The National Conversation

Commentary, analysis and debate about key issues in the UAE, the Middle East and further afield.

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If Hadi wants Yemen whole, he must talk to the South

There is a political war brewing in south Yemen. Abdrabbu Mansur Hadi must take the possibility - and dangers - of southern secession seriously Read article If Hadi wants Yemen whole, he must talk to the South

Faisal Al Yafai

Today's Editorials

Saving Arabic with innovative ideas
An initiative to translate more online content into Arabic is welcome, for the region and the language Read article

National Editorial

Clashes in Tunis mark a new era of challenges
When an Al Qaeda affiliate asks a political group in Tunisia to tone down its rhetoric, something is amiss with the country's post-revolution transition Read article

National Editorial

Video: Protester killed in clashes in Tunisia

One thing at a time
Multitasking may have been made easier by technology, but science says it's decreasing the quality of our output Read article

National Editorial

Showing 1 - 10 articles of 2155

Sport comment

Rafa Benitez manages to go out on top at Chelsea

Chelsea's Spanish interim manager Rafael Benitez speaks during a press conference at Chelsea's training ground south of London on May 17, 2013. AFP PHOTO/CARL COURT *** Local Caption *** 136195-01-08.jpg

May 20, 2013

Europa League victory has enhanced Spaniard's reputation after torrid spell at Chelsea. Read Article Rafa Benitez manages to go out on top at Chelsea

Richard Jolly

Sport comment

Cricket: Sreesanth episode shows it's all about the company you keep

Shady managers were hanging around S Sreesanth long before he confessed to spot-fixing. Prakash Singh / AFP

May 20, 2013

Installing anti-corruption officials for IPL teams is a start but it will not eliminate problem of spot-fixing unless players are smarter about who they choose to mix with. Read Article Cricket: Sreesanth episode shows it's all about the company you keep

Dileep Premachandran

Sport comment

All-out approach may cost Bryce Harper in long run

Washington Nationals' Bryce Harper, just two days after being injured crashing into an outfield wall, taking 11 stitches in his chin, pinch-hits (he grounded out) in the ninth inning of a baseball game in Los Angeles Wednesday, May 15, 2013. The Dodgers won, 3-1. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon) *** Local Caption *** Nationals Dodgers Baseball.JPEG-023c6.jpg

May 19, 2013

Washington Nationals star Bryce Harper needs to pick his all-out moments a little better. Read Article All-out approach may cost Bryce Harper in long run

Gregg Patton

Sport comment

Hope for the Toronto Maple Leafs from their NHL heartbreak

Toronto Maple Leafs fans react to the Boston Bruins' overtime game winning goal in game 7 first round NHL action while watching the game at Maple Leafs Square in Toronto on Monday May 13, 2013. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Frank Gunn) *** Local Caption *** Maple Leafs Bruins Hockey.JPEG-02cd4.jpg

May 18, 2013

In the blink of an eye, the Leafs went from being the toasts of Toronto to toast. Read Article Hope for the Toronto Maple Leafs from their NHL heartbreak

Gregg Patton

Sport comment

David Beckham was one of us and never changed with fame

Manchester United's David Beckham (L) and Andy Cole (R) congratulate each other after Cole scored the opening goal against Belgian club RSC Anderlecht in their Champions League match at Old Trafford in Manchester13 September 2000. Manchester United scored three goals in the first half. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE)

May 17, 2013

David Beckham was recognised all over the world, yet he never changed, never thought he was too big time, never avoided the dressing room banter. Read Article David Beckham was one of us and never changed with fame

Andrew Cole

Sport comment

IPL money not enough to ensure clean event

An Indian woman glances at a display of mannequins bearing images of Indian PremierLeague (IPL) Hyderabad team cricketers outside a shop in Hyderabad on February 23, 2008. The world's leading cricketers have scooped huge paydays at the IPL auction in Mumbai with 77 players featuring in an unprecedented sell-off for the 44-day Twenty20 tournament, starting on April 18. As the billionaire owners of the new Twenty20 franchises made some players into instant millionaires, Lee said it would be another defining m

