Mehr Vision|No.12|November-December 2018
Time for Europe to pace development of SPV Page 2 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Contents
Muslims need to talk more with each other: Bajrami 4 Iran is a role model for uniting Muslim states: Indonesian scholar 5 Imam Khomeini initiated idea of Islamic Unity: Prof. Mirza 6 Only Resistance can solve Palestinian crisis: German analyst 7
Dossier Palestine a big umbrella that gathers all Muslims: Hamas rep. 8
Theorizing religion in intl. relations not only feasible but essential 10 PGCC never was effective organization: Shireen Hunter 12 Qatar withdrawal from OPEC may increase Iran’s production shar 13 Political squabbles among OPEC members have weakened its efficacy 14 US new sanctions to impact Iranian nation: Dorsey 16 Al-Khalifa regime threatened people to vote in elections: Bahraini cleric 17 Interview EU army won’t threaten NATO future: ex-CIA official 18 US had no choice but to grant Iranian oil buyers waivers 19
Mehr Vision The sad fate of Europe’s leading figure 22 Tel Aviv’s ‘northern shield’ operation’s objective in Lebanon border 23 Managing Director: Ali Asgari FATF member countries, the very center of money laundering 24
Editorial Board: West return to 2007: Europe’s anger over incompetent politicians 25 Seyed Amir Hassan Dehghani, Will Clinton have the EU’s support? 26 Mohammad Ghaderi, France’s unrestful days with Macron 27 Payman Yazdani
Opinion US propaganda war against Iran doomed to failure 28 Editorial Coordinator: Kornet missile wins over Netanyahu’s cabinet 29 Lachin Rezaian Democrats vs. Trump: The dispute is intensified 30
Contributors: Payman Yazdani, Mohammad Ghaderi, Mohammad Ali Haqshenas, Marjohn Sheikhi, Lachin Rezaian, Poland celebrates national day in Iran with music 32 Hanif Ghaffari, Javad Heirannia, Syed Zafar Mehdi Poland to celebrate centenary of regaining independence 33 The short film appeal; a roundup of 35th Tehran Intl. Short Film Festival 34 Report Art Director: Mahboubeh Azizi
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Mehr Vision welcomes contributions by readers which can be sent via email. Page 3 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Islamic Unity Dossier
By: Mohammad Ali Haqshenas Dossier Page 4 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Muslims need to talk more with each other: Bajrami
Interview by Mohammad Ali Haqshenas talk about the unity of Ummah [Muslim community]. The other point is about Muiadin Bajrami, Manager of the problems of Muslims in the world. Foundation Gnosa in Macedonia, is I believe that the conference should of the opinion that Shia and Sunni question some wider issues as well, not scholars need to talk more with each only for the Middle East. We are always other to achieve Islamic unity. talking about Palestine, Yemen, Syria, and Iraq. This is ok, I’m sure, but it’s uniting Muslims? Touching upon the importance of important to talk about the problems We need to talk more. Important peo- unity among Ummah, he said, “Those of Muslims living in Balkans and other ple of each country, either Shia or Sunni, who think that Sunni is more important parts of the world. It’s crucial to hear should talk with each other. Those who than Shia or vice versa would not help.” the people who have come here from think that Sunni is more important than Bajrami made the remarks in an exclu- different areas that are never heard, to Shia or vice versa would not help. We sive interview with Mehr News Agency on see what their problems are and what should see our main aim as an Islamic Monday on the sideline of the 32nd Islam- are the solutions. Ummah. But I think this step taken here ic Unity Conference in Tehran. But I think the organizer here is put- will improve significantly in the future to Here is the full text of the interview: ting his best effort to gather all these unite Muslim countries. people and I’m so pleased with all he What do you think of this conference in is doing here and I pray to Allah to give So you are hopeful about the unity. general and how do you evaluate it? him much more power to improve the No, I’m 100 percent sure. I’m Shia and I I believe that this conference is very event more and more. believe in the coming of Imam Mahdi. I wish good for the future. Maybe this is the that this would happen as soon as possible first step to gather important people to What are the main barriers in route to and we would live in that time, inshallah. Politics, main reason behind division among Muslim states: Brazillian activist
Interview by Mohammad Ali Haqshenas
The division which is now seen among some Islamic states is mainly because of politics, said Muslim Brazilian activist Garcia Gomez.
Gomez, who is a pro-Palestinian activist in South America, made the remarks in an interview with Mehr News Agency on Saturday on the sideline of the 32nd Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran. Here is the full text of the interview:
What is your opinion about this conference and what are the barriers in route to achieve unity among Islamic countries? divided people. It is very important for the Muslims to under- It is important for Muslims and the world of Islam to under- stand that unity is key to continuing existence. stand the importance of unity because if you do not be united, it would be easy for enemies to defeat Islamic countries. In my And how do you see measures adopted by the Islamic opinion, the Muslim community needs to be gathered togeth- Republic of Iran in creating unity among Islamic countries? er to acknowledge the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) because Sure, it’s so excellent. The media have programs to lie about I see now in the Islamic communities too much difference in Iran and Shia community. The conference here is very a very com- opinions; ‘I’m Sunni’, ‘I’m Shia’, mainly because politics have pelling measure to bring about unity among Islamic states. Dossier Page 5 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Iran is a role model for uniting Muslim states: Indonesian scholar
Interview by Mohammad Ali Haqshenas al-Sadiq to all Muslims and especially to to Jerusalem? And how can Islamic the Supreme Leader of Islamic Republic countries counter this kind of Akmal Kamil, Deputy Head of Research of Iran. measures? and Education at Islamic Cultural In my opinion, this conference is First of all, leaders of Islamic coun- Center Jakarta, believes that Iran is a very important. The World Forum tries have to strongly condemn this deci- role model for uniting Muslim countries for Proximity of Islamic Schools of sion adopted by the United States Presi- around the world. Thought and the Islamic Republic of dent. It’s crucial for Islamic countries not Iran can play important roles to make to follow this measure. The government Touching upon the importance of the Muslim people closer to each other of my country, Indonesia, severely crit- annual Islamic Unity Conference, he said and to share their opinion about how icized Australia when they announced that it is a great opportunity for finding to solve problems of the Islamic world. that they want to move their embassy to solutions to problems of Islamic coun- We cannot deny that today we have Jerusalem. This issue was so important tries like Palestine and Yemen. many problems from Yemen, Syria, that the Indonesian President himself Kamil made the remarks in an exclu- Palestine, Iraq and also other places condemned Australia’s decision. sive interview with Mehr News Agency in the world like Rohingya. And in this So first, leaders of Islamic countries on Monday on the sideline of the 32nd conference, scholars have gathered should condemn this kind of hostile Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran. and try their best to find the solution measures. And then, the Muslim com- Here is the full text of the interview: for these problems. So this conference munity all over the world should put is very important because scholars their hands together and be united I wanted to know your general opinion at least meet with each other once a against these actions. about the conference and the role of year. Iran plays a role model in this re- Iran in uniting Muslim states around gard. What do you think is the ultimate the world. solution to Palestinian crisis? First of all, I want to congratulate Regarding the issue of Palestine, As the Leader of the Islamic Republic the birthday anniversary of the Proph- what will be the results of the US suggested, holding a referendum will be et Muhammad (PBUH) and Imam Ja’far illegal decision to move its embassy the solution where Palestinians will de- Dossier Page 6 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Imam Khomeini initiated idea of Islamic Unity: Prof. Mirza
