CAIRO: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has arrived in Egypt at the start of a regional tour that coincides with heightened regional tension and unease over the Trump administration’s Mideast policies.
His arrival Sunday came one day after Israel carried out a wave of airstrikes in Syria after intercepting an Iranian drone that had infiltrated its airspace and an Israeli F-16 was downed upon its return from Syria. It was the most serious Israeli engagement in Syria since the war there began in 2011.
In Egypt, as well as in Kuwait, Lebanon and Jordan — the tour’s other Arab stops — Tillerson will almost certainly hear misgivings about President Donald Trump’s recent decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.
He visits NATO ally Turkey on the tour’s final stop.
US Secretary of State in Egypt at start of Mideast tour
US Secretary of State in Egypt at start of Mideast tour
Kovac pledges to get struggling Dortmund back on track
Dortmund sacked previous coach Nuri Sahin in January, just six months after his appointment
DORTMUND: Newly-appointed Borussia Dortmund coach Niko Kovac said on Tuesday he would demand “dedication and passion” as he hopes to get the struggling German club back on track.
Dortmund were Champions League finalists in June but have floundered this season and sit 11th in the Bundesliga.
Dortmund sacked previous coach Nuri Sahin in January, just six months after his appointment.
Former Bayern Munich, Eintracht Frankfurt and Monaco coach Kovac, 53, signed a deal at Dortmund until 2026 on Sunday.
Speaking at his unveiling on Tuesday, Kovac said he would not budge from his disciplinarian style which has won him trophies, but also left noses out of joint at previous clubs.
“We want to work hard because I believe only someone who works will get something in return,” he said.
“I’m a hard worker... everything that me and my family have achieved comes through hard work.
“Titles mean success, but (last year’s Champions League final) is also a success. I see some very, very positive developments.”
Kovac, who has only once served longer than two years in a coaching role, is the latest man tasked with bringing back consistent success since Jurgen Klopp’s seven-year tenure at the club ended in 2015.
Kovac said the short stints were part of “the business of modern football.”
“There are of course exceptions, like Jurgen, whether that was here or in Liverpool,” he said.
“But we are convinced we can chart the right course together.”
Kovac revealed he would live in a hotel until the summer, away from his family, to allow him “to focus fully” on the task at hand.
Despite taking training for the first time on Sunday, Kovac has had a hand in recruitment, including the deadline day signing of Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka on loan.
Dortmund managing director Lars Ricken said bringing in the experienced Kovac was needed, with the club’s last two coaches Sahin and Edin Terzic promoted from assistant jobs.
“In our current situation, external input is extremely necessary,” Ricken said.
“In Niko, we’ve found the right person. He stands for success, but has also taken over teams in difficult situations.”
Saudi crown prince holds telephone call with UAE president
- Prince Mohammed and Sheikh Mohamed discussed the latest international developments and efforts made toward them to achieve security and stability
RIYADH: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman phoned the President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan on Tuesday.
During the call, the two leaders reviewed relations between their countries and areas of existing cooperation and opportunities for developing them, Saudi Press Agency reported.
Prince Mohammed and Sheikh Mohamed also discussed the latest regional and international developments and efforts made toward them to achieve security and stability.
Man City move for Gonzalez, Tel joins Spurs on deadline day
- Former Barcelona midfielder Gonzalez, 23, arrives for a reported fee of $62M
- Tel reportedly turned down the opportunity to join Spurs earlier in the window after a £50 million deal was agreed with the German giants
MANCHESTER: Manchester City signed Nico Gonzalez from Porto in the biggest move from Premier League clubs on Monday’s transfer deadline day, while Bayern Munich’s Mathys Tel headed to Tottenham on loan.
City’s midfield frailties without Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, who is out for the season due to a serious knee injury, were exposed in a 5-1 thrashing at Arsenal on Sunday.
Pep Guardiola’s men find themselves in a battle just to qualify for next season’s Champions League, with the defending champions sitting fifth in the Premier League, 15 points behind leaders Liverpool.
City were also in need of reinforcements for a blockbuster Champions League play-off round tie against holders Real Madrid later this month.
Former Barcelona midfielder Gonzalez, 23, arrives for a reported fee of 60 million euros (£50 million, $62 million).
“This is the perfect opportunity for me at this stage of my career,” said Gonzalez.
“I know the reputation Pep has and I cannot wait to work with him. In fact, I am honored he wants me to play in his team.”
City have already splashed out more than £120 million in January on Egypt forward Omar Marmoush and young defenders Vitor Reis and Abdukodir Khusanov.
Tottenham were busy in the final hours of the window as they bolstered Ange Postecoglou’s injury-ravaged squad.
Tel reportedly turned down the opportunity to join Spurs earlier in the window after a £50 million deal was agreed with the German giants.
But the French under-21 international has now moved to north London until the end of the season with an option to make the move permanent in the summer.
