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March 2021 | Issue 21 A Monthly Newspaper Issued by The Levant News Media International - London Founder & Director: Thaer Alhajji | Chief Editor: Shiyar Khaleal

Anyone Who The UAE Lead Russia’s Syrian What Next Opposes the Arab World Laboratory for the Erdogan is a into Space Party? Terrorist Page: 3 Page: 6 Page: 9 Page: 10

French MPs vote on Lavrov Refuses the Participation ‹anti-separatism› bill The French MPs voted on ‹anti- of the European Diplomats in the separatism› bill to boost republican principles. The vote came after Lengthy debates held by a special commission in a plenary session. Demonstrations in Russia The bill adopted 313 amendments and will be passed up to the upper house, the conservative- led Senate. The bill came after a series of Islamist attacks starting from attacks on Charlie Ebdo in 2015 to beheading Samuel Paty in October. The bill is against separatism, which plans to crack down on online hate speech and foreign funding of religious groups.

Washington Responded to Iranian- backed Militias in Iraq with Attacking Syria The US Department of Defense announced that it targeted facilities used by Iranian-backed militias in Syria. The office of Defense Department Spokesman John Kirby said in a statement: «US conducted a defensive precision strike in Syria against the Iranian-backed Militias Kait'ib Hezbollah (KH) and Kait'ib Sayyid al-Shuhada.» The US secretary of defence Lloyd Austin confirmed the attacks were ordered by President Joe Biden.

