UK £2 Issue 232, Year 5 EU €2.50 November 24, 2019 www.thearabweekly.com Billions in deals A political at Dubai Air Show earthquake in Israel

Page 18 Pages 5, 13 Iran’s suppression of unrest sharpens confrontation with Washington

Thomas Seibert nuclear activities that could deal another blow to the 2015 pact. Experts at the International Istanbul Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog, ran’s violent suppression of the are expected in Iran this week after unrest in the country is sharpen- inspectors detected uranium parti- ing the confrontation between cles at a site Iran had not declared I Tehran and the United States at to the agency. a time when the Islamic Republic is While the IAEA has not identi- facing added international pressure fied the site in question, diplomatic over its nuclear programme. sources previously said the agency Following days of clashes be- asked Iran about a site in the Tur- tween demonstrators and security quzabad district of Tehran where In harm’s way. An Iraqi anti-government protester shows a tear gas canister during clashes with Iraqi forces that killed more than 100 Israel alleged secret atomic activity security forces in al-Rasheed Street near al-Ahrar Bridge, November 22. (AFP) people, as stated by Amnesty Inter- in the past. national, and triggered an internet Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin blackout ordered by authorities, Netanyahu, who accuses Iran of the United States introduced sanc- trying to develop a nuclear weapon tions against Iranian Information despite Tehran’s denials, drew at- Iraq risks US sanctions Minister Mohammad-Javad Azari tention to the site in a speech last Jahromi. year, calling it a “secret atomic Jahromi, the first government warehouse.” Tehran said the site is minister born after Iran’s 1979 Is- a carpet-cleaning facility. over protesters’ deaths lamic Revolution, is believed to be considering a presidential run in 2021. In sanctioning him, the US The US introduced Mamoon Alabbasi plicated in corruption or the death of Adel Abdul-Mahdi November 18, a Treasury noted he once worked for sanctions against Iranian protesters. statement from the Iraqi prime min- the country’s Intelligence Ministry Information Minister “We will not stand idle while the cor- ister’s office said. and “has advanced the Iranian re- Mohammad-Javad Azari London rupt officials make the Iraqi people suf- The Iraqi parliament discussed a gime’s policy of repressive internet Jahromi. fer,” Pompeo said. “The United States draft electoral law but the UN mis- censorship.” atalities among Iraq’s anti- will use [its] legal authority to sanction sion in Iraq said it “requires improve- “Iran’s leaders know that a free Sources said the IAEA took sam- corruption protesters contin- corrupt individuals that are stealing ments to meet public demands.” and open internet exposes their il- ples from the site in the spring and ued to increase despite prom- Iraqis’ wealth and those killing and In a November 20 statement, Hen- legitimacy, so they seek to censor that Iran has been slow in providing F ises from the government to wounding peaceful protesters.” nis-Plasschaert said: “It is the prerog- internet access to quell anti-regime answers to explain the test results. investigate unsanctioned use of force Observers noted, however, that — ative of the Council of Representa- protests,” US Treasury Secretary Iran’s less-than-forthcoming at- by the security apparatus and despite other than a few critical statements tives to examine this legislation as it Steven Mnuchin said in a state- titude heightened doubts about the warnings from the United States to — the United States would remain sees fit. However, I would like to urge ment. future of the Joint Comprehensive impose sanctions on individuals im- supportive of the Iraqi state, which the parliamentarians to act on their The US government, which rein- Plan of Action (JCPOA), the nuclear plicated in killing demonstrators. Washington helped set up in 2003. constituents’ legitimate demands for troduced sanctions against Iran as deal struck in 2015 that was severely More than 340 people, mostly Among the key demands of pro- credible, free and fair elections. part of a “maximum pressure” tac- weakened by the US withdrawal last demonstrators, have been killed testers is the reform of Iraq’s electoral “I sincerely hope that their choices tics since Washington’s withdrawal year. since mass protests began October system, which critics say is unfair and will reflect the public appetite for a from the nuclear agreement, said it Over the past few months, Iran 1. More than 3,000 were reported exposed to fraud and manipulations. new and different way of conducting was determined to punish Iranian has breached several parts of the ac- wounded. The latest fatalities includ- politics, restoring the hope of many government officials involved in cord that it signed with the United ed incidents in which security forces US Secretary of State Iraqis in a brighter tomorrow.” violence against demonstrators. States, Britain, China, France, Ger- fired tear gas canisters directly at the Mike Pompeo Echoing Iraq’s public sentiment in US Secretary of State Mike many and Russia and in which it heads of protesters, Iraqi medical his November 22 sermon, Grand Aya- Pompeo, a leading Iran hawk in committed to scaling back its nu- sources said. tollah Ali al-Sistani stressed “the im- the administration, said on Twitter clear programme in exchange for A government inquiry in late Oc- “We will not stand idle while portance of speeding up the passing of he had “asked the Iranian protest- sanctions relief. Britain, France and tober “found that officers and com- the corrupt officials make the the electoral law and the electoral com- ers to send us their videos, photos Germany said they are extremely manders lost control over their forces Iraqi people suffer.” mission law because this represents and information documenting the concerned by Iran’s actions in step- during the protests.” Iran-backed mi- the country moving past the big crisis.” regime’s crackdown on protest- ping up its uranium enrichment and litias were responsible for deploying The topic of electoral reform was ers.” Pompeo said the United States other breaches. snipers to shoot at protesters. brought up by Special Representative Mamoon Alabbasi is Deputy would “expose and sanction the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq Managing Editor and Online Editor abuses.” Thomas Seibert is an Arab Weekly said Washington was prepared to im- Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert when of The Arab Weekly. Iran’s regime will also have to correspondent. pose sanctions on Iraqi officials im- she met with Iraqi Prime Minister P2 answer questions about suspected P6, 15-16 World Children’s Day is a stark reminder of young Arabs’ plight

Iman Zayat highlight the hopes — and needs — of hostilities have subsided in some In western Libya, including Tripoli, Children’s Day, which marks 30 years the world’s next generation. areas of the country, more than 5 where there have been high levels of since the United Nations adopted The day also served as a stark re- million children are estimated to violence, school has been suspend- its Convention on the Rights of the Tunis minder of the bleak reality for many need humanitarian aid, including ed for more than 100,000 children in Child, serves as a reminder to states children facing conflict and crisis 2.6 million internally displaced, said nine districts. of the need to renew their commit- lobal landmarks were lit around the world — from Iraq to UNICEF Representative in Syria Fran The situation for Iraqi children ment to the UN convention and pro- up in blue November 20 to Yemen to Syria to Libya. Equiza. is so dire that UNICEF cancelled its tect children’s rights. mark World Children’s Day, In Yemen, some 4.5 million chil- As of September, the United Na- planned celebration of World Chil- UNICEF Executive Director Henri- G a UN-recognised occasion dren have been deprived of edu- tions confirmed 1,792 grave viola- dren’s Day out of respect for those etta Fore said the day should also in- to raise awareness for and ensure cation since Iran-backed Houthi tions against children. These includ- killed and wounded since protests spire people towards “urgent action children’s rights. militants took control of Sana’a in ed children being killed, injured, broke out October 1. on the issues they care about, like The Empire State Building in 2014, said Yemeni Minister of Social abducted or recruited for fighting. “The violence has not been lim- the climate crisis, the rise of mental New York, the Acropolis of Athens, Affairs and Labour Ibtihaj al-Kamal. There were attacks on schools and ited to the streets. UNICEF confirms illness and the lack of opportuni- the European Parliament building Some two-thirds of the 3 million health facilities. there are cases where babies and ties.” in Belgium, the Shanghai Tower in Yemeni children born since 2014 suf- Children have been exposed to children were put at risk as a result of China and the Al Noor Mosque in fer from health problems, he said, war and violence in Libya, which has the violence taking place close to the Iman Zayat is Managing Editor of Christchurch, New Zealand, one of often because of malnutrition, dis- been mired in civil strife since 2011. hospital and the school where they The Arab Weekly. two mosques where 51 worshippers ease and inadequate health care. UNICEF has repeatedly expressed were present,” said Hamida Lasseko, were killed in attacks last March, In Syria, children are in dire need concern about violations against UNICEF’s representative in Iraq. Full version of this article appears on were illuminated for the occasion to of humanitarian assistance. While children subject to conflict there. Beyond the symbolism, this World www.thearabweekly.com 2 November 24, 2019 News

Iraqi prime minister turns ‘Not afraid of change,’ Lebanese youth denounce to tribal leaders for support as sectarianism, corruption pressure mounts from protests Samar Kadi ing to is dead. The ruling class is alien to them; it does not resemble them nor represent them.” Beirut Described as “confident, self-ex- pressive, liberal, upbeat and open to hey have powered anti-gov- change,” millennials have a strong ernment protests in Leba- leaning towards civic responsibility non for more than a month, and a more optimistic outlook than T forced the resignation of their forebears. Prime Minister Saad Hariri, blocked They are also the most “connect- parliament and introduced innova- ed” generation of all time and the tive means for peaceful demonstra- most educated. tions. The Lebanese millennial gen- “The new generation has tran- eration is the heart of the persisting scended sectarian and political align- revolution. ments. They did not experience the Lebanon’s parliament was blocked civil war but they inherited the war- from its first session for two months lords. They don’t understand why on November 19 after protesters pre- they have to be framed by their reli- vented lawmakers from reaching the gion,” said Mona Fayyad, founder of building. Authorities announced the the Democratic Renewal organisa- session had been postponed indefi- tion. nitely. Lebanon’s demonstrations re- “How are they having a session and vealed a diversity never seen before, not responding to the people? Those uniting citizens from all sects, re- who are in the session have nothing gions and religious beliefs but also to do with us and it’s not what we age groups, including children. asked for,” said Maria, a young pro- Youth have been largely innova- tester. tive in enhancing what takes place in Young Lebanese, born after the civ- the streets and squares. They write il war (1975-90), are on the front line revolutionary songs and create short of protests demanding an overhaul of movies and satirical caricatures of Lebanon’s sectarian-based political the political elite. They then share establishment and economic reform. them through Facebook, Twitter, Hopeless manoeuvres. Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi speaks in Baghdad, last October. (AFP) They accuse the ruling class of being YouTube, Instagram and other social corrupt, inefficient and the cause of media platforms. The Arab Weekly staff The same statement included curity forces dealing with protest- Lebanon’s worst economic and finan- “Unlike previous generations, the lavish praise for the country’s ers. cial crisis. millennials have a very powerful tool tribes. More than 340 people, mostly “The millennials who constitute in their hand that is the easy access to London “The tribes were on the front demonstrators, have been killed the majority of Lebanese are not information,” Issa said. “Older gen- lines at all times. They sent brave since mass protests began October shaping the revolution… they are the erations tended to be recipients of in- acing nearly two months men to the battlefields to fight 1. At least 3,000 people have been revolution that had started in their formation and news. The millennial of anti-corruption protests against the Islamic State. They are injured during the same period, the hearts and minds way before October generation no longer just receives calling for his resignation, truly the army of the Marjaaiya (re- Iraqi Alliance of Disabilities Organi- 17,” said Pierre Issa, secretary-general information and ideas but interacts F Iraqi Prime Minister Adel ligious establishment) and the peo- sation said. of the National Bloc party, one of the with them. In fact, they have become Abdul-Mahdi sought to secure the ple. They stood by our forces until Despite heavy-handed security few non-sectarian parties in Leba- creators of information and ideas.” backing of tribal leaders for his re- we achieved victory,” it read. measures, which included curfews non. The protesters want an independ- form promises. The statement also took a recon- and restricting the internet, the “The millennials want citizenship ent cabinet of technocrats whom “We are working to reform the ciliatory tone towards the protesters. protests continued. not sectarianism; a state of law not they can trust to pull Lebanon out of country to meet the requirements “The protests are legitimate and Abdul-Mahdi’s mention of the clientelism; honesty and transpar- its economic and financial crisis and of comprehensive development, the constitution grants the free- Marjaaiya did not ease pressure on ency not corruption; sovereignty in- stamp out corruption. not just to meet legitimate de- dom of expression. (The protests) the prime minister. Top Shia cleric stead of affiliation with foreign pow- mands (of protesters),” read a state- unveiled the faults in our political Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani reit- ers; and democracy instead of the Samar Kadi is The Arab Weekly ment from the prime minister’s system… which must be rectified,” erated on November 22 his support cult of the leader and political inher- Travel and Society section editor. office regarding Abdul-Mahdi’s it added. for the protesters, calling on the itance,” Issa said. November 20 meeting with tribal The rhetoric, however, appeared government to swiftly implement “The youth are telling the politi- Full version of this article appears on leaders. to be at odds with actions of the se- reforms. cians that the system they are cling- www.thearabweekly.com Russia angered by Israeli air strikes in Syria that ‘totally contradict international law’

The Arab Weekly staff The BBC said that unconfirmed Russian Deputy Foreign Minis- reports suggested that the rocket ter Mikhail Bogdanov was quoted fire may have been an Iranian-or- by TASS news agency as saying London dered response to Israeli attacks the operation “totally contradicts against Iran’s allies, either in Iraq international law.” Bogdanov said ussia condemned air or in the Gaza Strip. Israeli air strikes on Syria were strikes claimed by Israel “For some analysts, the direc- a wrong move and Moscow con- against Iranian and Syrian tion of travel is clear. The question tacted its allies about the incident, R military targets in Syria is not so much will there be an all- Interfax reported. and exposed details of other sus- out conflict but when,” the BBC re- “Israeli actions add tension and pected Israeli military operations. port added. increase the conflict potential of Israel confirmed November 20 Syria’s state news agency SANA the situation around Syria and are that its warplanes carried out a said Syrian anti-aircraft defences contrary to efforts to normalise the “very intense” attack against Ira- responded to a “heavy attack” by situation and achieve stability in nian elite al-Quds Force and the Israeli warplanes over Damascus. Syria, including a political settle- Syrian military targets in Syria in ment in this country,” read a state- response to four rockets fired at Is- ment from the Russian Foreign rael a day before. Russian Deputy Foreign Ministry. Minister Mikhail “Whoever hurts us, we will hurt The Foreign Ministry also al- A morphing war. People inspect damaged buildings following him,” Israeli Prime Minister Biny- Bogdanov was quoted by leged that Israel carried out four TASS news agency as a reported Israeli air strike on the Syrian village of Beit Saber, amin Netanyahu said in a state- attacks in Syria in the past ten south-west of Damascus, November 20. (AFP) ment. “This is what we did over- saying the operation days. Moscow accused Israel of night vis-a-vis military targets of “totally contradicts violating Iraqi and Jordanian air- the Iranian al-Quds Force and Syr- international law.” space to carry out strikes in Syria, refrain from any destabilising ac- tions in Iraq and Lebanon, Western ian military targets in Syria after a some of which killed Syrian civil- tivity in Syria.” intelligence organisations have al- barrage of rockets was launched at Israeli Defence Forces spokes- ians. Israeli analysts said Israel may ready described protests in Iran Israel.” man Jonathan Conricus said about France called on Iran to refrain have sought to capitalise on inter- over rising gas prices as the most Israeli Defence Minister Naftali a dozen military sites, including from destabilising actions in Syria. nal unrest in Iran. violent and expansive since the Is- Bennett echoed Netanyahu. warehouses, military command “France reaffirms its unwaver- “It may be that Israel’s consid- lamic Revolution 40 years ago.” “The rules have changed: Who- centres and a control facility at the ing commitment to Israel’s secu- erations in pouncing hard on Irani- There is a risk of a wider Iranian- ever fires on Israel during the day main international airport in Da- rity,” said French Foreign Minis- ans in Syria and publicly threaten- Israeli conflict. will not sleep at night,” Bennett mascus, were targeted. try spokeswoman Agnes von der ing Tehran’s leadership are related “Israel seems to have become in- said in a statement. “Our message The Syrian Observatory for Hu- Muhll. “It reaffirms that there is no to the travails the Islamic Repub- volved in a dangerous regional sit- to the leaders of Iran is simple: You man Rights, a monitoring group in military solution to the Syrian cri- lic has found itself in over the re- uation in which a wrong turn could are no longer immune. Any place Britain, said 21 fighters, including sis and stresses the need to avoid cent weeks,” wrote Amos Harel in escalate tensions with Iran and its you dispatch your tentacles, we 16 who weren’t Syrian, and two a dangerous escalation of tensions Haaretz. envoys — possibly to the brink of will chop them off.” civilians were killed in the strikes. in the Middle East. It asks Iran to “Along with massive demonstra- direct war,” wrote Harel. November 24, 2019 3 News Iran’s IRGC and Muslim Brotherhood discussed anti-Saudi alliance, intelligence cables show

Thomas Seibert Muslims. In Iraq, Iran has been sup- porting Shia forces that have clashed with Sunni groups. In Syria, Iran is an Istanbul ally of President Bashar Assad, who has been fighting Sunni insurgents ran’s Islamic Revolutionary for almost nine years. Guard Corps and the Muslim Still, al-Quds and the Muslim Brotherhood discussed forg- Brotherhood saw enough common I ing an alliance to counter Saudi interests to organise the meeting. Arabia, leaked Iranian intelligence Turkey was chosen as a venue be- documents show, as reported by the cause the country was one of the Intercept news organisation and the few regional players with good ties New York Times. to Iran as well as to the Brotherhood, High-ranking representatives of the Intercept said. The Turkish gov- al-Quds Force, the foreign military ernment has not commented on the arm of the Islamic Revolutionary report. Guard Corps (IRGC), and the Broth- At the time of the 2014 meeting, erhood met in Turkey in April 2014 the Brotherhood was reeling from and discussed possible collabora- the downfall of Egyptian President tion in Yemen. Representatives of Muhammad Morsi, a leading Broth- the Muslim Brotherhood suggested erhood member, a year before. working against Saudi Arabia as a “Weakened by its losses in Egypt, “common enemy,” the Intercept re- the Muslim Brotherhood probably ported. viewed an alliance with the Iranians The Intercept said it received hun- as an opportunity to regain some of dreds of pages of purported Iranian its regional prominence,” the Inter- intelligence documents from an un- cept said. For Iran, the advance of the known source and shared the files Islamic State in neighbouring Iraq in with the Times. 2014 represented an acute danger. Turkey denied a visa to al-Quds commander Major-General Qassem The documents reveal Soleimani to attend the meeting that Iran and the Muslim because Ankara “still had to worry Radical plots. Supporters of the Muslim Brotherhood take part in a rally outside the Egyptian Brotherhood had a about appearances,” the Intercept Embassy in Ankara. (AFP) highly unusual meeting said. Al-Quds was represented by in Turkey five years ago. one of Soleimani’s deputies, identi- fied as Abu Hussain. keep track of al-Quds activities. The with Iran in Yemen, where an insur- erhood asked the Iranians to stay out The unprecedented leak of what Senior Brotherhood leaders from Intercept’s account of the meeting gency by the Iran-backed Houthis of Egypt, apparently out of concern appears to be Iranian intelligence ca- Egypt, Ibrahim Munir Mustafa, was based on MOIS documents but against the Saudi-backed govern- that Iranian meddling could under- bles shows Tehran’s efforts to embed Mahmoud El-Abiary and Youssef the report did not specify the venue ment was to trigger a war in 2015. mine its own credibility in the fight itself in Iraq and co-opt the coun- Moustafa Nada, met with al-Quds of- or date of the meeting. “In Yemen, with the influence of against the government there. try’s leaders, including paying Iraqi ficials, the report said, adding that The MOIS files stated the Broth- Iran on Houthis and the influence of It was not clear if there were fol- agents working for the United States Nada denied in an interview that he erhood delegation noted the differ- the Brotherhood on the armed tribal lowing meetings to the one in Tur- to switch sides and infiltrate every had taken part in the meeting. Nada ences between its organisation and Sunni factions, there should be a key. “Friends of al-Quds Force who aspect of Iraq’s political, economic has been named as a suspect in fi- Iran but emphasised there “should joint effort to decrease the conflict were present in this meeting disa- and religious life, the news organisa- nancing al-Qaeda after the attacks be a focus on joint grounds for coop- between Houthis and Sunni tribes to greed that there should be an alliance tions said in a joint article November of September 11, 2001, on the United eration.” One of the most important be able to use their strength against of Shias and Sunnis,” the Intercept 18. States. things the groups shared, the Broth- Saudi Arabia,” the Brotherhood del- quoted the MOIS report on the meet- The documents reveal that Iran Also present was an agent from the erhood representatives said, was a egation argued, the Intercept report- ing as saying. and the Muslim Brotherhood had a Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence and hatred for Saudi Arabia, “the com- ed. Despite this, one al-Quds Force highly unusual meeting in Turkey Security (MOIS) but neither al-Quds mon enemy” of the Muslim Brother- The meeting did not seem to iden- representative insisted that it “never five years ago. The two sides are nat- officials nor the Brotherhood repre- hood and Iran. tify areas of cooperation between the had any differences with the Broth- ural adversaries in the long-running sentatives knew this, the Intercept The Brotherhood representatives two sides in other Middle Eastern erhood,” an assessment denied by conflict between Shia and Sunni said. The report said MOIS tried to suggested an anti-Saudi cooperation hotspots besides Yemen. The Broth- Brotherhood members at the table. Saudi king lashes out at Iran’s expansionism, hopes for political settlement in Yemen

The Arab Weekly staff petrol prices would be raised as thinking that has harmed its own the policies and practices of the Ira- where Iran-aligned Houthi rebels much as 200%. people,” King Salman said. nian regime and its proxies,” King have been fighting a Saudi-led coa- “We hope the Iranian regime Iran and Saudi Arabia, the re- Salman said, as quoted by the Saudi lition for more than four years. London chooses the side of wisdom and re- gion’s leading Shia and Sunni pow- Foreign Ministry, reiterating that Saudi Arabia and its allies inter- alises there is no way to overcome ers, have no diplomatic ties and Riyadh does not seek war but is vened in the conflict in 2015, shortly audi King Salman bin Ab- the international position that re- are at odds over a range of issues, “ready to defend its people.” after the Houthi rebels took over dulaziz Al Saud has struck jects its practices without abandon- including wars in Syria and Yemen. King Salman said he hoped for Sana’a. a defiant note against Teh- ing its expansionist and destructive “The kingdom has suffered from a political settlement in Yemen, King Salman said he hoped a re- S ran, saying that missile and cent Saudi-brokered agreement be- drone strikes the kingdom blames tween the Yemeni government and on Iran had not halted develop- southern separatists would “open ment and reiterating that Riyadh the door for wider peace talks” to would not hesitate to defend itself. end the conflict. “Though the kingdom has been His statements signalled a shift in subjected to attacks by 286 ballistic Riyadh’s policy, reflecting a realisa- missiles and 289 drones in a way tion there is no military solution to that has not been seen in any other the conflict. country that has not affected the Along that line, Saudi Prince kingdom’s development process Khalid bin Salman, deputy defence or the lives of its citizens and resi- minister, travelled November 11 for dents,” King Salman said Novem- a meeting with Omani Sultan Qa- ber 20 in his annual address to the boos bin Said Al Said to prepare for Shura Council. high-level talks with the Houthis. The meeting marked the culmina- King Salman said he hoped tion of more than three years of for a political settlement highly discreet talks between Saudi and Houthi officials. in Yemen, where Iran- Prince Khalid has been tasked aligned Houthi rebels have by his brother, Saudi Crown Prince been fighting a Saudi-led Mohammed bin Salman bin Ab- coalition for more than dulaziz, with negotiating an end four years. to the war, which began nearly five years ago at a time when the po- He urged Iran to abandon its litical, military and humanitarian expansionist ideology that has costs of the conflict have become “harmed” its own people, following increasingly unsustainable and Iran violent street protests in the Islamic is stepping up military cooperation republic. A wave of demonstrations with the Houthis. have erupted in Iran since Novem- All ears. A general view of the Shura Council, a top advisory body, ahead of a speech by Saudi King ber 15 after an announcement that Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud in Riyadh, November 20. (AFP) (With news agencies.) 4 November 24, 2019 News US blacklist raises questions about Turkey’s commitment to war on terror

The Arab Weekly staff Kurdish forces in 2015, its corre- Yayla referred to Erdogan’s spondent there “saw a cargo pack- neo-Ottoman plans and said the age with the surname ‘Bayaltun,’ Turkish president “realised that London which was sent to an ISIS fighter.” support for terrorist and Salafi or- In August this year, a report by ganisations in Syria would eventu- he United States blacklist- the Investigative Journal alleged ally lead to Turkey’s control of the ed four Turkish companies that the Turkish government was country.” for allegedly funnelling involved in the creation and fund- He added he witnessed Turk- T money to the Islamic State, ing of al-Qaeda and ISIS cells. ish intelligence protection for ISIS raising questions about Turkey’s fighters, whom, he said, were giv- commitment to fighting the terror en free passage to and from Turkey group. The US sanctions and provided with medical treat- Turkey, which claims to share targeted Turkish ment. He confirmed to the Investi- the United States’ goal of defeating businesses Sahloul gative Journal that the government the Islamic State (ISIS), was a tran- Money Exchange transferred military supplies to the sit point for many foreign fighters Company, Al-Sultan organisation through humanitar- as they travelled to Syria and Iraq Money Transfer ian aid agencies. to join ISIS and was frequently vis- Company and ACL Ankara used NGOs and humani- ited by former ISIS leader Abu Bakr Ithalat Ihracat. Turkish tarian relief campaigns, Yayla said, al-Baghdadi’s brother and courier to transport weapons, medicine, to relay messages, said Iraqi intel- nationals Ismail food and equipment under the su- ligence officials cited by the Na- Bayaltun and his brother pervision of Turkish intelligence. tional newspaper. Ahmet Bayaltun were Other targets of US sanctions Baghdadi was living in a com- also sanctioned. were the Afghanistan-based Nejaat pound in Azaz, Syria, less than Social Welfare Organisation and 5km from the Turkish border when The investigation included tes- two of its senior officials, Sayed he was killed in a US operation Oc- timony from Ahmet Yayla, who Habib Ahmad Khan and Rohullah tober 26. served in the counterterrorism de- Wakil. The US sanctions, imposed un- partment of the Turkish National In a statement, US Treasury Sec- der executive order, targeted Turk- Police for 20 years before going into retary Steven Mnuchin character- ish businesses Sahloul Money Ex- self-exile in Washington, where he ised the move as a follow-up pres- change Company, Al-Sultan Money teaches at the Georgetown Univer- sure tactic on ISIS after US special Transfer Company and ACL Ithalat sity Law Centre. forces operations killed Baghdadi. Ihracat. Turkish nationals Ismail Yayla had resigned in protest “Following the highly successful Bayaltun and his brother Ahmet over the alleged involvement of operation against Baghdadi, the Bayaltun were also sanctioned. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Trump administration is resolved Turkish media said Ismail Bay- Erdogan’s government in funding to completely destroy ISIS’s re- altun, whom the US Treasury said tens of thousands of jihadist fight- maining network of terror cells,” is chairman of ACL Ithalat Ihracat’s ers, smuggling them into Syria and Mnuchin said. board of directors, was detained in buying oil from terrorist organisa- US officials said the United States Under scrutiny. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan shows a 2015 in an anti-ISIS operation by tions for hundreds of millions of would increase its partnership with document with a map of the Turkey-Syria border as he speaks to Turkish police in Sanliurfa, where dollars. He told the Investigative the anti-ISIS global coalition to dis- reporters in Ankara, November 12. (AP) the company has its headquarters. Journal that Erdogan saw the be- rupt ISIS’s financial networks. It is unclear when he was released. ginning of the 2010 “Arab spring” “The United States is increas- Turkish newspaper Haber- “as a great opportunity for the ing pressure on ISIS’s resources Pompeo said on Twitter. “ISIS re- held by those targeted and prohibit turk reported that, after the Syr- materialisation of his internation- and networks with new sanctions mains a threat to global security Americans from doing business ian border town of Tal Abyad was al politics as he wanted to be the on nine individuals and organisa- and stability.” with individuals and companies captured from ISIS by US-backed leader of Sunni Islamic world.” tions,” US Secretary of State Mike The sanctions freeze US assets named.

