Tuesday night's townhall-style debate between President Barack Obama and his challenger, Mitt Romney, included some incendiary words: "Death of a US ambassador". The reference was to last month's attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, which left Chris Stevens and three other Americans dead. Kerry Ladka, one of 82 Americans entitled to ask questions at the debate, wanted to know who denied additional security to the diplomatic mission in Benghazi. Mr Obama winged it - by a combination of steely strength and stare-you-down honesty. But the issue is not going away in the last three weeks of the race.
Coincidentally, Hollywood has been on message too. Could last weekend's release of a film about the 1979 siege of the US embassy in Tehran reawaken an especially tortured moment in the American national psyche? Could Argo, in which Ben Affleck plays a CIA specialist who engineers the escape of six American diplomats from Iran, be enough for Mr Obama to lose the November 6 election?
Probably not. Many younger voters will not remember the protracted humiliation of that period. More to the point, only 3 to 5 per cent of Americans traditionally regard foreign affairs as an important consideration when voting for president.
But the race for the White House has perceptibly narrowed and Mr Romney is calling the incumbent president the "second coming of Jimmy Carter". It is a clever description, harking back to an inglorious moment in US history. It recalls the Carter administration's incompetent machinations to free the hostages and its public shame in failing to do so. And it creates a subtle link in the collective consciousness between the Iranian hostage crisis and last month's attack on the US consulate in Benghazi.
The events in Libya and protests at US missions in Eqypt, Tunisia and Yemen have enabled the Republican Party to seize on foreign policy as an example of Mr Obama's weakness. Suddenly, foreign affairs have assumed unusual importance in the election even though they were little discussed on the 2012 campaign trail.
This becomes especially significant when seen through the rear-view prism of the 1980 election. Ronald Reagan defeated Mr Carter because the incumbent struggled to explain a downturn in the economy at home and the hostage situation abroad. Fast forward to 2012 and Mr Obama is having to explain high unemployment and an ailing housing market to the electorate even as his rival uses the backdrop of Benghazi to label him soft on the Middle East, China and Russia.
The Romney camp is playing to the US need to feel secure at home by staying in command abroad. In the process, Mr Romney has articulated a decidedly alternative vision for foreign policy that invokes a more glorious time in US history. This is all to the good, except for one key point - it seems rooted in the 20th century, rather than the 21st.
Consider this. Seven months ago, he declared, in a widely derided comment, that Russia was "without question, our number one geopolitical foe". He has said he would move the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which he unilaterally declared to be the capital of Israel, even though US policy says its status should be determined through negotiations. He has evoked the Cold War era with a promise to devote himself to "another American century". He has proposed a more confrontational approach to China, Russia and other countries and argued for a new muscularity in America's engagement with the world.
As Katrina vanden Heuvel commented in The Washington Post: "Romney's world is one of special relationships, particularly with Britain, Israel and Poland ... It's also a world of special enmities - against Iran - and unending suspicions - about China and Russia. For Mr Romney, there are three types of countries: countries that are with us; countries that are against us; and countries that will be against us, sooner or later."
How passé is that? The world has moved on. America no longer represents the ideal, the chance to have the "shining city on a hill". No one beyond America's borders buys the notion of US exceptionalism any more. A more muscular America, proffering advice at gunpoint, can only exacerbate anti-Americanism.
Contrast this with Mr Obama's approach to the wider world. Combining a severely non-ideological pragmatism with an aggressive centrism, he removed combat troops from Iraq but has also unapologetically escalated the campaign of drone strikes in Pakistan and failed to close the Guantanamo Bay prison. He has resisted getting sucked into Syria's civil war but successfully secured a UN-authorised, Nato-led intervention to dislodge Muammar Qaddafi.
But it is Mr Obama's cautious, calculated strategy in the Middle East and his refusal to continue his predecessor's aggressive push to spread democracy in the Arab world that best marks out his internationalist worldview. Mr Obama is on record to say: "No system of government can or should be imposed by one nation on any other."
His administration has not meddled in the Arab uprisings, busying itself instead with the nuts-and-bolts of building bridges to the new entities that are coming into being. This is why Mr Obama did not offer Egypt's governing Muslim Brotherhood nostrums about democracy, but instead put in place financial assistance and a debt-relief deal. Mr Obama's diplomats have quietly led an effort to bolster private investment and encourage good governance in Tunisia and other countries in the throes of change.
In the final analysis, none of this may matter much. In 1999, candidate George W Bush couldn't name the leaders of India, Pakistan or Chechnya correctly. And he famously called the people of Greece, "Grecians". But he won the election anyway. On voting day, the American people may not pay much attention to the foreign policy differences between Mr Obama and his rival. But they will notice the differences those policies make, once they have made their choice for president.
