Issue 23 a Monthly Newspaper Issued by the Levant News Media International - London Founder & Director: Thaer Alhajji | Chief Editor: Shiyar Khaleal

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May 2021 | Issue 23 A Monthly Newspaper Issued by The Levant News Media International - London Founder & Director: Thaer Alhajji | Chief Editor: Shiyar Khaleal

UAE Wants Resuscitating The Syrian The 30th Peace Back Iran with election and who anniversary of through Chinese Billions should rule UN resolution Dialogue 688

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Khairat el- New Powers in the Shater and UK to Kick out Spies Mohammed from Hostile States Badie on The Times said that the UK government will impose a new law calling Egypt's those working on behalf* of foreign countries to be registered and not doing so Terrorist List will become a criminal offence. The Egyptian The newspaper said that Boris Johnson government put 46 will use the Queen’s Speech on May 11 to people on the terrorist announce the bill. It will be to prosecute list including the Muslim and deport foreign spies who threaten the Brotherhood leading UK national interests. members Khairat el- The Official Secrets Act 1911, which is Shater and Mohammed intended to protect the United Kingdom Badie. The list is based on from espionage, will be updated so it five-year-old requests and can be used against anyone attempting lawsuits. to undermine Britain’s interest from Khairat el-Shater is the abroad. Deputy Supreme Guide of the organisation in Egypt. He was the initial candidate of the movement's Freedom and Justice Party during the 2012 Egyptian presidential election before being disqualified by the Zarif and Soleimani: The Sharpening election commission. He was arrested on 3 July Three Publichours out Rivalriesof seven adding withinthat there had Iran’s been “a mutualPolitical Circles 2013 and faced charges of leaked from an interview with the commitment to maintaining its incitement to murder. Iranian foreign minister have sparked confidentiality." Zarif complained about Mohammad Badie is the widespread controversy in the Islamic the extent of the influence the Islamic eighth Supreme Guide of Republic. The excerpts first appeared Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) the Muslim Brotherhood on a London-based channel. Zarif said and its assassinated commander Qassem in Egypt. He has headed that the slain commander Soleimani was Soleimani had in comparison, he said the Egyptian branch of directing foreign policy and attempting he had “zero” influence over Tehran’s the organization since 16 to sabotage the JCPOA; the Iran foreign policy. January 2010. He became nuclear deal. Zarif also said that Iranian News agencies close to the (IRGC) the first elected Supreme diplomacy had been undermined attacked Zarif. "Everybody knows Guide in the history of the and overshadowed by the military's Zarif 's differences with the IRGC's organisation after elections actions. Iran's government said that an general policy but the recording made held in 2010 and succeeded investigation had been ordered into the them now clearer," Fars News Agency Mohammed Mahdi Akef leaked audio. said. "Was the leak a non-official plan who became the first ex- Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed to affect the upcoming presidential Supreme Guide who is still alive. Khatibzadeh called the leak “illegal” elections?" Tasnim News Agency asked. Mohammad Javad Zarif Reports Ankara Temporarily Withdrew Support

After Turkey failedfrom in the Muslim Brotherhoodto be resolved in the coming few Egypt, Syria, Libya, Sudan weeks. and other troubled countries that it had helped destabilise A Genuine Move, or mere by instigating hatred with its sectarian and divisive discourse, Maneuvering? exploiting the just aspirations of its These announcements peoples for civil rights and rule of undoubtedly contributed to the law, it has started to abandon the stability of Egypt and maybe organisations it had once used to Libya and Syria if Cairo managed infiltrate the local communities to force Ankara to withdraw from namely the Muslim Brotherhood, all the regions it is controlling in specifically in Egypt. those countries whether through ‏Ankara started to mend fences with its army or militias i.e. Turkey's Egypt which knew how to handle mercenaries. Turkey. Egypt chose to cooperate On 19 March, The Egyptian State with Ankara’s historical enemies Minister of Media & Information, The Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan Greece and Cyprus. To Turkey's Osama Heikal, welcomed the disadvantage, France and other permanently closing down the TV Malaysia. Turkish decision to force anti- Arab countries, such as KSA and UAE stations. The MİT circulated the government Egypt channels to stick to media joined in. Those countries are not This drove MB media personalities decision to ban any Egyptian MB ethics and hailed the decision as "a against the Turkish people but they to express their concerns over their member, coming from Syria or Iraq good initiative to create a welcoming have been badly affected by Ankara's uncertain future. MB journalist who who had fought with extremist and atmosphere to discuss the unresolved foreign policies which are based works for el-Sharq TV, Sami Kamal terrorist organisations, from entering problems between the two countries." on expansionism using extremist el-Din, tweeted that the Turkish or living in Turkey. The channel "Opening TV channels in a country to militias. Turkey's foreign policies are authorities gave official instructions to also revealed that MB leaders and speak against another country is not inspired by the MB founder Hassan the employees of El Sharq TV, Watan businessmen who live in Turkey acceptable in international relations. al-Banna's school of thought, which TV and Mekameleen and warned them decided to transfer their money to Every country has to look for its justifies spying for foreign States of potential penalties. Even before other countries in the coming weeks. interests and its people's interests." and uses religion to strengthen the el-Sharq TV announced -without It added that some leaders who used He added bonds among the MB members at the giving reasons- the cancellation of to live in Turkey were involved in expense of their national identity. its main political show, the political money laundering activities and "Anti-Egypt" activist Ghada Naguib, who was made multi-million dollar deals on Whether this a reflection Turkey's real Curbing the MB Activities stripped of her Egyptian citizenship suspicious trade activities, illegal drug and who is married to Egyptian actor desire to improve relations with other Many Turkish officials, including the trade and arms trade. and dissident Hisham Abdullah who countries, its acknowledgement of its President, have issued statements Turkey has taken many steps to tighten fled to Turkey, had confirmed that failure to implement its expansionism on curbing the MB activities. Media the noose around the MB, including: Turkish authorities ordered the MB plans in the region or a maneuver reports said that Turkish authorities cancelling the residency of those TV channels to stop airing political it was forced to make, owing to the have ordered Istanbul-based TV who were involved with terrorist shows because Turkey wants to make regional boycott, the economic losses channels affiliated with the Muslim organizations such as ISIS and Ansar things right with Egypt. and the currency devaluation, Turkey Brotherhood to stop airing criticism Bait al-Maqdis or participated in would not take this difficult decision, geared towards Egypt immediately. terrorist activities whether in Egypt after years of propaganda and logistic Sources familiar with the matter told Just the Beginning or abroad, coordinating with the support to its militias, unless it had no Al Arabiya that Turkey issued an On 20 March, Alarbiya TV channel Egyptian authorities to counter other choice. order for three Muslim Brotherhood stated that Turkey's National terrorism and prosecute high-risk Throughout the past years of conflict channels (El Sharq TV, Watan TV, Intelligence Organisation (MİT) Egyptian terrorists, withholding in the region, Turkey has always and Mekameleen) to immediately was reviewing all the files of the MB Turkish passports from MB members, tried to find a way to interfere and stop airing political shows critical of members who have entered Turkey although they were supposed to expand; it talked about its Ottoman Egypt and to only air non-political since 2013. It also said that the receive them after the necessary legacy, national security and programs and series. The authorities number of residence permits given vetting by the security services. pretended to protect a people from a signed agreements with the MB to MB members have declined and Morover, the Turkish intelligence political regime. Therefore, regional leaders to follow the government that the Turkish Intelligence met held consultations with the Egyptian countries should not trust Turkey's orders and threatened that penalties with MB members and ordered them intelligence to stop transferring Syrian current change of heart, rather stand will be imposed on those who defy to leave for London withing 90 days and foreign mercenaries to Libya and together to put an end to Turkey's the order; including expulsion and while instructing others to leave for Egypt stressed that this issue had expansionism plans. The Levant | Issue 23 - May 2021 2 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports Region Torn by Wars...