Overall terrorism in decline but far-right Key findings about far-right attacks surge in the West, index reveals terrorism in

The Arab Weekly staff terror deaths in 2018, said the Institute ror group, was the most affected, with counting for a small number of over- the West for Economics and Peace (IEP) in Aus- 1,443 attacks in which a total of 7,379 all terror attacks, attacks by women tralia. people died. Iraq reported 1,131 attacks increased 450% from 2013-18. Male London London The largest declines in 2018 were that left 1,054 dead. Nigeria, which had attackers dropped 47% in the period. recorded in Iraq, which proclaimed a 562 attacks, had 2,040 people killed. The trend can likely be attributed to ● The number of incidents in the he number of people killed in military victory over ISIS the previous Syria, which tracked 131 terror at- the activity of Boko Haram, whose West increased 320% in the past terrorist acts halved in the past year, and Somalia, where US forces tacks that claimed 662 lives, ranked attacks accounted for nearly 80% of five years, with 19 countries af- four years but the number of have conducted air strikes against al- fourth. female suicide attacks in the past five fected by attacks in this period. T countries affected grew, sta- Shabab extremists since 2017. In Europe, where no major terror at- years. tistics from the 2019 Global Terrorism For the first time since 2003, Iraq was tack was recorded in 2018, the number The index noted a large increase in ● The trend has continued into Index indicate. not the country hit worst by terrorism, of deaths fell from more than 200 in deaths caused by far-right terrorism in 2019, with 77 deaths attributed At least 71 countries recorded one said the index, which defines terrorism 2017 to 62. Britain was the EU country Western Europe, North America and to far-right terrorism from the death or more from terrorism in 2018, as “the threatened or actual use of il- most affected by terrorism and among Oceania. It cited the March attacks on start of the year until the end of the second-highest number since legal force and violence by a non-state the 30 most affected in the world, the two mosques in New Zealand, which September. 2002, the index stated. actor to attain political, economic, reli- index said. killed 51 people, as an example of far- Overall terror deaths dropped half gious or social goals through fear, coer- “The collapse of ISIL (ISIS) in Syria right ideology spreading to a country ● In 2018, far-right terrorist at- since 2014, when a record 33,555 peo- cion or intimidation.” and Iraq was one of the factors allow- with “almost no prior history of terror- tacks accounted for 17.2% of ple were killed while the Islamic State Afghanistan, where the Taliban re- ing Western Europe to record its lowest ist activity.” terrorist incidents in the West. (ISIS) was at its peak. There were 15,952 placed ISIS as the world’s deadliest ter- number of incidents since 2012, with In the United States, the increase By contrast, attacks by Islamist no deaths attributed to the group in in far-right terrorism was reflected in groups accounted for 6.8% of 2018,” IEP Executive Chairman Steve an increase in hate crimes, the report attacks and attacks not attrib- Killelea wrote in a statement accompa- stated. uted to any group accounted for nying the report. However, the overwhelming major- 62.8% of incidents in the West. “However, the situation still remains ity of terror attacks took place in coun- volatile, with large parts of Syria being tries mired in violent conflict. ● There have been 11 far-right contested and many smaller groups The fewer number of terror attacks attacks in the past 50 years that sympathetic to ISIS philosophies being was accompanied by a reduction in the have killed more than 50 peo- active, leaving the possibility of further global economic effect of terrorism, ple. Islamist attacks in Europe.” which decreased 38% to $33 billion in The report noted that, while “the 2018. ● Far-right terrorism in the past intensity of terrorism has declined… Compared with other forms of vio- ten years has become increas- terrorism is still widespread and in- lence, such as homicide, armed con- ingly associated with individu- creasing.” flict and military expenditure, terror- als with broad ideological al- The report said some ISIS affiliates ism accounts for a small percentage legiances rather than specific recorded increased levels of activity. of the cost of global violence, which terrorist groups. The Khorasan Chapter of the Islamic amounted to $14.1 trillion in 2018, the State was the fourth-deadliest terror report stated. ● In 2018, none of the perpetra- group in 2018 with more than 1,000 The true economic effect of terror- tors claimed to be a member of recorded deaths, the majority of which ism is likely to be much higher because an organised terrorist group, occurred in Afghanistan. There were 13 the figures do not account for the in- making it difficult for security groups or movements that were said direct effects on business, investment organisations to prevent such to be responsible for killing more than and the costs associated with security attacks. 100 people in 2018. agencies in countering terrorism. A threat that is far from over. Police officers detain a man ahead The index noted a marked increase (With news agencies.) of a far-right demonstration in Brussels, September 15. (Reuters) in terror attacks by women. While ac- (With news agencies.) November 24, 2019 5 News

‘Institutional insanity’: Israel Islamists’ power play prompts soul-searching in Tunisia set for third election in a Lamine Ghanmi ing Tunisia’s major challenges, includ- ing economic stagnation and security. Many Tunisians raised concerns Tunis that an Ennahda-dominated politi- year after coalition talks fail cal scene would change the country’s unisians are more optimis- general “political culture” and have a tic following presidential negative effect on future generations. Stephen Quillen and legislative elections, “I never sensed such feelings of T surveys indicate, but secu- strangeness as I did today in the open- larists are voicing concern that a ing session of the parliament,” said Tunis government dominated by the Is- newly elected deputy Safi Said. “I lamist Ennahda Movement and went there brimming with hope and srael could be heading for an its allies could reverse years of optimism. I’m leaving the place bur- unprecedented third election social progress and increase instabil- dened with sadness and pessimism.” in less than a year after talks to ity. Political writer Synda Tajine asked I form a unity government fell A survey by Tunisian polling com- what Ennahda’s ascendancy would through, prolonging a months-long pany Sigma Conseil said that 61.5% teach the country’s future genera- standoff that leaders say is causing of respondents said the “country was tions. “What are we striving to teach “institutional insanity.” moving in the right direction,” up to our children?” she asked. “Are we Opposition leader Benny Gantz from 11% in March. giving them the good examples? Cer- said November 20 that efforts to The proportion of “pessimistic” re- tainly not.” build a coalition were unsuccessful, sponders slumped to 30%, compared Ennahda insists it is being unfairly leaving Israel with little choice but to with 89% in March, marking the high- maligned and that the party’s first- head back to the polls. est degree of “optimism” displayed by place finish in legislative elections “In the past 28 days, no stone was Tunisians since January 2015, the first gave it the right to play a prominent left unturned while we tried to form month after the previous legislative role in governance. The party has gone a government that would bring Is- elections. to great lengths to put on a friendly rael a leadership of dignity, morals Analysts said the trend was mostly face for international media, adopting and values, a leadership that has Sorry, not sorry. Leader of Blue and White political alliance and because of the election of Kais Saied the image of a dove under a blue sky been forgotten,” said Gantz, whose retired General Benny Gantz gives a statement in the coastal city as president. Saied, who ran without — symbolising peace and love — and centrist Blue and White alliance nar- of Tel Aviv, November 20. (AFP) a party, won 72.7% of the vote in the referring to its members as “Muslim rowly secured the most seats in Sep- run-off election, the highest mark democrats” rather than Islamists. tember’s legislative elections. over which leader would assume posed by Iran and a more power- of any freely elected leader since the However, the party and its allies are Gantz, a former Israeli Defence the position first left the parties at a ful Hezbollah to the north, and the country’s independence. not trusted by a large number of Tuni- Forces chief who is challenging the standstill, Israel newspaper Haaretz ever-present danger of escalation in Saied’s supporters, an unorthodox sians, polls indicate. Half of respond- 10-year reign of Israeli Prime Min- reported. Gaza.” mix of Islamists, revolutionary left- ents said they view the party nega- ister Binyamin Netanyahu, was Lieberman said both leaders were Former US Ambassador to Israel ists, young people and Tunisians who tively, the Sigma Conseil poll states, tapped to form a government after guilty of prolonging the deadlock Dan Shapiro gave an equally bleak say they admire him for his “integ- and two-thirds voiced the “highest Netanyahu failed to do so in October. and that “as things stand, we are on analysis of the government gridlock: rity,” “humility” and commitment to degree of distrust” towards Ghan- Netanyahu, weakened by linger- the way to another election.” “Israel, apparently heading for its law and order, underscored the deep nouchi. ing corruption allegations, was for- Many politicians and analysts third election in a year, takes its turn rifts — and contradictions — in Tuni- “Despite its relative victory in the mally charged November 21 with voiced concern that the gridlock pre- as the most dysfunctional democra- sian society. parliamentary elections, Ennahda re- bribery, fraud and breach of trust. vented Israel from addressing urgent cy on the planet,” Shapiro wrote on Ennahda, despite losing seats in mains the party most despised by Tu- He has refused to resign and labelled domestic issues, such as a worsening Twitter. parliament, shored up power by strik- nisians, first as a party and secondly the investigation into him a “witch- health crisis, and from putting up a With no coalition deal, legislators ing a surprise alliance with the secu- as leaders,” said political analyst Zied hunt” by his political adversaries. unified front to regional adversaries, have three weeks to put forward a larist Qalb Tounes party. Ennahda, Krichene. While both Netanyahu and Gantz such as Iran. lawmaker who can secure a majority, which won 52 seats in parliament, Former Information Minister and are Zionists and agree on national “There is no shortage of chal- under Israeli President Reuven Riv- and Qalb Tounes, which won 38, had Jeune Afrique founder Bechir Ben security issues, Gantz has expressed lenges. The nation’s health-care sys- lin’s mandate, but little progress is pledged not to ally with each other. Yahmed said he feared that “by elect- more openness for peace talks with tem and hospitals are underfunded, expected. If no deal is reached in this Ennahda President Rached Ghan- ing Ghannouchi as speaker, Tunisia Palestinians. there’s no national budget for 2020 timetable, elections would be sched- nouchi was elected parliament speak- has turned backward an entire cen- Blue and White secured 33 seats in and a multi-year plan for the military uled to take place within 90 days. er through that deal and Ennahda tury.” Israel’s 120-member Knesset, while is waiting for approval,” wrote Josh- nominated Habib Jemli, an independ- Likud won 32, both far below the ua Mitnick, the Christian Science Stephen Quillen is an Arab Weekly ent former Agriculture official said to Lamine Ghanmi is an Arab Weekly needed parliamentary majority. Monitor’s Tel Aviv correspondent. correspondent in Tunis. be close with the party, as prime min- correspondent in Tunis. There was talk of a Likud-Blue and “To say nothing of transportation ister. White unity government with a ro- projects, a moribund peace pro- Full version of this article appears on Ennahda’s political jockeying cast Full version of this article appears on tating prime minister but a dispute cess or security: the strategic threat www.thearabweekly.com doubt on its commitment to address- www.thearabweekly.com British PM cites 14th-century Arab sage for economic inspiration

The Arab Weekly staff blame your neoliberal economic dom’s withdrawal from the Euro- ideology on Tunisian scholars,” Fad- pean Union, has a distinguished hel Kaboub, president of the Global educational background that likely Tunis Institute for Sustainable Prosperity, introduced him to classical Arab in- wrote on Twitter. “Ibn Khaldun was tellectuals such as Ibn Khaldun. ritish Prime Minister Boris very clear about reducing the unfair After attending Eton boarding Johnson made waves in the tax burden on small farmers (not school, Johnson studied classics at Arab world after he cited today’s agribusiness & predatory fi- Balliol College in Oxford, where he B a prominent 14th-century nance). Try again.” was elected president of the student Tunisian scholar for economic in- union. Johnson, from a family of spiration. liberal intellectuals, was also likely Johnson, speaking to the Tel- Johnson’s surprise taught Arab classics from an early egraph newspaper, praised Abd al- reference drew a quick age at home. Rahman Ibn Khaldun (1332-1406) response in Ibn Despite Johnson’s appreciation for his economic insight that lower Khaldun’s native for Arab history and philosophy, the tax rates can sometimes increase Tunisia, where social prime minister has a controversial revenue. media users and news reputation in the region because of “(Ibn Khaldun) observed that if outlets highlighted the his critical remarks about Islam. you cut taxes on the olive harvest, British prime minister’s He was criticised on social media or whatever it was in 14th-century remarks. after comments from 2012 showed Tunisia, that actually people grew him as having described Islam as more olives and tax yields went up,” Income tax in the United King- holding the Muslim world “centu- said Johnson, who advocates a low- dom is 45% for those making more ries behind” the West, stating that er tax rate in the United Kingdom. than $193,500. Those making less the religion “inherently inhibits the The surprise reference drew a than $15,480 are exempt from taxes. path to progress and freedom.” quick response in Ibn Khaldun’s na- This was not the first time John- Born in Tunisia, Ibn Khaldun was tive Tunisia, where social media us- son cited Ibn Khaldun. On July 17, an Arab historian who is regarded ers and news outlets highlighted the Johnson invoked the philosophy of one of the region’s premier thinkers British prime minister’s remarks. the Tunisian scholar when asked at across various disciplines. “See, Boris isn’t that bad,” wrote a Tory leadership conference how Ibn Khaldun is best known for his one Tunisian social media user, he planned to both increase public book “The Muqaddimah” or “Pro- who was among hundreds to share spending and cut taxes. legomena” (“Introduction”), which local news articles that picked up on “It was the great Tunisian sage, influenced 17th-century Ottoman the story. Ibn Khaldun in the 14th century, historians Katip Celebi, Ahmed Cev- Some analysts were more critical who pointed out that there are some det Pasha and Mustafa Naima. of Johnson’s allusion to the Arab in- taxes that you can cut that actually “The Muqaddimah” had an in- tellectual, saying the prime minister stimulate economic growth,” re- fluence on 20th-century economic had given a selective and mislead- plied Johnson, who was applauded theory, notably supply-side eco- ing picture of Ibn Khaldun’s philos- by the Tory audience. nomic philosophy advocated by ophy for his own political agenda. Johnson, who faces the difficult Arthur Laffer, Ronald Reagan and One of the region’s premier thinkers. Statue of 14th-century “@BorisJohnson please don’t task of leading the United King- others. Tunisian scholar Abd al-Rahman Ibn Khaldun in Tunis. (Britannica) 6 November 24, 2019 Opinion

Editorial Iran’s lethal crackdown reveals warped priorities

ive days of protests in Iran left dozens killed by security forces nationwide and the dust has yet to settle on the horrors inflicted by authorities. However, what is more clear than ever is how much interna- Ftional sanctions over Iran’s nuclear pro- gramme destabilised the country and how tone-deaf Tehran has become to addressing the needs of its own people. While any toll is hard to surmise, Amnesty International said it confirmed the death of at least 106 protesters in 21 cities at the hands of security forces, making last week’s protests the worst of their kind in at least a decade and possibly the most bloody since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Amnesty International warned the death toll could double. It said reports “reveal a harrowing pattern of unlawful killings by Iranian security forces, which have used excessive and lethal force to crush largely peaceful protests. “Video footage shows security forces using firearms, water cannons and tear gas to © Yaser Ahmed for The Arab Weekly disperse protests and beating demonstrators with batons. Images of bullet casings left on the ground afterward, as well as the resulting Charities are a tool of Iranian high death toll, indicate that they used live ammunition.” Amnesty said video recordings showed encroachment in Iraq snipers shooting into crowds from rooftops and, in at least one instance, from a helicopter. The human rights organisation added that, Zaid Ben Refaa in some instances, security forces did not Losing Iraq would spell the end of the Iranian regime and return the dead to their families and in others they forced quick burials without an opportu- the end of the political dogma of velayat-e faqih. nity for autopsies. Protests began after the government harities have been the political parties and political and Financial institutions are much abruptly raised fuel prices 50%, reacting to the major means for Islam- religious figures who lived in Iran more important to Iran than other pressure of international sanctions. Iran’s ists, Sunnis and Shias for a long time. types of institutions because they economy has been hit hard since the United alike, to reach people Among the charitable institutions monitor the local market and keep States unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear and one of the most is the Imam al-Sajjad Charitable track of Iranian goods needed in agreement in May. Since then, frustration has important tools of their Foundation in Karbala. It is a char- Iraq, the dollar exchange rate and its been growing over the rising prices of staples Cpolitical work. The associations are ity but its real mission is to gather movements and funnel US dollars such as bread and rice. Iranians have been known to Shias as “Mabarrat” and intelligence. to Iran to allow it to withstand sanc- squeezed economically. Many have seen their are usually under the supervision In Baghdad-Karrada, the name tions imposed on Tehran. savings disappear and jobs dry up amid the of a cleric or a committee from the Imam al-Mahdi was given to an in- There are also many religious collapse of their national currency since US religious party. stitution belonging to al-Quds Force seminaries and schools in Iraqi cities President Donald Trump pulled out of the However, the modus operandi of and its very influential commander, and villages founded by Iraqi clerics deal. such charities in Iraq does not stop Qassem Soleimani. This institution trained in the Iranian city of Qom. Iran blocked the internet nationwide as the at meeting the personal or family has armed functions. It is run by The Shia cities of Karbala and crackdown began. Tehran knew it had some- needs of people; they require, in Badr Organisation leader Hadi al- Najaf, however, remain the two Iraqi thing to hide and pulled the plug to block grim return, loyalty and gratitude to the Amiri, one of Iran’s most prominent cities that have been literally in- images of the crackdown from spreading on party or state and, in the case of proxies in Baghdad. vaded by the Iranian charitable and social media. Iran’s leaders have yet to learn Iraq, it is the Islamic Republic of We also find Imam Jaafar al-Sadiq commercial presence. Iranian Shia the lesson from regimes that resorted to Iran. cultural institution, which has dogma and ideology completely inflicting violence on their own people in the Islamists love to call Iran the nothing to do with culture but is a dominate the religious scene and digital age: nothing broadcasts the fact that “Islamic Republic” because that front for political action. The name Iranian businesses dominate the you are up to no good more than shutting covers a very large geographical of Sayyida Fatima Al-Zahra was hospitality and other vital sectors. down the internet. area beyond Iran’s boundaries, used for the Karbala-based Ansar It would be a grave mistake to Trump criticised Iran’s move to block the including Beirut, Baghdad, Damas- Fatima Al-Zahra Foundation. view Iranian presence and influence internet, tweeting: “Iran has become so cus and Sana’a, which the Iranian It isn’t just in the names of imams in Iraq as simply limited to armed unstable that the regime has shut down their velayat-e faqih loved to boast about and holy figures in which Iranians militias or to exercising control over entire Internet System so that the Great dominating. are investing, they also took ad- the mechanisms of the state through Iranian people cannot talk about the tremen- In Lebanon, Hezbollah Secretary- vantage of the Quran by opening pro-Iranian religious and political dous violence taking place within the country. General Hassan Nasrallah publicly the Dar al-Qur’an Foundation in parties. “They want ZERO transparency, thinking the Baghdad with branches elsewhere world will not find out the death and tragedy declared that Lebanon’s future was One must consider the intel- in Iraqi central and southern prov- that the Iranian Regime is causing!” tied to velayat-e faqih and specifi- ligence aspect of this influence Reuters has since reported that internet cally to Iranian Supreme Leader inces. embodied in the work of many front connectivity was slowly returning to the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on whom All these institutions are charities charity organisations. It is difficult troubled country. Nasrallah has bestowed the highly but they are also fronts for eco- to know the exact number of such However, even as victims’ families struggle honorific title of “al-Husseini.” nomic and intelligence points that charities and other front organisa- to find and bury their loved ones, Iran contin- When Ayatollah Ruhollah Iran uses to expand its influence tions. ues to pursue its nuclear ambitions. Reuters Khomeini was alive, Nasrallah said inside Iraq. We find institutions Iran occupies Iraq socially and reported that International Atomic Energy the desired state in Lebanon was using different names but they religiously by investing in emotional Agency inspectors are asking for more support not the Islamic state of Lebanon but are also administered by clerics or and religious control. Iran knows the and diplomats are expressing “grave concern” rather the state of velayat-e faqih individuals active in politics and parties it is working with in Iraq will over recent aggressive moves by Tehran to represented and led by Khomeini. intelligence with Iran. not last much longer and they will advance and expand its uranium production. The slogan that was repeated at Al-Hijja Foundation, for example, soon be but a faint memory limited Inspectors reported that Iran’s supply of Sayyida Zainab mausoleums was is in Kadhimiya in Baghdad. The only to the role played by the Iraqi low-enriched uranium increased almost “O God, preserve Khomeini until word “al-Hijja” is another name Islamic opposition in Iran against two-thirds during November to more than 372 the appearance of Imam al-Mahdi.” for the expected Imam al-Mahdi. Iraq, so it began to create a new kilograms, more than half of what experts say Sectarian militias are not the The mission of the foundation is generation of Iraqis who will be the is necessary to craft a weapon. only tool the velayat-e faqih uses to secure housing for Iranian intel- agents for expanding and ensuring “Nuclear escalation will only deepen the to dominate Iraq. Many other eco- ligence agents in Baghdad. its political and economic influence pressure Iran is facing and the crisis Iran nomic and social institutions are at There is the “Ruhollah” Founda- in Iraq. continues to make for itself,” US envoy Jackie the service of Shias in central and tion, “Ruhollah” being the first However, the October demonstra- Wolcott said. southern Iraq. name of Khomeini. The foundation tions in Iraq took Iran by surprise. Unrepentant, Iranian Supreme Leader That the Iranian regime uses is based in Maysan province, with It turned out that the Shia youth of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed the turmoil on names of revered imams for com- branches in Wasit and Dhi Qar Iraq, before its Sunnis, are rejecting Iran’s foreign foes, including the United mercial or intelligence establish- provinces. It is a political institution it. So Iran has started thinking about States, and denounced protesters as “thugs.” ments is not that important. What operating under Shia cultural cover. reorganising its priorities inside Iraq. An article in the hard-line Kayhan newspaper, is important is that the use of those You have also the Al-Khatib Losing Iraq would spell the end with close ties to Khamenei, said those who names is cleverly chosen to strike Islamic Cultural Foundation, in Di- of the Iranian regime and the end led violent protests can expect to be executed. obedience to those institutions in yala district at Baquba, supervised of the political dogma of velayat-e Iran’s myopic fixation on attaining nuclear the hearts of Iraqis. by an Iraqi parliamentarian who faqih. Iran needs Iraqi money and weapons in its bid to dominate the region and So, we have economic and social deals directly with al-Quds. human resources to fight on its be- command respect worldwide is coming at a control in the form of institutions On the financial side, Bank Sepah half in Syria and Yemen and, if need high price, one that can now be measured by directly linked to a foreign power. in Baghdad has branches in Najaf be, to defend it on its own territory blood in its streets. After its deadly crack- We have military control through and Basra. Melli Banking Corpora- when that time comes. down, it has become even more distressing to sectarian militias obedient to that tion, or Melli Bank, is also in Bagh- contemplate just how far it is willing to go. foreign power and we have politi- dad and provides financial facilities Zaid Ben Refaa is an Arab cal control in the form of religious for Iranian activities in Iraq. researcher. November 24, 2019 7 Opinion

