The US presidential election is always a cause for consternation, and often alarm, around the world. The US is a global hegemon, with military and economic interests far beyond its borders. But the anxiety is even more pronounced in neighbouring countries, which will have to grapple with the outcome of one of the most divisive elections in generations.
The worry is palpable here in Canada, which has endured a rocky relationship with its southern neighbour and one of its oldest allies. Tensions over the past four years took the form of undiplomatic asides and tweets by US President Donald Trump against Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accusing him of being a "phony", to more serious repercussions such as the fraying of the Nato alliance and the ethos of multilateralism, the acrimonious renegotiation of the Nafta trade deal and ongoing threats and impositions of tariffs and other economic weapons.
But the alarm here has taken on a different tone in recent months because of ongoing civil unrest in the US and the threat of violence in the aftermath of a contested election, given Mr Trump's repeated refusal to commit to a peaceful transfer of power if he loses and the looming threat of white nationalist groups. The election and the cacophony surrounding it such as the debates and latest controversies receive blow-by-blow coverage from the Canadian national broadcaster, drowning out by its incessant din important stories such as a recent charity group scandal involving the Prime Minister, ballooning coronavirus cases and failures in the response to them.
Prominent commentators and analysts say that Canada must plan for the possibility of serious instability in the US regardless of the outcome of the election, save perhaps for a landslide Joe Biden victory.
The existential angst is understandable, partly because of the damage that four years of Mr Trump has done to the Canada-US alliance and to the national and social fabric down south, and it can be easy to lose perspective amid the daily scandals. But Canadians can do little but watch with a sense of foreboding as election day draws closer, so near and yet so far when every day is an eternity lengthened by every outrage and the Covid-19 pandemic in the background.
That is why countries such as Canada should focus on areas where they can make a difference regardless of the occupant in the White House. Even if Mr Biden were to win, it will take a long time to undo some of the damage that the incumbent wreaked on issues such as environmental treaties, the rules-based international order, decades-old alliances that underwrite global security, and the defence of fundamental human rights.
Canada must assume leadership on the Paris climate agreement even though the US has withdrawn from it. AP Photo
Rebuilding alliances and defending causes through multilateralism will do more good than continuing to reel from the despondency and hysteria tearing through the US
They can do so by continuing to co-operate in fighting global challenges even as America emerges from or wallows in the throes of nationalist isolation – by continuing to work to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus and ensuring that it is widely available globally beyond the developed world, by continuing to push for adherence to the Paris climate agreement and to supporting other environmental initiatives, by continuing to advocate and mediate in persistent and intractable conflicts such as the ones in Syria and Palestine, by continuing to advocate for humane and sustainable solutions to the global refugee and migration crisis, and by continuing to stand up for the pivotal human rights issues of our times.
Rebuilding these alliances and defending these causes through multilateralism to strengthen the world more generally will do more good than continuing to reel from the despondency and hysteria tearing through the US. And that world will be there when America decides to rejoin it.
Kareem Shaheen is a veteran Middle East correspondent in Canada and a columnist for The National
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), EsekaiaDranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), JaenBotes (Exiles), KristianStinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), EmosiVacanau (Harlequins), NikoVolavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), ThinusSteyn (Exiles)
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia
The world fair will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.
It is expected to attract 25 million visits
Some 70 per cent visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE, the largest proportion of international visitors in the 167-year history of World Expos.
More than 30,000 volunteers are required for Expo 2020
The site covers a total of 4.38 sqkm, including a 2 sqkm gated area
It is located adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South
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Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
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.
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.