Interview by Mohammad Ali Haqshenas I want to tell you through your media Who initiated this unity movement and is that a day will come that the entire what threatens the Islamic unity the Indian Professor Mahrukh Mirza said world will embrace the Islam. You know, most? that the idea of achieving Islamic many Americans are embracing Islam Undoubtedly, Islamic unity started as unity started with efforts of late Imam as they reach their peak or high place a result of Imam Khomeini efforts. And Khomeini. because Muhammad (PBUH) is our last very soon you will see all the countries prophet and no other prophet will come will have to come and join their hands He went on to say that the main fac- now but only one Imam will come and together, otherwise, we will be scat- tor which threatens the achievement of take ‘Zohur’ and at that time, the entire tered. Islamic unity is lack of education and un- world will be praising Islam and say their Lack of education is the main fac- less this is not resolved, unity will never ‘Shahada’. You see the high intellectuals tor which threatens Islamic unity. be achieved. from America are following thoughts Unless Muslims are not well edu- Mirza, who is the vice-chancellor of of religion. They may not be following cated, absolute unity is impossible. ‘Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti Urdu, Ara- Islam now but I’m sure they will do so Education is different from literacy; bi-Farsi University’, made the remarks in one day; they have started using Hijab, a literate person is only capable of an exclusive interview with Mehr News their westernization circle is coming reading newspapers but an educat- Agency on Sunday on the sideline of the down and other smaller countries are ed individual has wisdom and enjoys 32nd Islamic Unity Conference in Teh- also following them now. Another point a far-sighted vision. My message to ran. is that unity among Muslims is the mes- Muslims is that they must prepare Here is the full text of the interview: sage of this conference - but I believe the grounds for educating their chil- that there is still a long way to go - as dren. And you see the Sunni com- What do you think of this gathering in far as global unity is concerned. Unity is munity of Islam has also studied the general? the reason that caused Imam Hussein to message and history of Karbala. Ma- Regarding the ‘Vahdat [unity] Week’, give his Qurbani [sacrifice] with 72 of his hatma Gandhi told if he had 72 sol- the birthday of Prophet Muhammad companions whilst, his opposers, in the diers like those of Imam Hussein he (PBUH), and the direction given by Irani- Yazid’s troops, didn’t know the true path would have won the Indian freedom an government to unite Muslims, what which led to the real tenets of Islam. within 24 hours from Britain. Dossier Page 7 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Only Resistance can solve Palestinian crisis: German analyst
Interview by Mohammad Ali Haqshenas succeed, and even other countries will thing politically together to change their not succeed. So they have to understand mind to follow Islam in the right way of Jürgen Graßmann, the independent that Iran stands top regarding its foreign ahlul-bayt. analyst from Germany, said that the policy – no matter you can criticize Iran only solution for the Palestinian crisis is for its internal policies. So they have to Regarding the issue of Palestine, what resistance. follow this and we have to follow the Ve- is the ultimate solution for this crisis? layat. Even if you are not Shia, you need We have to find a strategy together Grabmann made the remarks in an the control and leadership of Velayat to because, in Palestine, it is 70 years that exclusive interview with Mehr News wake up all the people, how we make an they are fighting beside the Arab armies Agency on Monday on the sideline active strategy. Just talking about revo- and now you see Palestine is nothing, of the 32nd Islamic Unity Conference lutions is not enough, you have to be ac- they only have 10 percent of their own in Tehran. The three-day conference tive. That is good when we come here all country. They have not the right leader. wrapped up on Monday night. together and there is a chance inshallah, In German, we say that the problem is Here is the full text of the interview: I’m sure. the head. That’s why its 70 years that they cannot succeed because are not What do you think of this conference What are the main barriers in this route dealing with it right. If you follow ahl- and how do you evaluate the measures to achieve unity? ul-bayt, you cannot lose. adopted by Iran for uniting Muslim Sorry to say that, it is the brain- states? washed people. It is what taught years Do you think that referendum is a It is essentially important to bring before. I’m a specialist for Islam even solution for Palestine or just resistance all the Muslim countries together to if I cannot speak Arabic but you have can solve this? create a resistance against Zionism and to understand Islam in its essence. The Only resistance can solve this. With against battles in this world. Bringing Is- essence is ahlul-bayt which is a present. peace, you cannot get it. They will not lamic countries together needs a special Even now you have Velayat, it is a dia- allow making a Palestinian country. My strategy. It is very important to know mond. Even Iran does not know. If you theory is that Palestine, Mecca, Medina that Iran is the only country in the world lose this diamond, you lose everything. belong to Muslims, no matter what and which is seriously interested in the mat- So the main problem is that they have to where it is. So if you do not fight for it to- ter. The other governments are not in- understand to follow Islam in the path gether, you cannot get it. They are losing terested at all. Some people come, just of ahlul-bayt. If you don’t understand for 70 years even when Imam Khomeini get their money and go. But without the this, you can be professors or doctors, created this Islamic Revolution. You help of Iran and Velayat-e Faqih [Guardi- but you will not succeed. So that is our have to fight for your rights. Otherwise, anship of the Islamic Jurist], you will not work to teach and we need to do some- they will not give it free, never. Dossier Page 8 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Palestine a big umbrella that gathers all Muslims: Hamas rep. Interview by Mohammad Ali Haqshenas
Khaled al-Qaddumi said that the issue of Palestine and Jerusalem is a big umbrella that can gather all Islamic states together.
The representative of Palestinians resistance group Hamas made the remarks in an exclusive interview with Mehr News Agency on Saturday on the sideline of the 32nd Islamic Unity Conference in Tehran. Here is the full text of the interview:
How do you evaluate the conference in general? Bismillah al-Rahman al-Rahim. The conference is the 32nd attempt for the Islamic unity. Surely, it’s very positive to gath- What are the main barriers which hinder the achievement of er those different schools of thought, different sects, even dif- Islamic unity? ferent lives and cultures in one place to bridge the gap and There are many but I believe that they are very fragile and very huge and tremendous results will come out of it. I think they are not very solid barriers. Let me talk about for example the only thing that we need to make it more successful is to how to feel the empathy; we feel that we do not try to under- transcend from rhetoric and speeches to practical implemen- stand the view of others, so we insist on the view of ourselves. tations and programs. And this is what we required today We look at different people whose opinion differs from us and since we have mentioned that Palestine and Jerusalem isa when we say that ‘the other’, then we are dealing with these big umbrella that gathers all of us; so that means we need people with a very big gap. When we think that we are one some practical steps to move forward like how to confront the and we have to decide together, then we have bridged those Israeli hegemony in the region, how to confront the Zio-Amer- gaps. ‘How to understand each other’; I believe this is the big- ican hegemony in the region. We are elites and we have big gest barrier which we have to bridge and I think that it is easy responsibilities that we have to do in front of our nations. for us to do so. Page 9 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Interview Interview Page 10 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Theorizing religion in intl. relations not only feasible but essential: Prof.
