It's only two years ago that Syrian president Bashar Al Assad visited Russia. It was his first visit abroad since the uprising against him began in March 2011. President Vladimir Putin assured the world that "positive results in military operations will lay the base for … working out a long-term settlement based on a political process that involves all political forces". Mr Al Assad, for his part, agreed, saying "military action must be followed by political steps". Mr Al Assad, more secure than at any time since the Syrian civil war began, made a second visit to Russia this week.
It is hard not conclude, on the basis of the meeting between Mr Al Assad and Mr Putin, that the pledge advanced by the Kremlin in 2015 to search for a political solution to the Syrian crisis has fallen by the wayside. What is emerging in its place is a justification for the continued presence of Mr Al Assad on Syria's political scene. On Monday, Mr Putin "noted with satisfaction" the Syrian president's "readiness to work with all those who want peace". Were it not so tragic, this would be a laughable claim. The truth, as measured by the actions of Mr Al Assad himself, is that he is not interested in working with others to secure peace. His purpose is limited to self-perpetuation, and he has demonstrated that he will try to achieve this at any cost.
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Read more
Syria military operation 'wrapping up', Putin tells Assad in Russia
US accuses Russia of protecting Assad regime and 'terrorists' using chemical weapons
In Syria, Assad might be winning the war, but he is far from winning the peace
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The tally of people killed or brutalised by the Syrian government continues to rise in line with Mr Al Assad's strengthening grip on power. At the same time, a series of internationally mediated talks have failed to yield results for the simple reason that Mr Al Assad has refused to budge. As these pages have noted in the past, for a political solution to emerge in Syria, there has to be engagement between the parties.
A major obstacle to any political progress is Mr Al Assad, whose presence is an affront to the millions of Syrians who yearn for a life of dignity. But shielded diplomatically and supported militarily by Russia, Mr Al Assad clearly believes that his conduct carries no costs. Moscow recently blocked a UN resolution to extend an international probe into chemical weapons usage in Syria, and talks scheduled in the weeks ahead might fail to deliver results if Russia continues this trend.
The world may reluctantly have accepted that Mr Al Assad may stay in his role temporarily to ease Syria’s political transition. But the Syrian president’s pilgrimage to Sochi suggests that he is preparing to prolong his own rule. There could be no greater insult to Syrians than allowing Mr Al Assad to get away with it after all that his country has endured.
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Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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
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Company profile
Name: Infinite8
Based: Dubai
Launch year: 2017
Number of employees: 90
Sector: Online gaming industry
Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
Tips on buying property during a pandemic
Islay Robinson, group chief executive of mortgage broker Enness Global, offers his advice on buying property in today's market.
While many have been quick to call a market collapse, this simply isn’t what we’re seeing on the ground. Many pockets of the global property market, including London and the UAE, continue to be compelling locations to invest in real estate.
While an air of uncertainty remains, the outlook is far better than anyone could have predicted. However, it is still important to consider the wider threat posed by Covid-19 when buying bricks and mortar.
Anything with outside space, gardens and private entrances is a must and these property features will see your investment keep its value should the pandemic drag on. In contrast, flats and particularly high-rise developments are falling in popularity and investors should avoid them at all costs.
Attractive investment property can be hard to find amid strong demand and heightened buyer activity. When you do find one, be prepared to move hard and fast to secure it. If you have your finances in order, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Lenders continue to lend and rates remain at an all-time low, so utilise this. There is no point in tying up cash when you can keep this liquidity to maximise other opportunities.
Keep your head and, as always when investing, take the long-term view. External factors such as coronavirus or Brexit will present challenges in the short-term, but the long-term outlook remains strong.
Finally, keep an eye on your currency. Whenever currency fluctuations favour foreign buyers, you can bet that demand will increase, as they act to secure what is essentially a discounted property.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 258hp from 5,000-6,500rpm
Torque: 400Nm from 1,550-4,000rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.1L/100km
Price: from Dh362,500
On sale: now
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
