Saudi statesman Prince Turki Al Faisal warned US president-elect Joe Biden against pursuing his stated policy goal of re-entering the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran after he takes office next year.
Prince Turki, a former Saudi intelligence chief and ambassador to the US, said that renegotiating the nuclear pact would allow Iran to play for time, refine its atomic technology and spread its influence across the Middle East.
"Mr president-elect, do not repeat the mistakes and shortcomings of the first deal," Prince Turki said during an online meeting of the National Council on US-Arab Relations on Tuesday.
"Rejoining and then negotiating the other important issues would trap diplomacy and subject it to Iranian blackmail. [To] drag negotiations is a part of the Iranian negotiating strategy."
The 2015 nuclear deal between Iran, the US and other powers traded sanctions relief for limits on Iran's nuclear works. President Donald Trump, a Republican, exited the pact in 2018, saying it had not stopped Iran's muscle flexing, and slapped unilateral sanctions on Tehran.
Mr Biden, a Democrat, has said he wants to re-enter the deal if Iran starts complying with the rules, such as limiting the enrichment of uranium.
Prince Turki warned against pursuing another "non-comprehensive deal" that did not tackle other issues, such as Iran's development of ballistic missiles and support for proxy militias in Lebanon, Yemen, Syria and elsewhere.
"While we all aspire to have Iran back as a normal peaceful nation state within the international community, the last 40 years' experience with Iran's regime is not encouraging," the Saudi royal said.
"Therefore, rejoining the deal as it is would not do service to stability in our region."
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
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
Dates for the diary
To mark Bodytree’s 10th anniversary, the coming season will be filled with celebratory activities:
- September 21 Anyone interested in becoming a certified yoga instructor can sign up for a 250-hour course in Yoga Teacher Training with Jacquelene Sadek. It begins on September 21 and will take place over the course of six weekends.
- October 18 to 21 International yoga instructor, Yogi Nora, will be visiting Bodytree and offering classes.
- October 26 to November 4 International pilates instructor Courtney Miller will be on hand at the studio, offering classes.
- November 9 Bodytree is hosting a party to celebrate turning 10, and everyone is invited. Expect a day full of free classes on the grounds of the studio.
- December 11 Yogeswari, an advanced certified Jivamukti teacher, will be visiting the studio.
- February 2, 2018 Bodytree will host its 4th annual yoga market.
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
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Cases of coronavirus in the GCC as of March 15
Saudi Arabia – 103 infected, 0 dead, 1 recovered
UAE – 86 infected, 0 dead, 23 recovered
Bahrain – 210 infected, 0 dead, 44 recovered
Kuwait – 104 infected, 0 dead, 5 recovered
Qatar – 337 infected, 0 dead, 4 recovered
Oman – 19 infected, 0 dead, 9 recovered
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre, twin-turbo V8
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 592bhp
Torque: 620Nm
Price: Dh980,000
On sale: now