By Javad Heirannia theory in International Relations. What is your opinion? Elizabeth Shakman Hurd, Professor I do not think it is useful to divide the of Politics and Religious Studies field up using these categories. - Myre at Northwestern University says search works on all of these fronts. My that “Religion was never excluded recent book “Beyond Religious Freedom: from international affairs, but has The New Global Politics of Religion” assumed different forms and occupied (Princeton University Press, 2017), for difference spaces in different regimes example, disaggregates discourse about of governance, some of which are religion into three categories: expert re- described as secular.” ligion, official religion, and lived religion. The idea is to break down the monolithic She adds that “religion has never category of religion, and to try to under- been absent from the practice of inter- stand religious practices as they inter- national relations, although it is the case world looks life after we move beyond mingle, shape, and are shaped by law, that IR theory ignored or refused to deal the ideology of separation and secular- history, and politics. I am working toward with the subject for several decades.” ization, and also beyond the ideology of a more integrative approach to religion, Professor Hurd also says that theoriz- restoring or accommodating religion to law, and society, in which religion is seen ing Religion in International Relations “is public life. Neither is sufficient. They mir- as always already part of history rather not only feasible but essential.” ror each other, in fact. than standing apart from it. Following is the full text of the inter- We can see the inevitable interplay of The analytical framework of “Beyond view: politics and religion in the current refu- Religious Freedom” illustrates this argu- gee crisis, in claims for asylum in Germa- ment. I distinguish between religion as When has the religious issues been ny. Because asylum claims coming from construed by those who have legal and a matter of great in Theorizing of Pakistani Christians carry more weight political power (“official or state reli- International Relations? in Germany, there has been an uptick in gion”); religion as construed by experts My first work was among the first to conversions to Christianity among asy- who generate knowledge about religion open up new conceptual and political lum-seekers. Both politics and religion (“expert religion”); and religion as lived spaces in which to think and talk about are being transformed in ways that can- and practiced by ordinary people (“lived religion in the study of International not be disentangled. To attempt to sep- religion”). Expert religion is religion as Relations. Religion was never exclud- arate the fields of religion and politics, defined by those who generate what is ed from international affairs but has or to “bring religion back in” misses the known is as policy-relevant knowledge assumed different forms and occupied point. In the case of the asylum-seeks, about religion. This includes scholars, difference spaces in different regimes those who cannot or choose not to iden- policy experts, government officials, of governance, some of which are de- tify as recognizably religious are simply and religious authorities. When we hear scribed as secular. This was the sub- less likely to be legally protected. These experts (religious or secular) talk about ject of my first book on “The Politics of are the kinds of dynamics that we need religion today, we often hear it either Secularism in International Relations” to pay attention to. This means adjusting celebrated as a source of morality and (Princeton University Press, 2008). our conceptual frames so that we can cohesion or feared as a danger to con- Religion is not an isolatable entity and ask better questions, and provide more tain. You have probably heard versions we cannot treat it as such. Taking this sophisticated analyses of contemporary of both narratives: good religion versus as a point of departure forces us into a religion and politics. bad religion. Rather than the privatiza- different field of play, epistemological- tion of religion, today we hear about the ly and politically. It becomes clear that Some argue that if the theory of need for governments to support good any attempt to single out religion as a International Relations means a religion and tame or disrupt bad religion platform from which to develop law and constitutive and critical theory, then all over the world. The good/bad religion public policy ends up privileging some bringing religion into International narrative is a powerful form of knowl- religions over others. Looking ahead, Relations is possible, but if the edge about religion; it’s a form of expert we need to embed the study of religion theory of International Relations is religion. This is an interesting shift in deeply in a series of social, institution- an explanatory-empirical theory, the public discourse that is worth following. al, and interpretive fields. This requires theorizing religion in International disaggregating and complicating the cat- Relations is not possible and, in fact, Some scholars such as “Michael Allen egory. It requires considering what the there is not theological positivism Gillespie” in the book “The Theological » Interview Page 11 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
Origins of Modernity” believe that dor for International Religious Freedom, egory to draw together individuals and modernity was not initially against Suzan Johnson Cook spoke about this communities as corporate bodies that religion, and in later years, as a result of during workshop attended by US reli- are seen as in need of legal protection social, cultural and political conditions, gious leaders and scholars: “There are to achieve freedom is a risky business. it has led to secularism. So Based on certain areas where the US government We need to think twice before rushing this conception, religion does not has muscle,” she said. Her chief exam- to create these legal regimes. I develop conflict with modernity, so can it be ple: the promotion of foreign religious this argument through a study of two said that religion does not conflict leaders. How do we square this with our legal constructions of Alevism, by the with the International Relations theory domestic tradition of disestablishment? Turkish state and the European Court of stemming from modernity? This is one of the questions I am thinking Human Rights. They are premised on dif- I do not think there is one thing called about now. fering assumptions about Alevism, but “religion” or one thing called “moder- both erase the indeterminacy surround- nity,” and so generalizations like this do Some argue that the current ing Alevism as a lived tradition. They also not make sense to me. As I mentioned International Relations theory bolster the role of the state in defining above, religion has never been absent cannot explain some of the current and overseeing Turkish religiosities. My from the practice of international rela- phenomena of international relations intention in that chapter is to encourage tions, although it is the case that IR the- and we need a religious theory of readers to see the inevitability of legal ory ignored or refused to deal with the International Relations, especially with protections for religious minorities in subject for several decades. That has regard to religious issues. What is your a new light, and to seek out and affirm changed now, as discussed in my 2008 opinion? In general, theorizing Religion other possibilities and forms of identity book mentioned above. in International Relations is feasible? and solidarity. An example of how religion has al- It is not only feasible but essential. I A second example is the category of ways been with us in practice is a pro- study how “religion” has a category and “religious violence.” There is a sense gram I write about in “Beyond Religious set of practices is interpreted to shape that if we talk about religion and poli- Freedom”. RelHarmony was a US Agen- projects of law and governance. This has tics we are talking either about religious cy for International Development-sup- both theoretical and empirical implica- freedom or about religious violence, ported project to bring interfaith un- tions—I do not separate the two. or both. I am not convinced that these derstanding and tolerance to Albania in constructs help us understand what is the 1990s. The aim was to create the If theorizing Religion in International