A picture of US Airman Aaron Bushnell at a vigil in Times Square, New York City, on February 27, along with a picture of a Palestinian family and a list of names of Palestinians, now over 30,000, killed in the war. Getty Images via AFP
A picture of US Airman Aaron Bushnell at a vigil in Times Square, New York City, on February 27, along with a picture of a Palestinian family and a list of names of Palestinians, now over 30,000, killed in the war. Getty Images via AFP
A picture of US Airman Aaron Bushnell at a vigil in Times Square, New York City, on February 27, along with a picture of a Palestinian family and a list of names of Palestinians, now over 30,000, killed in the war. Getty Images via AFP
A picture of US Airman Aaron Bushnell at a vigil in Times Square, New York City, on February 27, along with a picture of a Palestinian family and a list of names of Palestinians, now over 30,000, kill


Aaron Bushnell's final act and the suffering in Gaza


The National
  • English
  • Arabic

March 01, 2024

With reference to the editorial Aaron Bushnell's self-immolation reflects the tragedy of inaction over Gaza (February 27): Aaron's act of protest, although extreme, reveals the intense psychological suffering that millions are experiencing around the world as they witness, on a daily basis, Israel, supported by the US, constantly bombard the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Deepest condolences to the family and friends of this young man, who in this final act, showed a depth of compassion for his fellow human beings. May he rest in eternal peace.

Michael Jattan, Blanchisseuse, Trinidad and Tobago

Desperate food shortages in Gaza

With reference to Nagham Mohanna and Mina Aldroubi's report Two-month-old baby dies of malnutrition amid UN warning of 'explosion' in child deaths (February 25): What is the world doing about this? It is not enough to hear that a potential ceasefire might happen with yet more rounds of talks. The atrocities and deaths have to stop. There must be an immediate and permanent peace. It is a horrible reality that babies are dying because there is just no milk and food.

Leila Almaeena, Abu Dhabi

How to countering the counterfeits

With regard to the editorial The Middle East is a Wild West for intellectual property (February 23): this highlighted an alarming scenario that has gotten more complicated with advancements in technology. Counterfeit goods are a threat to several industries and to genuine brands. Since there are many online buying sites, it can be challenging to determine the identity and origin of products.

The use-and-throw mentality of some people has to an extent replaced traditional buying. So some consumers no longer consider the quality of the goods as they once used to, perhaps. As stated in the report, authorities could find it increasingly difficult to recognise authentic products due to savvy use of technology. A regionally co-ordinated effort could assist resolve these problems to a degree. To prevent the import of fake goods, legal frameworks also need to be tightened.

Ramachandran Nair, Muscat, Oman

A milestone in India's space history

With reference to Taniya Dutta's article India introduces four-member crew for its Gaganyaan space mission (February 27): The first trip to space by the four Air Force officers is another milestone in India's post-Independence history. As the Prime Minister rightly said, this crew reflects the optimism, hope and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. The country has dramatically developed in the space arena thanks to the brilliant scientists. Wishing the crew every success in this mission.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru, India

Our legal advisor

Ahmad El Sayed is Senior Associate at Charles Russell Speechlys, a law firm headquartered in London with offices in the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Hong Kong.

Experience: Commercial litigator who has assisted clients with overseas judgments before UAE courts. His specialties are cases related to banking, real estate, shareholder disputes, company liquidations and criminal matters as well as employment related litigation. 

Education: Sagesse University, Beirut, Lebanon, in 2005.

Test

Director: S Sashikanth

Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan

Star rating: 2/5

The White Lotus: Season three

Creator: Mike White

Starring: Walton Goggins, Jason Isaacs, Natasha Rothwell

Rating: 4.5/5

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
How to come clean about financial infidelity
  • Be honest and transparent: It is always better to own up than be found out. Tell your partner everything they want to know. Show remorse. Inform them of the extent of the situation so they know what they are dealing with.
  • Work on yourself: Be honest with yourself and your partner and figure out why you did it. Don’t be ashamed to ask for professional help. 
  • Give it time: Like any breach of trust, it requires time to rebuild. So be consistent, communicate often and be patient with your partner and yourself.
  • Discuss your financial situation regularly: Ensure your spouse is involved in financial matters and decisions. Your ability to consistently follow through with what you say you are going to do when it comes to money can make all the difference in your partner’s willingness to trust you again.
  • Work on a plan to resolve the problem together: If there is a lot of debt, for example, create a budget and financial plan together and ensure your partner is fully informed, involved and supported. 

Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

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 one: how cars came to the UAE

 

Polarised public

31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views

19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views

19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all

Source: YouGov

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Price, base: Dh1.2 million

Engine: 5.2-litre twin-turbo V12

Transmission: Eight-speed automatic

Power: 725hp @ 6,500pm

Torque: 900Nm @ 1,800rpm

Fuel economy, combined:  12.3L / 100km (estimate)

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At Eternity’s Gate

Director: Julian Schnabel

Starring: Willem Dafoe, Oscar Isaacs, Mads Mikkelsen

Three stars

Auron Mein Kahan Dum Tha

Starring: Ajay Devgn, Tabu, Shantanu Maheshwari, Jimmy Shergill, Saiee Manjrekar

Director: Neeraj Pandey

Rating: 2.5/5

Real Madrid 1
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Athletic Bilbao 1
Williams (14')

Updated: March 01, 2024, 3:00 AM