In its editorial article, the London-based newspaper Al Quds al Arabi shed light on recent statements by the US state secretary Hillary Clinton announcing her expectations for a resumption of indirect Israeli-Palestinian negotiations next week.
It is still unclear what would drive the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table again in the absence of a solid and public freeze on settlement plans in Jerusalem and the rest of Occupied Territories. However, what is clear is that Washington is in dire need for a return to dialogue in light of the escalating tension on the Lebanese and Syrian fronts following Israeli threats.
There is news of two major developments that prompted the Palestinians to resume talks. First, a secret promise from Israel to halt settlement projects as a way to avoid clashes with the Obama administration. Second, a US promise to condemn Israel should it build any residential units in Jerusalem. Nevertheless, the Palestinians deny receiving any such promises.
On what grounds did Ms Clinton build her certainty?
It is clear that the Palestinian Authority succumbed to US pressure to return to talks. It is a shame that the Palestinian issue is being used as a cover for an Israeli assault against Arab countries, "especially since the Palestinian experience with direct talks has been degrading and disappointing".
In an opinion piece for the Emirati daily Al Ittihad, Zaibab Hifni wrote about the negative effects of fanatic traditions in the Arab world. She recalled the pioneering work of the Egyptian writer Qassem Amin who called for the liberation of women, which caused a widespread uproar in the Egyptian community at the start of the 19th century.
At the time, Amin emphasised the necessity of procuring an opportunity for women to pursue their education and give them the right to take off the niqab. He asked women to come out of seclusion and become involved in public affairs alongside men. His ideas triggered a series of angry demonstrations.
In today's world, "anyone who visits Egypt will notice that the phenomenon of niqab wearing has come back in force due to the rise of religious fanaticism in the last few decades."
The digression of social life in Egypt in comparison to what it was like during the age of enlightenment is quite palpable today. The same is applicable in many other Arab countries where radical ideas and fanatic practices are overpowering common sense and awareness.
"I believe that fanatic concepts don't wither and disappear with the passing of their owners, but rather through the cultivation of a correct awareness and the uprooting of radicalism."
If the German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (1788-1860) were now living in an Arab capital, his old wager on British soldiers would still have worked, wrote Khairi Mansour in the opinion section of the Dubai-based newspaper Al Khaleej.
Schopenhauer was a regular diner at a restaurant frequented by British soldiers. Every time he would pull out a coin from his pocket, place it on the table for as long as it would take him to finish his meal, then collect it on his way out. Intrigued, the waiter asked him one day about the reason behind this practice. The philosopher explained that every time he entered the restaurant, he bet that he would leave that coin on the table if the British soldiers talked about anything other than horses and women.
Schopenhauer would have bet more than a coin to hear on Arabic news channels anything other than carnage in Iraq and bloodshed in Palestine.
The problem is that the ceaseless media reports, with all their graphic details, find no adequate resonance in the minds of viewers and officials alike. As soon as the news presenter leaves the screen, their reports fade into oblivion.
"If the door lets in the tempest, shut it and take a rest," is the maxim of the century par excellence. Indeed, Schopenhauer would have again returned the coin to his pocket and perhaps smashed the telly.
In the opinion section of the London-based Asharq al Awsat, Jaber Jaber reviewed the reasons underlying the failure of the so-called independent institutions in Iraq, mainly the election commission, the accountability and justice commission, and the electoral judicial panel.
These three bodies were created for the purpose of managing the political processes, which required of them to stay independent and impartial. Yet all of them came under pressure from various political players. This situation downgraded their role and, as a result, they became less able to act freely to promote democracy in a new Iraq.
Nevertheless, they are also to blame for not acting enough to handle the political situation.
The electoral commission was delicate in assessing the seriousness of problems brought by the election. The accountability and justice commission failed to transform itself into a truly independent judicial body with the mission of prosecuting those involved in crimes under the former regime.
