of the remains of the historic monument after it was destroyed by ISIS in October 2015 in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra. AFP
A photographer holding his picture of the Arc du Triomphe (Triumph's Arch) taken on March 14, 2014 in front of the remains of the historic monument after it was destroyed by ISIS in October 2015 in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra. AFP
Iraqi men look at a crater left by a massive suicide car bomb attack carried out the previous day by ISIS in the predominantly Shiite town of Khan Bani Saad, 20km north of Baghdad, on July 18, 2015. AFP
Iraqi men look at a crater left by a massive suicide car bomb attack carried out the previous day by ISIS in the predominantly Shiite town of Khan Bani Saad, 20km north of Baghdad, on July 18, 2015. AFP
A Syrian man walks past a minaret destroyed following an alleged air strikes by Syrian government forces in the ISIS controlled Syrian city of Raqqa, on November 25, 2014. AFP
A Syrian man walks past a minaret destroyed following an alleged air strikes by Syrian government forces in the ISIS controlled Syrian city of Raqqa, on November 25, 2014. AFP
Men, suspected of being affiliated with ISIS, gather in a prison cell in the northeastern Syrian city of Hasakeh on October 26, 2019. AFP
Men, suspected of being affiliated with ISIS, gather in a prison cell in the northeastern Syrian city of Hasakeh on October 26, 2019. AFP
A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stands guard in a prison where men suspected to be affiliated with ISIS are jailed in northeast Syria in the city of Hasakeh on October 26, 2019. AFP
A member of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) stands guard in a prison where men suspected to be affiliated with ISIS are jailed in northeast Syria in the city of Hasakeh on October 26, 2019. AFP
A woman stands in front of a bullet riddled facade in the northern Syrian city of Raqqa, the former Syrian capital of ISIS, on August 21, 2019. AFP
A woman stands in front of a bullet riddled facade in the northern Syrian city of Raqqa, the former Syrian capital of ISIS, on August 21, 2019. AFP
A fighter with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) monitors on Surveillance screens, prisoners who are accused of being affiliated with ISIS, at a prison in the northeastern Syrian city of Hasakeh on October 26, 2019. AFP
A fighter with the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) monitors on Surveillance screens, prisoners who are accused of being affiliated with ISIS, at a prison in the northeastern Syrian city of Hasakeh on October 26, 2019. AFP
A general view shows blankets hanging across the road for protection from sniper fire in the Hamidiyeh neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo as local popular committee fighters, who support the Syrian government forces, try to defend the traditionally Christian district on the third day of intense battles with ISIS on April 9, 2015. AFP
A general view shows blankets hanging across the road for protection from sniper fire in the Hamidiyeh neighbourhood of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo as local popular committee fighters, who support the Syrian government forces, try to defend the traditionally Christian district on the third day of intense battles with ISIS on April 9, 2015. AFP
An undated image, which appears to be a screenshot from a video and which was published by ISIS in the Homs province (Welayat Homs) on August 25, 2015, allegedly shows smoke billowing from the Baal Shamin temple in Syria's ancient city of Palmyra. AFP
An undated image, which appears to be a screenshot from a video and which was published by ISIS in the Homs province (Welayat Homs) on August 25, 2015, allegedly shows smoke billowing from the Baal Shamin temple in Syria's ancient city of Palmyra. AFP
The house of local farmer Hamad al-Ibrahim is seen destroyed in the eastern Syrian village of Baghouz on March 13, 2020, a year after the fall of ISIS. AFP
The house of local farmer Hamad al-Ibrahim is seen destroyed in the eastern Syrian village of Baghouz on March 13, 2020, a year after the fall of ISIS. AFP
A picture taken on January 13, 2020 during a press tour organised by the US-led coalition fighting the remnants of ISIS, shows a view of the damage at Ain al-Asad military airbase housing US and other foreign troops in the western Iraqi province of Anbar. AFP
A picture taken on January 13, 2020 during a press tour organised by the US-led coalition fighting the remnants of ISIS, shows a view of the damage at Ain al-Asad military airbase housing US and other foreign troops in the western Iraqi province of Anbar. AFP
A bridge that was destroyed by ISIS after they took control of the river crossing and rebuilt the bridge as US-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters advance into ISIS's bastion of Manbij, in northern Syria, on June 23, 2016. AFP
A bridge that was destroyed by ISIS after they took control of the river crossing and rebuilt the bridge as US-backed Kurdish and Arab fighters advance into ISIS's bastion of Manbij, in northern Syria, on June 23, 2016. AFP
Iraqis look at the damage at aftermath scene of a mortar and bombing attack on the Sayyid Mohammed shrine in the Balad area, located 70km (around 45 miles) north of Baghdad, on July 8, 2016. AFP
Iraqis look at the damage at aftermath scene of a mortar and bombing attack on the Sayyid Mohammed shrine in the Balad area, located 70km (around 45 miles) north of Baghdad, on July 8, 2016. AFP
Part of the remains of Arch of Triumph, also called the Monumental Arch of Palmyra, that was destroyed by ISIS in October 2015 in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, after government troops recaptured the UNESCO world heritage site. AFP
Part of the remains of Arch of Triumph, also called the Monumental Arch of Palmyra, that was destroyed by ISIS in October 2015 in the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, after government troops recaptured the UNESCO world heritage site. AFP
Iraqi Kurdish and Turkmen Shiite forces sit in the northern Iraqi town of Bashir after they recaptured the town from ISIS on May 1, 2016. AFP
Iraqi Kurdish and Turkmen Shiite forces sit in the northern Iraqi town of Bashir after they recaptured the town from ISIS on May 1, 2016. AFP

