The Dubai-based daily Al Bayan carried an opinion piece by Mohammed K al Azaar in which he argues that the Arab world has been relentlessly subjected to cultural globalisation after being, for many decades now, a passive receiver of culture.
Only last week, officials in Ankara announced the conclusion of the preparations to launch an Arabic-speaking satellite television channel in October.
"Since culture and the media are hardly removed from the world of propaganda and the fashioning of public opinion, we find ourselves forced to believe that a host of concomitant political, economic and psychological goals must be in the pipeline and the Turkish television authority is intent to promote them among their Arab audience."
It is noteworthy that the BCC radio celebrates its 75th anniversary of Arabic broadcasting this year. Since the British corporation launched its Arabic radio station, many European countries, besides the US, Russia and China, have followed suit.
Looking closely at the content of foreign broadcasting in Arabic, one notices that it does not always correspond to the best interests of the receiver, and Arab media must respond to that.
"Nothing will counter this foreign satellite foray into Arab homes better than an equally incisive Arab media that boosts cultural immunity."
Over the past weeks, the Army of the Guardians of the Islamic Revolution of Iran, also known as the Pasdaran, has further deepened its influence as the most prominent body in the Iranian regime, commented Jihad el Zein in the Lebanese daily Annahar.
After buying, through its "affiliated corporate group", a 51 per cent stake in the government's telecom company for $7.8 billion, the Revolutionary Guard has moved to a new level of hegemony over key economic interests in the Islamic Republic. This is of considerable significance since the paramilitary body already has some control over oil pipelines, car factories and even laser eye surgery equipment.
Indeed, there are many contemporary examples of how military institutions shaped the face of the political and economic regime within which they operated. In the case of Iran, the Pasdaran has become a source of conflicting interests within the Iranian system. Even the staunchest pro-Ahmadinejad conservatives concede that more than half of the Revolutionary Guard staff voted for Mir Hussein Mousavi in the last presidential elections.
So, has the Pasdaran's influence reached such proportions that it may alter the theocratic structure in Iran?
"Nobody seems to be able to understand why Palestinian spokespersons, of all calibres, keep saying that the Palestinian leadership will not resume the negotiations with Israel unless the latter stops all settlement activity, including in Jerusalem, while they have indeed fixed a timetable for talks that are due to begin next week in Washington," stated the former Palestinian minister Ziyad Abu Zayd in the comment section of the Emirati daily Akhbar al Arab.
The chief Palestinian negotiator, Saeb Erekat, said last week that the tripartite meeting that took place in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly proceedings did not amount to a round of talks, nor would next week's talks be considered as such under the pretext that the two parties will not seek a compromise face to face, but through a US go-between.
"Let me make it clear, lest I should be misunderstood, that all I am calling for here is honesty, transparency and a breakaway from all the slogans that simply restrict our deeds," the ex-minister wrote.
Wisdom would be to capitalise on the current situation, under a relatively committed US administration, in order to find a resolution to the Palestinian cause. And that wisdom will have consequences only when the inter-Palestinian divide is bridged.
Iran has definitely opted for escalation with the West in a way that calls to mind Winston Churchill's famous saying: "If you're going through hell, keep going," noted the editor-in-chief of the pan-Arab daily Asharq al Awsat.
Israel, which is the key party in the crisis no matter how hard some media try to make it look like a strict international concern, considers further progress in Iran's nuclear programme, even if reined in by a compromise with the West, as an existential threat.
The Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, for his part, said during the crucial sermon of the last Friday of Ramadan: "We must preserve our determination to defend our rights in the nuclear field. Relinquishing these or any other rights would amount to the downfall of the regime. We will be on the path to demise if we show those snobs any sign of weakness and if, instead of resisting them, we choose to back down."
Now, if the international community ends up condoning a nuclear Iran, not only will the region explode into an arms race that will debilitate regional and world security, but the global economy will be hit by a calamity incomparable to any other before.
* Digest compiled by Achraf A ElBahi
aelbahi@thenational.ae
Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
More coverage from the Future Forum
Confirmed%20bouts%20(more%20to%20be%20added)
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Fighter profiles
Gabrieli Pessanha (Brazil)
Reigning Abu Dhabi World Pro champion in the 95kg division, virtually unbeatable in her weight class. Known for her pressure game but also dangerous with her back on the mat.
Nathiely de Jesus, 23, (Brazil)
Two-time World Pro champion renowned for her aggressive game. She is tall and most feared by her opponents for both her triangles and arm-bar attacks.
Thamara Ferreira, 24, (Brazil)
Since her brown belt days, Ferreira has been dominating the 70kg, in both the World Pro and the Grand Slams. With a very aggressive game.
