Latest news with #NadaAlTaher
The National
16 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
What happens to the Middle East if Tehran falls?
Up until last week, it seemed unthinkable for a UN member state to strike a nuclear site. But Israel did just that when it launched its attack on Iran, hitting military and atomic sites, and killing key figures of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. It also seemed unthinkable for missiles to penetrate Israel's Iron Dome and destroy infrastructure in cities such as Haifa and Tel Aviv. Yet again, civilians are paying the heaviest price. More than 240 people have been killed in Iran so far. In Israel, at least 24 people have been killed in retaliatory strikes. One week on, the war shows no signs of abating, with the US hinting it might get involved, too. A sense of unease has gripped the region, with neighbouring states fearing further escalation. A group of 20 countries including Gulf states, Jordan and Egypt has called for an end to hostilities. In a worst-case scenario, the repercussions could be catastrophic for them, too. In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher looks at the consequences of the war on the Middle East and asks what will happen to the region if Tehran were to fall? She speaks to Hasan AlHasan, senior fellow for Middle East policy at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, and Thomas Juneau, Middle East researcher and a professor at University of Ottawa, Canada.
The National
28-05-2025
- Business
- The National
Controversial aid group begins deliveries in Gaza and ceasefire talks falter
The US-Israeli Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said it started distributing aid. Iraq's Oil Ministry is suing the semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Negotiations in Cairo and Doha for a Gaza ceasefire are 'not leading' to a deal yet. On this episode of Trending Middle East: US-backed Gaza aid foundation is distraction from what is really needed, UN says Head of US-Israeli aid agency for Gaza resigns over lack of 'humanitarian principles' Gaza ceasefire talks not leading to a deal yet, source says Iraqi Oil Ministry files lawsuit against Kurdish region over unilaterally signed energy deals This episode features Nada AlTaher, Senior Foreign Reporter, Hamza Hendawi, Cairo Correspondent, and Sinan Mahmoud, Baghdad Correspondent.
The National
23-05-2025
- Politics
- The National
Syrian gratitude for global support in a challenging time
The situation in Gaza requires urgent intervention I write in reference to Nada AlTaher's article Israeli civilians try to stop aid lorries from entering Gaza (May 21): by killing women, children and elders, the situation in Gaza is further worsening, and those involved in these atrocities are losing support and sympathy from their partners around the world. From a humanitarian perspective, it is especially worrying when supplies are being prevented from entering the conflict zone. Such attempts are a shame for all human beings around the world. It is certain that this conflict cannot resolve the root cause of the Palestine-Israel issue. And so, while the world community has so far been unable to resolve it peacefully, the UN and the US, together with the Arab world, must continue to find ways in doing so. Ramachandran Nair, Kerala, India Sanctions relief for Syrians I write in reference to Khaled Yacoub Oweis's report EU set to lift sanctions on Syria's central bank (May 20): we really appreciate the European Union and the efforts of the rest of the international community. Gratitude from Syria. Rima Alhabash, Damascus, Syria Agritech's future in the East I write in reference to Rachel Kelly's article China-UAE AgriTech Dh120 million megaproject to launch in Al Ain (May 19): this is an exciting move in agritech. This Al Ain hub boosts food security and highlights UAE-China synergy in agriculture innovation. It's a huge step towards a sustainable future. Ahmed P, Cairo, Egypt Tackling chronic disease in Abu Dhabi I write in reference to Shireena Al Nowais's article Abu Dhabi launches campaign to cover costs of chronic disease care (May 19): it is outstanding to see Abu Dhabi champion health care for all. Such forward-thinking support for chronic illness uplifts citizens and expatriates alike. It's a proud moment for the UAE community. Wassim A, Sharjah Beirut's cultural recovery I write in reference to Robert McKelvey's article Beihouse: Upscale community hub rises from the ashes of the Beirut Port explosion (May 16): how nice it is to see the way Beihouse is reviving the cultural pulse of Beirut's Gemmayzeh neighbourhood. This is heritage and innovation in dialogue, and truly speaks to the city's memory. BC, Granada, Spain Dubai a global educational hub I write in reference to the article Number of university students in Dubai surges by 20% (May 19): over the years, Dubai has evolved into a prominent educational hub, home to several globally recognised universities. This growth highlights the emirate's impressive standing in the international arena. Today, it offers vast opportunities for international students across all academic fields, making it a truly global destination for higher education. All of this progress is a result of the forward-thinking policies aimed at not only advancing the lives of Emiratis but also welcoming students from around the world. Kudos to Dubai for its commitment to education, diversity and global excellence. K Ragavan, Bengaluru, Indi a
The National
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
Why Christians in occupied Palestine may be at risk of disappearing
In his last public address on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis called for an end to the violence in Gaza, calling the humanitarian situation there "dramatic and deplorable'. His message came only a day before his death. People all over the world mourned the death of the beloved Pontiff, but perhaps no place more than in Gaza, where Palestinian Christians fear they have lost a protector of their community. Already a dwindling minority, Christians in the strip have also been killed, injured and displaced in the war. Only about half of the 1000 or so Christians remain, with many forced to flee. Members of the community say they are now concerned that Gaza's Christians are at risk of disappearing. The same fear is echoed in the West Bank and Jerusalem where followers of the faith have faced increasingly aggressive attacks and restrictions, including this past Easter. Members of the community have reported a rise in settler attacks against clergy and say Israeli policies are taking a toll on the rapidly shrinking Christian minority of Palestinians. Host Nada AlTaher speaks to Mitri Raheb, a Palestinian pastor and founder of Dar Al-Kalima University in Bethlehem, and to Palestinian political analyst, Khalil Sayegh, himself a Christian from Gaza.
The National
10-04-2025
- Politics
- The National
Lebanon's civil war: The feud that never ended
The Lebanese civil war that broke out in 1975 marked a dark chapter in the country's history and would have an impact on the region for decades afterwards. The conflict lasted for 15 years, as armed militias and their political sects battled for power. Alliances shifted over time and outside forces exploited the chaos for their own interests. An estimated 150,000 people were killed in the fighting and thousands went missing. The war depleted the country's public resources and caused turmoil for years after. But even after the war ended, the same sectarianism that fuelled the violence continued to thrive. It seeped into the country's political institutions, into every facet of society, and it decimated the economy. Corruption and clientelism became the status quo. This led to a cycle of violence, popular uprisings and government stalemates. On this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher marks the 50th anniversary of the outbreak of the civil war with a look back at the events that shaped it, how it changed people's lives and the complicated legacy that scarred the country. She speaks to experts and academics and asks, how much has really changed today?
