Muthana // If Nouri al Maliki did not have sufficient problems managing his impoverished and war-torn country, the Iraqi prime minister continues to be plagued by an apparently impossible question involving an Iranian opposition group.
The group, the People's Mujahadin Organisation of Iran, also known as the MEK, is unpopular inside Iraq and considered a terrorist organisation in both Washington and Tehran.
Yet Mr al Maliki finds himself in the awkward position of having no choice but to host 3,500 MEK members, currently living on a base north of Baghdad.
Saddam Hussein originally granted the Iranian fighters sanctuary when their organisation sided with him to make war on Tehran in the 1980s. After the dictator was deposed in 2003, the MEK members, by then effectively refugees but classified as terrorists by the US military, were disarmed and detained at Camp Ashraf.
In reality it was a measure taken largely for their own protection. In the new Iraq, allies of Saddam had few friends and the MEK is seen by many here - including some of those in the new ruling parties - as a tool used by Saddam for violent repression of Shiites.
The MEK, which has renounced violence, denies such allegations, but the fact remains that with Saddam Hussein no longer in power they are officially unwelcome in Iraq.
Iran has made it clear it would like to take custody of the MEK exiles, but the West has pressured Baghdad not to return them, fearing they would be arrested and persecuted by the Iranian authorities.
That has left Mr al Maliki's government facing irreconcilable facts.
In essence, he is now providing a safe haven for a group considered terrorists by his two closest allies, Iran and the United States, with one ally, Tehran, wanting them extradited and the other, Washington, insisting they must not be extradited.
When the Iraqi army took over lead responsibility for security this year, it was also put in charge of Camp Ashraf, to the dismay of Ashraf's inhabitants.
In July, Iraqi units forcibly entered the camp, reneging on promises given to US commanders that they would continue to protect those living there. At least 10 MEK members were reported killed in the raids.
Under the glare of critical international publicity, and with Washington now embarrassed that the people it had been guarding were so quickly and openly abused, the attack on the MEK petered out.
A new strategy was devised and last week the Iraqi government indicated it would shut Camp Ashraf - which has over the years developed into a well-resourced small town - and move the occupants to Muthana, a sparsely populated desert province in southern Iraq.
Such a prospect was, however, resoundingly rejected by local officials in Muthana, who warned it could spark violence in what has long been one of Iraq's most peaceful areas.
Ibrahim Salman al Mayali, the provincial governor, said he would do all he could to oppose a relocation.
"Our people will not welcome a terrorist organisation," he said. "Saddam sent members of the MEK to stop our revolution against him in 1991 so there is that bad history between us."
Mr al Mayali said various government officials from Baghdad had proposed setting up a site for the MEK in Muthana, and that locals had consistently refused to accept it.
"I cannot stop my people's anger against this terrorist group," he said. "Maybe they will want to take revenge for 1991 and attack them. I certainly could not guarantee security for the MEK here."
A leading local tribal leader, Sheikh Resan al Myasar, also cautioned there would be violence if MEK members were sent south.
"We have not forgotten how they showed us no mercy when they crushed the uprising and so now the sons of our tribe would show them no mercy. There is malice here; the people of Muthana want to bury them with their hands."
Amnesty International demanded a halt to any eviction from Ashraf, warning it would put MEK members at risk of arbitrary arrest, torture or murder.
"Whatever measures the Iraqi authorities decide to take with regard to the future of Camp Ashraf, the rights of all its residents must be protected and guaranteed at all times," said Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Amnesty International.
A spokesman for the MEK said any attempt to evict members from Camp Ashraf would be a violation of international humanitarian laws.
In a written statement, the MEK called "on the United Nations and the American government to guarantee the protection of Ashraf residents and ensure prevention of forcible relocation and a repeat of use of force and violence against them".
The failure of the Muthana relocation attempt means the issue of the MEK remains stuck in a stalemate. No new proposals for solving the problem have yet been made.
In January the MEK was taken off of Europe's list of terrorist organisation, raising hopes the Ashraf matter might be dealt with by granting residents asylum in the European Union.
Member states have so far refused to let that happen, however.