Demonstrations in Moscow The Russian Minister to the diplomats except reported that more than 10 of Foreign Affairs Sergeyinterfering in the internal thousand people have been Lavrov stated that European affairs of the host countries. The arrested in Russia since the diplomats who joined the diplomats joined the protests start of the pro-opposition illegal demonstrations in that sparked in support of protest movement. According Russia knew that their the opposition activist Alexei to OVDinfo: 4,000 were arrested participation contradicts the Navalny. on January 23, 5,700 in the Vienna Convention which The Russian non-governmental demonstrations on January 31, gives privileges and immunities organization “OVD Info” and 1400 on February 2. Reports National Cyber Force Unit for Cyberwarfare operations against potential terrorist cyber threats. and cyber space. The British daily attacks. According to this law, one The Independent, published a report Jassim Mohamad could face a prison sentence of up on 12 July 2018, about the success The National Cyber Force to fifteen years if they visit terrorist of British intelligence in disrupting or extremist websites and the chat Mandate «ISIS» activity . It said that there were Britain, along with other rooms or glorify extremist groups. The NCF’s mandate to protect the members of the British Intelligence European countries, is still fighting UK digital security includes: who infiltrated ISIS and had key roles the propaganda of extremist ▶ Protecting Digital and Cyber The 13th Signal Regiment in defeating the terrorist orgnisation ideologies whether Islamist or far- Security and leaking information about it. In June 2020, the UK Ministry of right. This has driven Britain to ▶ Countering Terrorism: Preventing The GCHQ’s new cyber unit for Defence announced that the British develop new policies and laws to terrorist attacks against the United countering terrorism and extremism Army established its first full-time enhance its security. Given how Kingdom and its interests overseas is a part of the government effort cyber regiment dedicated to face national security, particularly cyber ▶ Cybersecurity: making the UK a to move away from traditional foreign attacks and local and foreign security, has evolved over the past safer place online. methods and means in fighting terrorist organisations. The Dorset- years, a National Cyber Force ‏▶ Strategic advantage: managing these organisation. The GCHQ›s based regiment, which is dedicated threats posed by hostile states. unit (NCF) was created; which is preventative preemptive offensive to cyberwarfare, works with the ▶ Fighting crime: reducing the controlled by the spy agency GCHQ cyber campaigns are more important 77th Regiment; a part of the Sixth social and financial harm caused by and the Ministry of Defence (MoD). than the defensive ones. Division. The role of the regiment organised crime On February 8, 2021, Jeremy Fleming, ‏ The GCHQ works with the British becomes essential, vital and strategic ▶ Supporting defence: protecting the head of GCHQ, told the Times, forces in conflict zones. It has jammed in warfare. The Ministry of Defence defence personnel and facilities the British Newspaper revealed new ISIS›s cell phones and drones, and stated that the unit would provide and supporting acomprehensive details about a secret cyber operation managed to stop ISIS from carrying against ISIS that targeted the group›s a «digital shield» against foreign approach for military conflict. attacks and protection for the British out drone-based exploration or ability to fly drones, and meddled with attacking the British forces overseas their phones preventing them from infrastructure. The regiment was recently The Goals of British as it did in northeastern Syria. Despite communication in the battle field. Intelligence in Syria all this, the capabilities of the GCHQ Britain had previously carried out established to cooperate with the The British intelligence gathers are still developing comparing with similar cyber offensive against ISIS army, nationally and overseas, and information about the extremist the capabilities of the European and in 2017. Fleming said that GCHQ has with the Secret Intelligence Service organisations, and the extent of British American intelligence. It is expected worked with the Ministry of Defence MI6 to counter terrorism. The citizens involvement in them, the that the GCHQ will expand in the to make a «significant contribution regiment’s mission is not confined to risks they pose to both international short term to tackle the threats of to the coalition›s efforts to fight ISIS defensive operations; it can launch and British security. They also the extremist organisation more when the terrorist organisation found preventative and preemptive attacks infiltrate and hack ISIS on the ground effectively. it almost impossible to spread its against extremist organisations or propaganda online.» Priti Patel, the British Secretary of State for the Home Department, wrote in the Telegraph newspaper on 1 August 2019, demanding internet companies to design a «back door» in messaging services to give security services easier access to counter terrorism. She demanded the companies not to design systems that prevent access to content. Consequently, Britain gained access to the encrypted content of social media, most notably Facebook and WhatsApp, after it signed an agreement allowing UK law-enforcement agencies to demand data from US technology companies – with reciprocal access offered to US authorities. According to Countering Terrorism Act April 2019, the British security services have the authority to carry out pre-emptive and preventative UK National Cyber Security Centre offices The Levant | Issue 21 - March 2021 2 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports Anyone Who Opposes Erdogan is a Terrorist Turkey always labels are guaranteed by the its opponents as «terrorists», Constitution.” It added that especially the Kurdish armed it had “uncovered cases of movements, in an attempt to individuals from outside overlook the core of the cause. the university with links It is the most convenient way to terrorist groups who for any Turkish official to instigated the events” . The mask the most complex cause Ministry did not only call that is threatening Turkey’s the protesters «terrorists» present and future, for as long but it also warned “certain as it continues to disregard circles (abroad) not to use political solution and resort inflammatory language to the easier option of brutal to instigate trouble and force, long imprisonment, encourage groups to and torture to death. commit provocative and Erdoğan opted for this illegal actions”. It added: approach after he had failed «Images of disproportionate to keep up his pledges of violence used by security following a route of peace; forces against innocent and a promise he made when Demonstrators protest outside Turkey's embassy in London (Archive) civilian citizens who were he rose to power in 2002. opposed to the government Erdoğan cannot deny that it first university rector to be appointed the detainees were members of of their countries - which was the Kurds who brought him to from outside the university since the terrorist organizations such as the are described as developed and power based on his promise to solve 1989 coup d›état. They added: “ We Revolutionary People›s Liberation democratic - are still fresh in the the Kurdish cause peacefully. He will not accept this because it clearly Party (DHKP/C) and the Turkish memory.» In what seems to be a had fulfilled a big part of his promise violates academic freedom and Communist Party/Marxist-Leninist reference to Washington. before he broke it in 2015 when the scientific independence as well as the Conference (TKP/ML).» Turkish authorities imprisoned democratic values of our university.» Melih Bulu confirmed that he did Kurdish politicians such as Selahattin not intend to leave, despite the Turkey Accuses America Again escalation of tensions and the mass Demirtaş. Snice then, he reverted, like Protests Continue and Grow It seems Turkey was offended by arrests of more than 300 people two other previous Turkish politicians, the US recommendation to address Wider days before his statement. «I do not to the option that does not require the protesters› demands, which The confrontation turned intothink at all about resigning.» Melih political work; launching wars and provoked it to renew it accusations attrition between Erdoğan, who Bulu told reporters in Istanbul. «The labelling his opponents as terrorists. to the US of being behind the 2016 thinks he owns Turkey where no one crisis will be completely over within failed coup d›état. Turkish Minister is allowed to disobey him, and young six months.» He told the newspaper of Interior, Süleyman Soylu, told the Objection to his Decision is people who are full of passion for Habertürk. Unacceptable life and freedom who have started Turkish newspaper Hürriyet that: The events at the Boğaziçi University to see the president who has ruled «The United States had directed the expose the false Turkish claims that their country for nearly two decades International Support for the coup attempt while the network of anyone who opposes it inherently a as an obstacle to the prosperity and Students the U.S.-based opponent Fethullah “terrorist”. On 2 January Erdoğan security of their country. Protests With the protests spreading, the Gulen carried it out.» «Europe was appointed Melih Bulu, a member of against Erdoğan›s decision broke students received international enthusiastic about it.» He claimed the Justice and Development Party out again on 1 February; as usual, the support for their right to protest. On 5 February, Erdogan claimed in an (AKP), as university rector despite Turkish security forces used violence US State Department spokesman official statement that the protesters that fact that Melih was not a member and detained dozens of protesting Ned Price said that: «freedom of Boğaziçi University were terrorists. of its teaching staff. The students students. of expression, even speech that In a video broadcast to members of protested against that decision Süleyman Soylu, the Turkish Minister some may find uncomfortable,his conservative AK Party, he said: because they saw it as an attack on of the Interior, claimed that “79 of is a vital component of a vibrant “This country will not be a country their educational institution. those arrested were members of functioning democracy which must dominated by terrorists. We will The protests led Turkish security terrorist organizations.» He added: be protected.» never allow it.» It is now clear that forces to intervene and clashed with “the protesters were about to break Price›s statement dismayed the those who control Turkey consider the protesters when they chanted into the university rector›s office Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs anyone who opposes Erdogan “Melih Bulu is not our recto”, and before the security forces arrested which responded saying: «It is -whether educated or illiterate, Turk “ We do not want a university them.” claiming that: “108 people nobody›s place to interfere in or Kurd, internal or external to be a rector appointed by the state.» The were arrested after the protests, Turkey›s internal affairs.» It claimed “terrorist” who deserves whatever academic personnel supported the 101 of them were from outside the that the right to congregate and punishment Ankara chooses to inflict protesters and said that «Bulu is the university.” The minister said that protest and freedom of expression on them. The Levant | Issue 21 - March 2021 3 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports Iraqi Snap elections: Victory for the People or the Militias? Commission has proposed postponing the snap elections until Murhaf Dwaidari 16 October, instead of holding them on 6 June. The commission explained that the postponement is Since the end of 2019, Iraq necessary for holding fair elections has witnessed big events; the last and because the deadline to register government resigned bowing to political alliance had passed with relentless pressure from protesters just few political alliances registered against the ruling classes who are for the date of the election in the accused of corruption and being schedule of the department of parties agents to foreign states, especially affairs. Therefore, it has argued that Iran. Moreover, Katyusha Cells the deadline for registering alliances have resumed their activities, with needs to extend. The commission fingers pointing to Iran too. Amid claimed that the postponement will such substantial events, the Iraqi PM allow both the UN and international Mustafa al-Kadhimi called for snap experts to have a role in observing elections to be held on 6 June. The the elections and making sure they planned elections reflect the reality are as transparent , fair and impartial of the current political situation in as possible. It has also said that this Iraq; they are what the Iraqi people would be in support if the Cabinet Iraqi PM Mustafa al-Kadhimi have demanded but they are also resolution relating to expanding the means for settling scores between competition following October legal and financial obstacles that are biometric registration and giving major political powers. uprising. The events have lead to obstructing organizing the elections enough time for those who are Observers see these snap elections as public resentment towards the . The real problem that might delay eligible to register and finalise all the a result of a political conflict between political regime that is generally the elections to a further date is the technical preparations. the parliament and the government, dominated by religious parties and lack of funding and the need for a new and that they have nothing to do factions. Competitiveness , in the act for Federal Supreme Court or After the elections .. will there with people's demands. They believe upcoming elections, will depend on the amendment of the current act to that they are merely cards that the «how serious the government is in guarantee ratify their results. There is be New Political Figures? political alliances and parties play. enforcing the political parties Act, disagreement over some paragraphs It is widely believed among the Iraqi This might be evident in the call disarming political parties, dissolving of the Court act; namely the role of ruling classes that the next elections of the Speaker of the Council of unlicensed parties and revoking the the Islamic clergy in making decisions will be decisive. Elections will bring Representatives of Iraq, Al-Halbousi, license of any party that is linked to inside the court regarding Sharia about a dramatic change in the chart for earlier elections aimed at pre- armed groups.» law, how the clergy are nominated of the political alliances and parties empting what was leaked about and the quota of each sect, and the which have controlled Iraq since Al-Kadhimi's request from the mechanism of choosing the Court 2003. Many have high expectations Snap Elections... President Barham Saleh to dissolve members and the relevant authorities of profound change after the the Parliament. Snap elections might A New Crisis in Iraq that can approve their appointment election law was reformed and a save Iraq if they were held under The PM's office set the date for the so that they can do their job without new Independent High Electoral normal circumstances under judicial snap elections on 6 June. Al-Kadhimi any legal challenges. Commission, with new independent supervision, a new constitution and confirmed, in a meeting with the There is another complicated issue in judges, was appointed. It goes without free from quotas and confessionalism members of the Independent High relation to how willing the parliament saying that the first condition to make giving Iraqis the freedom of choice. Electoral Commission, that: «The is to dissolve itself two months before a real change in the chart of political However, if nothing changed there current government is determined the elections date on 6 June? The parties and alliances, which control would be no point in changing the to hold the elections as scheduled parliament has to be dissolved no the Parliament and the government, political figures and Iraq will continue because that is what the Iraqi people later than 6 April, in accordance with is for the turn out in 2021 elections to to struggle on the long run in terms and political parties want. Moreover, Article 64 of the constitution, if it be higher than that of 2014 and 2018 of national security, economy and the elections are a top priorities in decides to commit to the set election elections. The traditional powers political situation which might lead the government’s agenda and it is date. However, it is believed that which control the Parliament have a to dividing the country in the future. committed to them .» political alliances and parties and the solid base of supporters who will vote With the snap elections date However, it seems that the parliament members are not ready to, for them no matter how narrow this approaching , the tension between government and the political alliances willingly, dissolve the parliament and base is. Therefore, the fewer voters political Islam groups and civil and parties pledges to hold the early give up their positions and privileges there are, the more chances those movements have climaxed with general elections on 6 June have not under any circumstances. parties have because their grassroot the Islamist sensing the threat of materialized into a drive to remove the The Independent High Electoral supporters have to come and vote. The Levant | Issue 21 - March 2021 4 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports Erbil Attack.. The Tacit Games of Iranian-

