UK £2 Issue 233, Year 5 EU €2.50 December 1, 2019 www.thearabweekly.com Abu Dhabi, Riyadh Algeria’s Army meet common faces protesters, challenges European pressures

Page 4 Page 12 Erdogan-Sarraj deal risks scuttling diplomatic efforts, entangles GNA in border dispute

Michel Cousins ed” to develop the GNA’s military ca- pacities. Turkey had been sending drones Tunis and other military equipment to the GNA in blatant violation of UN sanc- fter nine months of a largely tions but supplies dried up over the military stalemate in the summer when Turkey focused on siege of Tripoli by the Lib- Syria. The LNA has managed to slow- A yan National Army, recent ly wipe out the GNA’s fleet of drones. developments could alter the course With the GNA out of air power by late of the conflict. September, the balance started tip- Tensions are set to rise after Turk- ping in favour of the LNA’s forces, ish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan led by Field-Marshal Khalifa Haftar. announced a security deal with the Other experts see the impact of Rus- besieged Government of National sia in that shift. Accord (GNA). Although its details To try to reverse the trend, Ankara remain murky, the agreement seems is sending fresh military equipment, almost certain to mean additional including drones, to back the GNA, Turkish military support to the GNA and possibly also specialised Turkish forces in their battle against the Liby- forces. an National Army (LNA). Washington, increasingly fear- ful that a Haftar victory might result in Libya moving back into Russia’s The Turkish-GNA sphere of influence, has ditched the agreements run hands-off approach it has taken since completely counter to the Donald Trump became president and Berlin peace initiative. vigorously re-engaged, pursuing its own initiative, independent of the Another recent development is a UN. US diplomatic initiative, apparently Victoria Coates, a deputy US na- driven by Washington’s wariness tional security adviser, has now had Unpredictable consequences. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (R) and the head of the Tripoli- about the role Russian private mili- meetings with GNA Prime Minister based Government of National Accord Fayez al-Sarraj during their meeting in Istanbul, November 27. (AFP) tary advisers of the Wagner group are Fayez al-Sarraj, Bashagha and, in Jor- said to be playing in backing the LNA dan November 24, with Haftar. Matters are further complicated by of Greece. The Greeks are furious, so Sarraj’s decision to back Erdogan in in its fight for Tripoli. How either Haftar or the GNA re- the GNA’s acceptance, in return for too are the Cypriots, already battling the maritime dispute cements their Details of the Turkish agreement sponds to the US entreaty for a halt Turkish support, of Ankara’s demand Turkish claims to waters off its coast. Islamist alliance but could end up se- have not been made public, although to the fighting and direct talks is far of a maritime boundary in the Medi- The issue risks driving a wedge be- riously damaging the GNA’s already the GNA’s all-powerful interior min- from clear. The subsequent Turkish terranean between Libya and Turkey tween the GNA and Athens, as well as shaky international credibility. ister, Fathi Bashagha, who has been deal may harden positions on both that would hand Turkey a massive between the GNA and the EU. Egypt, at the centre of the negotiations with sides and scuttle diplomatic efforts, seabed area thought to be rich in oil a close ally of Greece and Cyprus, Michel Cousins is an Arab Weekly Turkey’s defence minister, has said including a German initiative to hold deposits. Including areas south of has also lashed out, condemning the contributor on Libyan issues. that the deal covers “all aspects need- a peace conference in Berlin.. Crete, it completely ignores the rights GNA-Turkish deal as illegal. P2 Iraqi PM resigns in wake of deadly Equipping Arab children crackdown, protesters vow to carry on with the tools of art

Nabil Z. Ahmed “appears to have been unable to Iran as a Shia state.” Raya Al-Jadir “This piece,” Najjar said, “illustrates deal with the events of the past two Washington called November 29 Choucair’s concepts and represents her months… Parliament, from which on Iraqi leaders to address the “le- ideas. It is also one which some readers Baghdad the current government emerged, gitimate” grievances of protesters, London may have come across, as in 1998 it was must reconsider its choices and do including corruption after Abdul- enlarged ten times and placed in a pub- raqis celebrated November 29 what’s in the interest of Iraq.” Mahdi announced his resignation. n the Middle East, a region lic garden in downtown Beirut. what was described by a young In his announcement, Abdul-Mah- The protesters, who have been as- plagued by war, corruption, eco- “The important aspect of the book protester as “a great first step,” di said that “in response to the high- sembling in Baghdad’s downtown nomic struggles and social is- series is to choose an artwork that is ac- I referring to Prime Minister Adel est religious authority’s call,” he will Tahrir (Liberation) Square since Oc- I sues, art is seen as a luxury for cessible to the public.” Abdul-Mahdi’s decision to resign. present to parliament an “official re- tober 1, broke out in song and dance people whose main aim is to survive. The book has two sections; interac- But many demonstrators vowed to quest” to accept his resignation. He in celebration shortly after Abdul- But architect and art education advo- tive and educational. Najjar said she carry on with protests. did not specify when the resignation Mahdi’s resignation announcement. cate Reem Najjar believes that art is worked closely with graphic designer The decision came after two would be tendered. A protester, Mustafa, 24, told a a means of expression and reaction Bassam Kahwagi “to create a fun and months of protests that initially Experts in Baghdad believe Abdul- pan-Arab news channel: “The pre- to war, corruption and economic de- playful activity such as drawing, col- called for social reforms and de- Mahdi’s resignation is a bitter blow to mier’s offer to resign is a great first pression. ouring or cut-outs.” manded government action to pro- Iran, which intervened to keep him step and we’re extremely elated to She says art helps people cope with The positive feedback that “Qassida” vide jobs, end corruption and im- in place. His announcement came receive this news.” the dire circumstances, thus empha- gained encouraged Najjar to create the prove basic services. less than 48 hours after the torching Baraa Abdel Mutaleb, a professor sising the importance of art as a cata- book series showcasing multiple as- But the violent crackdown against of the Iranian Consulate in the holy and women’s rights activist in Najaf, lyst for change. pects of the visual arts in the Middle the protesters, which resulted in at city of Najaf on November 27. told the Guardian, “We’re in a mad- After more than a decade working East. least 435 people being killed, mostly It was the second such incident of dening dictatorship. We are calling in architecture, Najjar decided to fo- Her second book, “Abboud,” covered unarmed demonstrators, widened its kind since the protesters set for change. The quality of life and the cus on the arts. The result is a planned oil painting: composition, theme, stag- the demands for the removal of fire to the Iranian Consulate standard are very poor.” book series with the first highlighting es and technique. the government. in the holy city of Karbala on She was echoing similar views ex- the work of Lebanese artist Saloua Shafic Abboud, on whose life the Abdul-Mahdi’s decision to November 4. pressed by many residents in Bagh- Raouda Choucair. It quickly won Naj- book is based, “was a storyteller,” Naj- step down followed the urging Both incidents reflected dad and other centre-south provinc- jar the Best Book for Children Award jar explains. of parliament by the country’s mounting anti-Iran senti- es who complain of a lack of essential at the Arabic Book Fair in Beirut in “Les Lumières du Zeyer” (The Lights highest Shia Muslim religious ment, which was often ex- services and frequent interruptions 2011. The second book in the series of Zeyer), the artwork that inspired authority, Grand Ayatol- pressed in the protest- of electricity. was dedicated to Lebanese painter the book, centres around a cafe that lah Ali al-Sistani, ers’ now popular While celebrating, protesters in the Shafic Abboud. Abboud frequented. Najjar chose this to consider with- slogan “Out, Out capital city vowed to stay put until “I wanted to introduce the younger painting because cafes were important drawing its sup- with Iran.” all their demands are met. Violence generations to artists from the region to Abboud’s work. port for the The Independ- continued unabated in parts of Iraq, in a fun and interactive way,” Najjar Najjar said she wants to equip chil- cabinet. ent in London especially in the southern provinces. said. dren with the power of art, to enable Sistani said described it “Qassida,” Najjar’s first book, fo- them to grow and learn to be tolerant in a state- as “a sign that Nabil Z. Ahmed is a former broadcast cuses on a small wooden sculpture — and artistic. ment pub- many Iraqi journalist and author writing from just 33cm tall — that is composed of lished on Shias have Iraq about regional issues. five carved wood pieces arranged one Raya Al-Jadir is a London-based his official abandoned on top of the other to create a vertical freelance writer. website that any sense of Full version of this article appears on sculpture. The rhythm in the sculp- the govern- religious soli- www.thearabweekly.com ture visually recreates the rhythm in Full version of this article appears on ment darity with P9 Arabic poetry. www.thearabweekly.com 2 December 1, 2019 News

Erdogan boosts military support to GNA, Sudan abolishes Sarraj backs Turkey’s maritime claims anti-women law, dissolves Islamist party

The Arab Weekly staff

London

udan’s transitional authori- ties announced a decision to abolish a law that oppressed S the country’s women for decades as well as to dissolve the former Islamist ruling party, the National Congress Party. The sovereign council and the civilian-led cabinet now ruling Su- dan announced both moves based on their legislative prerogatives, which they will likely share for three years, until a new parliament is elected. Both decisions were demanded by protesters whose demonstra- tions led to the end of the autocrat- ic rule of former President Omar al-Bashir, deposed in April by the army. The Public Order Act, adopted in 1992 by al-Bashir’s Islamist govern- ment, was the target of demonstra- Clipped wings. A Turkish unmanned aircraft (ANKA) on display at Istanbul’s new airport. Turkey had flouted the international arms tors’ ire and helped mobilise wom- embargo on Libya to provide the GNA with drones, military vehicles and military advisers. (Reuters) en against him. The law allowed for the detention and flogging of women who did not Michel Cousins there would be results in the next happen at all or, it if does, might litical resolution to the conflict. behave according to a repressive few days. have its objective changed to simply It is not just the Trump adminis- moral code that included their not There were also predictions in backing a revived internal Libyan tration that is worried. There is joint being allowed to wear trousers. Tunis both Turkey and Tripoli shortly be- political process. Republican and Democratic support Implementation of the code’s pro- fore it was approved that it would That is because it is being side- in Washington for the Libya Stabili- visions resulted in frequent public n return for unspecified Turk- be “a game changer.” In both places tracked by a potentially far more sation Act currently going through floggings of independent-minded ish military support, Libya’s there is now little doubt that fresh significant development. the US Congress and which would women. internationally recognised Gov- Turkish military equipment will be After almost three years of seem- sanction anyone involved in Rus- ernment of National Accord, dispatched to Tripoli, possibly even ing near-indifference to events in sian military intervention in Libya. I The ban on the NCP will under siege in Tripoli by the Libyan boots on the ground. Libya, other than carrying out air That would certainly impinge on National Army led by Field-Marshal As such, the Turkish deal is a strikes on Islamic State (ISIS) and Haftar, who has US as well as Libyan likely mean dismantling Khalifa Haftar, has agreed to recog- major blow to the planned Berlin other terrorist groups, Washington citizenship. the wide clientelist nise Turkey’s claim to a vast swathe summit which Germany unveiled in has suddenly re-engaged and is now Moscow has angrily denied US network, confiscating of the eastern Mediterranean sea. September. The conference’s prime actively pursuing its own Libya ini- accusations of interfering in Libya its properties and At talks on November 27 in Is- objective is to dry up foreign mili- tiative. or having troops in the country but disabling the militias tanbul between head of the Gov- tary support for the two sides and, It wants an immediate end to the this cuts little ice in Washington that backed al-Bashir ernment of National Accord (GNA) by doing so, force them to return to LNA’s Tripoli offensive, a ceasefire where no distinction is made be- during his rule. Fayez al-Sarraj and Turkey’s Presi- the political process through the re- and a political deal not just between tween official Russian troops and dent Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the launch of a Libyan-led dialogue. the LNA and the GNA but between Wagner paramilitary “mercenaries” “This law is notorious for be- two sides agreed to both a security The aim of the German initiative the LNA and Misrata, in particular on the basis that Wagner Group’s ing used as a tool of exploitation, deal and a joint maritime bound- is to force Turkey and Qatar, specifi- between Haftar and the GNA’s all- boss, Yevgeny Prigozhin, is close to humiliation & violation of rights,” ary between south-west Turkey and cally, to stop fuelling the conflict by powerful Interior Minister Fathi President Putin, that the “merce- Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok north-east Libya, an area believed supplying arms and other support Bashagha who hails from Misrata naries” have been used in Ukraine tweeted. “I pay tribute to the wom- to be rich in oil deposits. to the GNA and stop Egypt, Saudi and is its pre-eminent political fig- and Syria in support of Russian po- en and youth of my country who The security agreement puts to Arabia and other countries from do- ure. If it succeeds, it could make the litical policy and that they would have endured the atrocities that re- rest any suggestions that Turkish ing likewise in the case of the LNA. Berlin summit irrelevant. not be in Libya if Putin did not want sulted from the implementation of military support for the GNA is at all Despite the strong support for the The US initiative is led by the them there. this law.” wavering. Those suggestions were summit from the United Nations as head of the US National Security Having been paid minimal at- Women advocates welcomed based on the fact that Turkey, which well as Italy, the United Kingdom Council’s Middle East and North tention to previously, Libya is now the abolition of the law. “The gov- had previously flouted the interna- and France and four preparatory Africa department, Victoria Coates, suddenly seen as the place to block ernment has delivered what it had tional arms embargo on Libya to meetings, with another expected who in October became a deputy Russian ambitions. promised. This is a real win for us, provide the GNA with drones, mili- soon, there is still no indication as national security adviser to Presi- It remains to be seen whether for the feminist movement in Su- tary vehicles and military advisers, to when it might occur or who will dent Trump. Haftar will bow to US pressure, cut dan and for women’s rights,” said did not channel any new equipment turn up. On November 24, she met with his links with the Russians, end the Sudanese activist Tahani Abbas. since August, even if it remained Haftar in Amman, the fifth in a se- offensive and go for a negotiated Another women’s rights activ- vocal in its verbal support for Sarraj. ries of meetings she has had in the settlement but, while Washington ist, Hadia Hasaballah, told Reuters: Questions were beginning to be The Turkish deal is a past few weeks with various Libyan worries about Russia and the LNA’s “The decision to abolish the public asked as to why Ankara was slowing major blow to the leaders. links with it, the GNA’s Turkish deal order law is a culmination of the down its military support for Sarraj planned Berlin summit She had met Sarraj at the end of is unlikely to do it any good in inter- courageous struggles of women for to a mere trickle. Was Turkey too which Germany unveiled September in New York, then with national eyes either. 30 years. Women martyrs deserve preoccupied with events in Syria? in September. Bashagha and GNA Foreign Min- The GNA may be internationally i t .” Had it not been paid by Qatar or by ister Mohamed Siala in November recognised but the agreement with The National Congress Party the GNA itself for the hardware it It is reportedly being organised on in Washington and twice with Aref Ankara on the maritime boundaries (NCP) was a key instrument used by delivered? a 5+5 basis: the five permanent Se- Nayed, the former Libyan ambassa- is not going to be internationally al-Bashir to anchor his authoritar- Whatever the reason, the halt in curity Council members along with dor to the UAE whom Haftar and the recognised. ian rule since a 1989 coup. military supplies directly affected Egypt, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Turkey president of Libya’s parliament, the The boundaries have been drawn The country’s ruling sovereign the battle for Tripoli, previously and the United Arab Emirates, with House of Representatives, would re- giving Turkey the waters south of council and the cabinet issued a stalemated. Without new drones to Germany as the host. However, Tur- portedly like to see as prime minis- Crete, as if it did not exist. In the law titled “Dismantling of the re- replace those destroyed in Libyan key has said that it will not take part ter of a reunited country. same way, Turkey is claiming the gime of 30th June 1989” to dissolve National Army (LNA) attacks, the if Qatar is not invited. Egypt is de- The reason for the US re-engage- waters off south-western Cyprus as the NCP. GNA lost the air war. termined to make sure Qatar is kept ment is the presence of hundreds if it too hardly existed. The claim is “The National Congress Party is As a result, in October, the LNA out. Russian “mercenaries,” possibly that islands do not have continental dissolved and its registration is can- reinforced its positions and made Support from Russia, China, Sau- over a thousand, fighting alongside shelves, but this is not accepted by celled from the list of political par- gains on the perimeters of the capi- di Arabia and the United Arab Emir- the LNA on the southern Tripoli Greece, Cyprus or the European Un- ties in Sudan,” Hamdok said. tal. The LNA controls the skies over ates for the German initiative is at front over the past couple of months ion, which is currently drawing up “The decision is not revenge Tripoli; the past week has seen it best perfunctory; even the United courtesy of Russian security firm sanctions against Turkey for drilling but it aims to preserve the dignity bring in attack helicopters. States is reported to be less than en- the Wagner Group. Their numbers for oil off the coast of Cyprus. of Sudanese people, which was Exactly what the newly signed thusiastic. While in sympathy with and seeming success have triggered In backing Turkey in its maritime crushed by dishonest people.” deal means in terms of military sup- the objectives, Washington wants to fears in Washington that if Haftar boundary claims, the GNA is likely The ban on the NCP will likely port has not been spelled out be- know there is some chance of suc- were to win, Libya could again be- to face an angry backlash not just also mean dismantling the wide yond a statement from the GNA In- cess before it happens. It does not come a Russian client state. from Greece and Cyprus but from clientelist network, confiscating its terior Minister Fathi Bashagha that want to be involved in a failure. American concern has been seen other members of the European Un- properties and disabling the mili- said agreements include military As a result, the chances of the in a number of increasingly jittery ion and even the European Union tias that backed al-Bashir during his and police training, security sys- summit happening before the end statements from US officials accus- itself which may undermine any rule. tems and the exchange of security of the year are slipping by the day. ing the Russians of exploiting the gain from Turkish military back- Sudanese Justice Minister Nasr- information as well as combating Even before the GNA-Turkish deal crisis to re-establish a hold over ing. It may be, though, that Sarraj Eddin Abdul-Bari said: “With this crime and terrorism. threw a further spanner in the Libya. The talks with Haftar specifi- and Bashagha reckoned they had law, we will be able to retrieve a lot But he also said that it covered works, there were suggestions that cally centred on Russia’s presence, no choice but to accept Turkey’s of funds that were taken from the “all aspects needed” to develop the it might not happen before the as well as the US demand for an end maritime ambitions as the price for public treasury to create institu- GNA’s military capacities and that spring next year. It might not even to hostilities, a ceasefire and a po- Turkish military muscle. tions that acted as a parallel state.” December 1, 2019 3 News Mass arrests follow unprecedented wave of unrest in Iran as more turbulence looms

Thomas Seibert are getting tougher.” Keskin added the protest move- ment did not have ideological roots Istanbul but involved demands for econom- ic and political change. He said the ollowing an unprecedented movement had support from the wave of unrest in Iran with middle classes as well as from the record numbers of protest- lower classes, who drove the 1979 F ers on the streets around revolution. “The regime is losing the country, the Tehran regime has the support of the lower classes,” arrested thousands but is unlikely Keskin said. “The protests are also to prevent further eruptions of countrywide and they involve eve- public dissatisfaction, analysts say. ryone, from the Kurds to the Arabs.” Giving a glimpse into the scale “The fact that the protests went of what may have been the biggest on for days, that hundreds were anti-government protests in the 40- killed, thousands injured and thou- year history of the Islamic Republic, sands arrested, that hundreds of officials said 200,000 people had banks and government buildings taken part and 7,000 were arrested were torched shows us what has when public anger about a steep become of politics in Iran.” rise in the price of petrol on Novem- A near-total internet blackout ber 15 triggered countrywide dem- was imposed by the Islamic Repub- onstrations. lic on November 16, the day after Iran has given no official death the government made the shock toll but Amnesty International said announcement that petrol prices it had documented at least 143 pro- were immediately going up by as testers’ deaths. Tehran has rejected much as 200%. This, though the this figure, but a number anywhere price increases have been lifted, close to that would make it the and a lack of official figures about deadliest anti-government unrest victims of the violence makes it at least since the authorities put difficult to get the whole picture down protests that surrounded the of the crackdown. The New York- disputed 2009 presidential election based organisation Human Rights A tool of repression. Members of the Basij during a gathering in Tehran, November 27. (AFP) and probably since the 1979 Islamic Watch accused Tehran of “deliber- Revolution that toppled the shah ately covering up” deaths and ar- the protests as being orchestrated balanced by signs that the govern- Keskin said the government’s and swept clerics to power. rests. by “global arrogance,” a term he ment takes the criticism by the failure to handle the protest in a Unlike the 2009 Green Move- Iranian officials have blamed the often uses to refer to the United protesters seriously. But blaming more constructive way meant that ment protests or the 2017 economic street violence on the intervention States, “and Zionists.” He described outside forces for economic diffi- more unrest was under way. ones, demonstrations this month of “thugs” backed by royalists and America as seeing the price hikes culties at home does not convince “The Iranian society wants con- rapidly turned violent within a day, Iran’s arch-enemies — the United as an “opportunity” to bring their a majority of Iranians, a recent poll crete change,” he said. Corruption showing the boiling anger of many States, Israel and Saudi Arabia. “troops” to the field but the “move for the Centre for International and and nepotism were seen as major as the country’s economy struggles Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatol- was destroyed by the people.” Security Studies at the University problems. “But the state is not pre- under renewed American sanc- lah Ali Khamenei said the Iranian Citing the intelligence ministry’s of Maryland’s School of Public Pol- pared to solve them,” Keskin said. tions. people extinguished “a very dan- counter-espionage department, icy and the Canadian polling firm He added the frequency of un- Arif Keskin, a Middle East expert gerous deep conspiracy that cost Iran’s state news agency IRNA re- IranPoll suggested. rest in Iran was increasing. “It took in Turkey and editor of Maduniyet, so much money and effort.” He ported that eight people who have Even though Iran’s economic nearly a decade from the Green a magazine on Iran studies, said praised the police, the Islamic Rev- been accused of having links to the woes have worsened since the es- Movement in 2009 to the 2017 pro- Iran was experiencing a growing olutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and American CIA and of gathering in- calation of US sanctions since May, tests, but it took just two years to confrontation between major parts the Basij, the volunteer force of the formation to send abroad had been 55% of Iranians questioned in Oc- the 2019 unrest,” Keskin said. “That of the population and the regime. Guards, for “entering the field and arrested. A senior commander of tober told pollsters that “domestic means another explosion could “There is no space left for peo- carrying out their task in a very dif- the IRGC urged the country’s judi- economic mismanagement and come sooner rather than later.” ple to voice criticism and ex- ficult confrontation.” ciary to mete out harsh sentences corruption” had the greatest nega- press grievances,” Keskin said Khamenei, who has the final say to protesters. tive impact on Iran’s economy, the Thomas Seibert is an Arab Weekly by telephone. “So the protests on all matters of state, described The tough response has not been survey showed. correspondent. No end in sight for political impasse in Lebanon amid fears of ‘economic free fall’

Samar Kadi net. Hariri’s outgoing cabinet remains to civil strife. in a caretaker capacity as leaders hag- Protesters remained defiant despite gle over the next government make- the repeated attacks. “They are try- Beirut up, which the protesters demand be ing to instil fear in us as people, so we composed entirely of independent don’t progress and stay at home. But ore than a month after experts. the attack gave us a sense of determi- anti-government protests President Michel Aoun has yet to nation,” Dany Ayyash, 21, told Agence toppled Lebanese Prime schedule mandatory parliamentary France-Presse. Few options, if any. Lebanese President Michel Aoun (C) meets Minister Saad Hariri’s cabi- consultations to appoint a cabinet. Michel Nawfal, a political observer, with the country’s top economic officials at the presidential M palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, November 29. (AP) net, there is no indication that a new Aoun, whose Christian Free Patriotic said the violence was a “turbulence” government will be formed soon de- Movement party is backed by Hezbol- that is unlikely to be repeated. “It was spite looming economic and financial lah and the Shia Amal movement of a failed attempt to intimidate the pro- the price for US dollars has surged Lebanon is in for a long crisis, Nawfal collapse. Speaker Nabih Berri, said he supports test movement and turn it into sectar- since the start of the unrest, reaching contends. Demonstrations demanding an forming a government of technocrats ian friction. In fact, these acts back- over 2,000 Lebanese pounds to the “Lebanon is experiencing not only overhaul of the entire political system and representatives of the popular lashed and tarnished the image of the dollar, about a third higher than the a cabinet crisis; but a crisis of its en- and a ruling class accused of corrup- movement but also including mem- concerned parties, even within their pegged rate of 1,507.5. tire (sectarian-based) political system, tion and bankrupting the country have bers of established parties. own community.” “The absence of a functional and which is no longer viable,” he said. rocked Lebanon since mid-October, Hariri, the main leader of the Sunni “The next turbulence will be trig- efficient government compounded “The system should either be re- forcing Hariri to resign on October 29. community, said he will not head the gered by the collapsing economy un- with more than a month of protests formed or changed altogether. There Protesters came from all walks of life, next government, an obvious reaction less a reliable and capable government that put the country to a standstill is would be a transitional period during regions and sects challenging the sec- to the rejection of his condition to lead is formed quickly to deter the econom- obviously speeding up economic col- which solutions and ways of reforming tarian-based system. an independent cabinet with extraor- ic free fall,” Nawfal said. “Businesses lapse,” says Tabbara. the political system can be explored. “The protest movement has defi- dinary powers. are closing down; others are paying “Lebanon’s main foreign currency But, in the meantime, a social security nitely destabilised the (sectarian) po- While politicians were dragging half salaries and many people are no resources have stopped almost to- network is needed urgently as we are litical parties. None (including Hez- their feet, tensions have been on the longer able to pay for their children’s tally. These include remittances by heading towards a more difficult pe- bollah) can now claim to command rise. schooling… That will definitely lead to Lebanese expatriates, foreign direct riod which necessitates supporting the the total allegiance of its partisans or In the most recent violence, Hez- strong reactions.” investment (FDI) and tourism. For most impoverished classes.” community. All the politicians are be- bollah and Amal followers attacked Lebanon is reeling under the worst instance, hotel occupancy which Tabbara underlined Lebanon’s need ing questioned and held accountable anti-government protesters in sev- financial crisis in decades with unprec- reached 70-80% in September and Oc- for international support to help pull for widespread corruption at a time eral spots in Beirut and in the south- edented control in place over banking tober, dropped drastically to 5% after it out of the economic and financial of financial and economic duress,” ern port city of Tyre. Intense clashes, transactions. Fearing capital flight the outbreak of the protests,” Tabbara mayhem. “But the authorities need to said Riad Tabbara, former Lebanese mostly fist-fights and stone hurling, and amid a hard currency shortage, said. win the confidence of the internation- ambassador to the United States and occurred between Chiyah and Ain commercial banks have placed tight “The situation in Lebanon could be al community first in addition to win- director of the Centre for Development Remmaneh, a former frontline in Bei- restrictions on withdrawals and trans- described as a stunt doing acrobatics ning back the trust of the Lebanese.” Studies and Projects (MADMA). rut during the civil war (1975-1990). In fers abroad. on the verge of a ravine,” he warned. The country’s bitterly divided politi- reaction, hundreds of women from all Faced with the restrictions, custom- With no sign of a political break- Samar Kadi is The Arab Weekly Travel cal leaders have yet to form a new cabi- religions marched pledging no return ers turned to the black market where through amid the failing economy, and Society section editor. 4 December 1, 2019 News GCC officials urge unity against Iranian threats