US foreign policy has bipolar disorder Rashmee Roshan Lall Published by Al Arab Publishing House In validating the transgression of international law, the Trump administration is dismantling a crucial pillar of an order based on rights, both as an aspiration and a hope. Publisher and Group Executive Editor S foreign policy has Reagan disagreed, in 1981, but Haitham El-Zobaidi, PhD bipolar disorder. acknowledged that settlements It swings wildly were an impediment to peace. Editor-in-Chief between low and The Obama administration said Oussama Romdhani high moods. This is that settlements were “illegiti- why US Secretary mate.” Uof State Mike Pompeo can say In light of the weasel words on Managing Editor that Israeli settlements in the settlements from multiple US ad- Iman Zayat Palestinian territories are not ministrations, it’s fair to ask why “inconsistent with international the Trump rebranding makes a Deputy Managing Editor law” but that China’s increasing- difference. Israeli settlers had and Online Editor ly threatening actions towards perforce created the facts on Mamoon Alabbasi Hong Kong raise grave concerns. the ground — they are firmly in Recognition of the Israeli possession of land to which Israel settlements was presented as does not have any right, at least Senior Editor bowing to “the reality on the by international law, and no one ground.” Not so Hong Kong’s seems able or willing to do any- John Hendel plight — more than five months thing about it. The peace process More land to grab. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin of escalating protests against is notable only for being absent. Chief Copy Editor Beijing’s attempt to limit the Netanyahu (C) meets with heads of Israeli settlement Why decry the Trump adminis- freedoms enjoyed by the largely authorities at the Alon Shvut settlement in the Gush Etzion tration for recognising hideous, Richard Pretorius block in the occupied West Bank, November 19. (AFP) self-governing city. organic reality? Copy Editors Pompeo’s statement on Hong There are two reasons. First, it Kong was the Trump administra- that decades of US policy “didn’t its own interpretation of interna- takes a two-state solution off the Stephen Quillen tion in a high mood. It was bull- work.” tional law. table but without any indica- Kyle Arensdorf ish, pushing the pro-democracy, That, no matter the United Yet, international law is very tion of how Israel will treat Arab pro-freedom narrative tradition- States’ chosen terminology, clear. The Fourth Geneva Con- residents of the de facto single ally expected — nay, demanded Israeli governments, whether vention, ratified by 192 countries state that is inexorably coming Gulf Section Editor — of the United States. led by Likud or Labour, have after World War II, says that into being. Will Palestinians in Mohammed Alkhereiji Never mind that US President consistently built and expanded an occupying power “shall not the new, engorged Israel have full Donald Trump, who hardly ever settlements for the past half-cen- deport or transfer parts of its citizenship rights or second-class Society and Travel speaks about human rights, has tury. There appears to be no way own civilian population into the status? Sections Editor offered no particular statement to turn the clock back, without territory it occupies.” The UN Second, the low mood of Samar Kadi of support for the Hong Kong Israeli acquiescence to interna- General Assembly, the UN Se- US bipolar disorder affects the pro-democracy activists. Never tional pressure. curity Council and the Interna- whole world. In validating the Senior Correspondents mind that Trump even told the However, the international tional Court of Justice say Israeli transgression of international Lamine Ghanmi (Tunis) Chinese president some months pressure necessary to force Israeli settlements on the West Bank law, the Trump administration is ago that he would not publicly acquiescence does not exist so, violate the convention. dismantling a crucial pillar of an Thomas Seibert (Istanbul) back the protesters if talks to these settlements — hundreds of Nine successive US adminis- order based on rights, both as an resolve US-China trade tensions them, some official, some not — trations refused to accept that aspiration and a hope. Regular Columnists continue to progress. in East Jerusalem and in the West Israel is justified in allowing Rashmee Roshan Lall The announcement on Israeli Bank — will stay. It is hard to see settlers to build homes in the Rashmee Roshan Lall is a Claude Salhani settlements was the US adminis- any Israeli government or anyone West Bank as their biblical birth- columnist for The Arab Weekly. Yavuz Baydar tration in a low mood. It wasn’t else removing the settlements right. In 1978, President Jimmy Her blog can be found at vision stuff, just realpolitik, by force, as long as Israel, backed Carter’s administration said www.rashmee.com and she is recognising, as Pompeo said, by the United States, insists on settlements were illegal. Ronald on Twitter: @rashmeerl. Correspondents Nazli Tarzi (London) Saad Guerraoui (Casablanca) Why Iran and the Muslim Dunia El-Zobaidi (London) Brotherhood are courting each other Roua Khlifi (Tunis) Tallha Abdulrazaq Chief Designer Marwen el-Hmedi Did the Brotherhood fail to notice what terrors the IRGC inflicted on Designers the Syrian people, killing thousands and displacing millions? Ibrahim Ben Bechir ranian officials have been its woes since the “Arab spring” Hanen Jebali rocked by the fallout of took hold of the Middle East. the publication of intel- A mixture of poor political ligence cables leaked to the judgment and amateurish Contact editor at: Intercept and the New York conduct while in office, as Times by an anonymous well as other factors, led to the [email protected] Itipster. Brotherhood’s collapse in Egypt The source claimed he wanted and the imprisonment of many the world to see what Iran was of its leaders and cadres. doing to Iraq and so he leaked This much is undisputed cables purportedly written by between both sides of the Al Arab Publishing House Tehran’s secretive Ministry argument and it is therefore Quadrant Building of Intelligence and Security clear that the Brotherhood 177-179 Hammersmith Road (MOIS), a parallel intelligence had motivation for seeking London W6 8BS organisation to the Islamic retribution against Riyadh and Revolutionary Guard Corps’ its partners. (IRGC) intelligence service. Does that not go against the While the revelations about Brotherhood’s propaganda Tel: (+44) 20 7602 3999 Iran’s colonisation of Iraq were that it is always on the right Fax: (+44) 20 7602 8778 shocking, what is increasingly side of history? Despite what disturbing is that the Muslim happened, it is inexcusable Brotherhood and the IRGC for the Brotherhood to have considered forging an anti-Saudi flirtatious contact with a wildly US Publisher: sectarian power, such as Iran, Arabia alliance. Brewing new plots? Iranian President Hassan Rohani (L) listens to Islamic The Arab Weekly USA LLC. MOIS’s intelligence suggests and least of all with its most Revolutionary Guard Corps Commander Major-General Hossein Salami that three of the most bloodthirsty institution, the as they attend a parade marking the anniversary of the outbreak of the [email protected] IRGC. prominent leaders of the devastating 1980-1988 war with Iraq, in Tehran, September 22. (AFP) [email protected] Egyptian headquarters branch Did it skip the Brotherhood’s of the Muslim Brotherhood were attention that Iraq is under the cables stated that Tehran’s cause to its advantage whenever Tel: 248-679-6624 involved in a meeting with what thrall of Tehran’s mullahs and agents were embedded in the it needs to justify its “resistance” is now a US-blacklisted terrorist its people are among the most office of former parliament by slaughter against the peoples organisation. downtrodden and abused on the Speaker Salim al-Jabouri, a of Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Yemen The Brotherhood leaders planet? Did the Brotherhood fail senior member of the Iraqi and elsewhere. involved were Ibrahim Munir to notice what terrors the IRGC Islamic Party that is the Iraqi If the Brotherhood wants Mustafa, Mahmoud El-Abiary, inflicted on the Syrian people, political wing of the Muslim to be taken seriously and to and Youssef Moustafa Nada. killing thousands and displacing Brotherhood. be accepted, it needs to stop Subscription & Advertising: All are living in exile and are millions? This is not to forget members fraternising with the most [email protected] known to maintain a presence in Obviously, the Brotherhood of Hamas, the Palestinian rulers hostile state-sponsor of terrorism Tel : (+44) 020 3667 7249 Turkey, a country deemed safe knows what Iran is capable of of the Gaza Strip, who habitually in the region. Iran is not a friend for Brotherhood members to and understands the threat make trips to Iran to pay their to anyone and the Brotherhood conduct their political activities. that its sectarian Shia jihadist respects at the funerals of senior should not associate with a Mohamed Al Mufti While the meeting did not ideology poses to anyone, IRGC leaders. country that has devastated Marketing & Advertising particularly followers of Sunni Hamas is the Palestinian form the discussed alliance, Muslims around the region. Manager there should be no surprise that Islam, who do not share its cousin of the Muslim the Brotherhood was flirting beliefs. Brotherhood organisation and Tallha Abdulrazaq is a Direct: (+44) 20 8742 9262 with the IRGC. The Brotherhood has cosily its ties to Iran are close and well- researcher at the University of www.alarab.co.uk The Brotherhood blames worked with the Iranians before, documented, allowing Tehran Exeter’s Strategy and Security Saudi Arabia and its allies for including in Iraq. MOIS’s leaked to easily play the Palestinian Institute in England. 8 November 24, 2019 Spotlight Iran’s Influence Under Pressure Cross-sectarian nature of Lebanon’s protests undermines Hezbollah’s long-standing narrative

Simon Speakman Cordall Amal Movement. Speaking to the Daily Beast, a Hezbollah member who fought in Tunis Syria in support of Syrian Presi- dent Bashar Assad said the chal- s predominantly young lenges of defending the move- demonstrators have tak- ment and denying the demands of en to the streets across protesters were manifest. A Lebanon calling for an “Am I a member of Hezbollah end to the country’s confessional against the Israelis? Yes, I am,” the system of government in which fighter, identified as Abu Hussein, posts and ministries are divided said. “Am I a member of Hezbollah along sectarian lines, the sense when it’s against the people in the of identity that has underpinned streets? No!” Hezbollah and its ally Amal’s rise “The protesters’ demands are has come under repeated attack. 100% legitimate and they have no other choice to get their demands met,” he told the Daily Beast, sug- Thomas Abi-Hanna, gesting that an increasing number a security analyst of fighters held similar views. with the risk “Hezbollah built itself up into consultancy Stratfor a formidable power in large part by portraying itself as a defender “Lebanese protests are likely of the Lebanese people against the third-most important Israel,” said Thomas Abi-Hanna, protest movement to Iran, a security analyst with the risk which also faces problems consultancy Stratfor. “The group’s closer to home including sole focus was defending Leba- massive protests within non. Hezbollah’s activities in Syr- its own borders as well ia, in which it fought to defend the Syrian government of Bashar As- as large scale protests in A long way to go. Lebanese demonstrators clash with anti-riot police on the road leading to the Baabda sad, undermined that image in the neighbouring Iraq.” Palace, the presidential residence, on the outskirts of Beirut, November 13. (AFP) eyes of some Lebanese.” Since its foundation, Iran has The cross-sectarian nature of played a pivotal role in Hezbol- tain over Shias given the multiple come less of a priority in the con- thing Hezbollah would want now,” the protests took many among lah’s development, providing demonstrations that happened in text of acute economic and social Abouaoun said. Lebanon’s ruling elite, more ac- arms to the group through Syria places considered as the strong- hardship,” he said, “it does not “Fighting corruption will in- customed to attributing blame and overseeing its deployment in hold of these two parties,” said disappear completely and will re- volve as well targeting key figures across confessional lines than that conflict. As in other countries Elie Abouaoun, director of the emerge when relevant. So, in a in another heavyweight ally, the defending the system of govern- across the region, that influence is MENA programme at the US Insti- nutshell, this erosion is easily re- Free Patriotic Movement, some ment, by surprise. Protesters from being challenged. “Iran is watch- tute of Peace. versible unless a miracle happens, of which are also involved in mal- all sects — Sunni, Druze, Shia and ing the events with great interest. “Undeniably, a number of both i.e. building a political system and practices and abuse of power.” Christian — have rebelled against However, Lebanese protests are parties’ supporters went on the state institutions that would dis- Hezbollah’s position cannot a political elite they see as hav- likely the third-most important streets and complained about the miss their concern.” be assured. “Even within its own ing enriched itself at the country’s protest movement to Iran, which lack of services and economic It has been suggested that the ranks and despite a strict disci- cost. also faces problems closer to opportunities. However, this up- extent to which Hezbollah would pline there have been more than For Hezbollah, which has re- home including massive protests rising in the parties’ fiefs is more be open to corruption investiga- one case of corruption reported. lied on an ingrained sense of Shia within its own borders as well as about the economic and social tions may be limited. While accu- There is no doubt that this is only identity, the problems are acute. large scale protests in neighbour- conditions than it is about the po- sations against Hezbollah officials the emerging part of the iceberg Responding to the groundswell ing Iraq,” Abi-Hanna said. litical options of these parties.” have been limited, those against and that a serious investigation of popular discontent, Hezbollah However, predictions that the Abouaoun said that, after dec- their allies are widespread. will disclose more about the in- Secretary-General Hassan Nasral- protests might inflict long-term ades of political exclusion, many “Hezbollah’s main allies in volvement of key figures in Hez- lah appeared to open the door to damage to Hezbollah’s support in Lebanese Shias hold that Hezbol- Lebanon, starting with Amal, are bollah in corruption,” Abouaoun corruption investigations while Lebanon appear flawed. lah remains the only route to po- heavily involved in corruption. said. maintaining his defence of the po- “There has been a lot of specu- litical representation and protec- Therefore, going after (corrup- litical status quo and particularly lation recently about the level of tion. tion) will lead to a sharp divide Simon Speakman Cordall is a the group’s allies within the Shia control Hezbollah and Amal main- “While this might shift to be- between Shias, which is the last freelance writer. Viewpoint Leaks show extent of Iranian influence in region

t has long been known that travelled to Sulaymaniyah and cesses’ in attacking our regional ment are discussed in terms of Iran exerts significant power threatened to burn the Kurdish allies such as Saudi Arabia and also which militia or external group and possesses long reach in its region to the ground if the Kurdish their efforts against the Israelis.” holds the monopoly. One of the mi- neighbouring countries. parties did not stand down. In Iraq, protesters have been litias involved in this departmental James Snell After the deposition of Iraqi Kurdish forces unsuccessfully met with shocking violence, which manoeuvring is the Badr Organisa- leader Saddam Hussein and resisted the central government’s observers blame on Iran’s heavy- tion, Amiri’s group, a militia of long Ithe subsequent withdrawal of the seizure of territory, including the handed response to this threat to standing, with extremely close United States in 2011, Iran’s influ- emblematic city of Kirkuk, which its influence. links to the Iranian state. ence in Iraq became dominant. followed. More than this bid for Iranian authorities “are moving Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul- Documents, authenticated, regional independence, recent pro- very, very quickly to try to quash Mahdi draws much of his support translated and released by the tests against Iranian interference in some of this, just as they were try- from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary New York Times and the Intercept, Iraq’s politics have shaken Tehran’s ing to do in Iraq,” Smyth said. Guard Corps. In him, Iran has great show the apparatus of Iranian influence and its confidence. In Iraq, “they [Iranian leaders] influence. “The Iranians have a influence with new and concern- Protesters decry the Iraqi are willing to use a very heavy sweet deal,” Smyth said. ing clarity. government’s failure to confront hand and not really care about the “It really comes down to how A conclusion of the leaks is that endemic social issues and vo- consequences and I don’t think many parallel levels of control can Iran used the end of the US occu- cally oppose Iranian domination that’s done them very well. Who they maintain? It’s possible you pation and, later, the cover of the of Iraq’s politics, institutions and knows if they have learned from could argue that they’ve bitten war against the Islamic State (ISIS) many of the militias which domi- that?” off more than they can chew but I to advance a project of regional nate the country. Iranian influence in Iraqi institu- don’t think they would be willing control, which included domina- In Lebanon, another country tions is pervasive and deep. Many to lose everything they’ve gained. tion of Iraq. where an Iranian proxy — Hezbol- of the militias that serve as Iranian They feel they’ve gained it through In pursuit of that project, lah — dominates local politics, pro- proxies saw their numbers and in- a lot of hard effort.” politicians were turned, US assets tests against government dysfunc- fluence swell when the Iraqi state Even if Abdul-Mahdi resigned were “flipped” and organisations tion made the work of external openly called for popular, militia rather than continue to brutalise favourable to Iran’s cause became powers within Lebanese politics mobilisation during the darkest protesters, if the militias that oper- more central to running the Iraqi more difficult. days of its fight against ISIS in ate openly within the Iraqi military state. Protests are ongoing in Iran, 2014, when it seemed possible that were dissolved and if Soleimani Qassem Soleimani, commander mainly against economic woes but Baghdad might fall. ceased his routine trips to Bagh- of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard with a subtext that includes con- After the moment of peril dad, Iran’s influence in Iraq would Iraqi Prime Minister Corps’ al-Quds Force, features demning the cost Iran incurs in at- passed, the militias fought many be very great. In the militias, Iran heavily in the documents. He tempting to maintain and expand of the state’s battles against ISIS has a pre-made parallel state akin Adel Abdul-Mahdi makes trips to Baghdad to rally this regional dominance. and latter against Kurdish inde- to Hezbollah in Lebanon. draws much of his supportive politicians and at- Phillip Smyth, Soref fellow at the pendence. In 2016, Iraq’s web of Iran can only be unwilling to tempts to keep the Iranian-dom- Washington Institute for Near East militias was legalised and, in 2018, surrender this apparatus, no mat- support from Iran’s inated Iraq together, in Tehran’s Policy, said: “I think all of these Hadi al-Amiri and his pro-Iranian ter how unpopular it is, and no Islamic Revolutionary interest. protests are threatening to the Fatah Alliance, which drew much matter how many aspects of its Guard Corps. In him, When Iraqi Kurdistan voted to Iranians. of its support from the militias, network are exposed in investiga- declare independence in 2017, it “They view the protests as being performed well in parliamentary tions by foreign newspapers. Iran has great was Soleimani who, in support of created by the United States, an elections. influence. Iraq remaining whole and entire, effort to strike back at Iranian ‘suc- Departments of the Iraqi govern- James Snell is a British journalist. November 24, 2019 9 News & Analysis Gulf Gulf media highlight growing unrest in Iran

Mohammed Alkhereiji Saudi king’s London message s protests over petrol price hikes broke out in Iran, to Iran Arab Gulf media were quick A to highlight Iranians’ deep- Mohammed Alkhereiji seated frustration with government in Tehran and the economic situa- tion in the country. London In Saudi Arabia, media reporting of the protests reflected the Saudi uring his annual government line, which has been speech to the king- dismayed at Iran’s antagonistic be- dom’s consultative haviour. D council, which sets out Saudi-owned Al Arabiya pointed Saudi Arabia’s domestic and to the magnitude of the protests, foreign policies, King Salman showing pictures of demonstra- bin Abdulaziz Al Saud stressed tors burning images of the Iranian that his country “is prepared to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and defend its people with full de- chanting “Death to Khamenei.” cisiveness against any aggres- sion.” Qatar’s Al Jazeera network’s King Salman said that Tehran “must realise that it is facing reporting of the Iranian grave decisions” for which it protests was sympathetic would bear the consequences. towards the government in The Saudi monarch also Tehran, relaying Iranian highlighted state oil company authorities’ claims that the Defiant note. Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud addresses the Shura Council in Riyadh, Aramco’s rapid recovery in pro- unrest was caused by November 20. (Reuters) duction following attacks on its “instigators.” facilities in September, saying the trend “proved its capability The protests in Iran began No- the “crackdown on protesters” and Four commercial ships were dam- other Iranian officials. to meet global demands,” and vember 15 after the Iranian govern- “threats by the security forces.” aged May 12 off Fujairah’s coast in In 2017, Saudi Arabia, the United that the kingdom’s oil policy is ment spiked fuel prices by as much Sky News Arabia, out of Abu Dha- the Gulf of Oman. The UAE Ministry Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt to provide “secure and reliable” as 200% at a time the Iranian econ- bi, focused on the widespread na- of Foreign Affairs said at the time cut off diplomatic and economic ties, oil supplies. omy and its currency are in sham- ture of the protests in addition to the that the ships were targets of a “sab- including closing shared borders, sea On September 14, Iran-made bles because of sanctions tied to the government’s crackdown. otage attack.” routes and airspace, with Qatar over drones attacked Saudi Aramco country’s controversial nuclear pro- The channel also ran a lengthy Qatar’s Al Jazeera network’s re- what they described as Doha’s sus- oil processing facilities in east- gramme. item citing a “Western intelligence porting of the Iranian protests was pected support of Islamist terrorist ern Saudi Arabia, resulting in The government of Iranian Presi- report” that purportedly revealed sympathetic towards the govern- groups and its relations with Iran. the loss of some 5.7 million bar- dent Hassan Rohani blamed the un- that officials in Iran and Qatar had ment in Tehran, relaying Iranian au- The Arab Quartet made 13 de- rels per day of output — more rest on foreign enemies, a sentiment knowledge of suspicious activity thorities’ claims that the unrest was mands it said Qatar needed to com- than 5% of global oil supply, echoed by the Islamic Revolutionary before attacks on ships off the UAE caused by “instigators.” ply with for sanctions to be lifted. Reuters reported. Guard Corps (IRGC). Amnesty Inter- coast in May. Al Jazeera carried headlines about The demands included shutting Regional observers expressed national said more than 100 demon- Sky News Arabia said Iran warned Khamenei’s remarks blaming Iran’s down Al Jazeera, severing links to surprise at the attack, particu- strators had been killed. Qatar against owning maritime as- enemies for standing behind the radical groups and downgrading ties larly as the Iranian economy is Al Arabiya posted on-screen head- sets in the area around the time of “sabotage,” while devoting airtime with Iran. in shambles due to global sanc- lines that read “Iran rises up!” and the attack, which it said was carried statements by Iran’s intelligence ser- tions tied to its nuclear pro- protests “calling for the downfall out by al-Quds Force, the IRGC’s ex- vices, the official news agency ISNA, Mohammed Alkhereiji is the Gulf gramme. of the regime,” while reporting on ternal wing. parliament Speaker Ali Larijani and section editor of The Arab Weekly. Kuwait’s new prime minister faces Iran’s threats top UAE-US challenges at home and abroad talks in Washington

The Arab Weekly staff United Arab Emirates, Egypt and Bah- parliamentarians called for a vote of The Arab Weekly staff on the region.” rain. He must also contend with un- no-confidence against the Interior min- “We also discussed Libya, the rest that has seen Lebanon and Iraq ister and a dispute between high-level Russian presence and the urgent London engulfed in months-long anti-govern- officials, including the Interior and De- London need for de-escalation, a ceasefire ment protests. fence ministers, over alleged mishan- and political solution,” he said. ncoming Kuwaiti Prime Minister Kuwait has not been spared from dling of public funds went public. S Secretary of State Mike State Department spokeswoman Sheikh Sabah al-Khaled al-Sabah protests. Protesters demonstrated “I suspect the impending parlia- Pompeo met with Emi- Morgan Ortagus said Sheikh Ab- will be tested from day one as he outside Kuwait’s parliament in early mentary elections are pressing some rati Minister of Foreign dullah and Pompeo stressed the I heads a government rife with in- November against alleged corruption, of these royal rivalries to the surface,” U Affairs Sheikh Abdullah importance of Gulf Cooperation stability and facing regional unrest and worsening a dispute between royal Kristin Smith Diwan, senior resident bin Zayed al-Nahyan to discuss Council (GCC) unity while the tensions. family members and the prime minis- scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute Gulf security and regional devel- United States intensifies diplomat- At the top of Sheikh Sabah’s agenda ter that prompted a cabinet reshuffle. in Washington, told Reuters. opments, the US State Department ic efforts towards a solution to the will be Iranian aggression, the war in Parliamentary elections are scheduled “Royal politics and parliamentary said. Qatar crisis. The 40th GCC summit Yemen and the diplomatic row be- for next year. politics are intertwined, due to the Pompeo and Sheikh Abdullah, is scheduled for December. tween Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the The government stepped down after power the parliament holds through meeting November 22 in Wash- Following its unilateral exit from the constitution to approve the ap- ington, talked about the need to the 2015 Iran nuclear deal last year, pointment of the crown prince,” Diwan counter Iran’s “destabilising be- Washington has been increasing Who is Kuwait’s new prime minister? said. haviour,” a statement from the US pressure on Tehran through eco- The infighting puts Sheikh Sabah, State Department said. nomic sanctions to force it to re- The Arab Weekly staff of King Abdulaziz and appointed whose job often includes mediating be- After the meeting, Pompeo turn to negotiations. chief of National Security Bureau tween parliament and the government, posted on Twitter that the two Iran has maintained a tough London with ministerial status. Sheikh Sa- in a tenuous spot. Kuwait Emir Sheikh sides “discussed Iran’s destabilis- stance and vowed to retaliate bah also served as minister of Social Sabah Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah is the ing activity and negative impact against the US moves. orn in Kuwait in 1953, Sheikh Affairs and Labour from 2006-2007 ultimate authority on state affairs. Sabah al-Khaled al-Sabah and minister of Information from The emir, in a speech November 18, earned a bachelor’s degree 2008-2009. said the media and public should avoid B in political science from Ku- In 2011, he was appointed foreign the issue and that corruption allega- wait University in 1977. He joined minister and later deputy prime tions would be dealt with by the judi- the Kuwait Foreign Ministry in 1978 minister, foreign minister and min- ciary. as a diplomatic attache, serving in ister of state for cabinet affairs in Before promoting Sheikh Sabah al- the Arab affairs department from February 2012. In December 2012, Khaled, the emir asked Sheikh Jaber 1978-83 and with a permanent he was reassigned as deputy prime al-Mubarak al-Sabah to form a new Kuwaiti mission at the minister and foreign minister. cabinet but the latter declined because United Nations from In January 2014, Sheikh Sabah of what he said was a media campaign 1983-89. was named first deputy prime targeting him. Sheikh Sabah served minister and foreign minister. Kuwait’s oil policy, which is deter- as Kuwait’s ambassador In December 2016, he was mined by the Supreme Petroleum to Saudi Arabia and reassigned as foreign minis- Council, and its foreign policy, directed envoy at the Organisa- ter and appointed deputy by the emir, are not expected to signifi- tion of Islamic Co- prime minister and cantly change under the new leader- operation from foreign minister ship. 1995-98. in December Kuwait is unique among its Arab In 1998, 2017. Gulf neighbours in that it has a legisla- he was tive branch with power to craft law and A helping hand to de-esclate tensions. Emirati Minister of awarded (With news summon ministers. Foreign Affairs Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahyan (L) and US the Order agencies.) Secretary of State Mike Pompeo during a meeting in Washington, (With news agencies.) November 22. (AP) 10 November 24, 2019 News & Analysis Algeria Algerian protesters flood streets, press ahead for ninth consecutive month