Some UAEMiddle Eastern Wants Peace Back through DialogueEmirates will promote the full countries went through a decade of range of relations between the two violent religious and ethnic conflicts. countries in all areas, and expand Foreign ME countries used stirring ties with the Emirati government, speeches and logistical support to economic bodies and the private escalate these conflicts for the sake sector, academic institutions, the of their interests. The ME peoples media and more,” it added. "The are now aware that these conflicts Israeli embassy in the UAE’s capital will not be in their interest and will of Abu Dhabi is currently operating destroy their future and that the out of a temporary office until a only way to live in peace and have permanent facility is located," it a promising future is to accept the noted. others and acknowledge their rights. UAE and Strengthening the The UAE Is Aware Human Fraternity It is clear that the UAE is aware of the The UAE continued strengthening* power of peace to achieve prosperity fraternity not only between the in the region, thus, it has kept itself ME countries but also between the far from supporting these conflicts nations. On February 4, Mohammed that the Arab gulf states would turn and stood against the tyrants and bin Zayed Al Nahayan, the Crown over a new leaf. even gave them its advice (that tyrant The UAE and Global Powers Prince of Abu Dhabi, made two “From Kuwait to Muscat, through in Syria knows this but he insisted to The UAE does not only call the UNSC telephone calls with the Grand Imam Riyadh, Manama, Doha and Abu lead the country to downfall to satisfy for the peaceful solution for the crises of al-Azhar Ahmed el-Tayeb and Pope Dhabi, we open a new page full of his thirst for power and guard the in the region, Francis. "I spoke on the phone with hope and optimism,” Anwar Gargash interests of the countries that stand but also calls global powers especially Dr. Ahmed el-Tayeb and His Holiness tweeted. “We aspire to a stable and behind him). the USA. Mohammed bin Zayed Al Pope Francis about strengthening prosperous Arab Gulf, and look to The UAE chose the shortest and best Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the principles of the Document for the future with confidence, solid way to establish peace; it is dialogue.* said on January 21 that: "The UAE Human Fraternity against the the The UAE Minister of State for Foreign will and confident determination, is looking forward to working with crises the world faces today especially Affairs confirmed on January 18 that this is how we feel about the UAE,” the new American administration to COVID-19," Al Nahyan tweeted cooperation between the UNSC he added . Those tweets came after strengthen relations between the two "My country will continue supporting and the Arab League is necessary the Gulf states had signed, at Al-Ola countries and ensure stability and the human solidarity because it to resolve disputes and crises and Summit on January 15, an agreement peace in the Middle East." believes it is the only way to have a strengthen the spirit of solidarity and on regional “solidarity and stability” He congratulated the new US good life and a promising future," unity and face the threats to peace when the KSA, the UAE, Bahrain President on his inauguration on he confirmed. AlBayan website says and security. He stated, representing and Egypt had agreed to resume Twitter: "We wish President Joe that the Pope and the grand Imam the Arab League, in the UN Security Biden the best of luck and wish him diplomatic relations, trade ties and Council at a briefing entitled flights with Qatar. of al-Azhar appreciate the role of the to bring the USA more prosperity. We Crown Prince "in building bridges "Coordination between Security are looking forward to strengthening The UAE did not only called its Arab Council and Arab League": "The countries and global powers for peace of understanding and enhancing the relations with the new administration, message of human fraternity and Arab world's problems cannot be furthering the interests of our but it even called Israel. Therefore, the resolved without key players on the UAE is paving the way for a new phase peace." They cited in this respect countries and ensuring peace and Sheikh Mohamed's patronage of the regional and global scene." stability in the Middle East." which may end long years of conflicts "We are waiting for the day when in the Middle East. On September signing of the Document of Human stability returns to our region and 15, 2020, the UAE signed a historic Fraternity in the second anniversary the the UNSC programme does not With Arab Countries US-brokered peace deal at the White of signing the Document for Human include Arab crises," he added. The Although some countries in the ME House and singned the establishment Fraternity. absence of effective solutions leads to involved in conspiracies to divide of reciprocal embassies. We cannot count the UAE huge the escalation in these ongoing crises the region into spheres of influence On January 24, the Israeli Ministry efforts to establish peace in the world's and causes them to pose threats to through Islamist organisations of Foreign Affairs announced the most politically complicated region regional and international peace especially the Muslim Brotherhood opening of the Israel embassy in Abu where the foreign regional countries and security," he noted. "Joint Arab (MB), the UAE tried to give these Dhabi: "The Israeli embassy in Abu and their militias have competing Action is one of the most important organisations and countries a chance Dhabi has officially been opened, interests. That tells that the way the goal for the UAE to strengthen to fix what they did. Anwar Gargash, with the arrival of the mission head UAE went into to establish peace is security, stability and prosperity in the Minister of State for Foreign Eitan Naeh to Abu Dhabi.” "The still long and needs a lot of patience the region," he tweeted Affairs, noted this when he hoped Israeli embassy in the United Arab and hard work. The Levant | Issue 23 - May 2021 3 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports In Ukraine .. The Turkish Fire

