Which or these must be a priority in a country such as Pakistan: fighting corruption or combating terrorism? asked Hassan Younes in an opinion piece for the Qatari newspaper Al Watan.
"This question has acquired some relevance following the recent decision by the Supreme Court in Pakistan, which cancelled the 2007 decree that granted amnesty to many of those suspected of corruption. Accordingly, the judicial authorities are expected to indict a number of politicians and influential people close to the current president, Asif Zardari, who still enjoys immunity."
Many opposition figures are calling for stripping Mr Zardari of his presidential immunity on the grounds that he was detained for charges of embezzlement of public money and his election was unconstitutional. Amid these developments, the recent deadly attacks in Lahore came as a foretaste of what the security situation would look like.
"Thus, is it wiser to turn the page on corruption issues in view of the security challenges facing the country or to move forward in this process?"
Terrorism, for the most part, is a by-product of corrupt regimes. Therefore, Pakistan needs to sanction those responsible regardless of the present security challenges. In this sense, terrorism cannot be eradicated without getting rid of its cause: corruption."
"Right after the foiled attempt to down a plane over the city of Detroit, a search has been launched to track the teacher of Umar Abdul Mutallab: Anwar al Awlak who turned the young Nigerian into a terrorist. He was also accused of instructing Nidhal Hassan to carry out the Fort Hood massacre," remarked Abdul Rahman al Rashed in an opinion article for the London-based daily Al Sharq al Awsat.
These latest events marked the beginning of a shift in focus. The emphasis now is more on al Qa'eda's thinkers than on its militants. And after the long years of war on terror, it has become clear now that al Qa'eda is an intellectual threat more than an organisational one. While there is much to be done on the ground to fight terrorism, the priority should, however, be given to eradicate the extremist ideology and its theoreticians. These are at the core of al Qa'eda and the reason it continues to exist and revive itself by recruiting more members and raising funds.
It seems that the war on terror did not end after the former US president George W Bush departed, nor was terrorism contained after scores of Guantanamo detainees were released. All these reasons and others confirm the idea that al Qa'eda is an extremist ideological project of a larger scale, which should be fought by targeting its thinkers and the cyber world they use to circulate their venomous thoughts.
"While the world is suffering from rising poverty, powerful countries have entered a deadly race to develop new and more destructive weaponry," noted the UAE newspaper Al Khaleej in its editorial. "At the same time, these very countries pretend to negotiate a new deal to replace the START 1 arms treaty involving the US and the former Soviet Union that expired early this month. At the bottom-line, in fact, the US and Russia would like to reduce the outdated arsenal with one that is more sophisticated."
So why are superpowers fiercely competing to produce new and costly arms systems, while there is an agreement to strike a deal in the future?
"First, it is probable that the whole negotiation efforts are not genuine and hide the real intentions of the stakeholders. Second, the new deal is less likely to prevent major producers from developing new weapons but only to set mechanisms for destroying old ones."
If superpowers seek to further update their arsenals, then less powerful countries should be concerned about their future. The powerful countries should rather think of other solutions to strike a balance of terror. The real threats come from climate catastrophes, poverty and hunger, leading to violence that cannot be countered by weapons. What the world needs to do is to channel huge armament budgets to confront these challenges.
The attack that targeted a vehicle in the southern suburbs of Beirut last week was not aimed at the Islamic movement alone, wrote Subhi Zuaitar in a comment piece for the Saudi newspaper Al Watan.
"The time and place of the incident were significant in that they coincided with the first anniversary of the Israeli aggression on Gaza Strip and they revealed the fact that there were insiders working for Israel who could hit far inside sanctuaries of Hizbollah."
Irrespective of the losses caused by the attack, and of the information leaked by Israelis, it seemed that the real aim went beyond targeting Osama Hamdan, the official representative of Hamas in Lebanon. The attack represented a security breach and thus put into question the feasibility of the security zones established in Lebanon.
The blast should be a reminder to all about the thousands of houses destroyed in Gaza by the Israelis last year and should raise international awareness about the crimes against civilians that were reported by Judge Goldstone.
