This Week in Explainers: Why are billionaires flocking to Abu Dhabi?

It’s been another exciting week in the world of news. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed not to repeat the ‘mistake of Oslo’. Meanwhile, a report noted that billionaires across the world are flocking to an interesting new location – Abu Dhabi. Across the border, China is up to its old tricks as it continues its land grab in Bhutan. Where is Alexei Navalny? The Russian Opposition leader has seemingly vanished and authorities seem none too concerned. Polls are showing that US president Joe Biden could be facing the prospect of being a one-term president. Also, COVID-19 seems to be making a comeback in Southeast Asia. And there’s some ‘truly dope’ news coming out of the Netherlands. All this and more in our weekly roundup of explainers: 1.  After the United States warned that Israel risked losing international support over its bombing campaign of Gaza, Prime Minister Netanyahu vowed that his country would not repeat the ‘mistake of Oslo’.

Bibi was referring to the Oslo Accords – negotiated in secret in Norway and sealed with a handshake on the south lawn of the White House by Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO chief Yasser Arafat in September 1993. But what are the accords? What is their legacy? Why are they, thirty years later, considered a failure? This piece lays out the answers in detail. 2. A  few locations come to mind when you think of billionaires stashing their wealth away – Switzerland, the Cayman Islands, Cabo or someplace equally exotic. But now the high-net-worth (HNI) individuals of the world have found a new place to keep their assets – Abu Dhabi. If you’re wondering why the capital of the United Arab Emirates is the location of choice for billionaires, wonder no more. This article explains why billionaires are setting up in Abu Dhabi and why it has become such an attractive destination over the far more ’traditional’ venues. 3. While China and Bhutan are ostensibly attempting to settle their border dispute, Beijing is continuing its construction activities. The British think-tank Chatham House has reported that Beijing has built outposts in Bhutan’s remote Jakarlung Valley which is part of the Beyul Khenpajong region. [caption id=“attachment_13489922” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Troops from China’s PLA are reportedly present near Bhutan’s Menchuma Valley and Beyul. PTI (Representational Image)[/caption] This piece examines how China is making inroads into Bhutan, the status of talks between the two nations and why it should concern India. 4. Where is Alexei Navalny? Lawyers of the Putin critic say he hasn’t been heard from in days. Nor has he turned up for his court hearings. Navalny’s ‘disappearance’ comes in the backdrop of Putin announcing, to the shock of absolutely no one, that he will be seeking a fifth term as president. This article looks at the timeline of Navalny’s disappearance and what his supporters are saying. 5. Some pundits say the only thing worse than never being elected US president is being a one-termer. That could be the fate facing US president Joe Biden as his likely 2024 opponent Donald Trump leads in nearly all the swing states with around a year left for the election. But will Biden suffer the same fate as Jimmy Carter, perhaps the most famous one-term president recent US politics? [caption id=“attachment_13499882” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] Experts say time is US president Joe Biden’s best ally against Donald Trump. Reuters[/caption] This piece examines the swing state polls, the Kennedy factor, how the administration is pulling back from ‘Bidenomics’ amid rising inflation and voter anger and the Israel-Hamas war. But what experts say about Biden’s chances may surprise you. 6. Remember COVID-19? Despite the world’s many attempts at forgetting, COVID-19 is still a thing. Now, in some parts of the world, COVID-19 is actually on the comeback trail. Cases have spiked in several Asian nations, mask advisories are back, and the US is witnessing a huge surge in hospitalisations. So, how are nations responding? And should we be worried? This piece tells you what you need to know. 7. Perhaps no place in the world is more synonymous with marijuana than the Netherlands. This is why many would be surprised to learn that weed isn’t actually completely legal in the country. [caption id=“attachment_13500232” align=“alignnone” width=“640”] A significant shift is underway as cannabis commerce is poised to emerge from the shadows. in the Netherlands. AP[/caption] In fact, cannabis now is the first time being grown, sold, and consumed legally in the Netherlands as part of a four-year trial. This article gives you all the dope.  If you’ve been too busy to keep an eye on the news lately, this list will come in handy in catching you up. Watch  this space  for more.