"That a crowd led by people close to the royal family stormed the offices of the privately-owned Kuwaiti television station this week, attacked its workers and smashed studio equipment was a precedent that might drag the country into a state of chaos if not addressed legally," noted the London-based newspaper Al Quds al Arabi in its editorial.
Scope TV may have violated the law, but the judiciary system is the only power that is eligible to handle this matter. The Kuwaiti media has always enjoyed considerable press freedoms, and the judiciary authorities have always been the sole reference to arbitrate disputes related to freedom of expression.
Storming Scope TV by officials close to the ruling family is an offence which would cause the Kuwaiti democratic experience to face an immense challenge. "The incident will also put into question state ideals such as the supremacy of law and the separation of powers."
It is possible to tolerate the reactions of some radicals if they breach the law in light of tribal considerations. "But it is not acceptable that such reactions come form people close to the ruling family. This a double crime that is hard to understand."
The decision of the court to issue an arrest warrant to two prominent ruling family members is a good step that is likely to restore the judiciary's role and prestige.
Opposition in Egypt loses its structure
"While the ruling National Party (NP) in Egypt is busy choosing its candidates for parliamentary elections due next month, the opposition forces are involved in a inner battle to clear their accounts," wrote Mohammed Salah in an opinion piece for the London-based daily Al Hayat.
It seems that the NP does not need to grapple with the opposition since these forces lead "self-destructive confrontations". They have quite often written about their problems, but they have never been able to solve them. Moreover, they have never reached common ground on how to counter the NP.
The opposition also suffers from a lack of democratic practices, making it harder for it to understand the needs of the Egyptian street. This is seen in the failure of the alliance between a number of political forces representing different opposition forces to agree on clear and practical principles.
The bone of contention that broke their coalition is whether to participate or to boycott the elections. At this, major parties decided to take part in the poll, believing that their absence is likely to give the NP a winning start. They argue that their absence from the political scene will not help addressing such pressing issues as potential vote rigging and other malpractices.
New role swapping in the Middle East
The Middle East is about to witness one of history's funniest and most dangerous sights: a total swapping of roles between its main regional and international powers, wrote the columnist Saad Mehio in the Emirati daily Al Khaleej.
Now that the Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has announced the "people's resistance front" in Iran, Turkey, Lebanon, Syria and Palestine, it is expected that the other US-led axis cannot be expected to stand motionless while it sees its adversary making breakthroughs. This US-led axis, which includes a few Arab states as well as Israel, holds many cards that enable it to shake the "resistance front" from within. Turkey, for instance, is a democratic country. Its main objective is to expand its regional power and secure a membership in the EU. It has no interest in wiping Israel off the map or in expelling the US from the Middle East.
The same applies to Syria, whose only objective is to enhance its leverage with the US. As for Lebanon, Iraq and Palestine, their various sectarian and ethnic divisions provide the American axis with many golden opportunities for obstruction.
The "resistance front" may not be as coherent and ideologically unified as Mr Ahmadinejad wishes to portray it. These countries' demands may be common but this doesn't mean that the other side would accept the new facts without a fight.
Al Maliki has received a boost from Iran
Nouri al Maliki has almost ensured his election as the new Iraqi prime minister as part of a deal that would serve the interests of Iran and at the same time help Iraq avoid direct western influence, argued Mazen Hammad in a comment piece for the Qatari newspaper Al Watan.
The deal was concluded following great pressure that Tehran had exerted upon the Sadrist movement leader Muqtada al Sadr, who is currently studying jurisprudence sciences in Qum, Iran. From there, he declared his support to Mr al Maliki, which is likely to put Mr al Maliki ahead of the pack.
The decision could also help Iran to act as a buffer to the US and its interests in Iraq, although Washington lately appears more willing to change the nature of its relations with Baghdad from purely military to civil ones.
Right after the US withdrew combat brigades from Iraq last August, the Iranian authorities asked Mr al Sadr to review his attitude towards Mr al Maliki.
Later, Iran convinced the Syrian president Bashar al Assad to change his position concerning the nomination of al Maliki as head of the new government.
If the Sadrists receive a greater share in governance in return, that would satisfy the Iranians. But it would create a new situation: Iraq would largely fall under the increasing influence of Iran.
* Digest compiled by Mostapha El Mouloudi
melmouloudi@thenational.ae
The specs
AT4 Ultimate, as tested
Engine: 6.2-litre V8
Power: 420hp
Torque: 623Nm
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)
On sale: Now
FROM%20THE%20ASHES
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COMPANY%20PROFILE
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COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Representing%20UAE%20overseas
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5
Europe’s rearming plan
- Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
- Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
- Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
- Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
- Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
The%20specs
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CHELSEA SQUAD
Arrizabalaga, Bettinelli, Rudiger, Christensen, Silva, Chalobah, Sarr, Azpilicueta, James, Kenedy, Alonso, Jorginho, Kante, Kovacic, Saul, Barkley, Ziyech, Pulisic, Mount, Hudson-Odoi, Werner, Havertz, Lukaku.