Another threat, meanwhile, was looming: the growing pains of the hastily formed Popular Mobilisation Forces, an Iranian-backed umbrella group of militias that the IRGC had infiltrated and dominated. The impunity of some factions within the PMF to commit human rights violations worried Al Hashimi. Living in Baghdad amid their increasingly reckless behaviour warranted caution, and he balanced criticism with sound advice in his dealings with these groups.

There was one occasion when he abandoned this cautious approach – during the anti-government protests that broke out in October 2019. He could not conceal his heartbreak following the loss of young lives in their hundreds. He grew more critical of government orders to crack down on these unarmed protesters, while trying to mediate between the activists and the few "adults" still remaining in the government's backrooms.

It was during these protests when we got a glimpse of Al Hashimi's empathetic side. He spent hours observing the discourse between protesters on social media. He praised their bravery but sent them private messages, dissuading them from making fiery statements that might endanger their own lives.

“People in Tahrir Square are broken today," one friend said in the aftermath of his assassination. "Though hundreds died here, it is like the killing of this one man has casted an unparalleled gloominess. All hope died with Hisham."

A hundred days later, large posters of Al Hashimi remain pasted on walls and tents at the iconic protest venue. Faith in Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi, who promised reforms and justice, has dwindled significantly. People on the streets know who the killers are, but they also realise that these culprits are more powerful than the justice system and perhaps even the government.

Over the past three months, many people have shared their personal memories of Al Hashimi. “How did he make time for all of us?,” journalist Alison Meuse remarked. This is true. Al Hashimi never left a question unanswered or a message unattended to. He seldom turned away anyone in need of advice or a sounding board. He had a brilliant mind but also a gentle soul. He was down to earth, which is a rarity among security analysts and experts.