Lamine Ghanmi elections that could help the coun- try out of its political crisis, called for voters to come out in large num- Tunis bers for the December elections. He maintains the vote is the only lgerians flooded the streets constitutional way forward and dis- of Algiers and other cities missed the opposition’s demands across the country Novem- for a transitional period during A ber 22 for the 40th consec- which reforms could be enacted to utive Friday, calling for an overhaul secure a freer political environment of the military-dominated ruling before elections. system and displaying sharp divi- Gaid Salah and his supporters sions over a planned presidential argue such open-ended transitions vote December 12. have failed to bring stability and “Wallah manaahabsine” (“We economic growth across the conti- swear we will not stop”) chanted nent. Algeria, facing a looming eco- demonstrators as they marched in nomic crisis and security threats on Algiers for the ninth consecutive its borders, needs stability above all, month. Demonstrators near the sea they insist. repeated “Hamla i’tiqalia, machi “We distinguish clearly today be- intikhabia” (“Arrest campaign, not tween those who want for Algeria electoral campaign”) in a refer- to succeed and those who want for ence to the arrest of activists who it to be plunged in the trap of the attempted to disrupt presidential political impasse with all the disas- campaign events. trous repercussions and the entail- Elsewhere, protesters shouted ing dangers,” said Gaid Salah in a “makach el intikhabat maailisa- public address November 21. baat” (“No vote under the rule of Some Algerians, apparently tak- the gangs”) and “dawla madania, ing their cue from Gaid Salah’s machi askaria” (“Civic state, not a nationalistic tone, staged counter- military one”), pushing back against demonstrations to voice support for Algerian Army Chief-of-Staff Gen- the military and assail protesters of Still defiant. Demonstrators carry banners during a protest rejecting the December presidential election in (Reuters) eral Ahmed Gaid Salah’s role as de the Hirak anti-regime movement as Algiers, November 22. facto ruler since the ouster of long- “traitors” and “children of France.” time President Abdelaziz Bouteflika However, opposition and protest al process during their campaigns. “Nothing is being done by the ni, who backs Gaid Salah’s push for and the scheduled vote. figures held firm to their demands, Algeria’s 21-day electoral cam- authorities to appease spirits and elections, said he thinks “a majority arguing that any future president paign, which began November 17, prevent the radicalisation of the Hi- of the Algerians will vote, even those will have been vetted and approved has been largely limited to closed- rak with the speeches demonising who are participating in the Hirak.” Gaid Salah and his by the military. door meetings with party members, opponents to the elections as ‘trai- “While the government tolerates supporters argue open- They say the only time the army with an obvious heavy police pres- tors to the nation’ or ‘persons with the Hirak, the people of the Hirak ended transitions have generals have buckled under popu- ence. no roots or links with the people’,” are undermining the electoral cam- failed to bring stability and lar political pressure was when na- Zoubida Assoul, a retired judge he said. paign. It is not normal behaviour in economic growth across the tionalist independence war hero and civic activist, said “the presi- Opponents of the elections ex- a democracy. The state has to crack continent. Mohamed Boudiaf became presi- dential candidates are in complete pressed outrage by hanging garbage down on these people,” he said, dent in 1992. Boudiaf was killed denial of the situation. They pre- bags or photos of nationalist heroes adding they were responsible for Algeria has been without an by an army officer six months later tended that the campaign is taking and protest activists over presiden- the violence. elected leader since April 2, when after he bucked the generals and place in a normal climate.” tial candidates’ billboards. Analysts said they expected the Bouteflika was ousted after growing advanced a pledged crackdown in Omar Berbiche, editor of El Wa- Amnesty International said in a elections to go ahead despite low protests. He was replaced by inter- corruption. tan newspaper, said: “The electoral statement November 21 that “it is turnout that some said could un- im President Abdelkader Bensalah. All five current presidential can- campaign has pushed the country deeply worried by the climate of re- dermine the future president’s le- Planned elections to determine a didates, including former prime into a cycle of protest-repression-ar- pression and restriction of freedom gitimacy. successor in April and July were ministers Ali Benflis and Abdelm- rests that threatens to intensify and of expression that marked the be- “A low turnout will discred- cancelled because of a lack of viable adjid Tebboune, are insiders who sharpen more in the coming days as ginning of the electoral campaign.” it the elections and the elected candidates. served under Bouteflika. They have the positions of both the Hirak and Former senior military intelli- president,” said political scientist Gaid Salah, eager to see through defended the army and the elector- the regime appear irreconcilable.” gence officer Mokhtar Said Mediou- Cherif Dris. Viewpoint Algerian Army losing legitimacy as protest movement drags on

and, since the start of the electoral However, the very credibility than 100,000 people and provides Russian leaders but when it comes campaign proper, heckle candidates. of the European Union’s Mediter- 95% of Algeria’s foreign income. to France’s former colony, he seems Some candidates, notably former ranean policy — and where Algeria The French company Total has incapable of changing his mental Francis Ghilès Prime Ministers Ali Benflis and is concerned that means French received approval to build a new software. Lending strong support to Abdelmadjid Tebboune appear policy — will be destroyed if north- polypropylene plant in Arzew. Alge- former Algerian President Abdelaziz distinctly uncomfortable. Whoever ern Mediterranean leaders remain ria owns 51% of the capital, which Bouteflika’s fifth term as president hether the wins in December knows his reputa- utterly silent. They will invite scorn suggests it is the driving seat but was a huge error of judgment, com- presidential elec- tion will be, if anything, further and ridicule in equal measure from the fact is that Sonatrach has been pounded by continued support for a tions, which the sullied. Algerians, Moroccans and Tunisians. forced to accept what its senior staff system that risks being consigned to Algerian Army The electoral roll has not been re- The headwinds of change suggest consider humiliating conditions the dustbin of history. high command vised in any way that can be deemed neither French nor Algerian leaders that reduce the once-proud state The European Neighbourhood has scheduled for honest and transparent. There is no have the will or the wit to maintain company to the role of a sleeping Policy cannot be built on the prem- WDecember 12, take place does not guarantee that the ballot boxes will the regime as it malfunctions today. partner. ise that the “other,” Arab or Berber really matter. If they do, Algeria will not be stuffed, no international ob- Algerian leaders are betraying A guaranteed return on capital and, of course, Muslim is incapable have a new straw man to represent it servers will be allowed and foreign everything their forebears have done has been included in the contract of aspiring to democratic norms. internationally but whomever of the journalists are finding it very hard to give the country an industrial and seen as the ultimate humiliation Algerian demonstrators have, five candidates anointed by army to get visas. It will be easy to check base since independence in 1962. by senior Energy Ministry officials. week after week, refused state vio- Chief-of-Staff General Ahmed Gaid whether many Algerians cast a ballot The newly appointed governor of This contract was negotiated by lence and attempts to divide them. Salah wins, he will have no political — social media will see to that. the central bank, Benabderrahmane Abdelmoumen Ould Kaddour, who Their slogans are witty and politi- legitimacy in the eyes of millions of Whatever the outcome, France Aymane, is a minor banking official, was sacked as Sonatrach CEO last cally savvy. men and women, those who for nine and the European Union will be left totally unsuited to the job. Like his spring. He was once condemned by European leaders, meanwhile, months have been marching every in a very uncomfortable position. predecessor, Finance Minister Mo- an Algeria military court for provid- cloak themselves in awkward Friday insisting they no longer ac- Having declined to remind Alge- hamed Loukal, Aymane will be putty ing intelligence to the enemy. indifference, refusing to condemn cept to have no voice in shaping the rian leaders of the need to respect in the hands of his military bosses. Senior oil and gas executives say alleged state disregard for human future of Africa’s largest country. freedom of speech and right to a fair Kamel Eddine Chikli was appoint- this is the price Algeria’s military rights, which they so readily do in Thousands of individuals fighting trial at any point in recent months, ed CEO of the national oil company leaders are paying to ensure contin- Georgia and Turkey, as Gaid Salah for greater freedom have been taken they will have to decide whether to Sonatrach but 12 CEOs in 20 years ued French support for their rule. and his peers sell their country’s oil to court because they are alleged to endorse the result. hardly speak of institutional stability One former Energy Ministry official and gas wealth on the cheap — by have “undermined national unity.” They lauded Algeria’s neighbour, nor of serious policy-making capac- said it was tantamount to “colonisa- means of a new law on hydrocarbons Be they people carrying the Tunisia, on having free and fair ity for a company that employs more tion.” Such people are seething with that many Algerians are convinced Amazigh flag, which is legal; be they general and presidential elections fury but powerless. is iniquitous and was not properly NGOs fighting for the rights of single recently but would cover themselves French leaders, not least the debated in the People’s National As- mothers; be they leaders of discus- with ridicule if they reacted in simi- Foreign Affairs Minister Jean-Yves Le sembly. They are fast forfeiting their sion groups — none of whom have lar fashion to an election conducted European leaders Drian, have given strong support to role as guardians of the country’s committed acts of violence — all are under duress in Algeria. cloak themselves in Libyan National Army Field-Marshal wealth. caught up in a form of mass intimi- Europe proclaims to the world awkward Khalifa Haftar and they are not shy They are, more fundamentally, dation by the army and a police force that it values democracy and fair to upbraid Turkish President Recep stripping the Algerian Army of its some of whose officers are carrying elections. Its leaders chide the indifference, refusing Tayyip Erdogan for his policy in historical legitimacy. out orders reluctantly. Chinese about Hong Kong, Georgian to condemn alleged Syria. The response of the protests has rulers about their behaviour and the French President Emmanuel Ma- Francis Ghilès is an associate been to interrupt court proceedings, Turkish leader for his alleged anti- state disregard for cron sees himself as “the” European fellow at the Barcelona Centre for barricade local authority buildings democratic ways. human rights. interlocutor of choice of Chinese and International Affairs. November 24, 2019 11 News & Analysis Egypt Cairo’s purchase of Russian fighter jets may trigger US retaliatory sanctions

Ahmed Megahid

Cairo

he acquisition of the Rus- sian-made Su-35 fighter jets is necessary for Egypt T to maintain its fight against terrorism, defend its interests and protect international maritime movement in the Suez Canal and the Red Sea, Egyptian military and political analysts said. “Egypt is a principal power in the region,” said retired army General Nagui Shohoud. “It needs to keep playing its traditional balancing role at a time of major regional tur- moil.” Egypt ordered the twin-engine super manoeuvrable aircraft from Russia in 2018, in a deal worth $2 billion. Russia was expected to de- liver 20 of the aircraft in 2020 and 2021, the Russian newspaper Kom- mersant reported last March. The Egyptian purchase had ap- parently come in reaction to the re- fusal of the United States to sell F-35 jets to Cairo. The Egyptian move was opposed by the United States, which said the deal would make Cairo face possible sanctions. On November 18, R. Clarke Coop- er, the US State Department’s as- sistant secretary in the Bureau of Cause of friction. A Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jet is prepared for take-off at the Russian military base of Hmeimim near Syria’s Latakia Political-Military Affairs, said Egypt governorate, September 26. (AFP) risked US sanctions if it purchased Russian fighter jets. This was not the first time the given growing cooperation with cal developments in Cairo. tions on whether Egypt can afford ment official described the arms United Sates talked about sanctions. Egypt,” said Tarek Fahmi, a political The 2013 scenario indicates what them and whether the Russian jets deal as a “sovereign issue” for Last April, US Secretary of State science professor at Cairo Univer- the United States can do if Egypt are worth it. They also cast uncer- Egypt. Mike Pompeo warned that the Unit- sity. “This is not the first time Egypt moves ahead with the purchase of tainty over relations between Egypt “Egypt is an independent state ed States would impose sanctions signs arms deals with Russia.” the Russian aircraft. With around and Russia. that does not take orders from other on Egypt if it purchased Su-35 jets. In the past five years, Egypt has $1.3 billion in annual military aid, Cairo and Moscow have grand co- countries,” the English-language “We’ve made clear that if those bought a wide range of arms and Egypt is the largest US aid recipient operation plans. Russia apparently newspaper Daily News Egypt, on systems were to be purchased, the military equipment from Russia and after Israel. seeks to remain a force in Egypt as November 16, quoted the official as CAATSA statute would require sanc- Moscow is only part of a long list of Apart from withholding part or part of its expansion of influence in saying in comment on the possible tions on the regime,” Pompeo said. suppliers: Cairo has also turned to all military aid — and possibly eco- the Middle East and Africa. US sanctions. CAATSA — Countering America’s France, China, the United Kingdom, nomic aid — the United States may In August, Egyptian President Ab- However, political analysts ad- Adversaries Through Sanctions Act Germany, Spain and Italy. suspend joint military training with del Fattah al-Sisi and Russian Presi- vise caution. — imposes penalties on US foreign Egypt said it wants to diversify the Egyptian Army, analysts said. dent Vladimir Putin signed a strate- “Egypt needs to resort to diplo- adversaries Iran, North Korea and the sources of its arms, follow- Egyptian and US militaries have gic partnership. Russia is building matic channels to explain its point Russia. ing decades of dependence on US conducted “Bright Star” drills since an industrial zone in the Suez re- of view to the US administration,” That raises questions about the military equipment. In 2013, Egypt 1980. The exercise was cancelled in gion and will construct Egypt’s first Fahmi said. “This is important if we future of relations between Egypt learnt the lesson of this dependence 2011 because of the “Arab spring” nuclear power plant. It plans to do not want things to get worse.” and the United States. on one supplier the hard way when protests in Egypt but was reinstated build workshops to maintain Rus- “Sanctions will not likely be an the United States withheld military in 2018. sian military equipment in Egypt. Ahmed Megahid is an Egyptian easy matter for the United States, and financial aid because of politi- The possible sanctions raise ques- An unnamed Egyptian govern- reporter in Cairo. Egypt’s defence of rights record at UN fails to impress local advocates

Special Correspondent Fattah al-Sisi administration to con- the past five years,” said Omar Mar- vince the international community wan, the minister of Parliamentary that it was hard to improve human Affairs who headed Egypt’s delega- Cairo rights conditions in the country. tion to the council. “We made these Some members of the council achievements despite all the chal- gyptian officials said they raised concerns about the treatment lenges we face.” would reply to 372 recom- of prisoners, the crackdown on in- Egypt has struggled to put its mendations from the UN Hu- ternet sites, enforced medical tests economy on track following years of E man Rights Council before of homosexuals, Egypt’s emergency unrest. It has been fighting a branch next March. law, violence against women and of the Islamic State in Sinai and The council approved the recom- children, capital punishment and militias affiliated with the Muslim Prioritising security. Police watch as people cross the street in mendations November 14 after the extortion of confessions. Brotherhood in other provinces. Ramses Square in Cairo. (Reuters) periodic review of Egypt’s rights’ re- Egypt is under international fo- “Egypt tries to make a balance port, during which Cairo defended cus regarding its human rights for between its war on terrorism and its human rights record. several reasons, including political its desire to protect freedoms,” said Amnesty International said the have. I ask you: How will I find jobs Local advocates called on Egyp- developments it has experienced in Mohamed Fayek, chairman of the periodic review was a chance for for these people? Around 2.5 million tian authorities to improve human the past five years. National Council for Human Rights, the international community to babies are born [in my country] eve- rights conditions, especially by giv- A cultural and political power- the state-run rights watchdog. “We hold Egypt to account for its human ry year. They need food, schools and ing civil society organisations more house in the region, Cairo is also a believe that human rights cannot be rights record. medicine,” Sisi said. freedom, removing restrictions to trendsetter, which means what hap- sacrificed for the sake of security.” Egypt conceded that mistakes Local rights advocates said this free speech and granting activists pens in Egypt does not remain con- However, Cairo has appeared happen but said those are neither does not mean that economic rights more political rights. fined to the country. incapable of striking a balance on systematic nor a reflection of a state should trump everything else. Eco- “Egypt fights terrorism and this The “Arab spring” started in Tu- some occasions. Many political ac- policy. It accused organisations such nomic rights are important, they is having its toll on political rights,” nisia but the fact that it moved to tivists are in jail. NGO leaders suffer as Amnesty International of caring add, but this does not mean the said Essam Shiha, secretary-general Egypt made it reverberate in other harassment. Some political activists only about political rights, neglect- repression of activists should con- of the Egyptian Organisation for Hu- parts of the Arab world. This is true face travel bans. ing all others. tinue, the treatment of civil society man Rights, Egypt’s largest rights of other political, cultural and social Amnesty International docu- Sisi has said on numerous occa- activists as enemies should not stop group. “This is why the authorities trends. mented such cases in a statement sions that he has 100 million people and free speech should be repressed. need to mind all legitimate recom- In its report to the council, the November 12, a day before the re- in the country to feed. In January, he “You cannot claim that some mendations, which can contribute Egyptian government referred to view of Egypt’s report. It called on fulminated at a French journalist for rights are more important than oth- to improving human rights condi- progress on economic, cultural, civ- Egyptian authorities to investigate asking about political freedoms. ers,” said human rights advocate tions.” il, political and social sectors. allegations of torture and maltreat- “A million people graduate from Saad Eddin Ibrahim. “All rights are The review was an opportunity “Egypt made tremendous ment by security forces, as well as schools every year here. You ask important, which means that you for the Egyptian President Abdel achievements in these domains in detention conditions. about the freedoms bloggers should have to care about them all.” 12 November 24, 2019 News & Analysis Syria

Idlib Syrian currency hits all-time low massacres draw

Sami Moubayed international

Beirut condemnation

he Syrian currency is collaps- The Arab Weekly staff ing fast, reaching its lowest point since being printed ex- London T actly 100 years ago. At the start of the Syrian conflict he attacks by forces loyal in March 2011, 1 US dollar equalled to the regime of Syrian 50 Syrian pounds. Trading is now at President Bashar Assad, 750 pounds to the dollar on the black T backed by Russian air market, up from 500 pounds in early power, that killed scores of civil- September. ians in Idlib drew condemnation The Syrian government insists the from the international communi- exchange rate is nothing but an il- ty but highlighted the elusiveness lusion, fixing its 2020 budget at a of reaching a truce in the rebel- mythical rate of 435 pounds to the US held province. dollar. Because of severe fluctuation, At least 21 civilians, including market pricing is on hold and so are ten children, were killed in attacks bank loans, factory production and November 20 that targeted a camp any new contracts in the public and for displaced people near Qah and private sectors. another hitting Maaret al-Numan, The fluctuating exchange range has the Syrian Observatory for Human made it impossible to fix the price of When the tough gets tougher. A woman pays a merchant at a market in the Kurdish-majority city of Rights said. anything produced or sold in Syria or Qamishli in north-eastern Syria, September 10. (AFP) Syrian state television reported to determine its profit margin, bring- November 21 that the govern- ing the economic cycle to a halt. ment-controlled city of Aleppo The ripple effects have been devas- public sector, which is on hold; and lars and ship it out before it could be a massive clampdown on petty ex- came under attack from rocket tating to day-to-day transactions for taxes, which the government doesn’t seized by the state. changers in the money market fol- fire from Idlib. Seven civilians Syrians. With their savings long gone, raise or even collect, fearing that peo- As billions of Syrian pounds were lowed by banning the import of “un- were killed in the attack “carried they mostly rely on monthly income ple might explode. abandoned and converted in a matter necessary items” that “devour” the out by terrorist groups,” it said. that is already razor-thin after years “Third and last, we have a major of weeks, the Syrian currency started nation’s reserve of American dollars. Idlib is home to various rebel of war. Their income has been further problem coming our way from Leba- to plummet, very rapidly. The state said it will only allow the and jihadist factions who are reduced to comically low levels be- non, which everybody seems unpre- Finally, were events in neighbour- import of products that don’t have a fighting each other but the prov- cause of the dollar surge. pared for.” ing Lebanon since mid-October. “made in Syria” alternative, hoping ince also comes under frequent Monthly salaries of A-level state Corruption is also a factor, no The dollar shortage in Lebanon was to boost Syrian products and pre- attacks from regime forces and employees are just less than $70, doubt, which devours the state treas- sharply felt throughout Syrian soci- serve the country’s reserve of foreign Russian air strikes. while staff members who are the ury from within. US and European ety, where people of all walks rely currency, thus “choking” the dollar. The bloodshed in Qah camp for backbone of the state and civil ser- sanctions have been biting hard at on the Lebanese banking system to Then came the comical initiative the displaced drew condemnation vice earn $40-$50 per month. Private the cash-strapped Syrian economy, avoid restrictions on transfers inside of Syrian businessmen, who pledged from the United Nations. sector managerial posts earn high making it impossible for reconstruc- Syria. Syrian merchants paid for their to donate money in US dollars that “I find it sickening that missiles wages but none exceed the $400-per- tion to begin. exports in dollars from their accounts would be automatically converted hit vulnerable civilians, includ- month benchmark, which is barely In October, hopes were momen- in Lebanon. Suddenly, there were into Syrian pounds to elevate the Syr- ing elderly people, women and enough for a decent living. tarily raised that Syria would be re- no more dollars in Lebanon as banks ian currency. At a meeting September children sheltering in tents and On November 21, state salaries gaining its undamaged oilfields in imposed restrictions on cash with- 27, tycoon Samer Foz reportedly con- makeshift shelters in a camp for were raised by 20,000 pounds a Kurdish-controlled areas east of the drawal and wire transfers: no more tributed $10 million. It is not known internally displaced people,” said month ($27) and pensions by 16,000 Euphrates River. That would have than $1,000 per week, or 1 million who else paid what but their initia- Mark Cutts, UN deputy regional pounds ($21). That’s the largest in- helped reduce Syria’s dependence Lebanese pounds per day. tive did not work and the exchange humanitarian coordinator for the crease in Syrian history, expected on Iran and provided much-needed “Unable to move money from their rate continued to rise. Syria crisis. soon to apply to the private sector as cash to boost the Syrian pound, pay Lebanese banks Syrian businessmen “It had no effect” said Syrian ana- The US State Department con- well, regardless of what the original wages, fund reconstruction and par- turned to their local black market, lyst Amer Elias, “because it’s these demned the attack, especially salary was. tially contribute to the Russian war buying and transferring dollars to exact same people who are profiteer- as the camp’s medical facility is “Even during the worst years of effort. That did not happen, however, keep up their trade, at grossly inflated ing, whether from the fluctuation or known to the Syrian regime. the war, things were not this bad,” after the Trump administration an- rates,” said Fadi Esber, an economic from the giant gaps in rates of the “The location of (Qah Maternity remarked Mustapha al-Hajji, an nounced it would be keeping the oil- researcher and analyst. Syrian government and those of the Hospital) had been deconflicted economics professor at Damascus fields to itself, ostensibly, to prevent “Also rumoured is that with the black market.” via the United Nations in order to University. “We have a three-way an Islamic State comeback. dollar shortage in Lebanon, the Leba- “What’s happening can only be protect it from targeting. This hor- problem: One is complete lack of co- Another reason for the collapse nese have been buying dollars in large described as financial deficit,” he rific incident follows a well-docu- ordination between the government were rumours that accompanied a quantities from Syria, again, greatly added, “topped with absence of any mented pattern of vicious attacks and central bank, with no unified vi- state-run campaign against influen- affecting the exchange rate. In both clear vision on how to move forward. on civilians and infrastructure by sion or road map — let alone acknowl- tial businessmen, including Rami cases, high demand on the dollar and They still think that economic recov- the Assad regime, with Russian edgement of the problem. Makhlouf, the Syrian president’s its low availability in the Syrian mar- ery means opening posh restaurants and Iranian support,” read a re- “Second, while state expenditure cousin. That triggered a rumour mill ket is what is causing the increase in at five-star hotels!” lease from the State Department. is high, there is no revenue. Revenue in Syrian society, with speculation on its value vis-a-vis the Syrian pound.” comes from oil, which we don’t have who comes next, prompting influen- The Syrian government has been Sami Moubayed is a Syrian historian Full version of this anymore; tourists, who aren’t com- tial businessmen and war profiteers trying to solve the crisis, with zero and author of “Under the Black Flag” article appears on ing; production; investment from the to convert their money into US dol- results. The authorities started with (IB Tauris, 2015). www.thearabweekly.com Viewpoint In Syria, PKK mimics Assad’s propaganda and the West falls for it

use other brands such as People’s in SDF-controlled areas but the Raqqa to the US media will be “confirmed” by (monotheism) — common things to Protection Units or Democratic Union offensive was pending and to write Pentagon officials and sent out to the all Muslims — can be presented to a Party. about the PKK “would have completely public. The subsequent debunking is Western public that doesn’t know any better as evidence that the PKK’s rebel Kyle Orton The multiethnic marketing of burned my access.” So the journalist beside the point. the SDF is one example of the PKK’s and essentially all others systemati- In assessing what it is about the opponents are extremists. messaging skills, switching between cally misrepresented the situation to PKK message that attracts Westerners, The worst example of the PKK’s ustafa Bali, head of the presenting the structure as majority- conform with PKK demands. the democratic and liberal pretentious willingness to lean on bigotry and press office for the Syr- Arab and then as synonymous with Such distortions don’t seem to have are obviously part of it. The idea of a conspiracy theories was its smear cam- ian Democratic Forces, “the Kurds,” depending on which was struck anybody — neither reporters nor besieged ethnic minority, an underdog, paign against the White Helmets, an the coalition partner more advantageous. Western media editors — as an ethical outrage. The Is- resonated — as did the feminist and aid organisation that rescues victims of against the Islamic complied without apparent hesitation lamic State (ISIS) was the story, after all. environmental themes. the Assad regime, which was set up by, State in Syria, sent a over a narrative shift that abrupt and The PKK had the further good fortune Perhaps above all it is the secular- among others, James Le Mesurier, who Mtweet showing Turkey’s Arab proxies contradictory. of journalists who would assist them in ism but this message has a distinctly was found dead on November 11. engaged in “ISIS chants.” Taking a leaf out of the propaganda identifying critical reporters. unpleasant underside to it, less about Unable to tolerate genuinely inde- By this, he meant the takbir “God is book of the regime of Syrian President The reason for the PKK’s narrative the freedom of religion and more about pendent civil society actors, the PKK Great,” an expression used by Muslims Bashar Assad, the PKK has sought to control can be traced — as with so much the PKK being not-really Muslims, or banned the White Helmets from areas every day. When criticised, Bali doubled present itself as friendly to the Christian else — to US President Donald Trump. “Muslim-lite” as one analyst put it. And it controls and spread disinformation down and blocked many critics. This minority. He green-lighted Turkey’s anti-PKK certainly not Arab. that the White Helmets assisted rebel was a microcosm of one of the darker The PKK’s ability to shape the West- incursion, so the left-leaning journalist “The PKK has a long tradition of military operations and had ties to al- threads in a Syrian Democratic Forces’ ern media message has come about for corps will publish anything negative using anti-Islamic sentiment to attract Qaeda. PKK messaging often matches messaging strategy that is among the a variety of reasons. about it to reflect on Trump. The grim Western attention,” said Ruslan Trad, that used by Assad and Russia. most effective propaganda campaigns. Earlier in the Syrian conflict, the character of much of the Turkish proxy co-founder of medieval military history In Syria’s complex war, Western It has been known that the Syrian PKK used the time-tested practice of force and Turkey’s already battered society De Re Militari, gaining the PKK publics wanted “good guys.” The belief Democratic Forces (SDF) is a legal fig authoritarian governments: bar or expel image in the West aided the PKK’s mes- notable “support among ultra-nation- that they have been found in the SDF leaf for the terrorist-designated Kurdis- those who publish articles the regime saging. alists [and] far-leftists” but extending was partly about portraying an idealistic tan Workers’ Party (PKK) and its Syrian finds disagreeable and others can be Of course, the Western governments’ well beyond that. image of what the SDF stood for. In defectors have spelled out the details. trusted to self-censor after that to retain need to sell their publics on the PKK The PKK’s anti-Islam messaging in equal measure, it was about appealing Attaching Arab, Christian and other access. played a huge role in shaping the cover- the anti-ISIS war drew great sympathy to baser instincts by stressing what the units to the PKK was intended to give This was not a secret among journal- age and the US Defence Department’s in the West and the same model has SDF was not. the SDF a multiethnic veneer but politi- ists and analysts. In 2016, a journalist romantic attachment to its PKK partner been applied as the PKK clashes with cal and military power has remained at a prominent outlet told me reporters has been a significant part of that. Any Syrian rebel forces. Thus it is that the Kyle Orton is a Middle East analyst. with PKK commanders who, in Syria, were closely shadowed by PKK minders pro-PKK active measure disseminated takbir and the symbol of tawheed Follow him on Twitter: @KyleWOrton. November 24, 2019 13 News & Analysis Palestine Israel