actually going on in the world around social, political and legal conditions in Relations is possible, can this religious us. One problem with talk of religious vi- which political and religious ‘extremism,’ theory in International Relations olence is that when we declare religion as defined by the US and the EU, would explain all the unresolved issues and or religious difference to be the cause wither on the vine. The reality was of problems? of an act of violence we obscure or sub- course more complex. What does it en- Certainly not all of them! But we can merge a much bigger picture. A lack of tail politically and religiously to “engage offer insight into some perduring dilem- religious toleration shoulders the blame with top religious leadership?” When of- mas involving the politics of difference for an incident or episode. The expla- ficials court those leaders, as they did in in contemporary public life. Let me give nation for violence becomes: they’re this program, the heads of nontradition- two examples. doing this because they are religious al religions and unorthodox versions of The first is the legal protection of and they don’t like other religions. protected religions are ignored. RelHar- groups as “religious minorities.” I am They are religiously intolerant, back- mony’s final report acknowledged this, interested in the forms of subjectivity, ward, anti-modern. The minute we noting that “religious leaders from Al- both individual and collective, that are adopt this storyline, however, we bania’s traditional religious groups were cultivated and reinforced through the make ourselves incapable of seeing supportive of interfaith initiatives, but law when groups are defined and legally the broader, often institutionalized, that their views differed on the question protected as “religious” minorities. The often state-sponsored, often racial- of including members of non-traditional Alevis of Turkey are a fascinating case. ized, and always politicized contexts religious groups in RelHarmony activi- They hover at the boundaries of modern in which violence and discrimination ties.” distinctions between secular/religious/ actually occur. Religion is one part Religious-outreach programs operate superstitious as they interact with mod- of that story. But we need a broad- on the questionable assumption that ern state-building projects. The Alevis er lens to see how religionized, racial- all religions can be treated equally. This as a community and a category were ized, and nationalist politics become in- masks the power relations involved. The formally constituted as part of the Turk- tertwined. An example from my recent religions of the majority, of the orthodox, ish nation-building project. In taking up book is the current violence against the of the ruling class, of allies of the United their case I sought to understand how Rohingya people of Myanmar. I tell a dif- States, the United Nations, corporate ordinary social and religious belong- ferent story about their situation that interests or some other government or ing gets translated, and transformed, de-dramatizes the religious element, power broker inevitably carry more po- through the process of becoming legal- without ignoring it, while drawing our litical weight than others. Less-favored ized. What happens when we designate attention to other factors driving the groups are likely to be classified as cults groups legally as religious minorities? violence against them. We need to tell or extremists. The former US Ambassa- I argue that adopting religion as a cat- more stories like this one. Interview Page 12 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Interview by Javad Heiranni PGCC never was effective Shireen Tahmaasb Hunter, a professor of political science at Georgetown University, tells the Tehran Times that organization: Shireen Hunter “the PGCC was never an effective organization. Certainly, it has been an unequal partnership in the sense that Saudi Arabia has dominated the Organization.”
“The PGCC was also created as a re- sponse to the 1979 Iranian Islamic Rev- olution and the Iran-Iraq war, especially the perceived Iranian threat to the Per- sian Gulf security,” Hunter told Mehr News correspondant. She added that “now Iraq is prac- tically out of the strategic equation at least for the foreseeable future. Iran no longer poses a viable ideological or se- curity threat for the Gulf Arab states.” Following is the full text of the inter- view:
The Persian Gulf Cooperation Council’s as well as its position in confrontation vive, although its efficacy will be further (PGCC) annual summit was held in with Saudi Arabia. undermined. In the long term, much Riyadh while the Qatari emir and the would depend on what happens in Sau- Sultan of Oman refrained from joining. The PGCC failed to find a purely internal di Arabia and in Iran. A change in Saudi What are the reasons behind this collective solution to the Qatar crisis. attitude in the direction of more cooper- refusal? With regard to this failure, how do you ation and less bullying of regional actors The reluctance of Oman’s and Qatar’s see the future of PGCC? might revitalize the PGCC. Iran’s reinte- leaders to attend the PGCC Summit and The PGCC was never an effective gration into the international communi- instead send lower level representation, organization. Certainly, it has been ty, could even provide an opportunity to reflects their differences with Saudi Ara- an unequal partnership in the sense transform the PGCC into a more inclu- bia and their resentment of Riyadh’s that Saudi Arabia has dominated the sive regional organization, with Iraq and efforts to dominate the PGCC. Saudi Organization. The PGCC was also cre- Iran also joining it. Arabia’s current problems following the ated as a response to the 1979 Iranian As to a closer Turkish-Qatari alliance, assassination of Jamal Khashoggi has revolution and the Iran-Iraq war, espe- it is not clear what shape such alliance undermined its position and prestige, cially the perceived Iranian threat to could take. Anything beyond what al- thus making it easier for Doha and Mus- the Persian Gulf security. Now Iraq is ready exists, especially extensive mil- cat to snub the kingdom. practically out of the strategic equa- itary cooperation and greater Turkish tion at least for the foreseeable fu- military presence in the Persian Gulf, Qatar left OPEC and according to some ture. Iran no longer poses a viable ide- would trigger concerns in other regional reports, it might break-up with PGCC. ological or security threat for the Gulf states, including Iran and Saudi Arabia Do you think that Qatar will leave the Arab states. By contrast, it is the Saudi regarding Turkey’s long term goals and PGCC? and Emirati ambitions and behavior ambitions. Greater Turkish military pres- Qatar’s decision to exit OPEC does that is destabilizing the region. In oth- ence in the Persian Gulf could also cause not necessarily mean that it will leave er words the very raison d’etre of the anxieties among European countries. the PGCC. However, given the divi- PGCC has disappeared. Therefore, it In general bilateral alliances between sions within the PGCC and the fact is no wonder that the PGCC failed to Persian Gulf states and extra-regional that most PGCC members sided with reconcile Qatar’s and Saudi Arabia’s states, including Turkey could be dest- Saudi Arabia in its dispute with Qa- diverging interests and outlooks. abilizing. A viable security organization tar, it is conceivable that Qatar might must include all of the Persian Gulf’s leave the organization. However, given In case of Qatar’s exit from PGCC, is littoral states. Other states such as Pa- continued U.S. support for the PGCC, there any possibility of a new alliance kistan, Turkey and possibly Egypt could at least in the short term, such a deci- between Qatar and Turkey? be affiliate members or participate as sion might undermine Qatar’s security In the short term, the PGCC will sur- observers. Interview Page 13 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Qatar withdrawal from OPEC may increase Iran’s production share: Zaccara
Interview by Payman Yazdani extra-OPEC members being very influ- ential in the short and long term, de- Dr. Luciano Zaccara says Qatar pending on the success of the shell oil withdraw from OPEC may increase the production, the OPEC capacity of hav- quota (of power and production) that ing a determining role on oil price will OPEC may allocate to Iran, which is not be significantly reduced in the coming in line with the US policy towards Iran. decades.