Ukraine knows thatGets "Turkey sees Close Ukraine as a tothe Black the Sea using Russian Turkish the Turkish President Wood would interoperability of the Armed Biden's US foreign policy key country for ensuring attack drones Bayraktar TB2. discuss with his Ukrainian Forces of Ukraine with towards Russia will be stability, security, peace and counterpart many issues NATO, including through different because the US will prosperity in our region," especially the war in Donbass. appropriate joint military Russian Covert take advantage of the Russo- he confirmed. The Turkish "The Presidents will discuss exercises." We can here say Ukrainian wars in Donbass statements definitely did Messages to Turkey the living conditions of the that Turkey is playing with and Crimea. Apparently, not satisfy Russia from Everything made Russia Crimean Tatars who have fire because it knows how Turkey also wants to take which Turkey bought S-400 skeptical about Turkey, ethnic links to Turks, it added much sensitive Russia is advantage of these wars missile defence systems to which cannot be trusted. On The Turkish Presidentto NATO which imposed claiming to protect the strengthen its relationship 9 April, Putin had a telephone claimed in a joint press sanctions on Russia and Tatars; Turkic ethnicity in with Russia as well. conversation with his Turkish conference with his Ukrainian stands with Ukraine in its war Crimea counterpart in which they counterpart that the military against Russia. Bilateral Turko-Ukrainian discussed steps to develop cooperation between Turkey Besides Nato membership, The Turkish Weapons Military and Intelligence ties between Turkey and and Ukraine was not in any Turkey will provide Ukraine Cooperation Reaches Ukraine Russia along with regional way a move against third with another weapon; that is No one can figure out the Ukrainian Naval Forces issues. Putin also explained countries. Erdoğan stated that mercenary. On 1 April, the Turkish motives behind Commander Oleksiy Moscow's approaches to Turkey supports Ukraine’s Syrian newspaper al-Watan supporting Ukraine against Neizhpapa said on 4 January resolving the domestic crisis initiative of the Crimean said that sources close to the Russia because the bilateral that: "Ukraine expects this in Ukraine. Platform, which will be held Turkish-backed Free Syrian cooperation is older than year to receive the Turkish In regards to the Istanbul in August, to consolidate the Army in northern Syria told this. On September 11, unmanned aerial vehicles canal, Putin told Erdoğan international community the newspaper that the MİT CNN Türk said that the (UAVs) and corvettes for that the regime of the Straits around Crimea and achieve instructed the leaders of the Turkish National Intelligence its navy." "We will use the in the black sea should be its de-occupation and return so-called “National Army” Organization (MİT) arrested drones both in sea and preserved according to the to Ukraine. mercenaries to prepare for PKK member İsa Özer in the land operations," he noted. 1936 Montreux Convention the possibility of being sent Ukrainian city of Odessa; the "Ukraine will reach a to ensure the regional to Ukraine. The Mİt wants The Turkish Support thing that proves the deep production capacity at NATO security and stability. This this military transportation cooperation between the two standards thanks to Ada-class serves as a warning to Ankara the NATO Membershi to remain secret to avoid countries. corvettes jointly produced if it will continue supporting The Mercenaries getting into serious problems On the military level, the with Turkey," he added Kiev in the wars of Donbass Erdoğan confirmed in a with Russia, especially if Ukrainian government Two months after Neizhpapa's and Crimea. statement that" “The Republic it obtained evidence that stated on15 October 2020, announcement, the Turkish Apparently, Turkey was not of Turkey will continue to Turkey will send Syrian that President Volodymyr drones reached Ukraine. On impressed by the phone assist Ukraine in meeting the mercenaries to Donbass and Zelensky would visit Turkey March 28, The Ukrainian Air conversation. Thus, Turkey criteria for membership to Crimea as it did in Libya, to sign a military cooperation Force conducted drills over announced on 10 April that the Alliance, as well as the Armenia and elsewhere. agreement between Ukraine and Turkey. The agreement to be signed would reflect a guarantee for security and peace in the Black Sea region. Moreover, to strengthen the relationship, the Ukrainian President awarded the Turkish President the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise for his outstanding personal contribution to strengthening Ukrainian-Turkish interstate cooperation, support for independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine. "Turkey does not and never will recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea," Erdoğan said about the annexation of Crimea. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy visits Ukraine's armed forces near the frontline The Levant | Issue 23 - May 2021 4 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports Resuscitating Iran with Chinese Billions The economic hardship suffered by the Iranian people is mounting the pressure on the regime in Tehran forcing it to resort to alternative choices as it has realized that it lifting the American sanctions will take a while, even if it was most probably bound to take place. Therefore, Iran decided that it might be wise to ally with America's biggest economic competitor which is aiming to overtake the U.S. as the world's No. 1 economy i.e. China.

China has Always Supported Iran Russia and China have always been Iran's allies; they have constantly assisted and supported its nuclear program. On 30 November2020, The Iranian president (Left) and his Chinese counterparts the Chinese Ministry of Foreign regard." "Iran should resume its full United Kingdom, China, and Iran China is expected to import 918,000 Affairs condemned the assassination implementation of the JCPOA," it to discuss the nuclear program," the barrels a day from Iran in March, of the high-ranking Iranian nuclear concluded by blaming Iran implicitly. spokesperson for the Department of which would be the highest volume physicist Mohsen Fakhrizadeh and State, Ned Price, said. "One would since a full U.S. oil embargo was hoped that the incident would be expect that those same interests are imposed against Tehran two years Washington Recognizes thoroughly investigated. "Beijing at play and that despite other serious ago." was shocked by the murder of the the Chinese Role differences we may have with them renowned Iranian nuclear scientist The Chinese statements madeon other issues," he added. Multi-Billion Dollar Mohsen Fakhrizadeh and condemned Beijing’s influence over Tehran more China responded two weeks later this violent and criminal act and calls obvious than ever to the USA, which blaming Washington and Iran but Agreements for an extensive investigation into has become almost equivalent to the blaming Washington more, saying The Sino-Iranian cooperation the event," the spokesperson of the Russian influence. This has driven that it believes it has to make the culminated in signing a 25-year Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs the State Department to welcome first step. On 7 March, The Foreign cooperation agreement on 27 March; Hua Chunying said. the Chinese and Russian initiatives in Minister of China Wang Yi said that something the US administration On 5 January, China urged calm and the negotiations: "The United States he hoped the US would lift sanctions might not have expected. The Iranian restraint after Iran said it had resumed hopes that its common interests with on Iran and that Iran needed to take state media said the agreement, 20% uranium enrichment at Fordow China and Russia will help the three on responsibility in the process too dubbed the Comprehensive Strategic underground nuclear facility. "China countries to cooperate on the Iranian , in the hope that the United States Partnership, addresses economic urges all sides to exercise calm and nuclear issue," "in the past, Russia would subsequently lift what he issues amid crippling US sanctions restraint, to stick to the commitments and China during the JCPOA [ Joint called “unjustified sanctions “on Iran. on Tehran. It covers a variety of of the agreement and to refrain from Comprehensive Plan of Action] economic activity from oil and mining taking actions that might escalate negotiations played a productive, to promoting industrial activity in tensions, so as to make space for constructive role because they didn't Economic Cooperation Iran, as well as transportation and diplomatic efforts and a change in the - they didn't have an interest in Breaks the Sanctions agricultural collaborations. situation," Hua Chunying told a daily seeing Iran acquire a nuclear weapon Beijing and Tehran did not waste Political Analysts, close to Tehran, news briefing in Beijing. and they didn't have an interest in more time ; they took advantage of the said that China extends its influence On 18 February, the Chinese Ministry seeing the conflict in the region," the US implicit to lift the sanctions, even through Belt and Road Initiative of Foreign Affairs expressed it support spokesperson for the Department of though it was not put into action yet. which will include 130 countries. for Iran by stating that "Beijing always State, Ned Price continued The decided to provoke Washington Under the agreement, China is to believes that the United States' The comments were in line with a and undermine the sanctions. They invest $400 billion in Iran's economy. return to the Joint Comprehensive previous announcement where the increased economic cooperation The fund will be used to develop Plan of Action ( JCPOA) is the only US expressed interest in resuming which will boostIran's ailing economy infrastructure, technology, harbours correct way to break the Iran nuclear negotiations under the auspices of through increasing oil imports from among other sectors. The question deadlock. China supports the IAEA the European Union and the E3+3, Iran. On 19 March, the Wall Street now is how will Washington and and Iran in handling safeguard issues including Beijing and Moscow. "The Journal stated that: "China has regional countries deal with the new through dialogue and consultation United States was ready to accept sharply increased its imports of oil player i.e. China, which will provide and hopes that all relevant parties an invitation to attend a meeting from Iran and Venezuela according Iran with lifeline to revive its ailing can play a constructive role in this with Russia, Germany, France, the to commodities-data company Kpler. economy and political regime? The Levant | Issue 23 - May 2021 5 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Interview Abdul-Khaleq Abdulla Talks to Levant news about the Muslim Brotherhood (MB) and the