Mohammed Alkhereiji terrorist group and [is] benefiting from the conflict in the country,” he said. London Khalifa added that in Lebanon, the Iranian interference has led ran’s expansionist policies to “stagnation and paralysis” in factored heavily in the 15th the country’s political system and edition of Bahrain’s Manama “continued confrontations” at I Dialogue, a three-day event home and with neighbouring coun- organised by the International In- tries through Tehran’s “terrorist stitute for Strategic Studies and proxy” Hezbollah group. attended by defence and security The United Arab Emirates also officials as well as global experts. accused Iran of being a bad neigh- Bahraini officials directed harsh bour. criticism at the Islamic Republic’s “Iran’s expansionist policy is policies towards regional states, one of the reasons for instability in accusing Tehran of “attempting to the region,” UAE Minister of State impose hegemony.” for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash Addressing the security event, said, a November 23 report by Al Bahraini Foreign Minister Sheikh Arabiya TV stated. Khalid al-Khalifa cited Iran’s “in- Gargash stressed “the necessity terference” in the affairs of Bahrain to resolve the crisis of Iran’s ballis- and several other Arab countries. tic missiles with joint regional dip- “In my country Bahrain, we have lomatic efforts.” experienced the full brunt of Iran’s Saudi Minister of State for For- interference for almost 40 years,” eign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir com- he said. pared some international policies towards Iran to Adolph “Hitler’s appeasement policy.” Saudi Minister of State “When the Iranian foreign min- for Foreign Affairs Adel ister presented guarantees to the al-Jubeir compared some UK and the government of Gibral- international policies tar that the Iranian tanker [Adrian Laying facts on the line. Saudi Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir (C) attends the 15th towards Iran to Adolph Darya I] would not offload its cargo Manama Dialogue, November 23. (AFP) “Hitler’s appeasement in Syria, then the vessel ends up policy.” delivering the shipment to Syria, “Saudi Arabia wants to see Iran United States for pulling out of the its proxies in Yemen, Syria, Leba- we have two problems: The Iranian a prosperous and respectable na- nuclear deal, under the strict con- non and Iraq.” “Despite periods of increased co- minister is being deceptive, which tion but it has to abandon destruc- ditions that “Iranian forces must “Unfortunately, with this May’s operation and despite our numer- is odd, or the foreign minister does tion, respect sovereignty and com- avoid hitting any civilians or Ameri- attacks on tankers transiting the ous efforts over the years to have not know the intentions of his gov- ply with international law,” Jubeir cans.” Strait of Hormuz and Tehran’s at- better relations, Iran just doesn’t ernment, which is worse. There- added. The drone and cruise missile at- tack on Aramco oil facilities in Saudi seem capable of viewing Bahrain as fore, Hitler’s appeasement policy The harsh rhetoric from Gulf of- tack overseen by Iran’s Islamic Rev- Arabia in September, Iran has made anything other than a target.” will not work with the Iranian re- ficials comes after revelation that olutionary Guard Corps resulted in clear its intent to continue a pattern Khalifa went on to underscore gime,” al-Jubeir said in the Al Ara- the September 14 attacks that hit temporarily compromising 50% of of aggressive and malign behaviour what he said was Iran’s blatant in- biya report. Aramco’s Khurais oil installation the kingdom’s oil production, while that is destabilising,” Rood said, terference in other regional coun- “The world must unite against and the Abqaiq oil processing fa- also spiking global crude prices. adding that these attacks are not tries. Iran and send a clear message that cility were personally approved by US Under Secretary of Defence merely a regional or US problem “Iran continues to impede Iraq’s its behaviour is unacceptable,” al- Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah for Policy John C. Rood said that but a threat to global security and progress as a modern state… In Syr- Jubeir stressed, adding that “kill- Ali Khamenei and meticulously de- “in the last six months alone, Iran the global economy and are “neces- ia, Iranian militias have established ing diplomats, bombing embassies, veloped over several months. has sought to disrupt the freedom sitating an international response.” a substantial presence to estab- fanning the flames of sectarianism, Reuters reported that Khamenei of navigation and the global econ- lish long-term control… In Yemen, meddling in other states’ affairs are gave the go-ahead to the operation, omy and destabilise its neighbours Mohammed Alkhereiji is the Gulf Iran continues to back the Houthi unacceptable.” which was intended to punch the through direct attacks and through section editor of The Arab Weekly. Riyadh, Abu Dhabi Delegates to Syria constitutional see eye to eye on talks fail to meet, disagree on agenda

regional challenges The Arab Weekly staff

The Arab Weekly staff STC and the Yemeni government London has raised hopes for peace talks to bring an end to the war in Yemen’s second week-long round London main theatre, between the coali- of Syrian talks has ended tion-backed government and the without a meeting of 45 audi Crown Prince Moham- Houthis. A delegates meant to be ne- med bin Salman bin Ab- The Saudi crown prince’s visit gotiating on the constitution, UN dulaziz visited the United reflects “agreement between Abu Special Envoy Geir Pedersen said S Arab Emirates for talks that Dhabi and Riyadh… in addressing November 29. centred on the war in Yemen and regional challenges,” the official The Syrian government and oppo- tensions with Iran. UAE state news agency WAM re- sition co-chairs were unable to agree The Saudi crown prince was ported. on an agenda for the constitutional greeted upon arrival November The visit also came a day af- talks, he told reporters. 27 by Abu Dhabi Crown Prince ter the Saudi-led military coali- The UN-brokered constitutional Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan tion said it will release 200 Yem- review committee includes 150 del- and his national security adviser, eni Houthi rebels and permit some egates — divided equally among Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed. flights from the rebel-held capital, President Bashar Assad’s govern- Talks between the two crown Sana’a. ment, the opposition and civil soci- princes centred on Yemen, where The initiatives coincided with ety. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are close al- a lull in Houthi attacks on Saudi A smaller group of 45 negotiators lies and key members of a military Arabia launched from Yemeni soil has been charged with hammering coalition backing the government and come after a senior official in out a new text, but there is little in Yemen against the Iran-aligned Riyadh in November said it had hope for a breakthrough towards a Houthi rebels. an “open channel” with the Iran- political solution to the conflict that aligned rebels. has killed more than 370,000 peo- Patients needing medical care ple. Talks between the two will be allowed to be flown out “It was not possible to call for crown princes centred of Sana’a airport, which has been a meeting of the small body of 45 on Yemen, where Riyadh closed to commercial flights since (negotiators) because there has not and Abu Dhabi are close 2016, coalition spokesman Turki been an agreement on the agenda,” allies and key members al-Maliki said in a statement No- Pedersen said. Bumpy road. UN Special Envoy for Syria Geir Pedersen speaks of a military coalition vember 26. The talks are meant to be a step to the media about the Syrian Constitutional Committee at the backing the government The meeting in Abu Dhabi was forward in what the United Nations United Nations in Geneva, November 29. (Reuters) in Yemen. also an occasion for the Saudi says will be a long road to political crown prince to extend an invita- rapprochement, followed by elec- Earlier in November, a power- tion to the United Arab Emirates to tions. But experts question whether would meet again, Pederson added. Assad’s negotiators have repeat- sharing agreement brokered by Ri- attend the G20 summit in Riyadh, Assad will be willing to cede much Earlier the head of the opposition edly prioritised the issue of terror- yadh and Abu Dhabi was reached state TV reported. in any negotiations after his Russia- delegation, Yahya al-Aridi, said the ism at multiple previous rounds of between the Southern Transition- Saudi Arabia will host the 15th and Iran-backed forces recaptured government wanted to put combat- Geneva talks, while resisting any al Council (STC) and the Yemeni annual G20 Leaders’ summit large areas of the country in offen- ing terrorism and lifting UN sanc- discussions of UN-supervised elec- government, after violence broke November 21-22, 2020, in Riyadh. sives against rebels and militants tions on the agenda. He said those tions and constitutional reform. out in July. since 2015. were “political” issues and “not part The peace reached between the (With news agencies.) It was not clear when the sides of writing a constitution.” (Reuters, Agence France-Presse) December 1, 2019 5 News Cairo newsroom raid drives fears over press freedoms

Special Correspondent Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al- the media by buying and operating Sisi’s son Mahmud. news outlets and TV channels from Mahmud, who works for the Gen- behind the scenes. The vast majority Cairo eral Intelligence Agency, was at the of Egypt’s journalists work for news- heart of corruption accusations papers owned by the government. ear is mounting for Egyptian against Sisi’s regime and the armed Those outlets routinely put out cov- journalists after security forc- forces by a construction contractor erage that reflects the government’s es raided the office of an in- who escaped to Europe after working line and often focus on the same is- F dependent online newspaper with the army for years. sues. and briefly detained some journalists In the article, Mada Masr quotes “This fits into the media model the and its editor. what it claims to be intelligence of- government wants to institute here, Lina Attalah, editor-in-chief of ficials who say Sisi decided to send namely a media that backs its view Mada Masr site, was arrested No- Mahmud to work as part of the Egyp- only,” Badr said. vember 24 along with two colleagues tian diplomatic mission in Moscow In 2018, the Committee to Protect after they were interrogated in their after he had failed to manage a num- Journalists classified Egypt among Cairo office for three hours. A col- ber of important issues. the world’s top jailers of journalists. league of theirs was arrested a day Egypt’s raid on Mada Masr was After Attalah’s brief detention, she earlier but was released a short time not the first time it cracked down spoke about the perilous situation for after Attalah and her other colleagues on a media organisation it viewed as journalists in Egypt and the need to were set free. critical. Over the past two years, hun- ensure greater protection. Difficult to be a journalist. Shady Zalat, a Mada Masr editor, was The raid on Mada Masr’s office and dreds of websites have been blocked “Journalists have no protection arrested from his home in Cairo, November 23. (Mada Masr) the journalists’ arrests were seen as in Egypt, including Mada Masr, one other than the integrity of their work an indication of deteriorating press of the few independent outlets. and the value that others place in it,” Writers who adopt a different point formation Service, an agency respon- freedoms in the country. Egypt says it blocks websites as part Attalah wrote on Twitter November of view find almost no publication is sible for defending the government “This is a new development in the of its campaign against terrorism and 24. “We are all in danger, and if we ready to buy their articles. TV com- against foreign media. siege imposed on the press,” said Amr disinformation. do not stand up, we will all be their mentators critical of the president are “This is a very difficult time to be Badr, head of the Committee on Free- In the fraught media landscape, prisoners.” never allowed to appear on Egyptian a journalist in Egypt,” said Khaled dom at the Journalists’ Syndicate, many established journalists have Sisi’s management style has ex- TV networks. al-Balshi, one of the last remaining the independent union of the na- either stopped writing or sought jobs acerbated the problem. While the The Journalists’ Syndicate, which regular opposition voices in Egyptian tion’s journalists. “It shows that there outside of Egypt. Serious news or- Egyptian president has used his mil- used to routinely stand up for press media. is zero-tolerance for what journalists ganisations have either voluntarily itary-style leadership to successfully freedoms, is now clinically dead be- “Restrictions on the press are neg- write.” stopped working or been intention- fight against extremism, his efforts to cause opposition voices are no longer atively affecting professional stand- The raid took place shortly after ally denied access to readers. control the media have eroded press a part of it. The head of the syndicate ards and weakening the credibility of Mada Masr published an article on State agencies control much of freedoms. doubles as the head of the State In- all press and media institutions.” Egypt sentences MENA police chiefs debate regional threats terrorist figure Saad Guerraoui “This requires a wider regional prohibit the movement of criminals Mohammad Ben Ali Koman, sec- and international cooperation and across borders, citing the example retary-general of the Arab Interior to death coordination between various of a successful anti-terror operation Ministers’ Council, underlined the Marrakech countries,” Dkhissi said. that involved several Mediterrane- need for regional and global coop- The Arab Weekly staff Interpol Secretary-General Jurgen an countries. eration in combating all forms of enior law enforcement offi- Stock said that his organisation’s ac- “During Operation Neptune II, crime. London cials from the North African tivities in support of the MENA re- coordinated by Interpol in coop- “Interpol’s strategy is in line with and Middle Eastern region gion continue unabated, strength- eration with six countries across the security challenges faced by our n Egyptian military court S debated the threats posed ening the collective understanding Mediterranean ports — gateways to region and responds to Arab police sentenced one of the coun- by terrorism in the region as well as of the threats while supporting the North Africa — those databases have apparatuses’ needs,” said Koman. try’s most high-profile mili- those from organised crime in the collection and dissemination of in- allowed for the successful detec- tants to death over five ter- Moroccan city of Marrakech during telligence by the countries’ agen- tion of 12 terror suspects earlier this A The two-day meeting ror attacks, including one for which a November 25-26 conference. cies. year,” said Stock. he has already received a death sen- Mohammed Dkhissi, head of Mo- “North Africa and the Middle The head of Interpol also high- discussed how law tence in absentia. rocco’s judicial police, said that the East, like any part of the world, con- lighted the major problem posed by enforcement officials can The court said in a statement that it current situation is characterised by tinues to be the target of terrorists foreign jihadists in Syria, which he collectively address some convicted Hisham Ashmawi, a former a complex criminal activity that has as well as the hub of many organ- said is more complex than ever and of the threats that special forces officer turned Islamist both dangerous national and inter- ised crime networks involved in hu- a challenge for law enforcement. underline the stability of militant, on terror charges and sen- national dimensions. man and drug trafficking,” warned “Interpol’s major role is support- societies and threaten the tenced him to hang. “Some terrorist groups are linked Stock. ing its member countries mainly in wellbeing of innocent Known by his nom de guerre “Abu to organised transnational crime, The two-day meeting discussed dismantling and interdicting terror- citizens. Omar al-Muhajir,” Ashmawi was sen- especially illegal arms trade, human how law enforcement officials can ists from travelling,” said Stock. tenced to death in 2017 in absentia by trafficking and smuggling, drug traf- collectively address some of the He warned of the increasing threat Stock hailed Interpol’s strong co- a military court over his involvement ficking and hostage-taking in ex- threats that underline the stability of what he has been calling the “ISIS operation with MENA law enforce- in attacking and killing soldiers at a change of ransoms, money launder- of societies and threaten the well- 2.0” generation (ISIS is the acronym ment officers on cybercrime, which checkpoint near the porous border ing and terror financing,” said Dkhissi being of innocent citizens. of the Islamic State), which is better has been thriving in the past few with Libya. during the opening of the fourth Stock said the consolidation of trained and experienced and which years. Last year, the Libyan National Army meeting for Chiefs of Police from the collective databases is crucial to will be released from prisons within The MENA region is particularly captured and extradited Ashmawi, Middle East and North Africa. help law enforcement track and months or years. vulnerable to cyberattacks, at a time who was taken into custody in the when cyberspace is developing into eastern city of Derna. a new major theatre for geopoliti- A former officer with Egypt’s spe- cal interaction, according to a paper cial forces, Ashmawi was dismissed in released by the Konrad Adenauer 2012 over concerns about his religious Foundation last July. views. “Most of the region’s national cy- For years, Egypt’s security forces bersecurity strategies (if existing) considered Ashmawi the country’s are younger than a decade old, and most-wanted militant for his intel- governmental authorities in charge ligence value as Egypt continues to of national cybersecurity are be- fight Islamist militant groups in the ing established gradually in recent restive northern Sinai Peninsula and years,” said the report. the vast Western Desert. It urged MENA countries to de- Egyptian authorities linked Ash- velop solid and sustainable national mawi, 41, to several major attacks, in- digital security strategies, including cluding a 2013 attempt to assassinate the creation of national computer the interior minister, Mohammed emergency response teams. Ibrahim, along with devastating as- In order to fill the legal void, the saults on security forces near Egypt’s report called on MENA countries to porous desert border with Libya. adhere to several existing conven- While in Egypt, Ashmawi mobilised tions, including Paris Call for Trust a tiny jihadist group into a well-or- & Safety in Cyberspace, which Leb- ganised guerrilla band that launched anon, Morocco, Qatar and the UAE deadly ambushes on military check- have signed. points in northern Sinai. Some 60 senior law enforcement After fleeing to Libya, he tried to officials from 17 Arab and African establish himself among Islamic mili- countries took part in the two-day tants and extremists in the country’s meeting, east. The Arab Interior Ministers Coun- Ashmawi created al-Mourabitoun, cil, the Gulf Cooperation Council a militant group blamed for most of Police Organisation (GCCPOL) and the terrorist attacks in Egypt’s remote the Naif Arab University for Se- Western Desert, such as a 2017 am- curity Sciences also took part in bush that killed nearly 30 Christian the meeting. pilgrims on their way to a monastery. Expert views. Interpol Secretary-General Jurgen Stock (R) and Mohammed Dkhissi, head of Morocco’s judicial police, speak during the opening of the fourth meeting for Chiefs of Police from Saad Guerraoui in an Arab Weekly (With news agencies.) the Middle East and North Africa, November 25. (Saad Guerraoui) correspondent on Maghreb issues. 6 December 1, 2019 Opinion

Editorial Fighting violence against women he Sudanese government has announced the abolition of draconian laws that punished women accused of “indecent and immoral acts” with arrest and flogging. During the autocratic rule of the now-deposed TPresident Omar al-Bashir, physical punishment of women was enforced based on the regime’s repressive interpretation of Islamic sharia. Such punishment was inflicted on women for attending private parties and wearing trousers as part of an overall approach that frowned upon their rights. Activists applauded the decision by Khar- toum’s transitional authorities. “With this decision, Sudan is now moving toward a new life where women can enjoy dignity,” said prominent Sudanese activist Tahani Abbas. But the struggle to stop violence against women continues in Sudan and the rest of the Middle East and North Africa region. In the MENA region, women are even more victimised in war-torn and terrorist-plagued areas. Rape has frequently been used as a weapon of war by belligerents in Syria. Displaced women and refugees are vulnerable to exploita- tion. Women were part of the spoils of “jihad” for the terrorists of the Islamic State (ISIS). Thou- © Yaser Ahmed for The Arab Weekly sands of Yazidi women, including girls, were subjected to rape and torture by ISIS terrorists. Without counting situations of conflict, no fewer than 37% of women in the Arab world are There is light at the end estimated to have been victims of domestic violence. Part of the struggle will be fought in the legal of the tunnel for Lebanon field. Despite recent progress in a number of Arab countries, most parts of the region still lack adequate laws to protect women against various forms of violence, including honour killings, Khairallah Khairallah genital mutilation, rape and physical coercion of Friends of Lebanon cannot deal with a country whose all types. Across the region, relatives are often to blame. government includes Hezbollah ministers. Almost 80% of those responsible for abuses against women are the heads of their families. As the family fabric gets ripped apart in urban here is a need to sim- Such an era cannot defend way since October 31, 2016, to ac- environments, it leaves a fertile ground for the plify things in Lebanon the interests of Lebanon and cept to back away a bit and agree to mistreatment of women — 70% of violent acts in order to avoid wast- the Lebanese. This is an era that a cabinet made up of qualified and against women occur in big cities. ing more time, and time refuses to grasp the meaning specialised individuals and headed Violence is part of anachronistic and unfair is a luxury that Lebanon and significance of the popular by Saad Hariri or someone else with social practices. Forced marriages, for instance, cannot afford right now revolution that erupted on October Hariri’s qualities. The fact remains, expose Arab girls to abuse in a region where Tin light of the gravity of the eco- 17 and it cannot solve any of the however, that until further notice, about 14% are wedded before the age of 18. nomic crisis. It seems useful to note underlying problems. To give just there is no other alternative to Hariri Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still that the Lebanese banking system, one small example, how can the among the Sunnis in Lebanon, commonly performed on young women with the which was the first line of defence camp controlling this era justify especially when it comes to opening consent of their families. UN studies state that for the country and its economy, the dismal situation of electricity channels of fruitful dialogue with 92% of women and girls between 15 and 49 years of age in Egypt have been subjected to the has lost some foundations follow- in Lebanon when ministers from the Arab world, the US administra- practice, but recent findings do show progress. ing the recent measures taken that it have been at the helm of the tion and senior European officials Among girls 15 to 17 years of age, FGM has restrict people’s access to their Ministry of Energy since 2008? This concerned with Lebanese matters. declined from 74% in 2008 to 61% today. More funds in Lebanese banks and their sector is costing the Lebanese state Neither the Americans nor the Arab than 70% of Sudanese women are subjected to ability to transfer them elsewhere. $2 billion a year in losses and fixing countries really capable of helping the practice. In the past Lebanon was a safe it can easily absorb a good chunk of Lebanon are willing to deal with a Fighting violence against women is not just a haven for both the rich and the Lebanon’s deficit. government that includes Hezbollah regional but also a global cause. The UN women’s poor from Lebanon, Arab countries Is there a bigger corruption than ministers. agency has initiated a 16-day campaign against and the wider world, but, with the one in the electricity sector? No one can deny that Hezbollah gender-based violence around the world, which these measures who in their right Some might argue that there are is in Lebanon to stay but these same started November 24. The international momen- mind would be willing to risk de- plenty of other sectors where sane persons cannot ignore the fact tum should give Arab women encouragement as corruption is widespread but we they struggle for rights and dignity. Their positing their money in Lebanese that Lebanon’s economy concerns struggle is that of whole Arab societies for banks? cannot ignore the fact that the all Lebanese and that the deposits equality and progress. With these restrictions on fund electricity sector has been under in banks are for all Lebanese, transfers, one of the reasons for the domination of the Aoun camp including members of the Shia the existence of Lebanon is gone. for more than 10 years, always community that Hezbollah claims This reveals the depth of the crisis benefiting from a cover generously to have seized. In case the banking Social media that the country is going through, provided by Hezbollah. It is a party sector is exposed to any harm, there a crisis that clearly seems to have that cares less about what may will be no discrimination between in the classroom been completely ignored by happen to Lebanon and more about this Lebanese and the other based Lebanese President Michel Aoun making it an Iranian “space.” on their sects. he announcement by the Tunisian in his speech on the eve of the 76th Is Lebanon an Iranian “space” or The difficulty of the Lebanese Ministry of Education in late Novem- anniversary of independence. not? This is the fundamental ques- situation is due to the fact that the ber that it is introducing courses on His words revealed a strange tion that needs to be addressed “Hezbollah era” cannot overturn social media in the public school inability to understand the com- right now. And yet Aoun chose itself. That miracle requires politi- syllabus does not come a moment too plexities of the current situation not to answer this question in his cians of another kind, people who soon in the North African nation — or and the need to move to a higher anniversary speech. He simply dis- can deal with the situation in a cool Tthe rest of the Arab world, for that matter. regarded the fact that the Lebanese The number of social media users is esti- level of thinking, that is to consider and rational manner and not fall mated at 1.5 billion-2 billion. whether there is room to seek a know very well what they want. prey to the illusion that Lebanon’s Around the world, students are being taught way out of the deepening crisis They want to end the “Hezbollah gas and oil will be flowing by to- how to best use social media to conduct away from the complexes, obses- era,” which is responsible for bring- morrow. Oil and gas specialists are collaborative schoolwork, develop digital sions and knots of the past. This ing about US sanctions against saying that no gas will appear before literacy and communication skills and improve includes the Rafik Hariri complex Lebanese banks and for isolating 2029 at best. awareness about current domestic and global from which everybody at the Free Lebanon from its Arab environ- Lebanon is heading for a disaster, issues. Patriotic Movement is suffering. ment. despite the high hopes raised by Students are also taught how to use social The president’s speech was char- To get out of its crisis, Lebanon the popular revolution, which still media ethically, responsibly and safely. Classes acterised by ignoring the reasons needs a miracle. Unfortunately, it is needs to write a clear and reason- teach youngsters the meaning of copyright for the economic crisis, despite not possible to bet on the present able list of demands. There may be regulations and the importance of privacy his focus on corruption. And even era to achieve this miracle for at a glimmer of hope at the end of the considerations in the information they share. In Arab societies where parental oversight is his talk about corruption was least two reasons. dark tunnel if all parties become increasingly challenged by peer-to-peer misplaced. The reason is simple. First, it’s hard to find among the convinced of the necessity to place influences, teachers could also instil students Corruption has become a common political class people who are gutsy authority in the hands of specialists with the caution they need to be wary of online phenomenon in the country with enough to examine the relation who will tackle the economic prob- radicalisation and other abuses of the internet the establishment of the quota between the economic crisis and lems with the help of Lebanon’s such as hate messages, defamation and the system, one that is staunchly sup- Hezbollah’s dominance over deci- friends in the world. dissemination of fake news. ported by Hezbollah, which is only sion making in Lebanon, including What must be understood is that The need for that type of caution will have to interested in making Lebanon a who to have as president and how these friends of Lebanon cannot be universal. Sue Beckingham, computer playing card in Iran’s hand. to form the cabinet. deal with a country with a govern- specialist at United Kingdom’s Sheffield It is this grave reality that The second reason why this ment that includes Hezbollah Hallam University, rightfully notes: “It is very Aoun omitted to mention in his miracle is not possible under the ministers. That’s all there is to it. important that students are educated about current circumstances has to do [responsible social media use]. Learning how to independence anniversary speech. Can Hezbollah’s era overturn itself stay safe online, what not to share and how to This omission simply confirms the with the fact that it is impossible to and accept this last chance? adjust security settings are important skills to fear that the era in place since his dissociate the components of the learn.” election as president on October 31, current era and Hezbollah. Khairallah Khairallah is a Lebanese 2016, is really Hezbollah’s era. Hezbollah has not come all this writer. December 1, 2019 7 Opinion

