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February 2021 | Issue 20 A Monthly Newspaper Issued by The Levant News Media International - London Founder & Director: Thaer Alhajji | Chief Editor: Shiyar Khaleal

Iran Gloats Biden’s Life after Lebanon’s over Trump's expected policy Brexit Insidious Defeat on 2021 Crisis

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Biden's Administration does not See Biden Dealt as an Ally Successfully with Trump's Overturn Attempt On January 20, Biden was inaugurated as President of the United States of America. He dealt successfully with Trump's attempt to overturn the election. Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Dominic Raab, confirmed that the recognition of as the next president of the United States shows «the democratic will of the US people cannot be challenged or overturned by the actions of a violent minority.» President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris John Bolton, the former US Antony Blinken, US partner of ours would actually take a look to see the impact that the National Security Advisor, said in President Joe Biden's secretary be in line with one of our biggest existing sanctions have had and then an interview with the German news of state accused NATO member strategic competitors in Russia determine whether there is more site «T-Online»: «Yes, I think that Turkey of not acting like an ally is not acceptable,» He added that needs to be done.» «Turkey is Trump will absolutely go down in and said Washington would review during his confirmation hearing an ally, that in many ways... is not history as the worst president of the if further sanctions are required to be Secretary of State before acting as an ally should and this is a United States.» Mitch McConnell, on Ankara over its acquisition the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations very, very significant challenge for the Senate Minority Leader, said: of a Russian air defence system. Committee. us and we're very clear-eyed about «Capitol Hill mob was ‹provoked' «The idea that a so-called strategic Blinken noted: «I think we need to it,» He added. by Trump.»

In mid-January, Iran sparked and concern Turkey about the trend Continue that marks a significant Riyadh Destabilising “the largest military crossroads and if it wants to the United Nations began forum's future. Iran blocked departure from normal UN offender in the region”. remain relevant and useful talks to break the stalemate Saudi Arabia and the United protocol. Marc Finaud, the former it has to do some soul- in the Conference on Arab Emirates from joining Iran’s delegate said that Saudi diplomat and security searching.” The blockages Disarmament. However, the as observers and lashed out Arabia had used the forum as expert at the Geneva Centre drew criticism from other talks began in acrimony with at Saudi Arabia’s military a platform for a “distraction for Security Policy, said: “It members including Britain, Turkey and Iran blocking record. Turkey blocks and disinformation is a sign that the Conference the United States, European rival countries the thing that Cyprus from joining in a campaign” and called on Disarmament is at a Union and India. Reports ‍Europe Becomes Aware of the Wa Political Islam Uses the Law 2020 was rich in bloody of the radical Islam supporters has Jassim Mohamad agrees: “I think whether individuals, organizations or events in several European countries become a growing challenge to the that the Europeans are aware now governments.» which revealed the influence of intelligence services.” In this regard, to the dangers of political Islam. He added: “Previously, these radical radical political Islam. It seems that Jassim told Levent: “After killing Here we should note that countering groups were given legitimacy to those organisations could heavily Samuel Paty, France has increased extremism in Europe is more difficult operate as organizations, associations use European laws to extend their security controls and taken very quick for governments than countering and forums. They get support influence over Muslim immigrants measures. France put its hand on the terrorism because terrorism is often from the supporting countries that who feel lost and insecure and get real problem which are the centres of evident in the Islamist groups and already have investments in Europe, trapped by poverty and other life radical ideology i.e. the MB ones. It can be countered through military for example, Qatar has massive issues. closed many associations and mosque campaigns.» investments in European countries and banned some organisations.» He added: “However, unfortunately, such as France and Germany. 50% of «I see that the French Minister of Only Warning .. No Action I find that the European countries the most famous banks, automotive Interior is in the right way.» He added in general, including Belgium, have industries and other industries belong Burkhard Freier, the head of North not been successful in countering Rhine-Westphalia’s Office for the to Qatar; that's why European ISIS Died .. Jihadism did not extremism. Counter-extremism countries might have turned a blind Protection of the Constitution programmes are useless, and the (Lf V), testified in the parliament Paul van Tegelt, the head of the eye to the flow of money to political programmes to deradicalise the Islamist groups. Also, it is possible why political Islamists are more risk assessment body in Belgium, extremists who returned from dangerous than Salafists in the confirmed that «the terrorist threat the intelligence did not monitor these conflict zones are also futile. There organisations, the thing that made long term. “For years, the security has not disappeared and the “jihadist” are no dependable statistics and services in Germany have been ideology has not died, despite the them continue their work. results. Therefore, the Europeans warning more urgently about the dismantling of a large part of the About Turkey, Jassim said: “Turkey became aware late and there are yet threats of theMuslim Brotherhood, violent networks.» He pointed out has tried to take advantage of the challenges in countering extremism but that still doesn’t seem to have that the continuing terrorist threat French President's statements about socially, which may take longer arrived in politics.” Jassim Mohamad, still hangs over European countries Islamist Separatism. Erdogan wages years.» the head of European Centre for “We can say that what is known as the war against France and European Counterterrorism and Intelligence ISIS organization is unable to send countries. His comments and Studies, commented on that warning jihadists to Europe, but this does not Foreign Financing and statement are to use them nationally in an exclusive interview with the mean that its belief has disappeared.” Provocation to extend his influence. Erdogan Levant News. He continues: “The extremists pose About the frequent terrorist attacks presents himself as a strong country Jassim said: “German intelligence the greatest danger to Europe today. in Europe, Jassim said: “Theand puts Turkey at the same level as continues to warn against the dangers It is easy to manipulate their ideas supporters are now known; most European countries.» of political Islamist organisations, and push them to launch attacks.” notably Qatar, Turkey and others specifically the Muslim Brotherhood. Drying up the Financing The last warning was at the end of Sources December when Stephan Thomae, the German MP, mentioned Jassim said about this: “There were that monitoring the political European calls to enact laws to Islam becomes a must. However, cut foreign financing especially in Monitoring the MB political Islam Germany which preceded France. is more difficult than monitoring The terrorist attacks which France ISIS and Al-Qaeda because political suffered made it reconsider about Islamist groups have covers to move giving consents to associations, behind, and this makes the task of mosques and centres that radical the intelligence services difficult.» groups use as a cover. «I think that activating the draft He continues: “These organisations resolution to ban the MB will take undoubtedly receive foreign longer and needs to gather votes in the financing under the cover parliament and this will undoubtedly of supporting programs or take longer.» He added construction, not forgetting money Will Washington Place the Muslim laundering. Certainly, cutting off Brotherhood on the Terrorist List? foreign financing will undermine the In France, Gérald Darmanin, the activities of political Islam which live French Minister of Interior, revealed on the foreign financing as well as at the end of August that “The threat Jassim Mohamad, head of European Centre for Counterterrorism and Intelligence Studies local investments in Europe.” The Levant | Issue 20 - February 2021 2 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports After He Failed with al-Abadi.. Erdogan Tries with al-Kadhimi

