US Marines chain the head of a statue of Saddam Hussein before pulling it down in Baghdad's Al Fardous square on April 9, 2003. AFP
US Marines chain the head of a statue of Saddam Hussein before pulling it down in Baghdad's Al Fardous square on April 9, 2003. AFP
US Marines chain the head of a statue of Saddam Hussein before pulling it down in Baghdad's Al Fardous square on April 9, 2003. AFP
US Marines chain the head of a statue of Saddam Hussein before pulling it down in Baghdad's Al Fardous square on April 9, 2003. AFP

US Senate passes repeal of authorisations used for Gulf and Iraq wars


Ellie Sennett
  • English
  • Arabic

The US Senate has passed a measure that repeals the Congressional authorisations used for the Gulf and Iraq wars, a major step in officially rescinding those war powers.

The measure to rescind the 1991 and 2002 Authorisations of Use of Military Force passed the Democratic majority Senate in a 66-30 vote, just days after the world marked the 20th anniversary of the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003.

“These AUMFs have outlived their use,” Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on the Senate floor on Wednesday.

“Every year we keep these AUMFs on the books is another chance for a future administration to abuse the war powers that belong in the hands of Congress. And so we have an obligation to prevent future presidents from exploiting these AUMFs to bumble us into a new Middle East conflict.”

Critics say the 2002 powers have been misused, including former president Donald Trump's citing that authorisation to justify the 2020 killing of senior Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani.

A US strike killed Soleimani while he was in Iraq, but the 2002 AUMF does not authorise military action against Iran.

Under the US Constitution, Congress, and not the president, has the right to declare war.

The repeal did not go without significant opposition in the Senate, most notably Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who released a statement on Tuesday declaring his opposition to the repeal.

“Our terrorist enemies aren’t sunsetting their war against us … While the Senate’s been engaged in this abstract, theoretical debate about rolling back American power, Iran has continued its deadly attacks on us,” Mr McConnell said.

The Minority leader referenced a recent escalation between Washington and Tehran after a drone strike by an Iranian-backed militia killed an American contractor in north-eastern Syria. Repeal of the 2002 AUMF will not impact the current US mission there.

The bill will now go to the Republican-controlled House of Representatives for debate, markups and a final vote.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has indicated that he is supportive of the repeal, so long as it does not impact the standing 2001 AUMF, which is used to authorise current US military operations.

But there is some scepticism about the 1991 and 2002 repeal on the House side.

Rep Mike McCaul, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told The National that Washington needs to shape a “comprehensive replacement AUMF in consultation with our military commanders and the intelligence community.”

“Piecemeal repeal of those Iraq authorities is not a serious contribution to war powers reform,” Mr McCaul added.

US President Joe Biden has already signalled that he would sign the repeal into law if the House of Representatives approves it.

Women%E2%80%99s%20T20%20World%20Cup%20Qualifier
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THREE
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Nayla%20Al%20Khaja%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Jefferson%20Hall%2C%20Faten%20Ahmed%2C%20Noura%20Alabed%2C%20Saud%20Alzarooni%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

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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

Credit Score explained

What is a credit score?

In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.

Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

How much does it cost?

A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.

Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20Tabby%3Cbr%3EFounded%3A%20August%202019%3B%20platform%20went%20live%20in%20February%202020%3Cbr%3EFounder%2FCEO%3A%20Hosam%20Arab%2C%20co-founder%3A%20Daniil%20Barkalov%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Payments%3Cbr%3ESize%3A%2040-50%20employees%3Cbr%3EStage%3A%20Series%20A%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Arbor%20Ventures%2C%20Mubadala%20Capital%2C%20Wamda%20Capital%2C%20STV%2C%20Raed%20Ventures%2C%20Global%20Founders%20Capital%2C%20JIMCO%2C%20Global%20Ventures%2C%20Venture%20Souq%2C%20Outliers%20VC%2C%20MSA%20Capital%2C%20HOF%20and%20AB%20Accelerator.%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs: Audi e-tron

Price, base: From Dh325,000 (estimate)

Engine: Twin electric motors and 95kWh battery pack

Transmission: Single-speed auto

Power: 408hp

Torque: 664Nm

Range: 400 kilometres

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street

The seven points are:

Shakhbout bin Sultan Street

Dhafeer Street

Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)

Salama bint Butti Street

Al Dhafra Street

Rabdan Street

Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League last 16, first leg

Liverpool v Bayern Munich, midnight, Wednesday, BeIN Sports

MATCH INFO

Manchester United v Everton
Where:
Old Trafford, Manchester
When: Sunday, kick-off 7pm (UAE)
How to watch: Live on BeIN Sports 11HD

Updated: March 29, 2023, 5:42 PM`