A protester stands next to the pictures of protesters who were killed in clashes with security forces during the anti-government protests at Tahrir Square in central Baghdad. EPA
A protester stands next to the pictures of protesters who were killed in clashes with security forces during the anti-government protests at Tahrir Square in central Baghdad. EPA
People hold up a picture of a slain protester as they gather with national flags for a demonstration in Tahrir Square in the centre of Iraq's capital Baghdad. AFP
People hold up a picture of a slain protester as they gather with national flags for a demonstration in Tahrir Square in the centre of Iraq's capital Baghdad. AFP
A demonstrator gestures during a protest to mark the first anniversary of the anti-government protests in Basra, Iraq on October 1, 2020. AP Photo
A demonstrator gestures during a protest to mark the first anniversary of the anti-government protests in Basra, Iraq on October 1, 2020. AP Photo
A protester waves the Iraqi national flag during a demonstration at the Al-Firdus square in central Baghdad. EPA
A protester waves the Iraqi national flag during a demonstration at the Al-Firdus square in central Baghdad. EPA
Demonstrators play the role of detainees as they gather to mark the first anniversary of the anti-government protests at Tahrir Square in Baghdad. Reuters
Demonstrators play the role of detainees as they gather to mark the first anniversary of the anti-government protests at Tahrir Square in Baghdad. Reuters
Protesters walk next to a wall with graffiti near Tahrir square in central Baghdad. EPA
Protesters walk next to a wall with graffiti near Tahrir square in central Baghdad. EPA
Women light candles and pray for the victims of protests at Tahrir Square in central Baghdad. EPA
Women light candles and pray for the victims of protests at Tahrir Square in central Baghdad. EPA
Demonstrators gather to mark the first anniversary of the anti-government protests, in Najaf, Iraq. Reuters
Demonstrators gather to mark the first anniversary of the anti-government protests, in Najaf, Iraq. Reuters
Demonstrators light candles to mark the first anniversary of the anti-government protests in Basra, Iraq. AP Photo
Demonstrators light candles to mark the first anniversary of the anti-government protests in Basra, Iraq. AP Photo
A protester lights candles and prays for the victims of protests at Tahrir Square in central Baghdad. EPA
A protester lights candles and prays for the victims of protests at Tahrir Square in central Baghdad. EPA
Men prepare torches as Iraqi demonstrators gather to mark the first anniversary of the anti-government protests, in Najaf. Reuters
Men prepare torches as Iraqi demonstrators gather to mark the first anniversary of the anti-government protests, in Najaf. Reuters
Protesters carry the Iraqi national flag as they stand on concrete blocks which are used by security forces to block the Al-Jumhuriya bridge, close to Tahrir square in central Baghdad. EPA
Protesters carry the Iraqi national flag as they stand on concrete blocks which are used by security forces to block the Al-Jumhuriya bridge, close to Tahrir square in central Baghdad. EPA
Iraqis carry the Iraqi national flag and chant slogans during a demonstration at Tahrir square in central Baghdad. EPA
Iraqis carry the Iraqi national flag and chant slogans during a demonstration at Tahrir square in central Baghdad. EPA
Protesters wave Iraqi national flags as they gather for a demonstration in Tahrir Square in the centre of Iraq's capital Baghdad. AFP
Protesters wave Iraqi national flags as they gather for a demonstration in Tahrir Square in the centre of Iraq's capital Baghdad. AFP
Iraqi protesters wave the national flag as they gather for a demonstration in Tahrir Square in the centre of Iraq's capital Baghdad. AFP
Iraqi protesters wave the national flag as they gather for a demonstration in Tahrir Square in the centre of Iraq's capital Baghdad. AFP
Perhaps the most vital lesson for us to learn is his unmatched ability to listen, understand, forgive and befriend. In his view, even those who seemed hopeless deserved a chance

Al Hashimi left behind a treasure trove of writings that will no doubt shed light on some of Iraq and the region’s most pressing security concerns. Many of his works have yet to be published or translated. Friends and colleagues have pledged to make his papers and books accessible to larger audiences who did not get to know him.

He also left us with many fond memories, including lighter moments even as we discussed Iraq’s many ironies, complicated social compacts and delicious cuisines. There was never a dull moment with Al Hashimi. Perhaps the most vital lesson for us to learn is his unmatched ability to listen, understand, forgive and befriend. In his view, even those who seemed hopeless deserved a chance.

In 2016, amid all the anguish and confusion following the ISIS takeover of my hometown Mosul, a Baghdad-based journalist posted on Facebook that the only way to save Iraq was by bombing the city using chemical weapons. In his post, he described children as ticking time-bombs and viruses – were they to be brainwashed by the terror group into taking up their violent cause. I did not take kindly to the post. I was even upset that, rather than scorning him publicly, Al Hashimi reached out to him privately. “He is hurt and confused," he told me. "Words are only words. Talk to him. He would never accept killing civilians, Rasha. Befriend him."

Al Hashimi presumed the best in others, even actively seeking it from them. Only time will tell if that was a blessing or a curse.

Rasha Al Aqeedi is an Iraqi journalist

TWISTERS

Director: Lee Isaac Chung

Starring: Glen Powell, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Anthony Ramos

Rating: 2.5/5

Results

1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m

Winner Al Suhooj, Saif Al Balushi (jockey), Khalifa Al Neyadi (trainer)

2pm Handicap (TB) 68,000 (D) 1,950m

Winner Miracle Maker, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer

2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,600m

Winner Mazagran, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar

3pm Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,800m

Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh76,000 (D) 1,400m

Winner Alla Mahlak, Adrie de Vries, Rashed Bouresly

4pm Maiden (TB) Dh60,000 (D) 1,200m

Winner Hurry Up, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer

4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh68,000 (D) 1,200m

White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogenChromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxideUltramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica contentOphiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on landOlivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour

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Fifa Club World Cup quarter-final

Kashima Antlers 3 (Nagaki 49’, Serginho 69’, Abe 84’)
Guadalajara 2 (Zaldivar 03’, Pulido 90')

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Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

Fight Night

FIGHT NIGHT

Four title fights:

Amir Khan v Billy Dib - WBC International title
Hughie Fury v Samuel Peter - Heavyweight co-main event  
Dave Penalosa v Lerato Dlamini - WBC Silver title
Prince Patel v Michell Banquiz - IBO World title

