Beyond the Headlines

A look back at 2021 (Part 1): Covid-19 and the space race

Lockdowns may have given way to Covid vaccine drives in 2021 but as the year ends, the spread of Omicron has pushed millions back into some form of social restriction.

From the fall of Afghanistan to the electoral defeat of Israel’s longest serving prime minister; from the billionaires’ space race to renewed global action on tackling climate change, 2021 has been a year of change, a year of firsts and lasts and, for many, a year of ups and downs.

In the final two episodes of 2021, we wanted to reflect on the year that was, on the biggest events that we at The National believe will come to shape how we remember this year and may well define some of 2022’s biggest moments.

How worried should we be about the Omicron variant?

A new variant of coronavirus is spreading across the globe. 

Named Omicron, after the 15th letter of the Greek alphabet, it has sparked travel bans around the world. In South Africa, where the variant was first identified, it has quickly become the dominant strain. And on Monday, UK prime minister Boris Johnson announced what is believed to be the first death caused by Omicron. 

On this week's Beyond the Headlines, host Cody Combs asks: how worried should we be about Covid’s new variant?

Macron in the Middle East

President Emmanuel Macron of France has been back in the Middle East. This time he was in Saudi Arabia, his first visit to the kingdom since 2017, before heading to the UAE.

The French leader has made something of a name for himself in the region in recent years.
He staked significant political capital on cajoling Lebanon’s leaders to pass reforms to solve their dire economic crisis. He hosted a political summit in Baghdad with officials from across the region – including Iran and the Gulf – that sought to build avenues for dialogue rather than conflict. He has visited holy sites in Jerusalem, cultural sites in the Emirates and met illusive musical icon Fairuz in Lebanon. He has cut deals on energy, defence, the environment, and culture.

On this week's Beyond the Headlines, host James Haines-Young looks at Macron in the Middle East: what came out of his recent visits, why he has been so engaged in the region and what that means for French diplomacy.

50 years of the UAE through the eyes of those who lived it

The UAE is 50 years old. Half a century of growth and change has taken place to bring a small desert country to the forefront of global recognition. Burj Khalifa in Dubai is the tallest building in the world; in February, the UAE successfully sent an orbiter to Mars; and in November the UAE announced it would be the first country in the Middle East to test self driving cars. Not only is the country a hub for tourism and business, but it is also consistently found to be one of the safest countries in the world. 

On this week's Beyond the Headlines Faisal Salah looks back at the 50 years since the formation of the United Arab Emirates through the eyes of those who lived through it.

Do children need the Covid-19 vaccine?

There's been an ongoing debate over whether children should be vaccinated against Covid-19.

Many countries have already begun inoculating those aged 12 and over. 

Some experts say that vaccinating the young is necessary for a return to normal life and for kids to get back to school.

While there are parents who are happy about this, there are others who are cautious, particularly when it comes to vaccinating younger children aged between five and 12.

One this week's Beyond the Headlines host Suhail Akram takes a look at Covid vaccinations in children.

Is Belarus using migrants to get back at the EU?

As winter approaches, thousands of refugees are stranded at the Belarus-Poland border. From young children to the elderly, all wrapped up as best they can be to cope with the deteriorating conditions as they wait for sanctuary in the European Union before the weather worsens.

Some are chopping down trees in the forest to make fires for heat. At least 10 have already died in these freezing conditions. But the worst of the winter is still ahead of them.

But this is no ordinary case of refugees seeking asylum. Accusations from the EU are that Belarus president Alexander Lukashenko is using these people as pawns to put pressure on the bloc. Lukashenko denies this claim. 

On this week's Beyond the Headlines, we look at how thousands of people have become caught up in the crossfire of European power politics.

Hosted by James Haines-Young

Produced by Ayesha Khan and Arthur Eddyson

The Middle East water crisis and regional stability

Across the Middle East countries are struggling with the impact of climate change. Temperatures are higher and water more scarce. As populations grow, global warming and bad management have given rise to tensions between nations for what may one day become the world's most precious resource. 

On this week's Beyond the Headlines, host Leila Gharagozlou looks at how water scarcity is threatening not just the environment but the political stability of the region. 

Hosted by Leila Gharagozlou
Produced by Ayesha Khan and Arthur Eddyson

How Sudan’s political tensions escalated into a national crisis

On October 25, soldiers in Sudan arrested Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, announced the dissolution of the government and declared a state of emergency.

As the news got out, protesters flooded Khartoum and other cities, demanding his release and a return to the power-sharing agreement between a civilian political alliance, led by Hamdok, and the military, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

Then came a deadly crackdown on the mass rallies in the capital Khartoum, killing at least 12 people. But the protests have continued. 

On this week's Beyond the Headlines host Ahmed Maher looks at how Sudan’s political tensions escalated into a national crisis.

How the Gulf is getting serious about climate change

Saudi Arabia, the word’s largest oil exporter, has announced it is going net zero on carbon emissions by 2060. A day later Bahrain followed suit and the UAE has already committed to doing so by 2050

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also pledged $186 billion dollars towards cutting carbon emissions.

Over 100 countries have so far made the promise that experts say is vital for all countries if humanity is to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Only two small nations – Bhutan and Suriname – have so far managed to achieve net zero. For larger economies, it will prove more of a challenge.

On this weeks Beyond the Headlines, James Haines-Young looks at how the Gulf is getting serious about climate change.

Hosted by James Haines-Young

Produced by Ayesha Khan and Arthur Eddyson

Will shooting shatter hopes for Beirut blast justice?

On October 14, another protest began on the streets of Beirut. An angry crowd marched with purpose, blocking traffic and yelling slogans. It is a city where such demonstrations have become an almost daily occurrence – but this one would be different. All of a sudden, shots rang out. Chaos ensued. And in the violent exchanges, seven people were killed and dozens more injured. 

Unlike the popular protests in 2019, these demonstrations were not against political corruption, unemployment, taxes or the economic crisis. The anger here was against a high-profile judge, who is, so far, refusing to be intimidated.

Tarek Bitar is rocking the status quo in Lebanon. His job is to investigate the Beirut port blast. Over a year after it happened, still nobody has been held to account. Bitar has boldly called some of Lebanon’s biggest political players in for questioning. And the people out marching that day want him removed. 

In this week's Beyond the Headlines host Gareth Browne looks at how the investigation into the Beirut port explosion is opening up wounds - both old and new.

Hosted by Gareth Browne
Produced by Ayesha Khan, Arthur Eddyson and James Haines-Young