US relations with Syria could improve and public communications reopen if Damascus released kidnapped American journalist Austin Tice, a special envoy told The National.
US special envoy for hostage affairs, Robert O’Brien, said Washington was confident that Tice, who was kidnapped in Syria while covering the conflict in 2012, was alive and still in the country.
Mr O'Brien reaffirmed Washington’s insistence that it would not pay or directly reward for the release of US nationals.
But he said that if Syria were to release Tice it would be a step towards building bridges with the administration of US President Donald Trump.
"The president has made it very clear that if you want to have better relations with the US, if you want the atmosphere for better relations, then don't hold our hostages, or help us find our hostages if they're missing in your country," he told The National in an exclusive interview.
Mr O’Brien said that North Korea released four US hostages without conditions, leading to presidential talks between the two countries.
“For governments like Syria, if they want to re-enter the community of nations and have a better atmosphere with the US, one of the ways is to help bring our hostages home,” he said.
“We are calling upon the government in Syria to do everything they can to help us find Austin as well as other Americans in Syria.”
Mr O’Brien said he didn’t want to get into who was or wasn’t holding Tice after reports over the years that various different pro-government groups had him in custody.
“We are confident he is alive. Our assessment he is in Syria,” he said.
The US government has not held public talks with Mr Al Assad since the Syrian conflict began in 2011.
Since former US President Barack Obama called on Bashar Al Assad to step down eight years ago, Washington’s position has been that the Syrian president must relinquish power.
Like his predecessor, Mr Trump directed air strikes against the Assad regime twice after the use of chemical weapons.
In the past, the US government has sought Russian help to secure Tice'a release and last year the reward for information leading to his whereabouts was increased to $1 million (Dh3.6m).
The number of US nationals kidnapped in Syria has not been publicly disclosed by the government but Mr O'Brien said that the 12 reported by The Washington Post "seems a little high".
Since the US closed its embassy in Damascus in 2012, all engagement with the Assad regime and consular services have been done through the Czech embassy in the Syrian capital.
Mr O’Brien praised the administration’s successes so far in securing the release of US hostages.
Mr Trump recently placed the figure at 20 but most counts put it closer to 13 since the president took office in January 2017.
Mr O'Brien said that despite the official policy of “no concessions, no prisoner swaps, no pallets of cash”, the president “made it clear this is a high priority of his, so there are other countries that are willing to help us".
He thanked the UAE for its assistance in releasing American citizen Danny Burch from Yemen in February and said that good relations with the Gulf countries have helped to foster co-operation to free US hostages.
On Iran, which holds at least five US citizens and one permanent US resident captive, Mr O’Brien said: "It's time to resolve the case of the longest held American, hostage Bob Levinson.”
Robert Levinson, 71, a former officer with the US Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI, disappeared from Iran's Kish Island in 2007.
Tehran has repeatedly denied holding him and the last images of Mr Levinson surfaced in 2011.
“We don’t have any reason to believe he is not alive,” Mr O'Brien said as he urged Tehran to release him.
“Bob has missed too many birthdays, weddings and holidays. He has a daughter who is getting married next month. It’s time to get Bob’s case resolved.”
He said that the release “would be a welcome gesture, a humanitarian gesture and demonstrate the Nowruz [new year] spirit".
Last month, the US Congress drafted legislation in Mr Levinson’s name that would increase sanctions on Iran.
Mr O’Brien said that the administration was still evaluating the bill but “welcomes the involvement of Congress in an issue that unites all Americans".
He warned Iran against trying to hold on to the hostages until after the president left office in 2020 or 2024, so it could negotiate with his successor.
“I have heard that the Iranians believe if they wait this administration out, that if a Democrat gets elected, that they would get money for releasing hostages,” Mr O'Brien said.
“I don’t think that this will happen. This policy will not change. Iranians are sorely mistaken if they think that a new president, whether it’s in two or six years from now, is going to pay them for hostages.
“It’s like piracy and human trafficking and slavery. If the Iranians don’t come to the table and if the Iranians don’t start releasing hostages, the sanctions will get worse and isolation continue."
He said that the Iranian government taking hostages was a "malignant activity" that traces back 40 years to the "very foundation of their revolution".
“It continued after the nuclear deal” agreed to between Tehran, the US and four other world powers in 2015.
Mr O'Brien gave the examples of US citizens Siamak Namazi and his father Baquer, who were imprisoned in 2015 and 2016.
“He said that Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif promised former secretary of state John Kerry that Siamak would be released, but he was not.
Nizar Zakka, a US permanent resident of Lebanese nationality, was taken prisoner in Iran a month before the nuclear deal was signed in October 2015.
Mr O’Brien said that the US called on the Iranian government to release Mr Zakka but the Lebanese government should be mainly responsible for having him freed.
He expressed surprise that Beirut was not doing more to get him out.
Mr Zakka, his lawyers and family have repeatedly accused Lebanon of not doing enough to secure his release but in 2016, during a visit to Beirut, Mr Zarif said his arrest was a "US-Iranian problem".
“The government of Lebanon has relations with Iran, and one of the parties [Hezbollah] has very strong ties," Mr O'Brien said.
"It’s surprising to me they are not using these relations to obtain Mr Zakka’s freedom."
This story has been updated to better reflect Mr O'Brien's comments, the headline has also been changed from its original form.
