Tourists gather near the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center in New York, n December 2. EPA
Tourists gather near the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center in New York, n December 2. EPA
Tourists gather near the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center in New York, n December 2. EPA
Tourists gather near the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center in New York, n December 2. EPA


In America, dreams live alongside nightmares


  • English
  • Arabic

December 07, 2021

Here are some headline-making stories from American newspapers this week: A 15-year-old boy, Ethan Crumbley entered Oxford High School in Michigan with a handgun. He is charged with killing four teenagers and wounding eight other people.

The trial of Ghislaine Maxwell in New York hears sordid tales of multi-millionaire Jeffrey Epstein and abuse of under-age girls.

The US Supreme Court may soon cause a national outcry by overturning access to abortions supposedly guaranteed by the landmark case known as Roe versus Wade.

US President Joe Biden has signed into law a temporary funding bill to avoid a US federal government shutdown just hours before the latest deadline, in a row with Congress.

Republican Congressman Paul Gosar tweeted a video in which in an anime he is shown killing a Democratic Congresswoman from New York, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and swinging a sword at Mr Biden.

And Kevin Strickland a 62-year-old African American has been freed from prison in Missouri after 43 years. He has been cleared of triple homicide. Mr Strickland is bewildered by his freedom.

Kevin Strickland, centre, with his attorneys. Mr Strickland was jailed for more than 40 years for three murders. He was released after a judge ruled that he was wrongfully convicted in 1979. AP
Kevin Strickland, centre, with his attorneys. Mr Strickland was jailed for more than 40 years for three murders. He was released after a judge ruled that he was wrongfully convicted in 1979. AP

These news stories stick in my mind because, even though they are shocking, they also are familiar and recognisable American tales. The America where I lived – and which I love – did often have headlines similar to these, but my experience was not filled with gun-toting juveniles, despicable billionaire sex predators or hate-filled members of Congress. On the contrary, the America of my personal experience is that of a wonderful nation experienced by most US citizens. It is a land where one of my daughters is studying at a great US university; where my son is spending a week having fun with friends in New York; the land where I have never seen so much natural beauty nor experienced so much kindness and friendship from strangers.

People take picture in front of Macy's Christmas window installation in New York on December 2. AFP
People take picture in front of Macy's Christmas window installation in New York on December 2. AFP

The disjunction between the America in the life of most citizens and America in the anecdotal on TV and in newspapers is not the fault of the news media. Bad things happen in a great country. That old song "America the Beautiful" co-exists with plenty of examples of America the Ugly. Like Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the two inhabit the same body. And the America of gun violence, racial and political division, and super-rich people thinking they are above the law, is not a 21st century aberration. It is a bolted-on accompaniment of American history, the ugly counterpoint to the brilliance and genius of American people in every field of human endeavour.

Far from being a modern phenomenon, the first known killings on school property in north America were recorded in 1764, before the US even existed. The first recorded school shooting involving a pupil was in Kentucky in November 1853. Matthew Ward shot dead a headmaster for excessively punishing Ward’s brother the previous day. Ward was acquitted of murder. By 1866 the New York Times argued against guns in schools, noting the problem included "... pistols being dropped on the floor at balls or being exploded in very inconvenient ways.”

The first recorded school shooting involving a pupil was in Kentucky in November 1853

The “inconvenient ways” of school shootings continue to shock us because guns are now even more powerful, but the violent pathology remains the same. Then there are the political divisions. In his November 2020 election victory speech, Joe Biden promised a “time to heal” after the divisions of the Trump era. Presidents – with the exception of Donald Trump – always do promise to heal. But as we approach Christmas, the threat of the government shutdown, the bitter row over abortion and the nastiness in Congress all attest to the fact that “healing” American public life is a better slogan than a political reality.

Parents of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting have joined a grassroots initiative called the Sandy Hook Promise to support solutions for a safer community.
Parents of victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting have joined a grassroots initiative called the Sandy Hook Promise to support solutions for a safer community.

The words “gridlock,” “demosclerosis” and “government shutdowns” are just part of the now routine political vocabulary of Washington life, even if shutdowns are fairly new. They date from 1980 where a “lapse of appropriation” – that is, when Congress refuses to give the President money to spend – means US federal government workers have to be sent home.

The worst shutdowns hit the Clinton administration for 21 days in 1995-96, the Obama administration for 16 days in 2013, and the Trump administration for a record 35 days in 2018-19.