Future of the Gulf States There are many developments in US- Hajar al-Desouki Gulf relations. The new administration is reviewing the US relations with the ME countries especially the The Arab world was a conflict Gulf States. Washington has not yet zone in the last decade. However, there carried out this review the thing is an important change which the Gulf that raises many questions; What States and Egypt are making as they does Washington want from the Gulf are easing tensions and establishing States? Is it planning to withdraw from peace in the region. the region? Why was it aggressive in Based on this vision, the author of the decisions it has taken against its "the Gulf Moment in Contemporary allies in the Gulf like it has paused Arab History" and the professor of arms sales to the Gulf States especially political science Abdulkhaleq Abdulla the F-35 aircraft deal which had all talked in an exclusive interview with political and institutional approvals? Abdul-Khaleq Abdulla Levantnews However, most importantly, why this Abdulkhaleq Abdulla demonstrated relations? it, it was defeated in some countries' stupid tendency to make things right examples of what he calls "the tendency Egypt and the KSA have to beware of elections, its members are dispersing, with Tehran? to reconcile" in the region especially the Turkish reconciliation initiatives it is about to lose the Turkish and ■ In the last few years, the UAE stole the normalisation of Turko-Egyptian because it is in the interests of all ME Qatari support and some European the global scene many times and relations. He set out 3 conditions countries to end wars and conflicts, countries have been rough on it discovered conspiracies that would for Ankara to begin dialogue and ease tensions, establish peace and especially France. Thus, it is no longer plunge the region into an abyss. Do you think there will be a change in the reconciliation. look to the future. All ME countries a security threat as it was a decade balance of power in the ME and the He noted that coordination between are going this way and this is good and ago. World? Cairo, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi is has to be encouraged and reinforced. Do you mean the MB will come to ■ The UAE achieved great clear success necessary to face the unexpected Everybody had been consumed end soon? abroad and locally in 50 years. changes in the Turkish President's enough with those wars and conflicts. The MB danger must not be Its developmental and scientific positions. Some think that the Turkish underestimated because every time ■ success is inspiring the countries in "The train of reconciliation has attempts to reconcile may not meet its political role is about to end it the region. After 50 years, the UAE begun and is about to reach its final the demands of the Arab countries comes back to play a destructive cannot be considered a small state, destination despite its variable speed especially the KSA, the UAE and opportunist role. It is a desperate it is a rising regional power and one between the Arab countries," he said Egypt and that they are not enough organisation, it has stood in the way of the 33 middle powers in the world. about the Gulf reconciliation. "There to win the trust of the Arab countries, of the Arab political life* for centuries It cannot be said that the UAE is a is no way to return to the boycott," he what do you think? and it is not likely to go out of the rentier state or its economy is based confirmed. If Turkey was honest in this political life completely soon. "The MB is dispersing, defeating and reconciliation and proved it with on oil. The UAE economy is the about to lose the support of Turkey actions such as giving up its attempts second in the Arab world after the KSA and the 27th worldwide. The and Qatar," he said about the current to destabilise Egypt, withdrawing Egypt and the KSA situation of the MB. "The MB is no its mercenaries from Libya and UAE economy developed greatly as longer a strategic threat* but it will not withdrawing its political and media have to beware it has many sources of revenue and come to end soon," he noted. support for the MB, then it is* time of the Turkish it is no longer excessively dependent "The Yemen peace initiative* the KSA to take a preliminary step to start reconciliation on oil. As well, the UAE is no longer dialogue and reconciliation but we a very conservative society, it is a announced confirms that Riyadh wants initiatives because this war to end. On the other hand, the have to be careful of the Turkish modern, pluralistic, globalised and Houthi militia is the one which takes President's unexpected change of it is in the interests open-minded society. advantage the most of this crisis in mind. of all ME countries Most importantly, the UAE believes How do you see the MB after the in itself and look forward to the future Yemen," he said about the Yemen crisis. ■ to end wars and Here is the interview script: reconciliation between the Gulf and know where it wants to be in States and the normalisation of the 2030 and afterwards. Self-confidence ■ We saw in the last months how conflicts Cairo was friendly to Turkey Turko-Egyptian relations? is what makes UAE special in the 21st especially in the last days.. What do The MB now is the weakest it has ■ Is the USA at a crossroads in its century and took it to Mars and made you think of the developments* of the ever been since it has been founded; relations with the Gulf States after it the first Arab country to produce normalisation of the Turko-Egyptian people are more and more rejecting Biden assumed office? nuclear energy for peaceful uses. The Levant | Issue 23 - May 2021 6 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com opinion