Qatar will withdraw from the Organi- At the present moment which Iran zation of the Petroleum Exporting Coun- is under US and its regional allies’ tries (OPEC), the Persian Gulf nation’s pressure such as Saudi Arabia and UAE Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi to cut Iran’s oil export to zero, will Doha announced. withdrawal from OPEC affect the US The decision to quit the bloc of 15 goals toward Iran? oil-producing countries that account for Sanctions against Iran so far proved to a significant percentage of the world’s have a very limited impact neither in the oil production was confirmed by Qatar rent diplomatic rift between the two Iranian production nor in the oil price. Petroleum, the state oil company, last states and the fact that Qatar’s influ- Qatar withdrawing from OPEC does not Monday. ence in the decision making process mean the country will withdraw from To know more about the issue we of the organization is very limited. the market either, meaning that prob- reached out to Dr. Luciano Zaccara, re- Mainly controlled by Saudi Arabia with ably the oil market will not suffer from search assistant professor in Qatar Uni- the required consensus with Iran and neither situations. This is not necessari- versity. Iraq, but also with non-OPEC members ly harmful for US interest in the region, Following is the full text of his com- such as Russia, remaining within OPEC but it may increase the quota (of power ments: seems now not very in line with the and production) that OPEC may allocate general foreign policy and economic to Iran, which is not in line with the US What are the reasons behind Qatar’s goals of Qatari government. However, policy towards Iran. decision to withdraw from OPEC? Is remaining in OPEC did not prove to be it politically and economically right harmful for Qatar either. Will this decision affect China’s One decision? road-One belt project? Qatar is only producing 600,000 bar- Any relation between Trump’s- an As far as the price is not going up, rels per day, but it is the first exporter ti-OPEC policies and Doha decision? China will not suffer economically of LNG. Economically speaking it will It is clear that Trump is worried about speaking. Neither from the political not affect Qatar’s income coming from the oil price ramping up, as he tweeted, point of view, since China has been re- oil export, neither the overall OPEC pro- and that he prefers a united OPEC that luctant of getting dragged in the many duction, since altogether it is producing can prevent the control of oil prices, regional confrontations that affect the 32.5 million barrels daily. At this point but I cannot see that Doha decision has region. The Chinese government has it seems logical for Qatar to focus on been affected by the US policy on the cordial relations with all the govern- gas production and marketing, moreo- matter. ments, including Iran, Saudi Arabia and ver having in mind Doha is hosting the Qatar, and neither the Saudi-Qatari GECF and shares one of the biggest gas How do you see the future of the 60 crisis nor the Saudi-Iranian confronta- fields with Iran, without having any con- years old organization? tion have forced China to choose sides straints on their oil production from the The OPEC has been very important and to cut ties or reduce imports from OPEC cartel. in some periods of its history, and cer- any of the three producers. That said, tainly it will remain as an important the China project is a long term pro- Is there any relation between Qatar’s production cartel of a very limited ject that includes many countries and decision and the Saudi policy in the energy resource worldwide for the aspects that seems will not be affect- organization? next 30 to 50 years. However, their ef- ed by this politically driven decisions The timing of the decision, just few ficiency in controlling the prices, and that will have very limited economic days before the 9th December PGCC making the states members to comply impact on the oil market nor on the Riyadh summit, seems to show the de- with the established quotas has been links that China had built with the dif- cision is somehow related to the cur- very limited in the last 20 years. With ferent state actors along the road-belt. Interview Page 14 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Political squabbles among OPEC members have weakened its efficacy: Prof. Entessar
Interview by Payman Yazdani
Touching upon the Qatar’s reasons to withdraw from OPEC, Prof. Entessar said political squabbles among its members have weakened OPEC’s efficacy.
Qatar will withdraw from the Or- ganization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the Persian Gulf na- tion’s Energy Minister Saad Sherida al-Kaabi announced. The decision to quit the bloc of 15 oil-producing countries that account for a significant percentage of the world’s oil production was confirmed by Qatar Petroleum, the state oil company, last Monday. To know more about the issue we reached out to Nader Entessar, Profes- ed that it did want to remain part of an political squabbles among its members sor Emeritus of Political Science from organization whose policies were driv- have weakened OPEC’s efficacy. University of South Alabama. en by their Saudi nemesis. Of course, Here is the full text of his comments: we have to remember that Qatar is one At the present moment which Iran is of the smallest oil producers in OPEC under the US and its regional allies’ What are the reasons behind Qatar’s and has never been the organization’s pressure such as Saudi Arabia and UAE decision to withdraw from OPEC? Is driving force. to cut Iran’s oil export to zero, will it politically and economically right Doha withdrawal from OPEC affect the decision? Any relation between Trump’s anti- US goals toward Iran? Qatar’s announcement of its in- OPEC policies and Doha decision? No. Qatar’s oil production is not tention to withdraw from OPEC took No, I don’t think there is any link be- significant compared to other major almost everyone, including many sea- tween Trump’s critical comments about oil producers, and its withdrawal from soned observers of Qatari politics, by OPEC and Doha’s decision to withdraw OPEC will not affect US policies towards surprise. Qatari government stated from the organization. Iran. As I had stated earlier, Qatar’s that it would like to concentrate on global energy influence is in the natural its natural gas sector, but this reason How do you see the future of the 60 gas sector and not in OPEC and oil. alone cannot really explain why the years old organization? country needed to withdraw from Today, one-third of the world’s oil What will be the possible reaction of OPEC to do so. Qatar already has a production is attributable to three Russia and China to Qatar’s withdraw? robust natural gas industry and is the countries: Saudi Arabia, Russia, and Will this decision affect China’s One leading exporter of liquefied natural the United States. Two of these coun- road-One belt project? gas in the world. tries are not OPEC members, and Saudi Russia is more interested in coordi- Arabia has been increasingly coordinat- nating its natural gas policies with Qa- Is there any relation between Qatar’s ing its oil policy with these non-OPEC tar than it is in Qatar’s oil production. decision and the Saudi policy in the members. So, I don’t believe OPEC Also, I don’t see any changes to China’s organization? today has the clout it once had in the “Road and Belt” policies as a result of I think there is an element of truth global oil markets. OPEC served a use- Qatar’s announcement to withdraw to this argument. After all, the Saudis ful purpose in its heyday but its glory from OPEC. China’s policies in this re- have become the single most impor- days are gone now. Of course, it still gard are multifaceted and complex and tant dominant voice and player in to- does have influence but it no longer has are not affected Qatar’s decision to day’s OPEC. Perhaps the Qataris decid- the cohesiveness that it once had, and withdraw from OPEC. Interview Page 15 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Murder of Khashoggi hardened Congress resistance to nuclear agreement with KSA: Daryl Kimball
