UK £2 Issue 228, Year 5 October 27, 2019 EU €2.50 www.thearabweekly.com Putin’s drive Combating at Russia-Africa plastic waste summit in MENA

Page 13 Page 20 Iran sidelined Iraqi, Lebanese street protests as Russia, continue to defy sectarian order Turkey strengthen ► Recent street protests have shown that Iran’s hold on power in both countries is more vulnerable than it seems as established systems are challenged from across all segments of society. hold on Syria Mamoon Alabbasi for accountable governance, eco- no longer accept Iran as its ruler, the ny trumps the impulse for national nomic relief and an end to corrup- international community needs to unity among the Lebanese and Iraqi Thomas Seibert tion stand at odds with identity- take note,” wrote Hanin Ghaddar in peoples,” Hussein Ibish wrote for London based sectarian solidarity,” Bassel Foreign Policy. Bloomberg.com. Istanbul F. Salloukh wrote in the Washing- “The recent protests show that rotesters in Iraq and Leba- ton Post. “The people are rebelling Iran’s power is more fragile than Mamoon Alabbasi is Deputy s Russia and Turkey ce- non calling for the resigna- against the socio-economic violence the world perceives. And Managing Editor and mented their roles as tion of their governments and personal indignation produced more importantly, they Online Editor of leading foreign players in P defied sectarian establish- by the sectarian order. They are should remind that Shi- The Arab Weekly. A the Syrian conflict, Iran ments in both countries and vowed searching for a better future beyond ism does not belong to watched from the sidelines, even to continue demonstrations until sectarian identities and solidarities.” Iran and that maybe it P2-3,6-7,18 though Tehran, Moscow and An- their demands are met. Observers linked many of the is time to start work- kara are partners in the so-called Iran-backed militia leaders in both woes in Iraq and Lebanon to the ing directly with Astana process. countries opposed government res- pro-Iran sectarian order in both Shia communities.” “The Iranians continue to be in ignations as a response to the pro- countries. An end to that sec- a very delicate position,” Alex Va- tests calling for an end to corruption “They (Iraqi and Lebanese pro- tarian order, however, tanka, an Iran expert at the Middle and better living conditions. testers) are confronting many of is not foreseeable, some East Institute in Washington, said by Instead, Tehran-backed figures the same political problems and observers noted. telephone. backed reform proposals announced are making essentially the same de- “As long as Iran domi- While its pro-Assad stance over- by Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul- mand. They want the downfall of nates Lebanon and Iraq, laps with Russia’s position, Iran has Mahdi and Lebanese Prime Minister their countries’ existing self-serving its proxies will vigorously been competing with Moscow for Saad Hariri, which were rejected elites and big changes to the sectar- — and if need be, vio- influence in the Syrian state appara- as not enough by demonstrators in ian constitutional systems that ena- lently — defend sectarian tus as well as for economic resourc- Iraq and Lebanon. bled them,” wrote Anchal Vohra in identity politics, ensuring es and contracts. Although in Lebanon protesters Foreign Policy. that communal disharmo- Tehran’s long-term political goals were from across sectarian lines, in Analysts pointed at Iran as being a are also different from Moscow’s. Iraq, the demonstrators were mainly key driver of sectarianism. Unswayed. An Iraqi “Russia sees a secular Syria that is from Shia-majority areas. They do, “From Iraq to Lebanon, it has be- woman demonstrates somewhat decentralised and not however, share a common objective. come clear that Iranian power can with a child in Baghdad, necessarily territorially intact while “In both Iraq and Lebanon’s un- no longer be tolerated. And when October 26. (AFP) Iran sees something closer to the folding protests, people’s demands the country’s own support base can Lebanese model,” Michel Duclos, a former French ambassador to Syria, wrote in an analysis for the Atlantic Council earlier this year. Relations between Iran and Tur- El Jadida show key in Syria are even more compli- cated because Turkey has supported rebel groups fighting Assad. celebrates Morocco’s “The Iranians would rather have the Russians sit at a table with [Turkish President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan than the Americans,” Va- majestic tradition tanka said. The agreement reached between Russia and Turkey to deploy forces in north-eastern Syria was met with of horsemanship approval in Tehran. Under the deal, Syrian and Rus- Saad Guerraoui is threatened by much cheaper sian forces will move into north- machine-made ones. eastern Syria to remove Kurdish “I urge El Jadida horse show offi- People’s Protection Units fighters, El Jadida cials to oblige participating sorbas seen as terrorists by Turkey, from to buy our handmade products the border with Turkey. he 12th International Horse to help us survive and make the Iranian President Hassan Rohani Show in El Jadida ended event a true traditional venue,” was not invited to the talks between with a spectacular 2-hour said Mohammed Mounir, who said Russian President Vladimir Putin T Tbourida that included he learnt the art of making saddles and Erdogan, meaning that “the sorbas representing all regions of when he was an 8-year-old in Fez. Islamic Republic was the odd man Morocco before an overcrowded He added more than half of the out,” commentator Bobby Ghosh grandstand. participating sorbas used machine- wrote in an analysis for Bloomberg More than 230,000 visitors, in- made saddles. Opinion. cluding nearly 40,000 children, The sorba led by Moqaddem Ma- “That Putin and Erdogan didn’t attended the 6-day event that fea- her El Bachir, representing the re- require Rohani’s presence in Sochi, tured some 1,300 riders and 700 gion of Casablanca-Settat, won the or even his endorsement, says much horses from 40 countries. King Mohammed VI Grand Prix of about Iran’s reduced leverage in the “The performance of the sorba Tbourida. country where it has shed much from Guelmim-Oued Noun region “Winning this Grand Prix was not blood and spent much treasure,” was amazing. Almost all the horse an easy thing because of the tough Ghosh added. riders fired into the ground at the competition between the 12 partici- Vatanka said it was important for same time,” said spectator Mosta- pating sorbas,” Bachir said. Iran that Turkey keeps its activities pha Qandouchi. International Arab thoroughbred, in Syria to the Kurdish areas. Tbourida is an art from the depths Arab-Barb and Barb shows, as well However, Tehran must tread a of Moroccan an­cestors’ memories as show-jumping competitions of fine line when it sends warnings to and is reminis­cent of the battles the third stage of the Morocco Royal Ankara. Iran is interested in keeping they have undertaken to preserve Tour took place during the event. good relations with Turkey at a time their ideals and land against in- The theme of this year’s edition when Tehran is under political and truders, said Darem Bouchenttouf, — “The Horse in the Moroccan Eco- economic strain because of a US pol- author of “Tbourida, Khayl Wa Khi- system” — highlighted the horse’s icy of “maximum pressure” that in- yala.” adjustment to environmentally volves efforts to cripple the Iranian Tbourida performances take diverse Morocco. It also showed economy with sanctions against any place during cultural and religious the links that unite the horse with country that buys Iranian oil. moussems across Morocco. Riders, the coastal and mountainous land- “Iran does not have that many clad in traditional costumes bearing scapes, plains and arid areas. good friends on the international pearl-encrusted rifles and curved stage,” Vatanka said. Time-honoured horsemanship. A troupe charges firing their rifles daggers, adorn their horses with Saad Guerraoui is a contributor during Tabourida, a traditional horse riding show also known as ornamented saddles and harnesses. to The Arab Weekly on Maghreb Thomas Seibert is an Arab Weekly Fantasia, in the coastal town of El Jadida, Morocco. (AP) The art of making saddles by hand issues. correspondent. P4-5,17 2 October 27, 2019 Cover Story Protests rattle post-war order in Lebanon and Iraq, threaten Iran’s grip

Qassim Abdul-Zahra, Joseph mainly Shia-populated, southern down on protests that began October provinces. In Lebanon, demonstra- 1 resulted in the death of 149 civilians Krauss and Zeina Karam tions erupted in Shia communities, in less than a week, most of them shot including in southern Lebanon for the in the head or chest, along with eight first time. security forces killed. After a 3-week Baghdad Signs of a backlash against Teh- hiatus, the protests resumed October ran’s tight grip on both countries can 25, with 30 people killed, the semi- ens of thousands of people, be seen. Among protesters’ chants official Iraq High Commission for Hu- many of them young and un- in Baghdad, one said: “Iran out, out! man Rights said. employed men, thronged pub- Baghdad free, free!” In both countries, which share a his- T lic squares and blocked main The leaderless uprisings are unprec- tory of civil strife, the potential for sus- streets October 25 in the capitals of edented in uniting people against po- tained turmoil is real. Iraq and Lebanon in unprecedented, litical leaders from their own religious Protesters trying to reach the heav- spontaneous anti-government revolts communities but the revolutionary ily fortified Green Zone were met with in two countries scarred by long con- change they are calling for would dis- tear gas and live ammunition. Men in flicts. mantle power-sharing governments black plainclothes and masks stood in Demonstrators in Iraq were held that have largely contained sectarian front of Iraqi soldiers, facing off with back by police firing live ammunition animosities and force out leaders who protesters and firing tear gas. Resi- and tear gas. Officials said more than are close to Iran and its heavily armed dents said they did not know who they 40 people were killed in a fresh wave local allies. were; some speculated they were Ira- of unrest that has left at least 179 ci- Their grievances are not new. nians. vilians dead. In Lebanon, scuffles be- Three decades after the end of In the south, headquarters of Iran- tween rival political groups broke out Lebanon’s civil war and 16 years after backed militias were set on fire. at a protest camp, threatening to un- the US-led invasion of Iraq, the streets In Beirut, Hezbollah supporters dermine an otherwise united civil dis- of their capitals echo with the roar of clashed with anti-government protest- obedience campaign in its ninth day. private generators that keep the lights ers. Supporters of the powerful group The protests are directed at a post- on. Tap water is undrinkable and trash rejected the protesters equating its Leaderless movement. An Iraqi war political system and a class of goes uncollected. Widespread unem- leader with other corrupt politicians. A protester, wearing a makeshift gas elite leaders that have kept both coun- ployment forces the young to put off popular refrain in the rallies has been: mask, flashes the victory-sign during tries from relapsing into civil war but marriage and children. “All means all.” an anti-government demonstration in achieved little else. The most common Every few years there are elections Hezbollah Secretary-General Has- Baghdad, October 25. (AFP) rallying cry from the protesters in Iraq and every time, it seems, the same san Nasrallah warned in a televised and Lebanon is “Thieves! Thieves!” people win. speech that the protests, which had — a reference to officials they accuse The sectarian power-sharing ar- been largely peaceful, could lead to of stealing their money and amassing rangement that ended Lebanon’s 1975- chaos and civil war. He said they were strations were an outside “conspiracy.” an Iraqi flag with the hashtag “#We wealth for decades. 90 civil war distributed power and being hijacked by political rivals op- Iraq’s most senior Shia spiritual want a country” printed on it. Iraq and Lebanon are considered to high offices among Christians, Shias posing the group. leader, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul- be firmly in Iran’s orbit and Tehran is and Sunnis. It has mostly kept the After the violence October 25 in Iraq, appealed for protesters and security Mahdi has struggled to deal with the loth to see protracted political turbu- peace but has turned former warlords a curfew was announced in several ar- forces to avoid violence. In his Friday protests. In an address to the nation lence that threatens the status quo, into a permanent political class that eas of the south. Hundreds of people sermon, he criticised the government- October 25, he promised a government fearing it may lose influence at a time trades favours for votes. A planned tax were taken to hospitals, many suffer- appointed committee investigating reshuffle and pledged reforms. He told when it is under heavy pressure from on the WhatsApp messaging applica- ing breathing problems because of the the crackdown in previous protests, protesters they have a right to peaceful the United States. tion amid a financial crisis was the last tear gas. saying it did not achieve its goals or demonstrations and called on security The Iran-backed Hezbollah in Bei- straw. The protests have been endorsed uncover who was behind the violence. forces to protect the protesters. rut and the Popular Mobilisation In Iraq, a similar arrangement by nationalist Shia cleric Muqtada al- As in protests earlier in October, Similarly, Lebanese Prime Minister Forces in Baghdad said they want the among Shias and minority Sunnis and Sadr, who has a popular base of sup- protesters, organised through social Saad Hariri issued an emergency re- governments in both countries to stay Kurds led to the same corrupt stasis, port and holds the largest number of media, started from Tahrir Square. form package few days after the pro- in power. with parties haggling over ministries seats in parliament. He called on the The demonstrators carried Iraqi flags tests began October 17 — a document The protests so they can give jobs and aid to sup- government to resign and suspended and chanted anti-government slogans, that has been dismissed by protesters against porters while lining their own pock- his bloc’s participation in the govern- demanding jobs and better public ser- as “empty promises.” Iraq’s ets. The devastating war against the ment until it comes up with a reform vices like water and electricity. Shia-led Islamic State exacerbated decades- programme. “I want my country back, I want Iraq (The Associated Press. Karam re- govern- old economic problems in the oil-rich However, powerful Shia militias back,” said Ban Soumaydai, 50, an Ed- ported from Beirut and Krauss from ment spread country. backed by Iran have stood by the gov- ucation Ministry employee who wore Jerusalem. Associated Press writer to several, In Iraq, a ferocious crack- ernment and suggested the demon- black jeans, a white T-shirt and carried Sarah El Deeb in Beirut contributed.) Demonstrators met with lethal force as they resume protests in Iraq

Azhar Al-Rubaie hammed Faris Abbas, 25. “My friends dered a small cabinet reshuffle and demonstrations that began October and I faced multiple violations while the release of funds and economic 1, saying 157 people — 149 protesters we were chanting slogans demanding packages aimed at aiding the poor and eight members of the security Baghdad our basic rights. We are being coun- and youth. forces — had been killed. tered with tear gas, live bullets, rub- “Abdul-Mahdi’s reforms are far The report condemned “excessive raqi protesters returned to the ber batons.” from reality and they do not meet use of force” by security person- streets calling on the govern- Abbas said the aim of the renewed our demands. We want a homeland, nel but it also referenced “unknown ment to resign for failing to end demonstrations is to topple the gov- a radical change and politicians want shooters” who were neither identi- I corruption and improve living ernment because it had failed to de- chairs to rule,” said Karkoshy. “If the fied nor arrested, which drew wide conditions but the demonstrators liver on reform promises. government does not respond to our public criticism. were met with deadly force that led “The government did nothing. demands, we will stay talking to the “The government wants to hide to scores of fatalities. They are a bunch of liars and thieves. streets to put pressure on them.” and protect the killers. The report Demonstrations resumed Octo- They do not deserve the trust that we Observers said the chronic prob- did not mention who the snipers ber 25 in Baghdad and several Iraqi gave them or the positions they hold lems of the country go beyond the were and where they came from. I provinces. Protests continued the on to,” said Abbas. “I will never give 1-year rule of the prime minister. think the snipers are more power- following day despite a government- up until we get our rights. We want to “The lack of seriousness in dealing ful than the government itself,” said imposed curfew in seven southern get rid of the Islamic parties that de- with the reforms by [successive] gov- Qaradagh. provinces. stroyed our country.” ernments led the people to take the A Reuters report, citing Iraqi offi- At least 42 protesters were killed, In Basra, people on the streets were streets. Iraqis had experienced this cials, implicated Iran-backed militias most of them allegedly by security fuming. since 2003: Governments offer talk, in the sniper attacks on protesters. forces but about a dozen activists “Our demands are: Change the not action,” Iraqi political analyst In the latest protests, activists set died in a fire they started in a militia election rules, do not allow any exist- Shaho al-Qaradagh said. fire to militia headquarters and offices office in Diwaniyah, officials said. ing politician to nominate his name “The current governmental prom- of Iran-backed parties in Babil, Qadis- Activists recorded on video what in future elections and open an in- ises are just an anaesthetic to calm iyyah, Maysan, Dhi Qar and Wasit. they said was brutality by security vestigation to learning who ordered the anger of protesters. The govern- The spokesman of the Interior forces. Rights groups condemned the the killing of protesters from 2015 to ment lost the people’s trust after Ministry did not answer requests for apparent heavy-handedness of the 2019 in Basra,” said Montadher al- Abdul-Mahdi failed to achieve the re- comment. Iraqi authorities. Karkoshy, an activist in Basra. forms and promises he offered.” In Baghdad, protesters chanted an- Karkoshy said protesters were not “In addition to corruption, the gov- Azhar Al-Rubaie is a freelance ti-corruption and anti-Iran slogans. convinced by reform pledges that Ira- ernment is condemned for killing un- journalist based in Iraq. His writing Mass movement. Protesters “I am protesting for a country, for qi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi armed protesters. focuses on politics, health, society, gather for a demonstration in a homeland, for my rights and for my made on October 10, October 24 and The government released a report wars and human rights. Follow him Baghdad, October 26. (AP) free will,” said Baghdad resident Mo- October 25. The prime minister or- on the death of protesters during on Twitter: @AzherRubaie. October 27, 2019 3 Unrest in Lebanon and Iraq Protesters in Lebanon defiant despite intimidation attempts

Samar Kadi Nasrallah, who spoke shortly after scuttle the protests by insinuating his supporters clashed with protest- that they are politically motivated Beirut ers, said the protests were no longer and supported or motivated by for- spontaneous and popular but have eign powers… Always the conspiracy rotesters across Lebanon become politicised, adding that po- theory to abort any attempt to make remained defiant despite at- litical rivals who are critical of Hez- a change,” said one activist who tempts to appease them by bollah’s political line were manipu- asked to remain anonymous. P a ruling elite they accuse of lating the protests. Ahmad Bshennaty, a 19-year-old driving the country’s economy to He insinuated that the protests had university student who has been par- collapse through corruption and been exploited by international and ticipating daily in the protests, told mismanagement. regional powers against his party. Al Jazeera: “He (Nasrallah) is coming Protests that paralysed the coun- “What started as a popular expres- up with conspiracy theories just to try for more than a week continued sion of anger against corruption and get people to stop revolting but that’s despite attempts to intimidate pro- deepening economic crisis is being not going to stop us. We’re going to testers by followers of Iran-backed steered by some political groups come here every single day. All of Hezbollah who reject criticism of who are financing it and who are as them (should go) means all of them.” their leader Hassan Nasrallah. corrupt as those the protesters are Unified by socio-economic woes, Dressed in plain black T-shirts, against,” Nasrallah said unemployment, inflation, austerity supporters of Shia Hezbollah and Echoing calls made by Aoun, Nas- measures, government corruption the Amal Movement wrestled with rallah welcomed talks with repre- and disdain, the often-divided Leba- protesters in central Beirut, shout- sentatives of the movement to voice nese public has been flooding public ing: “Nasrallah is more honourable a “clear set of demands.” squares across the country in the than all of them.” The chant was in The movement has yet to present largest protests in 15 years to demand reaction to the protesters’ call for a tangible agenda to the government. the government’s resignation. the resignation of “all without ex- Instead, it has continued in a decen- Sparked by proposed new taxes, ception.” tralised fashion with protesters of all the protests that mobilised the peo- Some people threw stones and walks of life voicing their discontent ple across regions, sects and back- sticks, threatening to turn the peace- on television. grounds, have shaken the country ful protests violent. Riot police with Nasrallah, who had evaded dem- and top leaders. masks and batons were dispatched onstrators’ anger up to this point, Lebanon has $74.5 billion in pub- to defuse the situation, which ap- has not been spared. Protesters have lic debt, creating one of the world’s peared to be growing more tense. lumped him into the ruling class they highest debt-to-GDP ratios. “We will continue (the protests). accuse of leading Lebanon down a We will not allow them to break treacherous path. Samar Kadi is The Arab Weekly our dream of living united from all “As usual Nasrallah is seeking to Travel and Society section editor. regions and all sects,” shouted one protester. “This is a peaceful demonstra- tion. It is unbelievable that these thugs are attacking us and riot police alike,” a clearly shaken man said. The protesters appeared deter- mined to force a change in govern- Lebanon protests cut ment notwithstanding emergency reforms announced by Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri, calls by President Michel Aoun to negotiate across sects, regions, with the government or advice car- rying veiled threats by Hezbollah to heed the president’s invitation for social backgrounds dialogue. Analysts said distrust and lack of Simon Speakman Cordall manded the resignation of the gov- confidence with the political elite ernment, with some branding Amal are so deep that protesters won’t be leader Nabih Berri a “thief.” convinced to vacate the streets un- Tunis “Protesters in Lebanon are from less they get concrete and serious all geographical, demographic and concessions, including a govern- uch of Lebanon con- religious backgrounds,” Khatib said. ment change that would bring in in- Unshaken resolve. Police carry a demonstrator to open a blocked highway tinues to be racked by “The protests have shown that the dependent figures and technocrats. during anti-government protests in Beirut, October 26. (Reuters) protests triggered by pain caused by Lebanon’s dysfunc- M a proposed tax on the tional political system and leaders is Viewpoint WhatsApp messaging service. How- shared among all.” ever, as demonstrations left large Recent years have brought much parts of the country at a standstill, it of Lebanon’s population hardship. is becoming clear the anger directed While the unemployment rate av- at Lebanon’s political class runs far erages 6.6% across the country, for Lebanese youth are revolting deeper than outrage over one quick- those under the age of 35, a group ly withdrawn tax proposal. that features prominently in the As thousands flooded streets in protests, it reaches as high as 37%. Beirut, Tripoli, Saida, Nabatiyeh The country’s national debt against defeatism and Tyre, the economic stagnation, topped 150% of GDP, one of the failing public services and govern- highest in the world, with the Cen- ment corruption cut across all of tral Bank reserves plummeting 30% We are the generation whose rise of anti-establishment move- Lebanon’s polarised sects. in the past year. hopes were smashed by a mini-civil ments, triggered by the govern- Across Lebanon, access to ser- war in 2008 that entrenched social ment’s failure to deal with the vices relied as much on personal Nizar Hassan divisions based on sectarian affili- waste-management crisis, which In Tyre and Nabatiyeh, networks and party affiliation as it ation and alignment with regional saw the participation of significant where support for the has on location or need. The state’s powers. parts of the population. Shia-based Hezbollah and crumbling power grid lies mostly he protests in Lebanon These divisions were among Although anti-establishment Amal groups runs deep, unreconstructed. In Beirut, power are nothing short of a obstacles for a united popular front movements did not stop, the sense protesters poured into the cuts can last three hours a day. In popular uprising that against corruption, incompetence of political desperation was con- streets to demand the many of Lebanon’s outlying regions, carries political and and a top-down class warfare project stantly reinforced by the govern- resignation of the blackouts can stretch to 12 hours. social significance. On carried out by the ruling class in all ment’s failure to achieve significant of its components. policy improvements. The 2018 government, with some Underlying much of the protest- the forefront are us, ers’ anger is the state’s inability to Tyoung people who have firmly The Amal Movement-Hezbollah parliamentary election that returned branding Amal leader Nabih reform. During an international rejected the paradigm of defeatism coalition, the duopoly of representa- the same parties to power, despite Berri a “thief.” conference of donors in Paris last that characterised Lebanese tion for Lebanon’s Muslim Shia com- slight changes in representation, year, more than $11 billion in aid politics for more than a decade; one munities, created the illusion among reinforced this overwhelming sense “The gulf between the politi- and soft loans were pledged on con- that attempts to underplay people’s people from other backgrounds that of defeat. cal elite and the average citizen in dition that Lebanon reforms its gov- power and their capacity to fight there is no hope for comprehensive It was not until the eruption of Lebanon has never been larger,” ernance and confronts corruption. back and build a better future. change in the country, because one- the current uprising that our hopes said Lina Khatib, head of the Middle That reform has proven elusive. We are part of a generation whose third of the population would not as a generation were renewed. East and North Africa Programme at “The protesters have been firm in political awakening came in 2005 tag along. People from across geographic NGO Chatham House. not accepting any concessions from with the revolt that ended Syrian The movement to overthrow the and sectarian backgrounds have “The demands that protesters in the government as they no longer occupation and weakened Syria’s sectarian regime was a silver lining come together with a clear message Lebanon are making amount to ba- trust it. The government has no political influence over the country. in the bleak situation of political to the ruling class: “We want all of sic rights that would be granted to choice other than resign if it is going We are the generation that saw degradation but, while the move- you out, without exception.” citizens in any functioning state.” to respond to the protests appropri- this major popular victory hijacked ment brought the rhetoric of “peo- We will not have our future In Tripoli and Saida, traditional ately,” Khatib said. by political parties led by former ple versus the ruling class” to a more confiscated and we no longer accept Sunni strongholds of Lebanese warlords who channelled the energy mainstream stage, it was confronted defeatism as a political reality. Prime Minister Saad Hariri, thou- Simon Speakman Cordall is a to create politics that divided people by the complexity of overthrowing a sands of residents protested. In freelance writer. between two camps — the March 14 regime that is so entrenched through Nizar Hassan is a Lebanese activist Tyre and Nabatiyeh, where sup- alliance and the March 8 alliance. It its multiple sectarian poles and a with the movement Lihaqqi. port for the Shia-based Hezbollah (Full version of this article appears on was this manipulation of revolution- system of clientelism. and Amal runs deep, protesters de- www.thearabweekly.com) ary energy that dealt the first major Another aborted opportunity to (Full version of this article appears on blow to our hopes. break through came in 2015 with the www.thearabweekly.com) 4 October 27, 2019 Cover Story

Key points of Russian-Turkish deal on Russia-Turkey deal on Syria north-eastern Syria signals Agence France-Presse Moscow

ussian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish Presi- dent Recep Tayyip Er- power shift after US exit R dogan have agreed to a 10-point memorandum on Syria. Key points of agreement:

Kurdish withdrawal

Russia and Turkey agreed to ensure Kurdish forces withdraw from areas near Syria’s border with Turkey and to begin joint patrols. Turkey seized control of a “safe zone” in Syria about 120km wide and 32km deep and the agreement keeps this as the “status quo.” The deal will see Turkey pre- serve the zone between the border towns of Tal Abyad and Ras al-Ain. As of noon October 23, Russian military police and Syrian border guards were to “facilitate the re- moval” of Kurdish People’s Pro- tection Units (YPG) fighters and their weapons from within 30km of the Turkish-Syrian border. This withdrawal must be final- ised within 150 hours.