The Syrian election and who shouldreference to rule‘Contentments of life’, without the fear of losing safety, is to Amir Darwish state that man has the freedom and liberty beyond the physical meaning of impediment. It is the allowance of What has been happening humanity to prosper as safety gives in Syria since March 2011 is a civil birth to knowledge, and then science war and not a revolution. The Syrian into economic success, and so forth. election That way, man’s obedience in Syria The people have long misunderstood will be exchanged for peace, safety, words such as, ‘freedom’, ‘liberty’, and property protection, and an overall ‘rights’, and therefore the violence has physical shield from other subjects. been unleashed and is not stopping. In turn, this will cause the society and A similar condition was present in its economy to flourish. England between 1642 to 1651, when As man’s right to violence is the country went into civil war. At abandoned, but not his right to that time, the situation prompted the defend himself; in other words, when English poet, translator, physician, someone attacks him, he will retaliate and philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, back, but he should not initiate the to write the most important work of An Assad election campaign poster in Damascus violence. The Syrian election his life (the Leviathan) to rescue his The Leviathan in this way became country from bloody civil war. to a constant state of war. This state to restrain man’s nature and avoid an absolutist proposal, where the Liberty and freedom can be dangerous is man’s pre-political condition and war in the state of nature. people of Syria would make the ruler. when put together. Freedom, taken shows human beings are generally Hobbes reinforces the point that This allows man to decide his fate to its extreme, can result in anarchy, not yet mature enough to enter the people made the sovereign, ‘This is and provides him with true freedom. and some in the pursuit of freedom world of politics. Everyone in the more than Consent, or Concord; it is Hobbes’s proposal guaranteed safety, engage in actions that include taking state of nature begrudges, distrusts, a real unity of them all, in one and the protection of subjects, liberty, others’ lives, as we have seen over and eventually fights one another, as same Person, made by Covenant of protection of property, protection the last ten years in Syria. Similarly, is the case currently in Syria. That is every man with every man’. of rights, entitlement to make laws, liberty has included the allowance of when life, as Hobbes put and, as it This means the ruler and the ruled are and overall freedom to change the man to hurt others. is now in Syria, becomes ‘solitary, one, automatically; neither of them sovereign when inadequate. Yes, Hobbes believed the wrong poor, nasty, brutish, and short.’ This can dominate the other, as man in his the Leviathan is an absolutist in understanding of liberty caused avoidable by having one absolute nature (according to Hobbes) does providing all these, but above all, the much of the trouble at the time sovereign who is able to act firmly not like to be dominated. Leviathan is not an absolutist in the where freedom was seen, as a matter against those who let their human Hobbes gave people the power to negative authoritarian connotation of living independently off arbitrary nature take over them and start to end the sovereign whenever they of the word. Hobbes could not make power under free states as free men kill others for possessions, political wanted, and the Syrian people can do it any clearer when referred to the and opposed to monarchy. interests, or other forms of gain. To the same. When the Leviathan stops Leviathan as ‘covenants without The definition of ‘free man’ was avoid the state of nature, the pre- protecting them, that’s when they can the sword’. When man ends the fashionable in England’s 1640s, as is political condition, and the state of collectively decide to remove him or sovereign, at that time his rights, the case in present-day Syria. Often it war, the people in Syria have to enter replace him. freedom, and liberty to be violent was connected to the Magna Charta into a contract with a ruler.. If anything, Hobbes’ words limit, again will come back and the war will and other liberal definitions, such as Additionally, this absolute sovereign undermine, and prevent the abuse start again. This is not a recipe for the right to free trial, freedom from serves as a divine, unbreakable law to of sovereign power. This makes the dictatorship or despotism, but rather arbitrary arrest, and political rights. keep everyone safe. sovereign an absolute protector who a recipe for living life safely without Likewise, the definition of freedom Men then can renounce the state of provides safety; the subjects, on the thinking, ‘Can I leave the house and is fashionable in Syria and connected nature by promising obedience to the other hand, have the absolute right to come back to it safely?’ It is a recipe to freedom of speech and expression, Leviathan who spares their lives from end the sovereign when safety ends. to save lives. political rights, and indeed freedom the cruel state of nature in Syria. That It is worthy to note here, as the It does not matter who rules Syria as from arbitrary arrest. way also people enter into society in sovereign is the people, she has long as they show proper governance By stating ‘every man has a right to a more civilised way than they are identical rights to the people, which and the ability to restrain the every thing; even to one another’s doing now in Syria. This is done as means an attack on her is an attack violence, giving people the right to body’, Hobbes pointed out very the Leviathan is the only sovereign on a member of the public. This live again without fear of being killed, clearly that all men have the right to absolute ruler who has no others to way, if individuals in Syria decide to as that’s the most important ‘right’ take each other’s when they are in compete with and cause conflicts as attack the sovereign, at that time the of all. Whether the ruler is called a state of war and nothing restrains in the state of nature. sovereign shall retaliate, as that is an Bashar, Peter, Paul, or whatever—it them. Hobbes also insinuates that this Noteworthy, just as the Leviathan attack on all Syrians. is security and safety the people of entitlement to each other’s bodies was, the sovereign in Syria will be a When such a contract is achieved, Syria need and not just free speech or leads to violence, and violence leads creation of their own people in order life will become rich; Hobbes’s freedom of expression. The Levant | Issue 23 - May 2021 7 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion Playing with fire