Saudi Arabia insists on having Uranium enrichment and reprocessing while the US wants “Gold Standard” in its agreement with Riyadh which doesn’t include enrichment and reprocessing. Based on 123 treaty, will the US finally give up to Riyadh demand? The US-Saudi negotiations are not go- ing well. US Energy Secretary Rick Perry has been pressured by many members of Congress to ensure that Saudi Arabia agrees not to pursue uranium enrichment technology or plutonium separation tech- nology, also known as the “gold standard.” The Saudis are, according to our sources, are steadfastly opposed to any restrictions along these lines and they do not want to give the IAEA inspection authority under the terms of the Additional Protocol. There have been many statements of Interview by: Javad Heirannia believe that this is a message from SA concern from Congress this past year, but to the US that it will advance its nuclear most recently of interest includes reports Daryl Kimball, executive director activities even without the US What do of legislation to be introduced by Demo- of the Arms Control Association in you think of this? cratic Rep. Brad Sherman would require Washington, says “I do not believe the Saudi Arabia has already concluded a “gold standard,” and would also amend Congress will approve a civil nuclear nuclear cooperation agreements with the process of approval for civil nuclear cooperation agreement with Saudi France, Argentina, South Korea, and cooperation agreements to make it more Arabia if it does not meet the “Gold Kazakhstan. Some of these states need difficult to pass Congress. See: https:// Standard.” but do not have authorizations from the www.vox.com/2018/11/9/18072660/sau- United States for the transfer of nucle- di-arabia-nuclear-deal-congress-123-agree- He adds that “murder of the journal- ar services, technology or assistance ment-sherman ist Jamal Khashoggi has hardened resist- to Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia currently Furthermore, some members of Con- ance in Congress to any nuclear agree- has a Comprehensive Safeguards Agree- gress have called for the US-Saudi negoti- ment, especially one that would allow ment with the IAEA, they have not con- ations to be suspended altogether. A letter for the transfer of sensitive enrichment cluded an Additional Protocol arrange- sent to President Trump on Oct. 31 signed or reprocessing technology to Saudi Ara- ment with the Agency. by five Republican Senators (Marco Rubio bia.” The Nov. 6 groundbreaking recently (R-FL), Todd Young (R-IN), Cory Gardner Kimball tells the Tehran Times in announced by the Saudis does not nec- (R-CO), Rand Paul (R-KY) and Dean Heller an exclusive interview that Saudi Ara- essarily mean that this is ground being (R-NV) https://www.rubio.senate.gov/ bia probably will not accept a nuclear broken for the two nuclear power reac- public/index.cfm/press-releases?id=8F7C- agreement with the US like the one US tors which the Kingdom is getting bids FEEC-998A-472C-AD87-C664404C4CD7 has signed with the UAE. on from the US and other countries. To and a similar letter by Democratic Senator Following is the full text of the inter- do so, Saudi Arabia needs to conclude Ed Markey (D-MA) https://www.markey. view: its negotiation on a bilateral civil nuclear senate.gov/news/press-releases/sena- cooperation agreement with the United tor-markey-calls-for-suspending-all-civ- Saudi Arabia started its research States under the terms of the US Atomic il-nuclear-cooperation-with-saudi-arabia nuclear reactor in Abdulaziz city while Energy Act, which Congress can block if suggest suspending the talks. it has not reached an agreement with it is not satisfied with the terms of the In recent weeks, the murder of the the US on nuclear activities. Some agreement. journalist Jamal Khashoggi has hard- » Interview Page 16 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY ened resistance in Congress to any nu- to include firm and serious terms in enrichment. If Trump administration clear agreement, especially one that possible agreement with Saudi Arabia, agrees with Saudi demand, will the would allow for the transfer of sensitive this may result in Riyadh’s tendency to congress approve it? enrichment or reprocessing technology have nuclear cooperation with Russia I do not believe the Congress will ap- to Saudi Arabia. and China or South Korea. How will prove a civil nuclear cooperation agree- Washington solve this problem? ment with Saudi Arabia if it does not Will Saudi Arabia accept a nuclear Even if Saudi Arabia chose to go with meet the “Gold Standard.” agreement with the US as the one US a South Korean firm, it would still need has signed with UAE? consent by the United States for various Some say that the US will never agree Probably not. Responsible states nuclear technology transfers. with granting a strategic concession like should--as the UAE did—pledge not to Also, Russia and China may not be ap- enrichment to Saudi Arabia that can pursue uranium enrichment and pluto- pealing partners for Saudi Arabia because change the balance of power against nium reprocessing, and ratify the addi- US technology has a better record of safe- Israel. What do you think of this? tional protocol. There is a glut of urani- ty and reliability than what Russia and Chi- The Israelis have been vocal about um for nuclear electricity production. na have available for export, and another their concerns regarding an expansion Domestic uranium enrichment is not reason the kingdom may not desire Rus- of the Saudi nuclear program, and have necessary to exploit nuclear energy pro- sian systems is that they are the top sup- raised their concerns multiple times duction. Plutonium is not needed for ci- plier of nuclear reactors to Iran. with the US administration. However, vilian nuclear purposes and is well-suit- Furthermore, the Nuclear Suppliers Israel realizes their ability to stop the ed for nuclear weapons. Group (which includes Russia and South deal is limited, and so have present- We and many others will oppose any Korea) has a set of voluntary guidelines ed to administration their preferred US-Saudi nuclear cooperation agree- that prohibit its member’s states from parameters for a deal. For more on ment that does not include the “Gold transferring sensitive uranium enrich- that, see https://www.axios.com/is- Standard” and certain additional non- ment or plutonium reprocessing tech- rael-united-states-red-lines-demands- proliferation safeguards. Our more nology to be transferred to any state in a saudi-arabia-nuclear-deal-d010de3e- detailed assessment of the risks and region of proliferation concern, such as 69ad-4de1-bc5e-0387dd5b91dc.html the options is described in this Arms Saudi Arabia. While many members of Congress Control Association report from April have been very vocal about retaining a 2018: https://www.armscontrol.org/is- The US always expresses its concern 123 agreement that adheres to strong sue-briefs/2018-04/risks-nuclear-coop- about the issue of non-proliferation nonproliferation standards, few, if any, eration-saudi-arabia-role-congress which will be contradictory to US have used a balance of power against The US knows very well that if it tries possible agreement with Saudi’s Israel as a justification for their beliefs. US new sanctions to impact Iranian nation: Dorsey
Interview by: Javad Heirannia disagreements with Europe to acceler- ate efforts to transact in currencies oth- James M. Dorsey, a senior fellow at the er than the US dollar. S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies at Singapore’s Nanyang If Iran cannot export oil or banned from Technological University, says the new SWIFT, then what that means for the US sanctions will affect the lives of the JCPOA? I mean in that case is it rational Iranian people. for Iran to stay in the JCPOA? Iran would retain the moral high ground Dorsey also says, “Iran would retain by remaining committed to the JCPOA. the moral high ground by remaining committed to the JCPOA.” Some argue that these new sanctions Following is the text of the interview: will not affect the Iranian people. What do you think? The US has returned all sanctions US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin There is no doubt that they will. against Iran. Do you think that the has announced that Washington wants sanctions will meet the US national the world-wide payment network to Do you think that the mechanism called interest in the long term? cut off its services to the entities that the “Special Purpose Vehicle” will ful6fill The proof will be in the pudding. In were affected by the Iran sanctions Iran’s trade with other countries? the short term certainly not. However, otherwise SWIFT might be sanctioned It won’t be perfect but it could help longer term much will depend on devel- as well. Can the US do it? alleviate some of the impact of the US opments in Iran itself. The US could but it would escalate sanctions. Interview Page 17 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Al-Khalifa regime threatened people to vote in elections: Bahraini cleric
