A new wave of violence swept over the West Bank and Gaza this weekend, with four Palestinians killed and hundreds wounded as demonstrations to protest against Donald Trump's decision on Jerusalem were met by a repressive show of Israeli force. As The National reported, news of the return of violence was also met with weary resignation by an unnamed senior official in the Trump administration, who described what has happened as "a reaction to the Jerusalem decision". As answers go, this seemed to inappropriately downplay what amounts to a regional rupture.
The White House can, of course, no longer be in any doubt about that “reaction”. Indeed, if the Trump administration was looking for a clarifying moment, then its December 6 decision may be that occasion. Over the course of the ten days since the decision was made, senior figures in the region have stated in clear and precise terms why the Jerusalem decision was wrong and what needs to be done to rectify the US administration’s mistake.
Last week, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, met Saudi Arabia's King Salman to discuss the situation. Addressing the kingdom's shura council, King Salman said Saudi Arabia "has called for a political solution to resolve regional crises, foremost of which is the Palestinian issue and the restoration of the Palestinian people's legitimate rights, including the right to establish their independent state with east Jerusalem as its capital."
Against this clamour of opinion – former US defence secretary Robert Gates said last week the Jerusalem decision hurt "broader strategy" and "created problems for our Arab friends and allies" – a key representative of the Trump administration was due to travel to the Middle East over the weekend. But, as The National reported, US vice president Mike Pence's trip has been delayed after his travel plans became mired in the Jerusalem maelstrom.
Mr Pence's proposed visit to the holy sites of Bethlehem has been cancelled – the official reason for doing so is because he is required to stay in the US for a vote on a key taxation bill – and his visit to the region has been significantly amended. The religious leaders Mr Pence, a man of faith himself, sought to court have rejected any interactions with the vice president. In doing so, they have sent a strong message to the US administration: that the negative reaction to Mr Trump's decision will not easily subside and that the objections to his declaration are the same in the corridors of power as they are on the street. The onus is now on the White House to correct its gross error.
The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
Should late investors consider cryptocurrencies?
Wealth managers recommend late investors to have a balanced portfolio that typically includes traditional assets such as cash, government and corporate bonds, equities, commodities and commercial property.
They do not usually recommend investing in Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies due to the risk and volatility associated with them.
“It has produced eye-watering returns for some, whereas others have lost substantially as this has all depended purely on timing and when the buy-in was. If someone still has about 20 to 25 years until retirement, there isn’t any need to take such risks,” Rupert Connor of Abacus Financial Consultant says.
He adds that if a person is interested in owning a business or growing a property portfolio to increase their retirement income, this can be encouraged provided they keep in mind the overall risk profile of these assets.
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The specs
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Power: 220 and 280 horsepower
Torque: 350 and 360Nm
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT
On sale: now
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BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
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Blackpink World Tour [Born Pink] In Cinemas
Starring: Rose, Jisoo, Jennie, Lisa
Directors: Min Geun, Oh Yoon-Dong
Rating: 3/5
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