Everyone knows that the US and UK and some other countries have had a robust combat presence in Afghanistan for almost a decade now. But the military presence of the UAE in that war-torn country has been a much-lower profile affair - until now.
A new documentary, to be shown on television this evening, explains the mission of the UAE Armed Forces during their time in Afghanistan. Despite the grim context, Mission: Winds of Goodness tells a positive story, even a happy one.
The 30-minute documentary was shown Monday night at the Ramadan majlis of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. The screening, and the panel discussion which followed, demonstrated a high level of official encouragement for wider public view of the UAE's role in Afghanistan. Sheikhs and senior officers and officials were in attendance, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Ruler of Dubai and Vice President of the UAE.
Clearly, attention like this is good for the morale of the Armed Forces. Around the world soldiers chafe at the blandness of peacetime activities and training; a mission to a combat zone tests the mettle of any military force.
By extension, the whole country can take pride in knowing that its uniformed personnel have been able to take part in a just, well-executed military intervention, playing a useful role in an important alliance in the process.
This mission was not focused on fighting. To be sure, all of Afghanistan is a dangerous neighbourhood, and providing security has been an important part of the mission during the UAE's eight-year deployment there.
The documentary, by Emirati director Khalid Al Falasi, sheds light on the contribution this country has been able to make behind the screen of Allied security operations: humanitarian aid and improvements for remote communities. This work needs to be done, and it is good to know that the UAE is contributing in such a practical fashion.
Mission: Winds of Goodness will be broadcast on Abu Dhabi Al Emarat TV twice today, at 1am and again at 1.30pm.
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US households add $601bn of debt in 2019
American households borrowed another $601 billion (Dh2.2bn) in 2019, the largest yearly gain since 2007, just before the global financial crisis, according to February data from the New York Federal Reserve Bank.
Fuelled by rising mortgage debt as homebuyers continued to take advantage of low interest rates, the increase last year brought total household debt to a record high, surpassing the previous peak reached in 2008 just before the market crash, according to the report.
Following the 22nd straight quarter of growth, American household debt swelled to $14.15 trillion by the end of 2019, the New York Fed said in its quarterly report.
In the final three months of the year, new home loans jumped to their highest volume since the fourth quarter of 2005, while credit cards and auto loans also added to the increase.
The bad debt load is taking its toll on some households, and the New York Fed warned that more and more credit card borrowers — particularly young people — were falling behind on their payments.
"Younger borrowers, who are disproportionately likely to have credit cards and student loans as their primary form of debt, struggle more than others with on-time repayment," New York Fed researchers said.
Quick facts on cancer
- Cancer is the second-leading cause of death worldwide, after cardiovascular diseases
- About one in five men and one in six women will develop cancer in their lifetime
- By 2040, global cancer cases are on track to reach 30 million
- 70 per cent of cancer deaths occur in low and middle-income countries
- This rate is expected to increase to 75 per cent by 2030
- At least one third of common cancers are preventable
- Genetic mutations play a role in 5 per cent to 10 per cent of cancers
- Up to 3.7 million lives could be saved annually by implementing the right health
strategies
- The total annual economic cost of cancer is $1.16 trillion
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The Perfect Couple
Starring: Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Jack Reynor
Creator: Jenna Lamia
Rating: 3/5
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%3Cp%3EArticle%2014%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E1.%20%5BThe%20Cop%5D%20shall%20periodically%20take%20stock%20of%20the%20implementation%20of%20this%20Agreement%20to%20assess%20the%20collective%20progress%20towards%20achieving%20the%20purpose%20of%20this%20Agreement%20and%20its%20long-term%20goals%20(referred%20to%20as%20the%20%22global%20stocktake%22)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E2.%20%5BThe%20Cop%5D%20shall%20undertake%20its%20first%20global%20stocktake%20in%202023%20and%20every%20five%20years%20thereafter%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Friday
Saint-Etienne v Montpellier (10.45pm)
Saturday
Monaco v Caen (7pm)
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Angers v Toulouse (10pm)
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