What Algeria’s military Published by Al Arab establishment should understand Publishing House Hamid Zannaz Publisher None of the manoeuvres engaged by the group of ruling generals wishing to and Group Executive Editor reproduce their regime have succeeded so far in derailing the revolution. Haitham El-Zobaidi, PhD t’s been a little over ten try’s independence in 1962 — a Editor-in-Chief months now that the Smile democratic regime. Chief of Staff Revolution in Algeria has Ahmed Gaid Salah was, and still Oussama Romdhani been steadfast and thriv- is, part of that establishment. ing peacefully. The uprising The de facto ruler of Algeria Managing Editor has remained as vigorous today is the military establish- Ias during its first day. In fact, it ment but its vision for Algeria Iman Zayat is stronger and wider and seems seems to clash head-on with the Deputy Managing Editor determined to achieve its goals at qualitative development that has all costs — no matter how long it occurred at the level of the Alge- and Online Editor will take. rian public opinion. It’s been ten Mamoon Alabbasi None of the manoeuvres en- months into the popular uprising gaged by the group of ruling gen- and the military leadership hasn’t erals wishing to reproduce their been able to break the popular Senior Editor regime and continue sucking the will. It simply has not understood John Hendel people’s wealth have succeeded that it is no longer possible to so far in derailing the revolution. return to the same situation as By investing in the streets and before February 22. Chief Copy Editor staying there for this long, Algeri- This military leadership is Richard Pretorius ans have rediscovered their unity. accustomed to using physical Their revolution is now shielded and moral force against a small Copy Editors by a new collective conscious- number of hostile individuals or Stephen Quillen ness of resistance that contin- groups who are usually en- A new reality. Algerian demonstrators chant slogans against the Kyle Arensdorf ues to shatter the old guard’s trenched in limited geographical upcoming presidential election as they carry national flags during a attempts to sow sedition and zones. But now the leadership protest in Algiers, November 26. (AFP) confusion. The chief of staff and is in a big dilemma as it faces Gulf Section Editor those with him failed to impose a widespread national protest final rupture between the dying of the crisis, there is no other way Mohammed Alkhereiji their will despite repeated threats against its hegemony. regime that they are trying to but to engage in a genuine dia- and accusations of treason from The presidential election that prop up and the thriving Algerian logue with the social forces that Society and Travel their barracks to the peaceful the generals are trying to shove society has already taken place. matter. Doing so will guarantee a Sections Editor protesters and despite the use down everyone’s throats is but Their arrogance and worn-out smooth transition towards a new Samar Kadi of repression and indiscriminate a thin cover for their desperate perceptions stand in the way of Algeria, free of hegemonic temp- arrests on a daily basis in order to search for some legitimacy in the them realising the magnitude of tations. One ruled by popular will. Senior Correspondents sow fear in the hearts of demon- person of a puppet president. the change that has taken place Does the ruling cabal realise strators. Ensuring this civilian cover is in in the minds of Algerians and of- the great danger awaiting the Lamine Ghanmi (Tunis) Not only did the chief of staff place, the military can then wipe the-moment deep consciousness country if it continues to push for Thomas Seibert (Istanbul) fail to stop the demonstrations out the people’s revolution by they are going through. an outcome that is contrary to the and protests, but he failed to enacting strict security measures. The crowds of demonstra- will and aspirations of the people? Regular Columnists understand the radical transfor- The quasi majority of the people, tors in Algiers, Tizi Ouzou and And will it resort to reason in Rashmee Roshan Lall mation in the Algerians’ percep- however, is not falling for this Bejaia are 100% convinced that the interest of Algeria above all Claude Salhani tion of the existing order. Most farce scheduled for December 12. no one could force them back to or continue down the path of Algerians today are determined What the chief of staff and his their homes and suppress their absurdity that will lead Algeria to Yavuz Baydar to proceed with their libera- cohorts are ignoring is that, for legitimate ambition to establish a a second civil war? tion until the creation of what the Algerian people, the issue civil state of law. Therefore, if the Correspondents the military establishment has now is a matter of liberation and military establishment is sincere Hamid Zannaz is an Algerian denied them since the coun- self-determination and that the about finding a rational way out writer based in France. Saad Guerraoui (Casablanca) Dunia El-Zobaidi (London) Israeli history offers lessons Roua Khlifi (Tunis) Chief Designer Marwen el-Hmedi for Palestinian leaders Rashmee Roshan Lall Designers When its situation was precarious, Israel made Ibrahim Ben Bechir accommodations — sometimes hard and unpalatable ones. Hanen Jebali

t says something that only way for Israel to maintain country has moved from fragil- point as a nascent state. Israeli the Arab League waited a Jewish democracy and remain ity to a position of strength, Ret- settlements, built over 52 years, Contact editor at: a whole week to discuss “a light unto the nations of the tig Gur wrote, quoting a passage are the largest physical obsta- Washington’s declaration world.” from the book: “Ben-Gurion, cle to the establishment of a [email protected] that Israeli settlements Ross and Makovsky warn Begin, Rabin, and Sharon are Palestinian state. And there are aren’t illegal. Unfortu- against the long-term costs not around today. They were all two other impediments, which Inately, what it says may not be of Israel’s current culture of there for the founding of Israel exert a profoundly debilitating particularly edifying. political indecision and hail the and fought for its survival. They psychological effect. The impov- Despite criticism, particularly courage of an Israeli quartet of lived through the period charac- erished Palestinians watch from Al Arab Publishing House from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, past leaders. terised by the genuine fragility behind the separation barrier as Quadrant Building of the altered US position, no David Ben Gurion, Menachem of the state. Maybe that made Israel continues to receive more 177-179 Hammersmith Road one seems to have any con- Begin, Yitzhak Rabin and Ariel them see the choices through a than $3 billion a year in official London W6 8BS structive suggestions to offer. Sharon, they say, made pain- different lens — a lens in which American assistance, tax-free US Alas, mere rejection of US ful decisions and understood the new Jewish state did not private donations to support the policy, as the Arab League did both the costs of acting as well have the luxury of avoiding settlements, as well as staunch in its special session in Cairo on as the consequences of not basic, hard choices. Maybe, as US military and diplomatic sup- Tel: (+44) 20 7602 3999 November 25, does not consti- acting. Ross and Makovsky tick a result, Israel is past the point port. Fax: (+44) 20 7602 8778 tute a plan of action. through the specifics of the where it will have heroic lead- There’s little point in going As things stand then, the quartet’s praiseworthy actions. ers.” back over the many missed Palestinians remain in political Ben Gurion had the guts to So how does any of this help opportunities for Palestinians purgatory — without their own declare independence at the the Palestinians with a plan for over the years. For instance, US Publisher: state, without any reasonable end of the British Mandate even action? It makes the case for po- Yasser Arafat’s refusal to accept prospects for acquiring one and though Israel was diplomati- litical pragmatism when a peo- a state, even the Bantustan on The Arab Weekly USA LLC. without citizenship of another cally and strategically isolated. ple have their back up against offer by Ehud Barak as part of [email protected] Begin gave up conquered lands the wall. It richly illustrates the state. For a plan, it may be wise US President Bill Clinton’s 2000 [email protected] to look elsewhere, and a new and dismantled settlements in argument for pragmatism. The Camp David summit. What book co-authored by Dennis exchange for peace with Egypt. Israel of each of the four leaders Palestinian leaders could do Tel: 248-679-6624 Ross and David Makovsky is Rabin leapt into the peace profiled by Ross and now, impolitic though that may arguably a good place to start. process and Sharon reneged on Makovsky did not have the sound, is to call time on “days of Not just for what the book says his long-held support for settle- luxury of multiple options but rage” and other such futile acts, about Israel in the past, but ments and pushed a unilateral was forced to work to a timeta- work to clean up the administra- because it could offer point- withdrawal from Gaza. ble set by others and to operate tion, actively solicit investment ers to Palestinians at a low and Interestingly, the very ac- within narrow parameters. and seek ways for their people desperate point in their national tions singled out for praise by The Palestinians could do to acquire science, technology Subscription & Advertising: story. Ross and Makovsky are now worse than learn some lessons and management training under [email protected] The book, “Be Strong and of seen rather differently by some from their oppressive neigh- overseas scholarship schemes. Tel : (+44) 020 3667 7249 Good Courage,” takes its title in Israel. “In today’s rightist bour. When its situation was Political fragility calls for a dif- from Deuteronomy, the fifth world the four ‘heroes’ would precarious, Israel made accom- ferent skillset, reduced choices, book of the Torah. Ross, a vet- be termed traitors,” a lay reader modations — sometimes hard extreme political courage and a Mohamed Al Mufti and unpalatable ones. Now eran US presidential adviser and commented in The Times of vision for a future that is yet to Marketing & Advertising Israel. And Haviv Rettig Gur, a that its bargaining position is peace envoy, and Makovsky, be revealed. Manager of the Washington Institute for political analyst for the same immeasurably improved, it is Near East Policy, argue pas- paper, suggested that Ross and biding its time. Rashmee Roshan Lall is a Direct: (+44) 20 8742 9262 sionately for Israel to separate Makovsky actually illustrate Of course, the Palestinian columnist for The Arab Weekly. www.alarab.co.uk from the Palestinians. They say the great and startling change situation is far worse than that She blogs at www.rashmee.com that a two-state solution is the in Israel’s circumstances. The of Israel, even at its most fragile and is on Twitter @rashmeerl. 8 December 1, 2019 News & Analysis Lebanon Hezbollah, Amal turn to violence as ongoing protests shake Lebanon’s sectarian system

Simon Speakman Cordall the danger of financial collapse and the danger of security collapse. It is an unprecedented situation,” Nabil Tunis Bou Monsef, deputy editor-in-chief of the An-Nahar newspaper, told the s Lebanon’s protests stretch Associated Press. into their second month, Foreign Policy reported chants of much of the early optimism “Terrorists, terrorists, Hezbollah are A is giving way to an overrid- terrorists,” had taken hold among ing sense of caution, as the country protesters in Beirut, a public senti- finds itself navigating rising sectar- ment unimaginable just a few weeks ian violence, government paralysis ago. and an economy that looks to be One senior Shia cleric, Sheikh Ali rapidly circling the financial plug al-Khatib, cautioned against the hole. street again spinning out of control, On the street, protesters are call- leading “our nation into a slide to- ing for the dismantling of Lebanon’s wards anarchy.” He urged politicians confessional system of government, to “remedy the situation and contain where positions and ministries are the deterioration,” Reuters reported. allocated according to religion or The state’s military, the heav- sect, in favour of a technocratic body ily Western-backed Lebanese Armed capable of tackling the corruption Forces (LAF), has appeared to hold and reversing much of the economic back and, assuming the role of po- damage they feel the current system liceman, concentrated on keeping has wrought. roads open and warring crowds of protesters apart. Mona Yacoubian, Mona Yacoubian, senior adviser USIP expert for Syria, Middle East and North Af- rica at the US Institute of Peace, cau- tioned “…though their behaviour Guarding the status quo. Militants from the Lebanese Amal Shia movement try to block the road in Hezbollah and Amal supporters has been largely professional, there front of Lebanese women during a march in Beirut, November 27. (AFP) “have become increasingly are some worrying trends to watch: brazen in their intimidation First, the LAF appears to be large- tactics.” ly absent in Hezbollah and Amal “The last few days have witnessed Yacoubian said two develop- increasingly dangerous and violent.” strongholds, increasingly allowing a decided shift in the behaviour of ments, in particular, appear to have However, Yacoubian cautioned For supporters of the Shia, Amal thugs and others to intimidate pro- Amal/Hezbollah supporters,” Ya- underpinned the shift in tactics: “in- that, though there was no direct and Hezbollah groups, who see their testers in those areas. Second, there coubian said. “They have become creasing pressure to form a cabinet link between Lebanon’s protests political survival as vested in the are reports that elements of the LAF, increasingly brazen in their intimi- — Hezbollah is insisting on some po- and those in Iraq or Iran, the popu- status quo, the struggle is becoming particularly military intelligence, dation tactics, harassing protesters, litical elements to the cabinet, rather lar cries for good governance and increasingly desperate. are arresting and torturing protest- burning tents and essentially look- than a purely technocrat cabinet as an end to corruption were strikingly Brutal clashes between protesters ers.” ing to turn the otherwise peaceful demanded by the demonstrators. similar. and supporters of the two groups While initially both Hezbollah and protests violent.” Second, it is interesting to note that “Hezbollah and Amal are prime rocked Martyrs’ Square in Leba- Amal appeared accommodating of “It appears that this shift in behav- this shift also coincides with the out- beneficiaries of the current status non November 24, as moped-riding the protesters, going to lengths to iour could be the result of Hezbollah break of demonstrations across Iran, quo in Lebanon and would be threat- counter-protesters attempted to sympathise with their grievances, leadership determining that the pro- initially peaceful and against gas ened by a shift in the system of gov- force their way into the crowds of their leadership has clung to the no- tests increasingly pose a threat to the price hikes, but quickly evolving into ernance,” Yacoubian concluded. anti-government demonstrators. tion of government by confessional status quo and may lead to an out- protests against the supreme leader “We are standing before two dan- divide, which they insist is vital for come that is not favourable to their and the revolutionary government. Simon Speakman Cordall is a gers that are racing with each other, Lebanon’s survival. interests,” she added. Protests in Iraq are also becoming freelance writer.

Viewpoint Will Hezbollah survive the Lebanese revolution?

deploy across the region in Syria, able to make payroll and keep its Iraq, Yemen and beyond. fighters and bureaucrats orderly Hezbollah is believed to have for a few months but it certainly Makram Rabah instigated the initial wave of cannot cater to the vast social protests against the Hariri govern- services network it operates, ment in the first few days of the simply because this network relies ver 40 days have revolution in an attempt to under- on the Lebanese government and elapsed since the mine and rein in Prime Minister its subsidies to keep its clientelist start of the Leba- Saad Hariri and force him to take network operative. nese revolution, a firmer position against the US More importantly, the Lebanese October 17, and many sanctions. revolution does not only threaten uncertainties and Hezbollah, however, underes- Hezbollah’s Lebanese operation Ochallenges still face the people of timated the popular rage that has but also has direct economic im- Lebanon. been brewing within the public, plications on Syria’s Assad regime, There is the bleak economic which felt that the corrupt govern- which for years has been using the outlook. Equally menacing ance system coupled with Hezbol- Lebanese banks as well as Hezbol- perhaps is the predicament of lah’s infinite regional ambitions lah’s dark channels to escape sanc- Iran’s Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah, made the chances of Lebanon’s tions, especially getting access which declared early on that the economic recovery virtually im- to hard currency, which, in turn, Lebanese revolution and anyone possible. caused the rush on US dollars a participating in it were part of an Consequently, what was sup- few months ago. American and Western conspiracy posed to be a simple government The ability of Hezbollah to wreak that uses the streets to encircle shakedown by Hezbollah sprouted havoc and destruction is clear, be and ultimately neutralise the so- an existential threat to both the it in Syria or throughout the region called “axis of resistance.” political class and Hezbollah. but this Iranian proxy, or any other Unquestionably, Hezbollah is In his recurrent TV appearances Iranian entity for that matter, has right to dread the revolution, as since the start of the US sanctions never shown any ability to deploy it is a direct blow to the sectarian against Iran, Hassan Nasrallah, the any model of soft power nor to and clientelist system that allowed secretary-general of Hezbollah, lead any sustainable efforts to Desperate moves. Supporters of the Lebanese Shia groups Hezbollah it to abduct the Lebanese state never misses the chance to declare develop any of the economies it and Amal carry flags as Lebanese army soldiers form a barrier to and use it as a cover to legitimise that his organisation is unaffected feasts on. Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and separate them from anti-government demonstrators in Beirut, its Iranian arsenal and be able to by the revolution or by the sanc- Iran are cases in point. November 25. (Reuters) tions, affirming that “Hezbollah The Lebanese revolution has is stronger than ever and that so far wisely shied away from Contrary to they [Hezbollah] are able to make directly challenging the legitimacy revolution celebrates diversity and can reverse the revolution that has payroll.” of Hezbollah weapons. Instead, unity and abhors violence. unfolded nor can violence address Hezbollah’s Nasrallah’s “business as usual” the Lebanese are demanding While Hezbollah might have the economic crisis at hand. But aspirations, neither mentality, however, reveals the better services, good governance, prepared itself for a doomsday what is certain is that time is not predicament that Iran’s militias judicial reforms and rule of law — scenario and stocked up on weap- on the side of Hezbollah nor Iran, missiles nor funds are facing across the region as the all items that are more dangerous ons and, more importantly, dollars which time and again have proven can reverse the popular uprisings in the streets of and deadly to Hezbollah than any to soldier through the rough times that they are no different from the revolution that has Lebanon, Iraq and Iran place them potential Israeli military cam- ahead and to fight and defeat the tyrants that they claim to oppose. and their budgets as well as their paign. popular protests which, it sees as unfolded nor can arms under scrutiny. They stand Both as a militia and as an directly targeting it, this might Makram Rabah is a lecturer at violence address accused of protecting as well as ideology, Hezbollah stands as the not be enough for Hezbollah to the American University of Beirut partaking in the corruption of antithesis of the Lebanese revolu- survive the revolution. and author of “A Campus at War: the economic crisis these crumpling states. tion. While Hezbollah strives Contrary to Hezbollah’s aspira- Student Politics at the American at hand. Hezbollah might indeed be on sectarianism and might, the tions, neither missiles nor funds University of Beirut, 1967-1975.” December 1, 2019 9 News & Analysis Iraq Baghdad targets media outlets covering protests

Azhar Al-Rubaie of countries when it comes to press freedoms and safety. Mustafa al-Rikabi is a videogra- Baghdad pher for Dijla TV, in Muthanna prov- ince. he Iraqi authorities are ac- “Security forces beat me on the cused of curbing media head and other places with rubber freedoms in order to pre- batons while I was filming the stu- T vent coverage of the mass dents’ protests (November 26),” said anti-government protests that have Rikabi. “My head bled and my col- rocked Baghdad and much of the leagues drove me to the hospital. Six country’s south. sutures were needed for my head In addition to the intimidation and and I had bruises in my hands and harassment of journalists covering back. I presented the press card to the demonstrations, the authorities the security forces but they did not have also shut down national and stop beating me.” Arab television stations. In recent years, dozens of journal- Iraq’s Communication and Media ists were forced to flee their homes Commission (CMC) issued an order looking for safety. They tend to head on November 21 to close the offices either towards Turkey or to Europe. of a number of television channels, This is not the first time that including Dijla, Al-Hadath, ANB, media outlets have faced violations. NRT, Al-Rasheed, Alhurra Iraq, Al- In October, an armed group attacked Sharqiya, Al-Fallujah, Al-Arabiya, the NRT Arabic TV and Al-Hadath Al-Hadath and Hona Baghdad. TV Baghdad offices due to their The CMC issued a warning to other coverage of protests across Iraq. stations — Al-Sumaria, Asia, Rudaw, The group destroyed all the station’s Sky News Arabia and Ur — “for vio- devices to put them off air. lating the regulations of media li- The head of the Iraqi Association censing rule.” A number of radio sta- for Defending the Rights of Journal- tions have also been warned. ists, Ibrahim al-Sarraj, said CMC was hasty in its decision. “The government has no clear reg- In addition to the ulations governing the media work Bypassing the shutdown. An Iraqi demonstrator reads a copy of Tuktuk, a newspaper that aims to be the intimidation and harassment in Iraq,” said al-Sarraj. “The authori- voice of the largest grassroots protest, during anti-government protests in Baghdad, November 17. (Reuters) of journalists covering the ties, from time to time, intention- demonstrations, the ally block out the internet access have all kinds of weapons to kill the said: “The government released this “Once the authorities realised the authorities have also shut and limit the use of social media ap- peaceful protesters just because they decision by the CMC to close any lo- power of media to disclose its viola- down national and Arab plications to put an end to the dem- demand their fundamental rights.” cal or Arab TV which covered Iraq’s tions against the peaceful demon- television stations. onstrations but the protesters inno- NetBlocks, a civil society group unrest and it (CMC) turned a blind strators, it issued this (CMC) deci- vated new means to unlock the ban.” working at the intersection of digital eye to other TV [stations] which glo- sion. We are living in the republic of Established in 2004, the CMC is A journalist from Babil province, rights, published that internet access rified the government.” fear, which is run by the corrupted responsible for regulating the media who wished to be anonymous for se- has been disrupted in Nasiriya after “The government wants to pre- religious parties. Iraq’s government work and communication. curity reasons, said Abdul-Mahdi’s the Iraqi security forces used lethal vent journalists from showing the listens to the international com- Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul- government is infringing against the force against protesters, killing doz- world what the Iraqi government did munity and implements their de- Mahdi and his allies accuse media constitutional right of journalists. ens of people. to the people like killing protesters, mands but it gives the deaf ear to outlets of turning the protesters “I received many phone threats by Sarkawt Shams, a member of the human rights violations, other bad the people’s demands; moreover, against the government. an unknown person when I used to Future bloc in parliament, said: “The things against the protesters,” said it responds to the protesters by live Iraqi security forces have been es- cover the protests in Babil,” he said. Communication and Media Com- Abed. ammunition and tear gas.” pecially hostile to journalists since “The caller asked me not to report mission has no authority to shut TV “Adel Abdul-Mahdi’s government the outbreak of protests October 1 any protests in the city, and if I do so, channels down. It is unconstitution- repeatedly tried to subdue all the Azhar Al-Rubaie is a freelance but the country was never media I will be killed.” al. I will consult with media outlet voices which try to support the pro- journalist based in Iraq. His writing friendly to begin with. A report from He added: “I have only the cam- owners and journalists how to tackle testers’ demands and curb the pro- focuses on politics, health, society, Reporters Without Borders said era and my pen but the government it at court.” testers who are seeking freedom and wars and human rights. Follow him Iraq ranks among the bottom 13% and their allies, Iran-backed militias, Political analyst Ghanim Abed their basic rights,” he added. on Twitter:

Viewpoint US trying to reassure Iraqi Kurds after Syria fiasco

Then, speaking on behalf of US mission of these troops is to keep they killed many ISIS fighters and Turkish-occupied zone. He said he President Donald Trump, Pence the oil fields in the Deir ez-Zor captured a dozen more. was once happy to have his chil- Gregory added that he wanted to “reiter- region out of the hands of ISIS and McKenzie was, in essence, dren pose for photos with Ameri- Aftandilian ate the strong bonds forged in the the Syrian government and weed underscoring that the US partner- can soldiers, but “since America fires of war between the people of out ISIS cells below the Turkish- ship with the SDF would continue, betrayed us, every time I look at the United States and the Kurdish occupied zone. though he gave no timeline on these photos… I want to erase S Vice-President people across this region,” which US military officials have empha- how long it would last. Keenly them… What about the innocent Mike Pence’s trip implied the Syrian Kurds as well. sised that the mission against ISIS aware of the controversy sur- people who were depending on to Iraq on Novem- The Washington Post reported remnants is still very active. CENT- rounding the October pullout, he you?… Why did you betray these ber 23 was not only that an unnamed US official who COM Commander General Ken- said the relationship between the people? Why did Trump do this?” designed to be a accompanied Pence told reporters neth McKenzie said at the Manama United States and the Kurds was Despite Pence’s reassuring words morale booster — as that the vice-president had re- Dialogue Security Conference in now “pretty good.” and the ongoing military coopera- Uhe and his wife served an early quested the meeting with Barzani Bahrain on November 23 that these But for the Syrian Kurdish tion between the United States and Thanksgiving dinner to about 150 to show “we’re not anti-Kurd.” pockets of ISIS fighters “still have refugees, the bitterness of the the Kurds against ISIS, the Trump American servicemen and women This trip was clearly designed to the power to injure, still have the October withdrawal is still strong. policy has acquiesced to the Turk- — but also an attempt to shore try to mend fences with the Kurds power to cause violence,” the New A group of CNN reporters recently ish occupation and there is no up US relations with the Kurds in in the wake of Trump’s abrupt York Times reported. interviewed a Kurdish construc- pressure on the Turks to allow for the aftermath of the abrupt US withdrawal of US troops from McKenzie also noted that US tion worker from the border town Kurdish families to return to their pullout from north-eastern Syria in north-eastern Syria soon after his troops and the Kurdish-led Syrian of Ras al-Ain who had to flee with homes, many of which have been October. October phone call with Turkish Democratic Forces (SDF) recently his wife and children and are now looted, in the border region. Shortly after visiting Al Asad President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. participated in a major operation living in a dingy school classroom The so-called “enduring bond” Air Base, west of Baghdad, Pence After the conversation, the Turk- in the Deir ez-Zor region where in the city of Hasakah, south of the between the Americans and Kurds and his team flew to Erbil where ish leader quickly sent his troops may only last as long as they have he met with Kurdish Regional and those of his Syrian rebel allies a common enemy. Pence told US Government (KRG) President into this area, resulting in the troops that Trump “is always look- Nechirvan Barzani and other Iraqi death of more than 100 Kurdish ing for opportunities to bring our Kurdish officials. fighters and civilians and the flight troops home.” Pence spoke publicly about “the of more than 170,000 Kurds. If Pence really wanted to make enduring bond that exists between Kurdish resentment of this US an impression on the Kurds, he the Kurdish people and the people decision was palpable, as some would have gone to one of the of the United States.” retreating US military vehicles refugee camps of the recently leaving the border region were displaced Syrian Kurds and of- pelted with rocks and stones. fered tangible assistance instead Despite Pence’s Some US Special Forces said they of going to Erbil, which has been felt a sense of “shame” for being relatively safe and prosperous. reassuring words, the ordered to abandon their Kurd- But then Pence would have had to Trump policy has ish allies, who had fought bravely answer difficult questions such as with them and had taken the brunt those posed by the Kurdish refu- acquiesced to the of the casualties in the campaign gee father mentioned above, for Turkish occupation against the Islamic State (ISIS). which he probably would not have and there is no After considerable pushback had any good answers. from the Pentagon and Congress, pressure on the Turks Trump eventually agreed not to Gregory Aftandilian is a lecturer to allow for Kurdish pull out all US troops from Syria at the Pardee School of Global as was his original intention but to US Vice-President Mike Pence (L) and Iraqi Kurdish Region President Studies at Boston University and families to return to retain about 600 of them. Nechirvan Barzani shake hands during a bilateral meeting at Erbil is a former US State Department their homes. Pentagon officials have said the International Airport in Erbil, Iraq, November 23. (AP) Middle East analyst. 10 December 1, 2019 Spotlight Gulf Security Europe to operate Gulf maritime security mission out of French base in Abu Dhabi

