US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have led an aggressive campaign against the Iranian regime. Reuters
US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have led an aggressive campaign against the Iranian regime. Reuters
US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have led an aggressive campaign against the Iranian regime. Reuters
US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have led an aggressive campaign against the Iranian regime. Reuters

Sudan’s decision to join Abraham Accords unlocks US and regional aid


  • English
  • Arabic

The US has pledged an additional $81 million in aid for Sudan, after the country’s decision to join the Abraham Accords declaring normalisation of ties with Israel.

Sudan joined the Accords on Friday, a move analysts say could be transformative for a country that was an international pariah under the regime of ousted ruler Omar Al Bashir.

USAid said on Saturday that the new assistance would help Sudan to “confront ongoing severe challenges related to a deteriorating economy, the global pandemic and the worst floods in more than a century".

“This new funding brings US humanitarian assistance to the people of Sudan to over $436m for fiscal year 2020,” the agency said.

The aid announcement was made the day after Sudan joined the Abraham Accords brokered by US President Donald Trump.

Since April, the UAE and Saudi Arabia have pledged $3 billion in aid for Sudan as it tackles crises including food insecurity and the economic ravages of Covid-19.

In a sign of rapidly shifting regional politics, the transitional Sudanese government agreed on October 19 to pay $335m in compensation to American victims of the 1998 Al Qaeda bombing of the US embassy in Kenya.

Between 1991 and 1996, Al Bashir’s regime was accused of harbouring Osama bin Laden.

Since 2005, the former leader has been the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity in the Darfur region.

Mr Trump tweeted his support for the agreement between Sudan and Israel, promising Sudan would be removed from the US state sponsors of terrorism list when the $335m deposit was made.

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Gothia Cup 2025

4,872 matches 

1,942 teams

116 pitches

76 nations

26 UAE teams

15 Lebanese teams

2 Kuwaiti teams

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

David Haye record

Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4

The candidates

Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive

Ali Azeem, business leader

Tony Booth, professor of education

Lord Browne, former BP chief executive

Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist

Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist

Dr Mark Mann, scientist

Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner

Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister

Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster

 

The specs

Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder

Power: 220 and 280 horsepower

Torque: 350 and 360Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT 

On sale: now

Ferrari 12Cilindri specs

Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12

Power: 819hp

Torque: 678Nm at 7,250rpm

Price: From Dh1,700,000

Available: Now

Terror attacks in Paris, November 13, 2015

- At 9.16pm, three suicide attackers killed one person outside the Atade de France during a foootball match between France and Germany- At 9.25pm, three attackers opened fire on restaurants and cafes over 20 minutes, killing 39 people- Shortly after 9.40pm, three other attackers launched a three-hour raid on the Bataclan, in which 1,500 people had gathered to watch a rock concert. In total, 90 people were killed- Salah Abdeslam, the only survivor of the terrorists, did not directly participate in the attacks, thought to be due to a technical glitch in his suicide vest- He fled to Belgium and was involved in attacks on Brussels in March 2016. He is serving a life sentence in France

The National's picks

4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Desert Warrior

Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley

Director: Rupert Wyatt

Rating: 3/5

While you're here
How does ToTok work?

The calling app is available to download on Google Play and Apple App Store

To successfully install ToTok, users are asked to enter their phone number and then create a nickname.

The app then gives users the option add their existing phone contacts, allowing them to immediately contact people also using the application by video or voice call or via message.

Users can also invite other contacts to download ToTok to allow them to make contact through the app.

 

Classification from Tour de France after Stage 17

1. Chris Froome (Britain / Team Sky) 73:27:26"

2. Rigoberto Uran (Colombia / Cannondale-Drapac) 27"

3. Romain Bardet (France / AG2R La Mondiale)

4. Fabio Aru (Italy / Astana Pro Team) 53"

5. Mikel Landa (Spain / Team Sky) 1:24"