Beyond the Headlines

The China-UAE bond strengthens

In a week-long series of events, the UAE will host Chinese President Xi Jinping for his first trip to the country. The tour will look to further develop bilateral relations between the two countries. China is already the UAE's top trade partner, and now both countries are looking further strengthen their bond through diplomacy and a sharing of cultures.

We look at the Chinese-UAE relationship in this week's Beyond the Headlines. 

Host Naser Al Wasmi speaks to Ali Al Dhaheri, the UAE Ambassador to China. He is in the UAE this week to help welcome the Chinese President. The ambassador says the deepening ties between the two countries will provide for unparalleled cultural, diplomatic and trade growth. 

We also speak with The National's Haneen Al Dajani following her return from a trip to China. She tells us what both countries are doing to break down the language barrier and how Chinese television may be the next big thing in the Middle East.

If ISIS returns, is Iraq ready?

In Fallujah, where four years ago ISIS first gained significant ground in Iraq, life tentatively goes on. But though the territorial rule of ISIS has for now been erased in Iraq, the group still shows signs of life. And Baghdad seems to be doing little to address this concern.

In this week's Beyond the Headlines, we look at how safe a country in political flux actually is from a potential ISIS resurgence.

Sofia Barbarani reports from Fallujah and talks to those affected by four years of ISIS occupation, including date farmers whose lands and livelihood were ravaged by the terrorist group.

Also, host Mina Al Droubi talks to Dr Renad Mansour, a research fellow for Middle East and North Africa at Chatham House, who is not convinced by Iraq's politically-motivated claims of victory.

UN envoy seeks peace talks in Yemen

The Arab Coalition has paused its offensive in Hodeidah, as announced on Sunday by UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr Anwar Gargash. This is in the hopes of giving UN special envoy Martin Griffiths enough time to implement his peace plan.

With the liberation of Hodeidah from Houthi control imminent, the Coalition now looks to negotiate Houthi withdrawal from rebel-held Sanaa.

The Coalition is also welcoming a larger media presence in Yemen to combat Iranian influence and propaganda. The National will be sending correspondent Gareth Browne to Yemen to report from the ground, and he joined host Naser Al Wasmi in studio to assess the situation in Yemen in this week's Beyond the Headlines.

Turkey's future under an empowered Erdogan

With a decisive — however manufactured — election result, incumbent Turkish president Recep Tayipp Erdoğan now moves forward with a mandate to form a new government in Turkey.

Though there are many questions from the opposition and humanitarian groups about the legitimacy of the democratic process, Erdogan will lead Turkey for at least another five years. How will this government take shape, with the role of prime minister being phased out and a consolidation of executive power to Erdogan's office?

In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, we assess how a newly empowered Erdogan will shape the Turkish government. We also hear from Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE's Minister of State for Humanitarian Coordination, about the UAE humanitarian effort in Yemen.

Is Afghanistan's fight against the Taliban almost over?

Afghanistan has become a byword for conflict. But the past weeks saw extraordinary scenes of Taliban fighters and their usual foe  —government security forces — embracing in the streets in a historic, if short, ceasefire.

Could it herald something bigger, such as an end to the war? Or will ISIS make that impossible?

This week we spoke to Ruchi Kumar, The National's correspondent in Kabul, and asked if the chances of peace have increased. Has anything really changed?

Dr Anwar Gargash on Iran, Yemen, Trump and more

Last week, The National spoke to Dr Anwar Gargash, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. We bring you the second part of that interview in this edition of Beyond the Headlines. Listen to part 1 for his take on the Qatar crisis.

Dr Gargash discusses the wider Arab world and the ever-shifting dynamics of the region, from the war in Yemen, Iran’s influence in the region, and Donald Trump's relationship with the GCC. 

Listen to Part 1.

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The Qatar crisis from the perspective of Dr Anwar Gargash

This week, The National spoke to Dr Anwar Gargash, the UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. He talked about how the Arab world has changed significantly a year since the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Egypt cut all diplomatic and travel links with Qatar.The worst diplomatic crisis to ever hit the GCC has changed regional dynamics in the region. 

The four nations insist that to normalize relations with Qatar, Doha will have to change what the quartet claims are troubling grievances. But as the crisis enters its second year, it’s difficult to tell just how long, or if, the GCC's most significant diplomatic crisis will ever be resolved.

Hodeidah's importance to victory in Yemen

Yemen's military is within striking distance of one of their biggest victories since civil war began in 2015. The forces, backed by the Arab coalition, was last reported to be within 10km of Yemen’s third largest city, Hodeidah.

We analyse what this could mean for the future of the four-year civil war in Yemen with Fatima Alasrar, a senior analyst at Washington-based Arabia Foundation. 

The city of Hodeidah lies on the Red Sea coast, and is home to the country’s largest port. Much of the country’s food is imported through the city. But it’s been under Houthi-rebel control since the takeover four years ago.

The Arab Coalition, which includes the UAE and Saudi Arabia, intervened in the conflict in Yemen shortly after the rebel coup. They were asked to fight the Houthis on behalf of the internationally recognized government. Hodeidah, though, has remained out of reach. Until now.

Iraq's future following Moqtada Al Sadr's resounding victory

Shia cleric Moqtada Al Sadr wants a government that is inclusive of all Iraqis. His coalition won the largest number of seats in Iraq’s latest parliamentary elections. But Mr Al Sadr didn’t win enough to form a majority. This prompts weeks, if not months, of negotiations with different factions to form a government.

His victory comes as a surprise to many. Prime Minister Haidar Al Abadi, whose bloc finished third, is now talking to the cleric. Mr Al Abadi, who claims ISIL’s defeat as his own doing, met with Al Sadr after the election. They assured the Iraqi people that their government will take care of them.

On this episode of Beyond the Headlines, Mina Al Droubi, an Iraqi-British journalist at The National, explains the nuances of the new government. And Campbell MacDiarmid, an editor on the foreign desk, joins the show to relay his findings on the latest elections. 

Massacre in Gaza

As Israeli and American officials celebrated the controversial move of the United States' embassy to Jerusalem, Israeli soldiers were murdering peaceful Palestinian protestors.

This week, host Naser Al Wasmi looks at the latest atrocities carried about by a newly empowered Israel against their Palestinian neighbours. Jack Moore and Willy Lowry, who have each spent time in Gaza and the West Bank, give their perspectives.

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