«Erbilbacked Lives in Fearful Militias their arrogant attitude. The might resistance and Al Harir,Backfire claiming that they were baseon (Harir) inthem Erbil. 24 rockets hit of Further Rocket Attacks « and groups are going to confront the legitimate targets following what the targets accurately and the CRAM «Watch! Targeting American Bases Americans fiercely if they do not it described as «The government system failed to intercept them. The in Erbil»; two shocking headlines withdraw their occupying forces failure to seize the opportunity that it aircraft, vehicles and armouries of the that were used by the Iranian news from Iraq.» He claimed: «The attacks was offered by the resistance groups» occupation suffered severe damages channel, Al-Alm, encouraging and of our resistance groups have become and many American soldiers were justifying more attacks on the capital injured.» ferocious and painful .» He added: Unknown Militia Claim of Kurdistan and effectively revealing «We want to save Iraq from the US Responsibility for the Attack the identity of those who stand economic control which will destroy The Iranian-backed Militias make a Angry Reactions to the Attack behind such attacks. Iraq. Removing the American fool of people by giving themselves The terrorist rocket attack that hit occupation from Iraq has become a unknown names, which they might residential areas , in addition to widely supported demand in Iraq, Why Erbil? use only for one time, to target the American base, and seriously that is no longer confined to the Everybody, including the ordinary security and stability in areas that injured many civilians, was strongly Islamic resistance. “ people of Erbil, are wondering about it sees as a threat to its influence. condemned in Kurdistan. President Consequently , on 10 December , the agenda behind the unprecedented However, they dare not officially Nechirvan Barzani urged the UN attack on their city. Kurdistan had Iranian-backed militias resumed their declare the organisation they are security council to take the threats never been a target for such attacks targeted attacks. Qasim Al-Jabarin affiliated with. They merely call of the rocket attack on Erbil very even when the Popular Mobilization Brigade claimed responsibility for themselves «resistance factions» seriously. He called for putting and Forces (PMF) captured Kirkuk, the the explosions that targeted two supported by Iran; this is exactly end the threats posed to the people predominantly-Kurdish city, from the Global Coalition vehicles on the what happened this time. A group of Kurdistan by “urging the Iraqi Peshmerga in October 2017 following international highway in Samawah calling itself Awliya Al-Dam Brigade government to implement by the military clashes. and in Latifiyah, Baghdad. Ashab Al- claimed responsibility for the attack constitution”. The Iraqi prime However, it seems that the most Kahf militia increased their attacks on on the US-led base, saying it targeted minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi gave probable explanation of the attack is the American Embassy in Baghdad. the «American occupation» in Iraq. instruction for a joint investigation that it was an attempt by the Iranian- Zulfiqar Brigade militia threatened It added in a statement: «On Monday committee to be formed with backed militias tell Washington that the American Embassy in Baghdad at 9:15 p.m., your men in Awliya Al- the competent authorities in the it has no safe place in Iraq, following with «very hot winter nights». Dam Brigade carried out an operation Kurdistan Region. suggestions and predictions about Moreover, Ashab Al-Kahf militia against the American occupation Many Arab countries and Islamic the possibility of moving the US threatened American bases from Al- in our beloved north. We were 7 organisations have condemned embassy from Baghdad to Erbil. The Udeid to Ayn Al-Asad to Ali Al-Salem kilometres away from the occupation the attack, including Egypt, attack is an example of what the Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan, Arab Iran proxy militias are willing Parliament, Gulf Cooperation to do if they want to undermine Council, Organisation of Islamic regional security. It is not totally Cooperation. Several Iraqi unexpected from those who have politicians have also condemned bombarded the Green Zone in the attack including Ayad Allawi, Baghdad many times. the former prime minister and the Previous Threats to the Americans leader of the National Coalition, The attack on Erbil can be linked and Barham Salih, the incumbent to previous statements by leaders president of Iraq. of the Iranian-backed militias. The international and Arab outcry For example , in October 2020, made the Iranian-backed militias› Akram al-Kaabi, the founder efforts to threaten Kurdistan›s and secretary-general of Harakat people and authorities backfire on Hezbollah al-Nujaba in Iraq, them. The attacks may push the said: «Dialogue with the U.S is Global Coalition to increase its pointless, it only understands forces to protect the safest place the language of force; what in Iraq, which the Tehran backed they have witnessed before was militias are aiming to tarnish with merely fireworks (referring to terror and blood, as they had the frequent attacks on the Green done in other in the rest of Iraq. Zone in Baghdad).”He continued: The attack might also change the «We gave the Americans many way the American administration chances but they never change From the aftermath of the attack in Erbil deals with Iran.