Joint patrols

Russian and Turkish patrols would then start in two zones stretching 10km to the east and west of the area captured by Tur- key’s offensive, called Operation Peace Spring. This would allow Turkey to patrol, with Russia, areas inside Syria that were not part of its of- fensive.

Strategic cities

The agreement says all YPG militia “elements and their weap- ons” will be removed from the strategic cities of Manbij and Tal Rifaat in northern Syria. “All YPG terrorists in Tal Rifaat and Manbij will be removed out- Geopolitical skills at play. Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan after a joint news side this region, together with conference in Sochi, October 22. (AP) their weaponry,” Erdogan said. Tal Rifaat is a town in Aleppo province 20km south of the fron- Thomas Seibert pert on religion and politics at the by Washington’s YPG ally, the Turk- the Sochi agreement between Rus- tier. It has changed hands sev- Department of Islamic-Theological ish leader went to Sochi seeking an sia and Turkey as a “big success.” eral times. The Syrian Democratic Studies at Austria’s Vienna Univer- expansion of that zone. However, Analysts, however, said Ankara Forces (SDF), dominated by the Istanbul sity. Putin, while accepting the dimen- did not push through all its goals. YPG, captured it from Syrian re- The Sochi accord deepened ties sions of the original Turkish in- As a result of the Sochi pact, Tur- bels in 2016, despite Turkey’s ef- he agreement, reached between Russia and NATO member cursion, made sure that Erdogan’s key will have full control over about forts to keep them back. October 22 at the Russian Turkey, a development that is caus- troops would not go further. 100km of Syrian lands along the Turkey last year threatened a resort of Sochi, strength- ing concern in the United States, After the deal was announced, border, much less than the 440km cross-border offensive to capture T ens the positions of Russia, NATO and the European Union. A the Turkish Defence Ministry said sought by Ankara. It must share Tal Rifaat but Russia made assur- Turkey and the Syrian government day after the talks, Moscow said it the United States had told Turkey control with Russia and Syria in the ances that the YPG militia was no in north-eastern Syria at a time was in contact with Ankara about the withdrawal of Kurdish militants other sectors. longer there. when withdrawing US forces were additional deliveries of Russia- was complete from the “safe zone” “The Sochi deal… puts an end to In March Turkey and Russia be- pelted with potatoes and tomatoes made S-400 missile defence sys- Ankara demands in northern Syria. Turkey’s further territorial gains in gan patrols in Tal Rifaat. by angry locals as they left the re- tems to Turkey. There was no need to initiate an- Syria,” Kerim Has, a Moscow-based Syrian forces recently took con- gion after years of controlling one- Russia and Turkey have coop- other operation outside the current expert on Russian-Turkish rela- trol of Manbij, about 30km from third of Syria’s territory. erated closely in Syria despite di- area of operation at this stage, the tions, said in a message in response the Turkish border after US troops In an effort to regain some of the verging political interests in the ministry said in a statement, effec- to questions. Cicek said Erdogan’s withdrew from their base there. initiative it lost by their decision to conflict. While Russia wants Syrian tively ending its military offensive plan for the resettlement of up to 3 The SDF, aided by US forces, pull back, US officials said they were President Bashar Assad to remain that began October 9. million in northern Syria was very took control of the city in 2016, sending additional troops to secure in power and extend his rule over The Kurdish-led Syrian Democrat- unlikely to become reality. ousting the Islamic State. Turkey oil fields in eastern Syria. Reports the whole of Syria, Turkey has been ic Forces accused Turkey of a large Ankara also accepted a new role was enraged, fearing a powerful said the plan for the reinforcements supporting rebel groups fighting offensive targeting three villages for the Assad government in north- Kurdish presence on its southern involved the deployment of up to the regime and is refusing to deal in north-eastern Syria despite the ern Syria and could be pushed by border. 30 battle tanks. with Assad. truce. Russia to establish direct contact The dramatic collapse of the The Sochi agreement endorsed with Damascus, something Erdog- Refugees US role after US President Donald the return of Assad’s forces to the an, an outspoken critic of the Syrian Trump ordered his troops out of The agreement border alongside Russian troops, president, had been trying to avoid. The memorandum says Rus- Syria robbed the Syrian-Kurdish mi- strengthens the positions replacing the Americans who had “With the Sochi deal, [the] Krem- sia and Turkey will initiate joint litia People’s Protection Units (YPG) of Russia, Turkey and the patrolled the region for years with lin received more effective tools to efforts to “facilitate the return of of a partner and forced them to pull Syrian government in their former Kurdish allies. Russian push Ankara to start an open and di- refugees in a safe and voluntary back from the Turkish border, end- north-eastern Syria at a military police took up positions in rect dialogue with Damascus,” Has manner.” There are 3.6 million ing Kurdish self-rule in the area. time when withdrawing the border region a day after Erdog- wrote. Syrian refugees in Turkey. Following the Sochi deal, which US forces were pelted an’s visit to Sochi. Moscow said 300 “If the Number One enemy of the stopped a 2-week-old Turkish mili- with potatoes and military police had arrived by Octo- Syrian authorities, Erdogan’s Tur- Peace talks tary intervention, the rebel strong- tomatoes by angry locals. ber 25 to patrol the border. key, officially readmits Assad’s rule hold of Idlib is the only region in The Damascus government is in current conditions, that would The agreement says the coun- Syria where significant fighting Russian President Vladimir Putin to build 15 posts along the Syrian be a huge gain for Russia’s settle- tries back the process of peace continues. A total of 150 repre- and Turkish President Recep Tayy- border with Turkey, the Russian ment policy in Syria,” Has added. talks begun by Turkey, Russia and sentatives of the government, the ip Erdogan worked six hours to Defence Ministry said. Russian and As a consequence, the Sochi Iran to find a “lasting political so- opposition and civil society in Syria hammer out an agreement that was Turkish forces are to jointly patrol a agreement could hasten the with- lution” to the conflict. are to start talks about a post-war hailed as a triumph by both sides. 10km strip in the “safe zone.” drawal of Turkish forces from Syria, The peace process is named af- political order in UN-sponsored ne- Erdogan called it “historic.” Trump lifted sanctions against Has said. “For Moscow, in the light ter the Kazakh capital of Astana gotiations October 30 in Geneva. Fresh from an agreement with Ankara that had been introduced of [the] US troop withdrawal, Tur- where discussions have taken “We are entering a new phase but the United States that allowed to protest the incursion and said a key clearly shows up as the only place since 2017, although the we have to wait and see if this could Turkish troops to occupy a stretch small number of US troops would ‘uninvited guest’ in Syria, which city has since been renamed Nur- be the end of the war,” said Huseyin of Syrian territory 100km long and remain in eastern Syria with a task seems more unacceptable with Sultan. Cicek, a political scientist and ex- 30km deep previously controlled of “protecting” oil fields. He hailed every passing day.” October 27, 2019 5 Russian-Turkish Deal Sochi deal keeps US troops, Kurds out of oil-rich area

Sami Moubayed Collectively the fields contain ap- proximately 2.5 billion barrels of oil, whose revenue can bankroll what Beirut remains of the Russian war effort in Syria, repay Iranian debt and help fter announcing the with- with reconstruction. drawal of 1,000 troops They would ultimately help re- from north-eastern Syria in duce Syrian dependence on the A mid-October, US President Iranians, something Putin has been Donald Trump tweeted: “We’ve se- trying to do since his forces rumbled cured the oil.” into the country four years ago. Analysts have been trying to un- Oil aside, the Sochi agreement derstand that confusing statement, seems to accommodate the inter- which implied that the US president ests of Putin’s two allies, Erdogan was planning to keep troops around and Syrian President Bashar Assad. the oilfields. Others saw it as a mere The Turkish president finally got assertion that US troops had helped what he wanted, a safe zone along liberate the Syrian oilfields from the the border area, liberated from any Filling the vacuum. Russian military police members stand outside an armoured vehicle along a road Islamic State (ISIS). Kurdish military presence, where near the north-eastern Syrian town of Amuda in Hasakah province, October 24. (AFP) Two days later, Russian President he could relocate millions of Syrian Vladimir Putin and Turkish Presi- refugees who have been living in dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan met at Turkey since 2011. the hands of the Syrian and Russian Adana Agreement between Damas- gave the Turks the right to go after the Black Sea resort of Sochi, show- For months, he has been begging armies. cus and Ankara, signed in 1998 but Kurdish separatists up to a distance ing that they had a completely dif- the Americans for a zone that was So would the major cities of Man- suspended in 2011. of 5km, a zone that has been ex- ferent agenda for north-eastern 460km in width and 32km in depth. bij, Hasakah, Qamishli and Raqqa, This was the brainchild of Putin, panded to 32km. It also called for Syria — one that kept both the Amer- Last August, however, Trump made the former “capital” of ISIS, which who made the suggestion last Feb- joint security committees with the icans and the Kurdish fighters out of it clear to Erdogan that the United the Kurdish fighters liberated last ruary. Erdogan hesitated to com- Syrians, which Putin is trying to ar- the entire area. States would only tolerate a zone year only to surrender it to Damas- mit, however, waiting to see what range. After a 6-hour meeting, Putin that was 80km wide and 14-15km cus in October. Erdogan did not the Americans had to offer. In his His forces will aid the Syrians in and Erdogan agreed to redeploy the deep, with no mandate to go after seem to mind a Syrian government government’s letter to the United patrolling the borders and protect Syrian and Russian armies through- the Kurdish fighters or dismantle comeback as long as the Kurdish Nations explaining his military op- the Turks from Kurdish attacks. He out all territory that had been con- their positions along the border. Er- fighters were driven out of the area, eration in Syria, Erdogan referred to has negotiated a complete disman- trolled by the US-backed People’s dogan turned to Putin and Iranian saying: “It’s their (Syria’s) land.” the Adana Agreement, saying it enti- tling of the SDF and YPG, whose Protection Units (YPG), which leads President Hassan Rohani at a meet- “Putin’s offer to use his diplomatic tled the Turkish Army to hunt down forces will be incorporated into the the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). ing September 16, seeing if they skills to defuse escalating tensions Kurdish militants in Syria. Syrian armed forces after surrender- Under Russian auspices, the Syr- would present him with a better of- in the Middle East could not come at An amended Adana Agreement ing their US-supplied arms to the ian government and the YPG had fer, which they did. a better time — particularly because states that the Russian Army would Russians. already agreed to that, in writing. What Erdogan got at Sochi was a the American foreign policy process deploy side-by-side with the Syr- Former US Envoy Brett McGurk The surrendered territory would Russia-backed safe zone 32km deep, is in shambles,” Oklahoma Univer- ian military across the border area, summed up the new reality say- include al-Omar oilfield near Deir which is exactly what he had asked sity Professor Joshua Landis said. serving as a double buffer for Erdog- ing: “Putin and Erdogan want us ez-Zor, with a production capac- for and larger than what the Ameri- “President Trump’s latest politi- an against Kurdish infiltration. out. That’s been their plan for some ity of 100,000 barrels per day, and cans were offering. It would encom- cal initiatives in Syria have only in- That’s the exact offer Putin made time. What they agreed to (at Sochi) the Rmeilan oilfield, south-west of pass the border towns of Tal Abyad creased insecurity and heightened to the Israelis in 2018 when they makes it very difficult to realistically Malkieh, where the Syrian Army is and Ras al-Ayn, which have been on the likelihood of war in the region. complained that return of govern- maintain a US presence, let alone heading to before the end of Octo- Erdogan’s target list since last De- Long-term stability can only be re- ment forces to southern Syria im- one that might meaningfully im- ber. cember, across an area of 150km. stored to Syria if the Syrian govern- plied a return of Hezbollah as well. pact the situation on the ground in Putin insists on recapturing the In addition to Ras al-Ayn, Erdogan ment restores its sovereignty of Syr- To soothe their fears, he deployed Syria.” oil fields, a much-needed asset for had demanded control of Kobane ian land.” Russian military police on the Syri- the cash-strapped Syrian economy, and Tell Rifaat but was forced to The final communique at Sochi an-Israeli border, facing the UN In- Sami Moubayed is a Syrian which has been relying on Iranian back out on both. The Sochi agree- said Russia will continue to “fa- terim Forces in Lebanon. historian and author of “Under the assistance for nearly nine years. ment states the cities will remain in cilitate” the implementation of the The original Adana Agreement Black Flag” (IB Tauris, 2015).

Viewpoint Syria’s civil war proves a transformative experience for Turkey

yria’s civil war has proven an unresolved civil conflict in Syria Omer Ozkizilcik, who works in the north-eastern Syria, Turkey and Rus- a transformative experi- was fear that Assad remaining in security department at the Turkish sia will focus on Idlib and try to find ence for Turkey. The place meant more violence and in- Foundation for Political, Economic a solution to the region,” Ozkizilcik James Snell violence of the fighting stability, more refugees and a more and Social Research, said: “The said. “It might be possible to see an pushed millions into radical and brutalised southern Russian side was very interested operation by the SNA against Hayat neighbouring countries, neighbour. in getting a deal which foresees a Tahrir al-Sham or other smaller radi- Sof which Turkey was one, but Erdogan helped the regime’s rapprochement between Turkey cal groups such as al-Qaeda affiliate Turkey felt extra pressure and enemies in the Syrian National Army and the Assad regime but this Hurras al-Din, especially after the opportunity as a gateway to (SNA) — a Turkish-organised union wasn’t achieved, seemingly. Turkey unification of all armed Syrian op- Europe. of rebel and Islamist forces — and maintains its position as the sole position groups on October 4.” Other groups contended with maintained long after others had guarantor of the Syrian opposition, Any accommodation faces the Islamic State but Turkey saw its stopped that Assad had to go. When trying to enforce a political transi- extreme hostility from SNA fight- enemy of decades, the Kurdistan a Russian and regime offensive tion process. Ankara is arguing that ers who provide the numbers in Workers’ Party (PKK), in the Kurdish seemed likely in Idlib province only after a political transition and Turkey’s offensive against the YPG. People’s Protection Units (YPG). It earlier this year, Erdogan wrote in free and fair elections, Turkey will Many are rebels of long standing and saw the YPG favoured by the global the New York Times of the extreme restart direct, official contact with a are unlikely to brook any deal with coalition and finally abandoned by suffering Assad’s viciousness could new government of Syria respecting Assad. This is if Assad’s forces and the Americans, affording Turkey inflict. the will of the Syrians. allies don’t begin to fight them first. space to dislodge its long-term Erdogan cares now, as he has al- “However, we have to underline “Assad’s forces with Russian air enemy almost a decade into the ways cared, more about rooting out that Turkey knows that the entire and artillery support are highly like- fighting. the PKK than Syria. If defeating the world has betrayed the Syrians in ly to start targeting Turkey’s rogue Many maintained, when the PKK in Syria means strengthening their efforts to get rid of the Assad groupings of Sunni jihadists under regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad, for Erdogan that is accept- regime and realpolitik suggests an SNA command and control struc- Assad began meeting protests with able. that Turkey doesn’t work anymore ture,” said Michael Pregent, a senior deadly force, that Assad had to go When Erdogan began Turkey’s on toppling Assad militarily but to fellow at the Hudson Institute. but that posture was held for years. offensive in Afrin, the YPG heavily ensure a political transition as much Any confrontation risks the break- Turkey hosted opposition figures implied it would ally with, and thus as Turkey can do. Ankara is aware down of Turkey’s coalition. and put its weight behind the Syrian strengthen, the Assad regime in that the moment it does start official “Turkey will not come to the de- National Coalition, an interim gov- its own defence. Knowing this was contact, the political transition pro- fence of these groups as they engage ernment that briefly occupied Syria’s once again likely, Turkey’s incur- cess and the constitutional commit- all players on the battlefield and are Erdogan cares now, as seat at the Arab League. sion into Kurdish-held territory in tee [Syria’s interim government] will targeted by Assad, Iran and Rus- he has always cared, Long after many other countries north-eastern Syria strengthened become meaningless.” sia. Neither Russia nor Turkey have quietly dropped demands that Assad the regime and involved a deal with Turkey has, for a time, success- command and control of the ground more about rooting leave office before peace in Syria Assad’s patrons, Iran and Russia. fully separated its accommodation force they are relying on. A fight is out the PKK than could take effect, Turkey contin- Erdogan is not committed to with Russia and Assad in north-east- coming,” Pregent said. Syria. If defeating the ued to call for Assad’s departure. Assad — only to the practical use of ern Syria from Turkey’s continued “Any fragile agreement between Turkish President Recep Tayyip dealing with him at the moment — protection of Idlib province. But the Ankara and Damascus is short-lived. PKK in Syria means Erdogan expressed moral outrage hence Turkey’s continuing to delay division is paper thin. All hell is about to break loose — strengthening Assad, at the prospect of Assad remaining official engagement with the Assad “The deal on north-eastern Syria regardless of Turkey’s easing its in power after the crimes his regime regime and its going over Assad’s does not include Idlib. Both issues position on Assad’s longevity.” for Erdogan that is has committed. head to deal with Russia and Iran are separated from each other but, acceptable. Central to Turkey’s concern about directly. certainly, when the dust settles in James Snell is a British journalist. 6 October 27, 2019 Opinion

Editorial Iraq, Lebanon protesters want country back treet protests continue to rock Lebanon and Iraq. In both countries, the discredited political establishment is assailed by demonstrators from all sects and regions. For most Iraqis and Lebanese, especially young people who have seen their standard Sof living deteriorate and their ambitions for a decent life blocked by lack of opportunity and rife corrup- tion, the narrative of resistance to Israel or that of combating the threat of the Islamic State are no longer sufficient. Sectarian-based benefits, whether it is social services traditionally provided by Hezbollah to the Shia community or the Muhasasa quotas used in Iraq for the allocation of jobs, are not enough anymore to pacify discontented populations, including Shia communities. The sectarian-based ruling systems could eventually prove more resilient than the dynamics of protest. Palestinian-American analyst Hussein Ibish even predicted that “the sectarian blob will eventu- ally swallow everything it encounters.” There are signs, however, the old system has run its course. People feel alienated from the systems in place and in many regards “want their countries back”. The focus by powerful militias and Shia-dom- inated systems in power in Lebanon and Iraq on the militarisation of politics and involvement in regional wars is untenable in the long run. The impatience of populations is further exacerbated by the suspicion © Yaser Ahmed for The Arab Weekly of pervasive corruption among politicians, soaring youth unemployment and shoddy public services. The cost for pro-Iran proxies of continuing to carry out Tehran’s designs is proving to be too high both in Iraqis and Lebanese are standing terms of budget resources and the ability to maintain the loyalty of potential followers at home. The Washington Institute’s Hanin Ghaddar stated: up to sectarian militia rule “For the Shia communities in Iraq and Lebanon, Tehran and its proxies have failed to translate military and political victories into a socio-economic Khairallah Khairallah vision; simply put, Iran’s resistance narrative did not put food on the table.” Will the Iranian militias have the last word in the region? Before the There is also growing realisation, especially in Iraq uprisings in Iraq and Lebanon, that answer would have been “yes.” and Lebanon, that the loyalty of Hezbollah and the Popular Mobilisation Forces militias has been primarily to their Iranian sponsors and not to their here is no hope for sole purpose of changing the green light to annex the Golan country’s populations. It is, therefore, no surprise a better future for nature of the Shia community Heights, which it has occupied Shia communities are daring to challenge their any country ruled in a country that adores the since 1967. formerly venerated leaderships. by a militia or culture of life. In Yemen, everybody Lebanon’s protests, which started October 17 in sectarian militias. Iran’s militias, led by surrendered to Iran’s will. Beirut, spread to cities such as Nabatiyeh, Bint Jbeil This applies to Hezbollah, have played a There has been no change and Tyre, where Hezbollah and the Shia Amal TLebanon, Iraq, parts of Yemen pivotal role in the war the in the long-standing battle Movement have had a strong presence, Agence France-Presse reported. and, to a large extent, Syria. Syrian people have been fronts in Yemen and there are The barrier of fear is broken and no taboos are left Sooner or later, Iraqis will subjected to since 2011, indications that this status standing. Despite attempts at intimidating demon- return to the street after the when they revolted against quo is going to last longer, strators, no leader is spared. “All of them means all of recent popular movement was a minority regime that had unless there is a significant them, Nasrallah is one of them,” protesters chanted suppressed by the Popular linked itself to Tehran. development in Hodeidah. in Beirut. Mobilisation Forces, which is What is happening in Syria It is no secret that everyone Without the support of their domestic constituen- Iran’s operational tool in Iraq. is one of the consequences is in trouble in Lebanon but cies, Iran’s proxies and Tehran itself must have There is no indication of Iranian intervention the importance of the popular realised by now that things will never be the same that the Iraqi government through sectarian militias, an Lebanese revolution lies in anymore. headed by Adel Abdul-Mahdi intervention that resulted in the fact that all Lebanese will escape accountability having Syria fall under five communities have become for crimes committed by occupying forces — Russia, aware of the reality of rejecting Tunisia’s new sectarian militias during Turkey, Iran, Israel and even Hezbollah’s domination of the the protests in which the United States, despite US government and parliament. president takes dozens of people were President Donald Trump’s talk This dominance is exercised killed. The repression of the of a military pullout from Syria. through a Christian cover. oath of office movement is reminiscent Iranian militias in Syria Hezbollah would never have of the suppression of the have thrived on the Islamic acquired this cover were ais Saied was sworn in as Tunisia’s Green Revolution in 2009 in State (ISIS) presence in it not for the presence in new president on October 23. Iran, within the context of the region. They and ISIS the government of people Saied, who is Tunisia’s seventh shameful US complicity under are two sides of the same such as Gebran Bassil, an president since independence and the Barack Obama. coin. The existence of these ambitious politician willing country’s second democratically In Lebanon, Hezbollah militias is justification for an to please Hezbollah by going elected leader by universal suffrage Secretary-General Hassan organisation such as ISIS to to Damascus to discuss the Ksince the 2011 uprising, comes to office with a clear popular mandate, having been elected with Nasrallah, who heads a pro- exercise its brutality on the question of Syrian refugees more than 72% of the vote. Iranian militia, defined the one hand and for the Syrian in Lebanon, knowing that the The new leader embodies the yearning of the red lines that the popular regime and those behind it to Syrian regime does not want population for a break with the lacklustre uprising cannot cross. One of claim they are waging war on them to return. performance of its political elite during the past the red lines is the departure terrorism on the other. The regime does not want eight years. of Lebanese President Michel In Yemen, there is no hope them because most of them Most of the economic reform responsibilities Aoun, who was Hezbollah’s of a political breakthrough as are Sunnis from areas around will fall on the shoulders of the next head of the candidate for the position of long as the Houthis control Damascus and near the border yet-to-be-formed government but Saied’s president. Sana’a and its surrounding with Lebanon and Iran has popular mandate should allow him to influence Hezbollah will not let go of areas and the strategic port plans for those areas. change in the small North African nation beyond the current cabinet, in which of Hodeidah. The Houthis, Iraq stands to play a key the limits of his constitutionally ordained another sectarian militia role in shaping the future prerogatives. it has three ministers. The Considering his belief that Tunisia’s problems party simply could not care affiliated with Iran, want of the region. Since the are essentially socio-economic, he is likely to less about sanctions that its only to cut off part of Yemeni political upheaval of 2003, look for ways to improve the economic situation. presence in the government territory and turn it into an it has become clear that The rate of joblessness — up to 30% among may incur for Lebanon. It Iranian base. Iraq’s Shia Arabs are not university graduates — and GDP growth — does not want to accept that We are living in the era of willing to bow to the Iranian slightly more than 1% this year — cannot guaran- the greatest, and perhaps Iranian militias. They are occupation, regardless of the tee the economic recovery the country needs to only, favour it can do for advancing everywhere and volatile US policy there and meet the demands of its youthful population. Lebanon, the Lebanese and nobody is stopping them, of the changing moods of US Tunisia’s ability to mobilise foreign loans and the Shia community, is to except perhaps the Iraqi and President Donald Trump. to pursue big-spending policies is stretched to find a way to turn itself into Lebanese people. Are the Will the Iranian militias have the limit. The country needs to return to work. a Lebanese party like all militias unstoppable? the last word in the region? Saied’s grace period will allow him to impulse the new self-reliant mood driving many of his other parties and stop being In Syria, everybody Before the uprisings in Iraq and countrymen. The tasks ahead might be daunting an armed sectarian militia surrendered to the militias. Lebanon, that answer would but signs of a new volunteering spirit in local that is nothing more than The Russians and Turks have have been “yes.” communities offer reason for hope. a brigade of Iran’s Islamic taken what they wanted and Fortunately, however, there Furthermore, the new Tunisian head of state Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran controls certain areas exist in both countries people has, within his prerogatives, the responsibility Is Hezbollah capable of and is spreading to others, who resist Iranian hegemony of bolstering ties with the country’s friends and being Lebanese? The answer including the vicinity of and it is reassuring to see partners in the region and the world. Interna- is that this is impossible Aleppo. Israel is satisfied among them the Shias of Iraq tional support will be crucial for Tunisia’s considering Iran’s investment with what is happening in and the Shias of Lebanon. economic recovery, its fight against terrorism in the party, an investment Syria after obtaining Russian and ultimately the success of its democratic linked to the continued flow guarantees for its safety Khairallah Khairallah is a experience. of Iranian money for the and receiving the American Lebanese writer. October 27, 2019 7 Opinion

