Abdullah Rabhi examined whether a third intifada was likely in a comment piece in the Qatari newspaper Al Watan: "Many may have thought that a third intifada was likely to erupt as a result of repeated incursions into Al Aqsa mosque. Such people drew an analogy to similar events in 2000 when Ariel Sharon dared to enter the mosque's vicinity. Although the two events resemble each other and invite comparison, the wider political circumstances probably will not lead to such an outcome."
The determinant factor that led to the second intifada was the complete breakdown of the peace process. Additionally, Yasser Arafat could unite all the Palestinian factions, including the Islamists. Furthermore, the uprising was spurred on by a political decision and the Palestinian authority supported it economically and politically to ensure that it continued.
"Today, however, we have a situation far different from that in 2000. Since 2002, the Palestinian security forces have uprooted the resistance within the framework of the so-called road map and mandates from the Quartet for Middle East peace. Today, the Palestinian authority is more concerned about creating opportunities for peace negotiations at the expense of the resistance structure. The unprecedented state of division within Palestinians also should not be forgotten as it makes a new intifada little more than a wishful thinking."
Grand hopes for peace from Geneva
The Iranian nuclear package submitted recently by Iran to so-called 5+1 group during their talks held in Geneva represented a breakthrough that could be the precursor to further constructive talks to contain this issue and defuse the rising tension it causes, opined he UAE daily Al Khaleej in an editorial.
"Indeed, settling this dispute peacefully would provide an impetus to achieving stability in the region. Arab countries should emerge as the prime beneficiaries, especially the Gulf states. The biggest loser would be Israel, which lives on conflicts to continue in existence."
After the breakthrough in Geneva the paper hoped that all parties will embrace a rational approach to address their issues and solve problems. "It should prevail and replace the logic of war, which has debilitated the region and benefited Israel. Iran and others must show wisdom in handling their disputes. China and Russia will be looked at to play a greater role in this.
"It is a big achievement that Americans and Iranians have met face-to-face and words such as 'positive' have been used to describe the talks by the US president Barack Obama and his secretary of state Hillary Clinton as well as by Iranians. We hope that the situation will change and attention shift again to what the Israelis do and to their nuclear arsenal."
Lebanese want a true unity government
The UAE newspaper Al Bayane examined the state of Lebanese politics in an editorial. "Saad Hariri, Lebanon's prime minister-designate, ended his consultations with parliamentary blocs to form a government, which the Lebanese would like to see reflect a true national unity. This is because Lebanon has descended to the point where people will no longer tolerate living without having an executive body to oversee their interests and ensure political stability."
It is natural that the term "national unity government" in any Arab country tends to arouse the sensitivities of hostile foreign powers, which quickly interfere whenever they hear serious calls for achieving reconciliation, strengthening unity and national cohesion. "In Lebanon, such a government has been long awaited. Everyone is impatiently looking forward to seeing an executive team that stands above their political differences, and caters to the needs of the people."
Polarisation remains the defining feature of the political landscape in Lebanon. This may work for Lebanon, but it is of no use to wait for more time to form a cabinet. That would only harm Lebanon and may lead to a new crisis.
This why it is important that a government of national reconciliation be formed as soon as possible, to include all the Lebanese parties. Establishing a government is the first defence against external powers that want to use Lebanon for their own benefit.
Goldstone report has Israel worried
A report released by an international committee chaired by Richard Goldstone on the Israeli assault on Gaza represents the most serious indictment against political and military leadership in Israel, wrote Mufid Awad in an opinion piece for Jordanian newspaper Al Rai. The report stated that the Israeli army committed war crimes and atrocities against civilians in Gaza. On the basis of these findings, the committee recommended that the results be sent to the international criminal court in Hague for examination.
"This has prompted both politicians and senior army officers to exchange blame on whether it was the right decision to co-operate with the committee rather than to boycott it." Giora Eiland, the former head of the Israeli national security council, took an extreme view. He said that Israel should have blocked the creation of the inquiry committee.
Israel accused the committee of anti-semitism, according to Awad, it failed in its attempts thanks to the honesty of judge Goldstone who created a report seen as "the most important" of its kind. "Israel is left almost alone in its attempts to discredit the report. It now hopes that a country such as the US will side with it and not issue arrest warrants against its officials."
* Digest compiled by Mostapha el Mouloudi
melmouldi@thenational.ae
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
The specs: 2018 Ford Mustang GT
Price, base / as tested: Dh204,750 / Dh241,500
Engine: 5.0-litre V8
Gearbox: 10-speed automatic
Power: 460hp @ 7,000rpm
Torque: 569Nm @ 4,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 10.3L / 100km
Summer special
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.
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
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
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
ADCC AFC Women’s Champions League Group A fixtures
October 3: v Wuhan Jiangda Women’s FC
October 6: v Hyundai Steel Red Angels Women’s FC
October 9: v Sabah FA
Company%20Profile
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A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
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.
Padmaavat
Director: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Starring: Ranveer Singh, Deepika Padukone, Shahid Kapoor, Jim Sarbh
3.5/5
Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
The White Lotus: Season three
Creator: Mike White
Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell
Rating: 4.5/5
The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre turbo
Power: 181hp
Torque: 230Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Starting price: Dh79,000
On sale: Now
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%3Cp%3E1.%20Protracted%20but%20less%20intense%20war%20(60%25%20likelihood)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E2.%20Negotiated%20end%20to%20the%20conflict%20(30%25)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E3.%20Russia%20seizes%20more%20territory%20(20%25)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E4.%20Ukraine%20pushes%20Russia%20back%20(10%25)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cem%3EForecast%20by%20Economist%20Intelligence%20Unit%3C%2Fem%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Skewed figures
In the village of Mevagissey in southwest England the housing stock has doubled in the last century while the number of residents is half the historic high. The village's Neighbourhood Development Plan states that 26% of homes are holiday retreats. Prices are high, averaging around £300,000, £50,000 more than the Cornish average of £250,000. The local average wage is £15,458.
if you go
2025 Fifa Club World Cup groups
Group A: Palmeiras, Porto, Al Ahly, Inter Miami.
Group B: Paris Saint-Germain, Atletico Madrid, Botafogo, Seattle.
Group C: Bayern Munich, Auckland City, Boca Juniors, Benfica.
Group D: Flamengo, ES Tunis, Chelsea, (Leon banned).
Group E: River Plate, Urawa, Monterrey, Inter Milan.
Group F: Fluminense, Borussia Dortmund, Ulsan, Mamelodi Sundowns.
Group G: Manchester City, Wydad, Al Ain, Juventus.
Group H: Real Madrid, Al Hilal, Pachuca, Salzburg.
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
'HIJRAH%3A%20IN%20THE%20FOOTSTEPS%20OF%20THE%20PROPHET'
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The five pillars of Islam
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Afro%20salons
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How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
Getting there
The flights
Emirates and Etihad fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town daily. Flights cost from about Dh3,325, with a flying time of 8hours and 15 minutes. From there, fly South African Airlines or Air Namibia to Namibia’s Windhoek Hosea Kutako International Airport, for about Dh850. Flying time is 2 hours.
The stay
Wilderness Little Kulala offers stays from £460 (Dh2,135) per person, per night. It is one of seven Wilderness Safari lodges in Namibia; www.wilderness-safaris.com.
Skeleton Coast Safaris’ four-day adventure involves joining a very small group in a private plane, flying to some of the remotest areas in the world, with each night spent at a different camp. It costs from US$8,335.30 (Dh30,611); www.skeletoncoastsafaris.com