The Levant | Issue 21 - March 2021 5 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports

Farouk El-Baz to «Levant»:

TheThe Hope probeUAE reached and theLead other two astronauts) the blasted Arabwould engage more Worldin space science, intospecialize in them, Space focusing on young the orbit of Mars -the first mission off from Kazakhstan, on a Russian following the achievements that some people and giving them support to out of three- to study weather cycles Soyuz rocket, to the International Arab countries have accomplished in pursue this field. This is what NASA in Mars' atmosphere. The «Hope» Space Station (ISS). Al-Mansouri that field. He believes that the UAE did; it gave young people support in probe will remain in this phase for became the first Arab to visitthe is leading the Arab world into space, space science and technology and approximately two months, during International Space Station. However, referring to the Hope probe, which that is how America outperformed which further testing will take place, the UAE's ambitions go much further. he sees as an Arab achievement, and Russia in this discipline. «The future until it is ready to enter the «science» It wants to build a human settlement the announcement of building MBZ- is promising. There is excellent orbit — when its data collection work on Mars by 2117. In 2017, Dubai hired Sat. progress in space science which aim begins. The probe will stay in the orbit engineers and technicians to show He said: «As Arabs, we had not at getting to know the universe and for a whole Martian year (687 days). how a city on Mars can be built. It engaged much in space science, but bringing benefits to the human race One loop around the planet will take is planning to build «Mars Science we have certainly started. Egypt, and I think this will continue.» El-Baz 40 hours. City», which will simulate Mars' Saudi Arabia and the UAE are confirmed. The probe blasted off from Japan last environment, in the Emirati desert at working on substantial projects in In regards to the scientific year marking significant progress a cost of 500 million Emirati Dirham space science, which indicates that achievement of the «Hope probe», in the UAE's ambitious space (135 million dollars). Under UAE we will witness more Arab activities Professor Farouk El-Baz, said: «The program. The probe is the first Arab National Space Strategy, UAE wants in space science over the next ten Hope probe is a remarkable Arab interplanetary mission to study the to carry out other projects like space years. «In my opinion, the UAE will achievement because it was built by red planet. Emirati Officials stressed tourism; it has, therefore, signed an succeed in supporting space projects, Emirati hands and brains. When a that the maneouver to enter the orbit MoU for that purpose with Virgin and a large number of Emirati youth country like the UAE embarks on of Mars on Tuesday 9 February, was Galactic owned by the billionaire will engage in space International space science projects, this means it the «most crucial and complex», Richard Branson. science and projects in the future.» will continue , advance and achieve and that slowing down the spacecraft He added. more.» «The UAE leads the Arab El-Baz spoke to Levant about the world in space projects. Besides enough for it to be captured by Mars' The Hope Probe .. UAE-Led gravity and go into orbit, is a very future of space science, saying: astrophotography, it has launched a delicate procedure. Arab achievement «Since Project Apollo, more and satellite into space to provide us with In an exclusive interview with Levant, more countries all over the world have more information about the upper the director of the Center for Remote been interested in space science and layers of the Mars' atmosphere and The Hope Probe Sensing at Boston University the its uses in daily life, such as the use of this is something no Arab country has In September 2019, Al-Mansouri Egyptian space scientist Farouk satellites in geology and agriculture.» ever done before.» He added. became the first Emirati astronaut to el-Baz, said that he predicted that He pointed out that: «The UAE go into space. The crew (Al-Mansouri decided to start space projects and in the next decade the Arab world The Strategic Goals of «Hope Probe» The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM) has set out seven inspiring strategic objectives of the «Hope Probe» mission, ranging from acquiring human knowledge, to enhancing the UAE’s capacities and promoting international cooperation, collecting data, achieving scientific outcomes, improving the quality of life on earth by making new discoveries, encouraging global collaboration in Mars exploration and advancing the UAE standing in space research. The EMM also aims to upgrade Emirati capabilities in the field of interplanetary exploration, establish the UAE’s position as a beacon of progress in the region, inspire future Arab generations to pursue space science and build scientific knowledge given that the sustainable economy in Professor Farouk El-Baz the future will be science-based. The Levant | Issue 21 - March 2021 6 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com opinion

Administration between the global recognition and marginalization (neglect) in the Syrian Kurdish regions