Ahmad Qatma

The warm hospitality with which the Turks received Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi raised many questions, not the least about the agenda behind it and purpose Turkey was hoping to achieve from the visit. It was particularly surprising, given the tensions that have plagued the relationship between the two sides over the past few years, whether because of the water problem, with Turkey trying to decrease water inflows to Iraq by constructing new dams, or because Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi of Turkey's military violations of the the Iraqi northern border, based on between the two countries. He called for a complaint to be lodged Affairs responded to 's flimsy excuses. emphasized that the water crisis with the United Nations against criticism, affirming that that it was Ilisu Dam would be a top priority in talks with Turkish attacks. Members of the determined to take the necessary In mid-2018, the Turco-Iraqi disputes Turkey. During that visit, Turkey committee urged the government measures to tackle the «destructive emerged as Turkey constructed tried to test Iraq's reactions; war to take the necessary measures to activities» emanating from Iraqi the Ilisu Dam, which caused water aircrafts launched attacks on civilian force Turkey to halt back its blatant territories. «We reiterate once again shortage in Iraq. Iraqi officials and areas in the district of Sinjar\Shengal, violation and use of military force that we are ready to cooperate with civil authorities raised the alarm over in western Nineveh governorate in against Iraqi territories. The Kurdistan Iraq in combating the terrorist the water crisis in the Tigris river. The northern Iraq. The messages that Regional Government condemned organization that is threatening Iraq's Iraqi Minister of Water Resources, were sent from Baghdad were not the Turkish bombardment of its security and sovereignty”, indicating Hassan al-Janabi, said in early encouraging; the Iraqi Ministry of territories and demanded respect of that Turkey was trying to get Al- June that the Turkish government Foreign Ministry condemned the Kurdistan's sovereignty by Ankara, Kadhimi to do after failing to drag Al- began filling Ilisu Dam, which was attacks, denying any coordination while emphasizing the importance Abadi into it. constructed on the Tigris River, the between with Ankara over them. of PKK evacuation from the areas After all the battles that it has fought thing that led to lowering the water it occupied. The leadership of the in its volatile neighbourhood, as a levels in the Iraqi part of the river. Parliament of the Kurdistan Region Turkey Flexes its Muscles result of its interventions from Syria, issued a statement condemning the Turkey has always chosen to flaunt its to Libya, to Cyprus, to Greece, to Attacks in Iraq Turkish attack on its territories, Azerbaijan and Armenia, it seems that power by launching attacks and wars pointing out that disputes cannot be Al-Abadi urged Turkey to respect Ankara's current agenda, is to drag instead of resorting to dialogue and resolved through bloodshed. Iraq's sovereignty in its approach giving ethnic communities living in Iraq and its federal government into towards Kurdish fighters, at a time Turkey their rights; the only choice a fight against the Kurdish fighters, when military operation were that can preserve its unity and power. Baghdad's Options which may including tightening unleashed against PKK militants Nevertheless, just like consecutive The Turkish attacks did not stop, the grip around the Iraqi Kurdistan in the northern regions . Al-Abadi Turkish governments, the most Ankara resumed its aggression Regional Government. Ankara described Turkey’s threats of recent one led by political Islam, or in early July, targeting areas in has always been dissatisfied with launching a military operation in AKP party, has always resorted to Dohuk Governorate with artillery. A the establishment of the Kurdistan Qandil Mountain in the Kurdistan war; which does not require much spokesman for the Iraqi Ministry of Region in Iraq and sees it as a historical Region in the north, as part of the thinking or reasoning. It has started Foreign Affairs stated that Baghdad mistake. Turkey sees any Kurdish Justice and Development Party’s a war in the predominantly-Kurdish had various options to deal with the authority as an existential threat to electoral campaign. He, furthermore, areas in northern Syria, namely Turkish provocations in the north it because it provides an example to emphasized that that Iraqi sovereignty Afrin, and expanded to the east while asserting its commitment to a millions of Kurds who live in Turkey; was a «red line». of the Euphrates, then Libya, the diplomatic solutions with Turkey; the thing that may encourage them Two months later, in August 2018, Mediterranean and Armenia. pointing out that it was for a response to conceive a similar project in the Al-Abadi visited to Ankara to explore On June 20, the Iraqi Security and from Ankara. southeast of the country which is ways of strengthening cooperation Defense Parliamentary Committee The Turkish Ministry of Foreign predominantly Kurdish. The Levant | Issue 20 - February 2021 3 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports

Iranian president Hassan Rouhani (left) and his American Counterpart Joe Boden

It Breathes a Sigh of Relief as Biden Becomes President

The formerIran US President Gloats term. Like any other over party affected Trump's liberal democracy in the US.» Defeat...Pompeo are clear but we’re eyeing practical was undoubtedly a by Trump's policies, Tehran was retaliated by attacking Khamenei and measures.” He added. unique political phenomenon in the waiting impatiently for any glimmer accusing him of stealing hundreds of Mohammad Javad Zarif said, most powerful country in the world. of hope that might remove Trump millions of dollars from his people rejoicingly, on : “Trump is When he came up with slogans like from power so that it could breathe a and spending billions on proxy gone, and we and our neighbours «America first», it was considered sigh of relief. wars. Saeed Khatibzadeh responded are here to stay. Betting on discriminatory and largely Tehran has always made sure it saying: «it is fully understandable foreigners does not bring security; unacceptable to a country that claims showed indifference to the results that Pompeo is “furious about having it disappoints. We extend our hands to defend human rights and rejects of the US elections for two reasons; to leave Foggy Bottom after 2.5yrs to our neighbours to co-operate in discrimination on the basis of races, firstly, it did not want to give its of one embarrassing failure after achieving the common interests of ethnicity or belief. citizens the indication that their another.” «Max pressure failed and our peoples and countries.» «We call The most dramatic event in the Middle economy will deteriorate further if so has the outlaw charlatans behind on everyone to embrace dialogue as East, during Trump’s tenure, was Trump is re-elected. Secondly, it it,” Khatibzadeh said on Twitter. the only way to end differences and probably in 2018 when Washington did not want to give Americans any “Soon he’ll be on ash heap of history, tensions, together to build a better withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal, reason to vote for Trump, that is as proud Iranian people stand tall.” future for our region.» He added. that was struck between Tehran and why it showed no support to Biden. It is an invitation that Iran would Therefore, Saeed Khatibzadeh, the certainly not have sent unless it had a group of world powers in 2015. Iran Gloats over Trump's spokesman of the Iranian Ministry of been seriously weakened after years This was followed by harsh sanctions Defeat which mainly sought to tighten the Foreign Affairs, said on November of US tough sanctions during Trump's When Joe Biden won the elections, noose around the Governance of the 2 , a day before the American term. Tehran was gloating over Trump's Jurist in Iran. Sanctions have caused presidential elections, «Our position Tehran wants Biden to be tolerant defeat, although it is not certain that severe damage to Iran’s economy; is clear: we do not look at (what towards it, so that it can compensate Biden would not adopt Trump's the Iranian currency lost much of happens) tomorrow, we will be for its economic losses and contain policy. However, it will not miss the its value, and Iranian people started watching the approach of the new US its people's anger. Nevertheless, opportunity to gloat over Trump to be embittered by the economic administration, whichever party it is. the countries impacted by Tehran, who has damaged its economy and decline and the state's inability to pay More than the result of the election, especially the Arab Gulf and Israel, brought it to a sharp decline. On salaries for many months. we will pay attention to the actions of want Biden to pursue Trump's the new president, whoever he might November 8, Saeed Khatibzadeh policies, at least towards Iran, be» he added. said: «The United States must repent as they were largely effective in The US Elections and Iran Khamenei said: «The situation in the and stop its economic war against restraining Tehran. However, many With the continued economic US and what they, themselves, say us… honour its obligations and make more years of sanctions are needed sanctions against Tehran, it could about their elections is a spectacle! compensations.» “The difference for the internal collapse of the state only wait for the end of Trump's This is an example of the ugly face of between the Biden and Trump camps to begin. The Levant | Issue 20 - February 2021 4 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports Israel is Worried about Biden's Tolerance towards

Since theIran onset of the .. US the November Solution: 18: «Israeli fighter jets hit abe noRegional return to the previous nuclear Alliance ambitions in the region. It was presidential elections, countries in eight targets belonging to the Quds agreement. We must stick to an reflected in the Israeli Minister of the region, namely Arab Gulf states Force and the Syrian army.» uncompromising policy to ensure Intelligence Eli Cohen on October and Israel, have started to feel anxious Jonathan Conricus, the International that Iran does not develop nuclear 27, when he confirmed that what the about a change in US policies towards Spokesperson of the Israel’s Defense weapons,” He added region is going through now is the Iran. They have repeatedly stated Forces, said: «Israel says it struck The current US Secretary of State result of Israeli power and American that they were always ready to tackle eight targets of Syrian and Iranian Mike Pompeo expressed a similar insistence that led to the formation all possibilities with new alliances. forces in Syria after explosive devices view in an interview with the Israeli of a front including Egypt, Sudan, were planted in the Israeli-held Golan newspaper Jerusalem Post: «The Bahrain and the UAE to face Iran and Heights last day.» American sanctions against Iran have the Turkish president. He noted that The American and Israeli Avichay Adraee, a spokesman for the had an impact on the Iranians' ability Israel continues to communicate Ambassadors Israeli army, said: «The strikes came ... All possibilities are still on the table with a number of countries to David Friedman, the former United to convey two clear messages: first, to deal with Iran.» normalize relations. States Ambassador to Israel, told the we will not allow the continuation Pompeo also considered that «the Consequently, it seems that Tel Aviv Emirati al-Ain, on October 5, that «if of the Iranian positionig in Syria sanctions imposed on Tehran and Arab states have made up their Biden wins, we will see a policy shift in general and on our borders in contributed to delivering a clear minds, regardless of the next US that in my personal opinion will be particular, and secondly, we will not message in the Middle East, and administration, and are determined wrong and will be bad for the region, allow the Syrian regime to turn a also contributed to signing peace to frustrate Tehran's ambitions including for Israel, Saudi Arabia, blind eye to this positioning.» agreements that led to further isolate through a regional alliance that the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iran.» «The countries of the Middle includes Arab states and Israel, Qatar and Kuwait.» «Joe Biden was East must understand that Israel is which may expand to include No for Iran Nuclear Deal part of the Obama administration part of the solution in the region European countries, if it would that negotiated and implemented the Besides the Iranian military presence and that the Abraham accords are confront Ankara as well. There is Iran deal, something that President close to Israel, the nuclear program the way to do that and the policy of unprecedented harmony between Trump — and I share his view — of Iran is the most dangerous threat US President Donald Trump was Tehran and Ankara on many thinks was the worst international to Israel and the rest of the region, the best, and it led to a more secure major regional issues, the thing deal the US has ever entered into.» which was confirmed by Benjamin Middle East, especially for Israel.» that requires a counter-alliance He added Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister He added. by the countries affected by the On November 16, Ron Dermer, the «There should be no return to the expansionist ambitions of Turkey Israeli Ambassador to the United 2015 Iran nuclear deal abandoned and Iran that will not comply with States, agreed with Friedman saying: by President Donald Trump.» Israel's work plan the law unless a parallel force is «The incoming Biden administration Netanyahu declared. «There must There is a policy to frustrate Iran's exerted against them. would be making a mistake if it returned to the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. In a joint statement released in tandem with the ambassadors of the UAE and Bahrain, Dermer urged the President-elect to examine «the reality in the Middle East» before making any decision about the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, suggesting, a more fruitful and positive direction for the administration would be to continue to help broker deals between Israel and its Arab neighbours rather than a rapprochement with the Islamic Republic. “Sit with your allies in the region. Talk to us to get to a common position on Iran.»