Spurs, though, were frustrated in their bid to add more defensive recruits on deadline day.
The BBC reported Crystal Palace rejected a £70 million bid for captain Marc Guehi, who has just 18 months left to run of his contract at Selhurst Park.
Chelsea’s Axel Disasi had been linked with a move across London, but instead joined Aston Villa, with the move only confirmed two hours after the window shut.
Villa also added more firepower with the signing of Marco Asensio on loan from Paris Saint-Germain.
The Spaniard, who won three Champions League titles with Real Madrid, joins Marcus Rashford as new options for Unai Emery’s forward line after the departure of Jhon Duran to Saudi side Al Nassr.
However, there were no deadline day deals for Premier League title contenders Liverpool and Arsenal or struggling Manchester United.
Arsenal’s bid to strengthen their forward line appears to have been frustrated after Villa rebuffed an offer for England international Ollie Watkins last week.
United boss Ruben Amorim said the club were “trying everything to improve the team without doing mistakes of the past” following Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace.
The Red Devils are wary of breaching profit and sustainability rules and were reportedly put off a move for Tel due to Bayern’s demand for a loan fee.
Wolverhampton Wanderers signed Zimbabwe international midfielder Marshall Munetsi and Burkina Faso central defender Nasser Djiga late on deadline day.
The 28-year-old Munetsi, who can play in a variety of midfield roles, joins from French club Reims on a three-and-a-half-year deal.
The 22-year-old Djiga arrived from Serbia’s Red Star Belgrade on a five-and-a-half year contract for a fee around £10 million (12 million euros, $12.5 million).
Everton signed the former Southampton midfielder Carlos Alcaraz from Flamengo on loan.
The 22-year-old Argentine is the first David Moyes signing during his second stint as Goodison manager. Everton have an option to buy at the end of the season.
West Ham completed the loan signing of Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, who is reunited with his former manager Graham Potter.
The Seagulls replaced Ferguson with highly-rated Greek forward Stefanos Tzimas, who had been linked with Liverpool, but will remain at Bundesliga 2 side FC Nuremberg for the remainder of the season.
Former England left-back Ben Chilwell joined Crystal Palace on loan from Chelsea until the end of the season.
Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz set for DP World ILT20 playoffs
- Desert Vipers face the Capitals in qualifier 1, while MI Emirates take on the Warriorz in the eliminator
- Vipers have emerged as the standout team of the season, securing their playoff berth early with a dominant run that included four consecutive victories
DUBAI: The DP World ILT20 Season 3 enters a decisive phase with the Desert Vipers, Dubai Capitals, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz securing their places in the playoffs.
The tournament, boasting a total prize pool of more than $1 million, will see the Desert Vipers and Dubai Capitals face off in qualifier 1, with the winner advancing directly to the final. Meanwhile, MI Emirates and Sharjah Warriorz will meet in the eliminator, following which, the winner will take on the loser of qualifier 1 for the remaining spot in the final.
The Desert Vipers have emerged as the standout team of the season, securing their playoff berth early with a dominant run that included four consecutive victories. Their campaign has been powered by strong performances from Alex Hales (286 runs) and Sam Curran (267 runs), who have been instrumental with the bat. On the bowling front, Wanindu Hasaranga and Mohammad Amir have been equally impactful, claiming 11 wickets each.
Hasaranga’s economy rate of 5.33 across 30 overs remains the best in the tournament. However, the Vipers have shown slight vulnerability in their recent matches, suffering two losses in their past three games. They will aim to restore their authority against a resurgent Dubai Capitals side who have beaten them on both occasions earlier this season.
Reflecting on the season so far and looking ahead to the playoffs, Tom Moody, director of cricket, Desert Vipers, said: “There’s been a lot of positive things to reflect on in the seven wins that we’ve had, a lot of great team performances, a lot of good individual performances as well. For us our focus is on just bringing our best game come Wednesday night.”
After enduring three consecutive losses early in the season, last season’s runners-up, Dubai Capitals, found their momentum, registering five victories in six matches to finish second on the points table. Shai Hope currently holds the green belt (most runs) with 467 runs in ten innings at an average of 66.71, including three half centuries and a century.
Meanwhile, Dushmantha Chameera has led the team’s endeavours with the ball, claiming 12 wickets in eight matches. The Capitals have also been bolstered by the performances of Gulbadin Naib, who has also struck three half centuries for his 314 runs in 10 innings, along with nine wickets as well.
With the Dubai Capitals heading into a third consecutive playoff in the DP World ILT20, Sikandar Raza said: “The extra cushion of being in the top two helps, but hopefully we can make it straight to the final and not have to play the eliminator. Regardless, our goal is to win the final this year.”