In Syria, history is repeating itself Published by Al Arab Rashmee Roshan Lall Publishing House

What will be deemed normal in the Turkish-annexed part of Syria Publisher is likely to be just as arbitrary as in Russified Crimea. and Group Executive Editor Haitham El-Zobaidi, PhD n Syria, other people’s his- tory from lands near and far Editor-in-Chief is repeating itself — not as Oussama Romdhani farce but as a parody. Devel- opments in Syria in 2019 are an ironic imitation of Iraq in Managing Editor I2003 and Ukraine in 2014. Iman Zayat Consider US President Donald Trump’s comments that a small Deputy Managing Editor number of US troops would re- and Online Editor main in Syria to secure “the Oil.” Mamoon Alabbasi The 1,000-person US contingent in north-eastern Syria had been suddenly pulled back by Trump, Senior Editor effectively green-lighting the October 9 Turkish invasion of John Hendel Kurdish-controlled territory. Trump, who had paid no heed Chief Copy Editor to the threatened massacre of the Kurdish fighters, was brazen Richard Pretorius enough to nominate Syrian oil Copy Editors as worthy of the United States’ tender care. Stephen Quillen Accordingly, US Defence Secre- Kyle Arensdorf tary Mark Esper assured that US troops would be stationed around unspecified oil areas in Syria “to Gulf Section Editor deny access, specifically revenue Mohammed Alkhereiji to [the Islamic State] ISIS and any other groups that may want to Society and Travel Sections Editor seek that revenue to enable their On the verge of disaster. Civilians ride in the back of a truck as they flee villages that were taken over by own malign activities.” Turkey-backed fighters in the countryside of Tal Abyad, October 24. (AFP) Samar Kadi Then the US president sug- gested “some of our big oil Senior Correspondents companies” could move in “and of Syrian territory. It is reminis- in violation of international law.” deemed normal in the Turkish- Lamine Ghanmi (Tunis) do it properly,” by which he prob- cent of Russia’s seizure of the She wants NATO defence minis- annexed part of Syria is likely to ably meant extracting the black Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea ters to consider a controversial be just as arbitrary as in Russi- Thomas Seibert (Istanbul) gold and selling it for a handsome in 2014 but with one crucial differ- proposal to deploy international fied Crimea. Regular Columnists profit. ence. When Russia intervened troops to establish a security zone However, for all the echoes Minus the audacious public militarily in Crimea, it provoked in north-eastern Syria but the of the past, events in Syria are Rashmee Roshan Lall acknowledgement that Middle international outrage. Crippling chances of any of this coming to playing out in a very different Claude Salhani Eastern oil matters more to US sanctions were imposed by the pass are slim. context to what went before. Yavuz Baydar politicians than human lives, it United States and the European Under terms of the deal nego- Putin’s Russia, swaggering and might have been Iraq 2003 all over Union and Russia’s relations with tiated in Sochi on October 22 by newly enshrined as the main again. the West were ruptured. Not so Turkish President Recep Tayyip non-regional powerbroker, Correspondents When US forces rolled into with Turkey. Erdogan and Russian President continues in its usual way — Nazli Tarzi (London) central Baghdad in April 2003, All signs suggest Ankara may Vladimir Putin, Turkey has de unashamedly transactional with they quickly took charge of Iraq’s just get away with it. On October facto control of the area it has short-term friends who serve Saad Guerraoui (Casablanca) massive Oil Ministry. Unlike other 23, Trump lifted sanctions against taken in Syria. its long-term interests. Now it is Dunia El-Zobaidi (London) public buildings, including the Turkey, commending its promise The focus of the 6-hour also served by Trump’s America, National Museum, that were left of a “permanent ceasefire” in Erdogan-Putin talks, the Krem- a risible figure on the world Roua Khlifi (Tunis) unguarded and ransacked, the Oil north-eastern Syria. lin said, was about “normalising stage, compared to the once so- Ministry was guarded by approxi- Meanwhile, the Europeans have the situation” in north-eastern ber, if heavy-handed protector Chief Designer mately 50 tanks and strategically been crying foul but not with one Syria. It’s something Putin of the international order. Marwen el-Hmedi positioned sharpshooters. It was voice and not as furiously as over strived mightily to do in Crimea clearly meant to secure the oil. Russia’s Crimean adventure. through a combination of Rashmee Roshan Lall is a Designers The only difference is that US German Defence Minister An- megaprojects and maximum columnist for The Arab Weekly. President George W. Bush wasn’t negret Kramp-Karrenbauer called pressure on the Crimean Tatars, Her blog can be found at www. Ibrahim Ben Bechir indiscreet enough to say as much. out Turkey — “our NATO partner” a Turkic Muslim community, rashmee.com and she is on Hanen Jebali Then there is Turkey’s invasion — for having “annexed territory among others. What will be Twitter: @rashmeerl.

Contact editor at: Al-Sadr is part of the reason [email protected] Iraq protests persist

Tallha Abdulrazaq Al Arab Publishing House Al-Sadr even lacks parliamentary legitimacy in that only a paltry 44.5% turnout at the Quadrant Building 177-179 Hammersmith Road last election gave him his seats and they were not even close to forming a majority. London W6 8BS

ver one to sense an and the tyranny of the state, one over Iraq’s sovereign affairs is No Sadrist has been able to opportunity for is left wondering — where is al- a worthy goal that Iraqis have explain how such an appear- religious and Sadr in all this? fought long and hard for and ance demonstrates al-Sadr’s Tel: (+44) 20 7602 3999 political opportun- Can al-Sadr be seen, like Hus- have recently lost more than 150 Iraqi “nationalist” credentials. Fax: (+44) 20 7602 8778 ism, radical Shia sein whom he claims descent souls to. Al-Sadr is not an anti-es- cleric Muqtada from, on the front lines leading Their death should not be tablishment figure or even a Eal-Sadr has formally thrown his the charge against the corrupt in vain and neither should the political maverick, as he likes weight behind the largely Shia Iraqi regime? Has he used his damaged lives of thousands of to portray. Al-Sadr is part of the US Publisher: Arab protesters who have considerable political influence Iraqis who were left maimed establishment and he is symp- rocked Iraq’s streets since the and armed militia groups to and wounded by Iran-backed tomatic of the defunct political The Arab Weekly USA LLC. beginning of October. secure the release of political Shia jihadist snipers simply process that has been domi- [email protected] prisoners and those who have because they were calling for Parroting Grand Ayatollah nating Iraqi politics since the [email protected] Ali Sistani’s rejection of the been arrested and tortured on change. illegal US-led invasion of 2003. government crackdown, al-Sadr sectarian grounds? To have someone like al-Sadr He even lacks parliamentary Tel: 248-679-6624 expressed dismay at the use Has al-Sadr, in all his divinely call on Iraqis to spill their blood legitimacy in that only a paltry of violence by security forces ordained wisdom, sought to at- on the altar of his self-aggran- 44.5% turnout at the last elec- and called on demonstrators to tempt to topple the government disement and to improve his tion gave him his seats and they take to the streets during the he claims needs to be over- political position is both sicken- were not even close to forming Arbaeen Shia remembrance of hauled by simply withdrawing ing and galling. a majority. the death of the grandson of the his parliamentary bloc, which Demonstrators have consist- Far from being a man of the Prophet Mohammad, Hussein controls the greatest number of ently called for an end to Iran’s people, al-Sadr is a man of Subscription & Advertising: bin Ali. seats? interference in Iraq and, while the Iran-sponsored establish- [email protected] As Hussein was seen as a po- The answer to all of this is a al-Sadr is claiming he supports ment and will do anything to Tel : (+44) 020 3667 7249 litical maverick and revolution- resounding “no.” Despite his their legitimate concerns, it was maintain the status quo while ary in his own right, al-Sadr has rhetoric and religious pontifi- only in September that he was improving his own position called on the Shia faithful to fol- cation, populist discourse and photographed in Tehran paying within it, the blood of innocent Mohamed Al Mufti low in his example and sacrifice pantomime politics, al-Sadr is homage to Iranian Supreme Iraqis being slaughtered by his Marketing & Advertising Leader Ayatollah Ali Khame- themselves for the greater good. part and parcel of the political masters’ proxies be damned. Manager While that is all well and good process he is asking Iraqis to nei, who was joined by Islamic and even encouraging to hear risk their lives against. Revolutionary Guard Corps Tallha Abdulrazaq is a re- Direct: (+44) 20 8742 9262 from clerics that Iraqis have the It is not as though the cause is commander Qassem Soleimani searcher at the University of www.alarab.co.uk right to take to the streets to not worth fighting for. Freedom during the Ashura commemora- Exeter’s Strategy and Security combat corruption, nepotism from the yoke of Iranian control tion. Institute in England. 8 October 27, 2019 News & Analysis Tunisia

Tunisian President Kais Saied takes oath of office, tries to be reassuring

Lamine Ghanmi rights expanded and strengthened, especially their social and economic rights,” Saied said shortly after he Tunis took the oath of office. “The dignity of a nation stems from the respect of unisian President Kais the dignity of its men and women.” Saied delivered a message Turning to reassure Tunisia’s in- of hope and resolve after ternational partners, Saied stated T being sworn in as the coun- that “the continuity of Tunisia as a try’s second democratically elected state is safeguarded through its per- leader by universal suffrage. manent institutions, not through Saied, a 61-year-old retired law changing individuals.” professor, said he would be a unify- “The Tunisian state is commit- ing force after a contentious elec- ted to respecting all its accords and tion that resulted in a fractured protocols but what we seek beyond parliament. He sought to assure these accords and deals written in Tunisia’s international partners the books is the understanding and he would preserve “the continuity cooperation between all nations of the Tunisian state” and remain and peoples to serve the interests of New phase. Tunisian President Kais Saied takes the oath of office at the Assembly of People’s committed to its international ac- all of humanity,” he added. Representatives in Tunis, October 23. (Reuters) cords and partnerships. Saied said Tunisia’s diplomatic Saied’s rapid rise from an inde- priority would be the Maghreb, pendent candidate with no govern- which he referred to as Tunisia’s nisia’s first freely elected president, head of government, analysts said a 9-year-old political crisis was ment experience to winning the “vital space.” This would be fol- Beji Caid Essebsi, who died in office Saied is likely to play a significant wearing thin. highest percentage of votes of any lowed by Africa, “the Arab broth- July 25. role on the fractured political scene. “Our people aspire for freedom. president in the country’s history ers,” Tunisia’s” friends” in the Eu- However, it was his — and Ka- Tunisia’s Islamist Ennahda Move- They also aspire for justice. Injus- was bolstered by an unconventional ropean Union and “all other nations roui’s — win in the first round of ment won 52 seats in the 217-mem- tice in all aspects of life has been go- network of support that included and peoples that share the same in- the vote that shocked the country’s ber parliament in parliamentary ing on for [a] long time and it is time Islamists, leftists and young Tuni- terests and hopes.” political class. More traditional can- elections but struggled to form now to meet the expectations of the sians. He reiterated his staunch sup- didates finished well behind Saied, a government. Only the Islamic people in jobs, liberty and dignity,” However, the incoming presi- port for the Palestinians. “Tunisia who gained popularity with an im- fundamentalist Karama coalition, he said. dent’s lack of experience and con- will remain in the line of defence age as an honest, incorruptible can- which brands itself as the “radical Saied did not say how he would servative social views raised ques- of all just causes in the world on didate committed to stamping out wing of Ennahda,” has agreed to achieve these aims but called on tions about his policy priorities and the top of which comes the issue of corruption. join a coalition. Tunisians to make financial contri- diplomatic vision. our people in Palestine, which will Tunisian Prime Minister Youssef Secularist, liberal and conserva- butions to the state. Saied drew concern from rights not fall into oblivion with passing Chahed, who received 7% of the tive parties, including the Salafist “Every Tunisian wants to give activists when he expressed sup- time as some have the illusion. That vote in the first round of elections, Arrahma party, have either rejected one day from his salary each month port for the death penalty and op- cause is deeply engraved in the con- called Saied’s victory “a plebiscite taking part in Ennahda’s govern- for five years to fill the coffers of the position to some individual rights, sciousness of all Tunisians,” he said. against corruption.” ment or imposed difficult condi- state and end the need of borrowing including equality between the “All of humanity must come to- Saied addressed anti-corrup- tions on their participation, threat- money from abroad and the prob- sexes on inheritance rights. There gether to put an end to this injustice tion measures in his inauguration ening instability and the prospect of lem of the debt that comes from were questions as to whether Tu- that has lasted for more than a cen- speech October 23, saying “there a hung parliament. that,” he said. nisia’s foreign policy would shift tury. Our stand does not mean we will be no tolerance even for one Saied, however, remained opti- Saied was clear about his resolve under Saied after he said normali- are against the Jews, whom we have cent from the efforts and sweat of mistic about the challenges ahead, to combat terrorism, saying that “a sation with Israel should be consid- shielded here and we will continue the people lost to corruption.” saying that, while the “tasks are single bullet fired by one terrorist ered “high treason” and received to protect. We are against colonisa- He urged state bodies and public daunting,” “the willingness of the will be met with an unlimited tor- support from radical Islamists who tion and racism.” service agencies to stay outside of people will overcome all the diffi- rent of bullets.” demand an apology from France for Saied did not provide details the political fray. culties.” Saied’s presidency opens a new “crimes” during the colonial period. about his plan to decentralise power “Everyone is free in his views and “The president is the symbol of chapter in the history of Tunisia, However, in his inaugural ad- by forming a chain of local councils. beliefs but state bodies and state the unity of the country and the whose previous leaders have been dress, Saied said that it was out of Saied soared to victory in Tuni- utilities and other public service people, the guarantor of the con- veteran politicians, adding both the question to roll back women’s sia’s presidential runoff October 13 agencies must remain neutral and stitution. I will stay above the divi- hopes and concerns about the coun- rights and said he remained com- with about 2.8 million votes — 73% outside any political influences and sions and conflicts,” he said. try’s future. mitted to Tunisia’s foreign commit- of ballots cast — ahead of media ex- calculus,” said Saied. However, in an apparent warning ments. ecutive Nabil Karoui. His vote total While the constitution provides to political parties in parliament, Lamine Ghanmi is an Arab Weekly “Women badly need to see their was about 1 million more than Tu- more executive authority to the Saied said Tunisians’ patience with correspondent in Tunis. Viewpoint Saied advocates free speech but his supporters don’t get the message

tial runoff, disrespects “the people’s Then a Saied supporter put out an Their bigotry and, often, machismo presidency, as he was entitled to, will.” In their view, the president even more shocking Facebook post: reveal a deep sense of intolerance but the president is not above criti- should be above reproach, at least he was ready “to bomb the offices that should be cause for concern for cism, nor are any of his supporters. Iman Zayat for the first months of his 5-year of Elhiwar Ettounsi and all similar all who believe in individual rights. Additionally, we must not think term, and they have taken drastic TV channels to protect the future of Saied himself, who once advocat- of “Tunisian people” as monolithic, measures to make that clear. his children.” While that man later ed for the death penalty and spoke sharing the same belief systems, unisia’s new president, In a Facebook post October 15, said he was not serious about the against equal rights between the political views or ambitions. One of Kais Saied, took the Naoufel Saied, brother of the new threat, the post was widely shared sexes on inheritance, has somewhat Tunisia’s greatest strengths is that it oath of office October president, wrote: “From now on, and defended by some of Saied’s softened his stance. In his swearing- contains people of all sorts of back- 23 after scoring a any fake news against Kais Saied supporters who claimed the media in ceremony, Saied said that Tunisia grounds and belief systems who decisive election win would be considered as an offence was propagating “hate speech” would not go backward on women’s come together under one flag and that shocked the against Tunisia and its people.” and attempting to “undermine the rights and said Tunisians are “free have a shared sense of belonging. Tcountry’s political establish- He did not elaborate but what he legitimacy” of the new president. in their beliefs and choices.” All we can hope for now, after ment. means by “fake news” could be Among those calling for Elhiwar Saied’s supporters do not seem another peaceful transfer of power, Since his election, Saied, a understood as news reporting that Ettounsi’s closure was Tunisian to have received the message. They is that the new president allows conservative academic who has no he and other supporters of the new Judge Hammadi Rahmani, who carry on their dangerous, confused free expression in all its forms and political experience, has attempted president do not like. wrote on Facebook that the channel campaign against all who don’t succeeds in bringing Tunisians to assure the public of his support The campaign against Saied’s crit- was guilty of “the worst of verbal share their enthusiasm for the new together as the country proceeds in for free expression. In his inaugu- ics reached its height the day of the violence” and of “promoting a cli- leader. its democratic transition. ral speech, he vowed to unite the runoff, when two female journalists mate that will lead to social tension Do Saied supporters who try to A good first sign in that direction country and restore trust between for Tunisian TV channel Elhiwar and political violence, which may silence his critics not understand came on Saied’s first day in office leaders and the people. Ettounsi, which has been critical of eventually lead to crimes.” that democracy does not mean when social media pages of the The discourse of many of Saied’s Saied, were assaulted while report- Such accusations are baseless. the public must remain quiet after presidency unblocked writers and supporters has been very different. ing on a Saied rally after exit polls Saied’s critics are not engaging in election results? That free speech — activists who had been banned. Seemingly unmoved by the incom- indicated he had won. The journal- “violence.” They are being targeted especially speech critical of elected Whether we agree with the new ing president’s advocacy for free ists and a colleague were berated by because they dare to break with the leaders — is a core democratic president or not, we hope that his expression, pro-Saied campaigners the crowd and their cameraman was predominant populist discourse. value and that those who speak out presidency meets the expectations formed an electronic army targeting prevented from recording the event. This reveals something funda- against the popular political norms of millions of Tunisians who strive journalists and thinkers who dare The violent saga did not end mentally hypocritical about a por- are part of the Tunisian public and for dignity, liberty and a society criticise the elected leader. there. Saied supporters initiated tion of the pro-Saied movement. By deserve to have their voices heard? that is free of violence, poverty and Many of these campaigners seem a social media campaign against attempting to silence critics of the Respecting the democratic pro- instability. to believe that any criticism levelled four leading media figures known president, those followers are going cess is important. This was done at Saied, who won a stunning 72.7% to be critical of the new president’s against the very “revolutionary” when Saied took the oath of office Iman Zayat is the Managing Editor of the popular vote in the presiden- views. principles they claim to represent. and assumed the powers of the of The Arab Weekly. October 27, 2019 9 News & Analysis Egypt Key naval bases near completion as Cairo eyes wider maritime influence in the region

Sabahat Khan operations against asymmetric at- tack and hostile aerial activities, employed special forces with air Dubai support and electronic warfare and conducted reconnaissance, inter- gypt is completing develop- diction, inspection and naval escort ment of new strategic naval drills. bases in Gargoub, Ras Banas Egyptian special forces demon- E and in eastern Port Said as it strated the securing and rapid de- eyes a wider maritime security role ployment of forces to an island as in the years ahead. well as the defence of coastal infra- The Gargoub Naval Base, on structure, such as ports. Egypt par- Egypt’s north-western coast, is close ticipated in Red Wave I exercises, to the border with oil-rich and politi- also in Saudi waters, in December cally unstable Libya. The Ras Banas 2018. Naval Base is on its south-eastern Riyadh, together with Cairo, is coast overlooking the Red Sea. aiming to bring neighbouring coun- Egypt’s armed forces have in- tries of the Red Sea basin into deeper creased activity in the Red Sea area cooperation for shared security and to support the Saudi-led coalition’s development purposes. intervention in Yemen since 2015 International interest in the Red and that role is unlikely to reverse, Sea has grown, with several coun- even after a potential peace deal in tries including the United States, Yemen. China, France and Japan developing The Eastern Port Said Naval Base a permanent presence. Instability in is designed to secure the Suez Canal, Yemen, Sudan and Somalia, in par- which could be threatened by the ticular, caused deep concern about low-level insurgency in the Sinai, the security of the Red Sea and stra- and to provide strategic access to tegic access to it as well as on their recently discovered gas resources in long coasts for both Cairo and Ri- the Eastern Mediterranean. yadh. Like Saudi Arabia, the Egyptian Navy has been making major acqui- A shift in strategy. Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Navy Vice-Admiral Ahmed Khaled raises The years ahead will see sitions as it expands and modernises Egypt expand naval activity the national flag as other naval officers salute aboard the sail of S42, a German-made Type-209/1400 its blue-water capabilities. submarine. (AFP) and cooperation in Since the 1960s, Egypt’s navy has interesting ways across both used largely Soviet-made equip- the Eastern Mediterranean ment but Cairo has pursued its re- man-made Type-209 diesel-electric ing, largely Soviet-era fleet comes as rael, Egypt is pitted strongly against and Red Sea theatres. cent modernisation efforts around attack submarines and concluded the country develops an enhanced Turkey and the Turkish Republic of European suppliers. a deal in April worth more than $2 naval presence and role in both the Northern Cyprus, which does not The new bases reflect a shift in In 2016, Egypt inducted two Mis- billion for six German-made MEKO Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. have widespread international rec- Egypt’s naval strategy. Cairo has tral-class amphibious assault ships A-200 frigates designed for full 4-di- Egypt has seen new risks emerge ognition but remains highly autono- been expanding naval capabilities originally built by France for Russia. mensional warfare — anti-air, anti- with Yemen’s implosion and earlier mous. and bolstering regional cooperation Capable of transporting up to 20 heli- submarine, anti-surface and biologi- with maritime piracy off the Horn of The Arab world’s most populous in maritime affairs to secure its key copters, multiple landing barges and cal and chemical warfare. Africa. Libya’s instability also brings country with a coastline of more interests to meet growing multidi- dozens of armoured vehicles includ- In 2015, Egypt received the a complex set of security challenges. than 2,000km, Egypt’s new naval mensional challenges. ing tanks, Egypt’s Mistral-class ships FREMM multipurpose frigate and Recently discovered energy re- strategy is designed to support a In September, the Egyptian Navy — named for Gamal Abdul Nasser a year earlier signed a deal for four sources in the Eastern Mediterra- growing role in regional maritime af- and its special forces were major and Anwar Sadat — are highly strate- Gowind-class corvettes, three of nean add an entirely new dimen- fairs. The years ahead will see Egypt participants in the Red Wave II ex- gic additions to its naval forces. which would be built locally by Al- sion to Egypt’s maritime interests expand naval activity and coopera- ercises organised by the Royal Saudi The Mistral ships will serve as exandria Shipyard under a technol- and naval strategy. Egypt has been tion in interesting ways across both Arabian Navy, which included na- command centres at sea for the ogy of transfer arrangement. Cairo brought into competition with Israel the Eastern Mediterranean and Red vies and special forces from Jordan, Egyptian Navy, which was recently is aiming for future naval expansion over offshore natural gas finds in the Sea theatres. Djibouti, Sudan and Yemen. divided into North and South fleets programmes to involve local pro- Eastern Mediterranean but its com- Red Wave II involved a variety of to better coordinate naval capability duction and integration of ships as petition is increasingly focused on Sabahat Khan maintains a cross- offensive and defensive drills as well development programmes. it attempts to assert itself as a true Turkey. disciplinary focus in international as live-fire training in Saudi territo- Egypt has developed an under- blue-water navy. Having deepened cooperation security, defence policy and rial waters. Participants exercised water capability around four Ger- The modernisation of Egypt’s age- with Greece, Cyprus and even Is- strategic issues. Panel looks to strengthen anti-terrorism laws, speed up trials

