The National Conversation

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

featured comment

Iraqi society fragments while the politicians squabble

Iraqi people risked their lives to vote for those in the seat of power. But where is the state? Where is the security? Where are all the promises? Read article Iraqi society fragments while the politicians squabble

Hadeel Al Sayegh

Today's Editorials

Obama's slow approach on drones harmful
Recent developments tell us that the drones programme must be one of the most costly of America's military tactics - and all without making the country any safer. Read article

National Editorial

Related: Obama under fire over civil liberties

Tough on tobacco
As well as increasing prices of tobacco products, it is important to strictly implement the anti-tobacco legislation to curb smoking. Read article

National Editorial

Related: GCC hike in tobacco prices will see rise in illicit trade, experts warn

Educating Emiratis for private sector
The Absher initiative, launched last year, is an important part in an effort to bridge the Emiratisation gap in public and private sectors. Read article

National Editorial

Related: 'Emiratis, not oil, are real wealth of UAE' says Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi

Showing 1 - 10 articles of 2159

Sport comment

There is a global shift in North American sport but tickets still shift, too

A Nintendo DS Lite portable game system is displayed at Safeco Field in Seattle, Friday, June 29, 2007, prior to an MLB baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners. Nintento is making a pitch to use its portable DS Lite to allow fans to order food and drinks, watch the live television feed of the game, access stats and scores and play trivia, from their seats during the game. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

May 23, 2013

In 1992, Major League Baseball commissioner Fay Vincent initially opposed an effort by a Japanese mogul to purchase the Seattle Mariners. Expect more to come. Read Article There is a global shift in North American sport but tickets still shift, too

Mike Tierney

Sport comment

Pro League relegation: Gritty Dibba Al Fujairah could script a great escape

Dibba have shown resurgence after battling many odds from the start of the season. Jeffrey E Biteng / The National

May 22, 2013

Dibba have reeled a struggling Al Shaab to within two points, meaning should they defeat Ajman on Saturday and Al Shaab falter at Al Shabab then Dibba stay up. Read Article Pro League relegation: Gritty Dibba Al Fujairah could script a great escape

John McAuley

Sport comment

Golf: New putting rule could be broom and bust

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, January 17, 2013: Ernie Els of South Africa reacts to a missed putt on the 8th hole during the first round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championships at Abu Dhabi Golf Club in Abu Dhabi on January 17, 2013. Christopher Pike / The National

May 22, 2013

Four of the past six major winners have used anchored putters and rule makers hope to end the trend before it is popularised in another generation. Read Article Golf: New putting rule could be broom and bust

Steve Elling

Sport comment

Cricket: Broad gains for England bowler may diminish in time

England's Stuart Broad bowled a career-best spell of seven for 44 in the second innings but had only one wicket in the first. Mike Hewitt / Getty Images

May 21, 2013

The inconsistent Stuart Broad may have hit a career peak against New Zealand but the figures can be skewed depending on how you look at it. Read Article Cricket: Broad gains for England bowler may diminish in time

Osman Samiuddin

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

Editor's Picks

Clumsy SNC needs to prove it is made of the right stuff

Analysis: Something of a miracle will be needed for the coveted unity and effectiveness of the Syrian opposition to materialise. Clumsy SNC needs to prove it is made of the right stuff

UAE rugby hope the kids are all right

JJ Fanucci of Dubai Exiles during the Jebel Ali Sevens Rugby at the Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence, Jebel Ali on the 16th November 2012. Credit: Jake Badger for The National

Freshly relegated, no better time for a youth movement than the present, writes Paul Radley. UAE rugby hope the kids are all right

Global shift in North American sport

In 1992, Major League Baseball commissioner Fay Vincent initially opposed an effort by a Japanese mogul to purchase the Seattle Mariners. Expect more to come. Global shift in North American sport

Flying cars roar into reality

The Terrafugia Transition lets you fly over traffic and point-to-point between more than 5,000 community airports around the United States. Courtesy Terrafugia

The flying car concept took a while to become reality but in America a company is on the verge of offering a version to the public. While the cost may be high, so is confidence that there is a viable market. Flying cars roar into reality

Mashallah: what it means, when to say it and why you should

With Muslim families, you must say "mashallah" with every compliment lest someone think you are jealous and have the evil eye. Mashallah: what it means, when to say it and why you should