* Digest compiled by Mostapha Elmouloudi
melmouloudi@thenational.ae
Leaderboard
15 under: Paul Casey (ENG)
-14: Robert MacIntyre (SCO)
-13 Brandon Stone (SA)
-10 Laurie Canter (ENG) , Sergio Garcia (ESP)
-9 Kalle Samooja (FIN)
-8 Thomas Detry (BEL), Justin Harding (SA), Justin Rose (ENG)
Huroob Ezterari
Director: Ahmed Moussa
Starring: Ahmed El Sakka, Amir Karara, Ghada Adel and Moustafa Mohammed
Three stars
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
Cryopreservation: A timeline
- Keyhole surgery under general anaesthetic
- Ovarian tissue surgically removed
- Tissue processed in a high-tech facility
- Tissue re-implanted at a time of the patient’s choosing
- Full hormone production regained within 4-6 months
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Employment lawyer Meriel Schindler of Withers Worldwide shares her tips on achieving equal pay
Do your homework
Make sure that you are being offered a fair salary. There is lots of industry data available, and you can always talk to people who have come out of the organisation. Where I see people coming a cropper is where they haven’t done their homework.
Don’t be afraid to negotiate
It’s quite standard to negotiate if you think an offer is on the low side. The job is unlikely to be withdrawn if you ask for money, and if that did happen I’d question whether you want to work for an employer who is so hypersensitive.
Know your worth
Women tend to be a bit more reticent to talk about their achievements. In my experience they need to have more confidence in their own abilities – men will big up what they’ve done to get a pay rise, and to compete women need to turn up the volume.
Work together
If you suspect men in your organisation are being paid more, look your boss in the eye and say, “I want you to assure me that I’m paid equivalent to my peers”. If you’re not getting a straight answer, talk to your peer group and consider taking direct action to fix inequality.
The specs
Engine: Dual 180kW and 300kW front and rear motors
Power: 480kW
Torque: 850Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh359,900 ($98,000)
On sale: Now
Paatal Lok season two
Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong
Rating: 4.5/5
88 Video's most popular rentals
Avengers 3: Infinity War: an American superhero film released in 2018 and based on the Marvel Comics story.
Sholay: a 1975 Indian action-adventure film. It follows the adventures of two criminals hired by police to catch a vagabond. The film was panned on release but is now considered a classic.
Lucifer: is a 2019 Malayalam-language action film. It dives into the gritty world of Kerala’s politics and has become one of the highest-grossing Malayalam films of all time.
Roll of honour
Who has won what so far in the West Asia Premiership season?
Western Clubs Champions League - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Bahrain
Dubai Rugby Sevens - Winners: Dubai Exiles; Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons
West Asia Premiership - Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons; Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins
UAE Premiership Cup - Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
West Asia Cup - Winners: Bahrain; Runners up: Dubai Exiles
West Asia Trophy - Winners: Dubai Hurricanes; Runners up: DSC Eagles
Final West Asia Premiership standings - 1. Jebel Ali Dragons; 2. Abu Dhabi Harlequins; 3. Bahrain; 4. Dubai Exiles; 5. Dubai Hurricanes; 6. DSC Eagles; 7. Abu Dhabi Saracens
Fixture (UAE Premiership final) - Friday, April 13, Al Ain – Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Company%20Profile
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If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday Spezia v Lazio (6pm), Juventus v Torino (9pm), Inter Milan v Bologna (7.45pm)
Sunday Verona v Cagliari (3.30pm), Parma v Benevento, AS Roma v Sassuolo, Udinese v Atalanta (all 6pm), Crotone v Napoli (9pm), Sampdoria v AC Milan (11.45pm)
Monday Fiorentina v Genoa (11.45pm)
Guide to intelligent investing
Investing success often hinges on discipline and perspective. As markets fluctuate, remember these guiding principles:
- Stay invested: Time in the market, not timing the market, is critical to long-term gains.
- Rational thinking: Breathe and avoid emotional decision-making; let logic and planning guide your actions.
- Strategic patience: Understand why you’re investing and allow time for your strategies to unfold.
The specs
The specs: 2019 Audi Q8
Price, base: Dh315,000
Engine: 3.0-litre turbocharged V6
Gearbox: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 340hp @ 3,500rpm
Torque: 500Nm @ 2,250rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 6.7L / 100km
How to protect yourself when air quality drops
Install an air filter in your home.
Close your windows and turn on the AC.
Shower or bath after being outside.
Wear a face mask.
Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.
If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.
The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
Key Points
- Protests against President Omar Al Bashir enter their sixth day
- Reports of President Bashir's resignation and arrests of senior government officials