Hassan Abdel Zaher “The return of ISIS terrorists to Security analysts said they ex- their countries will threaten the pect those returning from Syria to security of these countries. These enter Egypt through either Libya or Cairo terrorists will launch attacks once Sudan. Egypt’s borders with those they return, form sleeper cells and countries have turned into hot- he Egyptian parliament has recruit new people within their or- spots for the smuggling of people formed a new counterter- ganisations,” parliament Speaker and weapons. rorism committee to revise Ali Abdel A’al said October 20 while national legislation and al- announcing the formation of the T The new body would be low for a more effective strategy to new counterterrorism panel. deal with terrorists. Egypt does not give an official responsible for proposing The committee, legislators said, number of Egyptians thought to amendments to laws to give would propose amendments to cur- have joined ISIS in Iraq and Syria. law-enforcement agencies rent laws to give law-enforcement Security experts, however, say more powers and speed up agencies additional powers in the hundreds of Egyptians travelled to trials of suspects. fight against terrorism and speed Syria, especially during the rule of up trials of suspects charged with the Muslim Brotherhood, which en- The new counterterrorism com- terrorist attacks. couraged young Egyptians to join mittee will try to address these “We are badly in need of a revi- the war against the regime of Syrian problems through legislation, law- sion of our legislation so it can be President Bashar Assad. makers said. It will also consider up to the challenges we are facing Hundreds of Egyptians have been measures regulating trials of terror- and expect to face in the coming reported missing in recent years ism suspects, they added. period,” said Kamal Amer, a former and their relatives accused security The panel is to make recommen- military intelligence general who is agencies of kidnapping them and dations for the religious and edu- chairman of parliament’s Defence putting them in secret jails for po- cational establishments, including and National Security Committee. Serious concerns. Egyptian parliament Speaker Ali Abdel A’al litical and security considerations. upgrading school curricula and “Massive funding is being made leads a constitutional and legislative affairs committee in Cairo, However, some of those reported removing content that might indi- (AFP) to terrorist organisations and this last March. missing turned out to have rectly contribute to the radicalisa- needs effective mechanisms to joined ISIS and other terrorist tion of Egyptians. fight it.” groups in Syria and some returned “The fight against terrorism via Egypt has seen a wave of extrem- collapsed in 2015 after the bombing curity posts in the Western Desert to Egypt and joined the ISIS affiliate security and military means is actu- ism and terrorist attacks spear- of a Russian passenger plane over and establishing a military base in Sinai. ally the final episode in a long series headed by militias affiliated to the Sinai. near the north-western coast to “There is a high probability that of measures,” said MP Youssef al- Muslim Brotherhood. A branch of The spike in terrorists’ activities respond to threats from across the those joining terrorist groups in Qaeed. “The war against terrorism the Islamic State (ISIS) is present in led Egypt to send tens of thousands border in Libya. Syria are on the way back to Egypt, also needs to have its own cultural, Sinai. of troops to Sinai and imposed an Plans for the new counterterror- especially with the noose tighten- religious and educational dimen- Terrorist attacks since 2011 have air, ground and maritime siege on ism committee came as Egypt pre- ing around them in Syria and Iraq,” sions.” claimed the lives of hundreds of po- the area, which shares borders with pares for the return of militants who said retired police General Farouk licemen and army troops and have Israel and the Gaza Strip. joined ISIS in Syria and might have Megrahi. “Hardened by years of Hassan Abdel Zaher is a affected the Egyptian economy, es- Egypt also beefed up security on escaped the prisons in Kurdish-held fighting, these people will be a real Cairo-based contributor to pecially the tourism sector, which the border with Libya, creating se- areas in north-eastern Syria. security threat.” The Arab Weekly. 10 October 27, 2019 News & Analysis Gulf

Saudi Arabia brings in new foreign STC strikes deal with Hadi minister with Western experience to end southern Yemen strife The Arab Weekly staff Yemeni government official said. The Arab Weekly staff The agreement sets out “the refor- mation of the government, with the London STC included in a number of minis- London tries, and the return of the government emen’s Southern Transitional to Aden within seven days after the audi Arabia has appointed Council struck a power-shar- agreement being signed,” the official a new foreign minister with ing deal with the internation- said. experience in Western capi- Y ally recognised government of Saudi Al Ekhbariya state television S tals in what is being viewed President Abd Rabbo Mansour Hadi to said a government of 24 ministers as a generational shift in its foreign end months-long infighting in south- would be formed, “divided equally policy. ern Yemen. between the southern and northern Saudi Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin The agreement would see the South- governorates of Yemen.” Under the Abdulaziz, once an adviser to Saudi ern Transitional Council (STC) control deal, the Yemeni prime minister would Crown Prince Mohammed bin Sal- several ministries and the government return to Aden to “reactivate state in- man bin Abdulaziz and who served return to Aden, reports in Saudi media stitutions,” it added. as Saudi ambassador to Germany stated. Al Ekhbariya said the Saudi-led mili- since February, replaces Ibrahim al- A day before the deal was agreed to, tary coalition would oversee a “joint Assaf as the country’s top diplomat. Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Af- committee” to implement the agree- Assaf, who held the ministerial fairs Adel al-Jubeir had said an agree- ment. post for less than a year and was ment was expected. In an interview Thabit al-Awlaki, a member of the moved to minister of state, played with the French newspaper Liberation, STC presidency, wrote on Twitter that an important role in steering Ri- Jubeir said it was important to end the Zoubaidi described the agreement with yadh’s policies as the region under- dispute between Hadi’s government Riyadh as “a good step and the people went major geopolitical shifts. and the STC to ensure a renewed focus of the south are the trustees of their Prince Faisal, 45, who has been New blood and fresh ideas. Saudi Foreign Minister Saudi Prince on fighting the Iran-backed Houthi re- cause.” described as a “dynamic, proactive” Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdulaziz. (Reuters) bels. Awlaki said details of the Riyadh leader with “strong ties with tradi- Security Belt Forces, dominated agreement, including “political, ad- tional allies,” will have to manage by the STC, in August took control of ministrative, security and military” many sensitive issues, including the of directors of Alsalam Aerospace Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Aden, which had served as the govern- aspects, would be officially announced kingdom’s tense relations with Iran. Industries Company. prince also served as a chief adviser ment’s base since it was ousted from later. “The newly appointed is very at the Saudi Embassy in the United Sana’a by Houthi rebels in 2014. The Saudi/UAE-led military coalition smart, very articulate and he has States and an adviser to the Saudi Clashes between separatists and entered Yemen in 2015 as Houthi rebels also been very strident in his state- Prince Faisal, 45, has royal court. government forces raised fears the closed in on Aden, prompting Hadi to ments,” James Dorsey, a Middle East been described by Among challenges Prince Faisal country could break apart but the fac- flee to Saudi Arabia. expert at the S. Rajaratnam School analysts as a “dynamic, will face in office are growing ten- tions have been taking part in indirect The conflict has since killed tens of of International Studies in Singa- proactive” leader with sions with Iran, which has been talks mediated by Saudi Arabia. thousands of people, most of them ci- pore, told Agence France-Presse. “strong ties with blamed for attacks on Saudi oil fa- “We signed the final draft of the vilians, and left millions more on the Born in Germany in 1974, Prince traditional allies.” cilities that halved the kingdom’s agreement and are waiting for the joint brink of famine in what the United Na- Faisal is a well-connected member crude output and sent world prices signature within days,” an STC official tions called the world’s worst humani- of the royal family, having served In 2003, Prince Faisal co-founded soaring. visiting Riyadh said. Hadi and STC tarian crisis. on the board of directors of the Sau- the Shamal Investment Company President Aidarus al-Zoubaidi are ex- di Arabian Military Industries Com- and served as a director until 2017 (Full version of this article appears on pected to attend a ceremony in Riyadh, (Full version of this article appears on pany and as chairman of the board when he became an adviser at the www.thearabweekly.com) expected to take place October 29, a www.thearabweekly.com) UAE opens world’s first Dubai pins hopes on sprawling Expo 2020 AI-focused university site to give tourism a well-timed boost

The Arab Weekly staff economic transformation. “The Agence France-Presse Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence is an open London invitation from Abu Dhabi to the Dubai world to unleash AI’s full poten- he United Arab Emirates tial,” he said. ith a year to go until the has established the first Rachid Guerraoui, professor at Expo 2020 trade fair, artificial intelligence uni- the School of Computer and Com- the mammoth venue in T versity, which is expected munication Sciences in Lausanne W Dubai’s desert is a tan- to revolutionise education in the and a specialist in AI, said MBZUAI’s gle of steel, concrete and dust but Middle East and North Africa. success would be tied to the quality the emirate, hit hard by a downturn, The Mohamed bin Zayed Univer- of both students and teachers. hopes the event will deliver an eco- sity of Artificial Intelligence (MB- “MBZUAI is a great initiative. It nomic shot in the arm when it opens ZUAI) is a graduate-level artificial will contribute to the development in October 2020. intelligence (AI) research institu- of AI in the MENA region if it man- Dubai, defined by its skyscrapers tion that is part of the Emirates’ ages to attract good professors, and megaprojects, may boast the strategy to boost knowledge and which is very difficult since Google, most diverse economy in the Gulf scientific thinking and develop an Apple, Amazon and Microsoft are region but its vital property, tourism AI-savvy workforce. paying AI experts huge salaries,” and trade sectors have been badly The university is named for Abu said Guerraoui. weakened. Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Mo- The UAE government this year The total value of real estate deals hamed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. adopted the National Artificial In- plunged 21.5% last year, while tourist “Launching the world’s first telligence Strategy 2031 to develop arrivals remained stagnant at around graduate-level AI university in Abu an integrated system that uses AI 16 million. This year, Dubai seems to Dhabi echoes the UAE’s pioneering in key sectors as the United Arab be on the same path, hosting 8.3 mil- spirit and paves the way for a new Emirates seeks to become a global lion visitors in the first six months. era of innovation and technological hub in AI. Officials in the emirate, known for advancement that benefits the UAE The UAE Artificial Intelligence its giant malls, luxury resorts and un- and the world,” Sheikh Mohamed website predicted that AI technolo- likely attractions including an indoor said on Twitter. gies will boost the country’s GDP by ski slope, are hoping the global trade MBZUAI, which has its campus in 35% by 2030. fair will turn things around. Masdar City, is accepting applica- Accounting firm PriceWater- On a tour of the sprawling site, tions for its master’s and doctoral houseCoopers estimated that AI much of it off limits to the media, programmes with classes to begin will contribute by $96 billion to the organisers said construction was “on next September. United Arab Emirates’ GDP in 2030 track.” With its sole focus on AI, the uni- (equivalent to 13.6% of its GDP) be- Dozens of trucks, some loaded versity seeks to lure students from cause of the country’s commitment with building materials, zipped in around the world to be part of a towards the development and im- and out of the venue on sand dunes unique educational experience by plementation of AI technologies. in southern Dubai. Countless work- offering full scholarships, monthly Growth in the contribution of AI ers in yellow or orange vests plied stipends, health insurance and ac- is expected to be 20-34% per year scaffolding on vast unfinished struc- Mammoth venue. A view of ongoing construction work at the site (AFP) commodation. across the Middle East, with the tures. of the Expo 2020 in Dubai. UAE Minister of State for Arti- fastest growth in the United Arab The first few white feathers are ficial Intelligence Omar Al Olama Emirates followed by Saudi Arabia, recognisable on the wings of the in the fair, which runs from October really diverse programming.” said researchers from around the PriceWaterhouseCoopers said. United Arab Emirates pavilion, built 20, 2020, to April 10, 2021. Organisers After the party is over, the goal is to world would use MBZUAI “to cre- A study by AI advisory firm Ox- in the shape of a falcon in flight. say the $8 billion Expo, with more turn the 4.4 sq.km site into a district ate AI solutions that are global from ford Insights ranked the United When completed, the four-storey than 200 restaurants and dozens of that includes homes, an exhibition day one and also change the world Arab Emirates 19th in the world and structure’s vast wings will move to events each day, is much more than centre and headquarters for scores of starting from the UAE and impact- first in the Arab region on the 2019 capture or reflect sunlight. a 6-month trade show. companies. ing the rest of the world moving government AI readiness index. The Al Wasl Plaza taking shape “This is the first time that “The plan for the future develop- forward.” This reflects the Emirates’ commit- at the heart of the complex has a there’s an Expo happening in this ment is that it becomes Dubai’s in- Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, minis- ment to boosting the AI sector and 550-tonne steel dome that forms a part of the world,” said Sanjive novation district… that will then be ter of State and chairman of the empowering the workforce with vast projection screen for light shows Khosla, Expo 2020’s chief com- the true legacy of Expo 2020,” said MBZUAI board of trustees, said AI the latest technologies to drive eco- and images. mercial officer. “From a business Nadimeh Mehra, vice-president for can lead to a greater societal and nomic growth. Some 200 countries will take part event to a concert or festival, it is the new area. October 27, 2019 11 News & Analysis Palestine Jordan 25 years after peace accord, Jordan’s relations with Israel remain rocky

Mussa Hattar sensitive for the Hashemites be- cause it touches on their religious legitimacy,” said Labib Kamhawi, a Amman political analyst in Amman. Members of the Hashemite dy- wenty-five years after the nasty, to which King Abdullah II signing of a landmark peace belongs, are direct descendants of treaty, ties between Jordan Prophet Mohammad. T and Israel mirror the ebbs King Abdullah has repeatedly and flows of a turbulent region and characterised the peace with Israel many Jordanians regard the Jewish as “cold and getting colder” and state as an enemy. warned that Jerusalem was a “red The Wadi Araba Treaty, signed Oc- line.” tober 26, 1994, formally ended dec- The status of Jerusalem is one of ades of war between the two neigh- the thorniest issues of the Israeli- bours but the accord faces continual Palestinian conflict. Israel annexed challenges, analysts said. the city after the 1967 war, a move “Israel remains our Number never recognised by the internation- One enemy,” said Yazid Khleifat, a al community. 38-year-old civil servant. “Israel has In 2017, US President Donald displaced millions of our Palestinian Trump formally recognised the city brothers and killed thousands of Ar- as the capital of Israel, a move that abs.” angered Palestinians who see the The largely desert Hashemite eastern sector of Jerusalem as the kingdom borders Israel and the Pal- capital of their future state. estinian territories where a decades- In a further challenge, Israeli long conflict has defined the politi- Prime Minister Binyamin Netan- cal tremors of the Middle East. More yahu, who heads the most right- than half of Jordan’s population of wing government in Israel’s history, 10.5 million is of Palestinian descent. vowed to annex the Jordan Valley. “Israel, with which we signed a peace agreement 25 years ago, is not Several economic the same today,” said Oraib Rantawi, A bridge too far. An Israeli soldier patrols the border area at the Jordan Valley site of Naharayim, also projects were struck director of Al Quds Centre for Politi- known as Baqura in Jordan, east of the Jordan River, October 18. (AFP) between Jordan and cal Studies. “This is another Israel, Israel after the peace ruled by an ultra-nationalist reli- treaty was signed but gious streak.” conflict, has ignored the stalled two- dan with 50 million cubic metres We are reliable to each other,” he said. they have faltered, Kamhawi agreed. state solution and the right of return of water a year as well as gas, while However, in a further sign of highlighting the rocky “The average Jordanian does not for Palestinian refugees. trade between the two countries is strains, King Abdullah last year an- relations between the accept Israel as a friend or ally but Jordan is home to 2.2 million Pal- very modest. Although more than nounced plans to reclaim sovereign- two neighbours. considers it an enemy who has vio- estinian refugees registered with the 100,000 Israeli tourists visit Jordan ty over two small plots of territory lated Palestine and the holy sites,” United Nations. each year, only 12,000 Jordanians — Baqura and Ghumar — leased to Jordan — with Egypt, the only Kamhawi said. Several economic projects were travelled to Israel in 2018. Israel under the 1994 peace treaty. Arab countries to have a peace treaty Youssef Rashad, a 41-year-old who struck between Jordan and Israel Security and intelligence coopera- “For the first time, there is a signal with Israel — administered the West works in marketing, said Israel “does after the peace treaty was signed tion, however, remains tightly inter- from King Abdullah II that peace will Bank, including mostly Arab East not really want peace.” but they have faltered, highlighting twined. be adversely affected by what is hap- Jerusalem, until the Six-Day War “Jordan respects peace with Israel the rocky relations between the two Israeli Ambassador to Jordan Amir pening with the Palestinian issue,” in 1967. It remains the custodian of but Israel… does not want peace to neighbours. Weissbrod talked up the two sides’ Rantawi said. Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. begin with and has used the treaty as These included the construction cooperation on security and water Rantawi and Kamhawi also “Despite the peace plan, Israel a cover to gain time and destroy any of a joint airport, a canal linking the and pointed out that Israeli visits to warned that the move, which was shows no respect for Jordan’s custo- bid for a two-state solution” with the Red Sea and the Dead Sea and an in- popular tourist sites in southern Jor- welcomed by Jordanians as restoring dianship over the holy sites… and its Palestinians, he said. dustrial zone. dan are increasing. the kingdom’s “dignity,” could spark attempts to Judaise Jerusalem are in Washington, which is pushing “Most of these projects have re- “We are trying to find ways to im- tensions between the two countries. full swing,” said Khleifat. for a so-called Deal of the Century mained ink on paper,” said Rantawi. prove relations, both countries can “The issue of custodianship is plan to solve the Palestinian-Israeli Israel supplies water-parched Jor- do better. Jordan is a reliable partner. (Agence France-Presse)

Viewpoint Palestinians’ olive oil harvest threatened by settler violence

of revenue is olives, a centuries-old which Israeli security identifies as a mainstay of the Palestinian econ- hotbed for extremism. omy. It is estimated that 45% of Despite brazen displays of Kamel Hawwash Palestinian agricultural land violence, settlers are always contains olive trees and many local protected by the Israeli military, Palestinian economies in the West which, instead of keeping the peace, t the heart of the US Bank depend on the olive harvest, covers for the settlers’ behaviour. administration’s Deal of which takes place from the begin- When challenged, security forces the Century is the ning of October to the beginning of often say it is their job to protect premise that Palestin- November. Israeli settlers, not Palestinians. ians need economic There are an estimated 10 million Who then can protect the Palestin- improvement to move olive trees in Gaza and the West ians, when the Palestinian Author- forward.A The much-maligned Bank that need to be picked every ity’s security forces are not allowed Manama workshop — “Peace to year, producing around 700 to? Prosperity” — outlined a $50 billion kilograms per acre. This is a Attacks against Palestinians and aid plan for Palestinians that would labour-intensive activity requiring those helping them are never go alongside the United States’ thousands of workers over the condemned by Israeli officials. political vision. course of a month. This means However, when settlers from the The workshop was boycotted by nearly half the population must same community attacked Israeli the Palestinians who argued a just participate to complete the picking soldiers, causing light injuries to two political solution was a prerequisite before the harvest spoils. Scorched-earth policy. A Palestinian tries to extinguish a fire in people, Israeli Prime Minister and rejected attempts to exchange Over the past few years, volun- an olive grove near the Palestinian village of Burin in the northern Binyamin Netanyahu quickly issued (AFP) rights for prosperity. As they put it: teers from Israel and other countries West Bank after an attack by Israeli settlers, October 16. a condemnation. “Palestine is not for sale.” have helped Palestinians complete It is perhaps more surprising that Without a political settlement, the process. harvest period. Settlers attacked Palestinian US administration officials are silent Palestinians rely on agriculture for Once the olives are picked, they Many farmers have been sepa- workers as well as Israeli and about these attacks but quick to much of their economic activity. are sent to presses and squeezed for rated from their agricultural land international human rights activists condemn violence by Palestinians. One of the most important sources oil before being transferred to because of the wall, a separation who have gone to their aid. On This calls into question the United outside towns and cities to be sold. that requires them to seek permits October 16, an 80-year-old rabbi States’ commitment to improving Opportunities to export the olives from Israel to visit their land. If who was part of a group of ten the lives of Palestinians, on which its and olive oil internationally are closures occur during the harvest Israelis and internationals aiding Deal of the Century is supposed to It is perhaps limited but growing as Palestinians period, Palestinians risk not being Palestinians in Burin and Huwarah, be predicated. try to maximise the value of this able to pick the olives and losing an was attacked together with his How can this objective be reached surprising that US natural resource. entire year’s income. colleagues by 30 settlers, NGO Yash if the mainstay of the farmers’ administration For many years, Palestinians have Palestinians recently faced an Din said. economy, the olive harvest, is officials are silent had trouble moving their harvest additional impediment to realising Rabbi Moshi Yehudai, an activist increasingly under threat? It is time because of Israel’s restrictive the fruits of their harvest: settler with Rabbis for Human Rights, for Israel to end settler violence if it about these attacks security measures, including violence against Palestinian farmers suffered injuries to his arm and head has any desire for peace. but quick to condemn closures, checkpoints, roadblocks and helpers. An increasing number and was taken to the Meir Medical and the barrier wall. These restric- of settlers are seemingly targeting Centre in Kfar Saba to be treated for a Kamel Hawwash is a Britain-based violence by tions affect Palestinians’ ability to Palestinians’ olive harvest to disrupt broken arm. The attackers were from Palestinian university professor and Palestinians. tend their olive groves outside the their livelihoods. the illegal settlement of Yitzhar, writer. 12 October 27, 2019 Spotlight Nile River Tensions Ethiopia’s war threat over Nile ratchets up tensions with Egypt

Ahmed Megahid Nile River is a crucial lifeline for Egypt.” On September 17, the Egyptian Cairo Irrigation Ministry said talks had failed because of Ethiopia’s inabil- thiopian Prime Minister ity to demonstrate flexibility. The Abiy Ahmed threatened to declaration of the ministry was af- mobilise millions of troops ter two days of technical negotia- E against Egypt if the region- tions between Ethiopia, Egypt and al dispute over the Grand Ethiopian Sudan. Renaissance Dam escalates to war. At the centre of the dispute is the Abiy, recently announced as the period during which Ethiopia plans 2019 Noble Peace Prize recipient, to fill the dam reservoir and the way told the Ethiopian parliament on it is to be operated. October 22 that, if Ethiopia needed Egypt suggested Ethiopia extend to go to war to defend the Grand the period of reservoir filling to sev- Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) en years. Ethiopian plans are for the on the Nile River, it could mobilise reservoir to be filled in two years. millions of people. Cairo wants Ethiopia to release 40 He noted, however, that nego- billion cubic metres of water from tiation could be the only way to re- the dam annually during the reser- solve the deadlock. voir-filling period. This, Cairo said, would keep the water level behind the High Dam in Egypt at 165 me- Egypt suggested tres, which would allow that dam Ethiopia extend the to keep generating electricity. period of reservoir filling Egypt also wants to establish a to seven years. Ethiopian permanent technical office at the plans are for the GERD site, where Egyptian engi- Unminced words. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addresses members of parliament in Addis reservoir to be filled in neers would co-run the dam with Ababa, Ethiopia, October 22. (AP) two years. Ethiopian crews. However, Ethiopia rejected all Relations between Egypt and the demands. Abiy, speaking October 24, said States had invited the Egyptian already water-stressed. Specialists Ethiopia have been strained be- Abiy’s comments sparked more his comments at the Ethiopian par- foreign minister for a meeting in said Egypt will experience water cause of the multibillion-dollar hy- fear in Cairo, analysts said. liament had been taken out of con- Washington with his Ethiopian and scarcity and then absolute water droelectric dam, which is designed “The timing of the Ethiopian text. He promised during a meeting Sudanese counterparts. The Krem- scarcity in the coming years if its wa- to hold more than 74 billion cubic prime minister’s remarks is very with Egyptian President Abdel Fat- lin also said it is ready to mediate ter resources remain the same and metres of water. Ethiopia started strange,” said Akram Badreddine, tah al-Sisi on the sidelines of the the dispute. its population grows as expected. constructing the dam in 2011 and a professor of political science at Russia-Africa summit that Ethio- However, results from talks are The GERD and Ethiopia’s plan for expects to have it fully operational Cairo University. “They will neces- pia would protect the interests of far from certain, with Ethiopia ex- filling and operating the dam will by 2022. Ethiopian officials said sarily have a negative impact on ne- downstream countries. hibiting little flexibility and consid- give Egypt more trouble, analysts the project is indispensable for the gotiations with Egypt.” “As the prime minister of Ethio- ering suggested amendments to its said. country’s economic development. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry pia, I am committed to my coun- original dam operation and filling What makes Egypt’s case worse Egypt claims GERD will signifi- expressed shock at Abiy’s remarks, try’s declared position of abiding by plan as threats to its right to eco- is that its options are limited, es- cantly reduce the flow of Nile water issuing a statement that it followed the negotiation course on the road nomic development. pecially if international mediation and said it will make downstream the comments with “concern” and to a final agreement,” Abiy said. Sisi said during his meeting with fails. areas prone to droughts, destroy “deep sorrow.” The Egyptian administration has Abiy that Egypt understands Ethio- “This is a problem that poses farmland, leave millions of farmers “The Ethiopian prime minister’s not brandished a military option pia’s development needs but devel- threats to peace and security in the jobless and force Egypt to import remarks included negative signals in dealing with the GERD. Cairo opment should not come at the cost Nile basin,” Badreddine said. “Egypt more food. and unacceptable allusions,” the pins its hopes on mediation from of Egypt’s rights to the Nile. also has the right to defend its right “The Egyptian economy will pay Foreign Ministry said. It added that influential international partners, Egypt receives 55.5 billion cubic to the Nile water by all means.” dearly because of this dam,” said Abiy’s remarks violated the con- including Russia, to help end the metres of water from the Nile an- Diaa al-Qosi, a former adviser to the tent, principles and spirit of laws of deadlock over the dam. The For- nually. With annual freshwater per Ahmed Megahid is an Egyptian Egyptian Irrigation Ministry. “The the African Union. eign Ministry said that the United capita of 570 cubic metres, Egypt is reporter in Cairo. Nile water in Sinai a new asset in development, security efforts

