NEW YORK // A leading human rights organisation has criticised the United States' increasing use of drone aircraft for the targeted killing of terrorism suspects overseas and questioned its legality.
Amnesty International, in its global review of human rights issues, said the US drone policy was shrouded in secrecy but the killings appeared to amount to extrajudicial executions that violate international rights laws.
"Our view is that the legal basis is quite unclear," said Salil Shetty, the London-based group's secretary general. "We have issues with how the United States defines the 'theater of war', which is a very broad definition which allows them a free rein to use drones and other weapons under a very wide set of circumstances."
In its annual review, Amnesty said "available information, limited by secrecy, indicated that US policy permitted extrajudicial executions in violation of international human rights law under the US's theory of a 'global war' against Al Qaeda and associated groups".
Drone strikes have risen under the US president, Barack Obama. According to the Long War Journal, which tracks such attacks, there were 35 strikes in Pakistan during 2008, the last year George W Bush was president. That number grew to 117 in 2010, then fell to 64 in 2011 and 46 last year.
The US is expected to increase its use of drones and other counterterrorism techniques as the war in Afghanistan winds to a close at the end of 2014 and the vast majority of US troops return home.
Elsewhere in its report, Amnesty warned that the plight of refugees and migrants fleeing wars and economic hardship is worsening in Europe as financial turmoil and austerity stoke bias against foreigners.
Amnesty documented serious problems "in Greece and Italy, where the treatment of migrants and asylum seekers has really been disgraceful", Mr Shetty said. He blamed tough economic times for the anti-foreigner attitudes.
"Certainly you could argue that austerity measures and economic crises have led to scapegoating of asylum seekers and people seeking a better life," he noted.
Also in its review, Amnesty criticised discrimination against dissidents, migrant labourers, women and religious minorities in the Gulf.
In particular, it said, women in some Gulf states were victims of legal discrimination and inadequately protected against domestic and other violence. Shiite Muslims also were targets of discrimination, it added.
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The BIO:
He became the first Emirati to climb Mount Everest in 2011, from the south section in Nepal
He ascended Mount Everest the next year from the more treacherous north Tibetan side
By 2015, he had completed the Explorers Grand Slam
Last year, he conquered K2, the world’s second-highest mountain located on the Pakistan-Chinese border
He carries dried camel meat, dried dates and a wheat mixture for the final summit push
His new goal is to climb 14 peaks that are more than 8,000 metres above sea level
if you go
The flights
The closest international airport to the TMB trail is Geneva (just over an hour’s drive from the French ski town of Chamonix where most people start and end the walk). Direct flights from the UAE to Geneva are available with Etihad and Emirates from about Dh2,790 including taxes.
The trek
The Tour du Mont Blanc takes about 10 to 14 days to complete if walked in its entirety, but by using the services of a tour operator such as Raw Travel, a shorter “highlights” version allows you to complete the best of the route in a week, from Dh6,750 per person. The trails are blocked by snow from about late October to early May. Most people walk in July and August, but be warned that trails are often uncomfortably busy at this time and it can be very hot. The prime months are June and September.
Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes
Cheat’s nigiri
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.
Deconstructed sushi salad platter
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