Rashmee Roshan Lall is the former editor of The Sunday Times of India
2.0
Director: S Shankar
Producer: Lyca Productions; presented by Dharma Films
Cast: Rajnikanth, Akshay Kumar, Amy Jackson, Sudhanshu Pandey
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
Specs – Taycan 4S
Engine: Electric
Transmission: 2-speed auto
Power: 571bhp
Torque: 650Nm
Price: Dh431,800
Specs – Panamera
Engine: 3-litre V6 with 100kW electric motor
Transmission: 2-speed auto
Power: 455bhp
Torque: 700Nm
Price: from Dh431,800
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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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
The struggle is on for active managers
David Einhorn closed out 2018 with his biggest annual loss ever for the 22-year-old Greenlight Capital.
The firm’s main hedge fund fell 9 per cent in December, extending this year’s decline to 34 percent, according to an investor update viewed by Bloomberg.
Greenlight posted some of the industry’s best returns in its early years, but has stumbled since losing more than 20 per cent in 2015.
Other value-investing managers have also struggled, as a decade of historically low interest rates and the rise of passive investing and quant trading pushed growth stocks past their inexpensive brethren. Three Bays Capital and SPO Partners & Co., which sought to make wagers on undervalued stocks, closed in 2018. Mr Einhorn has repeatedly expressed his frustration with the poor performance this year, while remaining steadfast in his commitment to value investing.
Greenlight, which posted gains only in May and October, underperformed both the broader market and its peers in 2018. The S&P 500 Index dropped 4.4 per cent, including dividends, while the HFRX Global Hedge Fund Index, an early indicator of industry performance, fell 7 per cent through December. 28.
At the start of the year, Greenlight managed $6.3 billion in assets, according to a regulatory filing. By May, the firm was down to $5.5bn.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
How does ToTok work?
The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store
To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.
The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.
Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.
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Normcore explained
Something of a fashion anomaly, normcore is essentially a celebration of the unremarkable. The term was first popularised by an article in New York magazine in 2014 and has been dubbed “ugly”, “bland’ and "anti-style" by fashion writers. It’s hallmarks are comfort, a lack of pretentiousness and neutrality – it is a trend for those who would rather not stand out from the crowd. For the most part, the style is unisex, favouring loose silhouettes, thrift-shop threads, baseball caps and boyish trainers. It is important to note that normcore is not synonymous with cheapness or low quality; there are high-fashion brands, including Parisian label Vetements, that specialise in this style. Embraced by fashion-forward street-style stars around the globe, it’s uptake in the UAE has been relatively slow.
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Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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TO A LAND UNKNOWN
Director: Mahdi Fleifel
Starring: Mahmoud Bakri, Aram Sabbah, Mohammad Alsurafa
Rating: 4.5/5
What is Folia?
Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal's new plant-based menu will launch at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai this November. A desire to cater to people looking for clean, healthy meals beyond green salad is what inspired Prince Khaled and American celebrity chef Matthew Kenney to create Folia. The word means "from the leaves" in Latin, and the exclusive menu offers fine plant-based cuisine across Four Seasons properties in Los Angeles, Bahrain and, soon, Dubai.
Kenney specialises in vegan cuisine and is the founder of Plant Food Wine and 20 other restaurants worldwide. "I’ve always appreciated Matthew’s work," says the Saudi royal. "He has a singular culinary talent and his approach to plant-based dining is prescient and unrivalled. I was a fan of his long before we established our professional relationship."
Folia first launched at The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills in July 2018. It is available at the poolside Cabana Restaurant and for in-room dining across the property, as well as in its private event space. The food is vibrant and colourful, full of fresh dishes such as the hearts of palm ceviche with California fruit, vegetables and edible flowers; green hearb tacos filled with roasted squash and king oyster barbacoa; and a savoury coconut cream pie with macadamia crust.
In March 2019, the Folia menu reached Gulf shores, as it was introduced at the Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay, where it is served at the Bay View Lounge. Next, on Tuesday, November 1 – also known as World Vegan Day – it will come to the UAE, to the Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach and the Four Seasons DIFC, both properties Prince Khaled has spent "considerable time at and love".
There are also plans to take Folia to several more locations throughout the Middle East and Europe.
While health-conscious diners will be attracted to the concept, Prince Khaled is careful to stress Folia is "not meant for a specific subset of customers. It is meant for everyone who wants a culinary experience without the negative impact that eating out so often comes with."
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
The five pillars of Islam
Know before you go
- Jebel Akhdar is a two-hour drive from Muscat airport or a six-hour drive from Dubai. It’s impossible to visit by car unless you have a 4x4. Phone ahead to the hotel to arrange a transfer.
- If you’re driving, make sure your insurance covers Oman.
- By air: Budget airlines Air Arabia, Flydubai and SalamAir offer direct routes to Muscat from the UAE.
- Tourists from the Emirates (UAE nationals not included) must apply for an Omani visa online before arrival at evisa.rop.gov.om. The process typically takes several days.
- Flash floods are probable due to the terrain and a lack of drainage. Always check the weather before venturing into any canyons or other remote areas and identify a plan of escape that includes high ground, shelter and parking where your car won’t be overtaken by sudden downpours.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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.
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