Fighters from the Syrian Democratic Forces

name (democracy Syria forces) QSD. administration on the ground, and and I promised to get it in front of After thousands of sacrifices that establishing the foundations of this the challenges, health, living and Nizar Mousa this military force in fighting ISIS entity with a strong incubator as a societal by watching films that play started during several years from basic component in the region, and an economic role in the shoulders of the beginning of its exploitation to also expressing the Kurdish case in the people of the region, and their Events unfolded in Syria exploit it from a quarter of it, both Syria, and not an entity expressing misery increased in the absence of during ten years ago , and various the (QSD) and the Democratic an organization whose geography the basics of a decent life. kinds of power struggle emerged Union Party(PYD) are preparing is framed within Turkey itself. Its Not to mention a view of a night a on the ground in exchange for their to announce areas project to their components are components, mats, night a night a night a night a night a interests and influences in the region, control something like kind of ingredients, mound of its ingredients. night to the area under its influence. through local mediators. The most administration of this, area .without Papers of strength that study Contribute to shooting, the ocean, important matter after the failure of other political Kurdish party, and this approach, our science, , the ocean, the ocean, the ocean, the the international coalition to form a did not allowing this parties to share our knowledge, our knowledge, ocean, the ocean can achieve success military opposition force against it in in this administration, and (OSD, and its support some from in achieving success and balance, the fight against ISIS in the region, PYD) administer this administration administration , except at the level other than searching on this page, the United States and their allies alone. of some sympathetic European the current reality is a reality in began to think about depending on Soon, however, the region went parliamentarians, activists and lovers its perception in reality, very true. the force near of the Syrian regime to through several military operations of knowledge to the lowest level Removing the discomforts of its fight. It wanted to far this force that expanded the unity of the required, and some representative stability and treating it rationally as form regime in the same time to region geographically, targeting this offices did not exceed thempossible. achieve its plane and strategy on the unstable administration. Abroad for informal representative The correct state of this Syrian ground. , this time US wanted Turkey has worked to establish associations, administration in being true to being to make kind of accordance between corridors on its border according The start-up numbers start to be genuinely represented, represented administer of this force which is near with alliance in those areas located implemented at the beginning of correctly, magnificent correctly, and of the thinking of the Kurdish party in the geographic areas with a the operation in the start-up stages a valid gain, if they are permissible, labour in Qndil (Turkey Kurdish) Kurdish majority, and has recently at the beginning of the institution’s before their supporters, serve to and the silence of its ally Turkey to gone further and moved towards management, actors, and the eliminate an outward life that is intering other local people from arab the stronghold of its announcement management of the institution has satisfied with time, so it may open a area in this force, so US makes the (Ain Issa) to designate it as a next been destroyed without marriage. door that changes the reality of the military force in the area under the target An assessment of the state of A real restoration of it with time, situatio. The Levant | Issue 21 - March 2021 7 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion Israel is now officially part of the Middle East – at least in the Pentagon’s eyes

Ian Black

On January 15, just five days before Joe Biden’s inauguration, the Pentagon made an important announcement. It was about the decision to transfer US military liaison with Israel from Europe to its Middle East command. But It was overshadowed by the aftermath of the far more sensational story that supporters of Donald Trump had stormed the Capitol. Because of its timing the news about the US-Israel strategic shift made little immediate impact. But it was still a landmark development in terms of how the US views its closest ally in Donald Tump (Right) and Benjamin Netanyahu (Left) the region and represents a political the moment. But his appointment of the highly the Palestinian question to oblivion, and potentially military change that Another key assumption is that in experienced diplomat Robert Malley but also to allow Israel a foothold in could have far-reaching implications. the coming period, the main threat to as his Iran envoy has been interpreted the region.” Previously Israel was part of the regional security will emanate from as a sign of seriousness – even though Israel, of course, is the Middle East’s US European Command. ThatIran and its proxies – Shia militias Malley was criticized as being pro- only (though officially undeclared) arrangement enabled US generals in Iraq to Hizbullah in Lebanon and Iranian and hostile to Israel and its nuclear power. It also has impressive in the Middle East to interact with the Houthis in Yemen. Efforts by new Arab allies. Biden, however, conventional military assets, and Arab states without having a close the Biden administration to rejoin has promised to consult more closely an Israeli campaign against Iranian association with Israel, which was the 2015 nuclear agreement, and with both Israel and the Gulf states targets could inflict serious damage still seen as an “enemy” despite its crucially expand it to cover Tehran’s than took place before the original on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear peace treaties with Egypt in 1979 ballistic missiles program and JCPoA was agreed. facilities, as well as its infrastructure. and Jordan in 1994. Centcom’s area regional ambitions, are designed to Trump’s decision to transfer Israel Direct access to Saudi, Bahraini or of responsibility stretches across the counter this. to Centcom sent a clear message Emirati air bases could make all the Middle East to Central Asia, including It will not be easy for the new about Washington’s strategic view of difference. the Gulf region as well as Afghanistan Democratic president to undo the the region. But will Biden go along Israelis have welcomed Trump’s and Pakistan. It encompasses 21 damage caused by his Republican with it? The new man in the Oval decision because it gives them the countries from Syria and Iraq to predecessor. Trump famously Office – and key officials like Antony potential to increase pressure on Yemen. lambasted Obama’s 2015 agreement Blinken, his secretary of state – have Iran with the support of Washington, Pro-Israeli organizations in (known as the Joint Comprehensive spoken in favour of the normalization having made clear their opposition to Washington have been lobbying for Plan of Action or JCPoA) with Iran agreements with the UAE and Bahrain a return to the JCPoA– though the some time for this change. The basis as the “worst deal ever.” He withdrew (and with Sudan and Morocco) so it IDF chief of staff, Aviv Kochavi, was for their campaign is the assumption from it in 2018 and imposed American is reasonable to assume that the 46th considered to have gone too far last that as the US continues to withdraw sanctions which have devastated the president will stick with it. week in speaking out publicly against from the Middle East, it should take Iranian economy at a time when the Signs are already apparent that this Biden’s approach. He said that even advantage of its most loyal friend in country has been struggling with may have dramatic consequences. an agreement “with a number of the region – Israel. the Covid pandemic. Iran is now in Obviously some aspects are secret, improvements,” would be “a very bad An additional factor is Israel’s newly- a third successive year of economic but specialist publications are already and mistaken thing” – echoing Prime formalized relations with the UAE recession. reporting that this change may have Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. and Bahrain in the Abraham Accords, It is too soon to predict what will implications for intelligence-sharing Trump’s final move – described as “a brokered by Trump and signed last happen with Biden’s commitment and actual military cooperation to parting gift” by one pro-Israeli lobby September in the White House. to rejoin the JCPoA. He has little confront Iran. It is worth recalling group – underlines the now familiar Saudi Arabia is another important time – given presidential elections that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei point that his successor will be actor though for reasons of its own it in June in Iran that are likely to portrayed the Abraham Accords as an dealing with a very different Middle is unlikely to follow suit, at least for pit pragmatists against hardliners. Emirati attempt “not only to subject East. The Levant | Issue 21 - March 2021 8 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion

Russian military in Syia

Russia’sstarted to establish Syriana military unit dynamics Laboratory in the country. the ISW report recommends that consisting of local elements in Syria’s The fact that the Regime only truly “the United States and its allies must James Denselow northeastern al-Hasakah province, controls 15% of its own borders, prepare to confront an increasingly according to local sources. according to Asharq al-Awsat, is effective Russian military that Russia has been developing the testimony to the incredible loss is intent on further developing Which country in the world Hmeimim Air Base in Latakia in of power suffered by Damascus expeditionary capabilities and using has a record 12.4 million people western Syria in preparation for it to in order to maintain any power at them in coalition environments”, it struggling to find enough food to eat receive strategic nuclear bombers as all. Meanwhile Moscow continues is hard to spot the obvious political whilst at the same time may find itself part of plans to strengthen the Russian to parallel its military strategic will. home to a strategic nuclear bomber presence in the country, Russian investment and control of the In many senses Syria has been fleet? The paradoxes of the situation Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported. As country with a monopoly over the surrendered as a zone of strategic in Syria a decade into the conflict is the ISW report recognises Syria has most effective strands of mediation. concern by America allowing typified by the Russian role in the become a laboratory and a training The UN Special Envoy for Syria regional powers (Iran, Israel, Turkey) country. Ten years of conflict in ground for the Russians to test out said there had to be “constructive to compete along with Russia as Syria have included over five years of equipment and allow their soldiers international diplomacy” if the peace the single largest power operating direct Russian military involvement to gain real world experience. They process is to move forward in any in the country. The likelihood of which has helped the Regime win describe it as a “foundational shaping way, appearing before the Security Washington trying to rebalance the back 30% of the country’s territory. experience for the development of Council behind closed doors on scales, despite their continued light According to a new Institute for the Russian Armed Forces” which Tuesday. Later that same week in a footprint presence in the northeast the Study of War (ISW) report explains the significance of the two-day meeting, Turkey, Russia, of the country, is minimal. Instead, “the Russian military identifies investment to date. and Iran are expected to discuss the US and others will have to its deployment to Syria as the The military and security presence the situation on the ground in Syria see what signposting comes from prototypical example of future that Russia has in Syria seems to and the political process as well as Russia’s actions in Syria towards the war—an expeditionary deployment be so deeply in the country’s post- efforts to draw up a new constitution future of warfare elsewhere. to support a coalition-based hybrid civil war DNA that it is hard to for the country. The Astana process Hybrid coalition efforts, the use of war”. Russia and Iran are taking envisage a separation in future. guarantors meeting in the 15th drones and advanced technology every opportunity to increase their The two countries relationship has round of Syria peace talks in Sochi as well as the hyper localisation influence in Syria. They recently evolved from an alliance into a more following recent failures of the of ceasefires and local agreements urged private security companies to disproportionate set up whereby Syrian Constitutional Committee around sovereignty and access open offices across Syria, offering the Regime and the Syrian ‘state’ in Geneva – the first such meetings are all issues that will manifest in young men large amounts of money is beholden to Moscow like never since late 2019. other fragile states or post-civil war to work for them amid deteriorating before. And vice a versa Moscow sees Russia has been allowed to develop environments across the globe. Syria economic conditions and a lack Assad and his forces as simply one its Syria strategy regardless of has become Russia’s playground but of job opportunities in the Syrian piece on the complex chessboard whether a Democrat or a Republican what it does there cannot be ignored regime-controlled areas. Russia that typifies the state of power was in the White House and when any longer. The Levant | Issue 21 - March 2021 9 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion After Brexit, What Next for the Brexit Party? a disastrous showing in the and won it 29 seats (the further opportunities. oppose ongoing restrictions, 2019 equal largest party in the Success, however, is far from and press for the quickest Paul Stott elections, the party for so Brussels parliament). The a given. Reform UK appears possible return to normality. long associated with Brexit, Conservatives were pushed set to copy the Brexit However, critics of lockdown UKIP, is trying to re-establish down to 8.8%, a humiliation Party’s unusual organising have tended to overlook that The Europeanitself after a characteristic from which Theresa May’s structure, of having paid however damaging to the Union has got itself into a period of internecine premiership never recovered. up supporters, rather than economy, public support for mess over the procurement conflict. The arrival of social Farage has now turned the full party members. Instead it, in opinion poll data, has of anti-Covid vaccines. Its media controversialist Katie Brexit Party into Reform of one member one vote, tended to be strong. inability to act promptly, Hopkins to its ranks will UK, and seeks to again break registered supporters of the For now, though, optimism and the complicated bring renewed publicity, if the political mould. Richard Brexit Party were asked to is the watchword. Consider political, diplomatic and not stability. Tice, the party’s Chairman, vote by email on potential Jonathan Bullock, former legal processes required Perhaps the politician most is questioning the economic policy options. As Reform Brexit Party MEP for the to salve the needs of the associated with Brexit, and effects of lockdown, and UK develops, that may not be East Midlands, who has European Commission, 27 capable of appealing to is reportedly interesting enough to keep committed warmly welcomed Reform member states and domestic both Conservative voters in standing against Sadiq activists happy. Whilst UK stepping up its activity. pharmaceutical interests, in the south of England and Khan as London Mayor. Farage is undoubtedly a He said: “It is clear with the contrasts with the nimble former Labour voters in red Whilst Khan’s lead in the big beast in political terms, two major parties supporting response of the British wall seats, is . polls appears unassailable, a he is a marmite politician an extreme lockdown, costly government, and its vaccine The Conservative party in strong showing could help (either loved or hated) and green energy policies and task force by Kate Bingham. particular observes Farage Reform UK gain seats in the his parties have traditionally wasteful schemes such as the For many Brexiteers, the with a degree of nervousness. Greater London Assembly. done far better in elections HS2 rail project, that there is vaccine debacle, and the In 2019 the ex-UKIP leader There, Tice would relish decided by versions of a need for a real opposition failure of statecraft that it was able to form the Brexit questioning Khan, who proportional representation party in the U.K. which will represents, is a core example Party from scratch, and tends to become distinctly (as London, Scotland and also hold the Government to of why they argued to leave within a few months lead it prickly when challenged on Wales will be) than first account on Brexit delivery the European Union – that to an astounding victory in his record. Elections to the past the post. As the Covid and control of immigration.” Britain is better taking its the 2019 EU election. Its 5.2 Welsh assembly, where pro- vaccine is distributed across Brexit may be done. But the own decisions, plotting million votes were 30% of Brexit parties have in the the country, Reform UK Brexit Party, in its new guise its own route, and making those cast, more than Labour past done well, plus those in will be under pressure as Reform UK, may yet have alliances as it sees fit. Having and Conservative combined, the English regions present from lockdown sceptics to some life in it. ‘got Brexit done’ however, Boris Johnson is mistaken if he believes that some of the unruly political forces of the past decade will now go gently into the good night. A whole host of pro-Brexit parties wait in the wings for any stumble or sign of weakness from the Prime Minister towards Brussels, sniffing the air for the big campaigning issue that would allow them to make their mark. Some, like the rejuvenated Social Democratic Party (SDP) enjoy a strong intellectual base, but without electoral progress risk remaining chiefs without Indians. Others, like Lawrence Fox’s Reclaim Party, or ’s Heritage Party, possess articulate leaders, but lack regional, never mind national presence. Having suffered The Levant | Issue 21 - March 2021 10 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion Love and War from the Greeks to Hulusi Akar

Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar

court, in January, ruled that they where they brought such a foolish or neutral about Turkey, or Hulusi are illegal. The engineer of Turkey’s assumption. My conversation with Akar in particular, falls under their Dalia Ziada intervention in Libya is the Turkish them was reminiscent of teenagers’ radar and then they target him/her Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar. He conversations in high school about by personal distortion campaign that succeeded, in a record time, to create the sexy teacher whom the girls are affects his/her credibility and deters a presence for Turkey inside Libya, fantasizing about. Why my name got them from writing on this topic in the It is February, the month of which benefited Turkey in pursuing caught up in such nonsense? That future. love. Sociologists say that love and other interests in the region. That was the question I could not answer, I am an Egyptian. Due to the ongoing politics, respectively, are the top included giving Turkey a relative unless with the help of two friends, political rift between Egypt and two topics people like to conversate leverage in its historical conflict with after three long days, through which Turkey, the Greek tweeps could not about. Mixing the two topics in one Greece over seabed rights in eastern the smearing campaign against me easily claim that I am biased to Turkey. conversation makes it even more Mediterranean. With the GNA did not stop. Also, they could not claim that Hulusi spicey and appealing to the receiving leaving, Turkey’s interests and future My first friend, who is an expert on Akar or Turkey are paying me money audience, especially on social media ambitions in Libya are at risk. That is social media algorithms, discovered to write what I wrote. Even, they platforms. Last week, I found my a rough summary of what I published that at least 90% of the accounts could not claim that I am a Twitter bot name caught up in a smearing in a long analysis report, titled “Hulusi that were tweeting these rumors are or a random person, because of my campaign on Twitter that did just Akar’s Dilemma in Libya.” from Greece and many of them are established professional reputation. that; mixed the topics of love and A few hours after publishing the link internet bots. That was not surprising The only claim they could make to politics to discredit me, as part of a of the report on Twitter, I found to me. I know the Greeks hate Hulusi discredit me and raise doubts around bigger campaign targeting Turkey’s dozens of tweets from random Akar because of the long history the credibility of my report is to come Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar. It accounts with anonymous identities, of conflicts between Turkey and up with this super silly assumption was not a surprise to discover, later mentioning my name. Some of these Greece. But what this has to do with that I am romantically in love with on, that the campaign against me was tweets were also quoting my “Hulusi me? My second friend, who is an Hulusi Akar! launched by Greek tweeps. Akar’s Dilemma in Libya” report. anthropologist, gave me the answer As funny as these rumors were, I was On the eve of electing the new They were not discussing the topic of in very interesting analysis on the sad to see the Greek tweeps choosing executive authority in Libya, I the report. Actually, I hardly doubt social media war between Turkey the word “love” to attack me, within published an article discussing the that they even read it, before tweeting and Greece. their fight with Hulusi Akar. Love is future of Turkey in Libya, after the at me. Rather, they were blatantly The anthropologist explained that the an amazing emotion that should bond Government of National Accord stating, with much confidence, that I Greeks spreading the rumor that I am us together, rather than being used as (GNA) steps down and the newly am having “a secret crush on Hulusi romantically blinded by Hulusi Akar, a tool of war. It is, perhaps, not the elected government takes the lead. Akar” and thus my romantic love to is not a random tweet or a silly joke best story for Valentine’s Day, but I In 2019, GNA opened the door for him is blinding my political analysis. that became popular. This was an thought I should share this unique Turkey’s intervention in Libya, At the beginning, I thought this was organized campaign by the Greeks, experience of an Egyptian getting through signing two military and a silly joke, and I responded to some and I am not their first victim. in the social media war between the maritime agreements, which a Libyan of these tweets, trying to understand Anyone who writes anything positive Turks and the Greeks. The Levant | Issue 21 - March 2021 11 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion The Caliphate for Quraysh: Why Meccan ancestry is vital for ISIS

