I write in reference to your article Bus takes the learning curve to Afghanistan's youngsters (April 2): following decades of fear as a result of semi-constant bombs and terror attacks, it is heartening to know the people of Afghanistan – particularly its children – are so happy to get this blue bus, their destination the future of their country.
Freshta Karim, an Afghan woman who founded the Charmaghz project, bringing books and stimulating academic interest among children, deserves great plaudits. Children were initially reluctant but have received her very well and listen to her read. In an environment as wartorn as modern Afghanistan, education is, in my view, the best way to divert children’s minds away from dark and uncomfortable thoughts. The mobile library concept is truly laudable.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
America has a role to play in stopping despots and war
I refer to your foreboding editorial Two presidents make their moves in Syria (April 1): US President Donald Trump has, in principle, signalled that the US will exit the disastrous quagmire that is now Syria.
This is unfortunate. To an extent, America’s presence was a balancing factor in the ongoing war, capable of reigning in the worst excesses of Bashar Al Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Since the Second World War, the US has played a vital and determining role in resolving global conflicts and restraining dictators.
Now that America has a protectionist administration in the White House, it may well become rather insular in its international approach.
This would, in my view, be deeply concerning. Throughout modern history American military force has been a decisive factor in preventing dictators and despots from aggressively pursuing their intentions, to the detriment of ordinary civilians.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Will insurers be able to access health information?
I refer to your exclusive story on Full body health scanners chosen for UAE trial to aid early diagnosis (April 1): this worries me and makes me wonder whether insurers could require us to sign up to reveal pre-existing conditions at some point in the future.
Data collection and dissemination is a hot topic at the moment, particularly after the Cambridge Analytica scandal involving data harvesting.
Advertisers buying personal data in other countries have been known to target people for holistic or medicinal marking.
As long as this does not happen in this case, there should only be positives to this innovation.
Name withheld by request
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Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Squid Game season two
Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Stars: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon and Lee Byung-hun
Rating: 4.5/5
What is tokenisation?
Tokenisation refers to the issuance of a blockchain token, which represents a virtually tradable real, tangible asset. A tokenised asset is easily transferable, offers good liquidity, returns and is easily traded on the secondary markets.
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Chef Nobu's advice for eating sushi
“One mistake people always make is adding extra wasabi. There is no need for this, because it should already be there between the rice and the fish.
“When eating nigiri, you must dip the fish – not the rice – in soy sauce, otherwise the rice will collapse. Also, don’t use too much soy sauce or it will make you thirsty. For sushi rolls, dip a little of the rice-covered roll lightly in soy sauce and eat in one bite.
“Chopsticks are acceptable, but really, I recommend using your fingers for sushi. Do use chopsticks for sashimi, though.
“The ginger should be eaten separately as a palette cleanser and used to clear the mouth when switching between different pieces of fish.”
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
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LAST-16 FIXTURES
Sunday, January 20
3pm: Jordan v Vietnam at Al Maktoum Stadium, Dubai
6pm: Thailand v China at Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: Iran v Oman at Mohamed bin Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Monday, January 21
3pm: Japan v Saudi Arabia at Sharjah Stadium
6pm: Australia v Uzbekistan at Khalifa bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain
9pm: UAE v Kyrgyzstan at Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Tuesday, January 22
5pm: South Korea v Bahrain at Rashid Stadium, Dubai
8pm: Qatar v Iraq at Al Nahyan Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Test series fixtures
(All matches start at 2pm UAE)
1st Test Lord's, London from Thursday to Monday
2nd Test Nottingham from July 14-18
3rd Test The Oval, London from July 27-31
4th Test Manchester from August 4-8
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs
Engine: 3-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 400hp
Torque: 475Nm
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Price: From Dh215,900
On sale: Now
The biog
Age: 35
Inspiration: Wife and kids
Favourite book: Changes all the time but my new favourite is Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
Best Travel Destination: Bora Bora , French Polynesia
Favourite run: Jabel Hafeet, I also enjoy running the 30km loop in Al Wathba cycling track
Day 5, Abu Dhabi Test: At a glance
Moment of the day When Dilruwan Perera dismissed Yasir Shah to end Pakistan’s limp resistance, the Sri Lankans charged around the field with the fevered delirium of a side not used to winning. Trouble was, they had not. The delivery was deemed a no ball. Sri Lanka had a nervy wait, but it was merely a stay of execution for the beleaguered hosts.
Stat of the day – 5 Pakistan have lost all 10 wickets on the fifth day of a Test five times since the start of 2016. It is an alarming departure for a side who had apparently erased regular collapses from their resume. “The only thing I can say, it’s not a mitigating excuse at all, but that’s a young batting line up, obviously trying to find their way,” said Mickey Arthur, Pakistan’s coach.
The verdict Test matches in the UAE are known for speeding up on the last two days, but this was extreme. The first two innings of this Test took 11 sessions to complete. The remaining two were done in less than four. The nature of Pakistan’s capitulation at the end showed just how difficult the transition is going to be in the post Misbah-ul-Haq era.
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