Sabahat Khan mission in the Gulf is unlikely to in- volve a formal role for Brussels but reports suggest that the Netherlands Dubai is finalising its participation where- as Denmark, Italy, Spain and the UK rench Defence Minister Flor- have all supported the need for such ence Parly has announced an initiative in the past year. that a French naval base in The position of Germany, often F Abu Dhabi, opened in 2009 watched closely owing to its impor- and known as “Peace Camp,” will tance in setting Europe’s strategic serve as the headquarters for a new direction, has been less clear, given European-led maritime security lingering policy differences among mission for the Gulf. its ruling coalition. The Christian The headquarters, aiming for Democratic Union of Angela Mer- launch early next year, will begin kel has favoured a German role in a operations with a staff of 15 who European-led naval mission for the “contribute to making maritime Gulf but its junior coalition part- navigation in the Gulf as safe as pos- ner, the Social Democratic Party, sible.” Paris anticipates that around has been reluctant because “there ten European partners will join the is a threat of new wars” the left-of- initiative over the coming year. centre party wants to steer clear of. The move comes as a number of In August, the United Kingdom European nations with interests in had been at the forefront of efforts New momentum. Members of the French Armed Forces march past the French frigate Courbet while the Gulf have been reluctant to join to rally support for a European-led taking part in a military cermony at the French Naval Base in Abu Dhabi, November 24. (Reuters) a US-led naval mission there owing naval mission in the Gulf after Irani- to rising risks of conflict with Iran. an forces seized the British-flagged The announcement from Parly Stena Impero. The British proposal it would also view a European-led ment, which is characterised by a Kingdom — have struggled to keep adds momentum to France’s efforts could not materialise fast enough naval mission in the Gulf as carry- growing series of instances where it alive. Europe’s political leader- to see a greater European role in the but the UK has been a key member ing a “hostile message” but France challenges are not responded to. ships have recorded objections with highly strategic Gulf area. The Euro- of the US-led naval coalition based wants Europe to assume a larger In late November, French Presi- the United States over its “maxi- pean-led naval mission envisaged out of Bahrain together with Alba- regional role in the context of what dent Emmanuel Macron criticised mum pressure” campaign against by France will coordinate closely nia, Australia, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia it considers US “disengagement” NATO for being “brain-dead,” com- Iran and where it could lead. with the US-led naval mission but and the United Arab Emirates. from the region. ments that ironically highlighted France, in particular, has made essentially be independent of it. American officials say Qatar and France recently dispatched radars differences with Germany, which sustained efforts to rescue the There is little information cur- Kuwait will join the naval mission to Saudi Arabia to help protect its said it continues to regard the trans- JCPOA and reduce US-Iran tensions rently available on which European shortly and talks are also under way oil facilities, which were attacked atlantic alliance as a cornerstone for with a goal of restarting talks but nations could extend unit deploy- with Canada to secure its participa- with cruise missiles and advanced its security. Amid debate around the has so far been unable to secure a ments to the European-led mission tion. Last month, the US military drones in September in an opera- future direction of NATO and rebal- major breakthrough with either file. of which France has become a lead- brought together partners from 50 tion linked by Western intelligence ancing burden-sharing between Looking ahead, Paris appears to ing proponent over the past year. countries for the three week-long agencies to Iran. Tehran denied in- its members, the United States has be forecasting a growing need for The EU Naval Force (EU NAVFOR) International Maritime Exercise in volvement in the attacks on Saudi looked to build coalitions and de- a European role to safeguard Euro- Operation Atalanta, a counter-pira- the Gulf, the second-largest mari- Aramco, as well as explosions on oil velop partner capacities with se- pean interests rather than simply cy military operation off the Horn time exercise of its kind. It included tankers transiting the Strait of Hor- curity cooperation programmes in taking the American lead. To what of Africa and in the Western Indian 40 vessels, 17 aircraft and more than muz in May and June but admits recent years — an approach highly extent France can push its vision Ocean launched in 2008, was the 5,000 personnel. shooting down a US surveillance prevalent in the Middle East. through remains to be seen in the first EU-led naval operation. Iran had earlier slammed the drone in the Gulf and seizing the After US President Donald Trump months ahead but the process has Focused on preventing and com- United Kingdom’s efforts for build- UK-flagged Stena Impero. withdrew from the landmark 2015 officially commenced. bating acts of piracy, EU NAVFOR ing a European-led naval mission Speaking at the Manama Dia- nuclear accord with Iran, formally Operation Atalanta saw unit deploy- in the Gulf as “provocative” but the logue, Parly raised questions known as the Joint Comprehensive Sabahat Khan, based in Dubai, ments from France, Germany, Italy, context of those tensions was dif- around American deterrence in the Plan of Action (JCPOA), Europe’s maintains a cross-disciplinary the Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, ferent. region in view of its “deliberate” three signatories to the accord — focus in international security, de- the United Kingdom and Spain. The Tehran has previously suggested and “gradual” regional disengage- France, Germany and the United fence policy and strategic issues. Viewpoint US spells out aim of naval mission in Gulf

“The United States military but it doesn’t take an aircraft car- proudly accepts its role… We’re rier to make that point. Perhaps the uniquely suited and resourced to carrier’s presence is psychologically participate in many of these efforts comforting for some of the Arabs. Gareth Smyth with allies and partners, but it’s also “The ‘target’, in this case, Iran, a great big world and there’s a lot of can figure out that we don’t need eneral Kenneth Mc- water to cover,” said McKenzie. a carrier close by to cause them Kenzie, commander of Despite the United States no long- major damage. Of course, the US the US regional com- er keeping an aircraft carrier battle can also ‘scout out’ how to act if mand CENTCOM, gave group in “near-constant” presence we later decide on military action. the Manama Dialogue “in close proximity to the Gulf,” Mc- The navy can — literally — test the in Bahrain an explana- Kenzie noted the carrier Abraham waters: in the past, for example, Gtion of the new US-led naval mis- Lincoln and its strike group, which we found that some US Navy ships sion in the seas between Iran and arrived in May, was “about 120 couldn’t operate because the Gulf the Gulf Arab states. miles north-east of here.” was too warm for their engines.” In stressing reconnaissance and While McKenzie centred his talk Practical challenges in the Gulf “sustainable approaches,” Mc- on military matters, politics hung are real, agreed James Spencer, an Kenzie on November 23 reflected in the air. Gulf tensions have risen independent Middle East defence Washington’s desire to reassure and since US President Donald Trump and security consultant, citing involve allies, as well as its aversion in April tightened sanctions against shallow water restricting US aircraft to acting as global policeman. Iran, which left it slashing its oil carriers and submarines. But he McKenzie said the International exports to around 300,000 barrels a welcomed McKenzie’s clarification Implications of disengagement. The US Central Command Com- Maritime Security Construct (IMSC) day from 2.5 million last year when of the US mission. mander General Kenneth McKenzie speaks at the 15th Manama — the US-led alliance set up in the US left the 2015 Iran nuclear “McKenzie stressed surveil- Dialogue, November 23. (AFP) September with Australia, Albania, deal, known as the Joint Compre- lance, deterrence and framework,” Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United hensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). Spencer said. “The surveillance can Arab Emirates and the United While Washington’s leading be of Iran, al-Qaeda and pirates. De- illustrated by the European Union [in Iran] prodding a shot-down US Kingdom – would protect “freedom advocate of Iran “regime change,” terrence involves stationing some announcing its own Gulf security drone.” of navigation in and around the John Bolton, resigned as national assets and rotating others into the operation, the European Mari- Parly predicted “gradual US Straits of Hormuz.” security adviser in September, region. The framework is ‘stronger time Surveillance Mission, based disengagement… irrespective of Since IMSC was established, he Trump sees recent protests in Iran together,’ encouraging other na- in Abu Dhabi. Although this will who wins the next [presidential] argued, “surveillance” had success- against petrol price rises as vindi- tions to stand up, enabling and co-ordinate with the United States, election.” She stressed France’s fully deterred Iran, which had often cating his strategy of “maximum involving them, very much within its separation reflects Europe’s commitment to the Arabs, shown opted for covert actions. pressure.” the framework of UNCLOS [the UN disquiet over Trump’s maximum by setting up three bases in the UAE McKenzie identified the “strate- “Much of what General McKenzie Convention on the Law of the Sea] pressure and US withdrawal from and by sending radar equipment to gic maritime chokepoints” of Hor- said will be read in the Arab capi- and customary international law. the JCPOA. Saudi Arabia after September’s at- muz, Bab el-Mandeb and Suez as tals and in Tehran in the context of I’d say he was reassuring both the At the Manama Dialogue, French tacks on its oil facilities. “With the “vital national interests of the US.” ‘maximum pressure,’ even though Gulf Arabs and Iran.” Armed Forces Minister Florence US looking elsewhere,” Parly said, The US Navy was well-versed in the general did not stray into that Hunter suggested some under- Parly criticised the United States “an entire grammar of deterrence cooperation with allies, he said, subject,” said Robert Hunter, for- standing with Iran — “a wink and a over “unanswered” attacks in the needs to be re-invented.” and had operated Combined Mari- mer US ambassador to NATO. nod, or some quiet military-to-mili- Gulf and reminded attendees that time Forces since 2002 alongside Hunter stressed that the US naval tary discussions” — might help Teh- US “fighter jets remained on the Gareth Smyth is a regular 33 countries, including missions mission had a political context: ran grasp the likely consequences tarmac in 2013 after the Syrian contributor to The Arab Weekly. He currently led on rotation by the UK, “Demonstrating the US will assert of provocative actions. chemical attacks.” She also evoked has reported from the Middle East Jordan and Kuwait. freedom of passage is a good thing But political complications were June’s images of “bearded generals since 1992. December 1, 2019 11 News & Analysis Gulf

Qatari foreign Erdogan broadens Turkey’s minister said to have visited military footprint in Qatar Riyadh but

Thomas Seibert Buildup doubts remain underway. A tank The Arab Weekly staff Istanbul arrives at the Turkish n a move that could further strain military base London Turkey’s relations with Saudi in Doha. Arabia and other Arab nations (Reuters) atar’s foreign minister made I and ratchet up tensions between an unannounced visit to Gulf Cooperation Council countries Riyadh, two sources told and Doha, Turkish President Recep Q Reuters, amid a two-and-a- Tayyip Erdogan has strengthened half-year row between Doha and a his country’s military relations with Saudi-led Arab quartet. Qatar by announcing the completion Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrah- of a second Turkish army base there. man al-Thani’s visit took place before Erdogan also hinted that Qatar a Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) might help finance the return of Syr- summit scheduled for next month, ian refugees to a Turkey-controlled fuelling speculation about a possible “safe zone” in northern Syria. de-escalation in the row. Arab ex- Doha has supported Turkey’s lat- perts continue to be sceptical, how- est military incursion into Syria, in ever, about such an outcome. contrast to virtually all other Arab Al-Thani met with senior Saudi of- countries that see the move as an act ficials last month, a source familiar of aggression. with the trip said, the highest-level Taking sides with Doha in the long- contact between parties on the two running dispute pitting it against sides since May when Qatar’s prime the Saudi-led Arab quartet, Erdogan Force Command is another sign of cut ties with their former Gulf ally in part of last year’s package of $15 bil- minister attended an Arab summit in told reporters on his return flight the close military cooperation be- June 2017. Erdogan’s visit came at a lion. Mecca. from Qatar: “Those who imposed tween the two countries. critical time amid signs of a possible Speaking on his return flight, Er- It was unclear if the visit, first re- the blockade have been unsuccess- “We don’t deem Qatar’s security breakthrough in the crisis between dogan said he presented his plans ported by the Wall Street Journal, ful, and Qatar has strengthened itself separate from that of our country,” Qatar and its neighbours — in what to Qatar’s emir, adding that “Mr included a face-to-face meeting with in the process.” He rejected calls by Erdogan commented, the Turkish could be pushing Ankara to further Tamim liked our projects,” the Turk- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin the Arab nations that have imposed Presidency’s Directorate of Commu- bolster its political and economic ish broadcaster NTV reported. Asked Salman bin Abdulaziz, considered a boycott against Qatar since 2017 nications said. relations with Doha. Both Turkey whether Qatar will help fund the the de facto ruler of the country. over the emirate’s alleged support Turkish troops’ presence was and Qatar have supported the Mus- plans, Erdogan said: “They are at the US Senator Chris Murphy, a Con- for radical Islamists to close Turkey’s aimed at modernising the Qatari mil- lim Brotherhood, a group seen as a point of: ‘We can carry out these ef- necticut Democrat and member of existing military base in Doha. itary, “diversification of cooperation terrorist organisation by some Arab forts together.’ There really isn’t an- the Senate Foreign Affairs Commit- “My wish is that the Gulf crisis will in military training and the improve- countries. other way.” tee, said: “At the very least, I think be swiftly resolved,” Erdogan said ment of Qatar’s defence capabilities,” Erdogan did his best to underline Qatar’s Red Crescent Society said the Saudis seem sincere in trying to at the Turkish military base, where he added. the close relations between Turkey in late November that it had opened figure out the path forward,” he told around 5,000 troops are stationed. Naming the new base after a Mus- and Qatar during his visit. He flew to a housing project in partnership with Reuters during a trip to Bahrain. “Those who tell us to close down lim military hero reflects Turkey’s Doha at the invitation of Qatari Emir Turkey’s AFAD emergency relief au- Saudi Arabia, the United Arab this base have yet to grasp the fact self-styled role as the defender of Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani thority near the northern Syrian city Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt cut dip- that Turkey was Qatar’s friend Muslim interests for beyond its own to attend the fifth meeting of the Qa- of Al Bab, which Turkish-backed lomatic and trade links with Qatar in in difficult times,” Erdogan said. borders. The expansion of Ankara’s tar-Turkey Higher Strategic Commit- forces seized from Islamic State two June 2017, accusing it of backing ter- “Throughout our history, we have military footprint on the Gulf could tee. Seven agreements were signed years ago. rorism. Doha denies the charge, say- never let our friends face threats and irritate Saudi Arabia, the United Arab during the visit, news reports said. Erdogan criticised the Arab ing it is entitled to “sovereign policy danger alone; that we cannot do.” Emirates and Egypt, which are wary Ankara helped Doha overcome the League, which had called the Turk- positions”. The Turkish leader said that con- of Erdogan’s policies in the region. effects of the Saudi-led boycott in ish operation an “invasion.” Daily Sa- Kuwait and the United States have struction of a second Turkish mili- Turkey opened a military base in So- recent years, and Qatar, the world’s bah reported that Erdogan accused tried to mediate the rift. tary post in Qatar had been com- malia two years ago and also gained largest supplier of liquefied natural the league of hypocrisy. He said Tur- The boycotting nations set 13 de- pleted and that the new installation permission from Sudan to rebuild gas, has responded by supporting key was hosting 4 million refugees mands for lifting the boycott, includ- would be named after Khalid bin an Ottoman port city on Sudan’s Red Turkey with $15 billion in the middle and was looking after them without ing closing Al Jazeera television, Walid, a famous general of Muslim Sea coast and construct a naval dock of a severe currency crisis last year. support by Arab countries. shuttering a Turkish military base, armies in the days of the Prophet Mo- to maintain civilian and military ves- During Erdogan’s visit, the central “Turkey is the only country that reducing ties with Iran and cutting hammad in the seventh century. Me- sels. banks of the two countries signed an spent over $40 billion for these, links to the Muslim Brotherhood. The dia reports stated that Qatar intends Ankara and Doha have grown agreement for a $5 billion swap deal while the Arab League did not give a reported trip by the Qatari FM fuelled to buy 100 Turkish tanks. closer since Saudi Arabia, the United to strengthen bilateral trade, but it penny to support them,” Daily Sabah speculation about Doha’s willingness A Qatar-Turkey Combined Joint Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt was unclear if the arrangement was quoted the Turkish leader as saying. to accommodate the demands of its Gulf neighbours, especially regard- ing severing its controversial ties with the Muslim Brotherhood and Why Doha condoned Iranian attacks on Saudi installations Islamic extremists in general. The Brotherhood is considered a terror- The Arab Weekly staff leased mainly through the Saudis,” near Fujairah, and that elements of ing major problems, especially ist organisation by many of the GCC said US Marine General Kenneth the Iranian government as well as because of the regime’s failure to countries and Egypt. McKenzie, who oversees opera- the state of Qatar were aware of the diversify the country’s economy. When asked about the foreign London tions in the Middle East and South IRGC’s activities,” Fox News said in High-level Arab political sources minister’s visit, a senior Qatari of- Asia. its report. indicated that they were not sur- ficial told Reuters Doha has “wel- atar had advance knowl- McKenzie said: “We are work- After reviewing the Fox News prised at the Qatari-Iranian coor- comed each and every opportunity” edge of the September 14 ing with the Saudis to enhance report, French lawmaker Nathalie dination targeting Saudi Arabia, to resolve the current row “through attacks on Saudi Aramco’s the networking between their sys- Goulet said she was deeply con- because it has been going on for open dialogue and mutual respect of Q oil facilities, Western in- tems. That will make them better cerned about the information she many years, especially since both each country’s sovereignty.” telligence sources said. able to defend against this type of received and that she would send countries have cooperated closely Saudi Minister of State for Foreign The sources pointed out that Iran threats.” the report to the Ministry of De- with the Muslim Brotherhood and Affairs Adel al-Jubeir told reporters had informed Qatar in advance of The US official said boosting fence and ask questions to her Eu- gave it protection. The Saudi-led in November that Riyadh was still the attacks as part of the coordina- the US military presence at Prince ropean colleagues in charge of the Arab quartet has imposed a boy- waiting for Doha to answer the de- tion that exists between the two Sultan Air Base south of Riyadh, Middle East. cott of Qatar since June 2017. mands. sides regarding Saudi Arabia. in addition to at other large bases, The United States and France Two Western officials told Reuters The drone attacks caused signifi- would “complicate an adversary’s have stepped up radar system ca- Western intelligence early efforts at internal reconciliation targeting ability.” pabilities in Saudi Arabia following cant damage to Aramco’s facilities sources had disclosed that on Qatar seem to be underway. Arab at Abqaiq and Khurais and reduced Western intelligence sources had the drone and missile attacks on experts have, however, expressed Saudi oil production for several disclosed that Qatar had advance the kingdom’s oil infrastructure. Qatar had advance scepticism about Doha’s readiness to days. knowledge of the Iranian attacks Washington had blamed the at- knowledge of the Iranian change course in matters of regional A Gulf security official expressed on Aramco’s facilities days after tacks on Iran. attacks on Aramco’s policy. They cite recent indications of the belief that Qatar’s objective Fox News had revealed that Qatar French Defence Minister Flor- facilities. continued Qatari proximity to Turkey went beyond the destructive im- also knew beforehand of the at- ence Parly said Paris was sepa- and Iran and the lack of any change in pact of the operation in that it was tacks carried out on May 12 by the rately sending Riyadh “a set of Doha has increased its support its stances towards Islamists. meant to sabotage Saudi oil giant Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard powerful early warning systems,” for the Houthis in Yemen. This They say a soccer tournament in Aramco’s planned initial public Corps against four oil tankers, two including radar systems that can support was evident in the assis- Qatar that kicked off on November offering by suggesting that its fa- of which were Saudi and the other detect and destroy low-flying ob- tance provided by Qatar to Yemeni 25 with teams from the United Arab cilities were under threat of attack two Norwegian and Emirati, off the jects. tribes in the vicinity of Sana’a to Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and that investment in Aramco UAE port of Fujairah. The tankers Saudi Minister of State for For- distance themselves from the for- should not be overplayed as a sign of carries significant risks. were moderately damaged. eign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir said at mer Yemeni President Ali Abdul- improving ties. Pro-Iranian Houthi rebels, who Fox News reported that Qatar the Manama Dialogue Conference lah Saleh, who had close ties with A Gulf Arab diplomat said a region- control an area of northern Yemen, was aware of the Iranian attacks on in late November that Riyadh was these tribes and their leaders. al summit expected early next month including Sana’a, have claimed re- merchant vessels and oil tankers in consulting its allies about meas- This type of support made it eas- in Riyadh could lay the groundwork sponsibility for the attacks, while the Gulf of Oman and did not pro- ures to be taken against Iran after ier for the Houthis, according to for improving ties, which is more Saudi Arabia and US official sourc- vide this information to the Ameri- completing the investigation into area experts, to assassinate the for- likely now than at any recent time, if es said the launch of the drones cans or the French and the British. the Aramco attacks. mer Yemeni president on Decem- Doha delivers tangible evidence of a was from Iranian territory. “Credible intelligence reports in- Washington’s sanctions have ber 3, 2017. Ali Abdullah Saleh was change of course in its regional poli- “We continue to process infor- dicate that the Islamic Revolution- had a direct impact on Iran’s abil- living in those days at his home in cies. mation on the attack against Ara- ary Guard Corps’ (IRGC’s) al-Quds ity to export its oil at a time when Sana’a and began taking steps to mco. The conclusions will be re- Force is responsible for the attacks its economy has been experienc- rid Sana’a of Iranian influence. (With Reuters.) 12 December 1, 2019 News & Analysis Algeria European support for Algeria’s protests finds no takers

Lamine Ghanmi spearheaded by the army-backed authorities as a solution to Algeria’s worst political crisis since independ- Tunis ence. The resolution stated that the law- large majority in the Euro- makers “sharply condemn the arbi- pean Parliament has voted trary and illegal arrest, detention, in favour of a resolution intimidation and attacks against A lending support for Algerian journalists, trade union activists, protesters who have for nine months lawyers, human rights defenders been campaigning for change from and civil society activists as well as the military-dominated regime but peaceful demonstrators taking part the effort was rebuffed by both the in the peaceful protests of the Hirak.” Too little, too late. European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Algerian government and the protest They urged the “immediate re- Federica Mogherini speaks during a Plenary session on the situation of freedom in Algeria, at the (DPA) leaders. lease” of detainees, including 24 European Parliament in Strasbourg, November 28. The Algerian Foreign Ministry arrested protest figures the resolu- slammed the resolution as a new at- tion named, and called on Algeria the people. No revolution has won openly promoting their agenda of with a broad review of its relations tempt to bring into Algeria the type to change laws to end what it called when foreigners intervened in it,” engineered chaos which had been with the whole European institu- of “engineered chaos” that had al- persecution and harassment of rights the protests’ leading figure, human unfortunately implemented in many tions,” the Foreign Ministry said. ready spread ruin and armed conflict activists and the curtailing of politi- rights lawyer Mustapha Bouchachi, brotherly countries,” the ministry Gaid Salah, Algeria’s de facto lead- elsewhere in the Arab world. cal and civic freedoms. has told protesters in the streets of said. er since the ouster of Bouteflika, said The resolution also said: “The Algiers. The Algerian ministry was hinting hours before the European Parlia- European Union Parliament is con- The Algerian Foreign Ministry at bloody wars in Syria and Libya, ment vote: “The National Popular The European Parliament’s vinced that democratic reforms and warned the country’s partners in Eu- which erupted after the 2011 upris- Army, which is the protector of Alge- support resolution was constructive and inclusive dialogue rope that Algiers would re-examine ings in the region. ria, will be able as always to analyse rebuffed by both the bring political, economic and social its ties with the EU in the light of Authorities had tried to dissuade and anticipate the looming challeng- Algerian government and stability to Algeria which will give an their future actions after the vote the European Parliament from voting es. It also knows how to prepare in the protest leaders. impetus to build a prosperous Arab on the resolution, which was sent to on the resolution. Attacks on the EP’s an appropriate manner to be ready at Maghreb Union which is significant each member of the European bloc legislative intent came from Interim any time to face anyone attempting Leading protest figure and Jil Jadid for a successful cooperation between and to the United Nations. President Abdelkader Bensalah, the to target the homeland.” opposition party head Soufiane Djila- the two shores of the Mediterrane- “The European Parliament, at the government’s spokesman, the five “The Algerian people with their li tweeted that “the European parlia- an.” instigation of a group of deputies presidential candidates and the army determination and their army with mentarians used the Algerian Hirak No opposition party or protest fig- from diverse partisan affiliations, has chief General Ahmed Gaid Salah. its commitment to preserve Algeria to pander to their voters and not for ure in Algeria has asked for support arrogantly taken the liberty of ruling State media reminded European free and sovereign in its decisions do the good of Algerians. Yes to the soli- from abroad during the nine months on the current political process in our states of the strong economic and not accept any interference or dik- darity between the peoples but not at of protests that led to the ouster country at this moment in time when security ties with Algeria and that Al- tat from no one and I insist from no any cost.” of long-time President Abdelaziz Algerians are preparing to elect a giers is backed by China and Russia, one,” he added. “If Europe wants to help Algeria, it Bouteflika April 2, leaving the coun- new president in full democracy and “two states with huge interests in the Political writer Hasna Yacoub said must help it recover the stolen mon- try without an elected president. transparency,” the ministry added in country to defend against foreign in- the general’s admonition to Europe- ey,” he said. “Count only on your unity and a statement. tervention.” ans is “full of hidden messages and The broad approval of the reso- determination to carry on with this “With this resolution, the Euro- “Algeria condemns and rejects in the situation is serious.” lution by the European lawmakers peaceful revolution. Do not expect pean parliament has above all con- both substance and form this obvi- November 28 came 13 days before foreign help. A revolution succeeds firmed, at the initiative of the insti- ous interference in its internal affairs Lamine Ghanmi is an Arab Weekly scheduled presidential elections only with the solidarity and unity of gating deputies, that it is henceforth and reserves the right to proceed correspondent in Tunis. Viewpoint Why Algerian protests are absent from international news

Bouteflika rule (1999-2019), many the pro-democracy movement and symbolise another Algeria, one that sit comfortably with the cliche of well-known international journalists treats those clamouring for reform is anathema to generals whose greed the “violent” Arab or Berber. Young were never able to secure a visa to as traitors to the nation. for power and money are matched women in Western clothes chanting Francis Ghilès report on the country, even when If you flip this official coin, real by their refusal to engage with the witty slogans in excellent French the peace had returned. Algerians are open to the world, world. are disconcerting for observers The gravity of the civil war left outgoing, sharp and possessed of a Algeria comes into the interna- who incline to the binary Islamist ith a few excep- most European observers unsure of sense of black humour, which comes tional limelight on rare occasions versus secular cliche so beloved by tions in the Arab what to think and little inclined to across in the many artists who – in 1982 its diplomats brokered the Western politicians. The attention media and the TV go and find out. Even Algeria’s best are reaching out to the world: the release of US diplomats held hostage span of the West is very short: how, channel France friends often get their visas turned painter Hichem Gaou – El Moustach, in Tehran for 444 days in one of the people ask, can demonstrations last 24, the inter- down without explanation, or the ethno-pop group Amel Zen, the greatest coups of modern diplo- ten months and fail to bring about a national media worse, without even the courtesy of modernised chaabi music groups macy. The European Parliament is revolution? The idea that millions of Whave paid scant attention to the a reply or notification, what they call Trou de Memoire and ZaZanoun, due to vote a motion in support of Muslims might be genuinely clam- widespread demonstrations and the privately “running out the clock” on the film “Papicha,” which will be freedom and basic rights in Algeria, ouring for democracy puzzles them. presidential election in Algeria set visa applicants often with previous featured at the Oscars in the United a rare gesture from Europe, whose The presidential election will for next month. Protests in Hong “clean” visits to the country. States. All speak of a desire to dia- leaders seem uninterested in the most probably go ahead as planned Kong warrant wall-to-wall coverage The rare journalists who do logue with the world. clamour for democracy that fills the on December 12. The Berber heart- on the BBC; those in Latin Ameri- visit find themselves hemmed in The writer Assia Djebbar, a streets of Algeria every Friday. land of Kabylia will refuse to vote can figure prominently in Spanish by heavy-handed security minders member of the French Academy, Other factors are at play. Nothing massively; in large cities the turnout newspapers. But, for all intents and who prevent them from carrying and Elias Zerhouni, who under US excites the media as does the smell is likely to be less than 50%, as in purposes, Algeria does not exist for out their work. Back in the 1970s President Barack Obama was among of blood. The peace- 2014, and the ballot boxes might the outside media, even in Barce- and 1980s, the hand of security was the first presidential science ful nature of Algerian well be stuffed. The military leaders lona, which is 50 minutes by plane much lighter than today. Many well- envoys to foster demonstrators will take little notice of what is said from Algiers, respected European and American scientific and who clean up abroad and, after a flurry of com- A number of explanations for this journalists and TV crews travelled to technologi- the streets after ments in the international media, state of affairs can be put forward. and reported on the country. cal coop- marches does not life will continue as before. There is no boycott of Algeria by Senior military and security eration Or will it? international media. The country’s officials are well practiced in the with other Algeria is going through a slow- military establishment, which is the art of building an image of a dour, nations, fuse revolutionary process that is primary beneficiary and defender of inhospitable country that is unlikely to stop after the elec- the existing political order has, since suspicious of foreigners. By tion. Social media show Algeria’s independence in 1962, made the cutting millions of Algerians off Moroccan neighbours are follow- access of foreign reporters to Africa’s from their North African and ing their fight for freedom with largest country difficult. European neighbours, their aim empathy. Most Algerians, young When EU countries imposed visas was to exacerbate nationalism. and old, are desperate to rekindle on North African visitors in mid- Constant recourse to the “glorious” the dialogue with their neighbours 1980 Algeria, an important supplier fight against the French coloniser but that can only come if and of oil and gas to the European Union, suits leaders, some of whom only when true political and economic responded in kind. Neighbouring rallied the National Liberation Army reforms change the dour national- Tunisia and Morocco did not follow late in the day. ism of ageing generals. Algeria because that would have Bouteflika ran Algeria as a bunker Blindspot. Demonstrators carry banners compromised the important foreign state. Today the state TV channel and flags during a protest rejecting the Francis Ghilès is an associate income they earned from tourism. is worthy of Stalin’s Soviet Union, December presidential election in Algiers, fellow at the Barcelona Centre for Over two decades of Abdelaziz no less. It pours abuse on the Hirak, November 26. (Reuters) International Affairs. December 1, 2019 13 News & Analysis Maghreb Tunisia’s Islamist party’s chief resigns, exposing rifts within Ennahda leadership

