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Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
All at sea: UK sends wrong signal on Gulf naval role
The British government recently announced that HMS Lancaster, a Royal Navy frigate permanently based in the Gulf, will return to the UK for scrapping by the end of the year. This will leave the UK without a permanent forward-based destroyer or frigate in the Gulf for the first time in many years. The decision comes at a bad time, given the fragile state of maritime security in the region. The removal of Britain's last warship from the Gulf, despite these realities, is reminiscent of US President Joe Biden's 2013 decision to withdraw all American tanks from Europe for the first time since the Second World War — only to see Russia invade Ukraine the following year. The Gulf region matters to the UK for many reasons. Britain's ties with the Gulf states stretch back decades, and in some cases centuries. The first recorded instance of the Royal Navy entering the Gulf occurred in 1620, when the East India Company sought to dislodge Portuguese influence from the region. Economically, the Gulf is one of the UK's most important trading regions outside Europe and North America, with billions in goods and services exchanged each year. British companies are heavily involved in the energy, finance, and defense sectors, while Gulf investment plays a major role in the UK economy, from infrastructure projects to property and technology ventures. Security cooperation has been just as important. Many Gulf countries have served alongside British forces in joint operations, whether in counter-piracy patrols off the Horn of Africa, counter-terrorism missions in the wider Middle East, or maritime security cooperation in the Gulf itself. These shared missions have built strong operational ties and mutual trust between the UK and its Gulf partners, strengthening both regional stability and the global commons. Gulf investment plays a major role in the British economy Luke Coffey The UK military continues to play a significant role in training and, in some cases, equipping the armed forces of the region, fostering close professional bonds among senior officers. The Royal Navy, in particular, holds a special place, with the UK ranking second only to the US in terms of foreign naval influence in the Gulf. The UK has also reduced its mine countermeasures vessels in the region, a vital asset given Iran's repeated threats to close the Strait of Hormuz. A Royal Fleet Auxiliary support ship traditionally stationed in the Gulf has also been brought home, with no plans for its return. The Labour government's own 2025 Strategic Defense Review, a document it describes as a 'root-and-branch' analysis of Britain's national security and armed forces, runs to 144 pages, but devotes only about half a page to the Gulf. It does highlight, though concisely, the importance of the region, stating: 'The Middle East is significant to UK security and prosperity due to its position as an artery of global trade and its role in global energy supplies. The UK's footprint in the region and increased investment in strategic defense partnerships supports the government's economic growth agenda.' If Prime Minister Keir Starmer truly sees the Gulf as a geopolitical priority, his first year in government has done little to prove it. By contrast, when the Conservatives returned to power in 2010 after 13 years in opposition, David Cameron moved quickly to elevate relations with the region. He immediately launched the Gulf Initiative, a cross-government effort to deepen relationships with the Gulf Cooperation Council states. This paid off handsomely. In 2011 alone, UK exports to Gulf countries exceeded those to India, Russia, and Mexico combined. By contrast, under Starmer there has been no comparable deepening of relations, apart from the approaching completion of a GCC–UK free trade agreement — an effort that began under the previous Conservative government. The removal of HMS Lancaster from the Gulf and its scrapping by the end of this year is part of a wider maritime crunch facing the Royal Navy. Once Lancaster leaves service, the fleet will be reduced to just six destroyers and six frigates — the lowest number in modern history. This downsizing comes at a time when global shipping volumes are increasing and the threats to maritime trade are growing. For a globally engaged, free-trading island nation such as Britain, these choices are difficult to reconcile with its strategic posture. Under Starmer there has been no deepening of relations Luke Coffey In the 2025 Strategic Defense Review, Starmer reaffirmed that the UK would pursue a 'NATO-first' policy — an approach that makes sense. Yet this does not mean Britain can neglect other key regions, particularly the Middle East. In recent years, NATO has moved to strengthen ties with the Gulf states and expand cooperation on issues such as maritime security, counter-terrorism, and regional stability. One of NATO's strengths is that different member states bring different contributions to the table. Since Britain is a global power with global interests, its reach and capabilities help NATO act more effectively beyond the Euro-Atlantic area. The UK's decision to scale back its naval presence in the Gulf runs counter to this dynamic, undermining one of the most significant ways Britain can contribute to NATO's efforts in the Middle East. Britain cannot afford to send the wrong message to friends or foes about its staying power in strategically vital regions. The Gulf is not only a hub of global commerce and energy but also a testing ground for Britain's ability to project influence and safeguard the rules-based order beyond Europe. If the UK truly intends to be a global power with global interests, then maintaining a credible, visible, and capable naval presence in the Gulf must remain a priority — not an afterthought. • Luke Coffey is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. X: @LukeDCoffey