The Gandhi Murder
- 71 - Years since the death of MK Gandhi, also christened India's Father of the Nation
- 34 - Nationalities featured in the film The Gandhi Murder
- 7 - million dollars, the film's budget
You Were Never Really Here
Director: Lynne Ramsay
Starring: Joaquim Phoenix, Ekaterina Samsonov
Four stars
MATCH INFO
Euro 2020 qualifier
Fixture: Liechtenstein v Italy, Tuesday, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match is shown on BeIN Sports
Zayed Sustainability Prize
Yahya Al Ghassani's bio
Date of birth: April 18, 1998
Playing position: Winger
Clubs: 2015-2017 – Al Ahli Dubai; March-June 2018 – Paris FC; August – Al Wahda
Biog
Mr Kandhari is legally authorised to conduct marriages in the gurdwara
He has officiated weddings of Sikhs and people of different faiths from Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Russia, the US and Canada
Father of two sons, grandfather of six
Plays golf once a week
Enjoys trying new holiday destinations with his wife and family
Walks for an hour every morning
Completed a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Loyola College, Chennai, India
2019 is a milestone because he completes 50 years in business
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
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
MEYDAN RESULTS
6.30pm Baniyas (PA) Group 2 Dh125,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner ES Ajeeb, Sam Hitchcock (jockey), Ibrahim Aseel (trainer).
7.05pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Galaxy Road, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
7.40pm Maiden (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Al Modayar, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.15pm Handicap (TB) Dh170,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner Gundogdu, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8.50pm Rated Conditions (TB) Dh240,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner George Villiers, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
9.25pm Handicap (TB) Dh175,000 (D)1,200m
Winner Lady Parma, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar
10pm Handicap (TB) Dh165,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Zaajer, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
Gulf rugby
Who’s won what so far in 2018/19
Western Clubs Champions League: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens: Dubai Hurricanes
West Asia Premiership: Bahrain
What’s left
UAE Conference
March 22, play-offs:
Dubai Hurricanes II v Al Ain Amblers, Jebel Ali Dragons II v Dubai Tigers
March 29, final
UAE Premiership
March 22, play-offs:
Dubai Exiles v Jebel Ali Dragons, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Hurricanes
March 29, final
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Why it pays to compare
A comparison of sending Dh20,000 from the UAE using two different routes at the same time - the first direct from a UAE bank to a bank in Germany, and the second from the same UAE bank via an online platform to Germany - found key differences in cost and speed. The transfers were both initiated on January 30.
Route 1: bank transfer
The UAE bank charged Dh152.25 for the Dh20,000 transfer. On top of that, their exchange rate margin added a difference of around Dh415, compared with the mid-market rate.
Total cost: Dh567.25 - around 2.9 per cent of the total amount
Total received: €4,670.30
Route 2: online platform
The UAE bank’s charge for sending Dh20,000 to a UK dirham-denominated account was Dh2.10. The exchange rate margin cost was Dh60, plus a Dh12 fee.
Total cost: Dh74.10, around 0.4 per cent of the transaction
Total received: €4,756
The UAE bank transfer was far quicker – around two to three working days, while the online platform took around four to five days, but was considerably cheaper. In the online platform transfer, the funds were also exposed to currency risk during the period it took for them to arrive.
Buy farm-fresh food
The UAE is stepping up its game when it comes to platforms for local farms to show off and sell their produce.
In Dubai, visit Emirati Farmers Souq at The Pointe every Saturday from 8am to 2pm, which has produce from Al Ammar Farm, Omar Al Katri Farm, Hikarivege Vegetables, Rashed Farms and Al Khaleej Honey Trading, among others.
In Sharjah, the Aljada residential community will launch a new outdoor farmers’ market every Friday starting this weekend. Manbat will be held from 3pm to 8pm, and will host 30 farmers, local home-grown entrepreneurs and food stalls from the teams behind Badia Farms; Emirates Hydroponics Farms; Modern Organic Farm; Revolution Real; Astraea Farms; and Al Khaleej Food.
In Abu Dhabi, order farm produce from Food Crowd, an online grocery platform that supplies fresh and organic ingredients directly from farms such as Emirates Bio Farm, TFC, Armela Farms and mother company Al Dahra.
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh190,000 (Countryman)
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
If you go
The flights
There are direct flights from Dubai to Sofia with FlyDubai (www.flydubai.com) and Wizz Air (www.wizzair.com), from Dh1,164 and Dh822 return including taxes, respectively.
The trip
Plovdiv is 150km from Sofia, with an hourly bus service taking around 2 hours and costing $16 (Dh58). The Rhodopes can be reached from Sofia in between 2-4hours.
The trip was organised by Bulguides (www.bulguides.com), which organises guided trips throughout Bulgaria. Guiding, accommodation, food and transfers from Plovdiv to the mountains and back costs around 170 USD for a four-day, three-night trip.
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
How to register as a donor
1) Organ donors can register on the Hayat app, run by the Ministry of Health and Prevention
2) There are about 11,000 patients in the country in need of organ transplants
3) People must be over 21. Emiratis and residents can register.
4) The campaign uses the hashtag #donate_hope
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
Tour de France 2017: Stage 5
Vittel - La Planche de Belles Filles, 160.5km
It is a shorter stage, but one that will lead to a brutal uphill finish. This is the third visit in six editions since it was introduced to the race in 2012. Reigning champion Chris Froome won that race.
