With regard to the editorial AWS outage shows the need for a cloud computing Plan B (October 22): This reflection comes at a crucial time, given the surge in co-ordinated attacks on telecommunications and critical infrastructure over the past year. More than 15500 incidents in the US alone have highlighted how over-reliance on private networks creates systemic vulnerabilities, not just technical inconveniences. The impact stretches well beyond lost equipment, with economic losses between 38 and 188 million dollars in just six months, hitting vital sectors from hospitals to military bases.
Single points of failure in cloud or telecom providers further illustrate how service concentration amplifies risk and raises questions around digital sovereignty and crisis response. Forward-thinking organisations are moving toward resilient, multi-cloud architectures and embedding advanced business continuity planning, including automated failover and continuous incident monitoring.
But real resilience also requires rigorous testing, executive involvement, and collaboration across industry and regulatory bodies. With threat sophistication on the rise, an integrated approach combining robust architecture, security controls, and co-ordinated sector response is essential to uphold public trust and operational continuity.
Johnny Da Silva, Paris, France
The French judiciary sets an example
With regard to Paul Carey's article Nicolas Sarkozy starts prison sentence over Libya funding scandal with defiant message (October 21): It's a sad situation, but bravo to Carla Bruni for standing with her husband until the end. I respect that. She's a brave lady.
Ana Catarina Ferreira Fonseca, Lisbon, Portugal
It's good to see a functioning rule of law. Unlike in corrupt countries where power, position or who you know could place you in a preferential place in society. Sure it is a sad day for him and his wife but so it is for everyone who goes to prison.
Tarja Katrina, Belgrade, Serbia
Justice for a Lebanese singer-fugitive
With reference to The National's report Lebanese singer turned fugitive Fadel Chaker appears in court after 12 years on the run (October 22): For justice to truly have been served, he should be jailed for the rest of his life.
Michel Khairallah, Beirut
Angelina Jolie's shelter for orphans in Gaza
With regard to Lemma Shehadi's piece Angelina Jolie could set up 'huge shelter for Gaza orphans' (October 21): As much as I want to be cynical about an actress saying she wants to or intends to help, she is pretty well known for her humanitarian donation and hands-on efforts.
Daniel Knapp, New York City, US
JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH
Directed by: Shaka King
Starring: Daniel Kaluuya, Lakeith Stanfield, Jesse Plemons
Four stars
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder MHEV
Power: 360bhp
Torque: 500Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh282,870
On sale: now
SPECS
Engine: Two-litre four-cylinder turbo
Power: 235hp
Torque: 350Nm
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Price: From Dh167,500 ($45,000)
On sale: Now
Venom
Director: Ruben Fleischer
Cast: Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams, Riz Ahmed
Rating: 1.5/5
Most F1 world titles
7 — Michael Schumacher (1994, ’95, 2000, ’01 ’02, ’03, ’04)
7 — Lewis Hamilton (2008, ’14,’15, ’17, ’18, ’19, ’20)
5 — Juan Manuel Fangio (1951, ’54, ’55, ’56, ’57)
4 — Alain Prost (1985, ’86, ’89, ’93)
4 — Sebastian Vettel (2010, ’11, ’12, ’13)
DMZ facts
- The DMZ was created as a buffer after the 1950-53 Korean War.
- It runs 248 kilometers across the Korean Peninsula and is 4km wide.
- The zone is jointly overseen by the US-led United Nations Command and North Korea.
- It is littered with an estimated 2 million mines, tank traps, razor wire fences and guard posts.
- Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un met at a building in Panmunjom, where an armistice was signed to stop the Korean War.
- Panmunjom is 52km north of the Korean capital Seoul and 147km south of Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital.
- Former US president Bill Clinton visited Panmunjom in 1993, while Ronald Reagan visited the DMZ in 1983, George W. Bush in 2002 and Barack Obama visited a nearby military camp in 2012.
- Mr Trump planned to visit in November 2017, but heavy fog that prevented his helicopter from landing.
FIXTURES
December 28
Stan Wawrinka v Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Milos Raonic v Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm
December 29 - semi-finals
Rafael Nadal v Stan Wawrinka / Pablo Carreno Busta, 5pm
Novak Djokovic v Milos Raonic / Dominic Thiem, no earlier then 7pm
December 30
3rd/4th place play-off, 5pm
Final, 7pm
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Key features of new policy
Pupils to learn coding and other vocational skills from Grade 6
Exams to test critical thinking and application of knowledge
A new National Assessment Centre, PARAKH (Performance, Assessment, Review and Analysis for Holistic Development) will form the standard for schools
Schools to implement online system to encouraging transparency and accountability
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
Results
3pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (Dirt) 1,000m; Winner: Dhafra, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)
3.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 2,000m; Winner: Al Ajayib, Antonio Fresu, Eric Lemartinel
4pm: Handicap (PA) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: Ashtr, Abdul Aziz Al Balushi, Majed Al Jahouri
4.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh40,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: Falcon Claws, Szczepan Mazur, Doug Watson
5pm: Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan Cup – Prestige Handicap (PA) Dh100,000 (D) 1,700m; Winner: Al Mufham SB, Al Moatasem Al Balushi, Badar Al Hajri
5.30pm: Sharjah Marathon – Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 2,700m; Winner: Asraa Min Al Talqa, Al Moatasem Al Balushi, Helal Al Alawi
