Qaddafi's fall sends a warning to Syria
Libyans are celebrating Eid in high spirits, since their significant accomplishments have brought them closer to revolutionary triumph, but the Syrian people have nothing to celebrate, columnist Othman Mirghani wrote in the London-based newspaper Asharq Al Awsat.
In fact, Bashar Al Assad's forces are pressing ahead with their lethal clampdown on protesters.
The success of the Libyan uprising in the face of the barbarity of Col Muammar Qaddafi's forces - acting on their leader's televised vow to "crush all the rats" - sends a strong message to Damascus.
"If the Syrian regime was hoping to see repression and the use of force put an end to the Libyan uprising, the reality on the ground must come as a big disappointment," the writer said.
Still, strong as that message from the Libyan rebels might be, the Syrian regime does not seem to learn any lesson.
"Mr Al Assad's regime, as it is watching Col Qaddafi's regime fall apart, still insists on suppression, cruelty and abuse as proper methods to curtail the popular uprising in Syria."
Meanwhile, the Syrian people who have, for months now, shown their resolve to continue the protests for regime change, will find a timely morale boost in the current Libyan celebrations following the downfall of Col Qaddafi.
Algeria: last roadblock to Maghreb Union
The historic changes in Tunisia and Libya (autocracies toppled), Morocco (constitutional reforms) and Mauritania (on the road to the state of law) should be ushering in the revival of the Maghreb Arab Union, the once-promising North African economic bloc, wrote Abdullah Iskandar, managing editor of the pan-Arab newspaper Al Hayat, in a column.
But that doesn't seem to be the case yet. Algeria, the fifth and key member of the bloc, still hampers that revival.
"Algeria seems to be the exception that gets in the way of all these positive changes in the Maghreb region," the writer said, "even though the Algerian people are just as hopeful as their counterparts in other Maghreb Union states for better governance, sustainable development and political freedoms."
When ambitions for democratisation were simmering in North African states, the regime in Algeria - a junta with a civilian facade - was undertaking constitutional changes to ensure that power would remain the preserve of the army.
The regime made sure to maintain a measure of tension between it and its neighbours, to keep the country's attention trained on a perceived foreign threat, which makes tight control over internal affairs easier.
It's unfortunate that the country of "the one million martyrs" (for independence from France) is now averse to openness and democratic transition.
Electoral awareness among Emiratis is key
It is essential to raise awareness among Emirati candidates and voters ahead of the Federal National Council elections on September 24, especially since a considerable number of candidates and voters will be taking part for the first time, said an article from the Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, published yesterday in the Emirati daily Al Ittihad.
The Voter and Candidate Guide and the FNC Empowerment Programme, issued this month by the National Elections Committee, serve that purpose. Both publications feature useful information about the stages of the electoral process, in an accessible form.
"The higher the awareness among voters about the process and its various aspects," the article said, "the more likely voters are to participate, which will naturally have a positive effect."
Also, heightened voter awareness would keep the candidates in check, preventing them from overstating their electoral agendas for the sake of garnering more votes, the article added. "For one issue that crops up sometimes during the elections is the gap between the candidate's electoral programme and reality."
Some candidates who made big promises and raised high hopes among voters in the last elections performed below expectations once voted into office, the opinion article said.
Libya must manage western ambitions
Liberated from Col Muammar Qaddafi's 42-year rule, Libya must now face up to a major challenge: protecting its people from the crowd of western powers salivating over its oil and vying for handsome infrastructure contracts, Masoud Daher wrote in the comment section of the Dubai paper Al Bayan yesterday.
The first step towards protecting the interests of the Libyan people is to form a national unity government representing all components of society.
Obviously, there are many bumps on the road. First, armed groups still loyal to Col Qaddafi must be subdued. The persistence of armed conflict would protract the involvement of Nato, with more infrastructure destroyed and more civilians as collateral, the writer said.
Second, recouping Libya's frozen deposits - $160bn (Dh588 bn) from foreign bank accounts must be the priority. The handful of millions of dollars disbursed now and then by western countries to cover the monthly salaries of Libyan soldiers and public servants is not enough.