* Digest compiled by Racha Makarem
rmakarem@thenational.ae
Royal Birkdale Golf Course
Location: Southport, Merseyside, England
Established: 1889
Type: Private
Total holes: 18
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
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
Price: expected to start at Dh1,432,000
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
The specs: 2019 Cadillac XT4
Price, base: Dh145,000
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged in-line four-cylinder engine
Transmission: Nine-speed automatic
Power: 237hp @ 5,000rpm
Torque: 350Nm @ 1,500rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.7L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
More on animal trafficking
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km
Price: from Dh94,900
On sale: now
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Company%20profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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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.
The%20specs
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The low down on MPS
What is myofascial pain syndrome?
Myofascial pain syndrome refers to pain and inflammation in the body’s soft tissue. MPS is a chronic condition that affects the fascia (connective tissue that covers the muscles, which develops knots, also known as trigger points).
What are trigger points?
Trigger points are irritable knots in the soft tissue that covers muscle tissue. Through injury or overuse, muscle fibres contract as a reactive and protective measure, creating tension in the form of hard and, palpable nodules. Overuse and sustained posture are the main culprits in developing trigger points.
What is myofascial or trigger-point release?
Releasing these nodules requires a hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure to release muscular shortness and tightness. This eliminates restrictions in connective tissue in orderto restore motion and alleviate pain. Therapy balls have proven effective at causing enough commotion in the tissue, prompting the release of these hard knots.
RESULTS
Time; race; prize; distance
4pm: Maiden; (D) Dh150,000; 1,200m
Winner: General Line, Xavier Ziani (jockey), Omar Daraj (trainer)
4.35pm: Maiden (T); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Travis County, Adrie de Vries, Ismail Mohammed
5.10pm: Handicap (D); Dh175,000; 1,200m
Winner: Scrutineer, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
5.45pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Yulong Warrior, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
6.20pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Ejaaby, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
6.55pm: Handicap (D); Dh160,000; 1,600m
Winner: Storyboard, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Handicap (D); Dh150,000; 2,200m
Winner: Grand Dauphin, Gerald Mosse, Ahmed Al Shemaili
8.05pm: Handicap (T); Dh190,000; 1,800m
Winner: Good Trip, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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MORE ON THE US DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES
Results
6.30pm: Mazrat Al Ruwayah – Group 2 (PA) $36,000 (Dirt) 1,600m, Winner: RB Money To Burn, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)
7.05pm: Handicap (TB) $68,000 (Turf) 2,410m, Winner: Star Safari, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
7.40pm: Meydan Trophy – Conditions (TB) $50,000 (T) 1,900m, Winner: Secret Protector, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
8.15pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 2 - Group 2 (TB) $293,000 (D) 1,900m, Winner: Salute The Soldier, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass
8.50pm: Al Rashidiya – Group 2 (TB) $163,000 (T) 1,800m, Winner: Zakouski, William Buick, Charlie Appleby
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $65,000 (T) 1,000m, Winner: Motafaawit, Sam Hitchcock, Doug Watson
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
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)
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Moonfall
Director: Rolan Emmerich
Stars: Patrick Wilson, Halle Berry
Rating: 3/5
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
500 People from Gaza enter France
115 Special programme for artists
25 Evacuation of injured and sick
Mercedes V250 Avantgarde specs
Engine: 2.0-litre in-line four-cylinder turbo
Gearbox: 7-speed automatic
Power: 211hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 350Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.0 l/100 km
Price: Dh235,000
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Company profile
Name: Back to Games and Boardgame Space
Started: Back to Games (2015); Boardgame Space (Mark Azzam became co-founder in 2017)
Founder: Back to Games (Mr Azzam); Boardgame Space (Mr Azzam and Feras Al Bastaki)
Based: Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Industry: Back to Games (retail); Boardgame Space (wholesale and distribution)
Funding: Back to Games: self-funded by Mr Azzam with Dh1.3 million; Mr Azzam invested Dh250,000 in Boardgame Space
Growth: Back to Games: from 300 products in 2015 to 7,000 in 2019; Boardgame Space: from 34 games in 2017 to 3,500 in 2019
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
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
