A reader considers remarks about the threat of Iran made by the US secretary of state Hillary Clinton during her recent visit to the Gulf to be a distraction from the central Palestinian-Israeli issue.
A reader considers remarks about the threat of Iran made by the US secretary of state Hillary Clinton during her recent visit to the Gulf to be a distraction from the central Palestinian-Israeli issueShow more

Background to the US verbal assault on Iran



In reference to Emile Hokayem's opinion article On Iran, no easy answers for Mrs Clinton or the Gulf (February 17), isn't the script familiar? Do not the US secretary of state Hillary Clinton's statements echo her predecessor's remarks before the invasion of Iraq in 2003? The same game plan seems to be in the offing. Iran is building nuclear weapons, Iran is a rogue state, Iran is supporting terrorism, Iran is a threat to its neighbours. The latest in the list of accusations is that Iran is heading towards a military dictatorship.

There is so much similarity in the US preparations to build a case to wage war against Iraq and Iran. When and how this game plan is executed and what will be the consequences and fallout from this, only time will tell. And time, it appears, is not favouring the US president Barack Obama. He has yet to fulfil the assurances he made to the Arabs on the Palestinian-Israeli issue. Israel is as determined as it has been all these years to go ahead with its settlements. Despite the US pressure it is moving fast with building more and more new settlements on annexed land.

The US administration does not to want to lose what little goodwill it has earned from the early assurances given by Obama. So the bugaboo is that Iran becoming a nuclear threat to the region. It is more of "crying wolf" to divert the attention of the Arab states. Israel also wants time to complete its plan of developing as many as possible settlements on annexed territory. Iran by its stubbornness and intransigent stand on its nuclear ambitions is providing that space and time. Syed Qamer Hasan, Abu Dhabi

In reference to the article Photography lesson: shoot at sunset, go to jail (February 16), my heart goes out to MA who was jailed for photographing the Abu Dhabi Mina area. As a photographer myself I am dismayed. In most other countries the general rule is: if a photograph can be taken from a point on public land or from private property that could be legally accessed by the average person, then it is fair game for any photographer. While there are grey areas which are exploited by paparazzi, this rule generally works well. If governments or the military have areas of high security, they really should hide them better. A quick search of Google Maps will give anyone with access to the internet satellite shots of all these "secure" locations. Mark Thompson, Abu Dhabi

There is often more information available to the police in security matters than there is to the public. All nations have their security protocols and photography of sensitive areas is commonly dealt with in the same manner. It might not get as much press attention in the West, but individuals regularly have their cameras confiscated for the very same reasons. The police will be investigating the matter, and will probably give the camera back once they are certain of the individual's intent. I am happy the police are active in the protection of state sensitive areas. It means those with bad intentions are less likely to be able to attain the information they need. Kudos to Abu Dhabi police. MA broke the law, end of story. Their priority is, and should always be, security and protection of the state and its people. Security should not be built upon whether an individual's feelings are hurt or not, but on the greater well-being of the state and its inhabitants. BuAhmed al Hashimi, Abu Dhabi

I am an avid reader of Mishaal al Gergawi's work and always respect his balanced views on social issues. However, I must profess surprise at some of the concepts raised in his letter to the editor Frame terms for citizenship carefully (February 16). First, the comparison of the UAE to western countries like the US, Canada and Australia is noted, however I think we need to consider the position of the UAE as a first-world country. First World countries have highly developed economies and human development indices by definition. The UAE has achieved self confidence as an example of adaptation and malleability in order to stand on the world stage in IT (Gitex), sport (golf, horse racing, tennis) and top quality manufacturing (Dubal). Why then is the matter of naturalisation so gingerly approached every time?

Historically speaking, my understanding was that originally when Pakistani (Balochi), Indian and Iranian nationals moved here, there was no boom time whatsoever. In those days the official currency of exchange was the rupee. I concur that people leave their place of birth for a plethora of reasons and these may be examined in subsequent articles. Second, Mr Al Gergawi has raised the issue of embracing cultural practices including language, yet how can one expect any form of integration when, by law, one is not allowed to wear the national dress?

Unofficially, I am sure that many locals would cautiously welcome an integration of other nationalities to be part of the UAE's growth, moving forward together for the simple reason that we need to have a diverse population contributing different ideas and skill sets. Faysal Khan, Abu Dhabi

Brief scoreline:

Al Wahda 2

Al Menhali 27', Tagliabue 79'

Al Nassr 3

Hamdallah 41', Giuliano 45 1', 62'

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

Saturday (All UAE kick-off times)

Cagliari v AC Milan (6pm)

Lazio v Napoli (9pm)

Inter Milan v Atalanta (11.45pm)

Sunday

Udinese v Sassuolo (3.30pm)

Sampdoria v Brescia (6pm)

Fiorentina v SPAL (6pm)

Torino v Bologna (6pm)

Verona v Genoa (9pm)

Roma V Juventus (11.45pm)

Parma v Lecce (11.45pm)

 

 

Jigra
Director: Vasan Bala
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
Rated: 3.5/5
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The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

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8 UAE companies helping families reduce their carbon footprint

Greenheart Organic Farms 

This Dubai company was one of the country’s first organic farms, set up in 2012, and it now delivers a wide array of fruits and vegetables grown regionally or in the UAE, as well as other grocery items, to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi doorsteps.

www.greenheartuae.com

Modibodi  

Founded in Australia, Modibodi is now in the UAE with waste-free, reusable underwear that eliminates the litter created by a woman’s monthly cycle, which adds up to approximately 136kgs of sanitary waste over a lifetime.

www.modibodi.ae

The Good Karma Co

From brushes made of plant fibres to eco-friendly storage solutions, this company has planet-friendly alternatives to almost everything we need, including tin foil and toothbrushes. 

www.instagram.com/thegoodkarmaco

Re:told

One Dubai boutique, Re:told, is taking second-hand garments and selling them on at a fraction of the price, helping to cut back on the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothes thrown into landfills each year.

www.shopretold.com

Lush

Lush provides products such as shampoo and conditioner as package-free bars with reusable tins to store. 

www.mena.lush.com

Bubble Bro 

Offering filtered, still and sparkling water on tap, Bubble Bro is attempting to ensure we don’t produce plastic or glass waste. Founded in 2017 by Adel Abu-Aysha, the company is on track to exceeding its target of saving one million bottles by the end of the year.

www.bubble-bro.com

Coethical 

This company offers refillable, eco-friendly home cleaning and hygiene products that are all biodegradable, free of chemicals and certifiably not tested on animals.

www.instagram.com/coethical

Eggs & Soldiers

This bricks-and-mortar shop and e-store, founded by a Dubai mum-of-four, is the place to go for all manner of family products – from reusable cloth diapers to organic skincare and sustainable toys.

www.eggsnsoldiers.com

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Artist: Coldplay

Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5

The biog

Family: He is the youngest of five brothers, of whom two are dentists. 

Celebrities he worked on: Fabio Canavaro, Lojain Omran, RedOne, Saber Al Rabai.

Where he works: Liberty Dental Clinic 

MATCH INFO

Newcastle United 3
Gayle (23'), Perez (59', 63')

Chelsea 0

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.


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The latest news and analysis from the Emirates

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