Ahmed Megahid ment, specialists said. Most of the funding is from Saudi “This Sinai will surely revive Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab national dreams for cultivating Emirates. Cairo hundreds of thousands of acres of On October 21 it was announced farmland in this area,” said Sayed that Kuwait had donated $1 billion ens of thousands of cubic Khalifa, head of Egypt’s farmers’ for Sinai development, money to be metres of Nile and treated union. “The agricultural develop- used for the completion of road pro- water are being pumped ment projects that will start as a re- jects. The funds are also to be used T into Northern Sinai for sult will change the nature of life in to implement water, electricity, farmland irrigation, part of an North Sinai as a whole.” housing and infrastructure projects Egyptian national plan for devel- Egypt plans to reclaim 162,000 in Sinai, the Egyptian government opment in the region, the Egyptian hectares of land in Northern Si- said. Ministry of Irrigation said. nai. The government’s motives are Arab countries have been strong The ministry said the water deliv- beyond economic development. backers of the Sinai development ery aims to create farming commu- North Sinai has been the site of con- plan as the region recovers from nities, increase cultivable space and tinued fighting between Egyptian decades of official neglect. There attract agricultural investments. security forces and militants affili- are also fears that an expansion of Water delivery to North Sinai is ated with the Islamic State (ISIS). ISIS operations beyond Northern an old Egyptian dream. The idea of Egyptian leaders have said the na- Sinai would threaten navigation in pumping Nile River water into Si- tional counterterrorism fight should the Suez Canal and, consequently, nai emerged in the late 1970s after not be restricted to military and se- oil exports from the Arab Gulf. Egypt made peace with Israel. curity means. Egyptian officials have said they In 1979, Egyptian President Anwar “The rule is that development is hope to convince 3.5 million citi- Sadat ordered a canal dug to carry a counterterrorism tool, too,” said zens to relocate to Sinai, a 60,000 water from the Damietta branch of retired army General Gamal Eddine sq.km region inhabited by only the Nile, near Egypt’s Mediterra- Mazloum. “Where there is develop- 400,000 people. It said the number nean coast, into Sinai. Water flowed ment, there is no fertile soil for the of residents would total 8 million by into the canal and then into Sinai in growth of terrorist groups.” 2052. 2001. ISIS militants turned parts of To encourage its citizens to move The Sheikh Jaber al-Sabah Canal North Sinai into war zones, forcing to Sinai, Egypt is building tens of A much-needed relief. An Egyptian farmer stands in a well of water was created to move water from the Christian inhabitants out and at- thousands flats, establishing facto- used to irrigate his land. (Reuters) western Sinai to North Sinai. The tacking army and police posts. The ries, universities and schools, con- canal siphons water into a major Egyptian Army has significantly structing roads and water desalina- Sinai, however, is awash with ties,” said Yumn al-Hamaqi, an eco- plant in Bir al-Abd, which distrib- weakened the extremists but mili- tion plants. economic opportunities, which will nomics professor at Cairo Universi- utes the water to farmland across tants are still capable of carrying The Sinai development plan faces be a boon for development efforts, ty. “The new development plan will North Sinai. out attacks. challenges, including the eradica- economists said. turn this territory into a new hub of The arrival of water to the Sinai is Egypt has specified nearly $20 tion of terrorism, which slowed the “This is an area that is rich with economic activities such as mining, an important milestone of develop- billion for the development of Sinai. pace of development, analysts said. promising investment opportuni- agriculture, fishing and tourism.” October 27, 2019 13 Spotlight Regional Issues Putin leads charm offensive at first Russia-Africa summit in Sochi

Hassan Abdel Zaher Chinese investments in Africa cover critical sectors, including infrastruc- ture, mining, oil and gas and indus- Cairo try. Chinese workers and engineers are present in almost every ongoing ussian President Vladimir infrastructure project on the conti- Putin used the first Russia- nent. Africa summit to expand Russia does have an advantage in R Moscow’s footprint in Af- its historical relations with African rica, a continent awash with eco- countries. Many African leaders who nomic opportunities. spoke at the summit mentioned the Putin, pointing out that Russian support the former Soviet Union of- trade with Africa amounted to $20 fered liberation movements in their billion in 2018, said: “We need to countries. double this volume of trade in the That, analysts said, can help the coming four or five years.” Russians strongly compete for the The October 23-24 summit in the hearts of the Africans, especially Russian resort of Sochi welcomed since Russia was never a colonial representatives from all 54 African power in Africa. countries, including 43 heads of gov- Putin tried to increase his coun- ernment. There are plans for similar try’s allure to the leaders by writing meetings to take place every three off $20 billion in debts owed by Af- years as Russia seeks to strengthen rican countries. This, he said, would relations in Africa. reduce the economic burden on Big ambitions. Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) speaks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi at Russia, economists said, strives to countries that owe money to Mos- the Russia-Africa summit in Sochi, October 24. (AP) find new partners and markets after cow. years of crippling Western sanctions. Russia is expected to focus on ar- “Africa is a huge market that is eas in which it has an edge, including trillion by 2050, Africa is a great op- countries,” said African affairs spe- tlement of a dispute between Egypt becoming at the centre of attention mining, oil and gas, nuclear energy, portunity for international powers. cialist Ramadan Qurani. and Ethiopia over a dam built by Ad- for major international players,” said the diamond industry and arms. “Nonetheless, Russia has more ac- Putin alluded to that point by dis Ababa on the Nile that will threat- Egyptian economist Ali al-Edrissi. Putin said Russia had signed agree- ceptance in the continent because it highlighting the importance of find- en Egypt’s water and food security. “It is thirsty for investments and ments during the summit to the val- does not attach any political condi- ing African solutions to African Putin lashed out at foreign in- economic support, things that Rus- ue of $12.5 billion. tions to the support it offers other problems. That acceptance is appar- terference in Libya and said Rus- sia can offer.” He also had African leaders queu- ently inseparable from the interest sia would work to boost security in Russia will be vying for space with ing up for individual meetings with Russia is demonstrating in African Africa in cooperation with African other international players expand- him. He had 13 bilateral meetings The October 23-24 summit political and security problems. countries. with African heads of state, includ- Political and military conflicts and ing their presence in Africa. China, in the Russian resort of He expressed concern at the grow- France and India enjoy great lever- ing with Egyptian President Abdel terrorism are tearing some African ing threat of terrorism, especially age in Africa because of huge eco- Fattah al-Sisi, who was co-chairman, Sochi welcomed countries apart and some of those in the Sahel and Sahara region and nomic dealings in the continent. along with Putin, of the summit. representatives from all 54 countries view Russia as a saviour at in the countries surrounding Lake China had a trade volume of $200 With a population of 1.2 billion, African countries, a time of withdrawal by other major Chad. Russia, he said, would coop- billion with Africa in 2018, including a huge work force and an economy including 43 heads of powers. erate more with African countries in more than $100 billion in exports. that is expected to be valued at $9 government. Moscow proposed brokering a set- the fight against terrorism. Viewpoint The challenges of peace and security in the Red Sea

he importance of the in the Red Sea area through its sibility of the Bab el Mandeb The United Arab Emirates, Red Sea as a strategic support of the Houthi group in Strait as an international Saudi Arabia and Egypt estab- gateway from the Yemen. In a second step, Tehran navigation corridor. Its goal is to lished more than excellent Hassan Msaddek Mediterranean to open is trying to penetrate the Horn of strengthen the status of its third relations with Eritrea and curbed oceans has grown and Africa by marking a presence in port, which it had turned into an the Iranian threat by being has become geographic Eritrea, Ethiopia, Djibouti and open trade zone in 1985. present in Djibouti and Eritrea Tcapital shared by riparian coun- Somalia. Israel’s maritime strategy and the Turkish threat by being tries around the Nile Basin, the Perhaps the best evidence of relies on creating a strategic present in Somalia. They moved Horn of Africa and East Africa. this is the selection of Asmara as depth for its presence in the on more than one axis in the There are six foreign military an initial stage for Iranian Horn of Africa. Israel is working Horn of Africa through media- bases around the Red Sea, with presence in the Horn of Africa on developing its cooperation tion between Ethiopia and the oldest belonging to France through the signing in 2008 of with Ethiopia, South Sudan and Eritrea, political and financial and a recent one belonging to economic cooperation agree- Eritrea, especially after the support for the new Sudan and China. Thus, the Red Sea is ments in mining, agricultural, failure of its Two Seas Link preventing Iran’s control of Bab experiencing the largest presence energy and industry. Those project for a canal between the el Mandeb and the Gulf of Aden and flow of multinational civilian agreements opened the door for Dead Sea and the Red Sea to in Yemen. and military vessels. obtaining facilities from the raise water levels of the former. This culminated in halting all Each of the world and regional Eritrean government for the Israel could not ensure the attempts to transform the powers stationed around the Red Iranian Navy in the Gulf of Aden cooperation of Jordan and the geographical environment into Sea has its own approach to near the Red Sea. Iran has also Palestinian Authority in the zones of logistical support for security of the area. Those acquired the rights to develop project. extremism, terrorism and approaches are often contradic- and maintain the Eritrean Assab The 1965 Jeddah Agreement Iranian and Turkish expansion- tory and always in competition. Oil Refinery. between Saudi Arabia, Egypt ism. Now, they converge on a region Iran secured the establish- and Yemen is considered the However, Arab countries need and environment conditioned by ment of a military base in Assab earliest call for a joint security to rely on a much more compre- regional and international for six warships that are perma- system in the Red Sea. It was hensive approach for regional conflicts, such as the Arab-Israeli nently present in Somali waters followed in September 1973 by a security. They must intensify conflict, the Iranian-Gulf conflict, under the pretext of protecting resolution calling on the General economic and cultural presence the Ethiopian-Eritrean conflict Iranian merchant ships. The Secretariat of the Arab League to in Djibouti, Eritrea and Somalia, and the Eritrean-Yemeni conflict. truth is that the warships arrange a conference of the Arab which are witnessing intensive Add to that challenges raised by participated in training Houthi countries bordering the Red settlement efforts for foreign Turkish and Israeli incursions and militias. Sea. bases on their territories. the intense rivalry between the The Israeli strategy is based on Those calls remained without This calls for intensifying major world powers in the developing the Israeli Navy to follow-up and the proposals economic, trade and cultural Arab countries must region. ensure military superiority in forgotten because of lack of cooperation with Arab countries intensify economic The Iranian approach in the Red the region by focusing on attention to the Horn of Africa. to offer a long-term vision for and cultural presence Sea consists in applying a sort of acquiring advanced nuclear Recent developments and developing a local cooperative pincer movement towards Arab submarines. Israel is also calling increasing regional and interna- policy, especially in the security in Djibouti, Eritrea countries on either side of the Red for the internationalising of tional threats have revived Arab dimension, with the major and Somalia, which Sea by using the so-called Shia security of the Red Sea to deny interests in Red Sea security. They powers aimed at preserving their Crescent in the north, then Arab countries exclusive rights represent the background for historical role in the Red Sea, and are witnessing expanding on the southern side of to the security of the Red Sea, joint naval exercises by Saudi create a unified vision that leads intensive settlement the crescent, especially in which would leave the Israeli Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, to stability in the region. efforts for foreign countries of the Horn of Africa port of Umm Al-Rashrash at Eilat Djibouti and Yemen, in addition overlooking the Bab el Mandeb vulnerable. to Somalia, with the aim of raising Hassan Msaddek is a professor bases on their Strait. Israel is calling for interna- combat capabilities and readi- at the University of Paris 8 territories. Iran first ensured its presence tionalisation of security respon- ness. Vincennes. 14 October 27, 2019 Debate Turkey

Despite Trump’s murky policy, US may still impose sanctions on Turkey

into a remarkable passivity and silence. Regular briefings at the US State Department more or less Yavuz Baydar ceased, leaving journalists with guessing games. Polarisation in the Congress he Turkish incursion is reflected through the daily into north-eastern zigzagging of members who are Syria and the agree- torn between principled action ment between and self-interest-based tactics. Russian President The rapid shifts in the tone Putin and Turkish of Republican Senator Lindsay TPresident Recep Tayyip Erdogan Graham, a key actor in the are serious elements of concern process of punishing Erdogan for that are rattling Washington. the incursion, is a clear example Key sources in the US Congress of the hesitation between and Turkey analysts said the glory-aimed loyalty to Trump ground under US President or whether to challenge him to Donald Trump and Erdogan employ harsher sanctions. remained volatile. Another element is the string For now, Congress, in which of sharply contradictory Twitter there is no single representative messages that Trump fires off with the slightest sympathy daily. One source said: “Anything for Erdogan, is cast into limbo is possible at any moment. regarding sanctions on Turkey Another noted: “It’s all a Kabuki because the intricate political dance.” developments pointing to Will there be sanctions? If so, Trump’s impeachment jeopardise to what extent? Is the announced their approval. visit of Erdogan to the White I landed in Washington in House to be taken for granted? mid-October and immediately What about the invitation of noticed that the media were General Mazloum Kobani, the Questions remain. US Representative for New Jersey Albio Sires holds a picture of Presidents Donald seeking answers as to Kurdish commander of Trump, Vladimir Putin and Recep Tayyip Erdogan as he asks a question to US State Department Special why Trump was so the Syrian Democratic Representative for Syria Engagement James Jeffrey during a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on consistently in Forces fighters, to the decision to remove US forces from Syria, in Washington, October 23. (Reuters) Erdogan’s orbit. Polarisation in the Washington? What motive led Congress is reflected Not even the the American through the daily most seasoned on allegedly bypassing Iran politics have taken siege of changer that would mar the president to give zigzagging of members Turkey and embargo with claims of massive Washington, that observation remarkable cooperation between in to Erdogan’s who are torn between White House money laundering) and directs is the one that makes the most the two presidents and prevent it from going deeper? The only demands? principled action and experts can tell Trump to oppose loans to Turkey sense. The answers are for sure. While from international institutions What will Erdogan ask of factor, observers agree, would self-interest-based not there yet but if some suggest such as the International Trump next? That cynical be an exposure of some murky they surface in the tactics. that the Graham- Monetary Fund, it will take a long question preoccupies many. affair, if any, that glues them manner of concrete Van Hollen bill on time to process. Observers agree on one issue: togethe. revelations of alleged Turkish sanctions lost By that time, Erdogan most Erdogan may resolutely demand In this case, it would be murky business deals, momentum, one source in likely will have completed his of his counterpart that the especially Trump who would there is little doubt that they Congress pointed to another visit to Washington and, as Halkbank case be shelved. He be forced into a corner and, as could make their way into the bill (of four) — prepared by Senate sources predict, both presidents may insist on financial support a result, Congress would see its impeachment process. Foreign Relations Chairman Jim will jump into a new phase to for his troubled economy and, realpolitik-based barriers fall and The more one talks with Risch and ranking Democrat Bob stand their opponents off. There in return, he may promise to focus on targeted sanctions on experienced Turkey observers, Menendez — as the measure that are also observers who, based withdraw his forces from Syria his Turkish counterpart. the more apparent confusion and “may” eventually pass. on these predictions, conclude and release some US Embassy despair among them becomes. Although the bill includes that sanctions will soon be off employees detained in Turkish Yavuz Baydar is a Turkish It has to do with several factors: parts that target Halkbank (now the table. In this context, backed prisons. journalist and regular columnist Key US institutions have fallen involved in a federal court case by the notion of how slippery Would there be any game for The Arab Weekly. Turkey’s populist policies lead it to slip down the ‘Misery Index’

— make people’s lives more “top” countries, consumer miserable but their effects prices constitute the main could be offset by high GDP factor that contributes to the Eser Karakas per capita growth. The actual misery of the people living in method is more complex but them. Brazil is in fourth place this explains briefly how the with an index score of 53.6. he Cato Institute’s index is constructed. Those countries are “Misery Index,” The 2018 index covers 95 important economies that a comparative countries and, with a few have a competitive advantage measurement of exceptions, was calculated because of their natural well-being in 95 using data retrieved from the resources. The reason they countries, ranked Economist Intelligence Unit, have the lowest index scores TTurkey above only Venezuela, which provides forecasting is not because of structural Argentina, Iran and Brazil in and advisory services through problems or lack of human 2018. research and analysis. capital but due to economic US economist Art Okun, who Before analysing index mismanagement. served as chairman of the US results, I should note that the Turkey follows those four Council of Economic Advisers fact that Turkey has still been countries with an index from 1968-69, constructed included in such studies is score of 53.3. In Brazil and the first “Misery Index” in the a relief because it indicates Turkey, lending rates are the 1960s to provide US President that analysts believe that main factor behind economic Lyndon Johnson a snapshot data provided by Turkish hardships. of the economy. The original institutions is reliable. Turkey’s ruling Justice and index was a simple sum of a In countries where the Development Party has, since country’s annual inflation autonomy of central banks 2015, reverted to populist, rate and unemployment has been effectively nationalist policies and the rate. eroded, many see far-right Nationalist Movement The index has the lending rates Party has been a part of the been modified The nationalists in as an insufficient ruling coalition since a coup several times, Turkey should variable of attempt in 2016. including by understand that depicting the Whenever Turkey is ruled Robert Barro patriotism should economic by a nationalist government, of Harvard mean ensuring a situation in a its scores in every index that University and wealthier, freer and country. shows either the economic Steve Hanke, more secure life for all Therefore, development or the strength a professor of citizens. given Turkish of democracy start to fall. For applied economics President example, Turkey ranked as the at Johns Hopkins Recep Tayyip 22nd-most miserable economy University and a senior Erdogan’s unorthodox in Cato Institute’s “Misery fellow at the Cato Institute. economic opinions and his A struggle to survive. A man carries his shopping bag at a bazaar Index” in 2015 with a score of Today, index scores show objection to central bank in Istanbul. (Reuters) 29.72. the sum of the unemployment, independence, we might see The nationalists in Turkey inflation and bank lending Turkey excluded from such should understand that rates, minus the percentage analyses in the future. Maybe A higher “Misery Index” since 2015, is more than 1.7 patriotism should mean change in real GDP per that would make some people score reflects a higher level of million. ensuring a wealthier, freer and capita of a country. The happy because the pathetic “misery” and in the 2018 index Argentina, which has the more secure life for all citizens. first three elements — high condition of the Turkish the score of Venezuela, which second-highest rank, has a unemployment, high inflation economy would not be fully has held the title of the most score of 105.6 and is followed Eser Karakas is a Turkish and high bank lending rates exposed. miserable country in the world by Iran at 75.7. In the three writer. October 27, 2019 15 Debate Iran Iranian regime watching Lebanon protests with wariness

cross-confessional support and Closing ranks. demands for a caretaker govern- Lebanese ment, fresh elections and action on protesters Gareth Smyth corruption. Some protesters have gather at Riad called for an end to the sect-based al-Solh Square political system. in Beirut during nrest in Lebanon is Sectarian comments are circulat- demonstrations raising eyebrows ing on social media, while Hezbol- to demand among Iran’s political lah critics are enthused. On the better living class. Iranian Foreign website of Foreign Policy magazine, conditions Minister Mohammad the Washington Institute’s Hanin and the ouster Javad Zarif urged the Ghaddar claimed unrest in Lebanon of a cast of Ugovernment in Beirut to “pay and Iraq reveals that “Iran’s system politicians attention to the people’s for exerting influence in the region who have demands.” failed… [because] Iran’s resistance monopolised If Iran’s leaders are reluctant to narrative did not put food on the power and comment, then there is little public table.” influence interest so far. “Most people are too Such arguments belie Hezbol- for decades, busy struggling with daily expenses lah’s limited government role since October 21. (AFP) to care about Lebanon,” said a Teh- taking ministerial positions in 2005. ran professional. “Some who follow This was long after former Prime the news think the demonstra- Minister Rafik Hariri, the as- tions show that corruption of sassinated father of the current the high-ranking class is incumbent, set a course of even worse in Lebanon high government bor- than here.” rowing he believed Others noted a car- Without fundamental would be sustained nival atmosphere reappraisal, Nasrallah by regional peace, government spending, there is little alternative to warning that a change preme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khame- among protesters. has little alternative economic growth left for redistribution or improving of government would not remove nei’s website recently featured a “People are sharing to warning that a and investment infrastructure. In any case, succes- “systematic” problems. Hezbollah stately picture of the leader along- photos of Leba- change of government from Lebanese sive governments have shown scant entered the cabinet in 2005 not to side Nasrallah and Qassem Soleim- nese dancing and would not remove expatriates. regard for the bulk of Lebanese reform the sectarian system or curb ani, head of Iran’s al-Quds overseas having fun,” said “systematic” As growth facing rising prices, power cuts and corruption but to protect the Islamic military brigade. Another problem an Iranian professor. problems. faltered, Lebanon’s poor public services. Resistance after the Syrian military facing Hezbollah and Iran is that “They say they wish politicians — many Hezbollah has largely remained withdrawal. effective government is needed to they had such relaxed of them former militia aloof. It has allied electorally with Hence, non-sectarian, anti- bolster the Central Bank against US social and political norms leaders — failed to adapt or the Amal Movement but gener- government protesters indirectly pressure to sanction Hezbollah. in Iran.” to curb their appetites. Public ally allowed Amal to battle for the raise the relationship of Hezbollah “The Iranians worry about the col- Some hardliners smell con- debt is $86 billion, while gov- Shias within Lebanon’s confessional with its supporters, who face the lapse of the Lebanese government spiracy. “Basij [the semi-militarised ernment borrowing has fuelled system, where leaders distribute same challenges in everyday life as and the way all parties including body linked to the Islamic Revo- crippling interest rates stymying favours and resources. Hezbollah other Lebanese. While Nasrallah Hezbollah are being criticised,” said lutionary Guard Corps] members productive industry. has thereby kept its “purity” and expressed sympathy with protest- Mehrzad Boroujerdi, director of the are suggesting on social media that It has also enriched those with concentrated on building up its mili- ers, he doesn’t want to encourage School of Public and International enemies are spreading demonstra- large bank deposits. Nisreen Salti, tary, the Islamic Resistance. them. The challenge he faces is that Affairs at Virginia Tech University. tions from Iraq to Lebanon in order an associate professor of econom- Hence, Amal has been the butt of “dignity” is as much about making “If the Central Bank implements to undermine the ‘Resistance Axis’,” ics at the American University of protests in the mainly Shia southern ends meet as anything else. all the sanctions against Hezbollah said the professor. Beirut, in September published “No city of Tyre, where demonstrators “Hezbollah is a loser in these and they decide [in response] to “This is an old argument: that Country for Poor Men,” a report torched the Rest House, a beach demonstrations as it’s now obvi- bring their forces into the streets, protests against regimes we oppose highlighting widening inequalities hotel owned by the state but associ- ous the Shias are not 100% behind then the situation will become even stand for dignity and ‘Islamic aware- with the richest 1% claiming 25% of ated with Amal leader Nabih Berri. them, as they portray,” said an Arab more troublesome for the Iranians.” ness,’ while any protests against our national income from 2005-14 and Slogans insulted Berri’s wife, who security analyst. “That’s a major allies must be a Western plot.” 20% of bank deposits held in 0.1% of enjoys a lavish lifestyle. weakness that Hezbollah’s op- Gareth Smyth is a regular Lebanon’s demonstrations, how- accounts. However, without fundamental ponents, including Israel, will not contributor to The Arab Weekly. He ever, do not fit this simple dichoto- Salti pointed out that, with reappraisal, Hezbollah Secretary- overlook.” has reported from the Middle East my. They are unprecedented in their debt servicing swallowing 45% of General Hassan Nasrallah has little This concerns Iran, where Su- since 1992. Iran’s real explosive front is at home to. Social media are also among policies, if we do not want to use import commodities exclusively of our enemy has become Hamid Enayat instruments.” the term ‘critical state,’ we are at entailing colossal profits of up stronger and fiercer over the last Khamenei’s fear is not a war least in a very difficult state. The to $30 billion. This money is 40 years, especially in recent ranian officials have been with the United States. He has social problems in the country have primarily spent on the regime’s years, surrounding us from six warning against a major repeatedly said he despises war the potential to turn into greater extraterritorial terrorist adventures directions and our revolution has incident. In a gathering of and the United States will refrain problems. and funding proxy groups in been swamped in various new Islamic Revolutionary Guard from engaging in a war considering “For example, the issue in various countries. conflicts.” Corps commanders, Iranian next year’s US elections. Chenar Mahmoudi village of However, this has massively Khamenei’s warning against Supreme Leader Ali Khame- What Khamenei fears most is an Lordegan, which was a social undermined domestic production, the storm comes at a time when Inei said: “In terms of alertness explosion of public discontent and issue turned to a political one. leading to closure of many the situation is very different from and preparedness, negligence is Iran is in an explosive state. A spark Another issue… is about whether companies and eliminating the early 2018. The state of the regime absolutely unacceptable and must in a remote village could rapidly women should be allowed in sports middle class. This has created a and its organs has deteriorated stay on alert and be vigilant con- escalate to a fire and then a wild stadiums. Reactions to this issue parallel or black economy leading and weakened, even IRGC stantly.” uncontainable inferno. also took a political tone. to destruction of Iran’s economy. members are defecting in groups. “In terms of tools and devices, The best indication of this is that “Going back a little more, The shattered economy, Simultaneously, resistance you must be equipped to the protests against economic and the unrest that started in late astronomical embezzlement and units of the People Mujahideen latest ones,” he said. “There must welfare shortcomings rapidly turn December 2017 had the same institutionalised corruption of Iran, who are sworn be a variety, on the ground, in into political moves followed by character. All these issues indicate have led to a situation in enemies of the regime, the air and space, in the sea, on calls for the downfall of the regime. that our society is not in a normal which two-thirds of are spreading rapidly borders and at the heart of the Former Iranian Interior Minister state.” the population lives Iran is in an across the country. country, everywhere. We need Mostafa Tajzadeh described the The domination of Islamic under the poverty explosive state. A Activities of instruments for intelligence and state of society as “difficult” or Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) line in this rich spark in a remote resistance units operation, all sorts of instruments. “not normal.” He was quoted and institutions affiliated with the country. village could include burning Variety in instruments is among by Arman news website saying: supreme leader over the country’s Following the large portraits rapidly escalate to things that need to pay attention “Due to implementation of some economy has allowed them to nuclear agreement of Khamenei in in 2015, $150 billion a fire and then a public places, was given to the wild uncontainable denting the clout regime in addition inferno. of the dictator. At to the country’s oil the same time, large revenue of 2 million portraits of Maryam barrels a day but the people Rajavi, president-elect of the continued getting poorer and National Council of Resistance poorer. Instead, proxy militia of Iran, a coalition of opposition forces developed in Syria, Iraq, groups and personalities, have Yemen, Lebanon and elsewhere been posted in public places. At a crossroads. with sophisticated weapons. The appearance of the Rajavi A cleric crosses In early 2018, protests against portraits heartened oppressed a street in front economic hardships and poverty youth and women, giving them of a mural in Mashhad rapidly turned into hope and courage to stand against depicting late a major uprising that spread to the regime. Their incentive, Iranian founder 160 cities across Iran rattling the combined with the army of jobless of the Islamic regime’s foundation. Slogans used and hungry people in conjunction Republic in these protests included “Down with resistance units scattered Ayatollah with the Dictator.” around the country, explain the Khomeini (R) Khamenei’s representative in regime’s genuine anxiety and and Supreme Mashhad and his close associate, Khamenei’s desperate warnings of Leader Ahmad Alamolhoda, said in an inevitable explosion. Ayatollah Ali his Friday sermon: “Look what Khamenei (L) they say against our devout Hamid Enayat is an Iranian human in downtown officials in social media and rights activist and analyst based in Tehran. (AP) satellite networks… Animosity Europe. 16 October 27, 2019 News & Analysis East West