Israel Strikes Iranian Targets Tel Aviv never stopped striking Iranian targets that are close to it. The Israeli military announced, on American president Joe Biden (Left) and Benjamin Netanyahu the Israeli PM (Right) The Levant | Issue 20 - February 2021 5 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports Ankara Fuels Hatred against the West .. Its Grey Wolves are Ready to Fight whatever it Takes Austrian media reported on October 30, quoting police officials, that about 50 young men of Turkish origin attacked a church shouting «Allahu Akbar». The attack caused material damage to the church, which closed for security reasons after the attack. Sebastian Kurz, the Austrian Chancellor, declared that Austria was determined to fight «political Islam», after a group of young men attacked a Catholic Church in the Austrian capital Vienna. Kurz stated on Twitter: «All Christians must have the right to worship freely and safely in Austria, we will firmly continue to fight political Islam and will not show any false tolerance here». Acts of aggression by the grey wolves were not confined to Austria. On October 28, clashes took place between the Armenian and Turkish communities in the French province of Isère in the southwest. A group Police officers in Austria after the terrorist attack in Vienna last year of Armenian diaspora took out to Austria is on Turkey's list of targets charges against a person who has the streets, blocking a part of the by inciting nationalistic extremists confessed to spying for Turkey’s Terrorism Attacks in Austria A7 motorway in Isère at 7:30 am , such as the Grey Wolves. Last June, secret service, and that authorities to express their support for Armenia Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz were investigating more suspected Following those events, a terrorist in the conflict with Azerbaijan in asserted that the European Union espionage activities.» “This is about attack similar to the French one, took Karabakh. should not allow Turkey to blackmail an exertion of influence by a foreign place on November 2. The Austrian Soon After, Turkish refugeesit and highlighted the urgency of power in Austria and this will in no authorities announced terrorist arrived at the protest location, and stopping illegal immigration to the way be accepted,” Karl Nehammer incidents in Vienna city centre. The a clashes broke out between the EU. told a news conference on Tuesday. attack took place in six different two sides causing many injuries. On Late in the same month, the On September 24, Feyyaz Öztürk, locations near the largest synagogue November 2, the French Minister of Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs a retired member of Turkey’s MIT in the city. The police confirmed 4 Interior Gérald Darmanin revealed summoned the Turkish ambassador intelligence agency, admitted to dead and 23 injured in the gun attack. that the French government will be because after a group of Turks authorities that he was ordered to Hence, it would be fair to say that holding a cabinet meeting to sign attacked Kurdish protesters in assassinate Austrian-Kurdish citizen Vienna's terrorist attacks were the off the decision to dissolve the Grey Vienna. The police had to intervene Aygül Berivan Aslan, a vocal critic of price for few things; it resistance Wolves. The statement came after to try and prevent clashes between Turkish President Recep Erdogan, to the way Turkey is extending its the organisation was accused of the two sides, but that confrontation and that he was monitoring the influence, blackmailing Europe provoking to the clashes between the turned into clashes between Austrian Green Party member in with the refugee card, exposing the Turkish and Armenian communities Austrian security forces and the August with the aim of killing her. Turkish espionage activities against near Lyon, eastern France. The group. The Turkish Ministry of An Austrian news website presented members of the Turkish community, phrase «grey wolves» was written on Foreign Affairs fiercely criticized a list of Austrian politicians that are especially Kurds, refusing to turn a monument honouring the victims what it called «Austria's handling targeted by Turkish intelligence, its territory into an arena of ethnic of the genocide and the National including Aslan and a member of conflict, rejecting terrorism in France Centre for Armenian Memory near of protests by Kurdish groups in the European Parliament Andreas and supporting the right of France to Lyon. Vienna», which made it obvious that Turkey supports Turkish extremists Schieder. Austrian sources pointed defend its laws in the face of those and their actions that are provoking out that the arrest of the Turkish spy who seek to divide the French people Why Austria? ethnic tensions in their countries of uncover the existence of a Turkish on religious basis and take Muslims It was clear from Vienna’s statements asylum. intelligence network, seeking to hostage to serve their interests and that it was not going to submit to On September 1, Karl Nehammer foment unrest between Turks and gaining more influence by playing on Ankara. It is not surprising that stated that Austria would file Kurds in Austria. religious sentiments. The Levant | Issue 20 - February 2021 6 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com opinion