Ian Black

Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, announced dramatically on April 13 that Tehran was ramping up its enrichment of uranium to 60% – its highest level ever- and a big step closer to the 90% that is required for weapons-grade material. Iran was responding to the “evil” act of Israeli sabotage of the Natanz nuclear reactor in Isfahan province. The timing of the decision – and of the attack – really mattered: two days later indirect negotiations defined as “proximity talks” re-started in Vienna with the aim of reviving the 2015 nuclear agreement between the Islamic Republic, the US, Russia, Iran’s deputy foreign minister Abbas Araghchi China, and the E3 – comprising France, Britain and Germany. breaches, if the US lifted sanctions. just about tense and high-stakes JCPoA. But he faces an uphill task The JCPoA, as that deal is known, He called the Israeli action a “very international negotiations. Domestic in trying to undo the reputational was the outstanding foreign policy bad gamble” that would strengthen issues are relevant too – in at least and very real damage caused by his achievement of Barack Obama’s Tehran’s hand. Iran officially denies three countries. In Iran presidential disruptive predecessor in the Oval eight-year term. Donald Trump, his any ambitions to build nuclear elections are due on 18 June and Office. Republican successor, abandoned weapons. the incumbent, Hassan Rouhani Congressional objections to the the agreement in 2018, re-imposing Natanz came in the wake of mounting – deemed a moderate in western Democrat’s nominees and demands unilateral US sanctions on Iran and evidence of Israeli attacks on Iranian eyes – will hand over to the new that they expand the original deal to heralding his campaign of “maximum forces and proxies in Syria and government around 5 August. All the include Iran’s regional activities and pressure.” President Joe Biden has Iraq, as well as on Iranian tankers signs are that he will be replaced by a ballistic missile program are unlikely vowed to return to it, invoking his smuggling oil to Syria. Israel has also hardliner linked to the IRGC. Given to go down well in Tehran. Analysts belief in multilateral diplomacy. targeted Iranian ships in the Persian their past objections to the JCPoA, have begun talking about crafting a The operation was not denied by Gulf including the Saviz, reportedly that is assumed to make it far harder “JCPoA plus”. Opponents see Biden the government of Prime Minister used by the Islamic Revolutionary to resolve the nuclear issue. as just another version of Obama Binyamin Netanyahu; indeed news Guard Corps (IRGC), which western Domestic politics are also part of when it comes to Iran: by reviving the of the attack, and the involvement intelligence officials claim was a the story in Israel. Netanyahu is nuclear agreement he will recognize of the Mossad intelligence agency, command-and-control vessel used to considered to be “weaponizing” its regional ambitions at the expense were leaked to Israeli media, which support the Houthis in Yemen’s war. Iran’s purported nuclear ambitions of both Israel and the Gulf states, they are normally subject to strict military In Vienna the sides are negotiating in his own interests following last argue. censorship on national security (albeit from separate hotels) whether month’s inconclusive general election Another factor in weakening issues. One sympathetic American the US must lift all sanctions – the fourth in less than two years. America’s economic leverage is the commentator even jokingly dubbed imposed or a selective group that Critics accuse him of seeking to avoid signing of 25-year strategic accord the Israeli leader “Natanzyahu.” is specifically linked to the nuclear corruption charges – the first ever with China, in which Beijing has The attack was clearly intended as deal. Iran has insisted it will only faced by a serving prime minister – promised to invest $400bn in Iran in a signal to the US and Iran and the return to full compliance when in order to cajole hesitant coalition exchange for cheap oil. The IMF is other parties trying to revive the 2015 the US lifts all sanctions that have partners from joining his Likud- predicting that Iran’s economy is on deal, that Israel – the only (albeit throttled its economy, compounding led government by manufacturing its way to recovery undeclared) nuclear power in the the devastating effect of the covid a national security crisis. “His On paper, Washington remains Middle East – remained opposed pandemic. The US says some of these judgment is liable to lead Israel into committed to diplomacy, but the to it and would stop at nothing to are not related to the nuclear deal but war,” as the Haaretz newspaper put it. succession of escalatory decisions in achieve its goal. to other issues – such as terrorism, And in the US too the nuclear issue recent times suggests that both Israel Iran’s foreign minister, Javad Zarif, human rights, Iran’s ballistic missile remains highly controversial for and Iran, having chosen the path of pledged that the 60% enrichment programme or money-laundering. Biden, who has repeatedly signaled confrontation, are now playing with would be reversed, as would previous But this challenging question is not his commitment to rejoining the fire. The Levant | Issue 23 - May 2021 8 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion Britain’s Historic Crossroads the vote in some form or other in the from the UK, representing the the Union. However, that the Royal years to follow. highest levels of support for Welsh Family, the rock of so much of the James Denselow Meanwhile in Northern Ireland independence ever recorded. country’s identity, is now morning successive nights of violence have The 2019 UK election, won by Boris the loss of the Duke of Edinburgh seen over 55 police officers injured Johnson’s Conservatives, promised may be a catalyst towards a greater Too often it is a cliché to in a level of unrest “not seen in the ‘levelling up’ of northern areas shared collective identity. describe a country at a crossroads years”. The triggers of these events of the country previous dominated This would be moving against the or major point in its history but are myriad and linked to Republican by the Labour Party. However, headwinds described earlier in this increasingly it seems that Great leaders flouting Covid regulations to Covid and the massive amount of article and sadly for those advocates Britain is in exactly that place. The attend a funeral and feelings of being Government spending on the health of the Union the current Covid death of the Duke of Edinburgh, over policed, but the single biggest service and furloughing the economy restrictions mean that there will not Prince Philip, just shy of his 100th context change to what has been a has meant that serious questions be a huge public turnout around birthday, has reminded the country period of peace in Northern Ireland, remain as to whether those promises the Duke’s funeral which will be a that some of its seemingly most has been Brexit and the introduction can be kept in the post-Covid small family affair. Yet the polling permanent figures exit the stage. His of a border in the Irish Sea as part of period, meaning that another large in favour of Scottish independence death follows a fraught year for the the agreement made with the EU. chunk of the country may feel that declined recently supposedly linked Royal Family who have had to batten Whilst Wales remains the least their expectations have been badly to scandals within the Scottish down the hatches due to Covid as likely to succeed from the United managed. Nationalist Party as well as the well as weather the storm from the Kingdom, record-breaking numbers The mantra of the original Brexit success of the Covid vaccination departure of Harry and Megan, the of people in Wales are in favour of advocates was that people should vote programme, a reminder that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, from independence, a new poll suggests. to ‘take back control’, it would seem depth of feeling towards these issues being working royals. Conducted for ITV News Tonight that the nations of the UK, as well is perhaps somewhat shallow and A crisis of sorts within the royal family by Savanta ComRes, the new survey as the regions too, are increasingly open to influence meaning that the is just one of the factors that brings found just under 40 per cent of Welsh feeling that way towards their own crossroads the country is facing is all Britain to this historic crossroads. citizens to be in favour of separating political future that may not involve to play for Although Brexit and the departure from the EU has got ‘done’, its legacy continues to shape the country. Such a divisive referendum split the country into two camps whose identities continues to shape politics today. More dramatically the shockwaves of Brexit are being felt in Northern Ireland and Scotland leading to serious challenges for the maintenance of the Union itself. Indeed, Scottish elections in May are projected to be dominated by the Scottish Nationalist Party who are all primed to push for another Independence Referendum that their vote share would be it difficult to deny. Number 10 has denied that it would be bounced into granting another vote and put out a statement that “calling for a referendum in this way in the middle of a pandemic is not right.” However, the pandemic won’t last forever and indeed the success of the UK’s vaccine campaign may be a uniting factor in any future argument for keeping Great Britain together. Nevertheless, it seems that the discord generated by Brexit will force the question of Scotland’s splitting from the Union to be put to 10 Downing Street The Levant | Issue 23 - May 2021 9 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion Iraq’s Kurds mark 30th anniversary of UN resolution 688