Viewpoint Europe adjusting to China’s presence in the Middle East

ity for managing security in the Gulf.” Its work with Russia on the UN Francis Ghilès Security Council to protect the Syrian regime stems, as the authors of the report stress, “from its desire n 2015-16, two important to adhere to the principle of Chinese government docu- non-interference rather than its ments — “Visions and Actions direct interests in the Syrian on Jointly Building Silk Road conflict.” Economic Belt and 21st-Cen- US behaviour will likely direct tury Maritime Silk Road” and policy. In August, Chinese Ambas- I“Arab Policy Paper” — sought to sador to the United Arab Emirates outline how important economic Ni Jian announced that Beijing cooperation and development with “might participate in maritime Middle Eastern countries had security operations in the Strait of become to China’s foreign policy. Hormuz. Tehran had announced China’s narrative of neutral that China would be involved in a engagement with all countries joint naval drill with Iran and Russia remains a cornerstone of the in the Sea of Oman and the northern country’s approach to the region, Indian Ocean. including those who are in conflict The Chinese have a well-estab- with one another. Mutually lished anti-piracy operation but beneficial agreements are the core they suggest the stakes are higher belief of policymakers in Beijing today than only a few years ago. who avoid replicating what they see Some Chinese are more sanguine as Western intervention. The two about their country’s role, as the documents focus on energy, report explains that “the [Belt and infrastructure construction, trade Road Initiative] BRI not only Tough task. Former US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson (C) arrives for a meeting with Chinese and investment. promotes global trade and connec- Prime Minister Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, October 23. (Reuters) China’s rise has led to greater tivity but also creates an economic competition in Europe’s neighbour- system outside Washington’s hood and Beijing’s increasing control.” economic activity in Africa The United States would no doubt prompted any number of fears. oppose a stronger Chinese military US-China trade wars have Despite its expressed wariness presence in the region for now but about China’s growing imprint in China plays a long game. It is aware the Middle East and Africa, Europe that a greater Chinese economic is increasingly adjusting to it. presence allows it to diversify bearing on the Middle East France and Germany are getting economically and politically while used to working with Chinese the United States looks as if it is companies in the region, which in retrenchment mode. What- Sabahat Khan peting in public contracts for po- cion by Washington for its geostra- would have been unthink- ever its presence, no EU tentially sensitive areas such as tel- tegic ramifications. China remains able a decade ago. country is a match for ecommunications and information some way away from challenging European policy- China. Dubai technology. The United States says US global primacy but the momen- makers have been Whether China adopts The report argues the Chinese technology can be used tum with its economic rise remains slow to factor in the more assertive policies that the strict ntensifying competition be- by Beijing for spying and building strong. The emerging strains in US- growing Chinese in the MENA region non-interference of tween the United States and Trojan horses, compromising US China relations thus not only weigh presence. At first, only the future will Chinese policy “is China has regressed into a trade national security. heavily on prospects for global eco- they looked on it tell. What is not in likely to become a I war over the past year as the Leading US companies have been nomic growth ahead but potentially with fear; now they doubt is the country’s major weakness for world’s two leading powers have blocked from supplying Chinese also the scale of BRI itself if the cri- seem more willing China in the near gone head-to-head. manufacturers with components sis does not find a resolution. growing presence in to cooperate. future… Its lack of Recent months have witnessed and software for their products. The The Middle East has stakes to US- Whatever they do, the region. interest in regional unprecedented tit-for-tat tariffs United States has warned its allies China trade differences. China has China’s policies will politics makes Middle imposed by the United States and that use of Chinese technology may become the leading trade partner have to be better under- Eastern countries wary China against imports from one not only compromise their national and investment source for many stood and accommodated as about its real value as a another as talks failed to break the security but also potentially mean Middle Eastern countries. Consum- the years go by. Commercial and partner.” That is true but Europe’s gridlock over their trade disputes. that the United States would draw ers in the Middle East could end up investment power cannot be and the United States’ disregard for The implications of the US-China back on intelligence and security paying higher prices for goods from ignored as anyone who has any the principle of non-interference trade dispute have implications cooperation as a result. China as a result of growing Ameri- knowledge of the growth of Pax has hardly provided the region with far beyond their bilateral context. While trade disputes are a key can tariffs against its industries. Britannica in the 18th and 19th much stability. The uncertainty generated by the driver to the crisis, there are a range More damaging, a slowing Chinese centuries should understand. What fascinates many Middle emerging trade war is weighing of other complex issues at play. economy could see less demand Four years ago, China became the Eastern countries is “the Chinese down on the global economy at Trump administration officials de- for Middle Eastern commodities biggest global importer of crude oil, model of authoritarian capitalism,” large and global markets have been scribed the change in US policy to- and planned investments could be almost half of that from the Middle which allows Beijing the means to shaken by the prospects of a pro- wards trade with China as necessary rolled back. East. This put the sea lanes and resist Western pressure to pursue longed crisis. but they do produce new economic Longer term, the BRI’s compo- trade routes linking China and its governance reforms and human The United States and China rep- and strategic risks. nents in the Middle East, which neighbours to Africa, the Middle rights accountability in return for resent each other’s largest trading heavily involve Saudi Arabia, Egypt, East and Europe centre stage, even development aid. partner but the trade balance has the United Arab Emirates, Oman if Gulf countries have China’s Chinese exports of goods such as historically been heavily skewed in Consumers in the Middle and Iraq — all of which are key US attention only because Saudi surveillance technology could favour of Beijing. It is an imbalance East could end up paying allies — alongside a range of other Arabia, Iraq, Oman and Kuwait are reinforce authoritarian regimes in the United States has attempted to higher prices for goods from regional partners, could face unfore- among the most important sources the Middle East, argue the report’s address for years. China as a result of growing seen challenges. This is problem- of oil for China. authors. This appears somewhat Earlier, the United States was pri- American tariffs against its atic because the BRI would enhance A paper published by the Euro- hypocritical as the West talks of marily concerned with Beijing’s ma- industries. Middle Eastern trade connectivity in pean Council for Foreign Affairs good governance, freedom, et nipulation of its currency, the ren- general, not only with China. suggests that “Beijing will likely cetera, but never seems to put it in minbi. Washington charges Beijing Dismissing fears that its strategy Situated as a global crossroads for struggle to maintain its neutral practice, especially in countries that with maintaining an artificially low is self-defeating, the Trump admin- trade, connecting East and West, narrative as Chinese interests in this are oil rich and buy a lot of weapons exchange rate that provided Chinese istration says the approach is based North and South, the Middle East volatile region grow.” Much will from Europe and the United exporters with an unfair advantage on the logic of “short-term pain for has enormous future gains at stake depend of the speed and manner in States. and essentially powered China’s long-term gain.” However, it is un- with a programme such as the BRI. which the United States draws back As for the Chinese model, it is sui phenomenal economic growth over clear what precisely constitutes a However, the Middle East is not from the region. generis invention that cannot be the past 15 years in particular. successful outcome for Washington alone here — much of Asia, Africa China may not feel ready to transplanted to oil-rich autocracies China has built massive foreign and Beijing has responded just as and Europe have growing stakes strengthen its political and security that depend on vast pools of foreign exchange reserves generated by boldly. with not only China and BRI but sta- presence in the region “but it may labour. its trade surpluses — in particular Meanwhile, China has been em- bility in the global economy and its feel it has no choice in the matter,” Whether China adopts more with the United States — more than barking on President Xi Jinping’s free trade rules. the council’s paper stated. It is assertive policies in the MENA $1 trillion of which are held in US flagship Belt and Road Initiative Ironically, both the United States worth recalling the events of region only the future will tell. Treasury bonds. (BRI). The BRI is an unprecedented and China could suffer the great- summer 2011 when China found What is not in doubt is the country’s Now the United States has begun programme of strategic projects est fallout themselves from a sys- itself with no local assets to help growing presence in the region and to pressure China on what it says is that involved hundreds of billions tematic economic slowdown in hundreds of thousands of Chinese its wariness of getting too “theft” of technology and intellec- of dollars being invested over the the other’s economy if the current workers fleeing the chaos in Libya. enmeshed in very complex political tual property from US companies. next two decades to develop trade measures of either precipitate this. Beijing remains, as this report conflicts. The gambit has expanded into a connectivity through massive infra- Another failure to find a break- stresses, “extremely careful not to wider set of issues related to eco- structure development. through in US-China talks would become too involved” in supplying Francis Ghilès is an associate fellow nomic and national security. The BRI was meant to be about be a lose-lose outcome for not only arms, still “believing that the at the Barcelona Centre for Leading Chinese technology geo-economics but it also appears them but the world at large, includ- United States can take responsibil- International Affairs. firms have been blocked from com- to be viewed with growing suspi- ing the Middle East. October 27, 2019 17 News & Analysis East West US withdrawal from Syria strains Iraq relationship

Emily Przyborowski forces altogether removes a signifi- cant capability against ISIS,” McGurk posted on Twitter. Washington There are about 5,000 US troops deployed in Iraq and additional per- n announcement by the sonnel could put a strain on Baghdad Pentagon that US troops as it balances relationships with Teh- leaving Syria would con- ran and Washington. A duct operations against the “Pro-Iranian factions in the Iraqi Islamic State in Iraq has taken Iraqi parliament are already agitating for authorities by surprise and is a sign the expulsion of US troops and are that the two countries are not on the likely to seize upon the arrival of same page, an analyst said. more of them. Militias with close ties US Defence Secretary Mark Esper to Tehran have previously threat- arrived in Iraq October 21, one day ened to strike US interests in Iraq,” after the announcement, to discuss Sune Engel Rasmussen and Isabel troop deployments. After meeting Coles wrote in the Wall Street Jour- with Esper, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel nal. Clearing the air. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi (R) and US Defence Secretary Mark Esper in Abdul-Mahdi said US troops would The US government wants its Baghdad, October 23. (Reuters) not be staying in Iraq longer than a troops to remain in Iraq partly be- month. cause of doubts that Turkey will be “The government has confirmed effective in combating ISIS. Turkey buffer zone at the border of north- that revenue to enable their own ma- that it will not grant permission for and Russia came to an agreement Oc- eastern Syria. lign activities,” he said. US forces retreating from Syrian ter- tober 22 in which they brokered mu- The shift may allow Syrian Presi- Despite Turkey’s agreement with ritory to remain in Iraqi territory,” tual control for north-eastern Syria, dent Bashar Assad to make gains There are Russia, US President Donald Trump Abdul-Mahdi said. Esper said US recently occupied by US troops. The in the Syrian civil war as well. Syr- announced that he and Turkish troops would eventually be stationed agreement threatens the balance of ian security forces returned to the about 5,000 President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had in Kuwait, Qatar or the United States. power in the Middle East and US in- north-eastern region shortly after reached a permanent ceasefire agree- Brett McGurk, former US special fluence in Syria. the agreement, an area that they had US troops deployed ment. envoy to the global coalition to coun- Michael Carpenter, managing di- not been able to enter since the US Turkey said it would stop its offen- ter the Islamic State (ISIS), said the rector at the Penn Biden Centre, said occupation. in Iraq and additional sive in Syria, “making the ceasefire confusion was because of a lack of Russia is using Turkey as a proxy in The result of the manoeuvring personnel could permanent and it will indeed be per- coordination between the two coun- Syria. “Moscow is now the powerbro- could threaten US oil interests in the manent,” Trump said. He confirmed tries. ker in the Middle East as Trump has region. US officials intend to have put more pressure that economic sanctions on Turkey “It’s unfortunate that US officials rendered the US irrelevant,” he said troops protect Syrian oil fields, Esper on Baghdad as it would be lifted. apparently never asked or coordinat- on Twitter. said. balances relationships ed with Iraq before announcing that The agreement between Russia “The purpose is to deny access, Emily Przyborowski is an our troops withdrawing from Syria and Turkey calls for the removal of specifically revenue, to ISIS and any with Tehran and Arab Weekly correspondent in would remain in Iraq. Losing these the Syrian Kurdish forces from the other groups that may want to seek Washington. Washington. Viewpoint Wary of ISIS resurgence, Esper trying to mitigate US withdrawal fallout

The United States would also fight against the Islamic State (ISIS). withdrawal from the northern would be able to “take” Iraqi oil, a maintain 100-150 troops at a base in Some of those forces, speaking Syrian corridor that the Turks and comment his subordinates had to Gregory Al-Tanf, near the Jordanian border. anonymously, said they felt a sense their allies now occupy, he appar- walk back. Aftandilian Hence, there will not be a “complete of “shame” following the decision ently convinced the president that a Second, it is unclear what is going withdrawal” of US troops from Syria to withdraw from northern Syria, complete withdrawal would enable to happen to the 170,000 Syrian that Trump pledged to achieve only leaving their Kurdish allies to face ISIS to rebound. Kurdish refugees who fled their S President Donald a couple of weeks ago. the Turkish onslaught. Esper underscored the impor- homes as the Turks and their allies Trump, after congratu- The impetus for maintaining The image of US troops hastily tance of protecting Syrian oil fields advanced into northern Syria. Will lating himself for about 350 US troops in Syria (out of leaving in convoys and being pelted to ensure that ISIS does not occupy some of them be able to return now achieving a supposed the 1,000 in the country in early with rocks and rotten vegetables and profit from them. He said the that an agreement has been reached diplomatic victory in October) seems to have come from was a low point for those troops United States would work with the between Russia and Turkey for joint the Turkish-Syrian- US Defence Secretary Mark Esper, because it signalled an ignominious Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic patrols in the area that will also UKurdish crisis in which he stated who is known as a level-headed retreat. Forces to achieve that goal. allow for Syrian border guards? How that the ceasefire would be “perma- professional doing his best to try to Besides the issue of betraying an The idea that ISIS could rebound does that fit with Turkey’s desire to nent,” said he decided to keep a mitigate the fallout from Trump’s ally, US forces were concerned that was reinforced by US special envoy send thousands of Syrian refugees, residual force in eastern Syria to erratic policy decisions. ISIS could stage a comeback, for Syria and the global anti-ISIS most of whom are ethnically Arab, guard oil fields. Esper is also dealing with sagging negating the sacrifices made in the coalition, James Jeffrey, who into this so-called “safe zone”? US officials subsequently said this morale among the military, espe- anti-ISIS campaign. testified before the US Congress that Third, what about the Kurdish- would involve about 200 troops cially US special forces who worked Although Esper could not reverse more than 100 ISIS fighters had controlled areas south of the “safe around the oil fields of Deir ez-Zor. closely with the Syrian Kurds in the Trump’s decision on the troop probably escaped from detention zone”? Will the Kurds be able to run camps in recent weeks. Those their own affairs or will Turkey fighters would presumably add to object to any Kurdish autonomous the 10,000-15,000 ISIS militants political entity? believed to have escaped in the final Fourth, what about the many ISIS months of the anti-ISIS campaign cells in the area? Guarding oil fields and said to be forming cells in Syria and maintaining a small outpost at and Iraq. Al-Tanf is unlikely to prevent ISIS While Esper’s efforts prevented a from trying to rebuild its struc- complete US withdrawal, many tures. questions remain. Trump has not addressed those First, it is unclear what the United questions because his main goal is States is going to do with revenues to tell the American people that he from the oil fields. Trump, in a is fulfilling his 2016 campaign statement October 23, said: “We’ll promise of withdrawing troops from be deciding what we’re going to be “endless wars” in the Middle East, doing with [the oil fields] in the even if he has backtracked a bit in future.” Although the Deir ez-Zor oil keeping a few hundred in Syria. In fields are in Kurdish-controlled his words: “Let someone else fight areas, under international law they over this long blood-stained are considered the purview of the sand.” Syrian government. Much to the dismay of many Trump needs to be careful how he members of Congress, as well as the deals with this issue because any Pentagon, Russian President impression that the United States Vladimir Putin, Turkish President aims to hold onto the oil fields for Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian its own sake would stir up even President Bashar Assad are more more anti-US sentiment in the than happy to step into the breach region. left by the United States. It must be remembered that Trump, in his second day in office in Gregory Aftandilian is a lecturer in January 2017, caused a political the Pardee School of Global Studies firestorm in Iraq by stating publicly at Boston University and a former Lurking in shadows. Men suspected of being ISIS fighters walk towards a screening point where suspected at CIA headquarters that “next US State Department Middle East jihadists are being interrogated outside Baghouz in the eastern Syrian Deir Ez-Zor province, last March. (AFP) time” he hoped the United States analyst. 18 October 27, 2019 Economy

Viewpoint Briefs Mindful of Iraq unrest, US extends sanctions Aramco says IPO timing depends on ‘market waiver to Baghdad to import Iranian energy conditions’ Saudi Aramco said the timing into its power grid and takes around of its long-awaited stock market 1.5 billion cubic feet per day of debut “will depend on market Iranian gas through pipelines in the conditions” after another delay Jareer Elass south and east to feed power in the initial public offering. stations. The initial public offering of Even with the imports, Iraq has Aramco stock forms the corner- he Trump administration been unable to meet its electricity stone of a reform programme is extending a US needs, because of undeveloped gas conceived by Saudi Crown sanctions waiver that reserves, flaring of associated gas Prince Mohammed bin Salman allows the Iraqi govern- and an ageing and debilitated power bin Abdulaziz to wean the Saudi ment to import electricity sector that suffered extensive economy off its reliance on oil. and natural gas from damage from Islamic State attacks Aramco was expected to TIran, even as Washington pushes and is badly in need of upgrades to launch the first part of a two- Baghdad to find alternative transmission and distribution stage listing in late October but suppliers and cut its energy networks. the energy giant decided to push dependence on Tehran. It is estimated that 50% of the the trading date back to Decem- Baghdad is taking heed by electricity sent through Iraqi ber or January, a person familiar improving its own power generation distribution and transmission lines with the situation said. capacity and eyeing imports from never gets to end users. Electricity other neighbours but the govern- demand in Iraq, which peaked at 24 Thorny issue. An Iraqi worker checks an electrical generator (Agence France-Presse) ment of Iraqi Prime Minister Adel GW in 2018, is growing at a rapid 7% board after continual power outages in Najaf. (Reuters) Abdul-Mahdi argues that curbing its annually. Iraqi Electricity Minister reliance on Iranian gas imports will Luay al-Khatteeb said the country’s take time. Tehran is doing what it electricity production is 18-19 GW. agreement with the German Baghdad. Iran’s Mehr News Agency India’s SpiceJet can to ensure its power supply In October 2018, Iraq signed 5-year company to add 1.7 GW to the recently reported Deputy Head of relationship with Baghdad won’t “road map” agreements with US country’s power grid by repairing Iran Electricity Industry Syndicate to open hub in change anytime soon. firm General Electric and Germany’s war-damaged power plants in the Payam Bagheri as saying that the The US State Department Siemens AG as part of Baghdad’s northern city of Baiji. power grids of the two neighbours UAE with Boeing announced it was extending a plans to upgrade its power sector, The International Energy Agency would be interconnected by the end 737 Maxes waiver on sanctions for Baghdad to spending $15 billion on new power (IEA) recommended steps Iraq of 2019. continue to import gas and electric- plants and line repairs, as well as should take to improve its electricity Bagheri said: “Based on a deal India’s low-cost airline Spice- ity from Tehran, saying: “The waiver infrastructure that enables Iraq’s sector, including removing subsidies between Iran and Iraq, Iraq’s Jet announced plans to build ensures that Iraq is able to meet its associated gas that is wasted and reforming electricity tariffs electricity grid losses, which is its first international hub in the short-term energy needs while it through flaring to be captured and coupled with stronger regulation of currently more than 50%, will be United Arab Emirates, offering takes steps to reduce its dependence used domestically. Siemens had neighbourhood generators. The IEA reduced to 30% by the end of support to the Boeing Company on Iranian energy imports.” been the primary choice of the promoted delivering additional 2020.” by saying it would use now- Since reinstating sanctions last government of former Iraqi Prime electricity supply to Iraq “quickly, Earlier this year, Tehran and Bagh- grounded 737 Max aircraft in November that targeted Iran’s crude Minister Haider al-Abadi for efficiently and at least expense” by dad signed an electricity coopera- the operation, once regulators and gas exports, the Trump adminis- awarding the bulk of the power- “connecting Iraq with its neighbours tion agreement that included plans approve the planes for flight. tration has extended the initial sector projects. to stimulate regional electricity for Iran to build a power plant in The hub would be in Ras al- waiver it granted Baghdad four However, the Trump administra- trade.” Iraq. Khaimah, the Emirates’ north- times. tion heavily lobbied Baghdad to The Trump administration has The Trump administration may be ernmost sheikhdom. SpiceJet Washington is mindful of the ensure that General Electric would pressed Baghdad to connect to the pleased with Iraq’s efforts to Chairman Ajay Singh said India’s political unrest in Iraq and does not be an integral part of the rebuilding Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) improve its power generation and second-largest airline would use want a repeat of the summer of 2018 process, probably using the leverage power grid, an idea that Saudi Arabia transmission capabilities and find it to extend its range as far as when power outages contributed to of the sanctions waivers to ensure has touted for years. In September, alternatives to its electricity imports Western Europe. mass demonstrations in southern the US firm scored significant Iraq and the GCC signed a deal for a but Khatteeb warned that Baghdad SpiceJet flights between Iraq and Baghdad that turned deals. 300km transmission line financed won’t quickly replace the Iranian gas New Delhi and Ras al-Khaimah deadly. Iran stopped supplying Iraq In April, an agreement between by the GCC that would carry 500 MW it purchases as part of its power should begin in December, Singh with electricity in July 2018 because the Abdul-Mahdi administration of electricity from Kuwait to Iraq’s needs. In August, the electricity said. of unpaid bills and an increase in and Siemens included three southern port of Al-Faw. Iraq is minister said: “We need three to four Iranian power consumption. contracts valued at around $778 reportedly in talks with Kuwait, years.” (The Associated Press) Iranian electricity and gas imports million for a 500-megawatt (MW) Saudi Arabia and Turkey to import comprise around 30-40% of Iraq’s power plant, upgrades to 40 gas electricity. Jareer Elass reports from power supply. Iraq imports 1.2 turbines and new substations. In Tehran is not prepared to Washington on energy issues for gigawatts (GW) of Iranian electricity September, Iraq signed a $1.3 billion relinquish its electricity ties with The Arab Weekly. Cote d’Ivoire tourism attracts $5 Norway gives Iraq much-needed help to save arable land billion from Arab Caline Malek lack of basic skills in working compe- locals, notably young people, to “So you’ll see people littering the investors tencies. move to Basra. canals because there is nowhere else “Part of the youth in Basra comes “Once there, they have no skills [to dispose of refuse], which goes Cote d’Ivoire announced that Dubai from villages around the city and professionally,” he said. “This is why into the main Shatt al-Arab river, Arab investors pledged $5 billion there’s a lot of migration from the the NRC has identified vocational which is where the drinking water is to support its programme to at- he UN Environment Pro- city’s outskirts,” Peyre-Costa noted. training and business empowerment pumped from.” tract foreign tourists to the West gramme estimates that Iraq “This is because, in the past year, as a strategic activity implementa- NRC recently started new liveli- African nation. loses about 250 sq.km of ar- there has been a huge water crisis tion.” hood programmes that include vo- Tourism and Leisure Minister T able land every year due to and farmers have more and more dif- Basra has the potential to become cational training of young people, Siandou Fofana said a round climate change but now Norway is ficulty to crop and farm.” one of the richest cities in Iraq be- as well as targeting existing new and table of investors in Dubai in late stepping in to lend a helping hand. Drought has threatened agricul- cause of its oil fields. However, be- small businesses by training proprie- October expressed interest in The loss of arable land is expected tural production in many rural areas, cause the local population is not tors to develop their businesses. Cote d’Ivoire and, in total, “en- to trigger new displacements in the contributing to the displacement of involved — partially due to a lack of In September, a youth programme listed from them pledges worth region of up to 4 million Iraqis in the nearly 4,000 people in August 2018. professional skills — they miss out on was created to empower people. “It’s just more than $5 billion.” next eight years, Iraqi officials said. However, there is potential. Iraq’s crucial job opportunities. also about resolving the water crisis The Norwegian Refugee Council Zubair and Safwan areas have about Peyre-Costa mentioned a lack of with more investment in water treat- (Agence France-Presse) (NRC) is providing programmes to 3,500 farms, which plant tomatoes political will to involve local citizens. ment plants, water management and help Iraqi farmers and young people in autumn and supply two-thirds of “They just go for the easy solution, improving the waste management empower their businesses. Iraq’s needs. which is hiring competent foreign system,” Peyre-Costa said, “but, as Last summer, NRC provided agri- The NRC’s programme outcome for staff,” he said. “It’s faster and makes long as the government doesn’t pri- UK lifts ban on cultural training in Basra for farm- farmers was positive and, although it so much money that they don’t bother oritise empowering the youth and ers aged 16-22, focusing on modern is not expected to resolve the crisis, it taking the time to train and empower equally reinvesting the wealth from Egyptian resort agricultural production techniques identified the issue as one of the top the youth that critically needs it.” oil fields in the area, the situation flights such as agronomic practices, vertical needs in the area. Although Basra could be the won’t change.” gardening, greenhouse production, “Once you start with a group of wealthiest region of Iraq, it is one of Peyre-Costa called for concrete agro-processing, post-harvest han- farmers, then this knowledge is be- the poorest because of its water cri- measures for waste management UK airlines can resume flights dling and other methods based on ing shared through the commu- sis and because oil revenues are not because canals are reportedly only to the Egyptian resort of Sharm local needs. nity fabric,” Peyre-Costa explained. shared equitably with the local popu- cleaned before elections take place. el-Sheikh, the British govern- The programme was designed to “Communities are very close in the lation. Peyre-Costa said he has seen “This doesn’t work,” he said. “The ment said. promote economic resilience within area and, once you train their lead- no improvement since July. population needs to be made aware The British Department for households and increase people’s ca- ers, they will themselves train the “What could have been a positive of the environmental impact of litter- Transport said “improvements pacity to secure their livelihoods in youth and this is how it spreads. By outcome is that rainfall was four ing and dropping garbage in canals. If in security procedures at the the long term. targeting specific populations, you times higher but, despite that, there they don’t have any other solution, airport and close cooperation be- “We do more now,” said NRC Iraq can manage to train a big chunk of was still a water crisis in Basra,” he how can you tell them not to do it? tween the United Kingdom and Media Coordinator Tom Peyre-Costa. people.” said. “The issue isn’t the quantity of “It’s a lot of factors that need to be Egypt on aviation security mean “We are developing our sector of em- Peyre-Costa spoke of growing water but the quality because most prioritised and the shocking aspect is commercial airlines can now be powering youth and the people of competition over resources between of it is unsuitable for consumption, that there is definitely the money for allowed to operate routes to and Basra.” farmers and shepherds because of even for farming. It’s polluted, the it — it’s just unfortunately not priori- from the airport.” He said most foreign governments the number of water buffalo herds salinity level is way too high, there tised.” understand that core reasons behind that graze on areas surrounding are some algal outbreaks and oil (The Associated Press) protests in southern Iraq are linked crops. This increased tensions be- spills and there is no waste manage- Caline Malek is an Arab Weekly to poverty that is a consequence of a tween communities, which pushed ment in the city. contributor in Abu Dhabi. October 27, 2019 19 Economy Libya’s National Oil Company seeks changes to tap into output potential

