Mourners react during the funeral of Hassan and Amira Fadlallah, siblings who were killed during an Israeli strike on 30 July, in the southern suburb of Beirut. EPA
Mourners react during the funeral of Hassan and Amira Fadlallah, siblings who were killed during an Israeli strike on 30 July, in the southern suburb of Beirut. EPA
Mourners react during the funeral of Hassan and Amira Fadlallah, siblings who were killed during an Israeli strike on 30 July, in the southern suburb of Beirut. EPA
Mourners react during the funeral of Hassan and Amira Fadlallah, siblings who were killed during an Israeli strike on 30 July, in the southern suburb of Beirut. EPA


Can striking in another country really be passed off as self-defence?


The National
  • English
  • Arabic

August 02, 2024

Is striking in another country really self-defence?

With regard to Ellie Sennett's article US senator introduces bill to hold Iran accountable for proxy attacks (July 31): it seems Benjamin Netanyahu is doing everything in his power to pull the US into conflict with Iran. This could be the first major crisis for the future US president, perhaps Kamala Harris.

David Archibald, Georgia, US

I'm tired of hearing the same excuses that a state has the right to defend itself. From what exactly, when it is occupying land that belongs to the indigenous people of that land? They, the indigenous people, have a right to fight back against the hypocrisy and a state that occupies and oppresses them. An illegally occupying state cannot claim its actions are legal simply by playing besties with a super power and getting weapons to wipe out the indigenous people of that region. Enough lies. We need to end this generational trauma. The continued war is creating so much psychological harm. Apart from the devastation and death, it is creating disturbed and desensitised masses. We need to end this. We need to support humanity.

Hala El-Murr, Beirut, Lebanon

Defending yourself and your country does not mean assassinating people in other sovereign countries. That is called terrorism, not defence.

Barbara Lebar, Abu Dhabi

Both countries need to face the consequences of their actions for there to be peace. Close all American military bases in the Middle East. It is shameful that Joe Biden and Antony Blinken are still permitted to arm and fund Israel and perpetrate the killing of so many people. Israel attacking other countries in the region is not self defence, and it is not the path to peace. If Israel's government is so determined to attack neighbours then its citizens might have no choice but to leave their country.

Rachel Greenhalgh, Cambridge, UK

The Kerala floods nightmare

With regard to Ramola Talwar Badam's report UAE residents mourn family and friends killed in Kerala landslide (July 31): so many people are stranded. They can do with airlifts as the roads in many parts have been washed away. I am from Wayanad. The situation is still very bad on the ground. More than 270 people now have died and they need more relief camps.

Rijju K, Muscat, Oman

A pregnant Olympian fencer's choice

In reference to Reem Abulleil's coverage of Nada Hafez, the 26-year-old Egyptian fencer who competed in the Olympics while seven months pregnant (Aug 1): some people seem confused regarding whether her participation was commendable or whether it put her and the baby at risk. It is totally commendable. What isn't is doubting the choice of a trained athlete who knows her capabilities and would have taken the advice of doctors, trainers, physiotherapists and more.

Katia Haddan, London, UK

PAKISTAN SQUAD

Pakistan - Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Shoaib Malik, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Aamer Yamin, Rumman Raees.

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

T20 World Cup Qualifier

Final: Netherlands beat PNG by seven wickets

Qualified teams

1. Netherlands
2. PNG
3. Ireland
4. Namibia
5. Scotland
6. Oman

T20 World Cup 2020, Australia

Group A: Sri Lanka, PNG, Ireland, Oman
Group B: Bangladesh, Netherlands, Namibia, Scotland

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Read part one: how cars came to the UAE

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The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

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War and the virus
Pathaan
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Women%E2%80%99s%20T20%20World%20Cup%20Qualifier
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While you're here
SPECS

Engine: 4-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: 8-speed Tiptronic automatic
Price: From Dh599,000
On sale: Now

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Xpanceo

Started: 2018

Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov

Based: Dubai, UAE

Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality

Funding: $40 million

Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)

Updated: August 02, 2024, 3:00 AM`