In an exclusive interview with The National, the US Special Representative for Iran Brian Hook described Iran as "a failed model". Since Iran's revolution in 1979, the government in Tehran has consistently propagated an image of victimhood, all the while rejecting the rule of law and imposing a state of perpetual crisis on its population.
Today, as the world struggles with the economic downturn brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, the flaws in Iran’s governance model have become glaring. Iran's inflation rate is among the worst in the world. They have pushed the so-called axis of resistance, which consists of Iran and its allies, further towards the brink.
Since October of last year, a wave of protests have taken Iraq by storm, forcing government change in Baghdad, with similar protests in Lebanon and spreading even Iran itself. The movements driving the protests share in common a rejection of the corruption, sectarian politics and violence that ultimately emanate from Tehran. In Iraq, for instance, the country has long suffered from the reign of Iran-aligned militias that undermine the authority of the state.
Despite its large web of proxies throughout the Middle East, in its forty years of existence, Iran’s regime has failed to fully export its revolution to any other country, as their model is increasingly problematic. Instead, it has isolated itself from the international community, and is now the country with the tenth-highest number of Covid-19 cases in the world. The shock to the Iranian economy, already enfeebled by sanctions, pushed Tehran to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund in the form of a $5bn loan in April.
Iran’s failed model is deployed elsewhere in its “axis of resistance”, too. The Syrian regime, which has long been backed by Iran and associated foreign militias, similarly shuns co-operation with the international community. It promotes terrorism and thrives on revenue generated by criminal networks. Nine years on from the start of a civil war that he started, President Bashar Al Assad refuses to step down or negotiate a political settlement with the opposition.
There are similar patterns in Yemen, where the Houthi rebels who control the capital have caused the world’s worst humanitarian crisis, trapping a country with a wealth of potential into the deepest recesses of poverty.
International sanctions are an essential diplomatic tool to deprive Iran’s regional allies and proxy groups of funding, and to exert pressure on Tehran. Renewing the UN arms embargo on Iran would help to achieve this, too. But sanctions must be complemented with positive efforts to promote change. This means advocating multilateralism, protecting the rule of international law and discouraging others from taking a path of violence and exclusion.
In its forty years of existence, Iran's regime has failed to fully export its revolution to any other country
Lebanon, for instance, is at a crossroads. Last week, in a televised interview, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dr Anwar Gargash said that the influence of Hezbollah on Lebanese politics has burnt many bridges with Gulf nations, jeopardising “the huge reservoir of goodwill and the huge reservoir of financial support that Lebanon needs”.
Fragile nations in the region must look more to countries that have applied successful models of governance, including the UAE. In the words of Mr Hook, Abu Dhabi is “setting the example for the region”. No model is perfect, and Gulf nations have had their own setbacks, but they have managed to adopt long-term strategies to promote international co-operation and growth. This includes actively working on initiatives to diversify revenue and putting security and stability first. By working together and building bridges instead of burning them, the Arab world’s diverse countries can overcome their challenges and carve a path that rises above sectarianism and violence.
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
White hydrogen: Naturally occurring hydrogen Chromite: Hard, metallic mineral containing iron oxide and chromium oxide Ultramafic rocks: Dark-coloured rocks rich in magnesium or iron with very low silica content Ophiolite: A section of the earth’s crust, which is oceanic in nature that has since been uplifted and exposed on land Olivine: A commonly occurring magnesium iron silicate mineral that derives its name for its olive-green yellow-green colour
Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Tailors and retailers miss out on back-to-school rush
Tailors and retailers across the city said it was an ominous start to what is usually a busy season for sales.
With many parents opting to continue home learning for their children, the usual rush to buy school uniforms was muted this year.
“So far we have taken about 70 to 80 orders for items like shirts and trousers,” said Vikram Attrai, manager at Stallion Bespoke Tailors in Dubai.
“Last year in the same period we had about 200 orders and lots of demand.
“We custom fit uniform pieces and use materials such as cotton, wool and cashmere.
“Depending on size, a white shirt with logo is priced at about Dh100 to Dh150 and shorts, trousers, skirts and dresses cost between Dh150 to Dh250 a piece.”
A spokesman for Threads, a uniform shop based in Times Square Centre Dubai, said customer footfall had slowed down dramatically over the past few months.
“Now parents have the option to keep children doing online learning they don’t need uniforms so it has quietened down.”
Director: Shady Ali
Cast: Boumi Fouad , Mohamed Tharout and Hisham Ismael
Rating: 3/5
2.0
Director: S Shankar
Producer: Lyca Productions; presented by Dharma Films
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
Avatar: Fire and Ash
Director: James Cameron
Starring: Sam Worthington, Sigourney Weaver, Zoe Saldana
Rating: 4.5/5
The biog
Name: James Mullan
Nationality: Irish
Family: Wife, Pom; and daughters Kate, 18, and Ciara, 13, who attend Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
Favourite book or author: “That’s a really difficult question. I’m a big fan of Donna Tartt, The Secret History. I’d recommend that, go and have a read of that.”
Dream: “It would be to continue to have fun and to work with really interesting people, which I have been very fortunate to do for a lot of my life. I just enjoy working with very smart, fun people.”