The Director of Bahrainis Seminary they can implement their plans and pro- rights is just words and no actions as in Iranian holy city of Qom Sheikh grams and carry out all of their actions they only care about their own interests. Abdullah al-Daghagh condemned the in the name of the Bahraini people,” he He said that Al-Khalifa regime is the recent elections in Bahrain as a farce, said, stressing “the Bahraini opposition Western countries’ strategic ally and saying that the Al-Khalifa regime had and the people of this country will never they will not cut their support for it un- threatened the people to vote. accept this.” less their interests requires them to do With the regard to human rights sit- so. Sheikh Abdullah Al-Daghagh, who uation in his country, Sheikh Abdullah With respect to attempts by Arab previously served as the representa- al-Daghagh said “the prisoners in Bah- countries, especially Bahrain to nor- tive of prominent cleric Sheikh Isa Qa- rain are in a terrible condition. Al-Khalifa malize relations with Israel, al-Dagh- ssim in Iran, told Mehr News Agency regime’s forces are escalating crackdown agh said “we condemn the process (MNA) correspondent that the Satur- on the people.... A former Bahraini MP of normalizing relations and the so- day’s parliamentary elections in Bahrain who had asked a question on boycotting called the Deal of the Century…Pal- was a ‘farce’ as the Al-Khalifa regime the elections in a tweet on his Twitter estine is our number-one issue. Any had threatened the people to turn out account is in jail now. Everyone in the country seeking to normalize relations to vote otherwise they would face big country who speaks out against injustice with Israel is a traitor because Israel is problems living in the country. is put behind bars.” an illegitimate government and a can- He said that the people of Bahrain The Bahraini cleric said that some cerous tumor that colonists created in boycotted the polls because the situa- parts of the society turned out to vote in the Arab world…. Anyone who partic- tion in Bahrain had got worse than ever, the elections because they were under ipates in this process will be thrown adding that the elections would not immense pressures from the authori- into the dustbin of history.” be real unless the Bahraini authorities ties. He touched upon Iran’s role in sup- reached a real agreement with the peo- With regard to the silence of the porting the resistance movement, say- ple. international community against the ing “Iran deos a lot in support of re- “The opposition groups boycotted Al-Khalifa regime’s actions, he said that ligious and press freedom. It tries to the elections with the hope of a reach- the international community with the send the message of our oppressed ing rule of law and a national reconcil- United States at the top are supporting people to the world, and this is done iation. But the ruling system seeks to the Saudi kingdom and Al-Khalifa re- through television networks and me- establish a parliament through which gime and their call for respecting human dia programs.” Interview Page 18 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
EU army won’t threaten NATO future: ex-CIA official Interview by: Javad Heirannia such as France and Germany? President Macron probably did not The idea is indeed old, dating back to mean that he envisioned a US military Professor Paul Pillar, who was CIA the proposed European Defense Com- attack on France or Western Europe. intelligence analyst for 28 years, tells munity in the early 1950s--which never He probably meant there was a need the Tehran Times that “today the idea was established for reasons largely in- to “defend” against the United States of a European military force clearly is volving domestic politics in the United in the sense that the Trump adminis- getting a boost from the many frictions Kingdom and France. Today the idea of a tration’s policies and perspectives were between Europe and the Trump European military force clearly is getting causing real danger to European securi- administration in the United States.” a boost from the many frictions between ty in other ways. Europe and the Trump administration in Pillar says an irony is that European the United States. The highly nationalist Trump opposed the plan and in self-sufficiency in defense, as a Europe- and narrowly focused policies of Trump response to Macron’s remarks called an military force would embody, would have led many Europeans to conclude the formation of this army offensive. mean Europe assuming more of the bur- that they simply cannot rely on the Unit- Due to Trump’s reaction and his den for its own defense--which is what ed States for their security. renewed appeal to Europeans to give Donald Trump has been calling for every money to NATO, can these disputes time he complains about NATO and its Speaking to the “Europe 1” radio, threaten NATO’s future? members. French President Emmanuel Macron There is no reason NATO’s future Following is the text of the interview: called for the formation of a real needs to be threatened by any of this. European military to counter Russia’s An irony is that European self-suffi- The idea of forming a joint European threats and also independence from ciency in defense, as a European mili- army is not a new idea, but in recent the USA. In the interview, the French tary force would embody, would mean days, with the comments of Emmanuel president said: “We have to defend Europe assuming more of the burden Macron and Angela Merkel and the ourselves against Russia, China, and for its own defense--which is what reaction of Trump has taken a new even USA.” Why does France now name Donald Trump has been calling for dimension. What are the reasons for the United States alongside China and every time he complains about NATO the progress of this project by countries Russia as a threat? and its members. Interview Page 19 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Senior analyst: US had no choice but to grant Iranian oil buyers waivers
Interview by: Javad Heirannia
A senior Iranian oil and gas market analyst says the current state of oil supply in the market is not comparable with that in the 2011-2012 period where a major producer like Iran could be eliminated from the global oil market or even its supply be halved.
When the list of the anti-Iranian US sanctions was released, the world rightly acknowledged that the oil policy of Trump Administration had failed, and the world was still in need of Iran’s oil supplies. Now, Tehran is free to sell oil to eight countries such plexes. Incidentally, given the arrival a major producer like Iran could be as Japan, South Korea, India, China, of shale oil (very light crude) supplies eliminated from the global market, or Italy, etc. Why Trump was defeated in into the market, the need for a kind its exports be halved or even brought its oil policy towards Iran is the topic of of relatively heavy crude oil from Iran to zero. In effect, the market structure, an exclusive interview Shana held with is unavoidable, and I guess that even beyond the price trend, imposes its Fereydoun Barkeshli, president of Vi- some US refineries will need some of conditions on political decisions. enna Energy Research Group in Austria Iran’s crude oil supplies. and the National Iranian Oil Company’s The other point, however, concerns What is the most important reason for former general manager for OPEC and the oil market structure. Of course, it the US to grant waivers to oil buyers? international affairs, who stresses that is true that on the demand side, there From the outset, the United States “Iran needs to set up an energy strate- was a slight decline in the second half had announced that countries which gy roadmap based on its own interests of 2018, which is due to a decline in would reduce their oil purchases and the full knowledge of the global consumption in China; but on the sup- from Iran prior to imposition of the conditions.” ply side, none of the producers includ- sanctions would be granted waivers. The following is an excerpt from ing small ones like Gabon and Angola, As we saw, a number of countries and Shana’s interview with Mr. Barkeshli. or major ones, such as the sheikdoms companies cut their purchase of Ira- in the Persian Gulf and North Africa, nian oil from a while prior to impo- Why did the US fail in boycotting Iran’s could even produce OPEC quota alloca- sition of the sanctions and, in some oil? tions. This is a valid report which has instances, some completely cut their In fact, President Trump’s failure been endorsed by the Organization oil imports from Iran. In fact, this was in imposing sanctions on Iran’s oil ex- of the Petroleum Exporting Countries a kind of collusion between those ports was clear from the start. Trump, (OPEC) and the International Energy countries and the United States so in his personal manner, explicitly said Agency in Paris. that they would be granted waivers that he would bring Iran’s oil exports By the end of the first half of 2018, if they supported US policies against to zero. From the very beginning, Saudi Arabia and Russia increased their Iran. At the same time, Washington this statement made observers think production to some extent and began intended to assess market conditions whether Trump might have backed to stockpile oil. The US has also kept without Iranian oil; granting sanction down on imposing embargos on Iran; stocking crude oil, but the inventories reprieves to eight countries to con- inasmuch as market experts know are still below the average of the past tinue buying oil from Iran shows that well that every crude oil supply with five years. the US has had no choice but to back certain characteristics and technical Therefore, the supply situation is down from its initial stance to bring specifications are suitable for differ- not like the years 2011 and 2012, when Iran’s oil exports to zero. ent refineries or petrochemical com- » Interview Page 20 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