‍Ten Presidents for the United States and

Al-Assadthe Constitution and the is people's still descriptions. our The picture Curse becomes need for this electoral process and interests. whole with a comic parliament counting of votes, we are the only Rima Flihan We don't watch the US elections for whose role does not exceed reciting ones in the world who know the the impact of the American policy poems, praising and applauding the results of the elections before they on the world and our country, president, the president’s son, the are issued, even if fake candidates Every four years we watch but because it reminds us of our president’s father and perhaps the run for office ordered by the regime; the US presidential debates, vote- recurrent stolen dream; to have first lady’s husband. Our parliament is candidates who say they themselves counting process and mechanisms to real elections, to have the right to too flexible just like the constitution will vote for al-Assad. facilitate the transition of power and choose our presidents, to witness which can be changed to suit the vital The Syrians know the election everything democracy and the rule the inauguration of some presidents interest of the president's family and results before it starts. We have not of law have produced in the elections before we die or maybe to forget the ruling class. known a true election experience in the United States and the civilized some of their names in later life, is However, at the same time the since al-Assad assumed office. These world. that too much? constitution is too rigid about the upcoming elections will make no Despite the problems of the recent US It is really strange that our presidents laws related to freedoms, equality, change in the illegitimacy of this elections related to Trump's refusal do not go away nor die, when they development and human rights. regime and no country but the few to accept the election results which die they are careful to leave the This strictness is a part of a policy allies of this regime will recognize was clear in his inciting statements presidency to their sons and if they to brainwash the oppressed people. these elections. and rejected election appeals which inherit the presidency they oppress. Even in reverie and dreams, the The proverb says: «A man is known caused riots, the Constitution, the They stick to power until the state Syrian people do not dare to imagine by the company he keeps», and the authorities (police, military, courts takes its last breath. We die every anyone but this family on the seat of regime's friends are Iran, Russia, ...), the American political traditions hour of every day while they steal our power in Damascus. Athough Syria is North Korea and Cuba which are and the US politicians' respect for air, dreams and future. supposed to be a republic, al-Assad dictatorships. Therefore, despite the the law; all those prevented any The US elections seems surreal to family has ruled it for half a century. formality of the upcoming Syrian violation or attempt to undermine us who come from countries where The customary illegitimateelections, it proves once again how democracy and ensured a peaceful the president is inaugurated as an presidential elections in Syria are much this regime sticks to power transition of power and protected eternal president «even after he on the way. I doubt that a Syrian, instead of going into a true political the government institutions. The dies» through appointing his son as whether a loyal supporter for al- process that achieves a transition of American democracy and the a president and describing the dead Assad or an opponent, does not power and a transitional phase that independent institutions all deserve father as the immortal, the leader, know that Bashar al-Assad will win leads to the birth of a new democratic credit for their efforts to protect the inspirer and other calls and the elections. Therefore, there is no political system in Syria.

The Levant | Issue 20 - February 2021 7 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion Life after Brexit Ian Black

Less than three weeks after Britain finally agreed new trade rules and regulations with the European Union, UK consumers who had bought goods online from the continent were shocked to discover that they had to pay extra just to have their items delivered. Brexit, suddenly, had a price for individuals and companies. Shoppers who purchased items from EU websites are facing demands of more than £100 in import duties that have to be paid before parcel firms will deliver them to their homes. Amidst the misery of the covid pandemic and its record death toll, Britain’s Conservative government is now facing a flurry of complaints that Boris Johnson life outside the EU is not matching of the inauguration of Joe Biden Johnson won the election in Ireland, which remains in the EU the promises that were made around as US president by threatening to December 2019 on the simplistic – there are logistical problems the most divisive issue this country break international law during the pledge to “get Brexit done.” He was involving new border checks with has faced since the second world war. Brexit talks and by cutting the UK’s able to benefit from the ambivalent hauliers complaining that these On December 30 Boris Johnson commitment to devote 0.7% of GDP position of Labour and ended up caused shortages of food, deliveries stood triumphantly in the House to relieve poverty. with an impressively large majority of equipment to the National Health of Commons and proclaimed the Alarmingly for Johnson, it is in parliament. UK membership of the Service and farm machinery, rebirth of Britain as an independent becoming clear that Biden will EU has always been a toxic subject despite claims by the government nation, with tariff-free trade with prioritise dealing with the enormous since it joined the then European that it was all going “smoothly” or the EU after the year-long transition damage covid has inflicted on the US Economic Community in 1973. But that these were simply “teething period ended a day later. “We are economy before embarking on any many voters were simply fed up. troubles.” going to open a new chapter in our new free trade agreements. A former The reality of life outside the EU is In one case a lorry load of potato national story,” he declared as MP’s British ambassador to Washington only just starting to sink in. Attention crisps was held up for two days approved his deal, which was secured predicted last week that the UK has focused on the fishing industry, because the owner was unable to on Christmas Eve after months of would be “lucky” to strike a trade which accounts for just 0.1% of the provide paperwork proving that nerve-wracking negotiations with deal with the US over the next four UK economy, but that is relatively the potatoes had not been imported Brussels. years. easy to understand – especially into the UK from somewhere else. New requirements have already The prime minister, who was when protests involve huge trucks Another haulage company described put thousands of specialist online referred to by Donald Trump when breaking the national lockdown the situation as “absolute carnage.” businesses at risk as consumers on he was president as “Britain Trump”, and emblazoned with angry slogans And a row erupted about the status both sides of the English Channel is keen to establish a good working outside the House of Commons. of the EU’s ambassador to the balk at having to pay hefty import relationship with Biden, who the Meat prices are also plummeting due UK, with Johnson’s government fees. These unwelcome novelties government hopes will attend the G7 to delayed exports. insisting it will not give him and his fuelled doubts about the claim that summit in Cornwall in June. Another issue is complaints by British 25-strong mission the privileges and “global Britain” will prosper outside In a rare moment of candour Johnson rock stars that their European tours immunities afforded to diplomats the EU – the world’s most successful admitted that the deal with Brussels could be wrecked by post-Brexit visa under the Vienna Convention. That single market with nearly 450 million “does not go as far as we would like” rules. Big names like Elton John have position was described as an “insult.” people. for financial services, which employ protested that they were “shamefully But in these dark times there is And it is not just critics from the over 1 million people and constitute failed” by the government over the occasionally light relief. Leading Labour opposition. Johnson’s a whopping 7% of British GDP. But increased red tape facing musicians Eurosceptic MP Jacob Rees-Mogg predecessor as prime minister, what does that matter when Britain, at the border of each individual EU declared in parliament he thinks fish Theresa May, attacked him for as he routinely expresses it, has member state. are “better and happier” because abandoning Britain’s “position of succeeded under his leadership in In Northern Ireland – with a special Brexit makes them more British. At global moral leadership” on the eve “seizing back control”? status because of its proximity to least that!! The Levant | Issue 20 - February 2021 8 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion

Lebanon’sissues combined Insidiouswith regional some 600,000 of2021 Lebanon’s poorest Crisis core and systemic issues. factors like sanctions on Syria and families to help them through this The contraction of the global James Denselow the departure of significant Gulf period, although there is no obvious economy that has been triggered money from the country. The massive light at the end of the tunnel. The by Covid-19 and shows no sign of devaluation of the currency and the World Bank rebuked the Lebanese ending, will inevitably place a greater Not all emergencies have rise in the cost of living may be about Government for not charting a way premium on donor money to help a a clear and recognised trigger or to get significantly worse providing forward but it is hard to see how the world beset by emergencies. Towards starting point. Natural disasters a moment of clear stress test for the country’s fragile political leadership the end of 2020 the UN put out its do and conflicts can usually be country. can be strategic when they are having global humanitarian overview setting traced back to a particular violent Lebanon’s central bank has warned to prioritise tactical firefighting. out that there are 235.4 million people incident. Perhaps the most insidious it could run out of money to pay The fact of the matter is that in need and $35.1 billion needed from crises are those that lack a starting subsidies on basic goods by early allowing Lebanon’s crisis to get donors to help them. point but rather are the result of a 2021. The removal of subsidies from a worse before addressing it will only Lebanon will have to compete for steady increase of overlapping and variety of goods from bread to petrol make the challenge harder. The time these funds with other emergencies interconnecting issues reaching a has proven a contentious and risky to act is now and the right messages and its divided body politic will boiling point. business across the region over the were heard in December by U.N. arguably make it harder to attract In Lebanon the country lacks the years. The Lebanon of the past few Secretary-General Antonio Guterres donors. The challenge of a legacy bombs and bullets of neighbouring years is no stranger to public protests, who announced the creation of a of unresolved issues hangs over the Syria, but its economic, social and some of which have turned violent, fund handled by the World Bank, country, most obviously the fact political challenges are worsening but this could be of a different scale. the U.N. and the European Union that last year’s massive Beirut port and metastasising daily. The small Indeed, the UN has issued warnings to provide support for Lebanon, explosion has yet to be resolved with country already plays host to of a looming “social catastrophe” including food, healthcare, any genuinely accountability. hundreds of thousands of Palestinian around the removal of the subsidies. education and the reconstruction of On top of all of this tinder box is the refugees who’ve had their welfare Prime Minister Diab confirmed at the Port of Beirut. fact that Lebanon may be about to services reduced by cuts to UNRWA, the start of the year that there was Guterres was fully on message enter another period of Covid-19 meanwhile the reduction in support only $2bn in foreign reserves left for when he explained that; “we can, lockdown, with first responders to the estimated 1.5 million Syrian subsidies. There is already talk of together, help the Lebanese people saying they have been transporting refugees in the country has meant cutting subsidies whilst supporting move beyond the emergency phase nearly 100 patients a day while that nine out of 10 Syrian refugee the poor, which may seem initially a and onto the path for longer-term hospitals report near-full occupancy families in Lebanon are living in bit of a paradox but there is a good recovery and reconstruction”. Yet in beds and ICUs. Lebanon’s gathering extreme poverty. argument that the system is in need unless Lebanon can get its political storm of crisis’s are gathering pace This is just part of the backdrop of reform regardless of the backdrop. house in order then humanitarian and the world must stay engaged and to Lebanon’s own economic crisis One proposal is to replace the current support will just keep the wolves not just be observers to the country’s caused by a constellation of domestic subsidies with ration cards given to from the door rather than addressing suffering.

The devastating aftermath of Beirut Port explosion last year The Levant | Issue 20 - February 2021 9 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion After HASM, Will the U.S. Designate the Muslim Brotherhood a Terrorist Organization?

Dalia Ziada

A few days before the official transfer of power, in the United States, from the Republican President Trump to the Democrat President Biden, political chaos is raging, in an unprecedented way, across the capital city of Washington, D.C. as a result of sharp political fractions between the far-right supporters of Trump and the far-left supporters of Biden. However, this did not prevent the Trump Administration from announcing some important decisions related to the Middle East, in an attempt to fulfill some of Trump’s promises to pursue terrorist organizations in the region.