Lamine Ghanmi and highly skilled middle class. Patience With the fissures in leadership and running thin. the rise of a more radical Islamist Former Secre- Tunis group, Al Karama Coalition, that has tary-General 21 seats in parliament and is both an of Tunisia’s unisia’s Islamist Ennahda ally and rival of Ennahda, the latter Islamist party’s top official stepped faces hard choices. A rightward shift Ennahda down in protest of the ruling would discredit its narrative of being party Zied T party’s policies amid fierce a moderate “Muslim Democratic” Laadhari. jockeying for control of the move- movement. (Reuters) ment’s decision-making process. Ennahda has so far boasted an ap- Zied Laadhari’s decision to step pearance of stability and discipline, down as secretary-general of the par- as well as an ability to attract all con- ty follows his resignation as a minis- servative segments of the popula- ter in the cabinet of Prime Minister tion to its carefully crafted political Youssef Chahed. The moves exposed plank. rifts within a disciplined party that is Ennahda came first in the parlia- usually mum about internal differ- mentary elections, winning 52 seats ences. Dissonant voices within Is- and earning the right to nominate lamist ranks have amplified since En- the prime minister, who will select nahda President Rached Ghannouchi the next cabinet. has tried to steer cabinet formation Ghannouchi was elected speaker while serving as the first Islamist after the party got the vote of the speaker of parliament in 64 years. liberal Qalb Tounes party. Both par- “I have been all the time commit- ties backtracked on their pledges to ted to and respectful of the party’s “never ally” with each other. choices even when I disagreed… But Ghannouchi and other leaders in ment when I believe the next govern- time publicly to step down. next government was not sound at the end I find myself really help- the Islamist movement had said Qalb ment could be the government of the The protest mood then spread. based on considerations of political less to carry on with any leadership Tounes “is clouded with corruption last chance for the country. We have The first salvo emanated from independence and competence. Al- responsibility whether in the party suspicions” after its leader Nabil Ka- no margin for error because any mis- Zoubeir Shehoudi, a senior Ennahda though Jemli has no party activity or in the government in the current roui was jailed for money laundering take will come with heavy prices.” official who was for a while Ghan- within Ennahda, no one can deny climate,” said Laadhari in his resigna- and tax evasion before the second Laadhari did not name who among nouchi’s chief-of-staff. he is close to the movement. That tion letter made public November 28. round of the presidential elections the party’s leaders is or are behind “I ask him (Ghannouchi) to resign perception is widespread among the Laadhari faulted the party for October 13. the policies he criticises. from politics and stay home,” She- public,” Laadhari told a local televi- nominating agriculture expert Ha- Laadhari said he would have pre- But other party leaders point to houdi said. He accused Ghannouchi sion station after his resignation. bib Jemli as the next prime minister, ferred for Ennahda to have nominat- Ghannouchi for designing Ennahda’s of being surrounded by “a corrupt “As for the competence, I estimate casting doubts on the competence ed for prime minister an “independ- strategy for the elections and manag- and corrupting minority in the par- that the country is saturated with of the nominee for the top job. The ent personality… renowned for their ing its aftermath. ty’s leadership.” economic competences more rec- choice of Jemli, he said, “is put- competence, fairness and boldness Disgruntled activists assailed Tunisian analysts argued that the ognised than Habib Jemli,” added ting the Islamist movement and the to unify the largest spectrum of Tu- Ghannouchi after Ennahda’s candi- nomination of Jemli, a former junior Laadhari. country on a path fraught with risks nisians and able to restore trust at date, Abdelfattah Mourou, failed to minister in the Ennahda-led govern- “However, for the record, Ghan- we do not know the repercussions home and enhance the image of the win the presidency. ment in 2012-2013 who lacks a party nouchi was not enthusiastic about and costs of.” country abroad.” Mourou, as the party’s presidential base or broad support among the Jemli. He leaned towards a more Laadhari’s resignation showed “I was not convinced by the deci- candidate, won 434,530 votes, an public, would make it easy for En- open and independent personality,” Islamists had failed to regroup af- sions and choices taken by the par- indication that Ennahda’s electorate nahda to control both the parliament he said. ter their differences were exposed ty’s institutions, the latest of these had fallen from 1.5 million in 2011 and the government. “I’m not convinced of the whole before the presidential and parlia- decisions involving the case of the and 1 million in 2014. According to experts, Ghannouchi ongoing process. When I see Jemli mentary elections in September and formation of the next cabinet that Unprecedented challenges to is trying to be the kingmaker behind holding two meetings with Said October. I see has failed to meet the expec- Ghannouchi’s leadership surged af- a safe choice for prime minister as Jaziri (head of the ultraconservative With the resignation of Laadhari, tations of the Tunisians and their ter the first round of the presiden- he competes for power and influ- Errahma party) and when I see these 44, the infighting has extended to message during the latest elections,” tial elections, which many Islamists ence with President Kais Saied, who folkloric encounters and when I look the party’s successor generation Laadhari added. viewed as a defeat for the party and won a resounding 73% of the popu- at the list of his advisers I say to my- on which Ennahda was counting to “I feel that we are repeating the the policies of its leader. lar vote. self the country is not going in the broaden its base among the urban same mistakes of the past at a mo- Ghannouchi was asked for the first “The choice of Jemli to lead the right direction,” added Laadhari. Mauritania’s former president chairs panel signalling powerplay for political comeback

The Arab Weekly staff to claim a leading role alongside the and leaders to avoid disagreement officials and party leaders at a meet- dent to two terms of five years each. president with the eight-paragraph and unify the ranks to make Mauri- ing in the presidency November Ould Abdel Aziz is credited with statement repeating six times that tania strong, free and prosperous.” 25 that “his relation with Ould Ab- bringing about political stability, Tunis Ould Abdel Aziz is the “party’s Supporters of Ould el Ghazouani del Aziz is exceptional, combining security and relative economic and founder” while making reference to in the party argued that lashing up brotherhood, comradeship and social development in the desert ormer Mauritanian Presi- Ould el Ghazouani only in the sev- the group, with the biggest num- friendship.” nation in West Africa at the front dent Mohamed Ould Abdel enth paragraph where he is called bers of deputies in the parliament, “It is wrong to believe that those line of a global fight against jihadists Aziz made a surprising po- “his Excellency the president” — to the president will strengthen po- who abuse my friend and prede- in the Sahel African area. F litical comeback to claim the not the usual “his Excellency the litical stability. cessor will gain proximity with But his abrupt return to the po- leadership of the country’s ruling president of the Republic.” me. We all worked together inside litical scene prompted fears about party, provoking stormy reactions The statement also said “the par- Eight opposition groups the regime to further the country’s political stability as no president in from backers of his successor, Mo- ty has no links to persons and the interests,” Ould el Ghazouani was Mauritania ever tolerated his prede- hamed Ould el Ghazouani, and op- government” — in stark contrast to called on Mauritanians to quoted as saying. cessor’s control of the ruling party. position parties a few months after the party’s role and ties with the demonstrate against Ould Local media also quoted Ould el Eight opposition groups called a rare power transition in the West government as a ruling party during Abdel Aziz’s political Ghazouani as “insisting that the on Mauritanians to demonstrate African nation. Ould Abdel Aziz’s tenure. comeback December 7, party is fundamental to be the po- against Ould Abdel Aziz’s politi- Ould Abdel Aziz emphasised his Ould Abdel Aziz’s move jolted citing concerns about a litical arm of his power.” cal comeback December 7, citing return to the political fray Novem- Ould el Ghazouani’s backers in the potential power struggle Speaking at his home in the capi- concerns about a potential power ber 15 by chairing a five-hour meet- party after the president had met between him and Ould el tal, Nouakchott, Ould Abdel Aziz struggle between him and Ould el ing of the managing committee of top figures in the party at the presi- Ghazouani. told his supporters: “Ould el Ghaz- Ghazounani. the ruling Union for the Republic dency to mull over ways to damp the ouani intervened in the party’s deci- “Does Ould Abdel Aziz restrict Party to “discuss the party’s situa- incipient political power struggle. They were challenged by their sion and activities. He has no right himself to eat grapes of politics af- tion and its prospects.” A gathering of the 27-member colleagues in the party siding with to do so. ter the wine of power? That’s the The party issued an ostentatious managing committee of the party Ould Abdel Aziz, who insists Ould el “What Ould el Ghazouani had un- question Mauritanians keep ask- statement to mark the political ter- November 26 showed that 18 mem- Ghazouani was not a member of the dertaken is not constitutional. The ing since Ould Abdel Aziz stepped ritory of the former president and bers were siding with Ould el Ghaz- party and the move to tie the party constitution bars the president from down,” said political writer Cheikh to distance itself from Ould el Ghaz- ouani as “the exclusive reference to him was “illegal and unconstitu- being member or leader of a party. Mohamed Horma. ouani in a break from a tradition to the party” while nine remained tional.” “I will oppose that with all means. “Hints of an answer to that ques- according to which the ruling party loyal to Ould Abdel Aziz. “Be sure, brother Aziz, that we Those who are with me on that must tion began to surface after Ould Ab- embraced the new president and ig- Ould el Ghazouani’s backers in the will confront you if you become say it,” he added. del Aziz returned from abroad and nored his predecessor. committee said in a statement that the symbol of the rebellion against Ould el Ghazouani was elected immediately held the party’s lead- “Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz “the Union for the Republic Party’s the political and constitutional le- president as the ruling party’s can- ership meeting,” he added. urged the committee members to go political reference stems absolutely gitimate order,” said Mohamed Ould didate with 52% of the votes in June “He signalled that he does not ahead in the efforts to achieve the and exclusively from his Excellency Mham, the party’s chief under Aziz’s 22 elections, ushering a rare peace- want the status of a former presi- party’s aim to forge a societal pro- the President of the Republic Mo- presidency. ful power change in a country often dent. He seeks the leadership of the ject that meets the expectations of hamed Ould Cheikh el Ghazouani “I beg you in the name of the plagued by turbulence and military party to bolster his claim of sharing Mauritanian society,” the party said and his political programme, which strong bonds between us to stop coups. power with the president.” in a statement after the meeting. had gained the confidence of the this,” he tweeted to his former men- Ould Abdel Aziz has been widely “Such power-sharing never hap- Mauritanian analysts said the Mauritanian people in general and tor. praised for stepping down at the pened in Mauritania. The seat of carefully worded statement under- the party’s members. Local media reported that Ould end of two mandates to respect the power cannot be divided by two,” scored Ould Abdel Aziz’s ambitions “We urge the party’s members el Ghazouani told top government constitution that limits the presi- Horma said. 14 December 1, 2019 News & Analysis Egypt Authorities remove and ban ten Muslim Brotherhood’s preachers from mosques

Ahmed Megahid the involvement of mosque preach- ers in politics,” said Sheikh Fouad Cairo Abdel Azeem, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Islamic Endowments. “This involvement affects their inde- gyptian authorities have pendence negatively and does not stepped up their crackdown serve public interests.” on the Muslim Brotherhood Muslim Brotherhood affiliates are E by taking moves to keep at the centre of an all-out purge in preachers affiliated with the Islamist other state institutions. group away from mosques. Muslim Brotherhood loyalists had The Ministry of Islamic Endow- been part of Egypt’s administrative ments, which is responsible for or- apparatus for decades. Thousands ganising the work of tens of thou- of these affiliates were given jobs in sands of mosques across Egypt, state institutions in the one year dur- recently sacked ten preachers for ing which Morsi ruled, specialists belonging to the Brotherhood, the said. movement of late Islamist President “They succeeded in infiltrating all Muhammad Morsi. institutions, especially during this one year,” said leading political Islam specialist Muneer Adeeb. “This is Control over the mosques very dangerous.” and the schools allowed In October, Minister of Education the Islamist group to reach Tarek Shawqi revealed that his min- many members of the istry had sacked 1,070 schoolteach- public. ers who belonged to the Muslim Brotherhood. The same preachers cannot preach The dismissal of these teachers, at any of the nation’s mosques in the he said, aimed to protect the pupils future, the ministry said in a state- against extremism. ment on November 21. The Muslim Brotherhood is deeply The ministry’s decision is part entrenched in Egypt’s schools and of a nationwide clampdown on the mosques. Control over the mosques movement that rose to power in 2012 and the schools allowed the Islamist but then turned into the main source group to reach many members of the of instability after Egyptians protest- public. ed against it with help from the army Apart from preaching at the a year later. mosques, Muslim Brotherhood af- Egyptian authorities accuse the filiates offered free tutorials to poor Muslim Brotherhood, which started children. Outside the mosques, they as an educational charity organi- offered free food and medicines to sation in 1928 but then turned to the poor. politics using the Islamic religion, The presence of the Brotherhood of destabilising the country and in the mosques is seen as an unparal- A target of infiltration. Worshippers sit, pray and read from the Quran inside the 10th-century staging hundreds of terrorist attacks. leled danger by authorities because historic al-Azhar Mosque in Cairo’s Islamic quarter. (AFP) Muslim Brotherhood-affiliatedmosque preachers have access to militias have carried out numerous millions of people every day. The attacks against state institutions mosques have also proven to be im- called for its presence to be eradi- mosques and complaints, if there are influence on the beliefs and the be- and churches and targeted dozens of portant recruitment grounds for ter- cated. any. haviour of the public in a country members of the police force. rorist organisations. The ministry sends the applica- “These three mechanisms decide where religion is the orbit of life for In late 2013, Egypt designated the Egyptian educational authorities tions of potential workers, especially whether preachers will keep their many, analysts said. Brotherhood a “terrorist” organisa- have revised school curricula with preachers, to security agencies to jobs,” Abdel Azeem said. “The presence of the Brotherhood tion. A year later, the parliament the aim of removing extremist con- check whether they are connected Keeping extremists away from the in state institutions is extremely passed a law that banned the ap- tent. Al-Azhar, the epicentre of Sun- with terrorist or extremist groups mosques is seen as an important step dangerous,” said political science re- pointment of the affiliates of terror- ni Islamic learning, is also doing the before hiring them. in Egypt’s war against extremism searcher Ammar Ali Hassan. “It is es- ist organisations in state agencies. same with the curricula it teaches at Ministry inspectors keep an eye and extremist groups, especially the pecially dangerous in the case of the These were the two laws the Min- its schools and universities. on the preachers after they are hired Muslim Brotherhood. mosques because it can use these istry of Islamic Endowments used In July, Minister of Islamic En- and assess their performance. There are 102,000 mosques in mosques in spreading its ideology.” in justifying the dismissal of the ten dowments Mokhtar Gomaa warned The ministry also asks the mem- Egypt. The Ministry of Islamic En- aforementioned preachers. against the Muslim Brotherhood bers of the public to send evalua- dowments has a total workforce of Ahmed Megahid is an Egyptian “The ministry has rules that ban presence in state institutions and tions of the preachers at their local 60,000. These workers have a strong reporter in Cairo. Egyptian lawsuit against Erdogan shines light on alleged war crimes, terror support

Ahmed Fouad Situations in which a person list, whether the traditional one the European Union, Saudi Arabia, Bob Menendez of New Jersey is the can be put on the watchlist are or the terrorist list, but it could Bahrain and the UAE.” author of aborted pro-Armenian specified by The Egyptian Code of increase scrutiny on the Turkish Such lawsuits are also increasing resolutions in the Senate. Both US Cairo Criminal Procedures and include leader. international pressure on Erdogan lawmakers are frequent critics of being sentenced to prison, being “What is common in the Egyp- and exposing his alleged violations the Egyptian regime. n Egyptian resident’s required for the necessity of pros- tian judicial system is that the against minority groups in Turkey. By championing Kurdish is- lawsuit against Turkish ecution, the proper conduct of tri- judge considers only the irrefuta- Turkey has been on the defen- sues, Egypt could also strengthen President Recep Tayyip als or ensuring that the sentences ble evidence such as fingerprints, sive since the US House of Repre- its relationship with the minority A Erdogan argues he should would be carried out. recordings, documents or match- sentatives passed a resolution in group’s associations and commu- be blacklisted in the country for his ing testimonies after assuring October recognising the Ottoman nities. alleged war crimes and terror sup- them, but human rights reports on Empire’s genocide against Arme- This relationship is especially port. Despite the legal hurdle, Erdogan’s alleged crimes in Syria nians in the early 20th century and important to Cairo given Turkey’s The lawsuit, filed by Majdi al- the case against Erdogan is can’t be evidence,” Jibril said. affirming Armenians’ right to fair incursion into northern Syria that Kurdi, an Egyptian resident who sure to have a political He added: “It is difficult to verify compensation. reportedly led to the escape of ISIS heads the World Federation of impact. the crimes since these occurred in Egypt hosts several Armenian fighters held in Kurdish jails, which Kurdish Diaspora, singles out the another country. It is also difficult associations that are attempting contain many Egyptians, stated a Turkish president for his alleged Egypt’s ‘”Terrorist Entities Act to document Erdogan’s support for to sue the Turkish government for report from El-Watan newspaper support for designated terror of 2015” (an updated version of terrorist groups, as these proce- denying the genocide. in 2017. groups such as the Muslim Broth- Egypt’s access watchlist) states dures are conducted in closed con- Apart from exerting pressure on The Kurdish associations can erhood, the Islamic State (ISIS) and that “any person who commits, fidential circles in any country and Erdogan, the Egyptian regime’s be a mediator between the Egyp- al-Nusra Front and his military attempts, instigates, threatens or are always difficult to involve the pro-Armenian/Kurdish stance tian regime and the Kurdistan Re- use of weapons containing white plans, at home or abroad, a terror- political leadership of that country could also serve as a way to make gional Government in northern phosphorous against Kurdish civil- ist crime, either individually or in directly.” inroads with its critics in the US’s Syria to share information about ians in north-eastern Syria during partnership with an organisation, Despite the legal hurdle, the case Democratic Party, many of whom the Egyptian ISIS fighters that had October raids. or whoever knowingly leads, es- against Erdogan is sure to have a are strong supporters of the Arme- been held at the Kurdish camps, The lawsuit calls for Erdogan to tablishes, joins or contributes to political impact. nians and Kurds. as Egypt may have concerns that be included on an Egyptian access any terrorist group” should be in- One benefit, political science US Democratic Representative direct negotiations with Kurdistan watchlist that would effectively cluded. Professor Ahmed Helmy said, is Adam Schiff, of California, for ex- government would be an implicit make him persona non grata in the Legal expert Mohammad Jibril “encouraging more Kurdish as- ample, is the author of two reso- recognition of the division of Syria country. believes that the lawsuit against sociations in other countries to lutions condemning Turkey for into two regions and governments. The Court of Urgent Matters is Erdogan won’t bring forward prosecute Erdogan, especially in the Armenian massacres and Tur- scheduled to begin reviewing the enough direct evidence against countries with troubled relations key’s operations in northern Syria Ahmed Fouad is an Egyptian lawsuit December 14. him to have him included on the with Turkey, like some countries of against Kurds. Democratic Senator writer. December 1, 2019 15 News & Analysis Syria Turkey faces uphill battle to get Western partners on board for Syria resettlement plan

Thomas Seibert Carlo Masala, an international af- fairs expert at Bundeswehr Univer- sity in Munich, said the meetings in Istanbul London were unlikely to bridge the wide gaps between Turkey and its urkey is facing an uphill allies. “The truth is that Turkey has task in trying to convince been conducting anti-NATO poli- its reluctant Western part- cies in its region,” Masala said by T ners to accept its latest Syria telephone. “In a worst-case scenar- intervention and to support an am- io, Turkey’s conduct could paralyse bitious plan to resettle millions of NATO.” refugees in a “safe zone” held by the Masala said he expected Turkey Turkish Army. and other NATO members to work Turkish President Recep Tayyip on wording in the summit’s final Erdogan is set to present the reset- communiqué that could paper over tlement plan to a NATO summit De- their deep differences. By acknowl- cember 3-4 in London and at a sub- edging Turkey’s security concerns sequent meeting with the leaders along its border with Syria in gener- of the so-called E3 group — France, al terms, the statement could “help Germany and Great Britain. both sides to save face,” he said. Erdogan, under pressure at home Syria is not the only issue where amid rising anger from voters about Turkey has been at odds with other the high number of refugees in the NATO members. Ankara’s decision country, says the “safe zone” could to buy the Russian S-400 missile house up to 3 million Syrians living defence system has some alliance in Turkey once new houses and in- officials wondering whether it is frastructure for the returnees were turning towards the East. Masala built for an estimated cost of more said the fact that Turkey tested the than $20 billion. Ankara wants Eu- S-400 by having the Russian system ropean countries, which are con- zoom in on a US-made F-16 fighter cerned about the prospect of a new plane just days before the NATO wave of refugees from Syria, to pick summit carried a political signal: Caught in the middle. Displaced Syrian children stand behind a fence outside their tents in a camp up the bill, but EU officials have re- “The message is: ‘We do have alter- set up near the village of Kafr Lusin, in Idlib’s northern countryside near the Syria-Turkey border, jected the plan. natives,’” Masala said. October 22. (AFP) Turkey sent its army into Syria on Turkey on November 27 rejected October 9 to push the Kurdish Peo- criticism from the United States ple’s Protection Units (YPG) militia, over the S-400 test. “You don’t buy a news agency reported from Brus- Masala said proposals by Euro- Ankara, also said Turkey would not seen as a terrorist group by Ankara, product to keep it in a box,” Turkish sels, citing senior alliance sources. pean politicians for a Syrian “safe be prepared to share control over away from the border and to set up Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu European leaders are concerned zone” under international control parts of northern Syria with inter- the “safe zone.” said during a press conference. about the consequences of Tur- were expected to come up during national troops under European The fighting stopped after Erdog- There were other indications of key’s Syria intervention. French Erdogan’s meeting with E3 leaders command. But different political an struck ceasefire deals with Rus- Turkey employing hardball tactics President Emmanuel Macron called Macron, Angela Merkel and Boris priorities in Syria would not neces- sia and the United States but the ac- in the run-up to the NATO meeting, Turkey’s move “crazy.” Referring to Johnson. “Erdogan will probably sarily keep Turkey and Europe from tion deepened a long-running row held to commemorate the 70th an- Turkey’s action against the YPG, he reject them” because Turkey was working together in some areas, he between Ankara and Washington niversary of the founding of the al- also expressed dismay at the fact unwilling to share control over Syr- said by telephone. because the United States regards liance. that “another NATO power had de- ian territory with the Europeans, “Political relations between Tur- the YPG as a vital ally in the fight Ankara is refusing to back a NATO cided to attack partners of the coali- Masala said. On the other hand, key and Europe are going through against remnants of the Islamic defence plan for the Baltics and Po- tion fighting Islamic State.” the Turkish leader was unlikely to a rough patch, but joint concerns State. land until the alliance offers Ankara Speaking in October, Macron said return to Ankara after his London will force both sides to cooperate,” Both US and European officials more political support for its fight the four-way summit at the end of meetings with financial pledges by Orhan said. One issue where Tur- have criticised the Turkish incur- against the YPG, Reuters reported the NATO meeting would be crucial. Europe for his own resettlement key and Europe had to find a way sion, triggering an angry response on November 26. Ankara has told “It’s important to meet and coor- plan, he added: “The Europeans forward was the fate of foreign Is- by Erdogan, who said Turkey would its NATO envoy not to sign off on dinate between the three Europe- will not promise him money for lamic State fighters from European “open the gates” to send hundreds the plan and is taking a tough line ans and Turkey,” Macron said. “We that.” countries that are in Turkish deten- of thousands of Syrians to Europe if in meetings and in private conver- need to see where Turkey is going Oytun Orhan, coordinator for Le- tion. Ankara started to send Euro- the Europeans did not support An- sations, demanding the alliance and how to bring it back to a reason- vant Studies at the Centre for Mid- pean and American ISIS fighters kara’s plans. recognise the YPG as terrorists, the able position.” dle Eastern Studies, a think-tank in home earlier this month. Viewpoint Vlogging thrives as tool of propaganda in Syria yria’s war, perhaps unlike not only presenting Syria as a safe leader, representing the fascist Syr- him handle himself in Syria and any other civil conflict this and civilised place, in contrast to the ian Socialist National Party. other videos, Drew isn’t exactly the century, has been unique- territory of its enemies, but also a The mayor thanks Russian bomb- smartest person and doesn’t seem James Snell ly influenced by propagan- country in need of repair. ers, which have been documented to learn or know anything about the da. That propaganda has A number of Western countries committing extensive war crimes, places he visits. He considers Brunei exerted a crucial influence now offer tours of Syria and the for their efforts and he echoes the a dictatorship that he doesn’t recom- Sover the course of the war. regime allows fixers to conduct for- regime in asking the international mend people to visit due to his bad Propaganda from the regime eign tourists and handpicked jour- community to free up money to experiences there, while recom- of Syrian President Bashar Assad nalists around the country. But the rebuild the Syrian state. mending Syria completely.” underplayed the crimes of the state regime’s media strategy and those This sort of soft propaganda uses Idrees Ahmad, a lecturer in com- and emphasised the undesirability of its allies always skewed towards new media creators to undermine munications, media and culture at of the opposition. It called rebel new and social media, including the news reports about human rights- Stirling University, said: “in 1943 fighters jihadists and terrorists and cultivation of a network of bloggers abusing countries to the interest of Dresden or Heidelberg were as justified regime cruelty in fighting to take its side and a spate of Twitter the governments that abuse those beautiful as they have ever been. them. Propaganda from the regime users to amplify its chosen mes- rights. It presents the country as still But if we discovered now that there and its allies minimised the regime’s sages. worth a visit despite the crimes of its was some British or American travel use of chemical weapons and threw Now this new media strategy has governments and minimises those writer there at the time reviewing into doubt the reliability of reports begun to include a less obviously crimes in the process. cafes or praising architecture we of chemical attacks. partisan sub-group: those who make Noor Nahas, an independent would rightly be revolted. So tour- Without this element of doubt, videos of them travelling the world open-source researcher, said: “I’d ism is not a neutral thing. There is a fed by propaganda, Western powers for YouTube. consider this subtle propaganda difference between visiting Dresden may well have intervened in the This is not an untapped market. whitewashing. These vloggers today and visiting Dresden then.” summer of 2013 against Assad and In 2016 and since, North Korea always have a need to produce new “The context determines whether either limited the scale of his war or has used a number of foreign and and unique content, so organisa- it was travel or complicity,” Ahmad overthrown him entirely. Latterly, domestic vloggers to present a more tions are taking advantage of that to said. “What makes such tourism propaganda continued to tie rebels favourable side of its dictatorship. create positive media for regimes.” particularly egregious is that it is and jihadists together and ensured One of those who has recorded The desire to produce content happening at a time when over half that the global campaign against the videos about North Korea aimed at makes ethical considerations fall of Syria’s population remains dis- Islamic State did not also become a “chang[ing] your perception” of the by the wayside. It emphasises the placed and millions don’t have the Changing foreigners’ campaign against the Assad regime. country is a YouTuber called Drew trivial over the grave. right to visit their own homes.” perceptions of a land Years after the war’s central point Binsky. “I do find it offensive especially if Wittingly or not, travel vloggers and long after the regime’s stay in Binsky is now journeying around the vlogger is in on the whole thing,” enter Syria at the behest of the at war may seem a power has been all but confirmed, Syria, taking a familiar tack. In one Nahas said. “If they’re not, it’s just regime and capture what it wants noble endeavour, but, the path taken by regime propa- video, Binsky says Syria is not at all sad and disappointing for them and them to see. Changing foreigners’ ganda has forked. Now it wants as people in the West see on their to be expected from the regime.” perceptions of a land at war may in practice, in Syria, it legitimacy rather than survival and TV screens or in their newspapers. These videos do not educate the seem a noble endeavour, but, in means adopting and the certainty of international capital He presents Syria as a fun tourist world about Syria. They assist the practice, in Syria, it means adopting broadcasting the that would ordinarily be denied to destination filled with happy people country’s leaders in disseminating and broadcasting the views of those a government so closely tied to a amid the devastation. His interviews their propaganda in soft focus. responsible. views of those destabilising war so full of crimes. feature carefully chosen locals but “I think [Binsky] is a useful idiot,” responsible. Hence a consistent push towards also include a mayor and militia Nahas said. “From how I’ve seen James Snell is a British journalist. 16 December 1, 2019 News & Analysis Palestine Israel Viewpoint Is the Arab world moving closer to normalisation with Israel?

