A full week after the Haiti earthquake, a 69-year-old woman was rescued from the ruins of a Roman Catholic church. Three other women were pulled from the rubble the same night. Rescue workers continue to play a vital role as aftershocks rattle Port-au-Prince, but it is also time to focus on the long-term recovery effort. Alongside the miracle rescues and strength of spirit shown in the earthquake's aftermath, there have been the worst examples of human brutality in scuffles for food and water, looting and theft, and the resurgence of the country's cut-throat gangs. Lawlessness has always been Haiti's bane - it must be curbed not only to prevent further suffering but also to allow recovery efforts a chance at success. For the time being, US soldiers have already made a difference.
Western countries will walk a delicate line between help and harm in the country. Haitians' strong sense of identity comes, in part, from opposition to white colonialism and the epochal slave rebellion that won its independence in 1803. While it sorely needs international aid, that assistance must not come at even the perception of a loss of sovereignty. The success of recovery efforts - not only short-term emergency response, but building a better social and physical infrastructure from the ground up - will ultimately depend on the Haitians themselves. The fractures in the president René Préval's government are hardly promising. But the earthquake has created a dire need, and opportunity, for strong leadership. Equally, the Haitian diaspora, particularly in the United States, which has been so effusive in its sympathy towards the battered nation, will be tested by its actual assistance. About 80 per cent of college graduates leave the country. If the brain drain could be reversed, and the post-disaster exodus stemmed, there is an educated, capable middle class waiting in the wings.
The temporary calm provided by foreign security forces has to be better utilised than the 1990s US occupation to prop up the former president Jean-Bertrand Aristide. There is already a proven model of economic assistance through grants and investment. The question will be if lessons learnt from nation-building from Afghanistan to Liberia can provide the template for a successful project in the Americas.
There are valid doubts about the ability of the Haitian leadership to marshal the will needed, and the international community's long-term commitment. Foreign aid to mitigate the disaster is simply a matter of humanity. But there is also an extraordinary, if unfortunate, opportunity. For other countries - particularly the United States, which so badly bungled the Katrina disaster under the previous administration - there is a chance to show global leadership by a sustained, peaceful project of nation-building in its own back yard. For Haiti, there is a chance - perhaps a slim one - to rebuild the nation on stronger foundations.
THE BIO:
Sabri Razouk, 74
Athlete and fitness trainer
Married, father of six
Favourite exercise: Bench press
Must-eat weekly meal: Steak with beans, carrots, broccoli, crust and corn
Power drink: A glass of yoghurt
Role model: Any good man
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.
Museum of the Future in numbers
- 78 metres is the height of the museum
- 30,000 square metres is its total area
- 17,000 square metres is the length of the stainless steel facade
- 14 kilometres is the length of LED lights used on the facade
- 1,024 individual pieces make up the exterior
- 7 floors in all, with one for administrative offices
- 2,400 diagonally intersecting steel members frame the torus shape
- 100 species of trees and plants dot the gardens
- Dh145 is the price of a ticket
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Which honey takes your fancy?
Al Ghaf Honey
The Al Ghaf tree is a local desert tree which bears the harsh summers with drought and high temperatures. From the rich flowers, bees that pollinate this tree can produce delicious red colour honey in June and July each year
Sidr Honey
The Sidr tree is an evergreen tree with long and strong forked branches. The blossom from this tree is called Yabyab, which provides rich food for bees to produce honey in October and November. This honey is the most expensive, but tastiest
Samar Honey
The Samar tree trunk, leaves and blossom contains Barm which is the secret of healing. You can enjoy the best types of honey from this tree every year in May and June. It is an historical witness to the life of the Emirati nation which represents the harsh desert and mountain environments
THE BIO
Favourite author - Paulo Coelho
Favourite holiday destination - Cuba
New York Times or Jordan Times? NYT is a school and JT was my practice field
Role model - My Grandfather
Dream interviewee - Che Guevara
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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