Arab News
8 hours ago
- Arab News
NBA great Tyson Chandler says Abu Dhabi ‘is in for a show' when Knicks face 76ers
DUBAI: The New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers are set to bring one of basketball's fiercest rivalries to the UAE capital this October, as they face off in The NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2025 presented by ADQ. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The preseason matchups, taking place on Oct. 2 and 4 at Etihad Arena, will see two storied franchises meet in the Middle East, a stage Knicks legend Tyson Chandler believes will deliver far more than exhibition basketball. 'It's huge,' Chandler said recently. 'Players really enjoy going over there, experiencing a different culture, and broadening their horizons. 'It's just as beneficial for the fans as it is for the players. They get to see the NBA put on a great show, watch some of the top athletes in the world, and enjoy a great environment. Any time the NBA is able to connect globally, it's a great thing.' This year's clashes coincide with the 75th anniversary of the first Knicks–76ers meeting, a milestone Chandler says will only add to the intensity on court. 'Abu Dhabi is in for a show,' he added. 'When the Knicks and the 76ers roll in, you're looking at two of the most talented rosters in the NBA. We've got two of the best centers in the world, two of the best point guards, and great wings on both sides. 'Whatever a young basketball player likes, they're going to see someone they can watch, learn from, and take something away. I'm excited to see what that sparks in this young generation.' The games will mark an early test for new Knicks head coach Mike Brown, a hire Chandler believes is perfectly timed. 'I love the hire,' the two-time NBA All-Star said. 'The Knicks needed somebody who could push them but also relate to them. Mike has had success, he's got coaching experience in different spots, and I think he's in a great place in his career.' 'Just like players, coaches grow through their experiences. It's perfect timing for him.' Chandler, who won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, says the Knicks have the roster to challenge for the title if they can keep their focus. 'As far as personnel, I don't think they're missing anything,' he said. 'Getting Karl-Anthony Towns (in 2024) was huge. Matching him with Jalen Brunson and putting him in Madison Square Garden, there's a certain type of pressure that brings out the best in you.' 'They've also added Jordan Clarkson off the bench (last month), which gives them extra firepower. The key is staying locked in. New York can bring a lot of excitement, but it can also distract you from the main goal. I think Mike Brown will do an excellent job of keeping them focused on the main thing.' Chandler, who is spending this week in Manchester for the 22nd Basketball Without Borders Europe camp organized by the NBA and FIBA, is taking part in an event held for the first time in the UK. The camp has brought together 60 of the top high-school-age boys and girls from 27 countries across Europe. 'You can watch from afar, you know, and continue to develop your game, but it's different when you're able to see something up close,' Chandler said, commenting on the importance of the BWB camp. 'It's different when you're able to see the players live, and I think it's very inspiring. 'Games being global now is giving youngsters a chance to see live athletes, see what the measuring stick is, even be inspired. 'Basketball Without Borders, having great talent, players, current and former coaches, referees, that is a priceless experience they are having because it's going to spark something, whether it's now or later, that's going to really help shape and develop who they are in their careers. 'What Basketball Without Borders is doing is really planting the seeds around the world that are going to eventually pay off in the next generation of basketball players.' For Chandler, whether in Manchester or Abu Dhabi, it all comes down to inspiring the next generation.
Asharq Al-Awsat
12 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Isak to Miss Start of Premier League Season for Newcastle Amid Uncertainty Over Future
Alexander Isak remains unavailable for selection for Newcastle heading into the start of the Premier League season amid ongoing uncertainty over the Sweden striker's future at the club. Isak was the subject of a bid from Liverpool during the offseason and has been training away from the Newcastle squad, having indicated he wanted to explore his options. 'Alex's situation has been unchanged for a while,' Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said Friday, a day before the team's league opener at Aston Villa, 'and that will continue to be the case.' According to The Associated Press, Howe wouldn't discuss whether he has asked Isak to play against Villa, saying those conversations needed to stay private. He did say, however, that the offseason has been challenging given the absence of the team's star striker. 'Certainly early preseason, I haven't shied away from saying that was a difficult period for the players, for us, because any change is always difficult to react to,' Howe said. 'You can see that this summer in our early preseason performances. 'But I think the players are really strong mentally, they are a really tight group, they have really come together in the latter stages of preseason.' Howe said his players know the situation is 'not ideal' but 'they realize, without Alex, everyone is going to have to step up and give more.' Isak, who joined Newcastle in 2022 from Real Sociedad, netted 23 goals in the Premier League last season, placing him second in the scoring chart behind Liverpool's Mohamed Salah. Newcastle is close to signing midfielder Jacob Ramsey from Villa but Howe said the player wouldn't be involved in the game on Saturday.