even greater concern about nor- Palestinian efforts to build institu- malisation. tions for a future state and torn at In Tunisia, which once served as the Arab social fabric, as rival eth- the headquarters of the Palestine nic, religious and national leaders Iman Zayat Liberation Organisation (PLO), increasingly apply tactics that were the issue came to the fore during first tested against Israel. recent presidential elections. Those comments were naturally One contender for the presi- criticised by Arab activists and he question of whether dency, Nabil Karoui, was accused observers as out of line. Husam to normalise ties with of hiring a former Mossad agent as Zomlot, who leads the Palestinian Changing dynamics. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu (R) Israel is increasingly a campaign lobbyist. Karoui’s rival, mission to the United Kingdom and and Omani Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi during their contentious across the now President Kais Saied, took a led Palestine’s mission to Washing- meeting on the sidelines of the Warsaw Middle East Summit in Poland, Arab world. hardline stance against Israel, even ton until the Trump administration last February. (DPA) The issue has been saying that anyone who normalises closed its office, belittled the new Tmade even more controversial ties with Tel Aviv should be consid- council’s members as an “extreme by the United States’ 2017 move red guilty of “high treason.” fringe of isolated individuals.” Houthi attacks. Israeli sports teams and even al- to recognise Jerusalem as Israel’s Saied’s victory was in part at- Saying so, Zomlot appears to Later that month, Israeli Foreign lowed the Israeli flag to be raised in capital and its recent declaration tributed to his embrace of the have failed to spot changing dy- Minister Israel Katz revealed that Doha. This triggered an angry reac- that Israeli settlements in the West Palestinian cause but others voiced namics and the fact that geopo- one of the goals of a recent visit tion from Hamas, which released a Bank do not violate international concern that he merely used their litical shifts have imposed a new to the United Arab Emirates was statement reminding Qatar of the law. plight to gain political momentum. reality on the region. In recent to participate in the international crimes and violations of “the Is- These quick, unilateral manoeu- So far, the newly elected years, some Arab countries have, in coalition to provide security pro- raeli occupation” and of the “tight vres, which break with decades of president seems to have no clear fact, raised the idea of “reordering” tection for the trade routes in the siege on Gaza.” international law, indicate Wash- objective for how to achieve his regional threats, even if it comes Gulf. The flurry of moves towards ington and Tel Aviv are betting that stated goal of “liberating Pales- at the expense of the Palestinian On November 18, the Israeli rapprochement has not gone Arab countries are now too preoc- tine.” He has done nothing regard- cause. This strategy has gained Foreign Ministry announced that unnoticed in the Arab-Muslim cupied with their own national ing Palestine-Israel except revive traction due to the growing threat Saudi filmmaker Haifaa al-Man- region and some have deemed the grievances to focus on Palestine. public debate. of Iran, its proxies and other radi- sour’s “The Perfect Candidate” moves as attempts to test the Arab But is this really the case? Other signs of public resentment cal terror groups and, by the same would be screened at the Women’s public’s response and possibly A closer look at the region shows towards engagement with Israel token, shared strategic interests Film Festival in Jerusalem in De- evolving stance towards “normali- that Arab countries, by and large, include the backlash to Egyptian with Israel. cember. Mansour is expected to fly sation.” remain highly supportive of Pal- actor Amr Waked appearing in Saudi Arabia, for instance, agrees into the city for the festival, hosted But Arabs are unlikely to give up estine and that normalisation is a a film alongside Israeli actor Gal with Israel that Iran and its proxies by Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon. on the Palestinian cause any time long way off. Gadot. must be contained. Saudi Arabia Then, on November 26, the Jeru- soon. As long as Israel continues One country that is especially af- Waked, known for being a strong views these proxies as a menace to salem Post reported that the Israeli its oppressive policies and brazen fected by the Palestinians’ plight is supporter of Palestine, drew wide- Yemen, Syria and Iraq, while Israel Foreign Ministry hosted a delega- violations of international law, Jordan, which hosts an estimated spread criticism in the Arab world views Iran’s Hezbollah proxy as a tion of Arab journalists, including normalisation will remain off the 2 million UN-registered Palestin- after proudly announcing he would threat to its very existence. from countries with which Israel table, despite the tentative moves ian refugees. Jordan, which knows appear in “Wonder Woman 1984” Israel and some Arab countries has no diplomatic relations, in an of some Arab countries. its 1994 peace treaty with Israel is with Gadot. also see eye to eye on other issues. attempt to chip away at anti-Israel Ultimately, real change in Pales- effectively dead in the minds of its Disappointed fans began tweet- Saudi Arabia, for example, consid- sentiment in the Middle East. tine will not be possible until the people, is threatened by the United ing “#NormalisationisTreason” on ers Hamas just as dangerous as Another Gulf country, Qatar, has world comes to view the Palestin- States’ recent moves because they Twitter. Israel does, because it believes it is also been courting Israel, though ian cause as a universal cause, undermine Palestinians’ poten- Statements seen as supportive linked to the Muslim Brotherhood its reasons for cosying up to Tel until we collectively realise that tial “right of return,” angering an of normalisation at the inaugural and its affiliates. Aviv are quite different. people, regardless of their origin or already unsettled population. meeting of the Arab Council for Re- This alignment of interests has Doha, facing a boycott from the religion, must be protected from Under pressure from Jordanian gional Integration in London also led to diplomatic strides, though Arab quartet — the United Arab having their rights abused and MPs and anti-normalisation move- received significant pushback. often kept secret by Arab officials. Emirates, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia their land occupied. Before that ments, the government has taken a The London gathering, which One of the most significant came and Egypt — over its alleged sup- time comes, any talk of normalisa- tough line in response, reclaiming brought together Arab journalists, in 2018, when Israeli Prime Min- port for terror groups knows that tion should be taken with a big two areas, Baqoura and al-Ghamr, artists, politicians, diplomats and ister Binyamin Netanyahu visited to survive it needs to create new pinch of salt and could encourage that were leased to Israel for 25 Quranic scholars, put forward the Oman and met with Omani Sultan ties with Israel and maintain its charlatans or terrorists to use the years and cancelling an interfaith view that isolating Israel had cost Qaboos bin Said al-Said in Muscat. alliance with Western countries, Israel-Palestine issue to advance conference that was scheduled to Arab nations billions in trade. The Then, in late October this year, based on the premise that “a friend their agendas. include an Israeli delegation. participants, according to a report Israel participated in the Bahrain with everyone is a friend without In other Arab countries that do by the New York Times, stated that conference for maritime security enemies.” Iman Zayat is the Managing Editor not have ties with Israel, there is anti-normalisation had undercut aimed at countering Iranian and In late September, Qatar hosted of The Arab Weekly. Joined at the hip, Netanyahu and Trump navigate turbid political waters

Not Netanyahu. He has en- military aid to Beirut. wreck things with their deal they cumstances allowed to criticise. joyed sweeping rewards from the If imitation is the sincerest form were going to have with Iran so And they have black cloaks and Geoffrey Trump White House — on Jerusa- of flattery, Israel, in general, and they were trying to beat him and poison pens and many, many, Aronson lem, the Golan Heights, Iran and, Netanyahu, in particular, deserve now they want Trump and Bibi many soldiers. And they are work- most recently, settlements. Trump the prize for mirroring the most out of the way.” ing and working and working, like and his associates revel in reward- unsettling aspects of Washing- Trump never tires of this nar- ants. Working, abusing, taking ing the political agenda champi- ton’s impeachment saga. rative. down, inventing, fabricating, oned by Israel’s right wing and Like Trump, Netanyahu is “First it was the Russia hoax,” overthrowing, boring a hole in the its most successful campaigner. fighting for his political life and Trump said at a recent event be- boat… I want for a moment to talk srael’s Prime Minister Biny- Netanyahu’s political and ostensi- he channels Trump in his no- fore an adoring crowd in Florida. about the fear,” the clip ended. amin Netanyahu is threat- bly more dovish rivals have found holds-barred campaign to keep “and now the same maniacs are However compelling the ened with a career-ending it politically impossible to oppose his job. Netanyahu decries the pushing the deranged… impeach- similarities between them, indictment for multiple gifts from Washington that keep indictments against him as an ment” route because “[Demo- Netanyahu, unlike Trump, must transgressions, including on giving. “attempted coup” and vilifies his crats] know that they cannot win contend with opponents within fraud, bribery and breach of The street linking Netanyahu opponents in the “deep state” — the next election.” the ranks of the ruling Likud party Itrust. and Trump has not been one way. the judges, prosecutors and an Netanyahu’s defenders the last and numerous others among his In this, as in so many things, Netanyahu has, in Trump’s eyes at attorney general that he himself week of November addressed a coalition partners who hunger for Netanyahu finds himself follow- least, given the president as much appointed — for the “witch hunt” few thousand supporters in Tel his job. With Netanyahu off the ing a path blazed by his political as he has received. they have launched against him. Aviv under the evocative banner stage, any one of these political soulmate, the embattled US Presi- When Trump was the televi- As Trump and Netanyahu battle “Protesting the Coup.” Netan- wannabes might well succeed in dent Donald Trump. sion host of “The Apprentice” and for their political lives, they are yahu chose to absent himself but cobbling together the majority Netanyahu arguably enjoys the could not find Tehran on a map, locked in a symbiotic embrace. his minister of culture hawked a in the Knesset that has eluded best relationship with Trump of Netanyahu was already the global Both see the political battlefield narrative well familiar to Trump’s Netanyahu since April. any world leader. And for good champion of what has become in similar terms. For both leaders, supporters in Washington. But even if Netanyahu steps reason. Bibi parleyed his dislike Trump’s signature policy of the legal and judicial establish- The dark, eerie finale of the Tel aside, the latest polls suggest no of Barack Obama and growing “maximum pressure” against the ments that they command are Aviv rally recalled the dystopian quick resolution to the politi- disaffection with Democratic law- ayatollahs and Hezbollah. part of a deep state cabal that, in vision offered by Trump at his cal stalemate that characterises makers over efforts at rapproche- Israel’s regular attacks in Syria league with their political oppo- inaugural address. Israeli politics today. The most ment with Iran and West Bank channel Washington’s interest in sition, is plotting their political Against a Matrix-style video notable feature of politics in the settlements into a historic policy destabilising Bashar Assad’s Syria demise, determined to nullify background, the booming voice of post-Netanyahu era is not that bonanza from Trump. and raising the costs and aggrava- the election results and reject the the narrator intoned, Israel’s right-wing agenda will America’s president has a pas- tion incurred by Russia and Iran democratic choice of the people. “I want for a moment to talk change but that it will find a new sion for upending international for maintaining their presence Netanyahu’s American pollster about the fear. The fear of an elite leader as its champion. norms from Pyongyang to Tehran. there. Its drumbeat of opposition has even charged that Netanya- rule. Sick. Dark. Fear of a dark Allies and antagonists alike are at to US aid to Lebanon both antici- hu’s opponents are in league with dictatorship with its own agenda. Geoffrey Aronson is a non-resi- turns confounded and alarmed by pated and fortifies Washington’s Trump’s foes in Washington. One that was never elected and dent scholar at the Middle East his policies. recent freeze on $105 million in “In 2015 they didn’t want Bibi to that we are never under any cir- Institute in Washington. December 1, 2019 17 News & Analysis Turkey Viewpoint Erdogan uses religion, fear to stay politically afloat

acquis of rules and prohibitions Back in the which encircle all the sections of game. our lives. We believe in a religion Turkish Yavuz Baydar that encompasses its every phase. President Recep We are ordered to live as Muslims Tayyip Erdogan until the very end.” (2nd L) Even if Erdogan took his time to during the underline the traps of “fault lines ground-breaking ircumventing every among Muslims in the world,” it of Marmara possible obstacle, Turk- was these words that echoed in University’s ish President Recep Turkey’s increasingly oppressed Recep Tayyip Tayyip Erdogan keeps secular circles, more than his unan- Erdogan moving ahead on the swered ambitions to emerge as the complex in path he set, cement- leader of the Islamic world. Istanbul, Cing his rule in Turkey, as he takes He also knows that such state- November 29. every opportunity, big or small, to ments are without a doubt (AP) consolidate his legitimacy on the breaches of the constitution, which basis of “stability in Turkey.” emphasises that the president Having survived political defeat remains an impartial and unifying in the local elections some seven figure. But his challenging in-your- months ago, Erdogan is back in the face gestures have always remained game, using the same fundamental his game. He knows that dropping tools that have kept him in power: the rhetoric of religion altogether use of religion in a rhetoric similar may spell a lethal weakening of his to the one applied by the Muslim power. Nevertheless, the result of Brotherhood; conducting divisive such statements is a continuous Is- policies at home, fiercely exercised lamisation of the education system, to keep the opposition as polarised undermining Turkey as a modern as ever before; constantly driving nation. a wedge between bodies such as His use of nationalism has NATO and the European Union pushed the centrist opposition into tion. It took several days to deny the map of the eastern Mediterra- dogan knows very well that the EU and, as the Syrian incursion exem- a corner but, for Erdogan, it is not it, as the opposition party was nean, testing the reaction capaci- at the end of the day would prefer plified, raising the stakes for Turk- sufficient, unless coupled with bold delivered blow after blow, and ties of the EU. to have him as the leader of Turkey, ish nationalism; and irredentism, divisions within it. internal rifts surfaced. The damage The more the EU appeases, the who will maintain its stability, as which causes growing concern in The chain of events placing the was done, proving, as it were, the more it encourages an escalation of opposed to any alternative that the Eastern Mediterranean basin. secular main opposition party, the oppressed Kurdish politicians who the crisis with Turkey at one side would amount to deeper chaos. In all these efforts Erdogan seems Republican People’s Party (CHP), had warned the CHP figures that and Greece, Cyprus and Egypt on The same fear — a prospective unstoppable. Regarding religion have recently presented a taste of “you remain silent before the cruel- the other. Amnesia reigns: It was instability bigger than in Libya — as a political tool, he knows he what is bound to come in the near ties to us, but you will be next in the reactions to the Treaty of Ver- applies among NATO’s European has the powerful backing of the future. It all began with an obvious line.” Erdogan was visibly content sailles that shaped the Nazi regime allies. Thus, Erdogan and his team overwhelming Muslim majority at piece of disinformation spread by and in waves of joyful attacks, as in Germany and, in some sense feel free to block NATO’s plans home, which he hopes will see him a couple of murky reporters in the was expected of him. He felt as- perhaps, the discontent with the for its Baltic members, as the bloc as the unchallenged leader of the press. The “rumour,” these reports sured that he has his opponents in Lausanne Treaty will have a similar turns into a witness as Ankara country. said, was that a prominent figure of control. effect in Turkey’s path to totalitar- develops into a Trojan horse. Addressing the sixth Religious the main opposition had secretly In foreign policy, Erdogan is ben- ian rule. All these factors explain the suc- Council meeting of the Presidency met Erdogan at his palace to hear efiting enormously from the overall Erdogan, while challenging the cess of Erdogan’s survival. He reads of Religious Affairs November 28 from him that “it would be a fine turbulence and international folly European Union, places his bet on the new global reality better than in Ankara, his gambling became idea if he had replaced the current developing day by day. Volatile the EU trauma. The violent fall of all the others — except perhaps obvious once more: “Even if it may leader of the CHP, Kemal Kilicdaro- conjuncture in the Middle East and Muammar Qaddafi in Libya is the Russian President Vladimir Putin. burden ourselves, we shall place glu.” Europe leaves his daredevil policies main source of the refugee crisis the decretals, and not the rules of The media jumped on the band- room to develop and enlarge, so far that has been reshaping the Euro- Yavuz Baydar is a Turkish the present, at the centre of our wagon, dragged by the uncon- so that Ankara feels a growing ap- pean political landscape to far-right journalist and regular columnist for lives,” Erdogan said. “Islam is an firmed piece aimed at manipula- petite for irredentism for redrawing populism and overall disorder. Er- The Arab Weekly. Turkey increasingly captive to Russia as Western sanctions loom

the capital for two days to test the who flock to the country each year a diplomatic crisis between the the kilowatt-hour price set by Tur- Russian systems, which have been and it exports large amounts of agri- two countries. Moscow imposed key’s Energy Market Regulation Au- deployed to an air base near the cultural products to Russia, where sanctions on Turkey that reduced thority is just $0.029. At that rate, Zulfikar Dogan city. This rubbished previous claims Turkish contractors have signed the flow of tourists to the country, the price of energy from the nu- that Turkey would avoid sanctions up for construction projects worth restricted imports and placed limits clear plant would come to just $551 from the United States by leaving billions. on Turkish companies doing busi- million per year, nearly $1.8 billion the S-400s inactive. These bonds are just as tight ness in Russia. less than the Turkish government US and NATO officials say the from a strategic perspective, The price Erdogan paid to repair has agreed to pay Rosatom. urkey is still struggling presence of the Russian systems on because Turkey relies on Russian relations included “super incen- That amounts to nearly $27 bil- through an economic NATO-allied territory could leave gas to meet its energy needs and a tives” for the Akkuyu project, lion above the market price over downturn that the gov- the alliance’s military hardware Russian company is contracted to granting Rosatom a wide range of 15 years — an amount that even ernment’s foreign policy open to subterfuge, but Foreign build and operate Turkey’s first nu- subsidies including tax, VAT and li- inflation and favourable changes in could make worse by Minister Mevlut Cavusogu con- clear power plant. The new defence censing exemptions. The president currency markets will not mitigate. risking sanctions from firmed that the tests had been deals only deepen this dependence. also agreed to provide $10 billion of And on top of that is the $10 billion Tthe West while making the country conducted on the F-16s. Ankara has discussed its aim of investment in the project from the contribution to the project, plus extremely reliant on Russia. He said there was no way Turkey increasing trade volume with both treasury. other subsidies and exemptions Repeating a call he made when would leave the S-400s in storage the United States and Russia to As part of the agreement, Turkey offered as super incentives. Turkey was in the depths of a cur- since its NATO allies had failed $100 billion. Yet in Russia’s case, has also guaranteed a price per kilo- In other words, the data pre- rency crisis sparked by limited US to provide it with the air defence this could work against Turkey’s watt hour of power produced at the sented in the CHP’s report marks sanctions last year, President Recep systems it sorely needed. interests: In 2018, the share of plant for the next 15 years. And, the out the Akkuyu plant as a $37 Tayyip Erdogan told citizens the The missiles are likely to become Turkish exports in the $25.5 billion CHP’s report says, the agreement billion bung to Russia, paid at an last week of November to deal in fully operational next spring, ac- trade volume with Russia came to also states that the nuclear plant extremely heavy cost to the Turk- the Turkish lira and not foreign cur- cording to the timeline previously just $4.2 billion, with Russia mak- and the energy it produces belong ish economy. Energy and Natural rencies — a sure sign of economic discussed by Turkish officials. The ing $21.3 billion. to Russia, that Rosatom’s share in Resources Minister Fatih Donmez trouble ahead. head of Russia’s state arms exporter Turkey’s main opposition, it will not fall below 51% and that has not responded to the CHP’s When the currency crisis hit after Rosoboronexport said in November Republican People’s Party (CHP), Turkey will buy all of the energy it findings or to questions raised by Washington sanctioned Turkish that negotiations were nearly com- drew attention to the country’s produces. the party’s members of parliament. ministers over the imprisonment of plete for Turkey to buy a second growing financial and energy Since the plant is due to go into It is clear, though, that with a US pastor in August 2018, Erdogan consignment of the S-400s around dependence on Russia in a report commission in 2023, these terms Turkey’s economic and strategic described support for the lira as the time that the first systems go it presented to parliament during will be in force until 2038. dependence on Russia deepen- a national duty. Yet central bank online. discussions on the 2020 budget, The CHP’s report says that, with ing, any future disagreement that figures announced on November 15 The estimated $4 billion deal to stating that this could lead to grave the kilowatt-hour price guaranteed draws sanctions will be even more show that foreign currency savings buy more S-400s could also pave dangers in the years to come. Of at $0.1235 kWh and the plant ex- damaging. in Turkey had increased by $36 the way for Turkey to buy Russian particular concern for the CHP was pected to produce an annual 19 bil- billion to $225.5 billion in the past Su-35 fighter jets to fill its need for the deal with Russia’s state nuclear lion kilowatt-hours, Russia stands Zulfikar Dogan was one of the year. new-generation aircraft. The United energy corporation Rosatom to to treble its initial investment. founders and one-time president Despite the ongoing economic States suspended Turkey from the build the nuclear plant in Akkuyu, This means Turkey will be paying of the Economy Reporters’ worries, Turkey risked further US F-35 fighter jet production pro- southern Turkey. the Russian state-owned company Association. He has been awarded sanctions by testing its S-400 mis- gramme after it received the S-400s When the deal was signed in more than $2.3 billion for the en- journalist of the year by the sile defence systems, which were in July and has withheld Ankara’s 2010, it stipulated that the Rus- ergy produced at the plant per year Turkish Journalists’ Association, purchased from Russia in defiance order for 100 of the jets. sian side would secure financing and more that $35 billion over the the Contemporary Journalists’ of Washington. The economic ties binding Ankara and investment for the plant. But 15-year period. Association and MUSIAD. This The Ankara governorate an- to Moscow continue to grow tighter. in 2015, the Turkish military shot At this rate, the CHP says, Turkey article first appeared on ahvalnews. nounced that F-16 fighter jets from Turkey’s tourism sector is buoyed down a Russian fighter jet that had will be vastly overpaying for the com and is republished with the Turkish air force would fly over by the 6 million Russian tourists strayed across its border, sparking energy from Rosatom’s plant, since permission. 18 December 1, 2019 News & Analysis Iran Does US support help Iranian protesters?

