The breakthrough achieved at the recent summit between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping was limited to trade. It involved behind-the-scenes concessions from both sides so that each could secure what it wanted at this juncture.
However, the leaders didn’t address the political issues that might have otherwise obstructed the trade negotiations – including Taiwan’s future, competition in the Pacific, Sino-Russian relations and Washington’s insistence that Beijing reduce its nuclear arsenal. Mr Trump’s relatively calm demeanour signalled a readiness to postpone discussions on the thornier issues and settle for what’s possible.
This approach is likely to guide his upcoming meetings as well, especially with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who is expected in Washington this month, and possibly with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mr Trump’s strategy is seeping into the second component of his plan for Gaza, namely, his broader vision for the Middle East, which revolves around the Abraham Accords. He has repeatedly said that the key to Arab engagement with these accords lies in Saudi Arabia. His team also views Syria as a critical piece, given its geographical proximity to Israel, and is working hard to secure a breakthrough on this front.
At the Future Investment Initiative conference in Riyadh last week, key features of Saudi relations with the world came to the fore particularly with American investment leaders, who were present in large numbers, including chief executives of the largest firms ranging from banking to AI. The primary focus was to attract US and global investment into Saudi Arabia.
AI was one of the two stars at the conference, with the other being Syrian President Ahmad Al Shara, who made it clear that the key to his country’s resurgence lies with the kingdom.
Riyadh supports Syria’s path to recovery, something that aligns with the Trump administration’s investment in the country and its efforts to persuade the US Congress to lift sanctions completely. Saudi Arabia wants Syria brought back into the Arab fold so that it doesn’t fall exclusively into Turkey’s orbit. Damascus also matters to all Gulf states as a counterweight to Iran’s regional project.
Thus, Syria represents a strategic investment for the Arab world, as it does for Turkey, the US and Europe. Washington is trying to pave the way for security agreements between Syria and Israel that could lead to border normalisation. It also seeks to normalise the border between Lebanon and Israel, even as a return to war appears looming.
Washington and Riyadh don’t disagree on many points related to these issues. So when Prince Mohammed visits the US, discussions are expected to focus on ways to enhance co-operation and mutual understanding, especially on Syria and Lebanon. However, disagreements will surface regarding Washington’s push for Arab and Islamic countries, particularly Saudi Arabia, to normalise with Israel.
US-Saudi relations, especially in investment and security, will take precedence during the leaders’ meeting this month. It is no secret that Riyadh seeks to deepen its bilateral ties with Washington, while the US insists on being Saudi Arabia’s sole security partner among the world’s major powers.
The main stumbling block to deepening US-Saudi security ties is Washington’s insistence that Riyadh join the Abraham Accords. But the latter has insisted on the establishment of a Palestinian state as a condition to join the accords.
The problem is that many in Washington’s political and policymaking circles appear to believe that this hurdle can be sidestepped with creative ideas. But during my visit to Riyadh for the FII conference, it became clear to me that Saudi Arabia is clear-eyed on the issue of Palestinian statehood.
The main stumbling block to deepening US-Saudi security ties is Washington’s insistence that Riyadh join the Abraham Accords
This position might frustrate American policymakers, but they must understand that both the Saudi government and its people are not willing to overlook what the Netanyahu government has done to Palestinians in Gaza – massacres, starvation and annihilation – no matter the level of anger towards Hamas and its actions on October 7, 2023.
Mr Trump would, therefore, be wise to distinguish between the vital bilateral relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia, and the issue of Riyadh’s position on Israel. If the US President can persuade Mr Netanyahu to agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state, he will have carved out an unprecedented path.
What does the “art of the possible” mean for Mr Trump when it comes to the Middle East?
The US President is an exceptional figure with unconventional abilities – ones he has applied in the past and could apply again, if he chooses, with both friends and adversaries. The “possible” lies in exerting serious pressure on Israel to accept the two-state solution and the creation of a Palestinian state, something that was for decades US policy, and one the Trump administration must commit to seriously.
The possible is in Mr Trump’s hands: to deliver justice to Palestinians through a demilitarised state, while continuing to guarantee Israel’s security in what remains an unparalleled relationship. The possible lies in real pressure on Israel to let it know that America will no longer indulge it unconditionally and without accountability.
The possible lies in the US President’s ability to forge unconventional paths because he has the vision to grasp the future. If only he would act on it.
How tumultuous protests grew
- A fuel tax protest by French drivers appealed to wider anti-government sentiment
- Unlike previous French demonstrations there was no trade union or organised movement involved
- Demonstrators responded to online petitions and flooded squares to block traffic
- At its height there were almost 300,000 on the streets in support
- Named after the high visibility jackets that drivers must keep in cars
- Clashes soon turned violent as thousands fought with police at cordons
- An estimated two dozen people lost eyes and many others were admitted to hospital
TOP%2010%20MOST%20POLLUTED%20CITIES
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Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Samaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
Company profile
Date started: 2015
Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki
Based: Dubai
Sector: Online grocery delivery
Staff: 200
Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends
Islamophobia definition
A widely accepted definition was made by the All Party Parliamentary Group on British Muslims in 2019: “Islamophobia is rooted in racism and is a type of racism that targets expressions of Muslimness or perceived Muslimness.” It further defines it as “inciting hatred or violence against Muslims”.
