Using Environment as a Weapon: The Case of Vacuum Bombs | Opinio Juris - 14 Sept. 2022 |
Thermobaric weapons, also called fuel-air bombs or vacuum bombs, are considered to be the most devastating non-nuclear weapons developed to date. Currently, their use is not explicitly banned under the Hague and the Geneva Conventions (including the Additional Protocols). However, they are subject to recognized principles of warfare such as principles of distinction, proportionality, military necessity, and humanity. Under these principles, the use of certain technologies per se is not prohibited and the rule's violation is context-dependent and hinges on the manner of their use.
Today, environment modification techniques are being used for peaceful purposes. It is important to ensure that the same technologies are not diverted towards destructive use.
Dubai's DP World replaces chair amid Epstein revelations | 24 News |
The Dubai-based logistics giant named a new chair after Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem's Epstein links were revealed. Companies began distancing themselves from DP World following the stream of revelations.
US lawmakers Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna had access to unredacted versions of the Epstein documents, and posted up a 2009 email exchange between Epstein and a redacted sender discussing a "torture video" on social media platform X.
Khanna later took to the House floor and read the names of six men whose names he said had been redacted, including bin Sulayem's.
Massie on Friday posted a tweet referencing bin Sulayem's resignation and said: "DOJ redacted information necessary to identify who sent Epstein the 'torture video email.' Ro Khanna and I first discovered his name and released it Monday. Today he resigns."
Four men in unredacted files named by Ro Khanna have no ties to Epstein | The Guardian |
Men appeared in photo lineup assembled in New York and had no apparent connection to late sex offender
One month ago ... a leading logistics operator headquartered in Dubai, UAE.
DP World's chief executive on why trade never stops in an uncertain world, plus leadership lessons | The National UAE - 13 Jan. 2026 |
Sultan bin Sulayem discusses how stability matters more than headlines
In this episode of The Inside Brief, chairman and group chief executive of DP World Sultan bin Sulayem sits down with host Manus Cranny to share his views on global trade and shipping at a time of geopolitical shocks, tariff wars and market volatility.
The head of the global ports operator explains why, from his perspective, physical cargo flows are far more resilient than market sentiment, and why global trade continues to grow despite persistent political uncertainty.
Mr bin Sulayem discusses how DP World approaches countries often defined by political risk − including Venezuela, Iran and Syria − by separating headlines from operational reality.
On Venezuela, Mr bin Sulayem says that DP World knows the market well from past operations and could move quickly when conditions allow. On Iran, he argues that even major regional conflicts have historically had limited impact on maritime trade.
Syria is presented as a different case as DP World has already committed $800 million to Tartus port. Mr bin Sulayem describes the country as having strong long-term potential, given its strategic location and access to regional road and rail networks.
He also reflects on his meeting with Syria's President Ahmad Al Shara, describing him as calm, optimistic and a good listener who is eager to learn and is focused on improving conditions in the country.
The conversation ranges across global growth hotspots, including India, Indonesia, Brazil and the UK, where DP World is expanding capacity. Mr bin Sulayem also argues that China's economic management is often misunderstood in the West, stressing that scale and stability matter more than headline growth rates.
Turning to Dubai, Mr bin Sulayem reflects on the government's investment in roads, Metro expansion, and rail infrastructure such as Etihad Rail, and how the proximity between the port in Jebel Ali and Al Maktoum International Airport is expected to support future trade growth through seamless sea-to-air connectivity.
Mr bin Sulayem concludes by sharing personal insights into what success means to him, his approach to succession planning and leadership and how a life-threatening horse riding accident − in which he was saved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai − reshaped his views on time, efficiency and decision making.