Emily Przyborowski in custody in January 2016. Tehran is feeling the pressure of Washington’s support for Iranian Washington protesters and its ongoing cam- paign of economic sanctions. xperts are debating whether In an attempt to quell internal Washington’s support helps discontent, the Iranian authorities the case of demonstrators have encouraged pro-government E in Iran or if instead it plays rallies and given out cash stipends into the hands of Tehran as it at- to low- and mid-income families. tempts to discredit them. “The moves show how Tehran is The Trump administration has struggling to address the public’s asserted its support for anti-gov- deep discontent while balanc- ernment protesters in Iran many ing its books. The government is times. Such expressions included struggling to prop up living stand- a tweet by US Secretary of State ards as its oil-dependent economy Mike Pompeo on November 21 ask- comes under pressure from US ing Iranian protesters to send the sanctions,” wrote Benoit Faucon, a US government information and correspondent with the Wall Street audiovisual material documenting Journal. the regime’s crackdown on them. In an attempt to discredit the Pompeo said in a statement on No- protests, Tehran has used its offi- vember 26 that the United States cial news agency to highlight the had received more than 20,000 show of force by pro-government pieces of digital evidence proving crowds. “I recommend they (for- that Iran has been abusing the pro- eign countries) look at the marches testers. He explained that he want- today to see who the real people ed to use the evidence to “expose in Iran are and what they are say- and sanction the Iranian regime.” ing,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Abbas Mousavi. Iran has also tried to present the Tehran is feeling the demonstrations as part of US and pressure of Washington’s “Zionist” conspiracies. support for Iranian During one of the pro-govern- protesters and its ongoing ment rallies November 25, the An eye on developments. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks about protests in Iran to the campaign of economic commander of the Islamic Revolu- media in the briefing room at the State Department in Washington, November 26. (AFP) sanctions. tionary Guard Corps, General Hos- sein Salami, threatened the United The protests could be seen by States and its allies saying: “If you pending,” said Jim Risch, a Repub- Other experts, such as Morad Iran’s trouble,” said Ghorban. some as a golden opportunity for cross our red line, we will destroy lican senator from Idaho. Ghorban, director of governmen- Not everyone sees Washington’s the Trump administration in its you.” Many argue that supporting tal affairs at the Public affairs Alli- support for Iranians favourably. thinly veiled quest for a regime But US support for Iranian pro- the Iranian protesters should be ance of Iranian Americans, believe Rezaian said Iranians are being sin- change in Iran. However, Jason testers may not be as determined a prime issue for Congress, as op- that US interaction with the Iranian gled out “for collaborating with US Rezaian, the former Tehran bureau as Pompeo claims his administra- position to the Iranian regime is a protests is the biggest threat to the and other foreign actors during the chief for the Washington Post, said tion is. Key figures in the US Senate bipartisan cause. “Whether you’re regime. Engaging “less actually protests.” To prevent that, Rezaian it has yet to take full advantage of have made statements supporting a Republican or Democrat, a more plays into the hands of the hardlin- said “Washington should avoid any the unfolding events. “The current the Iranian protesters but have yet equitable representative govern- ers who want to blame America for step that could be misconstrued situation gives the United States an to engage any tangible action. Sen- ment is something that would be in to imply coordination with the opportunity to do some real good; ators cite other protests around the line with American strategies and protesters. Yet the administration so far, it hasn’t managed to capi- world and rising tensions with Tur- American values. There’s no rea- The protests could be a doesn’t seem to realise this.” talise,” said Rezaian, who was held key as issues taking the forefront of son not to amplify Iranian voices golden opportunity for in prison by Iran and convicted of the legislative agenda. “I got Hong protesting on the street today,” said the Trump administration Emily Przyborowski is a espionage charges before being re- Kong pending; I got Turkey pend- Behnam Ben Taleblu of the Foun- in its thinly veiled quest correspondent for The Arab leased with three other Americans ing; I got a bunch of other things dation for Defense of Democracies. for regime change in Iran. Weekly in Washington. Viewpoint Tehran revives intranet after imposing internet blackout

s waves of anti-govern- mance of Iranian search engines ment protests swept and GPS-guided services was not over Iran on November entirely satisfactory. The minister, Ali Alfoneh 15, the Islamic Repub- who earlier in his career used to lic responded with emphasise “nothing will replace a near-total internet the internet,” now says: “The na- andA mobile data blackout within 24 tional intranet and the internet are hours after the breakout of unrest. both important.” Simultaneously, the regime actively Other experts are even more promoted the country’s national in- positive in their assessment of the tranet to fill the void in the absence efficacy of Iran’s national intranet of access to the internet. under recent protests and internet Access to the internet was gradu- blackout. Mehdi Razmi, an infor- ally restored since November 23 mation technology specialist, said onward but what was the motive that within 12 hours, food delivery behind the internet blackout and companies, taxis and travel agen- how was the performance of Iran’s cies, managed to continue their national intranet? Is the regime business by shifting to the national willing and capable of disconnect- intranet. ing Iran from the international Until the regime somehow man- internet in the future and solely ages to achieve sanctions relief relying on its national intranet? from the United States, resumes Different regime officials ex- Iron curtain. Iranian men use smartphones in Tehran. (AFP) its oil exports and allocates oil plained the motive behind the revenues to balance its budget and internet blackout with varying improve the lot of the public, it is degrees of honesty: edness. The internet, the instru- The protesters also had to shift likely to face recurrent protests and Mohammad-Javad Azari Jah- ment of the enemy, led to greater to Iranian text messaging systems, uprisings. romi, minister of Information and rioter presence at the street level.” which the regime eavesdrops on, It is therefore just as likely that Communications Technology, who In an even more direct answer, instead of more secure non-Iranian Iran will enforce an internet black- was later sanctioned by the United Abdolreza Rahmani Fazli, the text messaging systems that were out and use the national intranet as States for his formal responsibility Interior minister, explained in a affected by the internet and mobile an alternative. to the blackout, explained on No- November 26 interview: “As the data blackout. The Law Enforce- More broadly, Tehran is likely vember 20: “Abuse of the internet… unrest spread, we were compelled ment Forces, Basij militias and to emulate China and redesign its made Iran’s Supreme National to partially disconnect the internet IRGC, on the other hand, com- entire internet infrastructure to be Security Council… impose certain in certain areas. Initially we ordered municated through the wireless more like an intranet with access restrictions in the international it to be limited, but eventually network. to select internet websites and Until the regime internet.” reached the conclusion that it had Just as important, all television services. Brigadier-General Ali Fadavi, to be disconnected.” and radio channels of the Islamic That, of course, does not solve somehow manages to deputy chief of the Islamic Revolu- The regime not only enforced the Republic of Iran Broadcasting ac- the fundamental problem of achieve sanctions tionary Guard Corps (IRGC), speak- internet blackout but also discon- tively propagated the use of Iran’s recurrent anti-regime protests and relief from the United ing more freely about the motive, nected mobile phone antennas national intranet in the absence of uprisings, but it helps the regime said in an interview on November in areas affected by anti-regime access to the international internet. suppress the protesters more ef- States, it is likely to 22: “On Friday, when the price of protests. This tactic lived up to its Several features of the intranet fectively. face recurrent gasoline went up, villains were intended goals: The protesters had appear to have worked well, in par- trying to establish a street-level difficulties further mobilising the ticular Iran’s banking sector. Ali Alfoneh is a senior fellow at protests and presence, but they postponed to public for their cause and coordi- After the protests, however, Azari The Arab Gulf States Institute in uprisings. Saturday because of lack of prepar- nating their efforts. Jahromi admitted that the perfor- Washington. December 1, 2019 19 Spotlight Islam in France

Viewpoint In France, fighting Islamophobia sparks concerns of ‘civilwar’

s France Islamophobic? The question is worth asking at a time when the media-political Majed Nehme microcosm is running around and tearing itself apart around this topic. It was President Em- Imanuel Macron who issued the last warning. According to the public ra- dio Franceinfo, which cited a confi- dential source at the Elysee, Macron was said to be concerned about “confusing the issues of immigra- tion, radicalisation, communitari- anism and secularism” because that could lead to “civil war.” Macron seemed to be reacting to statements by Xavier Bertrand, one of the tenors of the so-called repub- lican right and a possible candidate for the presidency in 2022, made in an interview with the weekly Journal du Dimanche. In it he men- tioned a “war of civilisations” and spoke of Islamism as “corrupting the country.” It is however legitimate to won- der about who benefits the most from confusing matters. France is getting ready for a general strike scheduled for December 5. Trade unions, leftist parties, the yel- low jackets and other disgruntled Conflicting views. French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and President of the Hauts-de-France groups have agreed to come out in Regional Council Xavier Bertrand during a meeting of the Strategic Committee for the Seine-Nord force against austerity policies and Europe Canal in Nesle, northern France, November 22. (AFP) the unshakeable fiscal injustice. France is the European champion radical interpretation of Islam. 2018.” Again, the data contradicts Union of Islamic Organisations of of taxation with taxes making up Supported by their sprawling claims made by some promoters France) and the PSM (Muslim Par- 48.4% of GDP in 2018. Curiously networks among Muslim immi- of November 10 demonstrations. ticipation and Spirituality), are as- enough, as France is going through grants in Europe, Qatar and Turkey While the report found that the sociations of religious proselytism. a serious socio-economic crisis, the ensured the relay of political Islam. number of anti-Semitic incidents Others do not wish to be character- media and political elites have con- They took advantage of the failure increased sharply in 2018 (+ 74%), ised as religious organisations and centrated their energies on fighting of the French model of integra- “racist and xenophobic incidents hide behind demands for equality Islamophobia, real or supposed. tion, but also of the ruling elite’s decreased by 4.2%… Anti-Muslim and the fight against racism and 13,500 people turned out in Paris willingness to compromise with acts have reached their lowest level Islamophobia. This is the case of on November 10 for “The March communitarism by recognising the since 2010.” the Collective against Islamopho- against Islamophobia.” The march self-proclaimed representatives of These figures may be question- bia in France (CCIF), “Mothers all was called for by several leftist the Muslim faith in France follow- able, and indeed they have been equal,” the “Collective school for groups such as Jean-Luc Melen- ing the first Gulf War in 1991. challenged. Conservative right- all,” “Feminists for equality” and chon’s and the “New anti-Capitalist French secularism started being wing Member of Parliament Valerie more recently Alcir (Association Party. ” There was even the “Col- bullied around a few years after Boyer challenged the Minister of against Islamophobia and racisms). lective against Islamophobia in the ascension to power of Presi- the Interior on February 19 to ex- It should be noted that the CCIF, France,” a group known for its close dent Francois Mitterrand and the plain “how these figures are estab- which had called for the November ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. It socialists and rather long before the lished.” She pointed out that “there 10 demonstration, is regularly criti- was a sorry spectacle of a France eruption on the political scene of are no official statistics to measure cised. It is particularly censured for in need of moral benchmarks but Jewish and Muslim communitari- the extent of anti-Semitic, anti- concealing its ideological ties to the engaged in internal fights about anism. The so-called secular state Christian or anti-Muslim acts. The Islamist nebula. secularism, the Republic, the place was losing the “war of schools” law prohibits the designation of an The CCIF’s ideological proximity of religion in popular neighbour- lit by the Catholic one. In Janu- assault according to the religious to political Islam and its tendency hoods and racism. ary 1984, the Socialists submitted origin of the victim. When filing a to emulate the CRIF’s self-vic- One must remember that, at to Parliament a bill known as the complaint, only the racist or dis- timisation strategy did not seem the end of the Second World War, “Savary Law” after Socialist Min- criminatory nature of the offense is to bother some of the so-called massive immigration from the de- ister of Education Alain Savary. In retained. The figures available are ultra-left groups. It might be the colonised Maghreb countries made keeping with election promises by provided by religious associations result of a well thought-out and op- Islam the second largest religion Mitterrand, the bill sought to put — such as the protection service of portunistic strategy of alliance with in France, with some 6 to 8 million an end to the distinction between the Jewish community, dependent political Islam, mainly in the hope Muslims. Things then started to private schools, which were mostly on the Representative Council of of attracting Muslim members. change. The immigrants became Catholic, and public schools. The French Jewish Institutions (CRIF) — The debate on this opportunistic full citizens, at least in theory. As bill caused a spree of demonstra- then cross-checked by the services strategy is not new. It rose with the such, they are required to respect tions and counter-demonstrations of the Ministry of the Interior.” debates about the veil and head- the laws of the secular Republic, by the political right, the Catholics scarf in public schools that started which the first generation of Mus- and secular parties. So, Mitter- in 1989 and heated up especially lim immigrants was quite happy to rand withdrew the bill. The wall Some ultraleftists after banning the veil in 2004. It do. of official French secularism was continued with the controversy In post-independence decades, breached. have no problem over the prohibition of the full veil the immigrants’ social environment In any case, the “war of schools” associating in public spaces adopted in 2010, was poisoned with the eruption of revealed that, in practice, official themselves with followed by the grotesque case of political Islam which was early- secularism was quite elastic. Article the burkini in 2015. So many futile on encouraged by some foreign 2 of the 1905 Law on secularism political Islam. debates that divert French Muslims countries, particularly Saudi Arabia. stipulates that “The Republic shall from focusing on the real problems This included the financing of not recognise, nor pay wages, Notwithstanding their accuracy, that worry them: employment, schools, publications, newspapers, nor subsidise any cult.” But, as it these official figures neverthe- purchasing power, school, health, books, mosques, Wahhabi-inspired turned out, the French state has less reflect an obvious desire to equal rights and duties and the Islamist associations. The strategy been in fact financing and subcon- de-dramatise and appease, which fight against discrimination. eventually fuelled the emergence tracting private Catholic, Jewish is not in itself a bad thing. They In November, Jean-Pierre of an extremist nebula inspired by a and Muslim schools by paying the also counter-balance the claims of Chevenement, former defence wages of the teaching personnel at all those who chose to surf on this minister under Francois Mitter- those schools. wave for electoral purposes in view rand, who had resigned in 1991 Data from 2014 state there were of the coming municipal elections to protest against the American approximately 2 million students of March 15 and 22. invasion of Iraq, expressed concern attending 9,000 Catholic schools The so-called identitary and xen- about this drift in an interview with in France (of which 7,300 were ophobic parties led by the Rassem- French TV5 Monde channel. “Is subcontracted by the government). blement National, (former National France threatened by a civil war?,” There were also about 300 con- Front), the ideological repository of the interviewer asked him. “It is a tracted Jewish schools, colleges all the factors of national division threat on the horizon,” answered and high schools for about 30,000 in France, have been the first to Chevenement. “We must be wary students and about 20 private stoke the fires of communitarian- of civil wars that arrive undetected Muslim institutions (including six ism in the country. But they are not and which take several decades to under contract) enrolling 2,000 alone. The ultra-left, mainly Trot- develop their perverse effects. I students. skyite fringe formations, hand in recommend a lot of restraint and Looking at these figures, it is hand with Salafist Islamist organi- discretion.” quite obvious that the overwhelm- sations close to the Brotherhood Chevenement is known for his ing majority of Muslim families networks, lend themselves to this pro-Muslim world positions. So he were sending their children to dangerous game that may be costly concluded his interview on a con- secular public schools. for unscrupulous parties involved. structive note: “We must promote Another sobering set of data is The groups and movements that everything that reconciles Islam found in a report prepared by the make up the galaxy of “anti-Islamo- with modernity,” he said. A real problem or just a tool? Two women show their French Ministry of the Interior recapitulat- phobia” are quite diverse and even passport and ID card as protesters march near the Gare du Nord in ing “racist, anti-Semitic, anti- antagonistic in some cases. Some, Majed Nehme is a Paris-based Paris to protest against Islamophobia, November 10. (AFP) Muslim and anti-Christian acts in such as the Muslims of France (ex- Syrian writer. 20 December 1, 2019 Economy

Viewpoint Briefs

Saudi Arabia to increase defence spending Saudi, UAE discuss crude over Iran threats, despite budget cuts refinery project in India Meeting challenges. Members of the Saudi Arabia and the United Jareer Elass Saudi special Arab Emirates discussed a forces stand planned refinery in western India aboard Britain’s that will cost at least $70 billion, RFA Cardigan a figure that exceeds the initial Bay landing $44 billion estimate previously ship in the announced. he Saudi government Gulf waters off The new figure came from has indicated that over- Bahrain. readout of a meeting in the UAE all public spending will (AFP) between Saudi Crown Prince be trimmed in 2020, but Mohammed bin Salman bin there is a strong proba- Abdulaziz and UAE Crown Prince bility that the kingdom’s Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan. Tdefence spending will increase next The two sides discussed the year — officially or not — in the wake initiative, first announced in 2018, of the September attacks on critical to develop the refinery and petro- oil infrastructure and amid conjec- chemicals complex, which would ture that further efforts to strike the secure the supply of 600,000 bar- Gulf nation are possible. rels per day of Saudi and Emirati With the fear of Iranian aggres- crude oil for India’s market. sion towards it unlikely to ease in the short term, the government of (The Associated Press) Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud is likely to continue its pattern of high military expenditures next year. Signs of that spending priority tures over other sectors in its budg- $68 billion for 2018 was $12 billion tober that a primary reason for a re- Iraqi officials cite were on display at the November 22- ets, yet accurate defence-related fig- higher than what the Saudi govern- duction in state spending in 2020 is 24 regional security conference held ures can be hard to pin down due to ment had officially set as its defence because of the strengthening of the progress on oil in Manama that highlighted con- off-budget purchases that aren’t re- spending last year. The institute kingdom’s private sector. cerns by Saudi Arabia and its allies flected in official accountings but it attributed the Gulf nation’s rise as Jadaan said: “We believe at one deal with Kurds about Iranian military threats. is clear that in the current geopoliti- the world’s largest arms importer stage you will need to start pla- During the conference, US and cal environment of a menacing Teh- between the period of 2014-18 to teauing and then reducing your Iraq’s government has agreed French defence officials expressed ran and a protracted military conflict deteriorating relations with Tehran, government spend as the economy “in principle” on a long-antici- commitment to strengthening Saudi with Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, the war in Yemen and the political picks up. Some of the spend that we pated oil-sharing deal with the Arabia’s air defence systems, follow- Saudi defence spending will remain fallout between Riyadh and Doha. would have otherwise made next northern Kurdish region, officials ing the September 14 drone and mis- a top priority for the kingdom. The kingdom won’t be releas- year and the year after is now being said. sile attacks believed to have been The Saudi government allocated ing its 2020 budget until later this made by the private sector.” Two Iraqi government officials launched by Iran that hit the Abqaiq $51 billion in its 2019 budget to de- month but a pre-budget statement In the 2019 budget, spending in say the Kurds agreed to contrib- crude processing facility and nearby fence spending, a drop from the $56 issued by the Saudi Finance Min- the two top sectors — defence and ute 250,000 barrels per day of Khurais oil field. Those strikes tem- billion in military expenditures it istry shows that the government is education — was ostensibly cut to oil to the federal government by porarily halved the kingdom’s oil had inked into its 2018 budget. planning to rein in state spending direct funding to other sectors, in- the start of next year in return production and revealed a surpris- Speculation had been that the re- next year, with anticipated expendi- cluding municipal services, trans- for a greater share of the federal ing crack in the kingdom’s energy duction in official defence spending tures to decline from about $280 bil- portation and health services as budget, which they will use to pay security. for 2019 meant that Riyadh was pre- lion in 2019 to $272 billion in 2020. part of Saudi Vision 2030, the king- public sector salaries and other US Central Command head Gener- paring to wind down its campaign The Saudi government has fore- dom’s economic transformation expenses. al Kenneth McKenzie said: “We are in Yemen, though it has only been cast its 2020 revenues at around programme. working with the Saudis to increase in recent months that the Saudi $222 billion, down 9% from an esti- In a rare occurrence, budgeted (The Associated Press) the networking of their systems. government has seemingly begun mated $244.5 billion in earnings this spending on education narrowly That will make them better able to looking in earnest at a political res- year. edged out military expenditures by defend against this type of threats.” olution to the conflict as a military In its preliminary budget forecast, about $500 million. French Defence Minister Florence solution appears increasingly unat- the Treasury Ministry anticipates Even if the Saudi government is Parly noted that her government tainable. the Saudi budget deficit to grow to able to politically resolve its Yemen Erdogan leans on was dispatching “a robust package In its report on global military ex- $49.8 billion in 2020, up from $34.9 conflict in 2020, it still perceives of advanced warning” capabilities, penditures for 2018, the Stockholm billion this year. Iran as a military threat, more so af- central bank for including radars, to Riyadh to com- International Peace Research Insti- Riyadh may be basing its assump- ter the Abqaiq and Khurais attacks. bat low-altitude attacks and that tute (SIPRI) named Saudi Arabia as tion of lower income next year on a The question will be how much of ‘single digit’ rates the military hardware would be “in the No. 1 arms importer in the world declining global economy and rising that concern is officially reflected in Saudi Arabia in the coming days so and ranked the kingdom as No. 1 in crude inventories that will impact Riyadh’s next budget. Turkish President Recep it will be operational very, very rap- highest military spending as a per- oil demand and sustain low crude Tayyip Erdogan urged the central idly.” centage of GDP. prices. Jareer Elass reports from bank to continue slashing inter- The Saudi government is known SIPRI’s estimate for Riyadh’s Saudi Finance Minister Moham- Washington on energy issues est rates, after it had already cut for prioritising military expendi- overall military expenditure of med al-Jadaan explained in late Oc- for The Arab Weekly. by 1,000 points since July, saying both rates and inflation would hopefully hit single digits next year. Muscat launches advanced electronic payment system Erdogan, who in July ousted the former central bank chief for not following instructions, was The Arab Weekly staff system specifications and QR code cited by broadcaster NTV as say- standards for mobile payment. ing rates and inflation were on a The service has become manda- path to desired levels “despite all London tory for use in all banks and pay- the pressure” and would remain ment service providers. By using there permanently. man’s monetary authori- smart banking and e-wallet appli- ties have introduced a cations, consumers can make a va- (Reuters) new system for clearing riety of payments without having O e-payment via smart- to use cash. phones, which experts said is part The Central Bank said the system of an effort to reform the financial allows person-to-person transfers, system and strengthen its role in person-to-business payments and Lebanon’s health the economy. person-to-government payments, The Central Bank of Oman an- using a mobile phone number or sector at threat nounced the initiation of the ad- a user name or by scanning a QR vanced e-payment system in line code and completing the transfer over dollar shortage with the government’s vision to and payment process quickly. boost e-payments in the country The system is expected to enable Lebanon’s health minister by upgrading and modernising it the country’s financial institutions, urged the central bank to release with additional payment services payment service providers, gov- US dollars over a hard currency and benefits. ernment agencies and the private shortage limiting medical imports “The updated mobile payment sector to collect revenue and pay- to the protest-hit country. clearing platform provides an easy, ments for services and procure- “The sector is under serious secure and cost-effective payment ment more efficiently. threat,” caretaker minister Jamal mechanism in the country,” the Essential reforms. A general view of the Central Bank of Oman in The Central Bank said it looks Jabak said at a news conference. bank’s CEO Tahir bin Salem al-Amri Muscat. (Twitter) forward to using the new system The Lebanese pound has been was quoted as saying. “We believe in the coming period as one of the pegged to the dollar at around it will contribute significantly to strategic options for making pay- 1,500 for two decades and the transforming the sultanate into a cost for companies, financial insti- cations and smartphone e-wallets ments in e-commerce transactions. currencies are used interchange- less cash-intensive society.” tutions and even the state budget. offered by banks and payment ser- This is the first electronic pay- ably in daily life. The predominance of cash trans- The new system allows for vice providers in Oman. To achieve ment platform in Oman, intro- actions leads to economic and so- smooth interoperability between simple processing of payments, the duced two years ago as part of Vi- (Agence France-Presse) cial inefficiencies and entails a high various banking systems and appli- Central Bank has used standardised sion 2040. December 1, 2019 21 Economy

Tunisia optimistic over energy prospects with new gas field

The Arab Weekly staff ance and transparency practices in the management of this sensitive Tunis file. Expert Walid Ben Saleh insisted unisian officials said they on the necessity of not falling be- were optimistic about hind the planned deadlines for the curbing the growing energy start of production on the Nawara T deficit with the beginning field because any delay will lead next month of gas production in to complications in next year’s the country’s largest gas field and budget. amid growing scepticism about the The field is a strategic project new government’s ability to meet for Tunisia that will enable the the various challenges and tackle production of condensate gas re- the financial crises because of serves and open gas resources in slower growth in strategic sectors. the south of the country, according The state-owned Tunisian Com- to the Austrian oil company OMV pany for Petroleum Activities exploiting the project. (ETAP) announced that production in the Nawara gas field in the de- Once in full production, sert of the southern governorate of New opportunities. A South Cairo Electricity Distribution Company power station is seen on the side the site will provide about of the Nile River in Cairo. (Reuters) Tataouine will start before the new year. The company was hoping to 2.7 million cubic metres of begin production last October but natural gas a year, which had to delay because of regulatory represents half of the and technical factors. current domestic The country’s official press agen- production and 17% of the cy quoted the company’s Director country’s total gas Cairo clears energy of Projects and Development Mon- consumption. gi Nairi as saying: “Production op- erations will start next December Tunisia stepped up its plans to instead of October as previously reduce its energy deficit by sign- planned.” ing an agreement with the Italian production from The Tunisian government is oil giant Eni to supply it with natu- counting heavily on this project to ral gas for 10 years from the com- reduce the country’s energy deficit pany’s Algerian gas pipeline. The by about 30%, thereby reducing agreement came into effect last gas imports. The delay in produc- September waste recycling tion operations was due to techni- Eni’s Algerian pipeline crosses cal problems at the testing phase. Tunisian territory, for which Tu- Once in full production, the site nisia will also receive from Eni, Mohamed Hammad processed waste to power plants so types: metal, paper and plastic, for will provide about 2.7 million cubic under the terms of the new agree- they won’t have to deal with infor- use in advanced power plants. metres of natural gas a year, which ment, 500 million dinars (about mal garbage collection companies. The European Bank for Recon- represents half of the current do- $176 million) annually. Cairo Egypt has about 1,500 garbage struction and Development has al- mestic production and 17% of the Tunisia’s Industry Minister Slim collection companies operat- located funding of nearly $1 billion country’s total gas consumption. Feriani said at the signing of the airo has introduced waste ing outside the formal economy to develop garbage collection and agreement in July that “a fee of as a new investment oppor- and providing jobs for more than recycling systems in Egypt and in- about 5.25% of the transported tunity to international and 360,000 citizens, who often work vesting in projects of environmen- The government is gas, amounting to 500 million di- local companies working to in inhumane conditions. tal conservation and waste recy- counting on the project to nars annually, will be reserved for C reduce the energy deficit produce electricity from it. Former Environment Minister cling. Tunisia.” He also explained that Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Khaled Fahmy said Egypt needs Mohamed Saadeddine, head of by about 30%. Tunisia will receive an additional Madbouli issued a new tariff for investments of about $400 million the renewable energy committee $14 million representing annual buying electricity produced from “to get rid of the burden of waste on of the Federation of Egyptian In- Nairi further confirmed that exploitation fees and that Eni will waste at about 8 cents per kilowatt the economy of the country.” dustries, said: “The government the field, which was discovered be responsible for the pipeline’s of electricity. Investors had been Electricity Ministry sources said had delayed issuing tariffs for in 2006, will also produce about maintenance, development and waiting for this tariff for three years. electricity generated from waste buying electricity generated from 7,000 barrels of condensed oil per rehabilitation. Cairo had focused on investing in would be connected to the medium waste because it had the additional day. The field’s entry into actual The energy item in the budget producing electricity from solar en- voltage network, requiring projects problem of accumulation of waste, production phase was one of the has constituted a chronic headache ergy and neglected the opportunity with a capacity of not less than 1 which increases its cost to the envi- assumptions on which the 2020 for the state since 2011. Data show of waste, although other countries’ megawatt. Depending on technolo- ronment and human health.” budget was built, particularly its that Tunisia spends up to $2.1 bil- experiences suggested waste could gy used in the production process, a contribution to boosting the non- lion on oil and gas imports. The be a golden opportunity for Cairo. tonne of waste would produce 450- manufacturing sector. domestic oil and gas production is The Egyptian Environmental Af- 550 kilowatt hours of electricity. The Egyptian Experts have repeatedly warned able to meet only 8% of the coun- fairs Agency estimated Egypt’s Gamal al-Qalyubi, professor of Environmental Affairs of the dangers threatening the try’s needs. The rest is imported. waste output at about 96 million energy at the American University Agency estimated Egypt’s Tunisian economy because of its Figures from the National Institute tonnes annually and the World in Cairo, said there are countries, waste output at about 96 inability to cover the growing do- of Statistics stated that last year’s Bank said Egypt was losing 1.5% such as Denmark, Norway, Swe- million tonnes annually. mestic demand for energy, while energy deficit was one-third of of its GDP — $5.7 billion a year — by den, the Netherlands and Spain, international reports have de- Tunisia’s total trade deficit, which not recycling and utilising its waste; that successfully generate electric- He said the field opens new in- plored the absence of good govern- reached a record $6.2 billion. this is in addition to the cost of hav- ity from waste. Those countries vestment horizons and attracts ing to deal with waste and its effect possess the technology to enhance foreign investors to the Egyptian on the environment. progress in the field. They are even market. Investment in convert- buying waste from neighbouring ing waste into electricity remains countries to make electricity. the best way of disposing of solid The volume of waste being Qalyubi said the waste in Euro- waste. Technical and financial fea- produced in Egypt far pean countries generally consists of sibility studies revealed that invest- outweighs the paper, glass, minerals, petrochemi- ment in the waste sector achieves a government’s efforts and cals and petroleum products that return on funds of about 18%. capacity to deal with it. can easily be used to generate en- Despite this investment opportu- ergy. Those products are convert- nity that would allow the govern- Egyptian officials said they hope ed into environmentally friendly ment to achieve safely disposing to increase the share of electricity materials with pollution rates not of waste in Egypt and increasing produced from waste and renew- exceeding 0.03%, the European En- foreign investment, the volume of able sources to about 55% of the vironmental Agency said. waste produced in Egypt far out- total energy output in the country Investing in power plants us- weighs the government’s effort and by 2050. The Ministry of Electric- ing waste in Egypt is problematic capacity to deal with it. ity revealed its plan to use waste in as materials useful for generating The government is embarking on electricity production by offering energy are lacking. Most waste in building two power plants to ac- the private sector the opportunity Egypt is organic and environmen- commodate about 1.5% of the coun- to invest in ten dedicated power tally unfriendly. try’s waste. The metropolitan area plants. Households, shops and markets of Cairo produces 20 million tonnes The Ministry of Environment es- in Egypt produce about 22 million of waste a year. tablished the first Egyptian joint tonnes of waste, of which 13.2 mil- Another challenge facing the sec- stock company for waste manage- lion tonnes are food waste and 8.7 tor are high maintenance costs of ment in cooperation with the Na- million tonnes are paper, cardboard power plants using waste. Waste tional Bank of Egypt, the Bank of and soda bottles and cans. has high oxide contents that rap- Egypt, the National Investment To increase efficiency in utilising idly erode generators and other ma- Bank and Maadi Company for En- waste, Cairo is seeking to sort waste chines in the power plants, which is gineering Industries affiliated to right from the source. It began ap- not the case of conventional gas or the Ministry of Military Production. plying the process in 6th of Octo- diesel power plants. The new company is expected to ber, Helwan, New Cairo, Alexandria High hopes. A view of the Nawara gas treatment plant in the play a key role in processing waste and cities in the Delta and north Mohamed Hammad is an Egyptian desert of the southern governorate of Tataouine. and ensuring a constant supply of of Cairo. Waste is sorted into three writer. (OMV Aktiengesellschaft) 22 December 1, 2019 Media Interview Interview with journalists’ freedom advocate Nidal Mansour