Netanyahu Palestinian photojournalist shot in the eye defiant after receives wave of international support corruption indictment Yousef Alhelou Journalists and #EyeOfTruth were trending on social media. Palestin- The Arab Weekly staff ian media figures posted photos of London themselves covering one eye with London their hand or wearing white eye reelance photographer patches in support of the wounded sraeli Prime Minister Binyamin Muaaz Amarneh, a 35-year- journalist. Netanyahu became the coun- old father of two, was Palestinian officials, activists try’s first head of state to be F wounded in the face with a and supporters around the world I indicted while in office but defi- rubber-coated bullet fired by Israeli expressed sympathy and posted antly condemned what he said was forces. Amarneh was photograph- photos in solidarity. a “coup” against him and vowed to ing clashes between Israeli troops Speaking from his hospital hold on to power. and Palestinians protesting the bed, Amarneh, who is from the The formal charges of bribery, confiscation of Palestinian land in Dheisheh refugee camp in Bethle- fraud and breach of trust filed Sureef village, adjacent to the oc- hem, said he was on his way to “a against Netanyahu November 21 cupied West Bank city of Hebron. car to leave the scene when a bul- compounded a months-long politi- The moment of his injury No- let fired by Israeli forces hit a near- cal crisis gripping the country. vember 15 was captured on video, by object and exploded, sending After two legislative elections which showed Amarneh holding shrapnel into my eye.” in less than a year, no party leader his camera in pain as he bled from Amarneh was wearing a hel- has been able to form a coalition his eye. He has undergone two op- met and a protective vest marked government and the stalemate erations and is at risk of losing sight “Press” when he was injured, vid- Against deliberate targeting. A demonstrator has his eye covered could mean another election within in his left eye. He needs urgent eo of the journalist posted on Fa- with a patch during a protest to show solidarity with Palestinian jour- months. medical care because shrapnel re- cebook by his brother, Tareq Am- nalist Muaaz Amarneh, who was wounded in his left eye, in Hebron in Netanyahu, accused of accepting (Reuters) mains close to his brain. arneh, indicated. the Israeli-occupied West Bank, November 18. lavish gifts from businessmen and The International Federation of providing favours in return for pos- Journalists (IFJ) joined its Palestin- Amarneh’s injury was not the killed reporting on protests in the itive media coverage, accused the Palestinian officials, ian affiliate, the Palestinian Jour- first caused by Israeli attacks on Gaza Strip since the beginning of judiciary and law enforcement of activists and supporters nalists Syndicate (PJS), in denounc- journalists. Three other freelance the Gaza border protests in March bringing forward “false” and “po- around the world ing the attack on Amarneh. photojournalists lost eyes in at- 2018. litically motivated” allegations. expressed sympathy and “This was a deliberate targeting tacks this year while reporting on PJS said 60 journalists have been “What is going on here is an at- posted photos in by the Israeli army of a colleague Israeli attacks on Palestinian pro- targeted with live ammunition tempt to stage a coup against the solidarity. wearing a bulletproof vest signed testers along the Gaza security fired by Israeli soldiers this year. An prime minister,” Netanyahu said in ‘Press.’ We call on international in- fence. additional 170 sustained wounds a televised address. “I will continue Amarneh’s Palestinian col- stitutions to act quickly to stop this Atiah Darwish and Sami Mosran because of sound and tear gas to lead this country according to the leagues and journalists from all violence against the press in Pales- were injured in December and July, bombs, including many who were letter of the law.” backgrounds began an online cam- tine,” PJS said in a statement. respectively. Darwish, who was hit beaten or banned from reporting Netanyahu is not legally obligat- paign to express solidarity. Sit-in IFJ General Secretary Anthony in the face with a tear gas canister, on events by Israeli authorities. ed to step down unless he is con- protests were staged in Gaza and Bellanger said: “Once again, the IFJ needs medical attention and cos- Currently, 18 journalists are held in victed of a crime and cannot appeal the West Bank where demonstra- deplores the attacks on Palestinian metic surgery because he suffered Israeli prisons and detention cen- but he faces growing political pres- tors carried placards reading, “The journalists by the Israeli military. hearing loss, weak vision in his tres. sure to resign. eyes of truth will never be blinded” The IFJ recalls that international other eye and slight facial disfigu- There have been 550 attacks this Rival Blue and White alliance and other slogans. law applies everywhere and that ration. year on Palestinian journalists, the leader Benny Gantz, who an- During protests in Bethlehem, Is- no government is above it. “I know how it feels to lose an Palestinian Committee of Support- nounced November 20 that he was raeli forces fired tear gas at journal- “It is now time for the UN Gener- eye,” Darwish said. “I stand in ing Journalists said in a statement unable to form a coalition govern- ists expressing solidarity with their al Assembly to adopt the Conven- solidarity with Muaaz. When I was following the closure of a Palestine ment, urged Netanyahu to “step colleague and briefly detained two. tion for the Protection and Safety injured my eye kept bleeding for a TV office in East Jerusalem by Is- down from his position and focus The Israeli forces’ violent response of Journalists so that the impunity week and my ear for the next two raeli forces November 20. on the charges against him.” fuelled the solidarity campaign. enjoyed by predators of press free- days.” “There is no coup in Israel but Soon, hashtags #MuazAmarnah, dom and democracy can end in Is- Photojournalists Ahmed Abu Yousef Alhelou is a Palestinian rather those that have barricaded #MuathEye, #ProtectPalestinian- rael as elsewhere.” Hussein and Yaser Murtaja were journalist living in London. themselves in power,” Gantz said. Viewpoint Trump’s decision on settlements opens the way to annexation

first settlement was established and Gaza violations of interna- US policy. the ground, however, Washington in areas conquered in June 1967 tional legal restrictions governing It was also clear that US op- policy gyrations were all but ig- Geoffrey and, indeed, since the Balfour era the transfer of civilians into areas position had no discernible effect nored. No matter the declarations Aronson a century ago. under hostile military occupation? on limiting Israel’s strategy of from Washington, Israel contin- Trump’s decision signifies “a The State Department legal creating conditions on the ground ued to follow its own settlement huge achievement” in the words adviser obliged in April 1978 with through settlement and other blueprint and its insatiable desire he Trump adminis- of Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin a three-page analysis of “the legal- means that would anchor Israel to create facts on the ground. tration removed Netanyahu, for whom the Trump ity of Israeli settlements in the permanently in the areas con- The Obama administration another major presidency has been a gift that occupied territories.” quered in June 1967 and preclude made no secret of its view that obstacle to Israel’s keeps on giving. Like its previ- Herbert Hansell wrote that any Palestinian effort to establish settlements were at the heart of annexation of the ous departures from the interna- “the civilian settlements in the sovereign control there. the dispute between Israel and the West Bank by tional consensus on the Golan and territories occupied by Israel do Carter would unsuccessfully Palestinians and the principal ob- reversing Washing- Jerusalem, US recognition of the not appear to be consistent with try to oblige Begin at Camp David stacle to the US national security Tton’s long-held view that Israel’s legality of settlements marks a these limits on Israel’s authority to agree to a permanent freeze in interest in realising the creation of creation of settlements in the complete and irreversible victory as belligerent occupant in that settlement expansion. Begin was a Palestinian state at peace with occupied territories was a for Israeli efforts aimed at under- they do not seem intended to be of prepared only to keep the bulldoz- Israel. violation of international law. mining the ability of Palestinians limited duration or established to ers quiet for three months. US Secretary of State Hillary US Secretary of State Mike to establish a sovereign presence provide orderly government of the With or without the Hansell Clinton famously declared: “[The Pompeo announced the new anywhere in the Palestinian ter- territories and though some may opinion, over the next four dec- president] wants to see a stop to policy on November 18, 102 years ritories. serve incidental security purposes ades, Washington, under Repub- settlements — not some settle- after publication of the historic The centrepiece of the move by they do not appear to be required lican and Democrat leadership, ments, not outposts, not ‘natural Balfour Declaration signalled Brit- Washington is a long quiescent to meet military needs during the proved unequal to the task of en- growth’ exceptions. That is our ish support for a Jewish state in legal opinion provided by the US occupation.” forcing its view that international position. That is what we have Palestine. State Department two generations “The establishment of civilian law prohibited the settlement communicated very clearly.” In his announcement, Pompeo ago. settlements in those territories,” effort — establishing a consistent Netanyahu was stunned by employed the same logic underly- In the spring of 1978, the Carter Hansell concluded, “is inconsist- record of failure to cajole, oblige Obama’s demand but, like his ing the Trump administration’s administration was deep in discus- ent with international law.” or force Israel to stop the policy of predecessors, he rebuffed Wash- decisions on Jerusalem and the sions before the historic Camp The Hansell opinion did not creating facts. Today more than ington without suffering any real Golan Heights. He explained that David summit between Israeli excite much interest when it was 600,000 Israelis live in the West consequence. Indeed, he defied “what we’ve done today is we Prime Minister Menachem Begin issued. This was the era of what Bank and East Jerusalem. the wishes of the US president and have recognised the reality on the and Egyptian President Anwar the New York Times described at Pompeo has cited this failure lived not only to tell the tale but to ground. We’ve now declared that Sadat that would lead to a peace the time as Israel’s “benevolent as justification for the change in prosper. settlements are not per se illegal agreement between Egypt and Is- occupation.” Although more than policy. He recalled that the Reagan The intensity of Clinton’s de- under international law,” he said. rael and efforts — realised with the 50,000 Israelis had settled in East administration had turned US poli- mand for a settlement freeze only “We think, in fact, we’ve in- Oslo Accords in 1993 — to establish Jerusalem, when Begin travelled cy on its head when US President made Obama’s failure to bring creased the likelihood that the vi- Palestinian “autonomy” in the to Camp David in September 1978 Ronald Reagan declared that set- Israel to heel that much more sion for peace that this administra- West Bank and Gaza Strip. there were only 10,000 settlers tlements were not illegal. Unlike significant. tion has, we think we’ve created In anticipation of the nego- in what were then isolated and Trump, however, Reagan never Trump is right to decry this space for that to be successful. I’m tiations, the State Department primitive West Bank outposts. formally repudiated the Hansell failure. However, his remedy, hopeful that we’ll be able to move addressed the US view of the Even before Hansell’s analysis, opinion and policy under Reagan which is intended to encourage forward on that before too terribly applicability of the Fourth Geneva Washington had left little doubt continued the ritual opposition to outright annexation, is worse than long.” Convention to Israel’s occupation about the view that settlements Israel’s settlement expansion. the disease. A US policy based upon a recog- of areas conquered in the June were both temporary and illegal. A Israel, which ignored with nition of “facts on the ground” sig- 1967 war. Were Israeli civilian set- succession of Israeli prime minis- impunity previous warnings Geoffrey Aronson is a nifies a ringing endorsement of an tlements in East Jerusalem, Sinai, ters — Levi Eshkol, Golda Meir and from Washington, welcomed non-resident scholar at the Middle Israeli strategy pursued since the the Golan Heights and West Bank Yitzhak Rabin — well understood Reagan’s change in US policy. On East Institute in Washington. 14 November 24, 2019 News & Analysis Turkey Turkey increasingly isolated internationally amid rising criticism of Syria incursion

Thomas Seibert The exchange was only days af- ter a group of countries, including Turkey’s most important Western Istanbul allies, criticised the Syria incur- sion. urkey is increasingly iso- Foreign ministers of the so- lated on the international called Small Group of Syria — stage following its latest Egypt, France, Germany, Jordan, T Syria incursion and threats Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom to begin another intervention. and the United States — said in a Turkish President Recep Tayyip statement released November 14 Erdogan sent troops into Syria on that they called on “all actors in October 9 to push the Kurdish Peo- the north-east to immediately im- ple’s Protection Units (YPG) militia plement a ceasefire and to halt all back from the border and to create military offensive operations.” a “safe zone” on Syrian soil for the Without naming Turkey, the resettlement of millions of Syrian ministers voiced strong reserva- refugees from Turkey. tions about Ankara’s resettlement Since the beginning of the op- plans for refugees in northern eration, Turkish troops and pro- Syria, which critics condemned as Turkish groups taking part in the an effort to weaken the position of fighting carved out an area of the Kurds in that region by bring- 145km length and 30km depth on ing in Syrian Sunni Arab refugees. the Syrian side of the border, Tur- The Small Group said it opposed key Defence Minister Hulusi Akar “forced demographic change.” said. The original goal was a zone “We commit to disburse no as- of 440km length. sistance for any resettlement of Fighting largely stopped after Syrian refugees into north-eastern Erdogan agreed on ceasefire deals Syria that is not the safe, digni- with the United States, the protec- fied and voluntary return of those tor of the YPG, and Russia, the main refugees to their homes,” the state- military ally of Syrian President ment added. Unpopular move. A man tosses his shoes at a Turkish military vehicle on patrol in the countryside of Bashar Assad. However, Turkey is Popp commented by e-mail that the town of Darbasiyah in Syria’s north-eastern Hasakah province, November 1. (AFP) finding that scepticism against its the Small Group’s declaration “can plans for Syria is growing among be understood as a warning not to international players, especially implement demographic changes Esper said Turkey’s operation was Islamic State (ISIS) took advantage “Turkey’s operation to root out after the government said it might inside the territory held by Turkey “unwarranted” and the latest sign of both the US withdrawal from terror groups from its Syrian bor- start another incursion. Turkey al- analogous to the ethnical cleans- that Ankara was heading in the north-eastern Syria and the Turk- der can’t be linked to potential ready sent troops into other parts ing of the Afrin area after the oc- wrong direction. “Turkey put us ish incursion to regroup. ISIS could strengthening of Daesh,” Erdogan’s of Syria in 2016 and 2018. cupation by Turkish forces in the all in a very terrible situation,” Es- prepare new attacks on the West, communications director Fahret- Roland Popp, a security analyst spring of 2018.” The Turkish Army per said at a conference in Brussels the report said. tin Altun wrote on Twitter, using specialising on Middle Eastern af- took the region of the northern ahead of the meeting. the Arabic acronym for ISIS. He Syrian city from the YPG last year. Relations with the Arab world, spoke of a “misguided argument” fairs, said: “Turkey is caught be- Turkey is finding that tween a rock and a hard place due Popp added that Ankara would already tense because of Turkey’s brought forward by the United to its own making.” have to scale back its goals set for dispute with Egypt and support scepticism against its plans States. Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut its current Syrian intervention. for Qatar in the emirate’s row for Syria is growing among Popp said the row between An- Cavusoglu said Turkey would ini- “Size and character of the newly with Saudi Arabia and the United international players, kara and its Western partners over tiate military operation in north- occupied lands does not allow for Arab Emirates, have suffered as especially as the Turkey’s decision to buy the Rus- eastern Syria if the area was not the massive resettlement of Sunni well. Last month, Arab League government says it might sian S-400 missile defence system cleared of the YPG. He was quoted Arab Syrian refugees there any- Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul start another incursion. also remained unresolved. by the state-owned Anadolu agen- how, as originally planned by Er- Gheit led Arab foreign ministers “In order to regain a minimum cy as saying that Russia and the dogan.” in lambasting Turkey’s operation Ankara rejected the report and of Western trust, [Turkey] would United States had not done what Turkey is also isolated within in north-eastern Syria as an “inva- accused the United States of sup- have to promise not to activate the was required under the agreement. NATO after it came under fire at a sion of an Arab state’s land and an porting “terror groups,” a reference S-400 missile system delivered by The remarks irritated Russia’s defence ministers’ meeting of the aggression on its sovereignty.” to the YPG, which is regarded as a Russia, a loss of face Erdogan won’t Ministry of Defence, which said alliance in October as other mem- A long-running dispute between terrorist organisation by Turkey seriously consider,” Popp said. it was bewildered by Cavusoglu’s bers voiced criticism of the latest Turkey and the United States while Washington sees the Kurdish “Therefore, a further deterioration statement because Moscow had Syria action. gained new momentum with a fighters as the United States’ best of Ankara’s relationship with its carried out its obligations. US Secretary of Defence Mark Pentagon report saying that the partners in the battle against ISIS. NATO allies can be expected.” Viewpoint Turkey’s Kurds are subjected to political ‘ethnic cleansing’

mer editor-in-chief of the shut- your homeland? Everyone loves defy the overturn of their lengthy members. They are added to the down liberal daily Taraf, is telling their homeland; they love it like prison sentences by the High 41 former mayors of the HDP who of the agony. He was sentenced to crazy, love it to death and, in Court of Appeals. The case will were removed from their posts Yavuz Baydar aggravated lifetime imprisonment order to prove it, they keep shout- continue to agonise them because before the elections in March and for spreading “subliminal messag- ing out how much they love their it means the process will begin sentenced to a total of about 237 es” supporting the 2016 attempt- homeland. from scratch. years in prison. ay after day, any- ed coup in Turkey and, when his “Political authority has the These examples help under- There is another pattern: thing related to the sentence was recently reduced to final say on who loves their stand how acrimonious the inter- Erdogan is determined to break concept of justice in 10 years, he was released — but homeland more. In this terrifying nal battle in the power echelons the backbone of the HDP’s rather Turkey resembles only for five days. competition, there is no place for in Turkey has become. As a part solid structures and continue to a bitter parody of A court agreed with the pros- those who have not lost all wis- of bureaucracy tries to prevent conduct, to the very end, what Franz Kafka’s works ecutor that he must be sent back dom and reason. Any reasonable things from getting out of hand could be defined as “ethnic Dof literature. to prison and he was put back in objection, any belief in law and completely, the other part pushes cleansing in Turkish politics.” The The domain of the judiciary his cell. During his brief period human rights will suffice to leave for crossing all the lines in order aim is to copy-paste the Sri Lanka has turned into a battlefield for of freedom, he filed a powerful you out of the race… Lumpens to establish a full-scale police experience, which crushed the partisanship and clashing political article to Le Monde. have planted their flags every- state. Tamil movement. interests in which various flanks “In the few days I’ve spent where.” If the cases of Altan and Cum- The despair is so deep among of Turkey’s far-right, extreme ‘outside’ the prison, the things The pattern was repeated when huriyet are not clear enough to Turkey’s Kurdish politicians that nationalist and Islamist groups el- I’ve heard and watched gave journalists of the secular daily see through the patterns, a look an extraordinary meeting took bow each other to gain influence. me the feeling that life might Cumhuriyet had a lower court into the series of devastating place in Ankara with the question It is apparent that the power only comprise a prison and a measures employed against the on whether the party should with- struggle in the defunct system of madhouse,” he wrote. “It is as HDP — with 62 seats, the third draw from parliament and local justice is a symbol for a show- if a strange ideology one might largest party in the Turkish parlia- councils. After stormy debate, the down between Turkish President call ‘lumpenism’ has, in various The despair is so deep ment — would leave one with no decision was to continue but the Recep Tayyip Erdogan and the guises, taken hold of the ‘outside.’ among Turkey’s doubts. HDP knows that, under such dire militarist right. “A lowly case of madness has On the central level, there circumstances, it would only serve The opposition is only a pawn penetrated the texture of soci- Kurdish politicians are more than 100 subpoenas the purpose of a postponement, in this cruel game. While the ety. The intellectual hierarchy of that an extraordinary against its deputies, all on ter- an act of winning some time. oppressive measures against the society has been turned upside rorism charges. It is a question of Turkey continues to breathe pro-Kurdish Peoples’ Democratic down and those with the poorest meeting took place in Erdogan’s tactical timing before under the state of emergency, Party (HDP) on central and lo- acumen and skills have gained the Ankara with the their immunities are lifted, paving however de facto it seems to be. cal levels become unbearable, right to speak the most. Intel- question on whether the way for prison. Realism is useful: it will have to Turkey’s lonely and alienated ligence, skills, knowledge and Of the 69 municipalities won be much worse, before the tide dissidents and journalists bear the creativity are demeaned. the party should by the HDP, 27 have been imposed eventually turns. brunt of what they regard as acts “One of the most horrify- withdraw from with state trustees appointed by of revenge for their standing up ing questions of humankind Erdogan. Thirteen HDP mayors Yavuz Baydar is a Turkish against the injustice. determines everyone’s place in parliament and local are in pretrial detention, along journalist and regular columnist The case of Ahmet Altan, for- society: How much do you like councils. with tens of municipal council for The Arab Weekly. November 24, 2019 15 News & Analysis Iran Iran’s regime in most serious crisis since 1979

Thomas Seibert age that left only state media and government officials able to say what was happening. Istanbul “If that doesn’t take legitimacy away, I don’t know what does,” said ran’s ruling elite has triggered Arash Azizi, a writer and doctoral its most serious crisis of legiti- candidate in history at New York macy for the regime since the University. Internet access was be- I creation of the Islamic Republic ing slowly restored by November in 1979 by cracking down on a coun- 22, a sign that the Tehran govern- try-wide wave of unrest while fail- ment thinks it has put the demon- ing to address the underlying caus- strations behind it. es for the protests, analysts said. “The Iranian regime has huge le- The heavy-handed state response gitimacy problems but it has also is setting the scene for further ten- failed to provide the most basic sion, they said. economic prosperity to its people,” “The regime has entered the Arash said. “I believe that it’s just most serious and most existential a matter of time and things would crisis since its creation. Given the erupt again, so long as there is no deep-seated problems, deterrence fundamental economic or political will work for a short while only,” shift, which is not in sight.” Ali Fathollah-Nejad, a visiting fel- The UN High Commissioner for low at the Brookings Doha Centre, Human Rights issued a statement said by telephone. “If there is no saying it was “deeply concerned” change, unrest will break out again about reports of live ammunition and again.” being used against demonstrators. Amnesty International said 106 US President Donald Trump ac- people were killed in cities around cused Iran of blocking the internet the country during demonstrations to cover up “death and tragedy” and triggered by the government an- US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo nouncement November 14 about a urged Iranians to send photos and When the fat hits the fire. Iranians walk past the branch of a local bank that was damaged during cut to subsidies on petrol, raising other information documenting demonstrations against petrol price hikes, November 20 in Shahriar, west of Tehran. (AFP) prices at the pump at least 50% and repression amid ongoing protests, 200% for motorists who buy more while vowing to sanction “abuses” fuel was “putting pressure on ordi- economic crisis was a result of po- situation. “The next chapter could than 60 litres a month. by the Iranian government. nary people.” litical mistakes at home. be the last one but, of course, there The United States imposed sanc- As state television showed pro- “I think that the added problem is no way of knowing how long tions on Iranian Information Minis- that chapter will be. What we can Authorities cut access to the government rallies, top officials of of the last couple of years is that ter Mohammad-Javad Azari Jahro- the regime tried to portray the un- this is a government that can’t pro- say for sure is that the regime has outside world on November mi for his role in what Washington rest as the result of actions by out- vide you with the most basic eco- suffered an irreversible loss of le- 16, an outage that left only described as “widespread internet side forces opposed to Iran. nomic needs and it’s full of corrup- gitimacy and this will have conse- state media and government censorship.” Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatol- tion. The corruption involves its quences,” he added. officials able to say what The jump in petrol prices repre- lah Ali Khamenei, on November 20, heads, its highest officials,” Azizi “The lower classes have their was happening. sents another burden on Iranians said the protests were an attack on said. backs to the wall anyway and they who have suffered through a pain- the country “in the military arena” surely will not forget the killings — The move came amid an econom- ful currency collapse following US but not a popular uprising. “The the image of the regime as an en- ic crisis and a currency collapse President Donald Trump’s unilat- recent actions were security issues, Ali Fathollah-Nejad, emy will be strengthened. Even the a visiting fellow at the that have roots in home-grown eral withdrawal of the United States not from the people,” he said. “We Brookings Doha Centre middle classes — despite their con- problems such as corruption and from Iran’s 2015 nuclear deal with have repelled the enemy.” cerns about a lack of alternatives mismanagement and have wors- world powers and the reimposition Rohani also claimed victory over to the regime and about possible ened under a US sanctions policy of US economic sanctions. what he called an unrest caused by “If there is no change, unrest chaos in the country — see that the of “maximum pressure” that has Iranian President Hassan Rohani, Iran’s foreign enemies while the Is- will break out again and again.” regime cannot guarantee stability drastically cut crucial profits from a moderate who is facing criticism lamic Revolutionary Guard Corps either.” oil exports. by hardliners three months before (IRGC) said November 21 that calm Even a further militarisation Besides sending “security forces parliamentary elections, promised had returned across Iran. The Basij Fathollah-Nejad said there was of Iran’s domestic political scene using firearms, water cannons and the fuel price increase would fund militia, an IRGC volunteer force no sign that the ruling elites were through a bigger role for the IRGC tear gas to disperse protests and new subsidies for poor families. whose members were deployed to getting a grip on the socio-eco- would not be a guarantee for calm, beating demonstrators with ba- However, the decision unleashed counter the demonstrators, said nomic, political and ecological because more power for the IRGC tons,” Amnesty International said, anger among Iranians including the unrest amounted to a “world problems in the country. “There is “does not mean that they will solve the government switched off inter- Maryam Kazemi, a 29-year-old ac- war” against Iran that failed. an insulated mindset that tends to the problems.” net access for much of the country. countant in the southern Tehran Azizi said that kind of argument favour more of the same,” he said. A change of the regime could not Authorities cut access to the out- suburb of Khaniabad, who told the was unlikely to convince anyone in He said unrest in 2017 and 2018 be engineered from outside, how- side world on November 16, an out- Associated Press the new cost of Iran because most people saw the had set the stage for the current ever, Fathollah-Nejad said. Viewpoint Khamenei’s throne of blood

