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Politics
NATO recommendations should be used to save lives
With Anders Fogh Rasmussen NATO Secretary General (2009 – 2014) and Nicola de Santis By Habib Toumi BAHRAIN: Going through the recent assessment of NATO’s engagement in Afghanistan and the ensuing recommendations, I had an eerie feeling of déjà-vu. One recommendation read: “When planning and conducting future operations, Allies should…
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Society
Lessons learned: A divided world will continue to struggle in 2022
Bu Habib Toumi BAHRAIN: Although 2021 cannot be really described as “annus mirabilis” compared with 2020, a dramatic “annus horribilis”, I will always recall it as the year of renewed hope even though new tragedies have struck a world that has lamentably remained divided and lacking in general care. No…
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Society
Bahrain tops Nikkei’s COVID-19 Recovery Index for November
By Habib Toumi MANAMA: Bahrain topped the list of the countries on the Nikkei’s COVID-19 Recovery Index for November as the Kingdom consolidate its achievements in confronting the pandemic and returning to a normal way of life. The index, first published in July, assesses 122 countries and regions in terms…
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People
Recalling an interview with Yasser Arafat on the anniversary of his death
By Habib Toumi MANAMA: It was around midnight when we got the much-awaited call announcing that the “Chairman” would meet us within a couple of hours at an hotel transformed into the temporary headquarters of the Palestinian authority in Tunisia. We immediately leapt into action, rushed our cameras, stands and…
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Society
First Jewish wedding in Bahrain in 52 years
By Habib Toumi BAHRAIN: For the first time in more than half a century, a Jewish couple was married in Bahrain. The groom was the son of Houda Nonoo, Bahrain’s former ambassador to the United States, first Jewish ambassador from an Arab country and the first woman Bahraini ambassador to…
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Society
Hunting, equestrian show in UAE capital: The skill of foresight, the power of success
By Habib Toumi ABU Dhabi: When the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan initiated the Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) in Abu Dhabi in 2003, very few thought that it would achieve huge success locally, regionally and internationally, turning into a landmark event for enthusiasts, fans,…
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People
Madam Ambassador: UAE appoints first woman ambassador to France
By Habib Toumi ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates has appointed a woman as its new ambassador to France, the first time the Gulf country has named a woman to such a post in Paris. Hend Manea Saeed Al Otaiba has presented a copy of her credentials as UAE Ambassador to…
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Society
Saudi-bred falcon sold for $72,000 in international auction
By Habib Toumi RIYADH: A rare falcon was sold at a record $71,994 (270,000 Saudi riyals) during an auction in Saudi Arabia. The International Falcon Breeders Auction (IFBA) said the auctioned falcon was the most expensive bred by Saudi breeders. The falcon, bred at Al Aradi’s Farm in Saudi…
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Entertainment
What is in the 2020 Olympics? Genuine Olympic values, spirit
By Habib Toumi MANAMA: What is the 2020 Olympics? Achievements and failures, tears of joy and tears of frustration, hard work, new friendships, impressive fair play, stretching the limits, and confronting COVID-19! The Olympics, the international sporting events held every four years, are the best chance to bring together the best…
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Society
Cheery archival treasure in a world of pandemic fatigue
By Habib Toumi MONASTIR: Here I am in the family home Monastir, a coastal resort in Tunisia, indulging in the customary Mediterranean culture of leisure with sandy beaches, warm sunshine and delicious food. But, this year, there are many more gaps of time than usual due to the pandemic and…
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