insulting the president. 142 arrest and subjected to humiliating and The Arab Weekly staff warrants have been issued against inhuman treatment. This is the other journalists outside the definition in the International Bill country, and more than 189 media of Human Rights and this applies Tunis platforms have been shut down. to issues related to the right to According to the Turkish Statis- life, safety, personal security, et ased in Amman, tical Institute, Turkish authorities cetera. Jordan, the Centre for are raising the unemployment So, our approach is legalistic. Defending Freedom rate in the media after it closed We also try to document on the of Journalists was more than 175 media outlets and field some of the cases of seri- established in 1998. It left more than 12,000 workers in ous violations involving physical is one of the leading the sector without jobs. Accord- harm, in the sense that research- BArab NGOs promoting freedom ing to statistics between 2009 and ers interview the victims and of the press in the region. 2017, 5,889 lawsuits were filed directly collect their version of the As an independent organisa- against journalists for allegedly facts. tion, it advocates for the right of violating the Press Law, and 1526 TAW: Are the impediments ob- Nidal Mansour. (Twitter) journalists to the free exercise of of them led to convictions. structing freedom of the press and their profession without threats freedom of expression among the or restrictions. It also works to factors fuelling anti-government hostile to an independent and now is one who can shoot videos, promote professional standards Iran has been at the unrest in the Arab world? free press. But we have found also make recordings, do montage and adequate working environ- bottom of the list NM: Of course, freedom of ex- that regimes are taking advantage work, edit and publish his mate- ments for reporters in Jordan and pression and freedom of the press of this atmosphere to establish rial on the web and market his the Arab region. The Centre for of countries that are not adequately protected in an arsenal of weapons that limit material on social media plat- Defending Freedom of Journalists respect freedom of the region, although most Arab freedom of expression. forms… documents and defends human constitutions guarantee these We should not forget that Whoever does not have these rights and public freedoms in the the press during the freedoms. Constitutional provi- anti-terrorism laws were one of skills is at risk of extinction. region in general. past decades. sions are usually voided by unfair the most dangerous tools used Now, the fundamental problem The Arab Weekly talked recently laws and regulations. A quick against personal freedoms and is that financial resources are to the organisation’s Executive Forms of violation of the examination of the reality of free- the freedom to transmit and share dwindling and original content is President Nidal Mansour. freedom of the press by Turkish dom of expression and freedom information, and they imposed becoming rare. The Arab Weekly (TAW): What authorities are numerous, includ- of the press in the Arab world obscure restrictions on the move- For public media to survive, is the situation today in the Arab ing imprisonment and detention, reveals a whole lot of lawsuits ments of media professionals. All it has to be financially propped world and the Middle East and the deportation of foreign journal- slapped on people for expressing of these restrictions came under by the state while adopting clear North Africa region regarding ists, unfair trials under charges of their opinions. the pretext of anti-terrorism standards or else face the danger freedom of the press and the abil- promoting terrorism, pressuring TAW: What has been the impact lawsuits. of disappearing. The print media ity of reporters to conduct their journalists, refusing accreditation of new information technologies? are now shutting down, even the activities against the background to some foreign correspondents, NM: I think the problems in the major papers. In the Arab world, of ongoing wars, civil strife and pre-censorship of digital content Arab world have become more Political power in the number of media outlets unrest? and blocking websites. complex with the spread of social the Arab world has that can survive this onslaught is Nidal Mansour (NM): Generally TAW: Is there an evolution in media. For many decades, the extremely small. So, we are facing speaking, the Middle East is often the attitude of governments in the Arab world has been exposed to become weak or major challenges. at the bottom of international Middle East towards the press? one voice, one radio, one televi- fragile thanks to People are now getting their rankings in terms of freedom NM: Authorities, in the region, sion and one medium of com- information through their smart- indices. For example, with the ex- are generally uncomfortable with munication and information that the development phones. We must be able to an- ception of Tunisia, which ranked the existence of independent came from government channels of information ticipate the future, which is going 72nd on the Reporters Without media. This is expressed either but now, no Arab authorities can technology. to be the issue of artificial intel- Borders index for freedoms, the through restrictive and unregulat- exercise old censorship practices ligence and how it will change only other MENA country ranking ed legislation and laws or through in order to stop social media or our map for or our perceptions of less than 100th place is Mauri- policies that are not supportive of prevent freedom of expression. The war on terrorism and the future of the media. Now the tania, which was ranked 94th, the media. If political power in the Arab extremism was also the excuse questions that are on everyone’s and the rest of the Arab coun- TAW: Tell us a little bit about world seems to have frayed or behind electronic surveillance, mind are: What’s coming after Fa- tries ranked worse, starting with what’s new in the work of your become more fragile, it is in large hacking into private accounts and cebook or Twitter? What’s coming Lebanon at 101st place and ending organisation? measure thanks to the develop- stealing passwords, monitoring after YouTube? What’s next? with Sudan at 175th place on the NM: The Centre for Defending ment of new information tech- and punishing digital content TAW: How do you look at cur- freedoms scale. This is also true Freedom of Journalists has issued nologies. and listening in on private phone rent protest movements in the for the Arab world and also for regular reports since 2001 on the Unable to control the virtual conversations. Even the so-called region? Turkey and Iran. reality of freedom of the press in space, authorities are trying to democratic countries have re- NM: Protests against Arab TAW: Can you be more specific Jordan. amend existing legislation and sorted to these tactics and under regimes are really the natural con- about Iran? However, since 2012, after the create new ones that would fet- the same pretext. We have seen sequence of these regimes which NM: Iran has been at the bottom “Arab spring,” we found it impor- ter the freedom of the internet a resurgence of declaring a state in many cases do not owe their of the list of countries that respect tant to have a regional Arab civil and the freedom of expression of emergency and martial law in legitimacy to the ballot boxes. freedom of the press during the society organisation that prepares on social media. Not only that, many countries and in unfair tri- They do not represent people’s past decades, and we are still and issues reports on the state of but a few Arab authorities are als, all under the pretext of coun- aspirations for human dignity and witnessing waves of arrests and the freedom of the press in the beginning to use the concept of tering extremism and militancy in freedom. They don’t make any prosecutions characterised by Arab world. Therefore, and since hate speech to silence freedom of the world. connection between feeding their violating the standards of fair 2012, we have issued a regular expression. TAW: How has the media land- people and respecting their dig- trials. Heavy sentences are issued annual report on freedom of the TAW: That taken into considera- scape evolved across the region in nity. Even though many of these against journalists in addition to press in the Arab world. What tion, how do extremism and ter- your view? countries are rich in terms of having the security authorities distinguishes this report is that it rorism reflect on journalistic work NM: The media, in general, natural resources, these revenues impede smooth access to docu- is a national and regional prod- and on the attitudes of authorities are witnessing amazing devel- are looted and benefit mainly the mented information. uct, produced in and by the Arab towards media and the internet? opments due to innovations in ruling class and its cronies. world itself. NM: Terrorism and totalitarian information technology, commu- We are probably witnessing now As you know, international regimes cannot coexist with free- nications technology and social a third wave of the “Arab spring”. Authorities in the reports in this domain are often dom of expression and freedom media platforms, so much so that What is happening in Iraq and in region are generally criticised as being driven by inter- of the press and this is why they’ll only a few people do still turn on Lebanon is a good indicator of national agendas or part of some combat it. Let’s not forget what the TV or switch on a radio or read the refusal of the young men and uncomfortable with sort of international conspiracy ISIS had done in the past years a newspaper. women of those countries to be the existence of against the Arab world, and they in Iraq. The Report on the State Everyone is watching and ruled in the same old ways and are discarded as not credible. of Freedom of the Press issued following through social media to be dispersed and marginalised independent media. When the reports are issued by by the Centre for the Protection platforms. If you are not on a into factions and sects just to be the peoples of the Arab countries of Journalists’ Freedom for 2015, media platform such as Facebook kept away from having a secular Even before recent events, there themselves, I believe that they just to take one example, listed or Twitter, then rest assured that modern civil state. has been an increase in govern- have more credibility and accept- that ISIS had killed 34 journalists the number of your followers is TAW: As all is not bleak, what ment censorship of the media and ance, because the people who in Iraq and Syria and abducted 16 minuscule, especially if you don’t do you see as the main sources of the internet in Iran, such as block- produce them are better able to others because they were doing reach out to people and wait for hope today in the region? ing websites and banning access understand the political, econom- their job of reporting. them to come to you. NM: I believe that in the future, to social media sites. The forms ic and social context of the viola- Terrorist organisations, irre- Communication theorists would no matter how many techno- of censorship are numerous, tions and better able to under- spective of their names, contrib- advise to reach out to audiences logical means of censorship and including heavy prison sentences, stand the contexts of legislations uted a lot to the crackdown on and to select the specific seg- surveillance despotic authori- arbitrary detention, prior censor- and their impact on the freedom freedom of the press. We should ments you want to touch. Social ties might possess, each day of ship, publication bans, threaten- of expression and freedom of the not forget also that there are jour- media platforms have become technological development brings ing journalists and preventing press. nalists still abducted by terrorist an integrated world of their own. closer the victory of freedom. Ul- them from doing their job. The most important aspect of organisations, including the two This new world has changed the timately, there is no stopping the TAW: And Turkey? the reports issued by the Centre Tunisian journalists whose fate is rules of media work. For ex- populations’ determined quest for NM: What applies to Iran is for Defending Freedom of Jour- still unknown. ample, the big challenge in the freedom of expression. very much true of Turkey. For nalists is that these reports adopt Hate speech goes hand in hand media world these days is how to example, since the failed coup a monitoring approach based on with extremism. Wherever one integrate professional media into Mr Nidal Mansour answered in Turkey, more than 300 media human rights. When we say that finds environments dominated social media platforms. Integrated questions submitted by various people, including 53 journalists, a journalist was attacked, we’re by extremism, be it religious or media is now the slogan. members of The Arab Weekly have been arrested on charges of saying that he or she was tortured sectarian, one would find them The accomplished journalist staff. December 1, 2019 23 Cairo Film Festival Egyptian cinema draws inspiration from the Mexican silver screen Marc Espanol screening of eight movies chosen wanted to take the opportunity to by the four guests from the featured draw on the Mexican film industry, country. The selections included four which is experiencing a vibrant peri- Cairo classics from its golden age — mainly od, and to try to replicate its success the 1950s and 1960s — and another in Egypt, given the historical paral- he movie “The Beginning four from the last two decades, con- lels that they say that can be traced and the End,” produced and sidered its new golden times. between the cinemas of both coun- directed in 1993 by the Mexi- “This was a very interesting way tries. The golden age that the coun- can film director Alfredo to programme the section, and it re- tries experienced in the middle of TRipstein, was the first time that the ally rounded up the history with the the 20th century, which left classics stories of the celebrated Egyptian present and then looked at the future acclaimed beyond their borders, was writer Naguib Mahfouz made the […] with a panel that we had with followed by a decline from which leap to the silver screen of the Latin some of the guests to discuss the Mexico has already recovered, while American country. Only two years future of Mexican cinema and how Egypt is just beginning to flourish. later, the words of Mahfouz inspired it gets its inspiration from its past,” In 2017, Mexico produced 176 a second film by the same director, Hefzy said. movies, and in 2018 the number in- “Midaq Alley,” that saw the bustling The festival honoured two ac- creased to 186, a figure that Mexican streets of Cairo and Mexico City con- claimed figures from Mexican cin- Ambassador to Egypt Jose Octavio nected again. ema: the Oscar-nominated screen- Tripp pronounced an “all-time re- writer and director Guillermo cord” during his speech at the pres- Guillermo Arriaga, who gave Arriaga and the Cannes best director- entation of the festival. During those awarded Carlos Reygadas. The other two years, the Mexican film industry an extended, three-hour two guests from the Latin American grew almost four times the rate of masterclass on script country that landed in Cairo were the national economy, he said. In the Exploring cinema through different lenses. The Oscar-nominated (Twitter) writing that was attended by the internationally awarded screen- past 20 years, Tripp added, members screenwriter and director Guillermo Arriaga. some 300 people, expressed writer and director Michel Franco, of the Mexican film crew have won gratitude for his reception in who was also a jury member of the 32 Oscars, and just in 2018 Mexican experience can teach us.” Atom Egoyan, an Egyptian-born Ca- Egypt. International Competition, and Ga- films won 78 awards in 23 countries, Yet for Mexican cinema, the CIFF, nadian filmmaker who has received briel Ripstein, winner of the best proving what Tripp regarded as a which is among the top 15 film fes- a number of awards in Mexico, said. Celebrating this connection be- debut award at the Berlinale in 2015 boom driving the country to a new tivals in the world and the only one “[Festivals] are an amazing, rare tween the two countries, this year and son of the director Arturo Rip- golden age. from the Arab world, as listed by the and unique situation,” he added, “I it was the turn of Mexico to land in stein. “Mexican cinema is a great exam- International Federation of Film Pro- try to see films that I might not see Egypt as the Country in Focus of the The special guests also partici- ple of how talents can emerge out of ducers Associations, opened an op- again; it is a privilege to have this 41st edition of the Cairo Internation- pated in a number of seminars, mas- nowhere from a system that did not portunity to explore new horizons exposure and time, it’s a precious al Film Festival, November 20-29 in terclasses and open dialogues organ- really support cinema in an indus- for its film industry. thing.” the iconic Opera House of the Egyp- ised as part of the festival. try where very few films were being “The purpose of the film festival Tripp acknowledged that cinema tian capital. Arriaga, who gave an extended, produced in the 1970s and then, a is to bring people together, to bring is offering a window of opportunity “A lot of people don’t know the three-hour masterclass on script decade or two later, a bunch of in- different audiences to your films, to to deepen relations between Mexico, history of Mexican cinema and don’t writing that was attended by some dependent filmmakers can really [meet] different producers; festivals Egypt and the region. “The decision know a lot about its golden age [be- 300 people, expressed gratitude for demand enough attention to get the are interesting to create all these con- [of selecting Mexico as the Country cause] some cinematographers are his reception in Egypt. “I was sur- government behind the industry,” tacts and connections,” said Arriaga. in Focus] is an honour for Mexico less exposed to our audience and prised that most of the [attendees] Hefzy said. “Watching films in a cinema is and its film industry, and also an im- we need to put a spotlight on them,” knew my work, and I was touched “If we can follow that example, in a way becoming more and more portant incentive to explore areas of said Mohamed Hefzy, president of by the fact that it was influential for we will end up with enough success rare, as people become more used to collaboration between Mexico, Af- the festival. them,” the screenwriter of the films to pressure on our own [Arab] gov- watch them on their devices; so this rica and the Middle East,” he said. The Country in Focus programme “Amores Perros” and “21 Grams” ernments to stand behind cinema, idea of going to watch a film collec- traced a special journey through the said. because that is our soft power,” he tively is really precious, especially Marc Espanol is a Catalan journalist history of Mexican cinema with the The organisers of the festival also added. “That is what the Mexican when the filmmaker is present,” in Egypt. ‘The Lady of the Sea,’ a new face of Saudi cinema

Hiba Yassine “This world is full of virtual the world. It is very important that barriers that members of society we focus on artistic works that get place on themselves,” Ameen said. distributed worldwide because they Cairo “These are time-worn and outdated are the quickest way to let people customs and traditions that we con- know about our society,” he said. he Saudi film “Sayidat al- tinue to impose on ourselves. We Al-Farhan said his character in Bahr” (“The Lady of the are the ones who place these limita- the film resembles many people he Sea”), presented at the Cairo tions on ourselves and we make our personally knew in Saudi society, T International Film Festival, lives harder.” especially those from older genera- attracted the attention of audiences In her film, Ameen relied primar- tions who had to endure the oppres- with its audacity and rarity and by ily on a purely visual language by sion of traditions. its stance against worn-out customs focusing on eye shots, facial expres- “To be honest with myself and and traditions. sions and body movements. with people, and to be truthful, The events of “The Lady of the Asked about the obstacles she ex- what I call for in the film I apply in Sea” take place in an atmosphere pects her film to encounter in Saudi my daily life,” he said. “It wasn’t my of fantasy and dystopia within a fa- Arabia, Ameen said that she was intention to break down tradition, natical village. A young girl named “ready for all types of reactions but and I don’t want to depict myself as Hayat takes a stand against her fam- still apprehensive of showing it to a hero, but I simply stood up to tra- ily’s wishes and upsets the village the Saudi public, even though I’m ditions and lived my life as I wanted tradition of sacrificing female chil- sure the film will find an audience it, without being subdued by soci- dren to mysterious creatures living that will understand it and absorb ety.” in the sea. its message.” Al-Farhan said he thinks many Hayat (meaning life) is presented “When we made films years ago, Saudis have become fed up with as the emblematic figure, represent- we knew they wouldn’t be shown and tired of worn-out traditions. ing the reality of women and the re- in Saudi Arabia,” she said. “We had When they experienced the positive strictions and oppression imposed only the Dammam festival where effects of openness and its civilised on them. we could show our films but there is messages, they have adopted it. Screened in the festival’s Arab now a lot of support for cinema and The dominant voices currently are Horizons Competition, “Sayyidat al- a belief that art is an important ele- the ones of a new generation eager Bahr” was written and directed by ment in society.” for progress and change, al-Farhan Saudi director Shahad Ameen and “It is essential that our films carry said. produced by Imagination Abu Dha- our identity, and we are facing a his- Regarding the film’s ambiguity bi. Saudi actor Yacoub al-Farhan, toric opportunity,” Ameen said. “We and how it was difficult for viewers Palestinian Ashraf Barhom, Emi- have been a country without a film to understand, he said “the subject rati Fatima al-Taei and child actress industry for many years. And now, is based on a fiction that carries Basima Hajjar star in the film, which suddenly, the world wants to see A purely visual language. A scene from “Sayidat al-Bahr.” (Al Arab) messages. So, while the text was was shot on locations in Oman. our films. So, they should be an ex- more of a fantasy, the content was Ameen said the idea of the film pression of Saudi society and not a nevertheless realistic and sincere. I came from her early childhood. She pale imitation of foreign films or ad- was not afraid of the idea of using always thought of the Arab woman aptations of Western stories. I hope when girls like me make films, they hat Leila” (“Leila’s Window”). Her comedy, because it was a good idea as a mermaid swimming against the that Saudi directors will present come out full of honesty, and that is short film “Houreya wa ain” was and was professionally carried out. current of a society that does not let works derived from our reality and what’s most important for any di- released in 2013 at the Dubai Inter- “Cinema is a proud art form; it her choose for herself but always the originality of our ideas.” rector.” national Film Festival. is both important and difficult. So decides for her. Ameen said there is “some kind Ameen was born in the Saudi city Saudi actor al-Farhan, who plays whoever goes to see a film must be She pointed out that the film de- of honesty and reconciliation with of Jeddah. She earned a bachelor’s the girl’s father in “The Lady of the prepared to find many messages picts her life experiences and those oneself in the stories that Saudi cin- degree in visual production and film Sea,” said he was pleased with the and must take every opportunity of many women in Saudi Arabia. ema is currently presenting, given studies from the University of West cultural and cinematic openness to discuss the symbolism used with Through fictional events that are that we have gone through similar London. She also earned a certifi- that his country is witnessing. “We others, because it is a fun thing to not tied to any particular period, stories that have not been told be- cate in scenario writing. She made would be very stupid not to take d o .” she tried to break the shackles of fore and that there are voices that several short films, including “Mu- advantage of this openness and pre- traditions. society has not heard before; so siqana” (“Our Music”) and “Nafid- sent a proper image of ourselves to Hiba Yassine is an Egyptian writer. 24 December 1, 2019 UAE’s Space Ambitions www.thearabweekly.com

Agenda

Beirut: Through January 6

Organised by the Sursock Mu- seum with the support of the Musee national Picasso-Paris in the framework of Picasso-Medi- terranee, “Picasso et la famille” explores Pablo Picasso’s rela- tionship to the notion of the family. Bringing together draw- ings, etchings, paintings and sculptures, the exhibition spans 77 years of artistic creation.

Dubai: Through February 18

“La Perle” features 65 artists from 23 countries performing amazing stunts and aerial antics above an on-stage pool filled Far-reaching ambitions. Emirati wo- with 2.7 million litres of water in men walk past an illustration depic- a state-of-the-art, custom-built ting an astronaut with the national theatre. The show takes place at flag outside Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Habtoor City. Space Centre in Dubai. (AFP) Tunis: December 7-15

Carthage Theatre Days, hosted Meet the Emirati by the government of Tunisia, showcases theatrical produc- tions from the Maghreb, Africa, women with the Middle East and Europe. Abu Dhabi: December 9-24 cosmic ambitions Al Dhafra Festival in the United Arab Emirates is a major in- ternational event inspired by Caline Malek “It is not just in the agency but also in the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space the authentic Emirati Bedouin Centre (MBRSC) and the space sector spirit. It features more than a Dubai as a whole, women are well repre- dozen heritage activities and sented and they have demonstrated competitions, including a camel omen were celebrated their capabilities,” Ahbabi said. “It beauty contest, camel races, and recognised for their is one of our strengths in the Unit- poetry, dates competition and a invaluable work at a ed Arab Emirates, especially in the falcon competition. “Women in Space” con- space sector.” W Tozeur: ference during the Dubai Airshow He spoke of NASA where female 2019. representation is quite low — around December 25-28 Hosted by the UAE Space Agency, 14% while the UAE space sector is 30- the event saw experts and decision 35%. The Tozeur International Oasis makers in the global space sector “We are proud of the women in Festival, in southern Tunisia, discuss the importance of diversity, space,” Ahbabi said. “Not just for will feature events ranging from capacity building and the use of ad- global indicators but our leadership art exhibitions to musical per- vanced technologies in the space in- believes women are half of the socie- formances along with displays dustry. ty and if we can empower them, then of local food and traditional Mohammed al-Ahbabi, director they will contribute greatly.” crafts. Artists from various general of the agency, said women Emirati women’s ambitions are countries will perform and have a vital role to play in the de- far-reaching — when applications interact with visitors. velopment of the space sector. More opened for submissions to the UAE than 45% of the United Arab Emir- Astronaut Programme, 4,000 Emi- Muscat: ates’ space agency is made up of ratis applied, of which 34% were January 16-February 15 women. “Many of them are in the women. core technical side, young engineers “So you are talking about young Lasting a month, the annual working on the Mars mission and women thinking of going to space Muscat Festival in Oman will other satellites, so it is worth talking and many went far in the interview feature nightly fireworks, about,” he said. process,” Ahbabi explained. “It’s a traditional Omani music per- “The UAE looks to empower wom- great indicator of their strength.” formances, local cuisine, craft en on a national level and to ensure a Salem Al Marri, head of the UAE displays, exhibitions from re- gender balance. We have an indicator Astronaut Programme, mentioned Key role. Sarah Amiri, deputy project manager of the UAE Mars gional countries and traditional at the agency where the percentage innumerable contributions and dedi- Mission, speaks in Dubai. (AFP) dancing. of women is measured every year so cated efforts of women in the field of we are competing with other govern- space. Marrakech: mental organisations to ensure we “Today, women are making history active partners who contribute to a platform on which Arab scientists January 26 are empowering women — not just by and it is truly inspiring to see how far MBRSC’s achievements and success,” and engineers will be able to work numbers but by giving them a lead- they’ve come,” he said. “We, at MBR- Marri said. together. More than 8,000 runners from ing role in the core business.” SC, have always been keen on em- “MBRSC is proud to be a major As the importance of STEM educa- all over the world will be racing While women are underrepresent- powering women by involving them player in empowering women in tion and raising younger generations’ in this year’s Marrakech Inter- ed in the Science, Technology, En- in all the key divisions and sectors.” space and positioning the UAE at the awareness about the space industry national Marathon in Morocco. gineering and Mathematics (STEM) At the centre, 42% of the staff forefront of leading countries in this was highlighted at the conference, Many international sport icons field around the world, the United members are women. The Emirates field. This is guided by the vision of enriching and investing in local tal- will participate in addition to Arab Emirates has tried to ensure Mars Mission — Hope Probe — core our leadership, who has empowered ent for developing space-related ca- various touristic activities and their role has grown across the in- science team consists of 80% female Emirati women in every field, includ- pabilities was also emphasised. street shows being held during dustry. staff. “We believe that women are ing education, legislation, environ- The United Arab Emirates is engag- the event. ment, technology and research and ing with universities to create space development, among others.” programmes, as well as providing Beirut: Ahbabi said he expects that num- students with the opportunities to February 18-March 22 ber to grow as the United Arab Emir- study niche programmes abroad to ates continues to lead the region in prepare them to become industry Al Bustan International Festival space. “There is, unfortunately, a pioneers. of Music and the Performing challenge in the UAE to get enough The country aims to establish a Arts is a musical celebration skilled men for high-tech sectors so link between education and space, that takes place throughout women can fill that gap,” he said. as Hazza al-Mansoori, the first Emi- various venues in Lebanon’s “Certain sectors require more men rati astronaut, was continuously in capital, Beirut, and promotes because of the nature of the work.” touch with young Emirati students music from all over the world. MeznSat, a satellite scheduled for during his trip to the International The festival includes orchestral launch this year, has a number of fe- Space Station to raise awareness of concerts, choral music, opera males involved in design and manu- the space sector and inspire them to and dance performances. facturing. It is designed to gather follow his journey. environmental data, which will con- As a culmination to the United We welcome submissions of tribute to achieving sustainability. Arab Emirates’ efforts, the Interna- calendar items related to The agency has added Iraq, Tunisia tional Astronautical Congress 2020 cultural events of interest to and Mauritania to its now 14-mem- will be in Dubai next October, a first travellers in the Middle East ber Arab Space Coordination Group. for the Arab region. and North Africa. Another three countries are expected A desire to learn. Emirati women at the Mohammed Bin Rashid to join as the United Arab Emirates is Caline Malek is an Arab Weekly Please send tips to: Space Centre in Dubai. (AFP) funding and building Satellite 813, contributor in Dubai. [email protected]