Jawad Qadir

The Kurds ought to continue efforts to develop their institutions in accordance with human rights and the rule of law, including those rights and laws pertaining to freedom of the press and the highest standards of journalism. This week, Iraq’s Kurds celebrate the 30th anniversary of the United Nations’ Security Council resolution 688, which many in the Kurdistan Region still regard as a pivotal international decision that swung the tide of battle in Iraq in favor of the Kurds. The resolution was passed on April 5, 1991, in the aftermath of the Gulf War amid Iraqi army’s anticipated onslaught against the rebellion in the northern Kurdish and southern Shiite populated Heads of state and their representatives at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council in New York regions of the country. The resolution 688 has since been which in the end won the support human integrity, by which it will The UN resolution was passed after heralded by most international law of the free world; it could not continue to ensure the unwavering Iraqi army’s defeat and withdrawal scholars as a major action carried reproduce the same suppressive support of world community. from the neighboring Kuwait. out by the United Nations to lawfully system of governance which it had The Kurds ought to continue efforts Fearing retaliation for their rebellion intervene in conflicts within the suffered from and bravely fought to develop their institutions in against the Iraqi regime under former borders of sovereign states. In both against. accordance with human rights and dictator Saddam Hussein, millions of former Yugoslavia and Libya, the But how have Kurds in Iraq managed the rule of law, including those rights Kurds left their homes in Kurdistan resolution 688 was employed as a to establish and develop a political and laws pertaining to freedom of and took refuge in neighboring precedence to impose new No Fly system that corresponds to the basic the press and the highest standards Turkey and Iran. The resolution Zones in those war-torn regions. human rights and political freedoms of journalism. was passed after pressure by France, For the Kurds of Iraq, however, the promoted by the free world? These efforts over decades to provide the United States and Great Briton, resolution was a testament to the The answer to that question, indeed, for personal security and political as millions of Kurds were trapped world community’s humanitarian is not straightforward. The Kurds stability, so that citizens in the in the border mountains trying to interference and support for their fought a four-year civil war in the Kurdistan Region can live peaceful escape the Iraqi army. national cause. It was a response to 1990s, but they also managed to end lives and pursue their futures, have The UN resolution, shortly, led to the atrocities, including genocide the war and establish peace, which been successful. Security has been the establishment of the so-called No and chemical attacks, committed has been in place since. The Kurds fundamental to the Kurdish existence Fly Zone in both south and Kurdish against the Kurdish population have allowed press freedom and and its effectiveness largely a result north, which effectively protected of Iraq at the hands of successive cherished freedom of expression, of Kurdistan Region’s own policies the local populations, especially in regimes in Baghdad. but still, there are worrying reports and procedures. the north, from Saddam’s vengeance. But the Kurds also needed to about people harassed and their But the Kurdistan Region must Soon after, Kurdish political factions demonstrate that the support freedoms taken because of their promote human rights to be fully took the charge in their areas and of the world community would dissent and critique of the Kurdish preserved for all and adhered to held their first elections in 1992. foster democracy and respect for establishment. by all, in accordance with the full More than a decade later, in 2003, the human rights in the Kurdistan These observations need to be independence of the justice system, Iraq War, led by the US against the Region; that the Kurdish rule would heeded seriously by the Kurdish principles of human rights, and regime, toppled Saddam and paved fundamentally be different from parties and the political community respect for the rule of law. It is by the way for the creation of today’s Saddam Hussein’s brutal treatment in the country. The Kurdistan Region doing so that the Kurdistan Region Kurdistan Region of Iraq, with its own of dissent. After all, the Kurdistan needs to maintain the political system can preserve its hard-won freedoms constitutionally lawful government, Region is itself a product of resilience that works for the preservation of and continue to secure the support parliament and judiciary system. and defiance against suppression, hard-won freedoms and respect for of the world. The Levant | Issue 23 - May 2021 10 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion Where will the Muslim Brotherhood go if

Turkish-EgyptianEgyptian MB, who leaders have been problems and Egypt just like it was on are the Saudi- settled?who had relied heavily on Jordan for living in Turkey since coup against Qatari one. The Emir of Qatar Tamim their Middle East network, given Sami Moubayed President Mohammad Morsi eight Bin Hamad had famously refused that the Hashemite Kingdom was years ago. distancing his country from the MB, the one country where MB activities sustaining three years of boycott by were legalized by the state and in The Muslim Brotherhood Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Their which they were active both within Assurances by Turkey (MB) of Egypt is confused—with due condition for lifting the siege was to the state apparatus and throughout right. They do not really know what The Acting Guide of the Egyptian MB expel members of the MB from Doha civil society. The MB had been eying to make of the rapprochement in-the- Ibrahim Munir came out to assure (including members of its Palestinian Amman as a Plan B, when and if they making between their home country, his followers on 20 March 2021, via branch Hamas), stop supporting were asked to leave Qatar or Turkey. Egypt, and host country, Turkey. For the Doha-based al-Jazeera TV. He Islamic groups across the region, and In December 2019, they scrambled the past month there has been plenty said that Turkey had no intention moderate the editorial policy of al- to host a conference on the Dead of talk about Ankara abandoning the of withdrawing support or asking Jazeera. That did not work, however, Sea, showering King Abdullah with MB, peddled mainly by the Saudi the MB to leave Turkish territory, and Qatar returned to the family praise. That was just weeks after The al-Arabiya TV. Among other things, asking his men to trust President of Gulf nations last year, without Wall Street Journal broke the story al-Arabiya said that Turkey was Erdogan. When that statement did having to fulfil any of those demands. of an unannounced visit by Qatari reviewing the residency permits of not sooth their worries, Erdogan’s Turkey is not Qatar, however, and Foreign Minister Mohammad Bin Egyptian members of the MB while adviser Yasin Aktay appeared on has none of the financial means that Abdulrahman Al Thani to Riyadh, investigating their bank accounts and same television channel, denying allow its leader to defy the world for discussing ways to improve Qatari- financial dealings. reports of any divorce between his the sake of the MB. Its only strength Saudi relations, at the expense of the The reports said that some members boss and the MB. This week, Turkish is the ideological affiliation between MB. of the MB had been arrested Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu Erdogan’s Justice and Development Jordan is now obviously not an and others were earmarked for went a step further, issuing a third Party (AKP) and the MB, with the option for the MB. Everywhere else deportation to Egypt. That of course assurance, saying that his country did Turkish leader himself being a former in the region, they are regarded as was in addition to asking three not approve of Egypt’s labeling of the member of the Muslim Brotherhood. outcasts and outlaws, from Syria and Egyptian opposition channels based MB as a terrorist organization. “We Saudi Arabia to the UAE and Bahrain. in Turkey to tone down their criticism were against the coup in Egypt” he They have zero chance of succeeding One blow after another of President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi. The said, in reference to the 2003 toppling in a country like Lebanon, due to the three channels, El-Sharq, Watan TV, of Morsi, “not because it was the Last April the MB suffered a heavy towering presence of secular Sunnis and Mekameleen, were threatened Muslim Brotherhood.” The Turkish blow when their ally in Sudan, like Saad al-Hariri and powerful with fines if they defied orders of the minister added: “If Sisi was in office President Omar al-Bashir, was Shiites like Hasan Nasrallah. That Turkish government. that day and somebody else had overthrown by popular revolution. leaves them with Gaza, which they That put the MB on high alert, fearing carried out a coup, we would shown Two months later, Saudi Arabia used have ruled, via Hamas, since 2007. a sudden abandonment by President the same principled stance.” its heavyweight influence to convince But that fiefdom might soon end, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Turkish Despite all the above, the Egyptian King Abdullah II into closing the however, as Palestinians go to the leader has done it before, after all, MB realizes that its fate remains on main branch of the MB in Jordan. polls to elect a new parliament and giving them plenty of reason to the negotiating table between Turkey That was a major setback for the MB, president. The Deal of the Century worry. He sold out his forced Hamas to Syrian proxies in Aleppo temporarily reconcile back in the summer of with Fateh, which might 2016, in order to march lead to a power-sharing on the cities of Jarablus, formula and eventually, Azaz, and al-Bab. He and end the separation did it again in mid-2018, of Gaza. If that happens, abandoning the Turkish- then it would leave the backed groups in East MB with no options Ghouta in exchange for to turn to but Qatar sending his proxies to and Turkey—their overrun the city of Afrin. traditional safe havens If full normalization with since 2011. It would make Egypt was now on the the group increasingly table, there was no reason reliant on Erdogan why he wouldn’t give willing—perhaps more serious consideration than ever—to answer to to abandoning the his beck and call. The Levant | Issue 23 - May 2021 11 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion

Refugees in Turkey Europe Is between Two Fires: Islamism and Refugees Hungarian elections because they the future demography of Europe supposed to be much more targeted were predictable but on Hungary's* because of Arab and Muslim refugees because of its major role in 2003 Fadi Eed decision makers' policy which reflects in Europe: "Most refugees in Europe invasion of Iraq and the war on Syria, what is really happening in Europe come from Muslim countries, thus, Yemen and Libya. and the threats, the challenges and if this goes on like this Muslims will This was not a surprise for the deep The refugee crisis was the the pressure it is facing from the UK be the largest population in the EU state in France. We remember what most powerful card* played by the which separated from the EU, the major cities." the retired French Naval Officer and Turkish President to harm the EU USA which takes the lion's share in the "If that is what is going on in Europe, Admiral Édouard Guillaud said in economies, while political Islam Middle East, Russia which pressurises our question is what kind of Islam 2012 to the political weekly Le Point (Islamism) was the most powerful Europe by taking advantage of the will be in Europe?" Kövér asks about the danger that threatens the card to threaten the EU stability. need of the European markets for its What kind of Islam we will have in future of Europe: "The jihadists and To know more, let us read some gas and Turkey which incubates** Europe as the Muslim Brotherhood extremists who are trained in camps chapters of recent history* specifically terrorists in camps in the east of the (MB) wormed its way into it in eastern Turkey will come crawling in April 2019 after Viktor Orbán, the country and uses refugees as the new and controlled almost all Islamic to us sooner or later after their mission President of the Fidesz party, was re- Janissaries who will extend Neo- (foundations, charities, institutions is over in the Middle East." elected for a third term as the Prime Ottomanism to further than Istanbul. .... etc) if not all. Austria, Zurich, To sum up, with the continuation of Minister of Hungary. He always Speaker of the National Assembly of Rome, Paris and before them London immigration from the Middle East confirmed in his campaign that: "If I Hungary* László Kövér delivered a are now safer and quieter havens for and Africa to Europe and the effect of was defeated there would be a mess speech in April 2019 to the forum of the Turkish MB members and Europe the ISIS ideology upon the European in the immigration and our enemies Sopron (a city in western Hungary) is now threatened by political Islam. Muslims who lived and were born in who want us to lose our land would saying that: "500 churches have closed What happened to Europe especially the European societies (according to win." in London since 2001 while 423 new its biggest two nations France and reports from those countries) as we Before Orbán who became a far-right mosques have opened. The practising Germany is difficult to deal with saw, in Syria and Iraq, ISIS leaders hero, Hungarian President János Muslims and Christians have become since they are the most affected of European nationalities, and with Áder was singing the same tune when between 800 and 900 thousand by the refugee crisis. Moreover, the transformation of Turkey from he said that: "Vienna became a nasty but more than 50% of practising the penetration of the Turkish a transit country for extremists to place because of immigrants and Muslims are below 25 years old. If intelligence organisation (MİT) an HQ country for them as Erdoğan foreigners," the thing that angered* the UK cultural and demographic severely affected them as the number sees these extremists as the new many Austrian politicians including composition became like this, would of terrorist attacks in France and Janissaries who will extend his the young chancellor of Austria Hungary want to have the same thing Germany proves this; they were the country's influence outside Turkey. Sebastian Kurz. or avoid it? world's most regions subjected to Now it is clear what kind of Islam Here we have to shed light not on the Orbán said agreeing with Kövér about terrorist attacks although Britain was Europe will have in the near future. The Levant | Issue 23 - May 2021 12 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion The clashes in Qamishli Northeast Syria: Another attempt by Russia and Assad’s regime the neighborhood of Tayy aiming to play and neutral mediation role in to clean it completely from pro- the recent extreme tensions between Zara Saleh government mercenaries. Russia, the Kurdish forces and the pro- on the one hand, has been involved Assad militias as Russia itself always in the recent incident trying to play been on the Syrian regime’s side. The tensions between the a mediating role between the two The autonomous administration in Kurdish security forces known sides, whereas the Syrian regime has northeast Syria led by the Kurdish as Asayish and the pro-Syrian no comment regarding the clashes. authorities with the participation government militias known as From the Kurdish point of view, of other Syrian components such as mercenaries of the National Defence however, Russia and Assad’s regime Arab and Syriac as well has always forces have been increased in last have repeatedly trying to create been a subject to such military attacks no different from other ideological few days. In Qamishli known as chaos in the region with the purpose by pro-government militia groups and extremist groups such as ISIS, the Kurdish “political capital” to reclaim control of the Kurdish-led under the Russian observation. Al-Nusrra front, and Baathist forces. northeast Syria, the clashes broke administration areas. Furthermore, the nowadays clashes As a result of such a Russian negative out in the neighborhood of Al-Tayy Simultaneously with that, the in Qamishli, arguably, the likelihood role in the region that considered the south Qamishli following a pro- Russian forces have been briefly considered as a Russian plan against first as a message to the American Assad’s regime forces attacks on the withdrawn from two military bases the Kurdish administration and to re- presence in northeast Syria. So, checkpoint of the Kurdish security in Tal Rifaat northern countryside of take control under the city with the the Kurds now are expecting more forces. As a result, an Asayish officer Aleppo as a Russian plan to leave the Assad’s regime at the expense of the practical political and military actions has been killed on the first day of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in US military presence. from the US to protect their allies as it pro-government attacks. Then, the frontlines with the Turkish army and In the last few hours, the Kurdish is a common interest for both parties clashes continue till now despite the its mercenaries of the Syrian National security forces have continued the and as an appropriate strategy for temporary cease-fire that has been Army. Therefore, Moscow’s aims in advance towards controlling the the American presence in the Syrian reached by the Russian mediation. such as plan are again to use Turkish neighbourhood of Tayy and defeating conflict in general especially there According to the Kurdish sources, threats as a pressure card against the so-called National Defence forces. is a talk about the participation of the violent clashes continued today the US and its ally of the SDF to the The neighbourhood of Tayy is known Hezbollah militia in last attacks on as well, and the Kurdish forces advantage of the Syrian regime. as a “Baghouz or Al-Hul camp” due to Kurds in Qamishli according to some have been advancing to control Consequently, Russia has been failed the nature of the NDF militia that has local sources.

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