Sami Moubayed

When the self-proclaimed caliph of ISIS Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi was killed in October 2019, The Guardian ran a story about his successor, Abu Ibrahim al-Hashemi. It said: “His last name suggests that he, as did Baghdadi, claims a lineage to the Prophet Mohammad, a position that offered legitimacy in some quarters.” The last two words, “some quarters,” raised red flags for anybody familiar with the history of Islam, and that of its caliphate. It should have been “all quarters” across Muslim society, be it conservative, pious, or jihadiradicalized. Sunni Muslims go by the Prophet’s hadith (compilation of sayings) arguing that only a member of his Meccan Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi tribe, Quraysh, is eligible for the caliphate. Shiites go even further, serious was the matter that a group Sacred dream those of his party. claiming that only members of the of learned Syrians set up a society to Prophet’s bloodline, or Al Al-Bayt, headhunt for a new caliph, inspired The idea of a caliphate has been a Abu Ibrahim al-Qarashi can be considered for the highest by the Caliphate Movement in India. sacred dream, passed down from one post in Islam, which literarily means This was no joking matter. It is not generation of Islamists to another. Fast forward to 2021. This month Abu “successor to the prophet.”There is something that can be amended, Celebrated jihadis harbor the exact Bakr al-Baghdadi’s successor was in only one school of Islam that waivers ignored, or sidelined. And it explains same dream, from Bin Laden and the news, after a BBC documentary these two conditions, being that why when Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi Ayman al-Zawahiri to Abu Bakr revealed the full story behind his of the Hanafis. And that is why the addressed the world from a mosque al-Baghdadi and Abu Mohammad real identity. The new caliph, whose Ottoman sultans took it up as an in Mosul almost seven years ago, al-Golani. Even moderate Islamic real name is Amir al-Salbi, was not official sub-sect, to justify their claim ISIS media made careful mention of politicians dream of restoring the on the US hitlist prior to 2019. Few to the caliph, although they were his full name, “Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi caliphate. Shortly after they won the had heard of him before Baghdadi neither Meccan notability nor from and Qurashi al-Hassani.” That is how post-Arab Spring elections in Tunisia personally chose him as a successor Quraysh. the terror group referred to him in in October 2011, Secretary-General in July 2019. His only credentials, That also explains why manyall of their official statements from of the Islamic al-Nahda Party Hamadi according to the new documentary, ambitious figures in Islamic history 2014 until his killing in 2019. They al-Jbeli said: “We are in the sixth are that he spent prison time at Camp never claimed the caliphate for were reminding everybodythat caliphate, God willing.” By sixth he Bucca, and came from Quraysh. So themselves, like Osama Bin Laden. he hailed from Quraysh and was a was referring to the four Salaf caliphs did his newly appointed spokesman The founder of the modern state of direct descendant of the Prophet’s (Abu Bakr, Omar, Uthman, Ali) and Abu Hamzah al-Qurashi, speculating Saudi Arabia King Abdul-Aziz Al grandson, Imam al-Hasan. They adding a fifth, Omar Ibn Abdul-Aziz that just like Arab despots often do, Saud would have loved to declare even came up Western journalists of the Umayyad Dynasty. Tunisian Qurashi is removing Baghdadi’s men himself caliph, but he did not dare and non-Muslims tend to drop leader Rashid al-Ghannouchi added from top positions and replacing him tamper with such a sacred and long- both titles for practicality, but ISIS that a caliphate was the hope and with new figures who owe him—and respected tradition. It made him media never referred to him without desire of all Muslims. The leader of him only—direct allegiance. That is shiver with rage when his prime rival boththem. Its also worth mentioning the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, one glue that keeps them together in Arabian politics, Sharif Hussein that Baghdadi ripped phrases from Mohammad Badie, went further, and so is the fact that they are all Iraqi Bin Ali, laid claim to the post after it one of his namesake speeches, being saying that an Islamic state governed natives, with no Syrian or foreign was abolished by Kemal Ataturk in Abu Bakr al-Saddiq, the first caliph by the laws of sharia and headed by a fighter at top command. And all trace Turkey in March 1924.Back then, so of Islam. caliphate was his ultimate goal, and their family lineage to Quraysh. The Levant | Issue 21 - March 2021 12 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion The Resurgence of ISIL in Iraq And Syria between Turkey and ISIL at the stronghold in Syria. intelligence level. This was very What is striking here is that all the Jwan Dibo stark in the comedian play presented Turkish military operations that took by Turkish intelligence and ISIL place on the Syrian lands since 2014 together in June 2014 in the city of were primarily targeting the Kurdish In December 2017, Iraq’s Mosul. In June 2014, ISIL alleged fighters who were and are still Prime Minister officially announced that it detained 49 Turkish people fighting ISIS. Every military victory the liberation of the city of Mosul who were working with the Turkish that Turkey had against the Kurdish from the Islamic State of Iraq and consulate in Mosul. After 100fighters was in favour of ISIS. In other the Levant (ISIL). In March 2019, days, ISIL released all of them and words, every loss the Kurdish fighters the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) when they came back home, their received during their asymmetric declared the total defeat of ISIS after appearance was suggesting that battles with Turkey was considered taking control of its last stronghold they were on a tour, not kidnapped. a victory for ISIS and a revival of its in the town of Baghuz in Eastern Meanwhile, they were the only ones activities. Syria. However, after both decisive who survived after being captured by Dozens of ISIS detainees fled from a victories, ISIS is back again. ISIS! camp in north-eastern Syria, which ISIS operations in Iraq and Syria Since then, whenever the pressure was under the control of SDF as a have enlarged significantly during on ISIS in Syria and Iraq intensified result of the Turkish attack in October and Qatar must inevitably be held 2020. It was a demonstration that by the international coalition and 2019. Many of SDF were forced to accountable, punished, and deterred. ISIL is not totally over yet. The local allies, Turkey was engaged in postpone fighting against ISIS and Failure to do so, would put the resurgence of ISIS in Iraq and Syria counteractivities aiming at relieving started fighting the Turkish occupier credibility of fighting terrorism at the has internal and external dimensions the pressure on ISIS. This is what instead. Thus, ISIS once again was stake, and turn it into mere allegations and connotations. This phenomenon happened in October 2019 when able to hold out and survive after with the aim of propaganda and cannot be attributed only to some Turkey and its backed-Syrian Turkey eased the pressure on it. misleading. In addition, that Turkey of ISIS movable remnants or to militants invaded two large areas in It is very difficult, if not impossible, will continue to use terrorism against its sleeper cells. It is something north and north east Syria controlled to eliminate ISIS as long as there EU, as happened recently in France systematic and linked to the agendas by the Kurdish-led SDF. The assault are states such as Turkey and Qatar and Austria. The eradication of the and volitions of some regional states. occurred in the wake of the decisive supporting and financing terrorism. roots of ISIS in the Middle East Since the emergence of ISIL in 2014 victory by the American-led If U.S and EU are really interested and North Africa must take place in in the city of Mosul in northern Iraq, international coalition and its local in fighting terrorism in the Middle Ankara and Doha, not in Iraq and there was an implicit relationship partner SDF against the last ISIS East and North Africa, then, Turkey Syria.

Caricature

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