Six undercard bouts:

Michael Hennessy Jr v Abdul Julaidan Fatah
Amandeep Singh v Shakhobidin Zoirov
Zuhayr Al Qahtani v Farhad Hazratzada
Lolito Sonsona v Isack Junior
Rodrigo Caraballo v Sajid Abid
Ali Kiydin v Hemi Ahio

Results

Stage Two:

1. Mark Cavendish (GBR) QuickStep-AlphaVinyl 04:20:45

2. Jasper Philipsen (BEL) Alpecin-Fenix

3. Pascal Ackermann (GER) UAE Team Emirates

4. Olav Kooij (NED) Jumbo-Visma

5. Arnaud Demare (FRA) Groupama-FDJ

General Classification:

1. Jasper Philipsen (BEL) Alpecin-Fenix 09:03:03

2. Dmitry Strakhov (RUS) Gazprom-Rusvelo 00:00:04

3. Mark Cavendish (GBR) QuickStep-AlphaVinyl 00:00:06

4. Sam Bennett (IRL) Bora-Hansgrohe 00:00:10

5. Pascal Ackermann (GER) UAE Team Emirates 00:00:12

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SANCTIONED
  • Kirill Shamalov, Russia's youngest billionaire and previously married to Putin's daughter Katarina
  • Petr Fradkov, head of recently sanctioned Promsvyazbank and son of former head of Russian Foreign Intelligence, the FSB. 
  • Denis Bortnikov, Deputy President of Russia's largest bank VTB. He is the son of Alexander Bortnikov, head of the FSB which was responsible for the poisoning of political activist Alexey Navalny in August 2020 with banned chemical agent novichok.  
  • Yury Slyusar, director of United Aircraft Corporation, a major aircraft manufacturer for the Russian military.
  • Elena Aleksandrovna Georgieva, chair of the board of Novikombank, a state-owned defence conglomerate.
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Match info

Uefa Champions League Group F

Manchester City v Hoffenheim, midnight (Wednesday, UAE)

While you're here
How to report a beggar

Abu Dhabi – Call 999 or 8002626 (Aman Service)

Dubai – Call 800243

Sharjah – Call 065632222

Ras Al Khaimah - Call 072053372

Ajman – Call 067401616

Umm Al Quwain – Call 999

Fujairah - Call 092051100 or 092224411

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."
Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

Towering concerns
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The specs
  • Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
  • Power: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

Australia World Cup squad

Aaron Finch (capt), Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa

Explained
Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

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Company%20Profile
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What you as a drone operator need to know

A permit and licence is required to fly a drone legally in Dubai.

Sanad Academy is the United Arab Emirate’s first RPA (Remotely Piloted Aircraft) training and certification specialists endorsed by the Dubai Civil Aviation authority.

It is responsible to train, test and certify drone operators and drones in UAE with DCAA Endorsement.

“We are teaching people how to fly in accordance with the laws of the UAE,” said Ahmad Al Hamadi, a trainer at Sanad.

“We can show how the aircraft work and how they are operated. They are relatively easy to use, but they need responsible pilots.

“Pilots have to be mature. They are given a map of where they can and can’t fly in the UAE and we make these points clear in the lectures we give.

“You cannot fly a drone without registration under any circumstances.”

Larger drones are harder to fly, and have a different response to location control. There are no brakes in the air, so the larger drones have more power.

The Sanad Academy has a designated area to fly off the Al Ain Road near Skydive Dubai to show pilots how to fly responsibly.

“As UAS technology becomes mainstream, it is important to build wider awareness on how to integrate it into commerce and our personal lives,” said Major General Abdulla Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief, Dubai Police.

“Operators must undergo proper training and certification to ensure safety and compliance.

“Dubai’s airspace will undoubtedly experience increased traffic as UAS innovations become commonplace, the Forum allows commercial users to learn of best practice applications to implement UAS safely and legally, while benefitting a whole range of industries.”

The biog

DOB: 25/12/92
Marital status: Single
Education: Post-graduate diploma in UAE Diplomacy and External Affairs at the Emirates Diplomatic Academy in Abu Dhabi
Hobbies: I love fencing, I used to fence at the MK Fencing Academy but I want to start again. I also love reading and writing
Lifelong goal: My dream is to be a state minister

The Kites

Romain Gary

Penguin Modern Classics

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
Gulf Under 19s final

Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B

Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere

Director: Scott Cooper

Starring: Jeremy Allen White, Odessa Young, Jeremy Strong

Rating: 4/5

Whiile you're here
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
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