dependency on oil” and “safe- Javan, mouthpiece of the IRGC, Kayhan, usually considered Obama’s lack of solidarity with guarding the economy against the editorialised November 20: “The Khamenei’s mouthpiece and Iran’s Iranian protesters in 2009, the re- effect of the sanctions.” seditionists were well trained… most conservative newspaper, action of the mighty United States Ali Alfoneh In his only reference to the pro- they were violent, did not chant dedicated its editorial to con- was limited to two tweets. tests, Khamenei said: “The Iranian slogans, had no demands and were demn “nihilist hooligans” but also US Ambassador to Germany nation has forced the enemy to carrying tools and instruments to attacked reformist publications Richard Grenell posted on Twit- ran is sinking into darkness. retreat in military, political and destroy and ravage.” Shargh and Arman for inciting the ter about the United States having Unplugged from the internet security fields. For example, during Javan pointed a finger at the public by explaining the effects “the ability to turn the internet on and almost ignored by the the events of the past few days, United States for masterminding of the cabinet’s price adjustment for the people of Iran and ensure it international media because which was not the work of the and embracing the protests and to policy. is free of government blockers.” US of demonstrations in Hong people.” “foreign nationals from an eastern Shameless lies of Javan and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, on Kong and elsewhere, Tehran It was not clear who Khamenei neighbouring country,” presum- Kayhan can’t hide the facts: The November 17, tweeted: “As I said Iis methodically clamping down perceives as the enemy but the ably Afghanistan, and members protests took place in poor suburbs to the people of Iran almost a year on protesters who rose against the regime is killing poverty-stricken of “a separatist movement,” who of large cities and low-income and half ago: The United States is government’s decision to introduce protesters and is cheered by the were allegedly involved in arson neighbourhoods of major popula- with you.” petrol rationing and price hikes. censured media. against banks and petrol stations. tion centres. The protesters were Amnesty International said at not well-trained mercenaries or least 106 protesters in 21 cities had Afghans or Kurdish separatists but It was not clear who been killed. Other reports sug- ordinary Iranian citizens who no gest the throne of blood of Iranian longer can afford three meals a day. Khamenei perceives Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had They were not incited by re- as the enemy but the claimed the lives of as many as 200 formist newspapers, for the simple people since the price hikes were reason that they can no longer regime is killing announced November 14. afford to buy newspapers, and they poverty-stricken Iranian authorities did not pro- had slogans and demands that protesters and is vide information about how many can be summarised in one word: protesters had been killed but the Dignity. Something the Islamic cheered by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Republic is denying them. censured media. (IRGC), in a statement, announced As for the United States master- the death of three members of its minding the protests and embrac- There is no sign of the United subordinate Basij in clashes with ing them, one looks in vain for the States acting on its abilities to protesters. slightest action by US President “turn the internet on for the people The regime organised pro- Donald Trump and his adminis- of Iran” and Pompeo’s moral sup- government rallies and demonstra- tration to support the people of port reminds the Iranian people tions November 19 and Khamenei Iran, whose cause they, at times, of the sad truth: They are on their declared victory. Addressing a large claim to champion against the own. group of Iranian businessmen, oppressive regime of the Islamic Khamenei appeared oddly out of Ruling by fear. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Republic. Ali Alfoneh is a senior fellow at touch with reality and focused on waves to supporters as they chant slogans during a meeting in A decade after complaining the Arab Gulf States Institute in “expanding public welfare,” “lesser Tehran, November 3. (AP) about former US President Barack Washington. 16 November 24, 2019 News & Analysis East West

‘Maximum pressure’ campaign choking Unravelling of the Iran Tehran from the inside and the outside nuclear deal The Arab Weekly staff Emily Przyborowski Project at the International Crisis Group, said the dramatic response by the Iranian government indi- London Washington cates how much authorities fear the demonstrations. “While pro- 2018 ran is feeling the effects of the tests, especially after fuel price Early May Trump administration’s “maxi- hikes, are not new in Iran, the ● US President Donald Trump an- mum pressure” campaign as speed with which the leadership nounces the United States will quit I Tehran also struggles to deal brought down its iron fist indicates the 2015 pact and reinstate sanctions with political protests and internal that it sees itself under siege,” Vaez against Iran and companies with ties discontent. said on Twitter. to it. The protests, sparked by rising Making matters worse for Iran, ● Iranian President Hassan Rohani petrol prices and precipitated by Washington revoked the sanction says he is ready to discuss with the US sanctions, have become a stage waivers for Iran’s Fordow nuclear remaining parties — Britain, China, for voicing demands for political facility. Although the waivers had France, Germany and Russia — ways reforms. Iranian officials claimed just been renewed, the Trump ad- to save the deal. the increase in fuel prices would ministration announced the deci- lead to direct subsidies for citizens. sion after Tehran said on Novem- Late May “People can’t afford a 300% in- ber 7 that it had begun enriching ● US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo crease in [petrol] prices but the re- uranium at the site again. outlines 12 conditions from Washing- gime didn’t have any other choice,” “The right amount of uranium ton for any “new deal.” said Alireza Nader, a senior fellow enrichment for the world’s largest at the Foundation for Defense of state sponsor of terror is zero,” US August and November 2018 Democracies. The reforms were Secretary of State Mike Pompeo ● Washington reimposes sanctions, meant to decrease domestic gaso- said. particularly targeting Iran’s oil and line consumption, leaving more for US President Donald Trump’s Risky gambit. A truck carrying UF6 fuel leaves the Natanz nuclear finance sectors. Iran to export, he said. revocation of the waivers was ap- power plant in central Isfahan to the underground Fordow facility, ● Major international firms halt ac- plauded by conservative congress- November 6. (AFP) tivities or projects in Iran. Saeed Ghasseminejad, men, including US Senators Ted a senior adviser at the Cruz and Lindsey Graham and US Foundation for Defense 2019 of Democracy Representative Liz Cheney. They purpose of the waivers essentially Washington and Tehran may be May 8 released a statement saying: “End- moot,” Singh said. less likely than before. Vali Nasr, a ● Iran announces its first step back “The price hike and ing this waiver is another impor- The social and economic pres- senior fellow at the Brookings Insti- from the deal by suspending com- subsequent protests are a tant step in tearing up the cata- sure on Iran might push the country tution, said the Trump administra- mitments on limiting the amount of testament to the effectiveness strophic Obama-Iran nuclear deal over the edge. “The price hike and tion “may think agreeing to talks heavy water and enriched uranium it of Washington’s ‘maximum once and for all. The administra- subsequent protests are a testa- now will be seen as weakness” possesses. pressure’ campaign.” tion should now end the waivers ment to the effectiveness of Wash- amid its “maximum pressure” ● Trump announces new measures for the remaining projects related ington’s ‘maximum pressure’ cam- campaign. against Iran’s steel and mining sec- The Iranian government’s vio- to the deal, especially the Arak re- paign,” said Saeed Ghasseminejad, There may be further escala- tors. lent response to the protests has actor, Iran’s heavy water reactor.” a senior adviser at the Foundation tion between the two countries as left more than 100 people dead and The Trump administration is on for Defense of Democracy. Washington offers support to the July 1 at least 1,000 arrested throughout the right course with regards to “Tehran is increasingly in des- Iranian people. The Trump admin- ● Iran says it has exceeded the the country. Amnesty International Iran, said Michael Singh, managing perate economic straits, in part istration asserted such backing in 300-kilogram limit on its enriched and the United Nations have raised director at the Washington Institute because of intense US sanctions; a statement made by Pompeo. “I uranium reserves. concerns about the treatment of for Near East Policy. “This decision Iranian popular discontent with have a message for the people of protesters. Reports said govern- was unavoidable. Iran resumed en- the regime’s economic misman- Iran: The United States hears you. July 7 ment forces shot into crowds of richment at Fordow in violation of agement seems to have reached a The United States supports you. ● Iran confirms it breached the ac- protesters and used other forms of the JCPOA (Joint Comprehensive breaking point, and the regime is The United States is with you,” he cord’s uranium enrichment cap of excessive force. Iranian authorities Plan of Action, as the nuclear deal more frightened of popular unrest said. 3.67%. shut down access to the internet, is formally known) and announced than at any time in recent years,” cutting off protesters from the out- it had abandoned plans to con- wrote Keith Johnson in Foreign Emily Przyborowski is an August 26 side world. vert it to a “nuclear, physics and Policy magazine. Arab Weekly correspondent ● Trump says he would be prepared Ali Vaez, director of the Iran technology centre, rendering the Analysts said talks between in Washington. to meet with Rohani. ● Rohani tells Washington to “take the first step” by lifting all sanctions. Viewpoint September 4 ● Rohani plays down efforts for a dip- lomatic solution and lifts all limits on With focus on Trump impeachment hearings, nuclear research and development.

September 14 Iran ramps up nuclear activity ● Tensions soar after aerial attacks on two major Saudi oil facilities, blamed on Tehran. the latter is too busy with its internal allow Tehran to sneakily twist its arm. ments that trace to years of rejection problems to pay attention to the for- Trump, known for his ability to of Iranian hegemony over decision- September 20 mer’s violations of international rules. change direction 180 degrees when his making and governance in the two ● Trump announces new sanctions Marah al-Bekaie It is, however, a fact that playing political interests are at stake, will not countries, whether through sectarian on Iran’s central bank. with fire will eventually burn one’s hesitate to resort to a military strike parties or sectarian militias or direct fingers. Washington will never allow against Iran, especially that it is weak- intervention in state affairs. September 26 ehran is taking advan- the breach to go unpunished and ened by US embargoes and economic This intervention is the primary ● The International Atomic Energy tage of the United States’ will increase the pace of sanctions on sanctions. If he chooses to move in mission of Iranian Major-General Agency (IAEA) says Iran has started preoccupation with the Iran, especially since Tehran recently that direction, he would kill two birds Qassem Soleimani, commander of the using advanced centrifuges to enrich Democrats’ effort to im- prevented an International Atomic En- with one stone. Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ uranium. peach US President Donald ergy Agency inspector from entering The first would be to divert atten- al-Quds Force, who has been conduct- Trump and the fact that the Natanz nuclear facility. This move, tion and political pressure from the ing a tireless shuttle policy between November 4 Tthe concerned European powers are too, is unprecedented since the sign- hearings in his impeachment proce- Sana’a, Baghdad and Beirut to secure ● Tehran says its enrichment has ignoring Iran’s abuses of the 2015 nu- ing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of dures and refocus the American public the control of the cross-border militias reached 5 kilograms per day, more clear deal to engage in very dangerous Action, as the nuclear deal is formally opinion on the battle to discipline under his command over the hybrid than a tenfold increase, and an- pre-emptive moves in anticipation of known, in 2015. Iran, which is, after all, a European, governments of his own making in nounces it has developed two new its deliberate confrontation with the This deliberate provocation by Arab and US demand. By doing so, he these countries. advanced centrifuges. international community. Tehran’s hardliners may signal more would make his hawkish supporters in Wherever he goes, Soleimani is The United States unilaterally to come, of the type of the attacks on the Republican Party happy and thus keen on killing the voices of Arab November 6 withdrew from the nuclear agree- Saudi oil facilities. The regime’s hawks secure their support in the US Senate populations in their own countries. ● Rohani announces resumption of ment with Iran and slapped it with will not be deterred by US troops sent should there be an impeachment trial. Still, the popular uprisings may uranium enrichment at the under- extremely severe economic sanctions. by Washington to the Gulf. The reason The second would be to satisfy become a legitimate source of support ground Fordow plant. Tehran is reeling from those sanc- is simple: They have nothing to fear and reassure US allies in the Middle for Trump’s eventual actions against tions, which have affected the daily as long as US policymakers are busy East. The United States has stuck to a Iran by preparing the ground for Zero November 7 lives of the Iranian people, who find impeaching their president based position of the angry spectator who is Hour. ● Iran says it cancelled accreditation themselves footing the bill of their on a misguided plan that Democrats happy with denouncing and deploring The US media, which have tre- of an IAEA inspector, who had al- rulers’ hegemonic lust for dominance resorted to in what can be seen as an Tehran’s attacks, first on oil tankers in mendous influence on the domestic ready left the country. in the region and the world. effort to prevent Trump from compet- the Persian Gulf and then on Aramco and international public opinion, are The Iranian Nuclear Energy Agency ing in the 2020 elections. oil facilities on Saudi territory, which focusing on the impeachment drama. November 18 announced an additional 60 advanced The Democrat-dominated US House resulted in a 5% drop in the global oil For Iran, this lull in the world’s at- ● UN nuclear watchdog says Iran’s centrifuges had been started to enrich of Representatives is not paying supplies. tention represents an opportunity to stock of heavy water for reactors uranium used in the manufacture of attention to what is going on in Iran By deciding on a military confronta- engage in arm wrestling between the has surpassed the limit set under its reactor fuel and nuclear weapons. and deliberately ignored US Secretary tion with Iran, Trump would address two arch-enemies: Iranian Supreme agreement with world powers. Although the number of the devices of State Mike Pompeo’s warnings. the declining confidence in Washing- Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and is far from the thousands needed to He predicted that the recent Iranian ton’s ability to stand by commitments Trump. November 21 obtain material used in the manufac- violations would lead to an ominous to its allies, recently worsened by the The million-dollar question is ● UN nuclear watchdog urges Iran to ture of nuclear weapons, the effort military confrontation but, despite the US position with respect to the Kurds whose arm is going to be stung first by explain the presence of uranium par- represents a blatant transgression of intense internal political rivalry be- in Syria. the awaiting scorpions on the table. ticles at an undeclared site. all red lines. tween the Democratic and Republican The massive and simultaneous This puts Tehran in direct confron- parties ahead of next year’s presiden- popular revolutions in Lebanon and Marah al-Bekaie is a Syrian-American (With news agencies.) tation with Washington, knowing that tial elections, Washington will not Iraq are deep-rooted militant move- writer. November 24, 2019 17 Viewpoint East West Trump’s pardon for three servicemen has widespread ramifications

espite strong op- position from the US Gregory Defence Department, Aftandilian which prides itself on its military justice system, US President DDonald Trump pardoned three US service members convicted or ac- cused of war crimes. The three US military person- nel are: US Army Lieutenant Clint Lorance, who had served six years of a 19-year sentence for ordering soldiers under his command to kill unarmed civilians in Afghanistan; US Navy Chief Petty Officer Edward Gallagher, who was demoted in Problematic decisions. US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper (L), Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Army rank for posing with the corpse of General Mark Milley (R) and US President Donald Trump during a meeting with senior military an Islamic State fighter; and Army leaders at the White House in Washington, last October. (Reuters) Major Mathew Golsteyn, who was awaiting trial, charged with killing a praised by some Iraq and Afghani- enforcing the rules of war and mili- troops and is clearly worried that suspected Taliban bomb maker who stan war veterans as well as his tary effectiveness. When the former Trump’s actions set a dangerous was in the process of being released political supporters, they received breaks down, the latter suffers. precedent. by US authorities. sharp criticism from other veterans Some of Trump’s Democratic op- This sentiment was echoed by The Lorance case gained con- and military lawyers. One veteran ponents raised the issue of the par- former Army Lieutenant-General siderable attention from veterans called the pardons “a disgrace.” dons on the presidential campaign Benjamin Freakley and Clint Wil- and their families. The White House The New York Times reported trail. South Bend, Indiana, Mayor liamson, former US ambassador- reportedly received a petition that “many in the military are not Pete Buttigieg, a former US Navy at-large for war crimes issues. In an signed by 124,000 citizens call- celebrating” the pardons because intelligence officer who has been opinion article in the Hill news- ing on Trump to pardon Lorance, they see it as running roughshod rising in the polls, slammed Trump paper, they noted that Trump, by whose case was also championed over the military judicial process. in this way: “There is nothing sanctioning illegal behaviour with by several members of Congress. A former deputy judge advocate pro-military about overruling our his pardons, not only undermines In justifying the pardon, Trump for the US Air Force noted that the military justice system to prevent it US adherence to the rule of law tweeted: “We train our boys to be “Golsteyn case is the most troubling from delivering accountability for but gives US adversaries “a green killing machines and then pros- because the system was never given war crimes,” adding, “the president light to similarly mistreat men and ecute them when they kill!” The the chance to work — a court-mar- has again dishonoured our armed women who serve honourably.” White House released a statement tial is the best way to determine services.” The pardons are problematic by the president saying: “When the facts.” Other legal experts said Former US Vice-President Joe for US military deployments in our soldiers have to fight for our Trump had sent the signal that the Biden said the pardons “betray the the Middle East and elsewhere. If country, I want to give them the “gloves are off” and that the United rule of law, the values that make some US troops believe they can get confidence to fight.” States was not going to constrain its our country exceptional and the away with committing war crimes Trump, who seems ignorant of own military. men and women who wear the uni- because the president “has their the rules of war, was clearly pander- Gary Solis, a Vietnam War veter- form.” Biden said Trump was “not back,” then the United States loses ing to his nationalist base, espe- an and former military attorney who fit to command our troops.” the moral high ground in the fight If some US troops cially as impeachment inquiries teaches at several law schools, told Internationally, the pardons also against terrorist groups. were heating up in the US Congress Military.com: “I can honestly say I elicited sharp criticism. Rupert Unfortunately, Trump is either believe they can get and with an eye to the 2020 presi- have not talked to a single military Colville, spokesman for the UN ignorant of this connection or away with committing dential election. When the chief of officer who would be in favour of human rights office, stated that the simply does not care about the war crimes, then the the Navy suggested that, despite pardoning any of these three.” pardons “run against the letter and ramifications of his decision. the pardon, he would take away Not only is the US military spirit of international law” and send United States loses Gallagher’s Trident Pin, signifying establishment upset over Trump’s a “disturbing signal” to military Gregory Aftandilian is a lecturer in the moral high ground membership in the Navy SEALs, pardons from a jurisdictional and forces worldwide. the Pardee School of Global Studies Trump overruled him and said the moral standpoint but also in terms The United Nations has had at Boston University and a former in the fight against Navy should “get back to business.” of military discipline. They say problems in the recent past with US State Department Middle East terrorist groups. Although Trump’s pardons were there is a direct correlation between the discipline of its peacekeeping analyst. Sweden seeks justice for victims of Iran 1988 prison massacres

he detention in Sweden ports by Amnesty International and launched from Iraq because that had the death of Saudi journalist Jamal of an Iranian for suspect- British lawyer Geoffrey Robertson. already failed. The secrecy around Khashoggi, welcomed the arrest ed involvement in Iran’s Further evidence appeared in the the affair, he argued, rules out the as an “important first step towards Gareth Smyth 1988 prison massacres is 2000 memoirs of Ayatollah Hossein- killings being part of a wider reign of justice for the 1988 massacre.” the latest attempt to ap- Ali Montazeri, whom Khomeini terror. Abrahamian concluded rather Abrahamian, emeritus professor ply universal jurisdiction. had ousted as deputy leader partly that Khomeini’s “creative genius” at the City University New York, said TThe man, identified by London’s because he queried about the execu- sought to separate within the regime legal action abroad might have little Sunday Times as Hamid Nouri, 58, tions. the “weak willed” from revolution- effect in Iran. was arrested at Stockholm Ar- The killings followed a decree ary radicals. “The 1988 massacres are too landa Airport, apparently arriving from Khomeini establishing a Tehran Of those directly involved, Pour- much of a taboo even for reformers to visit relatives, and was to remain commission headed by Tehran Mohammadi was recently Justice to raise,” he explained. “Montazeri in custody until December 11 when prosecutor Morteza Eshraghi, Judge minister (2013-17) under Iranian brought up the technical violation prosecutors will decide whether to Hossein Ali Nayeri and an Intelli- President Hassan Rohani. Ebrahim of the sharia for the execution of the indict him. gence Ministry representative, often Raeisi, now chief justice and consid- mujahideen. He avoided the issue of Universal jurisdiction allows deputy minister Mostafa Pour- ered front-runner to succeed Ayatol- executing ‘apostates’ [a reference to states or international organisations Mohammadi. Similar commissions lah Ali Khamenei as supreme leader, leftists]. I doubt if European coun- to pursue criminal cases wherever operated in the provinces, other than was then Tehran deputy prosecutor. tries would want to raise an issue the alleged crime took place. Esfahan, where Montazeri’s follow- Where might the arrested man fit from 1988. This may remain a topic While the principle is traced to ers held sway. Abrahamian suggested in? McGill University law professor mainly for historians.” Roman law, modern examples in- the Tehran commission included 16. Payam Akhavan, who has worked on However, Mehrzad Boroujerdi, clude the 1945-49 Nuremburg trials Khomeini’s decree required ex- the case, claimed that Nouri was “an director of the School of Public and of Nazis and the failed 2001-03 pros- ecuting prisoners “steadfast in their enthusiastic inquisitor” who sent International Affairs at Virginia Tech ecution in Belgium of former Israeli support for the monafeqin (‘hypo- “people to their death… and tortured University, suggested the Nouri case Prime Minister Ariel Sharon over the crites’),” referring to the People’s some of them.” Nouri was allegedly would be closely watched in Iran, 1982 massacres in Beirut’s Sabra and Mujahideen of Iran (MEK), a violent an assistant prosecutor connected to where Amnesty International says Shatila Palestinian camps. opposition group allied with former two jails, Tehran’s Evin and Gohar- more than 100 people have died in In October, Germany charged two Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. There dasht in Karaj, where many execu- recent protests against rising petrol Syrian asylum seekers, alleged to be was a second wave of executions of tions took place. prices. security officers who had tortured leftists — mainly the Moscow-aligned A Swedish prosecutor said the in- “Since there are many former and raped prisoners. European Tudeh Party — who offered critical dictment concerns July 28-August 31, [Iranian] political prisoners in Eu- human rights lawyers are taking tes- support to the Islamic Republic. 1988, when the authorities executed rope I don’t think there will be much Agnes Callamard, UN timonies from refugees in preparing Various figures exist. The MEK MEK members and before the execu- difficulty making a strong case,” said special rapporteur on possible legal action against Syrian claimed 30,000 members died, while tion of leftists. The MEK’s National Boroujerdi. “The lawyer is using President Bashar Assad. Abrahamian cited overall death Council of Resistance of Iran, based this arrest to warn officials who are extrajudicial killings Iran’s 1988 prisoner executions tolls from 2,500-6,000. Montazeri in Albania after expulsion from Iraq, killing protesters now that you can and executions came after Iranian Supreme Leader estimated 2,800-3,800. Robertson recently introduced at the European no longer hide behind the excuse of welcomed the arrest Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini agreed sceptically cites Akbar Hashemi Raf- Parliament a booklet “Crime Against ‘just doing my job’ and that your day a ceasefire ending the 8-year war sanjani, then parliamentary speaker, Humanity” naming more than 5,000 of reckoning may come, too.” as an “important first with Iraq. in February 1989 claiming “less than members as victims. step towards justice Witness accounts filtered out and 1,000.” What happens next is unclear. Gareth Smyth is a regular were assessed by Iranian historian Abrahamian rejected claims from Agnes Callamard, UN special rap- contributor to The Arab Weekly. He for the 1988 Ervand Abrahamian in his 1999 book, some Iranian leaders that the execu- porteur on extrajudicial killings and has reported from the Middle East massacre.” “Tortured Confessions,” and in re- tions responded to an MEK offensive executions, who is also investigating since 1992. 18 November 24, 2019 Economy