Third, the leadership should beware of the West's intention to reward itself for its military aid with a more lasting corporate presence in Libyan oilfields.
The new leaders must never forget that the West was a great supporter of Col Qaddafi.
* Digest compiled by Achraf El Bahi
AElBahi@thenational.ae
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
Need to know
The flights: Flydubai flies from Dubai to Kilimanjaro airport via Dar es Salaam from Dh1,619 return including taxes. The trip takes 8 hours.
The trek: Make sure that whatever tour company you select to climb Kilimanjaro, that it is a reputable one. The way to climb successfully would be with experienced guides and porters, from a company committed to quality, safety and an ethical approach to the mountain and its staff. Sonia Nazareth booked a VIP package through Safari Africa. The tour works out to $4,775 (Dh17,538) per person, based on a 4-person booking scheme, for 9 nights on the mountain (including one night before and after the trek at Arusha). The price includes all meals, a head guide, an assistant guide for every 2 trekkers, porters to carry the luggage, a cook and kitchen staff, a dining and mess tent, a sleeping tent set up for 2 persons, a chemical toilet and park entrance fees. The tiny ration of heated water provided for our bath in our makeshift private bathroom stall was the greatest luxury. A standard package, also based on a 4-person booking, works out to $3,050 (Dh11,202) per person.
When to go: You can climb Kili at any time of year, but the best months to ascend are January-February and September-October. Also good are July and August, if you’re tolerant of the colder weather that winter brings.
Do not underestimate the importance of kit. Even if you’re travelling at a relatively pleasant time, be geared up for the cold and the rain.
In numbers: China in Dubai
The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000
Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000
Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000
Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
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German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
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.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Top%2010%20most%20competitive%20economies
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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FIGHT CARD
Bantamweight Hamza Bougamza (MAR) v Jalal Al Daaja (JOR)
Catchweight 67kg Mohamed El Mesbahi (MAR) v Fouad Mesdari (ALG)
Lighweight Abdullah Mohammed Ali (UAE) v Abdelhak Amhidra (MAR)
Catchweight 73kg Mostafa Ibrahim Radi (PAL) v Yazid Chouchane (ALG)
Middleweight Yousri Belgaroui (TUN) v Badreddine Diani (MAR)
Catchweight 78kg Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Adnan Bushashy (ALG)
Middleweight Sallaheddine Dekhissi (MAR) v Abdel Emam (EGY)
Catchweight 65kg Rachid Hazoume (MAR) v Yanis Ghemmouri (ALG)
Lighweight Mohammed Yahya (UAE) v Azouz Anwar (EGY)
Catchweight 79kg Omar Hussein (PAL) v Souhil Tahiri (ALG)
Middleweight Tarek Suleiman (SYR) v Laid Zerhouni (ALG)
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Arabian Gulf Cup FINAL
Al Nasr 2
(Negredo 1, Tozo 50)
Shabab Al Ahli 1
(Jaber 13)
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
Australia World Cup squad
Aaron Finch (capt), Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Steve Smith, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Lyon, Adam Zampa
Game Changer
Director: Shankar
Stars: Ram Charan, Kiara Advani, Anjali, S J Suryah, Jayaram
Rating: 2/5
The specs: 2018 Mercedes-AMG C63 S Cabriolet
Price, base: Dh429,090
Engine 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8
Transmission Seven-speed automatic
Power 510hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque 700Nm @ 1,750rpm
Fuel economy, combined 9.2L / 100km
MO
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The five pillars of Islam
Results:
CSIL 2-star 145cm One Round with Jump-Off
1. Alice Debany Clero (USA) on Amareusa S 38.83 seconds
2. Anikka Sande (NOR) For Cash 2 39.09
3. Georgia Tame (GBR) Cash Up 39.42
4. Nadia Taryam (UAE) Askaria 3 39.63
5. Miriam Schneider (GER) Fidelius G 47.74
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.