Missiles being launched from Iran into eastern Syria in retaliation for the attack in Ahvaz. EPA
Missiles being launched from Iran into eastern Syria in retaliation for the attack in Ahvaz. EPA

Once again Iranian destabilisation is laid bare



It is an uncomfortable reality of modern statecraft that attacks are so quickly followed by violent retaliation. Following a deadly ambush on a military parade in the south-western Iranian province of Khuzestan last month, the Iranians were feverish in their hunt for someone to blame.

Clearly a muted response to an attack that killed at least 24 people and wounded more than 60 was unlikely, but as these pages argued at the time, the regime in Tehran must shoulder some responsibility.

On Monday, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps fired ballistic missiles into south-eastern Syria, with the stated aim of exacting revenge on those they believed responsible. Much bravado accompanied the launches, with a state TV reporter declaring: “In a few minutes, the world of arrogance – especially America, the Zionist regime and the Al Saud – will hear the sound of Iran’s repeated blows.”

It follows many baseless accusations levelled by the regime. Tehran first blamed the US and an unnamed Gulf state, then summoned diplomats from Denmark, the Netherlands and Britain, countries they accused of hosting “terrorist group members”.

Aside from stoking public anger, blaming foreign powers achieves little in times of strife – and least of all when many of the answers lie at home. Arab separatism has a long history in Khuzestan, which contributes the majority of Iran’s oil wealth but has long been starved of services and revenue. Of course, terrorism can never be condoned, but in Ahvaz the factors that have contributed to it are clear.

Why elements in the eastern Syrian city of Abu Kamal – which is held by Iran-aligned pro-Assad forces – were targeted is unclear. But there is a deeper point. After eight years of war in Syria, inroads are finally being made at the UN, where diplomats are pushing for a political solution.

The world is under no illusion that such an opportunity cannot be wasted – and yet Tehran has chosen precisely this moment to bomb Syria. Their intention is to send a message to the US that they have ballistic missiles and no reservations about using them.

The rush to blame others for the Ahvaz attack in the face of nationwide anti-government protests is straight from the regime’s playbook. So too is the decision to attack eastern Syria just as the world unites to end its war. Both acts reaffirm the consensus in this region: that Iran is a destabilising influence in the Middle East.

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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
 
Started: 2020
 
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
 
Based: Dubai, UAE
 
Sector: Entertainment 
 
Number of staff: 210 
 
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
Disclaimer

Director: Alfonso Cuaron 

Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville 

Rating: 4/5

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed 

VERSTAPPEN'S FIRSTS

Youngest F1 driver (17 years 3 days Japan 2014)
Youngest driver to start an F1 race (17 years 166 days – Australia 2015)
Youngest F1 driver to score points (17 years 180 days - Malaysia 2015)
Youngest driver to lead an F1 race (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest driver to set an F1 fastest lap (19 years 44 days – Brazil 2016)
Youngest on F1 podium finish (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest F1 winner (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest multiple F1 race winner (Mexico 2017/18)
Youngest F1 driver to win the same race (Mexico 2017/18)

The specs
Engine: 2.4-litre 4-cylinder

Transmission: CVT auto

Power: 181bhp

Torque: 244Nm

Price: Dh122,900 

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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.

When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.

How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
From Zero

Artist: Linkin Park

Label: Warner Records

Number of tracks: 11

Rating: 4/5

Empires%20of%20the%20Steppes%3A%20A%20History%20of%20the%20Nomadic%20Tribes%20Who%20Shaped%20Civilization
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Wicked
Director: Jon M Chu
Stars: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey
Rating: 4/5
Why are you, you?

Why are you, you?
From this question, a new beginning.
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For you are a world, and a meeting of worlds.
Our dream is to unite that which has been
separated by history.
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The specs

Price, base / as tested Dh960,000
Engine 3.9L twin-turbo V8 
Transmission Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Power 661hp @8,000rpm
Torque 760Nm @ 3,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 11.4L / 100k

Meatless Days
Sara Suleri, with an introduction by Kamila Shamsie
​​​​​​​Penguin 

The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
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'Panga'

Directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari

Starring Kangana Ranaut, Richa Chadha, Jassie Gill, Yagya Bhasin, Neena Gupta

Rating: 3.5/5

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Electoral College Victory

Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate. 

 

Popular Vote Tally

The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.

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

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