Wherever in the world it may happen, the storming of a government building by an angry mob often results in the same, familiar scenes. Security services, overwhelmed or unwilling to use force, have to make way for rioters who proceed to parade through the offices, gawk at the furnishings in the corridors of power and send legislators scurrying for safety. The atmosphere among the intruders is jubilant – they feel justified in openly disrespecting a political class that they believe has disrespected them – but also menacing, as though the national order itself is under threat.
These scenes played out in Washington on Wednesday, when hundreds of supporters of US President Donald Trump, including many who were armed, overran the Capitol, America's legislative assembly building, while the Senate was in session to confirm the election of his successor, Joe Biden.
But what happened in Washington was not an attack on the political class. Encouraged by the President himself as well as several of his political allies in order to impede the peaceful transition of power, it was an attack on the institutions fundamental to America's democratic political system. It was the attempted subjugation of good government to mob rule by an extremist fringe.
Editorials from The National
Yesterday's events demonstrated that courts and elections alone are not enough to safeguard American democracy. Stability and progress depend on the responsible stewardship of leaders, who can uphold a sense of reverence for institutions even when they produce a result contrary to their wishes.
Seemingly unprepared for the incursion on the Capitol, building security and Washington police were quickly overcome. The ineffectiveness of law enforcement was galling to many; a largely peaceful assembly in Washington led by activists from the Black Lives Matter movement in June was met with an immense show of force. This time, the federal government opted not to deploy the National Guard, a reserve branch of the military, to restore order until long after politicians in the building were forced to evacuate and many of the legislative offices had been vandalised. Whatever subjective morality drives the mob to invade such hallowed institutional walls, once they are breached, some of the reverence is lost for good.
As the rioters continued their occupation of the building, Mr Biden addressed the nation, calling the events "an assault on the citadel of liberty". His remarks evoked the longstanding self-image of America as a "city on a hill", an elevated fortress from which to defend a certain set of values while projecting them elsewhere in the world, either actively or by example.
It was the attempted subjugation of government to mob rule by an extremist fringe
Whatever foreign policy Mr Biden's incoming administration chooses to adopt over the next four years, its priority will necessarily be to project, in its affairs at home, America's example. People around the world watched Wednesday's scene at the Capitol less with respect than with disbelief, alarm and even ridicule.
Mr Biden's chief task after his inauguration on January 20 will be to unite a country shaken by deep divisions. This will be a delicate and arduous mission that involves, in part, seeking accountability for these displays of violence without escalating tensions further on either side. If he can manage it, America may see its citadel restored.
MATCH INFO
What: India v Afghanistan, first Test
When: Starts Thursday
Where: M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengalaru
Scoreline
Bournemouth 2
Wilson 70', Ibe 74'
Arsenal 1
Bellerin 52'
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
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Hydrogen: Market potential
Hydrogen has an estimated $11 trillion market potential, according to Bank of America Securities and is expected to generate $2.5tn in direct revenues and $11tn of indirect infrastructure by 2050 as its production increases six-fold.
"We believe we are reaching the point of harnessing the element that comprises 90 per cent of the universe, effectively and economically,” the bank said in a recent report.
Falling costs of renewable energy and electrolysers used in green hydrogen production is one of the main catalysts for the increasingly bullish sentiment over the element.
The cost of electrolysers used in green hydrogen production has halved over the last five years and will fall to 60 to 90 per cent by the end of the decade, acceding to Haim Israel, equity strategist at Merrill Lynch. A global focus on decarbonisation and sustainability is also a big driver in its development.
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Key products and UAE prices
iPhone XS
With a 5.8-inch screen, it will be an advance version of the iPhone X. It will be dual sim and comes with better battery life, a faster processor and better camera. A new gold colour will be available.
Price: Dh4,229
iPhone XS Max
It is expected to be a grander version of the iPhone X with a 6.5-inch screen; an inch bigger than the screen of the iPhone 8 Plus.
Price: Dh4,649
iPhone XR
A low-cost version of the iPhone X with a 6.1-inch screen, it is expected to attract mass attention. According to industry experts, it is likely to have aluminium edges instead of stainless steel.
Price: Dh3,179
Apple Watch Series 4
More comprehensive health device with edge-to-edge displays that are more than 30 per cent bigger than displays on current models.
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
more from Janine di Giovanni
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