Rather than interpret the value of the Arab American vote through the community’s vulnerability and divisions, politicians ought to win votes by promoting its strengths
In one week, Americans will complete casting their votes for their preferred presidential candidate. Whether the winner is incumbent US President Donald Trump or his Democratic opponent Joe Biden, the result of the election will mark the beginning of a new era for US and world politics.
US voters submit their ballots in their home states, and their votes determine which way the state as a whole votes in the election for president. As with any other voting bloc, ethnic and religious minorities can sometimes make a great difference in the outcome of the ballot in a given state.
The Arab-American community is no exception. Their voices are rarely heard, and the community is often misunderstood. Arab Americans are often stigmatised, particularly in the two decades that have passed since 9/11. Meanwhile, their struggles are too frequently used to score political points by prominent politicians in both of the main US parties, the Democrats and the Republicans.
Arab Americans, of course, are not a homogenous group with a monolithic identity or ideology. Their roots and stories are diverse. Some have been in the US for generations; migration to the Americas from Lebanon and Syria began as early as the 19th century. Others have become US citizens more recently, sometimes arriving as refugees fleeing war or persecution. They include Muslims, Christians, Jews and a multitude of other religious groups, as well as those who do not subscribe to a given faith.
Their expectations from America’s next president differ depending on their personal experiences and their goals. But their experience as Arab Americans is shared. The broader context of their culture and heritage, and their trials in America, are often shared. American politicians would do well to acknowledge that, and to speak to those common ideals and struggles in this election.
The incumbent administration’s policies, at home and abroad, have had an outsized impact Arab Americans. For many Muslims, Mr Trump’s Muslim travel ban and the islamophobic rhetoric espoused by many of his supporters have been damaging. Many of those who recently came to the country as refugees or migrants have suffered because of these policies.
Some of the current administration’s supporters have also stoked Islamophobia or exploited the damage caused by Islamists in an attempt to win over members of other religious groups. This strategy, for instance, played a role in securing votes for Mr Trump from within Michigan’s Iraqi Christian community in the last election. That community was subsequently targeted by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, with many of its members telling The National they felt betrayed and disappointed.
The identitarian politics of the American far-left has been damaging in its own way, too. The left-most fringes of the Democratic Party have exploited the fear among Muslim groups in post-9/11 America, as well as emotive issues like the Palestine-Israel conflict, in an effort to convince Arab Americans that they are doomed to victimhood, and do not belong.
There is no coherent 'Arab American vote' but there is still a strong sentiment of what it means to be an Arab in America
Rather than interpret the value of the Arab American vote through the community’s vulnerability and divisions, politicians ought to win votes by promoting its strengths. Arab Americans have been some of their country’s most successful businesspeople, artists, poets, academics and community leaders. They have been as fundamental a building block in shaping American values as any of their compatriots, and their experiences merit consideration from both of America’s major parties.
There is no coherent ‘Arab American vote’. But there is still a strong sentiment of what it means to be an Arab in America. It is a feeling of seeing one’s ancestral homeland tied in, for better or worse, with one’s country of citizenship. In this election and those to come, America’s politicians have a duty to resolve continued apprehensions, and to emphasise to America’s Arab community that it matters and is valued.
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
Day 5, Dubai Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Given the problems Sri Lanka have had in recent times, it was apt the winning catch was taken by Dinesh Chandimal. He is one of seven different captains Sri Lanka have had in just the past two years. He leads in understated fashion, but by example. His century in the first innings of this series set the shock win in motion.
Stat of the day This was the ninth Test Pakistan have lost in their past 11 matches, a run that started when they lost the final match of their three-Test series against West Indies in Sharjah last year. They have not drawn a match in almost two years and 19 matches, since they were held by England at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi in 2015.
The verdict Mickey Arthur basically acknowledged he had erred by basing Pakistan’s gameplan around three seam bowlers and asking for pitches with plenty of grass in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Why would Pakistan want to change the method that has treated them so well on these grounds in the past 10 years? It is unlikely Misbah-ul-Haq would have made the same mistake.
ATP China Open
G Dimitrov (BUL x3) bt R Bautista Agut (ESP x5)
7-6, 4-6, 6-2
R Nadal (ESP x1) bt J Isner (USA x6)
6-4, 7-6
WTA China Open
S Halep (ROU x2) bt D Kasatkina (RUS)
6-2, 6-1
J Ostapenko (LAT x9) bt S Cirstea (ROU)
6-4, 6-4
ATP Japan Open
D Schwartzman (ARG x8) bt S Johnson (USA)
6-0, 7-5
D Goffin (BEL x4) bt R Gasquet (FRA)
7-5, 6-2
M Cilic (CRO x1) bt R Harrison (USA)
6-2, 6-0
Rating: 2/5 stars
Produced by: Dharma Productions, Azure Entertainment
Directed by: Robby Grewal
Cast: John Abraham, Mouni Roy, Jackie Shroff and Sikandar Kher
What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
Bowling style: Right-arm off-spin and slow left-arm orthodox (that's right!)
The Voice of Hind Rajab
Starring: Saja Kilani, Clara Khoury, Motaz Malhees
Director: Kaouther Ben Hania
Rating: 4/5
The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
Profile of Whizkey
Date founded: 04 November 2017
Founders: Abdulaziz AlBlooshi and Harsh Hirani
Based: Dubai, UAE
Number of employees: 10
Sector: AI, software
Cashflow: Dh2.5 Million
Funding stage: Series A
Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Rating: 4/5
Day 2, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day Dinesh Chandimal has inherited a challenging job, after being made Sri Lanka’s Test captain. He responded in perfect fashion, with an easy-natured century against Pakistan. He brought up three figures with a majestic cover drive, which he just stood and admired.
Stat of the day – 33 It took 33 balls for Dilruwan Perera to get off the mark. His time on zero was eventful enough. The Sri Lankan No 7 was given out LBW twice, but managed to have both decisions overturned on review. The TV replays showed both times that he had inside edged the ball onto his pad.
The verdict In the two previous times these two sides have met in Abu Dhabi, the Tests have been drawn. The docile nature of proceedings so far makes that the likely outcome again this time, but both sides will be harbouring thoughts that they can force their way into a winning position.
MATCH INFO
What: Brazil v South Korea When: Tonight, 5.30pm Where: Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi Tickets:www.ticketmaster.ae