In the first week of January, the Muslim Brotherhood supporters in Jordan - Archive U.S. State Department announced designating the Iran-backed Houthi HASM was formed by young group that qualifies to be designated the group still has got high-profile group, in Yemen, as a terrorist members of the Muslim Brotherhood, as a terrorist organization. HASM, politicians acting in leading official organization. The step came as who fled to Turkey later on, in , Liwa’ Al-Thawra, and PIJ positions in some Middle Eastern no surprise to the observers who early 2015, and from there, the are armed factions of the Muslim countries, such as Turkey, Jordan, considered this designation as leaders of HASM continued to Brotherhood and all of them are Tunisia, and Morocco. Designating part of the Trump administration’s command operations implemented designated as terrorist organizations. the Muslim Brotherhood as a war on Iran. But the real surprise by the Muslim Brotherhood young The motto of the group, since its terrorist organization means cutting happened, a few days after that, members who could not flee Egypt. foundation a century ago, honors diplomatic relations with those in mid-January, when the State HASM operations, in Egypt, targeted violent jihad as their way to spread countries and thus jeopardizing U.S. Department announced the police and military personnel and the word of God. Yet, unfortunately, political, economic, and security designation of the Egyptian their families. The most prominent the U.S. is still hand-tied by legal interests that are, directly or HASM militia on the list of Foreign operation by HASM was the and political considerations on this indirectly, linked to them. Terrorist Organizations (FTOs). assassination of Egypt’s Attorney particular issue. In fact, one can hardly be optimistic This designation renewed hope that General, Hisham Barakat, on his way From the legal point of view, that the new US administration the U.S. may consider designating to work, in June 2015. there is a difficulty proving that of President Biden may take a the Muslim Brotherhood, the parent In the same statement, the State the Brotherhood is acting as a step towards designating the organization of HASM, as a foreign Department mentioned that they unilateral organization, where all Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist terrorist organization. reviewed the FTO designation of its members, including renowned organization. However, we must Previously, in 2018, the U.S. State the Gaza-based Palestinian Islamic politicians affiliated to the group continue our efforts to document the Department designated HASM and Jihad (PIJ) and decided to maintain in several countries, incite and violent atrocities practiced by the Liwa’ al-Thawra, which is also a militia it. PIJ operates in Gaza and is practice violence. The clusterMuslim Brotherhood and educate the affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood, generously supported by Qatar structure of the Muslim Brotherhood public opinion, around the world, as a Specially Designated Global and Iran. However, PIJ originally organization and its widely spread about the extremist ideology of the Terrorist (SDGT). HASM and Liwaa belongs to Hamas, which in turn cells, worldwide, makes it difficult to group, which feeds the extremist Al-Thawra are armed groups affiliated is one of the military arms of the prove its unilaterality in systemic use rhetoric of all the Islamist terrorist to the Muslim Brotherhood and have Muslim Brotherhood. Hamas, also, is of violence. organizations, known to us today. been operating in Egypt, since the fall designated as a terrorist organization Politically, the Muslim Brotherhood Exposing the ugly face of the Muslim of the Muslim Brotherhood regime, by the United States, Britain, and has become an expired card for Brotherhood is necessary to limit the in 2013. Their goal was to cause some other countries, since 1990s. those who previously supported group from abusing the current global extreme chaos that forces the military The U.S. designation of HASM as them, including Turkey, Qatar, turbulence in economic, political and to return the Muslim Brotherhood FTO is a new evidence that the and Britain, because of the severe health sectors to regain their power regime back in power. Muslim Brotherhood is a violent divisions among the leaders. Yet, or win popular approval. The Levant | Issue 20 - February 2021 10 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion Europe worries about Turkey, Grey Wolves and Erdogan turned into sectarian violence and Erdogan views Turkish emigres and of fomenting street clashes on its they were involved in the massacre of their descendants in countries such territory. Last November, France Paul Stott over 100 Alevis in the city of Maras. as Germany, Austria and Holland proscribed the Grey Wolves after Having been given a long leash by as Turks. In 2012 he changed the violence in Lyon between Turkish the Turkish state, the 1980 military law to allow Turkish citizens living nationalists and Armenians. A The third round of the FA coup saw Turkes and many of his abroad to vote in its elections. With memorial to the Armenian genocide Cup is a quintessentially English supporters jailed. In 1981 a Grey at least 5.5 million Turks resident of 1915 was vandalised with graffiti in sporting occasion – muddy pitches, Wolf, Mehmet Ali Agca, attempted in western Europe, cities such as support of both the Grey Wolves and anxious managers and fans crammed to assassinate Pope John Paul II in Rotterdam and Cologne saw huge Erdogan. The bozkut salute is now into packed stadia craning for a view Rome. AKP rallies. European elites had to illegal in Austria, and whilst a ban of that all-important upset. Nationalists have found much to reconcile the increasing presence of on the Grey Wolves appears to be off This year the stadiums were emptied satisfy themselves with in recent Turkish politicians with their own the table in Germany, the Office for by Covid, and controversy came years in the era of President Erdogan. domestic problems – low levels of the Protection of the Constitution from an unexpected quarter, when Turkey’s Nationalist Action Party social cohesion, rising support for has noted with concern the political the Turkish striker Cenk Tosun (MHP), also created by Turkes, has anti-immigration parties, and street influence of Turkish nationalists, appeared to celebrate a goal in the worked with Erdogan’s AKP, and clashes between Turkish nationalist as well as the actions of Turkish Everton v Rotherham match by the Grey Wolves have expressed emigres and Kurds. When Germany intelligence agencies in Germany. performing a gesture with the first public support for domestic policies banned Erdogan from speaking on and fourth fingers of his left hand, such as the restoration of Istanbul’s its territory, he responded in 2018 In the UK, the Grey Wolves have whilst bringing his thumb to the Hagia Sophia mosque to Islam. The by holding a photo opportunity in had a much lower profile. Its second and third fingers. This is collapse of Turkey’s peace process the UK with two German footballers actions appear more sedate, for reminiscent of the bozkurt, or wolf ’s with the Kurds, aggressive language of Turkish descent, Ilkay Gundogan example attending demonstrations head salute of the Turkish nationalist towards Greece and Cyprus, and and Mesut Ozil. They were joined by in support of the Uyghurs in China. Grey Wolves organisation. Tosun support for Azerbaijan in the recent Everton’s Cenk Tosun. At the Londra Ülkü Ocakları café denied that this was his intention, conflict with Armenia, furtherEuropean concerns about the need in north London, middle aged men and the Football Association has cement this relationship. With to keep Turkey’s politics at arm’s rally underneath the Turkish flag, cleared him of any offence. There the Turkish forces increasingly deployed length, have intensified. Accusations and images of Colonel Turkes and matter should rest. beyond its borders, the Grey Wolves of Turkish intelligence operations of howling wolves. It seems a long Why the sensitivity, though, over salute may be observed among both against dissidents have surfaced, way however from the divisions in the Grey Wolves? The first is the rank and file soldiers and Turkey’s with Imam’s allegedly deployed as Turkey, France or Germany. Britain organisation’s history of violence paid mercenaries. spies. Austria has accused Turkey will hope it remains so. and extremism. The second relates to contemporary concerns about integration and community cohesion, particularly in countries with sizeable Turkish diasporas. The third is the deteriorating diplomatic relationship between Turkey and several European countries. Known in Turkish as the Ülkü Ocakları (Idealist Hearths) the Grey Wolves are a fiercely nationalist grouping strongly opposed to minority groupings, mostly notably the Kurds. Pan-Turkic, it promotes an expansionist Turkey which would extend its borders significantly east and even into parts of China populated by the Uyghurs. Founded by Colonel Alparslan Turkes (1917 – 1997) the Grey Wolves gained notoriety in the political violence between left and right which shook Turkey in the 1970s. In 1978 this The hand sign for the Grey Wolves in Turkey The Levant | Issue 20 - February 2021 11 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion

President Biden in the Oval Office Biden’s expected policy on Syria prior to predict how Biden’s Syria to protect oil installations. At endeavour to involve Kurdish-led crew will interact with all these the same time, U.S allowed Turkey SDF as an independent delegation Jwan Dibo unfriendly exterior actors in Syria, it to occupy some Kurdish cities and within the negotiations for a is important that to highlight Syria’s towns. The point here is that there political solution between Assad position in U.S foreign policy. has always been inconsistency and regime and the Syrian oppositions. There is no doubt that Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil ambiguity in U.S policies in Syria, In this context, U.S envoy, William President-elect, Joe Biden, will face war in 2011, American’s influence which suggests that Syria is not one Rubak, has led, for more than a an intricate reality in Syria, as one of in Syria was limited, and it became of Washington’s priorities. year, reconciliation efforts between the consequences of his predecessor diminished further during Trump’s When Biden was Obama’s vice various Kurdish political forces in legacy. More precisely, Biden will era. This reflects the absence of an president, he was, unlike the former Syria, with the aim of creating a encounter the repercussions of two outright U.S strategy regarding the secretary Hilary Clinton, sceptical of joint Kurdish representative body. previous administrations’ policies in future of the Syrian conflict. The deep involvement in the Syrian civil It can be argued that Biden’s policies Syria including Obama’s one, when lack of a clear U.S strategy, indicates war. He was not even enthusiastic in Syria will be more consistent and Biden himself was vice president. to Washington’s indifference about about arming the Syrian opposition, rational than his predecessor. Biden The pressing question here is: can the future of Syria. due to fear of extremist domination, will attempt, through his local Biden present something different When U.S began air strikes in Syria and this is what actually happened partner, SDF, for America to have a than Trump’s administration in in September 2014, the stated target later. But after several years, the prominent role in shaping the future Syria? This fundamental question was defeating the Islamic State landscape has changed completely, of Syria. He will make U.S a strong leads us to pose another enquiry (ISIS). After a while, U.S deployed and the Kurdish-led SDF are now rival to Russia about the future of which is: does Biden really want several thousands of its troops Washington’s main and only allies. the political system in Syria. Turkey to get rid of the effects of Obama in north, northeast and south of It is likely that U.S, during will be deterred relatively over its and Trump’s politics in Syria and Syria. In March 2019, U.S backed, Biden’s presidency, will maintain infringements in Syria, Libya, Iraq, espouse a different strategy? The the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic its presence in Syria without and the Eastern Mediterranean, answer to these questions seems to Forces (SDF), declared that the substantive changes. It will, because such Turkey’s behaviour be a little gloomy. Islamic State group’s five years also, continue to support SDF does not serve US interests. Biden Biden’s appointed team for the caliphate was eliminated. with ammunition, weapons, and will continue to support Israel to Middle East, will deal with three Despite that decisive victory, U.S training. In addition, it will not deter Iran in Syria, which will also external players in Syria with continued to supply SDF with allow Turkey and the Syrian regime benefit Russia in the long run. antithetical agendas and goals. Two various weapons and ammunition. to expand further at the expense of Overall, Biden’s policy in Syria may of them are classified as traditional Shortly thereafter, U.S withdrew the leverage of its ally, SDF. not be a much promising policy, enemies to U.S, viz., Russia and Iran most of its troops from Syria. Yet, On the level of political solution especially, for the Kurds, but it and the third one is an ally but not it kept a few hundred soldiers in path, Biden’s administration will try is likely to be much better than a friend, namely, Turkey. However, Kurdish areas in north and northeast to contribute more effectively. It will Trump’s reckless policies. The Levant | Issue 20 - February 2021 12 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion McGurk joined Biden’s NSC:

AnotherJoe Biden, nightmareand he was against relations” andfor they accused Erdogan him in new-elected US President Joe Turkey’s policy and occupation in supporting the Kurdish forces. On Biden’s administration and the Zara Saleh northeast Syria. Secondly, McGurk’s the other hand, the Kurds are more newly appointed coordinator for resignation in December 2018 was optimistic and welcoming back the the Middle East and Syria Brett over Donald Trump’s decision to returning McGurk’s new position McGurk, the Kurds are expecting The former American special withdraw US troops from northeast that, definitely, will strengthening more military presence and support envoy for the global coalition to defeat Syria; additionally, Turkey with the Kurdish-American relations, and from the US. Bringing stability to Islamic State, Brett McGurk has been Syrian mercenaries launched a preventing more Turkish attacks the Kurdish-controlled region will appointed to join the U.S. President- military offensive against the US on Kurds. Furthermore, during be the main Kurdish concern and elect Joe Biden’s team. Brett McGurk allies the Kurdish Democratic Forces former US president Obama/Biden hope simultaneously with protecting will be among the National Security (SDF) that led to the more Turkish administration, the the region from Turkish threats as Council as senior director for the occupation. Added to that, the new former special well as from Russia and Assad’s Middle East and North Africa. In Middle East coordinator on the envoy to defeat regime forces whose attempts other words, this new McGurk’s National Security Council B. McGurk IS Brett McGurk repeatedly to take control position is highly important in terms has criticized the Erdogan’s policy on has played an of the area of Ayn Issa and of US military presence in Syria and Syria and especially against Kurds, essential role various other places. expected to become a big concern for and even he accused Erdogan on in providing President Erdogan. harbouring the IS leader by asking military Despite the fact that the return of Brett “How exactly was Baghdadi living support for McGurk as a director of NSC that do in a safe house with well-prepared Kurdish fighters not allow him a direct role in Syria as tunnels less than 5km from your and the Syrian he was in his previous post a special border?”. Democratic Brett McGurk envoy under Obama’s administration. After the announcement of B. Forces and has It will be the most concern and McGurk in the new appointed NSC’s built a strong challenge for Turkey. Firstly, McGurk Cabinet, the Turkish officials were relationship is well-known as staunch ally and disappointed regarding the rise of with Kurds. the most pro-Kurdish US diplomat tension with US and said, “McGurk Arguably, with the new-elected President has harmed Turkish-American under the

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