Iraq's new prime minister Haider Al Abadi speaks to Iraqi lawmakers before submitting his government in Baghdad earlier this month. Eliminating extremism in Iraq will require a concerted effort. Hadi Mizban / Reuters
Iraq's new prime minister Haider Al Abadi speaks to Iraqi lawmakers before submitting his government in Baghdad earlier this month. Eliminating extremism in Iraq will require a concerted effort. Hadi Show more

‘Arab Marshall Plan’ will help the region



Facing down the threat of extremist militants in Iraq and Syria via the mechanisms outlined above is one part of the puzzle, but it is equally important to achieve economic cooperation between rival Arab states. Doing so would almost certainly help stop the cycle of violence that blights this region.

Economists gathered in Bahrain this week to discuss the best ways to tackle poverty and high rates of unemployment in key parts of the region. Both these factors have fuelled unrest since December 2010, when protests in Tunisia marked the opening moments of the regional uprisings known as the Arab Spring.

Experts at the conference, organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, called for a Gulf-funded “Arab Marshall Plan” to funnel aid into Yemen, Libya, Iraq and Syria. Gaza also urgently needs at least $7.8 billion for reconstruction following Israel’s brutal offensive.

The original Marshall Plan pumped money, resources and expertise into Europe after the Second World War and helped revitalise a continent devastated by years of conflict. A large-scale and well-funded “Arab Marshall Plan” – and experts called for up to $100bn of funding from GCC countries – could do the same for the Middle East.

There is a precedent for such action. Earlier this year the UAE provided Egypt with a $6 billion aid package in the form of cash, interest-free loans, guaranteed fuel supplies and funding for health, education, housing and transport projects after Abdel Fattah El Sisi became president following the disastrous administration of Mohamed Morsi.

If there has been one positive to come out of the rise of ISIL, it is that the mutant militant group and its toxic brand of statehood has brought a renewed sense of cooperation to the peaceful countries of the region.

It has also brought a greater understanding that there is strength in unity and that coordinated action is more powerful than independent endeavour. A well-funded economic programme could deliver equally powerful results and benefit both the donors and the recipients.

SPECS

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Power: 630hp
Torque: 850Nm
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Brief scores:

Toss: Nepal, chose to field

UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23

Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17

Result: UAE won by 21 runs

Series: UAE lead 1-0

Jigra
Director: Vasan Bala
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Rated: 3.5/5
MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

Film: In Syria
Dir: Philippe Van Leeuw
Starring: Hiam Abbass, Diamand Bo Abboud, Mohsen Abbas and Juliette Navis
Verdict: Four stars

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Long read

Mageed Yahia, director of WFP in UAE: Coronavirus knows no borders, and neither should the response

Emergency phone numbers in the UAE

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas

Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa

Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong

Rating: 3/5

Stats at a glance:

Cost: 1.05 billion pounds (Dh 4.8 billion)

Number in service: 6

Complement 191 (space for up to 285)

Top speed: over 32 knots

Range: Over 7,000 nautical miles

Length 152.4 m

Displacement: 8,700 tonnes

Beam:   21.2 m

Draught: 7.4 m

The Beach Bum

Director: Harmony Korine

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg

Two stars

How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Xpanceo

Started: 2018

Founders: Roman Axelrod, Valentyn Volkov

Based: Dubai, UAE

Industry: Smart contact lenses, augmented/virtual reality

Funding: $40 million

Investor: Opportunity Venture (Asia)

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21 Lessons for the 21st Century

Yuval Noah Harari, Jonathan Cape
 

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