Vidaamuyarchi
Director: Magizh Thirumeni
Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra
Rating: 4/5
Emirates Cricket Board Women’s T10
ECB Hawks v ECB Falcons
Monday, April 6, 7.30pm, Sharjah Cricket Stadium
The match will be broadcast live on the My Sports Eye Facebook page
Hawks
Coach: Chaitrali Kalgutkar
Squad: Chaya Mughal (captain), Archara Supriya, Chamani Senevirathne, Chathurika Anand, Geethika Jyothis, Indhuja Nandakumar, Kashish Loungani, Khushi Sharma, Khushi Tanwar, Rinitha Rajith, Siddhi Pagarani, Siya Gokhale, Subha Srinivasan, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish
Falcons
Coach: Najeeb Amar
Squad: Kavisha Kumari (captain), Almaseera Jahangir, Annika Shivpuri, Archisha Mukherjee, Judit Cleetus, Ishani Senavirathne, Lavanya Keny, Mahika Gaur, Malavika Unnithan, Rishitha Rajith, Rithika Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Shashini Kaluarachchi, Udeni Kuruppuarachchi, Vaishnave Mahesh
RESULTS
1.45pm: Handicap (TB) Dh80,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winners: Hyde Park, Royston Ffrench (jockey), Salem bin Ghadayer (trainer)
2.15pm: Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner: Shamikh, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard
2.45pm: Conditions (TB) Dh100,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Hurry Up, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
3.15pm: Shadwell Jebel Ali Mile Group 3 (TB) Dh575,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Blown by Wind, Xavier Ziani, Salem bin Ghadayer
3.45pm: Handicap (TB) Dh72,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Mazagran, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
4.15pm: Handicap (TB) Dh64,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner: Obeyaan, Adrie de Vries, Mujeeb Rehman
4.45pm: Handicap (TB) Dh84,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner: Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
PROFILE OF HALAN
Started: November 2017
Founders: Mounir Nakhla, Ahmed Mohsen and Mohamed Aboulnaga
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: transport and logistics
Size: 150 employees
Investment: approximately $8 million
Investors include: Singapore’s Battery Road Digital Holdings, Egypt’s Algebra Ventures, Uber co-founder and former CTO Oscar Salazar
'The Ice Road'
Director: Jonathan Hensleigh
Stars: Liam Neeson, Amber Midthunder, Laurence Fishburne
2/5
Dubai Women's Tour teams
Agolico BMC
Andy Schleck Cycles-Immo Losch
Aromitalia Basso Bikes Vaiano
Cogeas Mettler Look
Doltcini-Van Eyck Sport
Hitec Products – Birk Sport
Kazakhstan National Team
Kuwait Cycling Team
Macogep Tornatech Girondins de Bordeaux
Minsk Cycling Club
Pannonia Regional Team (Fehérvár)
Team Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Team Ciclotel
UAE Women’s Team
Under 23 Kazakhstan Team
Wheel Divas Cycling Team
Bob%20Marley%3A%20One%20Love
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Janet Yellen's Firsts
- In 2014, she became the first woman to lead the US Federal Reserve
- In 1999, she became the first female chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Meatless Days
Sara Suleri, with an introduction by Kamila Shamsie
Penguin
A Long Way Home by Peter Carey
Faber & Faber
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Match info:
Wolves 1
Boly (57')
Manchester City 1
Laporte (69')
Selected fixtures
All times UAE
Wednesday
Poland v Portugal 10.45pm
Russia v Sweden 10.45pm
Friday
Belgium v Switzerland 10.45pm
Croatia v England 10.45pm
Saturday
Netherlands v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Denmark 10.45pm
Sunday
Poland v Italy 10.45pm
Monday
Spain v England 10.45pm
Tuesday
France v Germany 10.45pm
Rep of Ireland v Wales 10.45pm
'Of Love & War'
Lynsey Addario, Penguin Press
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.”
World record transfers
1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m
Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier, in Bangkok
UAE fixtures Mon Nov 20, v China; Tue Nov 21, v Thailand; Thu Nov 23, v Nepal; Fri Nov 24, v Hong Kong; Sun Nov 26, v Malaysia; Mon Nov 27, Final
(The winners will progress to the Global Qualifier)
Emergency
Director: Kangana Ranaut
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry
Rating: 2/5
Like a Fading Shadow
Antonio Muñoz Molina
Translated from the Spanish by Camilo A. Ramirez
Tuskar Rock Press (pp. 310)
Everything Now
Arcade Fire
(Columbia Records)
The Transfiguration
Director: Michael O’Shea
Starring: Eric Ruffin, Chloe Levine
Three stars
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
Will the pound fall to parity with the dollar?
The idea of pound parity now seems less far-fetched as the risk grows that Britain may split away from the European Union without a deal.
Rupert Harrison, a fund manager at BlackRock, sees the risk of it falling to trade level with the dollar on a no-deal Brexit. The view echoes Morgan Stanley’s recent forecast that the currency can plunge toward $1 (Dh3.67) on such an outcome. That isn’t the majority view yet – a Bloomberg survey this month estimated the pound will slide to $1.10 should the UK exit the bloc without an agreement.
New Prime Minister Boris Johnson has repeatedly said that Britain will leave the EU on the October 31 deadline with or without an agreement, fuelling concern the nation is headed for a disorderly departure and fanning pessimism toward the pound. Sterling has fallen more than 7 per cent in the past three months, the worst performance among major developed-market currencies.
“The pound is at a much lower level now but I still think a no-deal exit would lead to significant volatility and we could be testing parity on a really bad outcome,” said Mr Harrison, who manages more than $10 billion in assets at BlackRock. “We will see this game of chicken continue through August and that’s likely negative for sterling,” he said about the deadlocked Brexit talks.
The pound fell 0.8 per cent to $1.2033 on Friday, its weakest closing level since the 1980s, after a report on the second quarter showed the UK economy shrank for the first time in six years. The data means it is likely the Bank of England will cut interest rates, according to Mizuho Bank.
The BOE said in November that the currency could fall even below $1 in an analysis on possible worst-case Brexit scenarios. Options-based calculations showed around a 6.4 per cent chance of pound-dollar parity in the next one year, markedly higher than 0.2 per cent in early March when prospects of a no-deal outcome were seemingly off the table.
Bloomberg
Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
Torque: 330Nm (Cooper and Aceman), 494Nm (Countryman)
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh158,000 (Cooper), Dh168,000 (Aceman), Dh132,000 (Countryman)
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
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