Separatists in Iraq and Spain vote for independence

Separatists in Iraq and Spain vote for independence

The right to self-determination is not only the core upon which we gauge human rights but it’s considered one of the fundamental freedoms the United Nations outlines as necessary to all mankind. So why is that when people look to exercise that freedom, it’s almost universally met with resistance? We spoke to Mina Al Droubi, reporter at The National, about what is happening in Iraqi #Kurdistan and what the referendum might mean in terms of the region actually gaining independence. In #Spain, another unrelated push for independence is coming from the Catalans as they look to achieve a long-desired autonomous state. We spoke to Richard Ferraris, who is reporting on the events in Barcelona. At home in the UAE, a new law will see for the first time in the region an excise tax hike aimed directly at urging consumers to make more health conscious decisions. The tax includes a 100 per cent hike on both cigarettes and energy drinks and a 50 per cent tax on cola. This could be a precursor for more moves of its kind in the future, Roberta Penington told us.

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Episoder(478)

The importance of the Bab Al Mandeb strait

The importance of the Bab Al Mandeb strait

The Bab-el-Mandeb strait is just 18 miles wide, but a large slice of global trade passes through its vital waters every day. To its north is a war zone in Yemen, and to its south sits Djibouti, a tiny...

8 Aug 201817min

Fake news in the Middle East with the BBC's Jamie Angus

Fake news in the Middle East with the BBC's Jamie Angus

Today we’re bringing you an interview with Jamie Angus, director of the BBC World Service Group. He spoke to The National’s Nick Webster in our Abu Dhabi studio about the BBC’s efforts to curb the pro...

2 Aug 201812min

Who is Imran Khan?

Who is Imran Khan?

The newly elected prime minister in Pakistan is not a new name in the country. Imran Khan has led he country to cricket glory and been a longtime politician and philanthropist, and last week won a con...

1 Aug 201825min

Iraq protests threaten long-sought stability

Iraq protests threaten long-sought stability

It was looking like Iraq was turning the corner last year, after defeating ISIS and garnering more confidence from its Arab neighbors. But recent protests that have left more than 800 wounded and 11 d...

25 Jul 201826min

The China-UAE bond strengthens

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. ...

18 Jul 201820min

If ISIS returns, is Iraq ready?

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...

11 Jul 201818min

UN envoy seeks peace talks in Yemen

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 Gr...

3 Jul 201814min

Turkey's future under an empowered Erdogan

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 q...

27 Jun 201816min

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