Reigning champions, MI Emirates, were the second team to book a slot in the playoffs. Their season has ebbed and flowed with five victories in 10 matches. Tom Banton has been their standout performer, amassing 464 runs, including two centuries — a first in the DP World ILT20. Captain Nicholas Pooran has also contributed significantly with three half-centuries.
MI Emirates’ Fazalhaq Farooqi comfortably leads the race for the white belt (most wickets) with 20 wickets in 10 matches, including figures of 5 for 16 against the Dubai Capitals, a league record.
The Sharjah Warriorz snapped out of a four-match losing streak to secure three victories on the trot and finish fourth on the points table, with 10 points in just as many games. Their top order has done much of the heavy lifting, with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Johnson Charles each scoring three half-centuries with 347 and 305 runs respectively. Adam Milne and captain Tim Southee have spearheaded the bowling attack, accounting for 11 and eight wickets respectively.
The Sharjah Warriorz head into the eliminator following a comprehensive eight-wicket triumph against the MI Emirates in their final group-stage match. Earlier in the season, the Warriorz losing streak had begun with a nine-wicket loss to the MI Emirates.
The DP World ILT20 offers a total prize pool of $1.3 million, with the champions set to receive $700,000 and the runners-up $300,000.
Individual excellence will also be recognized through the tournament’s signature belts; the green belt for the highest run-scorer, the white belt for the leading wicket-taker, the red belt for the most valuable player, and the blue belt for the best UAE player. Each belt winner will be awarded $15,000, along with the DP world dispatch of the season. Additionally, the player of the match and DP world dispatch of the day during the playoffs and final will receive $6,000.
In the previous edition, James Vince claimed the green belt, Waqar Salamkheil secured the white belt, Sikandar Raza earned the red belt, and Muhammad Waseem won the blue belt for the second consecutive year.
Qualifier 1 will see the Desert Vipers take on the Dubai Capitals on Feb. 5 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, while MI Emirates will face Sharjah Warriorz in the eliminator on Feb. 6 at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
The winner of the eliminator will then meet the loser of qualifier 1 in qualifier 2 on Feb. 7 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. The action will return to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium for the final on Feb. 9.
UK health service is more of a ‘national sickness service,’ says head of top research program
- NHS needs to focus more on maintaining overall health, says Raghib Ali
- Too many patients presenting with advanced diseases developed over decades
RIYADH: The UK’s National Health Service has been more of a “national sickness service” focusing more on treating disease instead of maintaining overall health and preventing illness, the head of a leading research program said during a Riyadh conference on Tuesday.
Raghib Ali, CEO of Our Future Health UK — the country’s largest health research project — made the remarks during a panel session at the second Global Healthspan Summit, of which Arab News is a media partner.
“The NHS has often functioned more as a national sickness service,” Ali said. “We need to pivot toward a model that prioritizes health maintenance rather than just treating diseases.”
Ali spoke about how his career began 25 years ago as a junior doctor in an emergency department.
He recognized a critical flaw in the health care system; too many patients were presenting with advanced diseases that had developed over decades.
“What we were doing as doctors was good, of course, we could treat our patients,” he said. “But too often, we were seeing patients with diseases that had developed over decades.
“If we could have found those people much earlier and intervened, we could have prevented or delayed those conditions significantly.”
Conditions such as heart attacks, strokes and cancers were often treated only after they became severe, highlighting the urgent need for earlier intervention.
The concept of healthspan — the period of life spent in good health — has gained traction as the traditional health care model has been criticized for overly focusing on disease management.
Despite advances in diagnostics and treatments, rising rates of multimorbidity, mental health issues and health inequalities are prevalent not only in the UK but across many parts of the world.
To combat this, Ali emphasized the importance of using new methodologies: “Innovative technologies — like polygenic risk scores and digital interventions — are vital in creating a more tailored approach to health,” he said.
Ali added: “Our goal is not just to extend life but to compress morbidity, ensuring that the period of ill health is as short as possible.”
While the adage “prevention is better than cure” has long been accepted, much of the research has focused on animal models rather than human populations.
To change this, Ali stressed the need for “a robust health research program that encompasses a diverse cohort of participants to understand how to improve healthspan effectively.”
Our Future Health UK was established to address gaps in research by creating a large, ethnically and socioeconomically diverse cohort that could provide valuable insights into healthspan interventions.
It aims to engage millions of individuals across various demographics, including younger populations, to understand the factors driving multimorbidity and how to effectively enhance healthy lifespans.
Ali highlighted the importance of making participation accessible and appealing to people from all walks of life.
“One of our key objectives is to decrease inequalities. We aim to make participation as straightforward as possible to engage individuals from all backgrounds,” he said.
Ali’s discussion emphasized that the future of healthspan medicine lay in effectively harnessing data.
By creating a comprehensive evidence base that includes insights from a wide range of participants, researchers hope to better understand which interventions are most effective and cost-efficient to develop large-scale public health strategies.