As for the unpleasant behaviour of the Arizona Republican Paul Gosar, four sitting US Presidents have been assassinated. Theodore Roosevelt and Ronald Reagan narrowly escaped the same fate, and among the many failed assassination attempts, I once reported on the death of an alcoholic pilot who flew a stolen Cessna aircraft into the Clinton White House. The Clintons were not at home. The pilot was killed. And so as we process the latest American news, good and bad, maybe we should also remember that country song of American diversity and division from 20 years ago:

One kid dreams of fame and fortune

One kid helps pay the rent

One could end up going to prison

One just might be president.

The song is called “Only in America”. It is a land where the American dream lives alongside some nightmares. Only in America.

The biog

Name: Shamsa Hassan Safar

Nationality: Emirati

Education: Degree in emergency medical services at Higher Colleges of Technology

Favourite book: Between two hearts- Arabic novels

Favourite music: Mohammed Abdu and modern Arabic songs

Favourite way to spend time off: Family visits and spending time with friends

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What sanctions would be reimposed?

Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:

  • An arms embargo
  • A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
  • A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
  • A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
  • Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
The specs

Engine: Direct injection 4-cylinder 1.4-litre
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Price: From Dh139,000
On sale: Now

THURSDAY'S FIXTURES

4pm Maratha Arabians v Northern Warriors

6.15pm Deccan Gladiators v Pune Devils

8.30pm Delhi Bulls v Bangla Tigers

The specs

Engine: 1.4-litre 4-cylinder turbo

Power: 180hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 250Nm at 3,00rpm

Transmission: 5-speed sequential auto

Price: From Dh139,995

On sale: now

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Manchester United v Liverpool

Premier League, kick off 7.30pm (UAE)

The specs

Engine: Two permanent-magnet synchronous AC motors

Transmission: two-speed

Power: 671hp

Torque: 849Nm

Range: 456km

Price: from Dh437,900 

On sale: now

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Results

5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 (Turf) 2,200m; Winner: Gurm, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Eric Lemartinel (trainer)

5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Al Nafece, Al Muatasm Al Balushi, Mohammed Ramadan

6pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (T) 1,200m; Winner: Ashton Tourettes, Adrie de Vries, Ibrahim Aseel

6.30pm: Arabian Triple Crown – Group 3 (PA) Dh300,000 (T) 2,200m; Winner: Ottoman, Adrie de Vries, Abdallah Al Hammadi

7pm: Liwa Oasis – Group 2 (PA) 300,000 (T) 1,400m; Winner: Hakeemat Muscat, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami

7.30pm: Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (T) 1,600m; Winner: Ganbaru, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi

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Pros%20and%20cons%20of%20BNPL
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UK's plans to cut net migration

Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.

Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.

But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.

Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.

Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.

The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.

While you're here
ONCE UPON A TIME IN GAZA

Starring: Nader Abd Alhay, Majd Eid, Ramzi Maqdisi

Directors: Tarzan and Arab Nasser

Rating: 4.5/5

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League final:

Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports

Various Artists 
Habibi Funk: An Eclectic Selection Of Music From The Arab World (Habibi Funk)
​​​​​​​

Company profile

Date started: December 24, 2018

Founders: Omer Gurel, chief executive and co-founder and Edebali Sener, co-founder and chief technology officer

Based: Dubai Media City

Number of employees: 42 (34 in Dubai and a tech team of eight in Ankara, Turkey)

Sector: ConsumerTech and FinTech

Cashflow: Almost $1 million a year

Funding: Series A funding of $2.5m with Series B plans for May 2020

European arms

Known EU weapons transfers to Ukraine since the war began: Germany 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger surface-to-air missiles. Luxembourg 100 NLAW anti-tank weapons, jeeps and 15 military tents as well as air transport capacity. Belgium 2,000 machine guns, 3,800 tons of fuel. Netherlands 200 Stinger missiles. Poland 100 mortars, 8 drones, Javelin anti-tank weapons, Grot assault rifles, munitions. Slovakia 12,000 pieces of artillery ammunition, 10 million litres of fuel, 2.4 million litres of aviation fuel and 2 Bozena de-mining systems. Estonia Javelin anti-tank weapons.  Latvia Stinger surface to air missiles. Czech Republic machine guns, assault rifles, other light weapons and ammunition worth $8.57 million.

What can victims do?

Always use only regulated platforms

Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion

Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)

Report to local authorities

Warn others to prevent further harm

Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence

THE DETAILS

Deadpool 2

Dir: David Leitch

Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Josh Brolin, Justin Dennison, Zazie Beetz

Four stars

Five films to watch

Castle in the Sky (1986)

Grave of the Fireflies (1988)

Only Yesterday (1991)

Pom Poki (1994)

The Tale of Princess Kaguya (2013)

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

Avatar: Fire and Ash

Director: James Cameron

Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana

Rating: 4.5/5

Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

Updated: December 07, 2021, 4:00 AM