Pharaoh's curse
British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon, who funded the expedition to find the Tutankhamun tomb, died in a Cairo hotel four months after the crypt was opened.
He had been in poor health for many years after a car crash, and a mosquito bite made worse by a shaving cut led to blood poisoning and pneumonia.
Reports at the time said Lord Carnarvon suffered from “pain as the inflammation affected the nasal passages and eyes”.
Decades later, scientists contended he had died of aspergillosis after inhaling spores of the fungus aspergillus in the tomb, which can lie dormant for months. The fact several others who entered were also found dead withiin a short time led to the myth of the curse.
Diriyah%20project%20at%20a%20glance
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EA Sports FC 24
Race card
4pm Al Bastakiya Listed US$300,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
4.35pm Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 $350,000 (D) 1,200m
5.10pm Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 $350,000 (Turf) 1,200m
5.45pm Burj Nahaar Group 3 $350,000 (D) 1,600m
6.20pm Jebel Hatta Group 1 $400,000 (T) 1,800m
6.55pm Al Maktoum Challenge Round-3 Group 1 $600,000 (D) 2,000m
7.30pm Dubai City Of Gold Group 2 $350,000 (T) 2,410m
The National selections:
4pm Zabardast
4.35pm Ibn Malik
5.10pm Space Blues
5.45pm Kimbear
6.20pm Barney Roy
6.55pm Matterhorn
7.30pm Defoe
The Details
Kabir Singh
Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series
Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga
Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa
Rating: 2.5/5
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Results:
Men's 100m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 15 sec; 2. Rheed McCracken (AUS) 15.40; 3. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 15.75. Men's 400m T34: 1. Walid Ktila (TUN) 50.56; 2. Mohammed Al Hammadi (UAE) 50.94; 3. Henry Manni (FIN) 52.24.
The biog
Favourite car: Ferrari
Likes the colour: Black
Best movie: Avatar
Academic qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in media production from the Higher Colleges of Technology and diploma in production from the New York Film Academy
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nag%20Ashwin%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EPrabhas%2C%20Saswata%20Chatterjee%2C%20Deepika%20Padukone%2C%20Amitabh%20Bachchan%2C%20Shobhana%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%E2%98%85%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
- Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
- It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
- Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
- Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.
CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
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If you go
The flights
There are various ways of getting to the southern Serengeti in Tanzania from the UAE. The exact route and airstrip depends on your overall trip itinerary and which camp you’re staying at.
Flydubai flies direct from Dubai to Kilimanjaro International Airport from Dh1,350 return, including taxes; this can be followed by a short flight from Kilimanjaro to the Serengeti with Coastal Aviation from about US$700 (Dh2,500) return, including taxes. Kenya Airways, Emirates and Etihad offer flights via Nairobi or Dar es Salaam.
Look%20Both%20Ways
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THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
Fast%20X
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Louis%20Leterrier%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Vin%20Diesel%2C%20Michelle%20Rodriguez%2C%20Jason%20Statham%2C%20Tyrese%20Gibson%2C%20Ludacris%2C%20Jason%20Momoa%2C%20John%20Cena%2C%20Jordana%20Brewster%2C%20Nathalie%20Emmanuel%2C%20Sung%20Kang%2C%20Brie%20Larson%2C%20Helen%20Mirren%20and%20Charlize%20Theron%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
LIKELY TEAMS
South Africa
Faf du Plessis (captain), Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers, Quinton de Kock (wkt), Vernon Philander, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Lungi Ngidi.
India (from)
Virat Kohli (captain), Murali Vijay, Lokesh Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane, Hardik Pandya, Dinesh Karthik (wkt), Ravichandran Ashwin, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Ishant Sharma, Mohammad Shami, Jasprit Bumrah.
RedCrow Intelligence Company Profile
Started: 2016
Founders: Hussein Nasser Eddin, Laila Akel, Tayeb Akel
Based: Ramallah, Palestine
Sector: Technology, Security
# of staff: 13
Investment: $745,000
Investors: Palestine’s Ibtikar Fund, Abu Dhabi’s Gothams and angel investors
'Will%20of%20the%20People'
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Poland Statement
All people fleeing from Ukraine before the armed conflict are allowed to enter Poland. Our country shelters every person whose life is in danger - regardless of their nationality.
The dominant group of refugees in Poland are citizens of Ukraine, but among the people checked by the Border Guard are also citizens of the USA, Nigeria, India, Georgia and other countries.
All persons admitted to Poland are verified by the Border Guard. In relation to those who are in doubt, e.g. do not have documents, Border Guard officers apply appropriate checking procedures.
No person who has received refuge in Poland will be sent back to a country torn by war.
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
