Secretary of State Mike Pompeo sets out today on a four-day trip to the Middle East, visiting Kuwait, Lebanon and Israel. These engagements come as the US walks a tightrope, attempting to balance its backing of Israel with its financial support of Lebanon and its efforts to limit Iranian influence in the region. Although the hostilities of 2006 are long over, Israel and Lebanon are still technically at war and consider each other enemy states. A maritime dispute for offshore oil and gas exploration has also done much to revive old enmities. The US has, however, dedicated itself to solving this delicate issue, and back-channel mediation has recently led Israel's energy minister Yuval Steinitz to express "cautious optimism" for a possible solution.
As far as Lebanon itself is concerned, the trip will include meetings with President Michel Aoun, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, Speaker of the House Nabih Berri and leader of the Free Patriotic Movement Gebran Bassil. Washington plans to continue its annual payments to the Lebanese armed forces, giving an estimated $70 million to bolster their position "as the legitimate defenders of the state", as opposed to the Iranian proxy Hezbollah, according to a senior US official. But, with Hezbollah deeply embedded in the nation's government – in which it holds three key portfolios, including the health ministry – it will be harder than ever to prevent funds being diverted to the party's military adventures.
As Iran comes under increasing pressure from international sanctions, this concern is particularly pressing. With that in mind, it is likely that the Lebanese government will receive stern warning that sanctions will be applied if there is any evidence of Hezbollah siphoning cash from legitimate institutions. It is clear that a great deal is at stake during this short trip and that, while sanctions are working against Iran, much still needs to be done to create a functional political environment in Lebanon. Mr Pompeo will be right to insist that US aid contribute to the security of the Lebanese people, not undermine it.
His visit also precedes the Israeli elections by only a few weeks. Opposition parties have noted that his presence will give the incumbent prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu's credibility a significant boost among voters. In his bid to scoop up right-wing support, Mr Netanyahu has deployed inflammatory rhetoric against Palestinians during his campaign and taken military action against Gaza last week. These strategies can only be to the detriment of both Palestinians and Israelis. With no meeting planned with Palestinians during his time in Israel, there is little chance that Mr Pompeo's visit will help to bring about any such stability there.
A timeline of the Historical Dictionary of the Arabic Language
- 2018: Formal work begins
- November 2021: First 17 volumes launched
- November 2022: Additional 19 volumes released
- October 2023: Another 31 volumes released
- November 2024: All 127 volumes completed
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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PROFILE OF CURE.FIT
Started: July 2016
Founders: Mukesh Bansal and Ankit Nagori
Based: Bangalore, India
Sector: Health & wellness
Size: 500 employees
Investment: $250 million
Investors: Accel, Oaktree Capital (US); Chiratae Ventures, Epiq Capital, Innoven Capital, Kalaari Capital, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Piramal Group’s Anand Piramal, Pratithi Investment Trust, Ratan Tata (India); and Unilever Ventures (Unilever’s global venture capital arm)
The specs
Engine: 77.4kW all-wheel-drive dual motor
Power: 320bhp
Torque: 605Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh219,000
On sale: Now
RESULTS - ELITE MEN
1. Henri Schoeman (RSA) 57:03
2. Mario Mola (ESP) 57:09
3. Vincent Luis (FRA) 57:25
4. Leo Bergere (FRA)57:34
5. Jacob Birtwhistle (AUS) 57:40
6. Joao Silva (POR) 57:45
7. Jonathan Brownlee (GBR) 57:56
8. Adrien Briffod (SUI) 57:57
9. Gustav Iden (NOR) 57:58
10. Richard Murray (RSA) 57:59
Business Insights
- Canada and Mexico are significant energy suppliers to the US, providing the majority of oil and natural gas imports
- The introduction of tariffs could hinder the US's clean energy initiatives by raising input costs for materials like nickel
- US domestic suppliers might benefit from higher prices, but overall oil consumption is expected to decrease due to elevated costs
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Company%20Profile
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RESULTS
Time; race; prize; distance
4pm: Maiden; (D) Dh150,000; 1,200m
Winner: General Line, Xavier Ziani (jockey), Omar Daraj (trainer)
4.35pm: Maiden (T); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Travis County, Adrie de Vries, Ismail Mohammed
5.10pm: Handicap (D); Dh175,000; 1,200m
Winner: Scrutineer, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
5.45pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Yulong Warrior, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
6.20pm: Maiden (D); Dh150,000; 1,600m
Winner: Ejaaby, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson
6.55pm: Handicap (D); Dh160,000; 1,600m
Winner: Storyboard, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar
7.30pm: Handicap (D); Dh150,000; 2,200m
Winner: Grand Dauphin, Gerald Mosse, Ahmed Al Shemaili
8.05pm: Handicap (T); Dh190,000; 1,800m
Winner: Good Trip, Tadhg O’Shea, Ali Rashid Al Raihe
Match info
Arsenal 0
Manchester City 2
Sterling (14'), Bernardo Silva (64')
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
The cost of Covid testing around the world
Egypt
Dh514 for citizens; Dh865 for tourists
Information can be found through VFS Global.
Jordan
Dh212
Centres include the Speciality Hospital, which now offers drive-through testing.
Cambodia
Dh478
Travel tests are managed by the Ministry of Health and National Institute of Public Health.
Zanzibar
AED 295
Zanzibar Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, located within the Lumumba Secondary School compound.
Abu Dhabi
Dh85
Abu Dhabi’s Seha has test centres throughout the UAE.
UK
From Dh400
Heathrow Airport now offers drive through and clinic-based testing, starting from Dh400 and up to Dh500 for the PCR test.
Business Insights
- As per the document, there are six filing options, including choosing to report on a realisation basis and transitional rules for pre-tax period gains or losses.
- SMEs with revenue below Dh3 million per annum can opt for transitional relief until 2026, treating them as having no taxable income.
- Larger entities have specific provisions for asset and liability movements, business restructuring, and handling foreign permanent establishments.
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Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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