Emirates airline propels growth Briefs Dubai’s Albwardy with orders worth $24.8 billion to buy Zimbabwe’s Meikles Hotel Sabahat Khan to their destination in one flight. The efficiency of fewer flights, Dubai-based Albwardy Invest- more flexibility and lower upfront ments said it would buy Zimba- Dubai costs have made smaller widebody bwe’s Meikles Hotel for $20 million twin jets, which also offer more com- and would upgrade what is one of mirates airline signed deals petitive range and fuel efficiency Africa’s most well-known estab- worth $24.8 billion during than used to be the case, more ap- lishments. the Dubai Air Show, placing pealing than very large aircraft op- The current owner, Meikles E large orders with aerospace tions such as the A380, despite the Limited, has over the past few manufacturing giants Airbus and low costs per passenger they offer. years struggled with low occupan- Boeing to power Emirates’ growth The deal between Emirates and cy levels and has lacked foreign and transform its model in the years Airbus supersedes an agreement by exchange to refurbish the property ahead. Emirates in February for 40 A330- in Harare. Emirates’ Chairman and CEO 900s and 30 A350-900s after Airbus The hotel, which was estab- Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed al-Mak- requested it to drop most of its out- lished in 1915, has 312 rooms. toum and Airbus CEO Guillaume standing orders for the A380. Faury announced a $16 billion order The Airbus A350-900 variant or- (Reuters) from the airline for 50 Airbus A350- der by Emirates is a long-range, ex- XWB 900 aircraft at the beginning of tra-wide-body, twin-engine plane, the air show. Emirates later finalised which comes with a price tag of more Algeria’s a last-minute order worth almost $9 than $300 million. This is Airbus’s billion for 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamlin- first aircraft manufactured with both Above and beyond expectation. Visitors walk past a model of an Sonatrach ers. fuselage and wing structures made unmanned aerial vehicle during the fifth day of Dubai Air Show, Emirates’ agreements follow a primarily of carbon fibre-reinforced November 21. (Reuters) renews gas strategic review of its fleet require- polymer. ments after Airbus in February an- With more than 70% of its airframe export deal with nounced that the production line for made from advanced materials com- sues around its General Electric-pro- than 3,600 flights every week from France’s Engie the double-decker A380, also known bining composites, titanium and ad- duced engines. its hub at Dubai International Airport as the Superjumbo, would end in vanced aluminium alloys, the A350- Having reduced its 777X order, across a network spanning 85 coun- Algerian state energy firm 2021. 900 offers a flying range of more Emirates opted for the smaller 787- tries and 161 destinations. Sonatrach renewed a gas export Emirates is the largest operator of than 8,000 nautical miles, enough 9 version of the Dreamliner as op- Airbus closed the Dubai Air Show contract with France’s Engie, a few the A380 Superjumbo, with 112 of the to fly between Dubai and London 2.5 posed to the larger 787-10 version it having netted around $38 billion days after Kamel Eddine Chikhi jets in service and 11 on order. Emir- times without refuelling. was considering, a move that opens in new plane orders while Boeing was appointed Sonatrach CEO. ates had wanted to expand its fleet of Emirates completed an order for new potential across its routes with booked orders of approximately $17 Energy sales represent a crucial the A380 with an upgraded version 30 Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners at list more modest passenger flows and billion, including for its still-ground- source of foreign currency for but Airbus and engine-maker Rolls prices, with a value of $8.8 billion because it can enable greater flight ed 737 Max. As orders in Dubai and Algeria but have been declining Royce have seen international or- and deliveries to commence in 2023. frequencies on existing routes. elsewhere reflect, low-cost travel is since oil prices dropped in 2014. ders for the A380 collapse and were As part of the deal, Emirates will re- Until now Emirates’ fleet was en- one of the more robustly growing Rising domestic demand and no longer recuperating production duce its order of the delayed 777Xs, tirely composed of the Airbus A380 sectors in a subdued international stagnant output have made it hard costs despite the plane’s estimated which it ordered in 2014 and is set and Boeing 777 — it was the world’s travel market. for Sonatrach to maintain Algerian $450 million price tag. to become the launch customer for largest operator of both jets — but the Despite the travel market outlook export levels. The A380 struggled to prove its next year, from 150 to 126. Emirates airline is adapting to industry condi- and its new challenges, however, That had cast doubts over long-term commercial viability as will now purchase 126 Boeing 777X tions and slowing international de- Emirates remains among a hand- whether the Engie deal would be the hub-and-spoke model it was aircraft and 30 Boeing 787-9 Dream- mand for travel with more flexibility ful of international airlines with the renewed, an industry source in supposed to uniquely serve in which liners, orders with a combined value by acquiring the Airbus A350-900s capitalisation and ambition to place Algeria said. Sonatrach said the passengers are flown to a central of $56 billion. and the Boeing 787-9. orders such those it did during the contract covers the medium and hub and then onward on subsequent Talks on the 787 Dreamliner had One of few in the world that only air show. Next year, Dubai is host- long term but did not specify how flights did not thrive at the indus- been in the works for two years be- operate a wide-body fleet, Emirates’ ing Expo 2020, which is expected to much gas it would deliver to Engie. try level the way Airbus had predi- tween Emirates and Boeing but were meteoric rise established it as the bring up to 25 million visitors to the cated. While the hub-and-spoke has delayed by uncertainty over the fu- world’s largest long-haul carrier with emirate. (Reuters) worked well for Emirates and the ture of the A380 and delays with the a fleet of 234 jets. Conceived in March A380 became integral to its fleet and 777X given the effect those issues 1985 with backing from Dubai’s royal Sabahat Khan maintains a long-haul operations, most interna- would have on its long-term fleet family and support from Pakistan In- cross-disciplinary focus in Egypt to cut tional airlines opted for the point-to- planning. The first deliveries of 777X ternational Airlines, which leased it international security, defence point model, which flies customers have faced delays over durability is- two planes, Emirates operates more policy and strategic issues. prices of Viewpoint subsidised staples

Saudi Aramco’s public offering becomes distinctly domestic affair Egypt is to reduce the prices of subsidised food staples beginning the subscription deadline. “Certain Saudi retail investors who Dhabi Investment Authority and in December, the Supply Ministry In a statement November 17, continuously and uninterruptedly Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment spokesman said, as the country’s Saudi Aramco said it planned to sell hold their shares for 180 days will Company — to serve as cornerstone economy shows signs of recovery. Jareer Elass 1.5% of the company on the Tad- receive one bonus share for every investors to ensure the sale’s suc- “Prices of cooking oil, sugar, rice awul at an offering price of 30-32 ten shares they purchase in the cess. and flour will be reduced start- riyals ($8-$8.53) a share, resulting in offering, up to a maximum of 100 Outside of the region, Chinese ing the first of December,” said around 3 billion shares sold. Based bonus points.” state entities such as sovereign spokesman Ahmed Kamal. on those parameters, Saudi Aramco While the bonus shares are meant wealth fund China Investment Cor- He said the measures aimed to is setting the value of the state oil to be an incentive for Saudi individ- poration are expected to take part make goods available “in suitable audi Aramco’s impend- and gas giant at $1.6 trillion-$1.7 ual investors, the time requirement in the Saudi Aramco share flotation. quantities and prices.” ing initial public offering trillion, a far drop from the $2 tril- for holding onto the purchased December’s listing of Saudi has become a distinctly lion valuation long-touted by Saudi shares is to ensure that shares aren’t Aramco on the Tadawul will be (Agence France-Presse) domestic affair, with Ri- officials. flipped for a quick profit and to a dramatically scaled down and yadh banking on local and The company said the final share prevent price volatility. localised version of the original regional investors to make price would be published December Saudi Aramco has been a symbol plan promoted by Saudi officials in Property Sthe limited sale on the Saudi stock 5. Trading on the Tadawul is antici- of national pride for the average early 2016. That plan envisioned exchange a success after deciding pated to begin in mid-December. Saudi citizen so it is not surprising selling up to 5% of the company at a executive not to court US, Asian and European Retail investors have until Novem- that the IPO is being perceived as $2 trillion valuation on the Tadawul fund managers. ber 28 to formally submit requests a once-in-a-lifetime investment and one or more foreign exchanges, appointed to head Foreign investors expressed for IPO shares while institutional opportunity in the kingdom. Based netting as much as $100 billion for muted enthusiasm for committing investors have until December 4 to on the company’s valuation, retail Riyadh. Riyadh royal to purchasing stakes in the Saudi subscribe. investors will account for approxi- Sale proceeds are to go towards oil and natural gas giant on learning Ahead of the Saudi Aramco list- mately $8.5 billion worth of shares supporting Saudi Vision 2030, the commission that Saudi Aramco’s valuation for ing, company executives were to sold through the IPO. Saudi government’s programme the company was higher than what embark on a formal roadshow to To encourage robust participa- focused on transforming the king- Saudi Arabia selected Fahd had been deemed acceptable in gauge interest from institutional tion, the Saudi Arabian Monetary dom’s economy through domestic Al-Rasheed to lead a royal com- financial circles. investors in the United States, Can- Authority is allowing smaller retail and foreign investments and reduc- mission to develop Riyadh where Despite tepid foreign interest ada, Europe and Asia but pushback investors to borrow twice their cash ing the Gulf nation’s reliance on oil the government has said it would in the initial public offering (IPO), from international money managers investment. To sweeten the pot, revenues. spend $23 billion to boost the qual- there is great excitement among the on the higher valuation prompted Saudi Aramco said it would offer a Faced with numerous obstacles, ity of life. Saudi population for the opportuni- the roadshow to be cancelled. minimum $75 billion dividend to in- Riyadh has seemingly dropped Rasheed served as CEO of Emaar ty to own a piece of Saudi Aramco, At a November 17 presentation vestors in 2020 and that from 2020- plans for a foreign listing. Based Economic City, a subsidiary of the country’s state crown jewel that for local fund managers in Riyadh 24, any year with a dividend less on the percentage of shares now to Dubai’s largest listed developer was named the world’s most profit- marking the final preparation stage than that threshold would result in be sold and at the high end of the Emaar Properties. able company in 2018. for the IPO, Saudi Aramco CEO “non-government shareholders” share price range, Saudi Aramco Saudi authorities in March an- Saudi media estimate that up to 5 Amin Nasser noted that it was “a prioritised for payment. could raise $25.6 billion in Decem- nounced projects to increase green million people are expected to par- historic day for Saudi Aramco… We The Saudi government has been ber, which would top the record $25 space and recreational areas in ticipate in the Saudi Aramco share are excited about the transition to leaning heavily on the wealthiest of billion IPO by Chinese e-commerce Riyadh as part of planned devel- flotation on the domestic bourse, being a listed company.” Saudi families to secure large stakes firm Alibaba’s in 2014. opment investments across the the Tadawul. Reports also indicate In its IPO prospectus, Saudi Ara- in the Aramco IPO. The government kingdom. that the company is close to cover- mco said it would sell up to 0.5% has also been looking to regional Jareer Elass reports from ing its institutional allotment for of its shares to retail (individual) sovereign wealth funds — such as Washington on energy issues (Reuters) the IPO with ten days to go before investors. The prospectus stated: Bahrain’s Mumtalakat, the Abu for The Arab Weekly. November 24, 2019 19 Economy Algeria names new bank Morocco’s real estate market slows down governor, oil firm chief amid sluggish economy

Lamine Ghanmi Saad Guerraoui buying properties. The government needs to bring these fees back to their previous levels,” Aboulachbal said. Tunis Casablanca The government raised the fees three years ago despite notaries’ com- lgeria’s Interim President he real estate market in Mo- plaint that it would affect demand for Abdelkader Bensalah ap- rocco is slowing amid a slug- properties. pointed new leaders for the gish national economy and Another major drawback is the A Central Bank of Algeria and T experts called on the govern- property price reference system im- Sonatrach weeks before scheduled ment to help revive the vital job-pro- posed by the Finance Ministry almost presidential elections. viding sector. five years ago to fight “black money” Kamel Eddine Chikhi, a geologist The first half of 2019 saw a slow- in real estate transactions. and former director of the Algerian down in demand amid a decline in “There are many property owners National Oil Institute, was named transactions that is taking its toll on who cannot sell or hesitate to sell their CEO of state oil firm Sonatrach, re- unsold properties and construction properties for fear of being fined by placing Rachid Hachichi, who had projects that have been left at a stand- the tax authorities because the sell- led the company since April. still, the Real Estate Guide released by ing price is below the reference,” said Benabderrahmane Aymane will Mubawab, a website specialising in Aboulachbal. take over from Amar Hiouani as real estate activity, stated. “The problem with the price ref- central bank governor. Hiouani was Demand for flats and houses erence system is that it is not really appointed interim governor in April dropped 7% from April-June while connected with the reality of the real when central Bank Governor Mo- supply rose 86% in new real estate estate market, which means that sell- hamed Loukal was named Finance and 30% in old real estate in the first ing prices are lower than the fixed ref- minister. half of 2019, the report said. Real es- erence pricing.” The appointments were made No- tate transactions fell 8% in the second The new price reference system vember 14, less than a month before quarter of this year compared with went into force July 1 to better reflect December 12 presidential elections the second quarter of 2018, Morocco’s the reality of the real estate market. that will decide Bensalah’s successor. central bank said. The General Directorate of Taxes said The nomination of the new cen- All major real estate development the system would be constantly fine- tral bank governor and Sonatrach Long-delayed reforms. A view of the Central Bank of Algeria companies posted a fall in net profits tuned, leading to a benchmark reflect- CEO was meant to signal that, de- building in Algiers. (Facebook) in the first half of 2019. The net results ing the real value of each property. spite the protests, “Algeria is well- of Residences Dar Saada, Alliances “We can say that a reference pricing run” and stable, analysts said. and Addoha declined 17.1%, 8.6% and adapted to the current real estate mar- Oil and gas are Algeria’s economic changes is the inclusion of a pro- “I should use this opportunity to 17.4%, respectively. ket would be welcomed,” said Abou- lifelines, accounting for 95% of Al- duction-sharing contract system highlight that the new hydrocar- Addoha, Morocco’s leading real es- lachbal. geria’s exports and 60% of the state that proved successful in the 1980s. bons law comes at the right time to tate development company, lost 48% However, the new system, which budget resources and foreign cur- That system helped Algeria make add a new momentum to research of its value since the beginning of involves 54 cities across Morocco, rency reserves. some of its largest oil and gas dis- and exploration activities and free the year, followed by Residences Dar does not fully cover all streets and mu- Chikhi faces the challenge of coveries, including development of the initiative of partnership,” Chikhi Saada with 39% and Alliances with nicipalities in the same city. halting the decline of oil and gas the Berkine basin. said during his inauguration cer- 31% drops. The high-end real estate market has production and defending Alge- emony. “Property developers are watching been hit the hardest in major cities ria’s oil markets in Europe, which The nomination of the new “The great and sensitive responsi- with concern the sluggish demand such as Casablanca and Rabat, forcing are threatened by imports from the central bank governor and bility that is incumbent upon us lies that has borne the brunt of an eco- developers to drastically lower prices. in the renewal of our oil and gas re- nomic slowdown,” financial expert “My flats in Casablanca are selling United States, whose shale gas sec- Sonatrach CEO was meant tor is booming. serves that are shrinking from year Mehdi El Fakir said. “What we are wit- slowly because demand for high-end Aymane was called on to speed to signal that, despite the to year during more than 10 years. nessing now is the liquidation of prop- real estate [market] has dramatically up long-delayed reforms in Alge- protests, “Algeria is “Our efforts must focus on re- erty stocks in the market rather than fallen,” said property developer Bou- ria’s banking system and preserve well-run” and stable, search and exploration as well as major construction projects.” chaib Bessat. its foreign currency reserves. Half analysts said. reassessing the proven reserves of The real estate sector is the second- “I brought my properties’ prices of Algeria’s money in circulation is Sonatrach with a view to compen- largest job provider in Morocco with down to 15% in Casablanca to be able outside the banking system as the That law was scrapped in 2005, sating the volumes already con- more than 1 million workers. to sell them. In the past, I sold some country lacks stable banks for sav- however, before being tweaked in sumed to be able to ensure the en- Jad Aboulachbal, a notary in Casa- projects within a year. Now it’s taking ers and investors. 2006 and 2013. The later changes ergy security of our country in the blanca, called on the government to me more than four years to sell my Algeria’s parliament approved caused concerns about instability long term,” he said. act to revive the real estate market. properties.” legislation November 14 aimed at and pushed away foreign investors, “Registration and conservation fees attracting more foreign oil invest- causing the country’s oil and gas Full version of this article appears on for acquiring a property are some of Saad Guerraoui is a contributor to ment and technology. Among the production to decline. www.thearabweekly.com the obstacles hindering people from The Arab Weekly on Maghreb issues. Tunisia’s borrowing not a solution to economic crises

Riadh Bouazza 2020, compared to 37% in 2010. the end of 2019. Tunisian authorities, however, re- Considering these data, it is dif- sorted to borrowing from other finan- ficult not to take a pessimistic view Tunis cial institutions, such as the World of Tunisia’s economic situation, al- Bank, the African Development Bank though some contend that the state unisia’s borrowing trends are and the European Bank for Recon- can afford its debts despite the fragil- raising concerns among econ- struction and Development, to raise ity caused by the growing external omists and citizens that the liquidity exceeding $3 billion, without debt. T country’s crisis will worsen in counting international aid and dona- In their view, the debts and their the next five years if loans are not ap- tions in millions of dollars. high interest rates represent a mod- propriately invested. Instead of investing the money bor- erate level of risk, compared to oth- Amid power-sharing disputes rowed in development projects that er countries in the Middle East and among the leading parties after recent would create wealth and curb the un- North Africa, such as Lebanon, Jor- legislative elections, discussing the employment rate that has not budged dan and Egypt. 2020 budget in the parliament is look- for years from 15.5%, the government On the other hand, a different camp ing to be particularly difficult, given has directed the loans into cover- says the best way to deal with any the size of the proposed budget and ing running expenditures, consumer economic crisis is not to automati- measures proposed to meet its large products and public sector wages. cally seek foreign loans and aid but deficit. Despite the mounting burden of to foster an investment climate that Tunisians see only a dim light at loans, which is likely to place enor- An economy in disarray. People change money at a currency reassures local and foreign investors. the end of a long tunnel of economic mous strain on the state and mort- exchange bank in Tunis. (Reuters) Economist Anis al-Gasmi said, to crises and the heavy legacy of years of gage the future of future generations, achieve this goal, efforts to deal with political and security turmoil casts a authorities see no other options, con- corruption and administrative bu- shadow over the economic situation. firming their failure to initiate a de- instalments through the programme has increased in the last nine years as reaucracy must be accelerated. De- Tunisia’s addiction to international velopment model that promises to be agreed upon with the IMF and the growth slowed down alarmingly. spite the government’s efforts and borrowing has escalated since 2016 fair to all regions of the country and rest of the funds will be through the Economist Walid Ben Saleh said despite its focus on development in in the hope of quick solutions to the achieve social peace. international financial market,” Chal- Tunisia’s debt will be approximate- the strategic sectors, bureaucracy country’s chronic problems, regard- Tunisian Finance Minister Moham- ghoum said. ly $32.3 billion by the end of 2020, and administrative corruption seem less of the high debt service costs ed Ridha Chalghoum said in October Looking at measures Tunisian au- equivalent to 75.1% of the country’s to have become even more wide- involved. Tunisia’s growing debt con- that “the state will repay next year’s thorities are planning to address the GDP. By the end of 2019, Tunisia’s spread since 2011. tinues to accumulate without positive debts worth 12 billion Tunisian dinars huge deficit, there do not seem to be debts will have reached about $30 He said the focus should be on de- results. ($4.2 billion) and will have to borrow any innovative solutions different billion, a huge amount given the veloping the agricultural sector and Perhaps the best illustration of the about $4 billion more.” from those employed in neighbour- economic recession engulfing most on better exploitation of the coun- situation is the $2.9 billion loan from He tried to reassure public opinion ing countries. Along the austerity strategic sectors, except the tourism try’s phosphates reserves, as well as the International Monetary Fund by saying that all scheduled develop- measures and tax increases, there are sector, which has seen a significant on establishing broader partnerships (IMF) to carry out reforms that turned ment projects were funded but also plans to cut down on subsidy pro- growth. between the public and private sec- out to be extremely slow to put in said that “discussions now are limited grammes for basic commodities such Ben Salah said in a statement that tors and the adoption of a plan to place. Tunisia has received $1.6 billion to budget financing with the World as fuel, electricity, water, petrol and the share of each Tunisian citizen develop other sectors so they keep of the total loan. Bank, the European Union, Germany other services. in the country’s debts will amount functioning in all circumstances. Tunisia’s debt to GDP ratio was ex- and Japan.” Tunisia’s external debt at the end to about $2,800 by next year, com- pected to reach 75.1% by the end of “We expect to get the remaining of 2010 was about 37% of GDP but it pared to the $2,600 expected by Riadh Bouazza is a Tunisian writer. 20 November 24, 2019 Society

At the heart of the uprising. Iraqi demonstrators and tuk-tuks are seen during an anti-government protest in Baghdad, November 14. (Reuters) Iraq’s tuk-tuks, once a nuisance, now a necessity

Oumayma Omar

Baghdad

mong the thousands of people wounded in anti- government protests rock- A ing Iraq, many owe their life to the likes of Haidar Mohan- nad, a tuk-tuk driver and volunteer who is helping to move the injured and ferry food and supplies to pro- testers. Previously shunned as a nuisance zipping through Baghdad’s horren- dous traffic, the coloured three- wheelers are now a welcome sight amid the protests in which more than 320 people have been killed and at least 6,000 injured across Iraq. Voice of grass roots. Protesters read copies of “Tuk-Tuk” On the front lines. Demonstrators use a tuk-tuk during an “It is our national duty and con- newspapers in Tahrir Square, Baghdad, November 20. (AP) anti-government protest in Baghdad, November 9. (Reuters) tribution to the uprising,” Mo- hannad, 22, said as he swerved his yellow tuk-tuk into Tahrir The red and yellow vehicles of the people; otherwise we will of tens of protesters injured by tear Ahmad Awdeh, 41. Square, a protest gathering spot queue up near protest hubs, ready remain in the streets endlessly. We gas grenades. They even lost their He said he has been busy day and in central Baghdad, despite his to move to meet an emergency. owe this to the many victims who life doing that.” night since the protests started. bandaged hand. Mohannad said that, because died.” The tuk-tuk drivers have been the “During the day I transport sup- of the closure of the area and Although Iraq is oil rich with esti- targets of security forces. Snipers plies and casualties. At night, I The three-wheelers have the crowds packed tightly on the mated reserves of 112 billion barrels, have reportedly killed two of them, shuttle people to the candlelight streets, ambulances either can’t more than 20% of the population shooting them in the head. vigils taking place every evening been transporting reach victims or become targets for lives below the poverty line. The The parliamentary committee on around the statue of liberty to hon- protesters who cannot snipers. figure tops 50% in certain southern human rights said at least 320 peo- our the victims of the protests,” Aw- walk long distances to the “We are transporting the wound- governorates with a Shia majority. ple have been killed in the protests. deh said. squares. ed and the martyrs to the ambu- The three-wheelers have been Most injuries were caused by tear While Iraqis appear to be deter- lances waiting outside the square. transporting protesters who cannot gas canisters fired directly at pro- mined to keep up the protests until “I was burned by tear gas canis- We have also taken them straight walk long distances to the squares. testers. Some were killed by uni- they force real change in the po- ters while rescuing a young man to the hospitals when ambulances “Nobody expected the protests to dentified snipers. litical system, which they accuse of who was trying to cross al Jumhuri- were not available,” he said. continue all this time,” said Sattar The use of excessive force to being corrupt, inept and the cause ya Bridge with hundreds of protest- The tuk-tuk driver said he feels Jabbar who jumped into one of the crack down on the protests did not of rampant poverty and economic ers. The security forces targeted the proud to be part of what he calls vehicles heading towards a dem- deter the protesters or the tuk-tuk depression, the tuk-tuk drivers will protesters directly, causing many “the team” that has gained admira- onstration on al Jumhuriya Bridge. drivers determined to assist them. remain an icon of humanity in the casualties,” he said. tion and appreciation at home and “We are all ready to sacrifice and “The role we are assuming gave “revolution of the hungry,” Awdeh Tuk-tuk drivers have become un- abroad. risk our life to get a second chance me hope and incentive. We want said. expected heroes of the demonstra- “The popular protests were in- to salvage our country from insecu- to help shape a better future for tions that began October 1. They are evitable,” he said. “We have been rity, poverty and corruption. our children so that they may have Oumayma Omar, who reports on the front lines, defying stun gre- living in poverty and deprivation “Each person is playing a role. a better life than ours which was from Baghdad, is a contributor to nades and tear gas fired by security for the past 16 years. The authori- For instance, these young tuk-tuk lost in deprivation and lack of op- the Culture and Society section of forces. ties will have to heed the demands drivers contributed in the rescuing portunities,” said tuk-tuk driver The Arab Weekly. November 24, 2019 21 Society Education Music returns to Saudi schools after 60-year absence

Zaki al-Soudeir cation following years of individual endeavours or approaches that had the cultural act to chance and what- Riyadh ever talent was available, although we know that music and theatre are he Saudi ministers of Culture not only cultural tools but also two and Education have agreed components of our cultural identity.” to include culture and arts He said: “What is happening now T in public and private educa- is really redirecting the compass of tion curricula, with the Ministry of change towards the roots. The right Culture responsible for authorising basis for every right action is early cultural and artistic curricula and ac- education. The right deed is first cre- tivities throughout the educational ated in the fields of early upbringing. system. So, this decision will achieve two Poet Rabab Ismail said the decision parallel goals: build a sound cultural is an opportunity to compensate for foundation and create an encourag- deficits created by the cultural reces- ing learning environment. We will be sion that hindered progress for dec- producing an educated generation ades. and creating love within schools.” “The inclusion of music is only one Writer Amnaal-Dharwi said the word in the vocabulary of a new epis- initiative is an important step and temological discourse experienced necessary to keep up with Saudi Vi- by society in all aspects of life,” he sion 2030, the country’s economic said. “It is, however, the most reso- blueprint for the future. Cooperation nant and prominent of words be- between the two ministries reflects cause it is the most incompatible hope to overcome social and cultural with the old discourse. issues of a past era. “I think that the preparation of this decision will change for the best Poet Maha al-Essa said the many things in the educational cur- change is bringing back a riculum and school activities. We will culture stolen under the soon see a good crop of new talents pretext of halal and haram. and it will teach learners from both sexes to appreciate art and refine A cultural revival. Saudi female musician Lojain Sami plays a keyboard at a local cafe in Khobar. (Reuters) “This marks the beginning of the their taste, even in their other stud- search for the best mechanisms to ies. The learning is going to change, it’s music,” he said. plan. He said the phenomenon of arts in the curriculum. achieve the goals of the (ministry’s) for sure, and the barrier of contradic- “Does the Ministry of Education the so-called religious prohibition of “The implementation of this coop- decision in terms of being accepted tion will be lifted,” Dharwi said; genuinely see the importance of the music is not new and that music has eration between the two ministries by society. It would perhaps be a Poet Maha al-Essa said the change arts as a cognitive and aesthetic value been demonised for decades but that unfortunately must still go through good idea to implement the new is bringing back a culture stolen un- to be added to the makeup of the Sau- has not affected most of society as at- the blessings of the religious estab- decisions gradually by, for example, der the pretext of halal and haram. di individual and which contributes tested by high attendance at concerts. lishment that still prohibits music in incorporating music into some ac- “Let’s catch up with the countries to the improvement of the quality of Today, the religious establishment schools,” said Hayek. “Barring that, tivities at first or allowing students to that are aware of the importance of life or is the motive behind this step has a weaker and more limited pres- students who love art would be liv- choose an artistic activity at the be- this culture and of its sublime and only economic, meaning that it wants ence and virtually no social weight ing a conflict between their desire to ginning of each academic year.” meaningful messages as we adopt to open more career opportunities in when it comes to music. study these arts, including music and Novelist Mohammad Rabie al- and adapt them for our needs. In various artistic fields, just like other Novelist Nada Al-Hayek said the the many fatwas and religious deci- Ghamdi reiterated his experience Europe, they’re successfully treating knowledge areas?” announced cooperation would be a sions that condemn this desire. with the education system. patients with music,” she said. He added: “Implementing a theo- huge leap that will take Saudi Arabia “It’ll be a long time before we start “I was a coordinator for theatre Novelist Hussein al-Dhaou as- retical plan requires a clear knowl- to new levels in all fields. seeing the fruits of this decision. education in Al-Baha region but all serted that the decision was good edge and insight into the reasons. However, she said the initiative, Even if we were to break the mantle of that dwindled then disappeared. but said that, as usual, many de- Each reason leads to a completely while encouraging, is going to clash of [conservative] thinking, we must Music was no longer taught and thea- velopment projects in culture and different plan of action, whether at with the rejection of the “revival- provide schools with qualified edu- tre education was turned into an ex- education in Saudi Arabia are char- the levels of pedagogical content or ist ideology,” which is very pre- cational staff and equip them with tracurricular cultural activity among acterised by ambiguity in terms of teachers or academic environment as sent in the cultural and religious the appropriate buildings to ensure many other activities,” Ghamdi said. objectives. a whole.” scene in the region and colours the desired outcome of the decision.” “What is happening now is a sys- “Yesterday, philosophy and logic Dhaou said there is no need to the perception of some individu- tematic rebuilding of cultural edu- were added to the curriculum; today proceed gradually to implement the als about including culture and the Zaki al-Soudeir is a Saudi writer. Syrian refugee schools spark heated debate in Egypt