Michel Cousins billion towards development needs and, although the money has not been transferred to an account set up for this, Tunis officials said they believe it will arrive. However, it is much less than what he role of oil in the Libyan NOC had asked for and the GNA has a economy and the state’s con- habit of not meeting NOC’s financial trol of it need to undergo dra- requests or, when it does settle on a fig- T matic change, officials in the ure, of not giving that in full. As a con- industry and the country’s private sec- sequence, NOC has been accumulating tor have said. debts. Libyan National Oil Company (NOC) Given that the GNA is not going to officials, speaking at the Libyan Energy provide anything near the $15 billion Sector Development Forum October NOC said it needs, the company is look- 21-22 in Tunis, said Libya’s oil produc- ing for a change in its relationship with tion stands at approximately 1.3 million the state, including a strong degree of barrels per day (bpd). That is the high- independence. est level it has been since mid-2013 but At the forum in Tunis, officials spoke significantly lower than the 1.6 million in favour of being able to borrow from bpd figure before the 2011 revolution. the market through bonds and loans, Libyan production has been in de- a proposal the well-funded Libyan pri- cline for 50 years. It was producing vate sector and banks enthusiastically 3.1 million bpd in 1969 when Muam- support. mar Qaddafi seized power and rose to Other proposals include replacing 3.35 million bpd the following year but the outdated 1955 Oil Law with one that dropped because of political interfer- would reflect a change in the relation- ence and a lack of maintenance and ship between the corporation and the investment. state; an end to the practice, in opera- There is no reason production could tion since 1984, by which oil revenue not soar. In 2011 during the revolution, automatically goes to the state not an official from the Arabian Gulf Oil NOC; a return to the situation in which Changing environment. The building housing Libya’s oil state energy firm, the National Oil Corporation, in Company, one of the country’s lead- NOC paid the state taxes and royalties; Tripoli. (Reuters) ing oil companies, said Libya had the greater flexibility in exploration and resources to pump 5 million bpd if pro- production agreements to reflect that duction techniques at existing fields new production fields are likely to be ate-Transfer basis on a 15-hectare site cow, encouraging Russia’s Gazprom tor can play in funding NOC as well as were improved and new fields were in more difficult areas and will require near the Tobruk end of pipeline from and Tatneft to resume activities in in growing the national economy he brought online. greater investment by foreign oil com- east Libya’s Messla and Sarir oilfields. Libya. added that “regulatory impediments to NOC’s plan is to raise production to 2 panies; and the restoration of a Minis- The announcement followed a deci- Tatneft diplomatically said it was establishing private sector businesses million bpd by 2022 and 2.2 million bpd try of Oil. sion by Tripoli-based NOC to restrict “prepared” to return “in the coming are removed.” by 2024. However, it needs both mas- One NOC official said the Oil Ministry supplies of jet fuel to the east and the weeks” as well as invest in exploration However, there is no sign that the sive investment on the part of NOC and would be the regulatory and superviso- east’s response, setting up a parallel and development. Gazprom indicated legal blocks on NOC accepting private the willingness of foreign oil companies ry authority, leaving NOC to be a com- version of the Brega Oil and Gas Mar- that there could be further technical funding are being removed. to operate in Libya. mercial holding company, paying taxes keting Company. The latter move was talks. However, the reality is that they As both state sector officials and rep- NOC officials said the company profits and able to access funding. condemned by NOC Chairman Mustafa will return only when they determine it resentatives from the private sector needs $15 billion for its 5-year develop- NOC officials also said they want it to Sanallah as an illegal attempt by the is safe to do so. noted at the Tunis forum, the GNA had ment plan, primarily for new technolo- be a leaner organisation. It has 15,000 east to start exporting oil. BP and Eni, which agreed a joint- “no vision” for reforming the oil indus- gies to improve and expand production employees, they said, far more than venture exploration deal in October try or unfettering the potential of the needed. 2018 and were to have started drilling private sector. and to upgrade and expand its pipeline NOC’s plan is to raise oil network. The focus on the private sector and in the first quarter of 2019, are reported Some said the lack of vision was not The scale of the task has been made foreign investors was picked up by au- production to 2 million to have indefinitely postponed their just because of the security crisis. It was worse by various conflicts in the coun- thorities in eastern Libya. Plans have barrels per day by 2022 and plans because of the security situation institutional and deep-seated; the crisis try since 2014. Oilfields, notably the been announced for a 300,000-bpd oil 2.2 million bpd by 2024. in Libya. merely added to it. Ghani and Mabrouk fields south of refinery in Tobruk. Sanallah has been increasingly stri- Whether true or not, the crisis will Sirte that were attacked and damaged The Benghazi Chamber of Commerce Sanallah has been trying to persuade dent in his calls for the economy to continue to frighten off internationals, by the Islamic State militants in 2015, said the eastern-based government of foreign oil companies to return to Libya move away from its total dependence particularly oil companies and without will take years to recover, a NOC official Abdullah al-Thinni authorised Rahila or head there for the first time. on oil. Speaking October 18 at a meeting the means for NOC to access private- said on the sidelines of the forum. Be- Oil Services to build the refinery. He was recently in Algeria trying to of the Atlantic Council in Washington, sector funding, its plans for increased tween them, the fields once produced An independent company, Rahila persuade officials from the country’s he said: “Oil cannot be the only game in output will remain a considerable up- 400,000 bpd. operates petrol stations throughout the energy company Sonatrach to increase town. We need to take our fate into our hill struggle. At the beginning of October, the country. It is reported to be negotiat- oil and gas production in Libya. Before own hands and develop our own strat- Tripoli-based Government of National ing with an unidentified foreign firm to that he was on the sidelines of the Rus- egy for national recovery.” Michel Cousins is a contributor to Accord (GNA) agreed to give NOC $1 construct the project on a Build-Oper- sian Energy Week conference in Mos- Supporting the role the private sec- The Arab Weekly on Libyan issues. For Morocco, independence of judiciary is key to attracting foreign investors

Mohamed al-Alawi role in absorbing the prevailing global the role of the judiciary in protect- economic challenges and the national ing investment does not end with economic climate. the application of the law fairly and Marrakech King Mohammed VI stressed the equitably but requires that the juris- need to unify efforts and pool the prudence of judges be compatible t an international confer- energies to create a healthy and safe with principles governing judicial ence on justice, Morocco environment for business and in- security. demonstrated the impor- vestment in Morocco through the Moroccan Minister of Justice Mo- A tance it places on the prin- adoption of a comprehensive and in- hamed Benabdelkader said Morocco ciples of justice and independence of tegrated approach to conducting the had always paid special attention the judiciary as basic guarantors for revisions to legal texts concerning to investment as a strategic option, international investments and inves- business and finance. highlighting the importance of this tors in development projects. choice by updating relevant legis- Morocco said it is ready for fair Moroccan King Mohammed VI lation, supporting the role of the competition among economic actors, judiciary and strengthening inter- amid European praise for Rabat’s stressed the need to unify national cooperation in business, in achievements in the judicial domain efforts and pool energies to addition to sharing successful expe- and the importance of those achieve- create a healthy and safe riences in this field to come up with ments in setting the right context for environment for business and concrete recommendations for im- investment. investment in Morocco. provements. In a message to the Second In- The international conference, or- ternational Conference on Justice, EU officials attending the confer- ganised under royal auspices, saw the which took place October 21-22 in ence said measures by Morocco en- participation of more than 40 minis- Marrakech under the theme of “Jus- sured the independence of the judici- ters of justice and senior officials of tice and Investment: Challenges and ary and effective judicial procedures, the supreme judicial councils, as well Stakes,” Moroccan King Mohammed which reassure investors and encour- as prominent actors in specialised VI said justice is an important key for age them to establish businesses in international economic and financial improving the investment climate, Morocco and help grow the economy institutions. encouraging free initiative and pro- and create job opportunities. tecting entrepreneurship. He called Mohamed Abdel-Nabaoui, Mo- Mohamed al-Alawi is a Moroccan Eager for investments. People walk along a street in the old medina of on the judiciary to play its essential rocco’s chief public prosecutor, said writer. Marrakech. (AFP) 20 October 27, 2019 Society Environment Egypt steps up campaign against sea plastic waste

Marc Espanol established the coalition Egypt Ban Plastic, whose main purpose is to support a ban on single-use plastic Cairo bags in Egypt. “We don’t need our efforts to be he risk of the Mediterranean scattered, we need to be unified so becoming a sea of plastic ap- everybody has the same vision and pears more likely as years [works to] implement it in its city,” T pass. said Ahmed Yassin, the marketing The Mare Nostrum region is said strategist at Banlastic, a project from to be the fourth-largest producer Alexandria focused on promoting a of plastic goods in the world and ban of single-use plastics. 570,000 tonnes of plastic end up in “Recycling is not efficient and the its waters each year, a report by the way [plastic] is managed is not effi- World Wide Fund for Nature said. cient,” Yassin said. “Also, the single- That figure is predicted to quad- use plastics are way more than to be ruple by 2050 if action is not taken recycled, which is a back door for at all levels of the plastic life cycle, making more single-use plastics.” from production to waste manage- Red Sea Governor Ahmed Abdal- ment, analysts said. lah issued a decree in April banning Egypt is the seventh largest ex- the use of single-use plastics in busi- porter of plastic waste and is esti- nesses such as diving boats, restau- mated to mismanage 42.5% of its rants and some shops, becoming the waste, far more than the second first governor to adopt such a meas- country in the region — Turkey, with ure. Hotels were a notable exemp- 18.9%. tion but many were said to commit Choking the river. Egyptian volunteers collect waste and plastic as part of a campaign to clean up the Egypt is the largest source of open to the new regulation. Nile River. (Reuters) dumping among its neighbours, “We cannot judge [the whole pic- with 1.3 million tonnes of plastic ture] but my personal observation adopted nationally but the Egyptian formation of other entities, said called Bassita. waste ending in open sites each year, is that there is a huge change,” said Ministry of Environment has begun one of their campaigns was to raise Initiatives have flourished in uni- the study stated. From 150,000- Soha Elramly, marketing manager at its own projects, such as the 2017 awareness among workers in the versities, as is the case of the Green 390,000 tonnes of the waste end up the Hurghada Environmental Pro- “Enough Plastic Bags” campaign stores in Cairo’s Zamalek district to Campus from the German University in the sea. tection and Conservation Associa- funded by the European Union. stop using plastic with the goal to in Cairo. Plastic pollution primarily affects tion, the organisation that initially MP Anissa Hassouna in June sub- make Zamalek free of plastic bags “We decided to start this initiative tourism, maritime trade and fisher- promoted the ban of single-use plas- mitted a petition to ban the use of within two years. after we noticed the huge amount ies sectors, which are important to tics in Red Sea governorate. plastic bags in Egypt and the head of waste that is produced in our the Egyptian economy. More wor- “If you go to any supermarket or of the Industry Committee, Moham- environment,” said Hisham Mat- risome, however, is a study by the restaurant you will not find plastic med Farag, announced his intention Plastic pollution primarily tar, president of the group, “and we Egyptian Ministry of Environment bags or cutlery anymore… and many to initiate a draft law on banning affects tourism, maritime started at the students’ level because that said seabirds and many marine hotels already have their own sys- their use nationwide. trade and fisheries sectors, we believe that new generations are species are highly vulnerable to the tem and recycle,” she said. Civil society groups continue their which are important to the more concerned about our planet’s waste, posing both an ecological and Elramly also suggested authorities own activities, ranging from raising Egyptian economy. future.” human threat, given that fish that should apply fines so everybody fol- awareness on the effects of plastic Yassin said: “Now it is not like in eat harmful plastics are consumed lows suit. waste, developing alternatives to Elashkar said Greenish, which is 2010 when the alternative [to plas- by humans. Other regions have introduced plastic, lobbying the authorities or part of Egypt Ban Plastic, was work- tic] was non-existent. Now we have Several initiatives have been in- bans on single-use plastics, includ- organising cleaning campaigns. ing on projects across the country, the alternatives and it can be done.” troduced by Egyptian civil society ing coastal cities of the South Sinai Seif Elashkar, social media mod- such as Very Nile, an initiative to to fight plastic pollution. The most governorate. erator at Greenish, a social business clean the Nile River conducted in co- Marc Espanol is a Catalan journalist prominent joined efforts in July and No such measures have been that supports the ecological trans- operation with an Egyptian start-up in Egypt. Technological remedies to plastic waste in the Mediterranean are themselves risky

Omar el-Huni Oxo-biodegradation is defined dinary plastics. caused by conditions in the envi- would allow for subsequent biodeg- as “degradation resulting from The benefit is reducing contribu- ronment, with heat and sunlight ac- radation to occur during projected oxidative and cell-mediated phe- tions to the “scourge of plastic pol- celerating the process, and the plas- time frames. lastic is a material that nomena, either simultaneously lution” of land and sea. tic product formulation, with some A similar report by the United Na- is typically disposed of or successively” by the European One of the advantages of oxo-bio- designed to degrade at a faster rate. tions stated that oxo-plastics can through dumping. A report Committee for Standardisation. degradation is that, while ordinary This is not the end-all solution threaten marine ecosystems even P by French newspaper La Regions such as the United Arab plastic can only be recycled when it seems. Results from various UN following fragmentation. It said it Tribune stated that 22 countries Emirates have enacted legislation collected, oxo-bio plastics would, studies revealed there is not enough should be assumed that microplas- dump a collective 600,000 tonnes requiring the use of oxo-biode- in theory, be recycled into nature. evidence to assure the materials tics resulting from fragmentation of plastic into the Mediterranean gradable technology in all every- would biodegrade in marine envi- would remain in the ocean, where each year. day plastic items. The plastics are ronments within reasonable time they would be consumed by organ- Oxo-biodegradable plastic is an made in the same way as normal Marine environments are and that no recognised standards isms, which could result in harmful alternative used in MENA that, plastics but have a catalyst added, the most commonly affected exist to serve as benchmarks, allow- algal species, microbes and patho- when exposed to the open environ- changing the products’ molecular by dumping and, with a ing for certification. gens. ment, converts into biodegradable structure from plastic. In theory, projected 2 billion tonnes of A report about oxo-plastics pub- Further research into the sup- materials. However, it carries risks. the cost of producing oxo-bio plas- plastic being produced by lished by the European Union stat- posed benefits of oxo-plastics is Plastic’s use is widespread, ap- tics is very little. 2050, the exact amount that ed that, even under the assumption needed. British Environment Min- pearing in phones, computers and In May 2012, Intertek, an assur- might reach the oceans is that these plastics could fragment ister Dan Norris said confusion has other equipment of modern life. ance, inspection, product testing not known. in the marine environment to a bio- been created for consumers be- Its core flaw is that when disposed and certification company, con- degradable levels, marine-based cause of the term “biodegradable” of, it remains for hundreds of years firmed in a life-cycle assessment However, they are not alterna- processes would be expected to oc- and that incorrect disposal of these and, once dumped, it breaks into that oxo-bio plastic had the best tives to waste management because cur at a much slower rate than land plastics could negatively affect microplastics. life cycle of all the materials used they can be recycled and reused and based because of lower concentra- composting and recycling facilities. Microplastics persist in the envi- in the making of carrier bags and are designed to biodegrade only tions of bacteria and oxygen. Oxo-biodegradable plastics are ronment, with marine and aquatic similar plastic products. Peter Sus- when the product reaches the open With marine dumping being the not as safe as they have been made ecosystems the most affected. The man, a former deputy judge for the environment, provided it has not second-highest source of waste, out to be and, while serving as an fragmentation process is caused High Court in England, recently re- been collected for recycling. Over this increases the chances of pro- alternative, they are not the solu- by biological and physical factors, leased an independent review for the past four years, enough of the longed damages to the MENA en- tion to the plethora of plastic waste including photodegradation trig- the scientific evidence which con- plastic masterbatch has been sold vironment. The report stated that produced each year. However, stud- gered by sunlight, which reduces cluded that: to make approximately 600,000 experiments for oxo-plastic biodeg- ies into safer and more renewable the debris to an undetectable size. Technology for oxo-biodegrada- tonnes of oxo-bio products. radation were carried out over too plastics are taking place, as well as Marine environments are the ble technology is compatible with Only bacteria and oxygen are nec- short a time to fully demonstrate moves to identify possible products most commonly affected by dump- recycling and composting. essary to trigger oxo-biodegrada- biodegradation and that the result- to phase out the use of this difficult- ing and, with a projected 2 billion Via algae, bacteria or fungi, the tion, negating the need for special ing molecular weight reduction to-dispose-of material. tonnes of plastic being produced by biodegradation of plastics in sea- conditions. When these plastics measurements were extrapolated 2050, the exact amount that might water or air has been facilitated by end up in aquatic or land environ- following certain models. Omar el-Huni is a contributor reach the oceans is not known. A oxo-plastic to occur within a rea- ments, they degrade into harmless As such, they concluded there to The Arab Weekly on UN report stated that “plastic de- sonable time, causing the plastic to residues within a few months or, at was not sufficient evidence that the environmental issues. He studies bris, or litter, in the ocean is now exist as such while avoiding toxic- most, several years. fragmentation was rapid enough to environmental science at the ubiquitous.” ity and at a rate far sooner than or- The timescale differences are lead to reduced molar weight that University of Reading. October 27, 2019 21 Society Taboo Talk offers Egyptians an offline space to engage in hard conversations

