"It's the first time the skies have been quiet over Hodeidah for many, many months." So said UN special envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths, as the ceasefire produced by his UN-led talks in Sweden appeared to hold. It is worth reiterating how significant recent developments in Yemen are.
Amid great optimism, UN-sponsored talks collapsed in September, when the Iran-backed Houthi delegation failed even to attend. But just three months on, with fighting having abated between the Houthis and the Saudi-led coalition battling to reinstate Yemen’s legitimate government, fresh talks in Rimbo this month yielded unprecedented success. As both sides mixed freely in the icy Swedish town, agreements were thrashed out on prisoner exchange and Hodeidah, a vital port city and the gateway for all humanitarian aid to Yemen.
With 14 million Yemenis on the brink of famine, the hand over of Hodeidah and its port to the United Nations is intrinsic to an end to their suffering.
Sceptics will point to reports of ceasefire violations. Indeed, in the first two hours of the truce, which came into effect at midnight on Monday, the Houthis reportedly shelled pro-government forces and Houthi camps east of Hodeidah airport were allegedly hit. But doubters overlook the extraordinary progress that has been made – both since September and during a year of tireless peacemaking – as well as the fact that the truce has since held.
In an overture that would have been impossible just months ago, the Yemeni government offered on Tuesday to include the Houthis in the country's political future if they disarm and sever ties with Iran. The internationally recognised government has even pledged to giving the rebels a seat in Yemen's cabinet.
Just as the Saudi-led coalition has done, the Houthis should commit wholeheartedly to a political solution, from which peace and stability can be salvaged. After intensive fighting to secure the vital port of Hodeidah and stop the flow of Iranian missiles and weaponry, the rebels are running out of options. They should use their remaining influence to push for peace.
As The National reported, a joint committee, including the UN and all warring sides, will convene today to discuss the next steps. It appears, after nearly four bloody years, that all roads now lead to a political solution in Yemen.
In Syria, another intractable war involving multiple state and non-state actors, peace looks far less likely. Well-meaning but thwarted at every turn, UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura is now dealing with Russia, Iran and Turkey instead of Syrians as he pursues peace.
By contrast, it is Yemenis sitting across from one another than made the Hodeidah ceasefire possible. Naturally, vigilance is required to ensure that the progress in Sweden, and this week in Hodeidah, becomes a road map for peace. But early indications lend cautious optimism that this time, it could last.
Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
Founder: Ayman Badawi
Date started: Test product September 2016, paid launch January 2017
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Software
Size: Seven employees
Funding: $170,000 in angel investment
Funders: friends
Mia Man’s tips for fermentation
- Start with a simple recipe such as yogurt or sauerkraut
- Keep your hands and kitchen tools clean. Sanitize knives, cutting boards, tongs and storage jars with boiling water before you start.
- Mold is bad: the colour pink is a sign of mold. If yogurt turns pink as it ferments, you need to discard it and start again. For kraut, if you remove the top leaves and see any sign of mold, you should discard the batch.
- Always use clean, closed, airtight lids and containers such as mason jars when fermenting yogurt and kraut. Keep the lid closed to prevent insects and contaminants from getting in.
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
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
