I write to you in reference to Massoud Derhally's news story Lebanon turns to World Bank and IMF as country faces economic meltdown (December 14): I am saddened to see that so many Muslim-majority countries fall prey to financial troubles and cash shortages. Taking more loans and relying on aid will not solve the problem for long. I believe we must learn to generate revenue through local small-scale industries and encourage investors to put capital into the countries' existing resources.
Nazim Hasan Khan, India
We should trust India to fulfil all its human rights obligations
I write to you in reference to the article written by Anam Rizvi and Ramola Talwar Badam titled Indians in UAE worry for families at home as protests erupt against citizenship law (December 16).
I understand that the Citizenship Amendment Act that was passed by the Indian government to exclude Muslim immigrants from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan is controversial and has therefore created massive furore across the country. However, India has had an illegal immigration problem that needed dealing with. Prime minister Narendra Modi has assured us of everyone’s safety, including that of the minorities, and we should take his word for it. I am confident India will fulfil its human rights obligations.
K Ragavan, Bengaluru
Citizens will have to make a choice between efficiency and privacy
I write to you in reference to your editorial Advancements in tech will spur the growth of the nation (December 10). It is true that digitisation, as well as the introduction of 5G and artificial intelligence, will spur economic growth. Life will certainly become easier for people to lead. Yet it is important to know that governments and the companies providing these services will get to know every detail of an individual's life. So there is a clear trade-off: do we want to sacrifice privacy for efficiency? This is a call we as citizens need to make.
Rajendra Aneja, Dubai
Former president Musharraf was a divisive figure with many enemies
Regarding your story Former Pakistan president Pervez Musharraf sentenced to death (December 17), I believe this is a revenge tactic. I hope he is pardoned.
Bisma Nasir, Dubai
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
THE SPECS
Engine: 1.5-litre
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Power: 110 horsepower
Torque: 147Nm
Price: From Dh59,700
On sale: now
How to avoid crypto fraud
- Use unique usernames and passwords while enabling multi-factor authentication.
- Use an offline private key, a physical device that requires manual activation, whenever you access your wallet.
- Avoid suspicious social media ads promoting fraudulent schemes.
- Only invest in crypto projects that you fully understand.
- Critically assess whether a project’s promises or returns seem too good to be true.
- Only use reputable platforms that have a track record of strong regulatory compliance.
- Store funds in hardware wallets as opposed to online exchanges.
THE LIGHT
Director: Tom Tykwer
Starring: Tala Al Deen, Nicolette Krebitz, Lars Eidinger
Rating: 3/5
Sleep Well Beast
The National
4AD
The years Ramadan fell in May
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo
Power: 240hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 390Nm at 3,000rpm
Transmission: eight-speed auto
Price: from Dh122,745
On sale: now
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
The%20Genius%20of%20Their%20Age
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20S%20Frederick%20Starr%3Cbr%3EPublisher%3A%20Oxford%20University%20Press%3Cbr%3EPages%3A%20290%3Cbr%3EAvailable%3A%20January%2024%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
How to help
Send “thenational” to the following numbers or call the hotline on: 0502955999
2289 – Dh10
2252 – Dh 50
6025 – Dh20
6027 – Dh 100
6026 – Dh 200
Sour%20Grapes
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The Sand Castle
Director: Matty Brown
Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea
Rating: 2.5/5
ASIAN%20RUGBY%20CHAMPIONSHIP%202024
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EResults%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EHong%20Kong%2052-5%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESouth%20Korea%2055-5%20Malaysia%3Cbr%3EMalaysia%206-70%20Hong%20Kong%3Cbr%3EUAE%2036-32%20South%20Korea%3Cbr%3E%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFixtures%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3EFriday%2C%20June%2021%2C%207.30pm%20kick-off%3A%20UAE%20v%20Malaysia%3Cbr%3EAt%20The%20Sevens%2C%20Dubai%20(admission%20is%20free).%3Cbr%3ESaturday%3A%20Hong%20Kong%20v%20South%20Korea%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Match info
Uefa Champions League Group H
Juventus v Valencia, Tuesday, midnight (UAE)
The Brutalist
Director: Brady Corbet
Stars: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn
Rating: 3.5/5