Amr Emam Egypt treats the Syrians as it does Fattah al-Sisi said the government centration of Syrian refugees. ing birth certificates and a proof of its own citizens when it comes to ba- needed to construct 250,000 class- “The Egyptian schools are over- his legal entry into Egypt. This was sic services. Syrian refugees receive rooms to reduce class density and crowded and some of them make why he registered them in one of the Cairo free medical services at state-run secure space for all Egyptian pupils it difficult for the refugees to enroll Syrian schools in 6th of October City. hospitals and enroll their children in at the state-run schools. their children in them.” Most of the Syrian schools are not he emergence of Syrian state-run schools. This is why Syrians must establish There are 63,643 Syrian children recognised by the Egyptian Ministry schools is stirring debate in However, there is more demand their own educational institutions, of school age in Egypt, the Egyptian of Education. There is also fear the Egypt amid fears that Syr- on the services of the institutions the Syrians say. Ministry of Education said. Some of schools might be radicalising chil- T ian educational institutions than they can offer. “Our Syrian schools cater to the the children are enrolled in Egyptian dren. negatively affect Egyptian national Egypt’s schools are so overcrowd- needs of the refugee community,” schools. Others enrolled in the Syr- Egyptian authorities shut down a security. ed that Egyptians have a little chance said Samer Tu’ma, principal at al-Me- ian schools, including 3,500 at al- Syrian educational centre after ac- One of the schools recently posted of securing a seat for their children hwar, one of several Syrian schools Mehwar. cusing staff members of teaching ex- photos of a classroom in which Syri- in the nation’s classrooms. Some in 6th of October City, a sprawling Al-Mehwar school teaches the tremist material. an pupils sat at their desks but raised classes have 40 pupils in them. community on the eastern outskirts Egyptian curricula but depends on Egyptians’ initial sympathy with their hands and wore red headbands In July, Egyptian President Abdel of Cairo, where there is a large con- Syrian teaching staff. They present Syrian refugees morphed into fear in a jihadist fashion. some material on Syria in the refu- — and sometimes hostility — when “These schools are dangerous, gees’ bid to keep their children con- thousands of refugees sided with Is- especially as they work separately nected to their home country. lamist President Muhammad Morsi from official supervision,” said Apart from overcrowding at the and the Muslim Brotherhood in 2013 Egyptian schoolteacher Ahmed Ab- local schools, refugee children find when Egyptians rose up against the delnaeem. “The Syrian schools op- it hard to understand the dialect of Morsi government. erate as if they are part of another Arabic used by Egyptian teachers, Syrian refugees joined protest country.” the Syrians said. The children often camps of Morsi’s supporters and Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have problems communicating ef- called for the institution of an Islam- escaped to Egypt following the erup- fectively with their Egyptian peers ist government in Egypt. tion of the Syrian civil war in 2011. or integrating with them. Hostility towards the Syrians Syrian refugees established enclaves Some of the schools demand doc- popped up again after refugees ex- in Cairo, the Nile Delta and in cities uments for the enrolment of refugee pressed support to the Turkish inva- along the Mediterranean coast. children, documents often difficult sion of north-eastern Syria, an op- In May, the Egyptian Foreign Min- for the children’s parents to obtain. eration opposed by Egypt. istry estimated the number of Syrian “Most of the refugees left every- “These schools should not be left refugees in Egypt at 550,000. thing behind before coming here,” to operate without supervision,” Ab- Those reaching Egypt included said Syrian refugee Anas Amer who delnaeem said. “The Syrians have to businessmen who pumped hun- has two children of school age. show respect for Egyptian laws by dreds of millions of dollars into the “They have no certificates or docu- suspending the creation of institu- economy. They created successful ments.” tions parallel to state institutions.” business models and opened thou- Amer said he found it hard to pro- sands of jobs for Syrians and Egyp- Under scrutiny. Syrian refugee children listen to their teacher during vide Egyptian schools with official Amr Emam is an Arab Weekly tians alike. class at a private educational centre in 6th of October City. (AP) documents for his children, includ- contributor in Cairo. 22 November 24, 2019 Culture Sharjah Museum celebrates cultural heritage in times of conflict

N.P. Krishna Kumar

Sharjah

he role of cultural heritage in conflict is highlighted at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic T Civilisation in an exhibition featuring a portable “palace” made of recycled fabric using the art of re- verse applique. The T-Serai, an acronym for Tex- tile Systems for Engagement and Research in Artistic Impact, is part of Sharjah Museums Authority’s (SMA) celebration of the heritage of the MENA region, featuring the work of Bosnian-Austrian artist and archi- tectural historian Azra Aksamija. The exhibition is on display through December 7.

Tapestries are produced through workshops aimed at fostering transcultural exchange and collaborative design with displaced communities.

Hailing from Sarajevo, Bosnia- Herzegovina, Aksamija moved to Austria during the 1990s civil war then to the United States to do her doctorate studies in Architecture and the History of Islamic architec- ture. She is the director of the Future Heritage Lab (FHL) at the Massachu- setts Institute of Technology. “A lot of my research is in exam- ining the role of cultural heritage in conflict and crisis. Cultural heritage Across disciplinary borders. Recycled fabrics on display at the T-Serai portable palace. (SMA) has become an instrument of war. In the 1990s Bosnia, cultural heritage was systematically targeted,” Ak- over six months, referencing a tex- Overproduction of the global tex- samija said. tile craft that was extensively used tile industry is seen as a resource This pattern, she said, can be seen during the Ottoman Empire and in for new forms of cultural preserva- in the conflict in the Middle East. the Egyptian Khayamiya. tion: T-Serai tapestries can be used “What I am doing now is I practise The exhibition showcases the in- for storage, insulation and recording art and design and I work through stallation in the form of a portable personal memories. The textiles are the lens of heritage and also through palace for transcultural futures in- also used to set up storytelling tents the methods of contemporary art spired by the tent traditions of the that activate textile motifs from var- and co-creation, trying to support MENA region and developed with ious regions towards immersive so- the living cultures of people affected support from SMA. cial gatherings and knowledge shar- by these wars through participatory “The exhibition reflects SMA’s ing across borders. methods.” humanistic mission to advance the Produced across the United States, During the past three years, knowledge about the cultural and the United Arab Emirates and Syrian FHL has been operating a series of scientific achievements of Islamic refugee camps in Jordan, the crea- transdisciplinary collaborations societies and aims to assess the po- tion and use of the T-Serai allows for aimed at addressing the cultural, tential of art and architecture to the establishment of civic spaces in educational and emotional needs of transform conflicts and connect conditions of containment and cul- refugees. One project is implement- people across cultural and discipli- tural deprivation. ed at the Azraq Refugee Camp in nary borders,” Aksamija said. A discussion on the opening night Jordan, in collaboration with the hu- The tapestries are produced examined the role of art and archi- manitarian aid organisation CARE. through workshops aimed at fos- tecture in transforming conflicts and For T-Serai, Aksamija and her tering transcultural exchange and bridging cultural divides. team of lab collaborators and stu- collaborative design with displaced T-Serai, Aksamija explained, is a dents produced intricate designs us- communities and can be assembled “system of modular tapestries.” ing the reverse applique technique to form mobile cultural shelters. “We can deploy them in different ways for various uses… The point here is not to provide something functional. I work in contemporary art. The point is to critique the exist- ence of refugee camps. I don’t think we should be having them. This is not the best solution for the refugee crisis,” she said. “Since we have them, we cannot abolish them right now but how do we inform humanitarian design from the perspective of the people who live there? What are their cul- tural and emotional needs that are also just as important as having food and shelter above your head?” The project, which was developed with seed funding from SMA, was mainly concentrated in Syrian refu- gee camps in Jordan. “SMA is delighted to have com- missioned this extraordinary work that experiments with the conver- gence of contemporary art and tra- In the support of living cultures. Azra Aksamija inside the T-Serai ditional Islamic design,” said SMA portable palace on display at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Director-General Manal Ataya Civilisation. (SMA) “We hope the exhibition encour- ages artists to experiment with dif- ferent materials and ideas, as we are traditional and classical Islamic Award for Architecture for her de- committed to bringing new forms of arts with that of contemporary ap- sign of the prayer space in the Islam- artistic dialogue to inspire our audi- proaches to Islamic art and design.” ic Cemetery Altach, Austria. ences. Aksamija’s work has been exhib- Through the lens of heritage. A view of the T-Serai portable palace on “It is important for SMA to always ited in leading international venues. N.P. Krishna Kumar is an Arab display at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilisation. (SMA) promote the connections between In 2013, she received the Aga Khan Weekly contributor in Dubai. November 24, 2019 23 Culture

Cairo Film Festival kicks off amid hope to restore lost glory

Angie Samir of great artistic value. In return, the festival would benefit the profession- als by creating public interest in the Cairo films and stimulating discussions about them, in addition to promoting rganisers of the 41st Cairo local and Arab film industries. Film Festival said they fo- The Cairo Film Festival began in cused on quality and vari- 1976 and was organised by the Egyp- O ety in the latest selection of tian Association of Film Writers and films. They said those aspects repre- Critics until 1983. Starting in 1985, the sent the quickest way to promote the festival was managed by a committee artistic value represented by the fes- from the Egyptian Ministry of Cul- tival while restructuring the festival’s ture and members of the Association budget so that most funds go towards of Film Writers and Critics and of the attracting high-quality films rather Artists’ Unions. A 1990 report by the than enticing high-profile personali- International Federation of Associa- ties. tions of Film Producers said the Cairo The festival acquired the rights to Film Festival ranked second among 90 films for the first time in the Middle the most important capital festivals, East and North Africa. A combination behind the London Film Festival. A matter of quality not glitters. Guests arrive at the opening ceremony of the 41st edition of Cairo of 30 short and feature films will pre- The Cairo festival is facing a fierce International Film Festival at the Cairo Opera House, November 20. (AFP) miere during the festival, which closes competition from El Gouna Film Fes- November 29. tival, which achieved fame after only at their own expense. This enabled the previous editions. Their absence in Moroccan producer Lamia Chraibi, A total of 150 films from 63 coun- three editions. There were fears that festival to spend on screening rights previous editions was because of dif- Egyptian writer Ibrahim Abdel Me- tries and 20 virtual reality films repre- the official Egyptian cinema festival and translating films to provide inter- ficulties in obtaining screening rights. guid, Italian director Daniele Luchetti senting 15 countries are participating might not be able to compete, given esting material for festivalgoers. The festival is giving a larger share and Chinese actress Qin Hailu. in the festival, a programme that dem- generous funding enjoyed by El Gou- Hefzy stressed that he is keen on of the screen to Arab films to accom- This year’s competition includes onstrates the organisers’ awareness of na through the financial backing of ensuring the participation of quality modate the increase in film produc- world premieres of six films. The festi- the importance of keeping pace with Egyptian businessmen who own the films and on receiving guests proper- tion in the Arab world. It is highlight- val’s management made sure the jury developments in the global film in- Red Sea resort of El Gouna. ly, rather than on running after inter- ing documentaries and moving away included an Egyptian member, which dustry. The Cairo festival budget consti- national stars just for show. Each actor from the heavier presence of Europe- is reflected in the quality and type of Film critic Ahmed Shawky, acting tutes quite a heavy burden for the whose film is being screened at the an films in previous years. the films selected, as most of them artistic director of the festival, said festival. Hefzy said he tried to get festival would be welcomed and hon- Twelve Arab feature films are in deal with humanitarian and social is- the Cairo Film Festival aims to enrich around that difficulty by promoting oured so his or her presence would be competition for the Arab Film Hori- sues. A good number of intellectuals cultural diversity in the minds of mov- world premieres of participating films. a contribution to the festival and not zons Award. There are two more Arab serve on the festival’s various juries iegoers. Those events would require the pres- just a photo opportunity on the red films competing with five films from and that marks a return to a strong tra- Producer Mohamed Hefzy, the fes- ence in Cairo of the film-makers so carpet. other countries in the Critics Week dition of the Cairo Film Festival. tival chairman, said this year’s edi- they could gauge for themselves pub- This current edition of the festival competition. The Cinema of Tomor- Seven films are participating in tion addresses some of the negative lic reaction to their films. faced many obstacles, including the row competition features 11 films. parallel competitions in addition to aspects of previous festivals to return Hefzy said the Cairo festival has a sudden death of film critic Youssef Mexican cinema is the guest of the Egyptian film in the international the Cairo Film Festival to prominence. budget of $2.5 million, with 40% of Cherif Rizkallah, the festival’s initial honour. The official competition also competition, four of which are docu- Organisers focused on attracting a that coming from a government sub- artistic director and one of its main includes 15 films from the Czech Re- mentaries. The Egyptian film “Nawm large number of guests, on reaching sidy. He said he was considering filling pillars. To honour Rizkallah, the ses- public, Lebanon, the Palestinian terri- al-Deek fil-Habal,” which deals with the greatest number of moviegoers, the deficit through donations from sion was named for him. Festival or- tories, Mexico, Egypt, Bhutan, Lithu- asylum and refugees, was entered in on achieving greater dissemination the private sector and planned to di- ganisers appointed Shawky, a student ania, the Philippines, Ukraine, Brazil, the Horizons of Arab Cinema competi- internally and externally and on re- rect those funds to hosting the largest of Rizkallah’s, as artistic director. Singapore and Romania. tion, while the two short documenta- building a respectable reputation in number of festival guests, in addition The festival schedule calls for the The international competition jury ries — “A Picture for Each Sarina Gha- the cinema community. to covering the costs of the opening screening of newly released films, will be led by American director and ra” and “Searching for a Gazelle” — are He said in a statement that the fes- and closing ceremonies. shown in Egypt for the first time, and screenwriter Stephen Gaghan. Other involved in the Cinema of Tomorrow tival was seeking to create a desire in He pointed out that, because of the others that have won awards at ma- members are Mexican director and international competition. film-makers to enter their films at the historic reputation of the festival, 15% jor festivals. There will be a stronger producer Michel Franco, Belgian di- festival and that would attract works of its foreign guests travelled to Cairo presence of US films compared with rector and producer Marion Hansel, Angie Samir is an Egyptian writer. Morocco’s ‘Art and Friendship’ salon builds synergy among artists

Najet Dhahbi the strength of some work of art, I cember, an exhibition of all paint- would have chosen Tunisian poet ings completed during the salon. Aboul-Qacem Echebbi as a com- The meeting proved that paint- Marrakech panion,” Bourkia said. “We must ing and art are linked to the feel- understand what we see today on ings and visual memory that are he first “Art and Friendship the art scene by constantly revisit- nourished by travels through the Salon” in Marrakech in- ing the legacies of modernists and artistic and intellectual journeys of cluded plastic artists from ancient traditionalists. other artists. As artists forget the T Morocco and other Arab “There is no such thing as an ar- pressure of their usual plans and and foreign countries at a private tistic breakaway; there is only con- commitments and open up to the art residence. tinuity and development. It is es- experiences of fellow artists, they Iraqi artist Ali Rashid was the sential that we look at the history develop their own experiences guest of honour at “Art and Friend- of art to be able to look at its future. through serious exchanges and sin- ship,” which included Mohammed It is essential to study the work of cere participation. al-Amiri from Jordan; Abdellah Raphael, Chirico, Caravaggio, Mi- el-Haitout, Fouad al-Shardoudi, chelangelo and others and then we Bachir Amal, Aziz Azrhai, Shafiq will be able to distinguish the light The salon included al-Zogari, Abdel Aziz Laghraz from coming from the past, which is the discussions, the most Morocco; Najat Dhahbi and Mo- only true and unique light.” important of which was hamed Amin Ben Hamouda from The salon, which took place No- “The Reality of Arabic Tunisia; Adel Youssef from Azerbai- vember 3-10, was reminiscent of Calligraphy” attended by jan; Pandora from Macedonia; and literary salons at the beginning numerous well-known Ghada al-Hasan from Saudi Arabia. of the Renaissance in Europe and Moroccan calligraphers. The salon, organised by Moroc- continued as a productive tradition can artist Mounia Boutaleb, depart- for dialogue between artistic crea- ed from the usual Arab commercial Different art experiences. Artists take part in the “Art and tors, leading to the development Participants at the “Art and art symposia in that it brought to- Friendship Salon” in Marrakech. (Al Arab) of a variety of artistic and literary Friendship Salon” adopted the gether for panel discussions a small movements. The surrealist move- slogan “To Dream, Think and Cre- number of artists who are known ment, for example, began with a ate Collectively” and committed to for their talent in other fields such spaces. We don’t need more evil in ativity and How Do We Create?” He gathering of writers and artists on collective creativity without hin- as poetry, criticism and philosophy. the world. So let’s share our love for used Nietzsche’s saying that “we one crazy idea. drance of barriers, backgrounds or “I wanted this salon to be a spon- art, each in his or her own way.” have art in order not to die of the The idea of the “Art and Friend- claims. taneous meeting between the art- The salon included discussions, truth” as the theme of his presen- ship Salon” was to bring artists “I believe I’m a simple being who ists, so I chose names based on the the most important of which was tation. He spoke of the importance together for a limited time in the has to carry out his own message friendships they had with each oth- “The Reality of Arabic Calligraphy” of learning about the unique expe- intimate confines of a small and in this life without complications er,” said Boutaleb. “I had help from attended by numerous well-known riences of creators to help under- pleasant space, giving them the op- and then move on,” Shardoudi said. Iraqi artist Ali Rashid and Moroccan Moroccan calligraphers. Artist Mo- stand the meaning of our existence. portunity to interact, share experi- “We don’t have to be perfect but it is artist Bachir Amal. hamed Boustane expounded on his Bourkia also talked about the im- ences and discuss issues of interest enough to accept our destinies and “This salon helped me to develop Sufi experience with characters and portance of poetry and of modern to Arab and international plastic invest in them smoothly and spon- my art experience as can be seen in meanings and how he has devel- poets Badr Shakir al-Sayyab and artists. taneously. To make it simple, I’m a the work I produced, which is quite oped his images to access al-Hallaj’s Aboul-Qacem Echebbi. He stressed The artists visited various art gal- child of this universe, born this mo- different from my previous prac- metaphysical worlds. the need to look deeply into the leries in Marrakech to get an idea ment, so I live this moment.” tice. All I’m interested in is to focus Moroccan artist and writer Has- roots of art and its historical refer- about the contemporary Moroccan on the concept of participation and san Bourkia conducted a panel dis- ences. art movement. The owner of the Najet Dhahbi is a Tunisian artist to leave behind closed and isolated cussion titled “What is Artistic Cre- “If I were asked one day to drink Design & Co gallery will host, in De- and art critic. 24 November 24, 2019 Colours of Revolution www.thearabweekly.com

A young Lebanese protester looks at graffiti on the walls of the headquarters of the UN Graffiti artist Mohammad Abrashh draws on the wall of a building at the al-Nour Square in Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia in central Beirut. (AFP) the northern port city of Tripoli, November 7. (AFP) ‘Revolutionary art’ adorns Agenda Cairo: Through November 29

The 41st Cairo International the walls of rebellious Beirut Film Festival includes world cinema projections, seminars, workshops, debates and trib- Samar Kadi “The content is relevant, real- utes. time and creative. There’s a piece of ‘Art of Thawra’ that appeals to Beirut: Beirut each person out there. The level Through January 6 of passion and proactivity the art- hile many protest- ists are putting behind the work is Organised by the Sursock Mu- ers raised their voices impressive,” said Mounla, a Leb- seum with the support of the and shouted slogans anese-Canadian communication Musee national Picasso-Paris in W against bad govern- and advertising professional. the framework of Picasso-Medi- ance, corruption and social injus- Ivan Debs, a 26-year-old art- terranee, “Picasso et la famille” tice in Lebanon, some used artistic ist whose works appear on “Art of explores Pablo Picasso’s rela- expression, a quieter yet equally Thawra,” said he has been looking tionship to the notion of the powerful tool to demand change forward to such inspiration. family. Bringing together draw- and inspire hope. “I felt so excited. I have been ings, etchings, paintings and Since the protests erupted Octo- painting about the political, eco- sculptures, the exhibition spans ber 17, hundreds of images, pho- nomic and social situation and in- 77 years of artistic creation. tos, paintings, cartoons and graf- justices for years pointing fingers fiti were produced to illustrate the to politicians and corruption and Dubai: event, many adorning walls around for the people to wake up and now November 29 the main protest hubs of Martyrs’ they did wake up,” Debs said. Square and Riad Al Solh Square in The artist said his acrylic and wa- Artists from across the world Beirut. tercolour paintings, as well as graf- will showcase their singing fiti and murals, focused on iconic skills with one crowned winner symbols and manifestations that of the World Music Festival For artist Ivan Debs, art speak to everyone. competition. Participants will gives the revolution a “face “In one painting I drew a beauti- sing in English, Hindi, Nepali of culture and beauty.” ful woman that speaks not only to and Filipino in front of a panel women but to men, students, chil- of judges during the open-air The artworks designated as “rev- dren and elderly as well because it event. olutionary art” are shared on social represents the motherland,” Debs media platforms, including “Art of said. Tunis: Thawra” (“Art of Revolution”), an “The message is always the same. December 7-15 Instagram page dedicated to col- It is about people fighting oppres- Lebanese artist and anti-government protester Hayat Nazer lecting the Lebanon 2019 revolu- sors and the power of the people stands next to her phoenix mural in Beirut’s downtown district, Carthage Theatre Days, hosted (AFP) tion art in one place to showcase in bringing down corruption. It is November 6. by the government of Tunisia, creativity in freedom of expression. a message of hope, dignity and re- showcases theatrical produc- “These pieces will exist forever,” sistance.” The word “Thawra” was paint- tions from the Maghreb, Africa, said “Art of Thawra” founder Paola ed over and over again on walls the Middle East and Europe. Mounla. “They capture key mo- and buildings, scribbled in a hurry ments and events, forever immor- or drawn in great detail. The walls Abu Dhabi: talised in the artwork. They can be bore slogans such as “Our weapon December 9-24 used in schools and in books and is our words,” “Revolution is a go down in history as part of woman” and “Thawra has no Al Dhafra Festival is a major the Lebanon 2019 revolution.” religion.” international event inspired by “The talents are innova- One of the first motifs to the authentic Emirati Bedouin tive, creative, passionate emerge on the wall was a pig spirit. It features more than a and artistic, yet they were in a suit, by Lebanese graffiti dozen heritage activities and underexposed. When the artist Spaz, who is known for competitions, including a camel revolution began, I started caricatures and cartoons rep- beauty contest, camel races, gathering the pieces and resenting corrupt politicians. poetry, dates competition and a sharing them on my personal Bullet-pocked landmarks still falcon competition. Instagram account. The con- bearing the traces of war, like tent was growing, one artist the movie theatre known as Tozeur: was inspiring the other and a “The Egg” and the Grand Thea- December 25-28 domino effect was created. It tre, were quickly covered with only felt natural to give them graffiti and street art. The Tozeur International Oasis a platform where they could Another revolutionary canvas Festival, in southern Tunisia, express themselves freely.” has been the Ring Bridge, a will feature events ranging from The page, created October major flashpoint of the pro- art exhibitions to musical per- 21, amassed 11,000 followers tests. Art for Change, an organi- formances along with displays in less than a month and more sation that seeks to redefine of local food and traditional A graffiti is sprayed on a wall than 1,000 pieces curated. Some street art in Lebanon, invited crafts. Artists from various in Lebanon’s Beirut, 50-100 pieces are posted almost artists to paint on a wall on the countries will perform and November 5. (AFP) daily. It is acting as a virtual bridge with images spanning interact with visitors. museum of the Lebanese from detailed faces to Arabic revolution. calligraphy. Art for Change in- country. It will also help us evolve We welcome submissions of The collection covers a wide vited 25 artists to paint what and create a better future,” Mounla calendar items related to spectrum of creative twists, themes is known as the “Revolution said. cultural events of interest to and ideas and an even wider spec- Wall” beside parliament. For Debs, art gives the revolution travellers in the Middle East trum of artistic media from digital “The artists of the nation a “face of culture and beauty.” and North Africa. Instagram filters, to gifs and anima- Street artist Hady Beydoun are telling the story by the people. “Art illustrates somehow the tions, graffiti and cartoons to oil on poses in front of his graffiti Documenting events through art is voice of the people,” he said. “It ex- canvas. Almost 95% of the content depicting the face of revolution very important because this is how presses what people think and feel Please send tips to: is generated in Lebanon and 5% is in central Beirut, November 6. a country learns from its past and and encourage them to continue [email protected] generated by expat Lebanese artists. (AFP) the world learns from the past of a the struggle.”