Marwa al-A’sar and it’s within the grey area that we find mutual respect and understand- Cairo ing, if we’re willing to do the work.” Taboo Talk opened in October in n an ultraconservative society Cairo where the initial topic was: “As full of contradictions, such as a society, do we view masculinity as Egypt’s, taboos are discussed toxic?” In a male-dominated society, I with extra caution. Topics such it was challenging to address such a as gender equality and sexuality topic but Amin and her colleagues can barely be tackled even behind accepted the challenge and the re- closed doors until an Egyptian-Aus- sult was to a great extent satisfac- tralian social worker attempted to tory. break the barriers with Taboo Talk. “After weeks of meeting and dis- Taboo Talk was begun by Amirah cussing the topic with different peo- Amin in Google headquarters in Syd- ple, we found that there were many ney in January 2017. It is described opinions floating around relating to by its founder as “a brave space for the idea of masculinity, even among difficult conversations and a com- our team,” Amin said. munity-based social change initia- “The concept of masculinity in tive.” Egyptian society has to do with the wrong customs and traditions and the misinterpretation of the status of Even though the Egyptian women in religion. Women’s rights society is slow to adapt to are lost to a great extent in a society change, Amin said she is that doesn’t believe in them. Women optimistic about the are brought up to be apprehensive of outcome of Taboo Talk men in their lives,” sociologist Mo- discussions. hamed Fahmy said. Both men and women attended “We provide an offline platform Taboo Talk. No major disagreements Breaking barriers. Participants pose at the end of discussion session. (Courtesy of Taboo Talk) with the aim of building a commu- appeared on the surface as people nity of people who are driven by a from both sexes reached consensus desire and curiosity to learn, under- on most points of the dialogue. space where I surprisingly met femi- try to encourage people to stay with ing lost traditions that have existed stand and make a positive impact, “I attended the discussion mainly nist men who supported our opin- their emotions and vulnerability if in most indigenous cultures around through dialogue,” Amin said. because I wanted to hear the views ions as women more than us,” said they can, as this is the key ingredient the world in which communities Around the time of the Taboo Talk of women. I really liked their views,” Miran Tamer. in building our ‘brave space’,” Amin come together, in a circle format, launch, Amin was working as a social said Ahmed Salama, 30. “I benefited The topics were guided by sugges- explained. and solve problems together.” worker in mental health and hate from the discussion as I heard differ- tions from Taboo Talk attendees. Even though the Egyptian society More sensitive issues are to come speech, mainly working with sex of- ent views. Most the attendees were Taboo Talk team members are is slow to adapt to change, Amin said in future discussions. fenders, child soldiers, perpetrators not against women.” trained as facilitators for difficult she is optimistic about the outcome “We [usually] have no agenda and of domestic violence as well as young Salama said he hoped there would conversations. At each event, aside of Taboo Talk discussions. are simply there to hold space and be people contemplating suicide. be similar initiatives in Egyptian so- from the two trained facilitators, “Any change is usually met with a custodians of the brave space, not of “I saw how many discussions, es- ciety but “maybe in a more daring there is a counsellor to support peo- level of fear and resistance. We fear the content. We expect that topics pecially online, that had potential manner.” ple emotionally triggered by the con- what we don’t know or understand, around mental health, relationships, for fruitful dialogue, were quickly Young women had their share in versation. especially when it is perceived to sex, identity and women’s rights, becoming polarised so I decided to the discussion. “We also have a dedicated ‘safe threaten traditional values or cus- may arise,” Amin said. create a space for exploring these di- “The talk was evenly divided space’ that attendees are encouraged toms,” Amin said. viding issues,” Amin recalled. between men and women. We all to use if they feel they need a time “Taboo Talk isn’t a new age, wave Marwa al-A’sar is a Cairo-based “Things are rarely black and white shared our views in a free, brave out from the circle. However, we do or trend. In fact, we are only reviv- journalist. Viewpoint Soft sharia smothers Muslim women in France

slamists, led by the Muslim delude her father, husband or This accumulation of cultural, accompany their children during Brotherhood, are working to brother that it is part of his traditional and religious heritage class outings, for example. isolate Maghrebi communi- religious-cultural identity. remains deeply rooted in the The soft sharia dictates that Hamid Zanaz ties in the West by all means. The Islamists take an indirect souls of most Muslims living in Muslim women in France, Since most of the Islamists approach to convince girls of France and perhaps to a greater regardless of their social, originated from Maghreb their inferiority so their submis- extent than what can be seen financial, professional and Icountries, they are aware of the sion comes voluntarily, suppos- with Muslims of the countries of academic status, remain under special sensitivity of Maghrebi edly not imposed on them by origin, maybe because of their the guardianship of the family migrants towards the subject of others, and they boast about the overwhelming fear of gradually environment, governed by women. freedom of Muslim women. What melting into French society and customs from ancient times. Our Islamist friends have they mean by “freedom” is that of losing their cultural identity. These women end up imprisoned focused their brainwashing women “choose” what the males The strategy of the Muslim in their original culture and deny efforts on women because the want. Brotherhood is to invest in that themselves any romantic latter are the main agents in Despite the apparent and fear and exploit it. Brotherhood relationship, for example, with raising children. Not only that, formal integration of most North members sneak through the male French compatriots, they worked to Islamise those Africans in Western societies, family and community spheres to especially if the latter are born in the West to present them they consider every woman — be delude Muslims of the West that non-Muslim or from a different as models for the newcomers to she single, divorced or widowed what guarantees the preservation ethnic background. This is just a emulate. — who wishes to break free from of their identity is women — if sample of the repressive moral The Muslim Brothers have social, cultural and masculine they abide by sharia. guardianship imposed on women invested in that patriarchal oppression a corrupt, rogue Thus, Muslim women find by this soft sharia under the mindset that is deeply rooted in woman and that it is up to the themselves forced into duty and banner of moderate Islam. Algerian, Tunisian and Moroccan brother, father, male relative or committed to wearing a veil or a Ultimately, the claim of men, who see women as weak Muslim in general to intervene to niqab or a burqa or a jilbab — or all following a moderate version of beings who need to be guided, bring her back to the Islamic of them at the same time. Other Islam and the soft sharia maintained and controlled so as cultural fold. females may just cover their hair approach used by the Muslim not to sully the family’s hon- Unfortunately, the reality is or always wear a hat. If they have Brothers are but transitional our. that very few women defy family the freedom to go out on their tactics that are part of the Even though those values and and neighbourhood pressure and own, they’ll make sure to return Brotherhood’s so-called “tam- attitudes towards women were liberate themselves. Those who home before sundown. keen” (“empowerment”) strat- long discarded as being part of a do pay dearly for their emancipa- When made without convic- egy, which paves the way for the feudal and backward system, the tion. Their reputation is tar- tion, this type of commitment literal application of “hardcore” Muslim Brotherhood is trying to nished in the mosque and the results in a turbulent psychologi- sharia. coat them with an Islamic neighbourhood and some are cal state and this forced adher- The only hope for Muslim religious character and turn them verbally and physically abused. ence to calcified traditions in a women in the West to free The only hope for into a soft Islamic law that finds We’ve heard of honour killings in modern society inevitably leads themselves from the grip of the Muslim women in the its place in the consciousness and France. to becoming isolated from other Muslim Brothers is to become unconsciousness of the coming Radicalisation does not always components of French society. aware of the achievements of the West to free Muslims. surface and may not always be In all cases, the radicalised feminist movements and other themselves is to They insidiously focus on a seen. Many radicalised females, Muslim women’s relationship women’s liberation movements become aware of the woman’s right and freedom to for example, do not wear the veil. with their contrasting environ- that resist religious and social wear the hijab, the jilbab and However, despite their modern ment becomes complicated, as obscurantism in their countries achievements of the their derivatives. What they are appearance, deep down they illustrated by their strained of origin, such as in Tunisia, feminist movements doing is defending her right to have submitted to the teachings relationships with their children’s Algeria and Morocco. choose submission and slavery of that soft sharia behind which schools because teachers in and other women’s only because they are seeking to lurk the Salafists and the Muslim French public schools do not Hamid Zanaz is an Algerian writer liberation movements. deprive her of her freedom and to Brothers. accept veiled parents when they living in France. 22 October 27, 2019 Culture Saudi student’s Australian experience blossoms into art project at home

Omar Ali al-Badawi ent with the current stage in order to achieve the Vision [2030],” Hud- haif said. Jeddah “At Arbab al-Heraf, we leave out all of our affiliations, get rid of our group of young Saudi men ideologies and free ourselves of our and women have created narrow loyalties. Our only affilia- an open cultural and ar- tion is with the word and compo- A tistic space in one of the sition, with the string and melody, busiest streets in Jeddah. with colours and the brush, with Beyond being a meeting place light and the lens. Our lofty mission for craftsmen and artists in Jeddah, is to humanise life and our total Arbab al-Heraf (Craft Masters) has bias is for our country.” evolved into an incubator for free Arbab al-Heraf is keen not to con- and diverse artistic expression. The fine that enthusiasm for art and life project was initiated by Saudi art to the gathering site and opened its expert Abdullah al-Hudhaif in early membership and for volunteering 2017 after his return from Australia, for various activities. where he went to school. Guests from the cultural elites He said he wanted to preserve the are attracted to the encouraging sense of openness and diversity of environment where they enjoy en- opinion he experienced in Australia riching debate while sharing their to enrich art and culture in Saudi productions. Young people seem Arabia and stay tuned to all forms particularly enthusiastic about par- of artistic expression. ticipating in the debates, which re- A visitor would experience the vitalise the art and culture scene in heated and extensive discussions Jeddah. in the art-filled hall hosting Arbab Several initiatives have emerged al-Heraf. Any topic is discussed — from Arbab al-Heraf that reflect the for hours at times — with a promi- core of what the group intended to Promoting diversity. Young Saudis pose in front of a painted wall in an old neighbourhood in Jeddah. nent artistic figure in attendance. settle in the dialogues of Jeddah (Al Arab) Hudhaif’s ambition quickly grew and the hearts of its inhabitants. from creating an open gathering for Arbab al-Heraf wanted to trans- young Saudis with diverse interests form eight neighbourhoods in the coastal beaches or during hiking festivals, including an art exhibi- dah beaches for five days during the to a mature institutional project. old city of Jeddah into spaces for art trips in Saudi Arabia’s mountains. tion at Emaar Square, a week-long Hawafiz Festival in King Abdullah “The idea was born out of the and beauty. In an unprecedented The group is renovating three exhibition during the Hakaya Misk Economics City. need for a serious cultural incuba- Ramadan event, teams of volun- historic buildings in old Jeddah, Festival in historic Jeddah and the The last exhibition saw the par- tor that carries with it the enlight- teers took to the narrow streets and turning them into spaces dedicated largest open-air exhibition on Jed- ticipation of more than 50 artists enment message of culture and the alleys of old neighbourhoods and to cultural and artistic activities. from across Saudi Arabia, with arts, to deliver it to all segments splashed the walls with vibrant col- These are going to be the Al-Hudaif Several initiatives have more than 100 works of art by each of society by providing a platform ours and forms to spread happiness Museum, Ziryab House of Oriental emerged from Arbab participating artist. Another exhibi- with the ability to form cultural and among inhabitants and brighten up Music and Al-Hudhaif House for al-Heraf that reflect the core tion took place during the Lives of artistic images of varying content alleys with artistic touches. Volunteer Work. The venues will Peoples Festival at Flamingo Mall in and with clear features to accom- The group organises weekly cul- open more opportunities for free of what the group intended Jeddah. modate everyone and contribute tural trips, giving members oppor- cultural expression and creativity. to settle in the dialogues of to the reorientation of the cultural tunities for discovery and medita- Arbab al-Heraf has organised sev- Jeddah and the hearts of its Omar Ali al-Badawi is a Saudi compass in a way which is consist- tion in the open desert, on charming eral art exhibitions during cultural inhabitants. journalist. Jack Dabaghian’s photographic homage to Lebanon’s Druze

Justin Salhani sion, the faithful are predominately challenges in mind, Dabaghian was spread out among Lebanon, Syria warmly received by the community and Israel. The intricacies of the reli- but he also had to go through a me- Paris gion are not widely known, even by ticulous process. many Druze. Only religious figures “When I first decided to shoot the hotographs are a casual oc- are granted deeper access to the faith. Druze, I spent 12-hour days in the li- currence, taken with a tap of a That communal cohesion means brary studying their history, history screen to show friends where that the Lebanese Druze have not of the Middle East and the history P we are or who we’ve run into. allowed someone to photograph of photography,” Dabaghian said re- We may be in yoga pants or work their community with the level of ac- cently. clothes. And the photograph is one cess granted to Dabaghian. That Da- He said the Druze opening their of thousands in our phone’s memory baghian is not a member of the Druze community felt like a profound ex- storage. community makes his access and in- perience — the most important of his Photographs have become dispos- depth documentation all the more career. Not only was he being granted able but a photograph was, and often intriguing. in-depth access, he had the opportu- still is, a recording of history. Today, Dabaghian said he won access par- nity to fill a gap in the recorded his- that historical recording is democrat- tially through persistence but also be- tory of an entire group of people. ic. Each individual decides what is cause of meeting the right people at “The Druze were barely photo- Communal cohesion. A photograph by Jack Dabaghian shows old valuable and whether to share it. This the right time. Because of their small graphed by the travelling photog- Druze men as they chat together. (Jack Dabaghian) wasn’t always the case. numbers and an ever-globalised raphers who started roaming the In the late 1800s, to have an indi- world, some Druze are worried their Levant area shooting pyramids, Jeru- photographs. Photos range from ar- the light that tradition can bring. vidual’s photo taken was to create traditional way of life may not last. salem, Baalbek and their inhabitants chitecture to landscapes but most are My favourite photo is “Hala and one of the few visual records of a per- Many minority communities have but not the Druze,” Dabaghian said. portraits of people, including Druze Alaa,” showing a boy and a girl son’s existence. Today, these photos faced difficult times in the Middle “This is the gap I decided to fill.” women, who were even harder to dressed in traditional clothing. The act as historical records. East. The Islamic State terrorised He said a modern camera wouldn’t photograph in the past than men, he right side of Hala’s face is hidden by People who were not photographed Iraq’s Yazidi community, while Iraq’s do the community or the project jus- said. darkness but the left side expresses in that period left a gap in history. It is Christian communities have all but tice. Instead, he used a technique “I’d photograph one person and a royal calm, as though she is but- with that in mind that Lebanese pho- disappeared. The Druze are not un- from the 1850s known as wet-plate they would tell the next and the next tressed by the support of generations tographer Jack Dabaghian compiled der imminent threat but there is an collodion. and the next,” Dabaghian said. He of ancestors. Alaa is more relaxed, “Les Maitres du Secret” (“The Master erosion of everyday life. “I bought a modern large-format found a willingness in the communi- laying on a plush couch, slightly be- of the Secret”), a homage to Leba- They are seen walking the streets camera in Modena and got my 1860 ty and because he spent such a great hind Hala. His face adorned more non’s Druze community. or driving trucks with the men in brass lens adapted to the camera,” he deal of time, he built a level of trust with boyish wonder. Both children The Druze are among the promi- their sherwal — loose baggy pants — said. with his subjects. seem to understand the significance nent sects that make up the multi- with a similarly cut waistcoat and a The result was a sleek but heavy Dabaghian developed his photos in of what is happening in their own religious fabric of Lebanon. They white skullcap or the women with a contraption that could capture beau- a makeshift darkroom he put togeth- way. number about 300,000 in a country flowing white veil, covering their face tiful black-and-white images imbued er with folding tables and blackout This significance was not lost on of around 6.1 million people and more loosely than the typical hijab. with a soul and the rough edges of curtains. Dabaghian, who has committed him- globally count about 1 million. These are the faithful and the reli- an era before the iPhone became the The exhibition booklet he’s com- self to carrying on this project. He The Druze religion is an offshoot of gion states they will only shed those most popular camera on Earth. piled is nothing short of profound. has returned to Lebanon to work on Shia Islam, however, Druze typically clothes if their lives are in danger. “People would ask me during my The camera swallows darkness, a more fleshed-out book. He said he consider their faith to be a religion on Today, many Druze have shed the exhibition, ‘What filter did you use,’” making Dabaghian’s use of light and planned to visit neighbouring coun- its own. It’s an amalgamation of other traditional dress. These are called the Dabaghian explained. “I had to tell shadows feel as though the subjects tries to meet the Druze communities faiths, based on the teachings of Plato Juhhal or the non-initiated and have them there’s no filter.” are emerging proudly not only into there. and Aristotle but injected with ele- no distinguishing traits from other Dabaghian spent weeks in the Leb- the light but from a bygone era. The ments from Buddhism. people in Lebanon. anese mountains. He’d pick one area contrast speaks to being engulfed in a Justin Salhani is an Arab Weekly Defined by loyalty and social cohe- With regional and communal a day to set up his camera and create modern world while finding solace in contributor. October 27, 2019 23 Culture Orientalist art legacy on display in rare exhibition at British Museum

Karen Dabrowska

London

erceptions of the Islamic world in Western art through many centuries are on display P in “Inspired by the East: How the Islamic World Influenced West- ern Art,” a rare exhibition at Lon- don’s British Museum. Curators Julia Tugwell and Olivia Threlkeld said artistic exchange be- tween East and West has a long and intertwined history and that the ex- hibition focuses on cultural interac- tions from the 15th century till today. Objects from Europe, North Amer- ica, the Middle East and North Africa highlight a centuries-old tradition of influence and exchange from East to West. The diverse selection of objects includes ceramics, photography, glass, jewellery and clothing as well as contemporary art, the curators said in a news release. “Orientalism was one of the de- fining elements of the 19th and 20th centuries, comparable to other ‘isms’ like surrealism and impressionism,” said Threlkeld. “This exhibition pro- vides a rare opportunity in the UK to see these important artworks from South-east Asia’s largest museum, the Islamic Arts Museum in Malay- sia, and to think about Orientalism’s impact on the history of art and its legacy.” Lines between fantasy and reality are often blurred in the West’s per- An interest in the Islamic world. A portrait of Sultan Bayezid I, oil An interest in the Islamic world. Frederick Arthur Bridgman’s ception of the Orient. As an art move- on canvas, 1580. (Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia) “The Prayer,” oil on canvas. (Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia) ment Orientalism reached its height during the 19th century when West- silvered bronze and marble statue of The exhibition concludes with Dis- ern artists began visiting the Middle an Arab sheikh in Cairo in 1867. Many orient by presenting four contempo- East and North Africa in greater num- of the works have impressive Ori- rary reactions to the imagery of Ori- bers. entalist-style frames with patterns entalism. These works include Inci Palestinian-American author Ed- referenced from Islamic art and ar- Eviner’s 2009 video “Harem” and ward Said’s 1978 book “Orientalism” chitecture. Others use Arabic script. Lalla Essaydi’s “Women of Morocco” questioned the ways in which the Inscriptions from the 14th-century triptych, which answers the Oriental- West has envisaged and misrepre- Alhambra palace in Granada (Spain) ists’ representations of the East, sub- sented the East in culture. He criti- often inspired the design of Orien- verting and undermining works by cised the often over-roman- talist frames. earlier European and North American ticised and inaccurate The Reorientations artists. representations, par- section shows pho- Essaydi’s triptych is from a series ticularly through lit- tographs from the of photographs in which she reimagi- erature and extending Ottoman empire’s nes harem paintings of 19th century into politics. first photo studio Orientalism and replaces the bright He defined the Ori- in Constantinople colours, nudity and luxury of such ent as being the place (modern Istanbul) paintings with monochrome settings, of Europe’s greatest, in 1857 by Pascal fully clothed women and strings of richest and oldest Sebah a pioneering Arabic letters. Women are active colonies, the source of Ottoman photog- agents rather than passive objects its civilisation and lan- rapher. He produced subjected to voyeuristic imaginings guages, its cultural con- photographs for the of western artists. testant and one of its deepest tourist market, profiting “This major exhibition highlights and most recurring images of the from the demand for souvenirs just how extensive and enduring the Other. among visitors from Europe and cultural exchange between the West Impressive style. Silvered bronze and marble statue of an Arab sheikh. The exhibition is divided into five North America. and the Islamic world has been,” Brit- (Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia) sections: Origins of Orientalism, Pop- Also on display is “Traditional ish Museum Director Hartwig Fischer ular Culture, an Imagined Orient, Re- Clothing of Turkey” published in 1973. said in a release. “It is an artistic re- orientations and Disorient. Made for the Vienna World Fair, the lationship which has endured for “Inspired by the East: How the Is- Karen Dabrowska is a London-based The section on Popular Culture authors intended the album to show- five centuries and has influenced an lamic World Influenced Western Art” contributor to the Culture and shows how craft workers in Britain, case the variety of peoples in the Ot- astonishing diversity of material cul- will be on display at the British Mu- Society section of France, Italy and Austria-Hungary toman Empire through their clothing. ture.” seum in London through January 26. The Arab Weekly. created their own version of older Is- lamic metalwork. Glass and ceramics were often copied with varying de- grees of accuracy. This taste was fuelled by a wider and artistic interest in the Islamic World, expressed through its stories, especially “One Thousand and One Nights.” Such depictions of the Mid- dle East and North Africa led artists and their customers to believe in im- agined, rather than real peoples and places. On display is an imitation of an Iznik plate from the 17th century. Iznik was a centre of high-quality pottery production for centuries. The distinctive floral designs were popu- lar on tiles that decorated the inside of buildings during the Ottoman pe- riod (14th-20th century). There are magnificent works in ink, watercolour and oil in the Imagined Orient section. Charles Henri Joseph Cordier, the official ethnographic sculptor for the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, created a Reimagining the harem. Lalla Essaydi’s “Les Femmes du Maroc.” (Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia) 24 October 27, 2019 Travel www.thearabweekly.com

Agenda

Erfoud: Through October 31

The Erfoud region in eastern Morocco is famous for its date palms. Every year after harvest, local tribesmen gather for a festival that features traditional music, Berber dances, horse races and local cuisine.

Tunis: Through November 2

The Carthage Film Festival is an annual event that showcases films from the Maghreb, Africa and the Middle East.

Dubai: Through December 31

“La Perle” features 65 artists from 23 countries performing amazing stunts and aerial antics above an on-stage pool filled with 2.7 million litres of water in People tour in the medina in the old city of Tunis with the minaret of Zitouna Mosque in the background. (Reuters) a state-of-the-art, custom-built theatre. The show takes place at Al Habtoor City.

Beirut: Chechia market in Tunis keeps November 10 The 17th Beirut International Marathon features runners on a route that passes the city’s his- unique Andalusian legacy alive toric monuments and medieval buildings.

Roua Khlifi ing, Ech-Chaouachine Souk includes Algiers: Hafsi Souk, Souk Sghir (small mar- November 14-15 ket) and Souk Kbir (big market). The Tunis area is composed of stone-ceiled al- After 6 years of absence, Jamel leys with shops on the sides selling Debbouze takes the stage with he alleys of the medina whirl various styles of chechias. his new show “Maintenant ou like a maze, taking visitors Founded in the 17th century, the Jamel.” on a journey through its vast souk was once a gallery for all types T neighbourhoods and souks. of chechias that were sold in all col- Bidiyah: Its hidden gems are not obvious on ours and shapes. It testified to the November 15-22 a first visit but every stroll through glory of the Hafside era when chechia the medina is bound to yield a se- trade thrived and served as an impor- The Oman Desert Marathon is cret, unveil a hidden corner or re- tant part of the economy. an amazing footrace across the veal a piece of history that makes up While the shops in the medina Omani desert covering 165km the story of the old city of Tunis. today are mostly family businesses, in six stages. From the Oasis their original owners were the moors of Bidiyah to the Arabian Sea, who escaped Andalusia. participants will discover the While Tunisia’s chechia The souk was built in 1692 by Mo- most remote and untouched industry struggles, the hamed Bey Al-Mouradi after the ar- sands and the highest dunes in souk remains a beautiful rival of Moorish immigrants, many the region. site to explore the history of whom specialised in making hats. of the medina. Historians describe the chechia as an A Tunisian artisan displays traditional woven hats, known as Dubai: Andalusian legacy brought by Moors chechias, at his shop in Tunis. (AFP) November 20 On the way from Kasbah Square, fleeing Spain. visitors often encounter small shops “The market is unique for it has Award-winning English singer- displaying colourful, festive chechi- small shops that function as distri- Zaghouan that the chechia is usually tion. Beautifully detailed, they often songwriter Michael Rosenberg, as, semi-spherical hats made of wool, bution points and also a workshop. dyed that crimson colour.” feature colourful ornaments with better known as Passenger, will usually red. Tunisians often wear The Moorish immigrants who came Strolling down the market, one symbols indicating the artisans’ perform at Dubai Opera. chechias on special occasions, includ- and settled in different parts of the immediately notices the beauti- family names. Artisans’ status and ing religious holidays and weddings. countries founded the market,” said ful colours and decorations of the wealth are indicated by the level of Cairo: Some young people wear the hats to historian Mohamed Azizi. “Since shops. The Hafsi Souk faces the detail in ornamentation and wooden November 20-29 make fashion or identity statements. many families settled in different Kasbah alley while the big and small facades. The wealthier the artisans This quarter of the medina is towns, the production of the chechia souks are between the alley of Sidi are, the more sophisticated such de- The 41st Cairo International known as Souk Ech-Chaouachine, a takes place in different towns. Ben Arous and Souk El-Bey. Passers- tails are. Film Festival will include world market designated for the traditional “Many of the Moorish families re- by can see plenty of artisans deco- Azizi said the market in Tunis is cinema projections, seminars, Tunisian hat. sided in Zaghouan, which became rating chechias or negotiating prices the only place that is both a work- workshops, debates and trib- Neighbouring the famous Zitouna a location for one of the essential with prospective buyers. shop site and selling point. utes. Mosque and the first ministry build- phases of making the chechia. It is in Chechia shops are full of decora- “Other towns might have a shop or two but not a full market,” he said. Beirut: “The medina of Tunis is the only November 28-December 9 Tunisian medina that has a market dedicated to chechia.” Beirut 63rd Annual International “Of course, because of globalisa- Arab Book Fair will take place at tion, many shops closed. Not many Beirut’s New Waterfront. Many people still wear the traditional outfit publishers and librarians are to on a daily basis,” Azizi said. “In the take part in the fair, offering a past, the souk also used to export wide range of Arab and English chechias to different countries in the books. Middle East and to Turkey, Egypt. The decline of the chechia, of course, re- Abu Dhabi: sulted in the closing of many shops.” December 9-24 While Tunisia’s chechia industry struggles, the souk remains a beauti- Al Dhafra Festival is a major in- ful site to explore the history of the ternational event inspired by the medina. authentic Emirati Bedouin spirit. One can also enjoy sipping coffee It features more than a dozen or tea in one of the oldest cafes in Tu- heritage activities and competi- nisia, the Cafe of Ech-Chaouachine. tions, including a camel beauty The cafe, in the heart of the souk, contest, camel races, poetry, offers traditional drinks against the dates competition and a falcon backdrop of traditional tunes. competition. The cafe hosts Sufi shows during Ramadan and Malouf music shows We welcome submissions of that are popular attractions with calendar items related to young people. The cafe adds a vi- cultural events of interest to brant touch to the souk, bringing to travellers in the Middle East life its shops and workshops. and North Africa. Roua Khlifi is a regular Travel Please send tips to: and Culture contributor to [email protected] A tourist tries on a Tunisian chechia in a shop at a bazaar in the medina of Tunis. (AFP) The Arab Weekly.