May 16, 2013

Asking in a general way why there is corruption in modern-day cricket is like asking why there is crime and criminal behaviour in life. Read Article IPL money not enough to ensure clean event

Osman Samiuddin

Sport comment

The outsiders club of England gets 'another Australian' in Brydan Klein

Brydan Klein of Australia has a British mother. Robert Prezioso / Getty Images

May 16, 2013

Klein, the UK's latest sporting spoil, snatched from a raid on our former colonies. Read Article The outsiders club of England gets 'another Australian' in Brydan Klein

Will Batchelor

Sport comment

Spot-fixing: The good, bad and ugly of the IPL riches

Sreesanth, right, had a promising Test career ahead of him but his return is unlikely now that he has been caught on spot-fixing charges by Indian police authorities and suspended by the cricket board. Gareth Copley / Getty Images

May 16, 2013

Pressure to come good, greed and lack of professionalism causing players to fall for temptation, writes Dileep Premachandran. Read Article Spot-fixing: The good, bad and ugly of the IPL riches

Dileep Premachandran

Sport comment

Chicago Bulls dithered as Derrick Rose withered

Injured Chicago Bulls' Derrick Rose stands during a time-out. Joe Skipper / Reuters

May 16, 2013

They try to withhold judgment, aware timetables for recovery are imprecise. Read Article Chicago Bulls dithered as Derrick Rose withered

Mike Tierney

Sport comment

Ten years on and Jonny Wilkinson still the talk of town

Toulon's fly-half Jonny Wilkinson (C) runs during a training session on May 14, 2013 at the Mayol Stadium in Toulon, Southern France. Toulon will play the European cup final match against Clermont on May 18, 2013 at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK PENNANT *** Local Caption *** 114079-01-08.jpg

May 16, 2013

When Jonny Wilkinson was at his peak one commentator said people will still be talking about the England fly-half in 100 years time. A mere 10th of the way toward the prophecy and, Wilkinson is still a conversation-starter, comments Paul Radley. Read Article Ten years on and Jonny Wilkinson still the talk of town

Paul Radley

Editor's Picks

Gold iPads for Dubai's Burj Al Arab guests

Guests of the Burj Al Arab will now be presented with 24-carat gold iPads when they check in at the lavish hotel. Gold iPads for Dubai's Burj Al Arab guests

Jose Mourinho makes Real Madrid exit

No replacement announced yet but Primera Liga club offer Carlo Ancelotti manager's job. Jose Mourinho makes Real Madrid exit

Operation Hawksbill swings into action

The mother Hawksbill turtle on her way back to sea after laying eggs on Saadiyat beachfront yesterday. She is the first sea turtle to nest on the island at the start of the season. Photo Courtesy Tourism Development Investment Company

Saadiyat is renowned for its hotels and beach clubs, but it is also a vital breeding ground for the endangered sea turtle. Operation Hawksbill swings into action

Mental illness or just personality traits?

An executive yells at his staff - the guide could classify him as suffering from a personality disorder. Tim Pannell / Corbis

It is the manual for many US psychiatrists and the latest edition is out this week. Yet the DSM-5 is already under attack for listing as mental disorders what others regard as just personality traits. Mental illness or just personality traits?

It's Dubai-based Michael Cinco's moment

DUBAI , UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - April 27 , 2013 : Michael Cinco , fashion designer ( right ) with model during the rehearsal before the start of his show at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai. ( Pawan Singh / The National ) For Arts & Life. Story by James Gabrillo

We spend the day backstage with Dubai designer Michael Cinco. See a video interview with him here. It's Dubai-based Michael Cinco's moment

Constantine, the most beautiful city you've never heard of

Famous for its dramatic bridges, the eastern Algerian city of Constantine has been selected as the 'Arab Capital of Culture' for 2015. Photo: Lindsay Mackenzie for the National.

Most people don't know anything about the Algerian city selected by the Arab League's cultural arm to be the capital of Arab culture in 2015. Constantine, the most beautiful city you've never heard of