Samantha Cook, 32, (Britain)
One of the biggest talents coming out of Europe in recent times. She is known for a highly technical game and bringing her A game to the table as always.
Kendall Reusing, 22, (USA)
Another young gun ready to explode in the big leagues. The Californian resident is a powerhouse in the -95kg division. Her duels with Pessanha have been highlights in the Grand Slams.
Martina Gramenius, 32, (Sweden)
Already a two-time Grand Slam champion in the current season. Gramenius won golds in the 70kg, in both in Moscow and Tokyo, to earn a spot in the inaugural Queen of Mats.
The%20specs
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Leaderboard
63 - Mike Lorenzo-Vera (FRA)
64 - Rory McIlroy (NIR)
66 - Jon Rahm (ESP)
67 - Tom Lewis (ENG), Tommy Fleetwood (ENG)
68 - Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP), Marcus Kinhult (SWE)
69 - Justin Rose (ENG), Thomas Detry (BEL), Francesco Molinari (ITA), Danny Willett (ENG), Li Haotong (CHN), Matthias Schwab (AUT)
Company%20Profile
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The Bio
Favourite holiday destination: Either Kazakhstan or Montenegro. I’ve been involved in events in both countries and they are just stunning.
Favourite book: I am a huge of Robin Cook’s medical thrillers, which I suppose is quite apt right now. My mother introduced me to them back home in New Zealand.
Favourite film or television programme: Forrest Gump is my favourite film, that’s never been up for debate. I love watching repeats of Mash as well.
Inspiration: My late father moulded me into the man I am today. I would also say disappointment and sadness are great motivators. There are times when events have brought me to my knees but it has also made me determined not to let them get the better of me.
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Schedule:
Sept 15: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (Dubai)
Sept 16: Pakistan v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 17: Sri Lanka v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 18: India v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 19: India v Pakistan (Dubai)
Sept 20: Bangladesh v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi) Super Four
Sept 21: Group A Winner v Group B Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 21: Group B Winner v Group A Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 23: Group A Winner v Group A Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 23: Group B Winner v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 25: Group A Winner v Group B Winner (Dubai)
Sept 26: Group A Runner-up v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 28: Final (Dubai)
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SPECS
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TYPES%20OF%20ONLINE%20GIG%20WORK
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Company%20Profile
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
Dubai Rugby Sevens
November 30, December 1-2
International Vets
Christina Noble Children’s Foundation fixtures
Thursday, November 30:
10.20am, Pitch 3, v 100 World Legends Project
1.20pm, Pitch 4, v Malta Marauders
Friday, December 1:
9am, Pitch 4, v SBA Pirates
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Meydan card
6.30pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (PA) Group 1 US$65,000 (Dirt) 1,600m
7.05pm: Conditions (TB) $100,000 (Turf) 1,400m
7.40pm: UAE 2000 Guineas Trial (TB) $100,000 (D) 1,600m
8.15pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (T) 1,200m
8.50pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-1 (TB) Group 2 $350,000 (D) 1,600m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) $175,000 (D) 1,900m
10pm: Handicap (TB) $135,000 (T) 1,600m
Destroyer
Director: Karyn Kusama
Cast: Nicole Kidman, Toby Kebbell, Sebastian Stan
Rating: 3/5
UAE release: January 31
Company%20Profile
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Greatest Royal Rumble results
John Cena pinned Triple H in a singles match
Cedric Alexander retained the WWE Cruiserweight title against Kalisto
Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt win the Raw Tag Team titles against Cesaro and Sheamus
Jeff Hardy retained the United States title against Jinder Mahal
Bludgeon Brothers retain the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos
Seth Rollins retains the Intercontinental title against The Miz, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe
AJ Styles remains WWE World Heavyweight champion after he and Shinsuke Nakamura are both counted out
The Undertaker beats Rusev in a casket match
Brock Lesnar retains the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
Braun Strowman won the 50-man Royal Rumble by eliminating Big Cass last
WHAT%20MACRO%20FACTORS%20ARE%20IMPACTING%20META%20TECH%20MARKETS%3F
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The 100 Best Novels in Translation
Boyd Tonkin, Galileo Press
MATCH INFO
World Cup qualifier
Thailand 2 (Dangda 26', Panya 51')
UAE 1 (Mabkhout 45 2')
The specs: 2018 Renault Megane
Price, base / as tested Dh52,900 / Dh59,200
Engine 1.6L in-line four-cylinder
Transmission Continuously variable transmission
Power 115hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque 156Nm @ 4,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined 6.6L / 100km
The specs
Price: From Dh529,000
Engine: 5-litre V8
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Power: 520hp
Torque: 625Nm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.8L/100km