@Email:nlatif@thenational.ae
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If you go
The flights
The closest international airport for those travelling from the UAE is Denver, Colorado. British Airways (www.ba.com) flies from the UAE via London from Dh3,700 return, including taxes. From there, transfers can be arranged to the ranch or it’s a seven-hour drive. Alternatively, take an internal flight to the counties of Cody, Casper, or Billings
The stay
Red Reflet offers a series of packages, with prices varying depending on season. All meals and activities are included, with prices starting from US$2,218 (Dh7,150) per person for a minimum stay of three nights, including taxes. For more information, visit red-reflet-ranch.net.
Dr Amal Khalid Alias revealed a recent case of a woman with daughters, who specifically wanted a boy.
A semen analysis of the father showed abnormal sperm so the couple required IVF.
Out of 21 eggs collected, six were unused leaving 15 suitable for IVF.
A specific procedure was used, called intracytoplasmic sperm injection where a single sperm cell is inserted into the egg.
On day three of the process, 14 embryos were biopsied for gender selection.
The next day, a pre-implantation genetic report revealed four normal male embryos, three female and seven abnormal samples.
Day five of the treatment saw two male embryos transferred to the patient.
The woman recorded a positive pregnancy test two weeks later.
the pledge
I pledge to uphold the duty of tolerance
I pledge to take a first stand against hate and injustice
I pledge to respect and accept people whose abilities, beliefs and culture are different from my own
I pledge to wish for others what I wish for myself
I pledge to live in harmony with my community
I pledge to always be open to dialogue and forgiveness
I pledge to do my part to create peace for all
I pledge to exercise benevolence and choose kindness in all my dealings with my community
I pledge to always stand up for these values: Zayed's values for tolerance and human fraternity
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
Our legal consultants
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
NO OTHER LAND
Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal
Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham
Rating: 3.5/5
MANDOOB
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Married Malala
Malala Yousafzai is enjoying married life, her father said.
The 24-year-old married Pakistan cricket executive Asser Malik last year in a small ceremony in the UK.
Ziauddin Yousafzai told The National his daughter was ‘very happy’ with her husband.
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Five expert hiking tips
Always check the weather forecast before setting off
Make sure you have plenty of water
Set off early to avoid sudden weather changes in the afternoon
Wear appropriate clothing and footwear
Take your litter home with you
A MINECRAFT MOVIE
Director: Jared Hess
Starring: Jack Black, Jennifer Coolidge, Jason Momoa
Rating: 3/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Company profile
Name: Tharb
Started: December 2016
Founder: Eisa Alsubousi
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: Luxury leather goods
Initial investment: Dh150,000 from personal savings
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)
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
Thanksgiving meals to try
World Cut Steakhouse, Habtoor Palace Hotel, Dubai. On Thursday evening, head chef Diego Solis will be serving a high-end sounding four-course meal that features chestnut veloute with smoked duck breast, turkey roulade accompanied by winter vegetables and foie gras and pecan pie, cranberry compote and popcorn ice cream.
Jones the Grocer, various locations across the UAE. Jones’s take-home holiday menu delivers on the favourites: whole roast turkeys, an array of accompaniments (duck fat roast potatoes, sausages wrapped in beef bacon, honey-glazed parsnips and carrots) and more, as well as festive food platters, canapes and both apple and pumpkin pies.
Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, The Address Hotel, Dubai. This New Orleans-style restaurant is keen to take the stress out of entertaining, so until December 25 you can order a full seasonal meal from its Takeaway Turkey Feast menu, which features turkey, homemade gravy and a selection of sides – think green beans with almond flakes, roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato casserole and bread stuffing – to pick up and eat at home.
The Mattar Farm Kitchen, Dubai. From now until Christmas, Hattem Mattar and his team will be producing game- changing smoked turkeys that you can enjoy at home over the festive period.
Nolu’s, The Galleria Mall, Maryah Island Abu Dhabi. With much of the menu focused on a California inspired “farm to table” approach (with Afghani influence), it only seems right that Nolu’s will be serving their take on the Thanksgiving spread, with a brunch at the Downtown location from 12pm to 4pm on Friday.
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
Kamindu Mendis bio
Full name: Pasqual Handi Kamindu Dilanka Mendis
Born: September 30, 1998
Age: 20 years and 26 days
Nationality: Sri Lankan
Major teams Sri Lanka's Under 19 team
Batting style: Left-hander
Bowling style: Right-arm off-spin and slow left-arm orthodox (that's right!)
Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week