How much will oil prices rise after Iran The Americans are at war with us, al, sometimes overwhelming, fronts, sanctions? but they have taken their warships at the same time; pulling out of the Well, I remember the time when to Saudi coasts to protect the Saudi North American Free Trade Agreement Iraq’s Saddam invaded Kuwait in regime. Anyhow, by the end of 2018, (NAFTA) and exerting pressure on the 1990s which coincided with an there can be no expected change in Mexico, putting pressure on the Euro- OPEC meeting. Reporters woke Zaki the price of crude oil. pean Union and weakening NATO, the Yamani, the then-Minister of Oil various economic and political chal- (Petroleum) and Mineral Resources What impact does tapping oil lenges with China, centralization of of Saudi Arabia, during night and inventories have on the global market? the already-unstable Middle East asked him now that Saddam had at- Withdrawal of oil from strategic as the center of his foreign policy tacked Kuwait and 4.5 mbd of crude reserves is like triggering the alarm and many other domestic and inter- oil had been removed from the for the oil market. If you remember, national policies, have put Trump market, “what do you think will be President Trump announced a while in a difficult situation. The strate- the price of crude oil?” Yamani re- ago that he would tap US strategic gic economic depth of Iran is not sponded it would be $100 per bar- oil inventories, which was in fact one comparable to any other country rel. I should remind you that at that of his biggest mistakes and may have in the Middle East; there are over time, the price of crude oil was $20 been a sign of his frustration. When 20,000 medium-sized and large per barrel. Of course, the prices did Henry Kissinger asked NATO and indus- industrial units in Iran; the tech- go up to only $32 a barrel, but they trial nations in 1974 to build strategic nological intelligence capabilities never reached $100. What I mean oil inventories, he said in his speech in of the Iranians are tremendously is that the risk of predicting prices Paris, “our goal was not to physically high; the widespread presence of in the oil market is high, and it is in- use these reserves, but they are made Iran’s Internet network in the world teresting to note that when experts for our enemies to know that they can is ranked seventh. Of course, one of predict the prices, they will never never impose embargos on us.” This our main weaknesses is in the pub- be reprimanded even when they announcement by Trump was a perfect lic relations, which is not capable of do not predict the prices correctly. illustration of his weakness and fear in presenting the country’s capabilities Brent crude is now priced at around light of the decision to impose sanc- at the required level. When and how $70 per barrel. Future and geopolit- tions on Iran’s oil exports. the US bullying policies will end is not ical changes can alter the situation. up to Iran. People choose their leaders The difficult and unstable conditions How long can the US continue its as they wish. Our goal is to preserve in the Arabian Peninsula may have bullying behavior in the world? and regulate our relationships and in- more significant effects on oil prices. President Trump is striding in sever- terests. Opinion Opinion Page 22 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY The sad fate of Europe’s leading figure By Hanif Ghaffari
According to a new poll conducted by IFOP, French President Emmanuel Macron and Prime Minister Edouard Philippe’s popularity ratings hit new lows as the “yellow vest” protests are getting more and more serious.
The poll’s results which were pub- lished on Tuesday, indicated that Ma- cron’s approval rating fell to 23 percent, down six percentage points on the pre- vious month, while Philippe’s fell to 26 percent. It’s to be noted that the “yellow vest” demonstrations were initially held on Nov. 17 in protest to fuel-tax rises. But then it took an anti-Macron color and became a broad movement. The poll also shows that France Attending in Germany’s National der to increase fuel taxes. It also seems 40-year-old president’s score now Remembrance Day for the victims of that he should take more appeasing ac- matches the low charted by his social- war and dictatorship, Macron said that tions to satisfy the demonstrators. Un- ist predecessor François Hollande in late the French-German alliance “is invest- der such circumstances, other reforms 2013. Hollande was then widely con- ed with this obligation not to allow that were to be implemented by Ma- sidered to be the least popular head of the world to slide into chaos, and to cron’s government in near future now state in modern French history. accompany it on the road of peace.” look much less likely to happen. It will, Protesters condemn Macron of clos- The picture which the French Pres- in turn, prevent the realization of devel- ing his eyes on the rising cost of living ident was trying to draw at that time opments that Macron has promised the in France. During the recent rallies, is way different from the reality which French citizens, which will subsequent- four people have died and dozens were flaunts in Paris streets. Please use the ly lead to more anger inside the French wounded. sharing tools found via the share button society. The protests raised at a time when at the top or side of articles. Now Ma- Now it seems that things are getting some analysts were speaking of Ma- cron-haters have seized upon the pro- a lot worse. Protests and street violence cron’s role in leading Europe! Not tests in Paris and are shouting that the are likely to go on for months, turning long ago, there were talks of Ma- French president stands revealed as a the mire even more frightening for both cron becoming Europe’s new Angela massively flawed leader — remote, ar- French citizens and their president. The Merkel, and that he’s slowly assum- rogant and pushing an outdated neolib- outcome of the existing chaos can be ing her role as Europe’s leading fig- eral agenda. the raise of a far-right or far-left presi- ure. As Merkel’s center-right Chris- Before this, the theory was that if dent in France next elections. tian Democratic Union (CDU) fared Macron could demonstrate his ability Now Macron’s dreams to be known badly in the September general elec- to change France, he would also take as Europe’s leading figure are all gone. tions, her status as Europe’s leading decisive steps towards a genuine Eu- Indeed, he’d be lucky if an early elec- figure has taken a hit. On the other ropean economic government, and tion doesn’t terminate his presence in hand, Emmanuel Macron emerged then a reformed, strengthened EU had the Elysee Palace. The “yellow vests” victorious from the French presiden- the power to push back against the are currently his most terrible night- tial elections, defeating France’s far- extremists and far-right movements mare. Macron, who came to power right candidate Marine Le Pen and which gathered lots of support over with the slogan of economic develop- entered the Elysee Palace. last years. But this theory has failed! ment in France and the economic and From that time on, Macron had sev- Macron’s domestic agenda ran into political leadership of the European eral meetings with European authorities trouble, and as a result his interna- Union, has definitely failed to become on migration, fixing the euro currency, tional agenda is failing. This is the sto- a strong leader in Europe. Today he’s Europe’s defense, taxing digital compa- ry of France’s young president. considered a defeated figure in the nies and other issues. This was while his In the face of recent protests, Macron French economy and politics, rather authority was flagging at home. had no way but to withdraw from his or- than Europe’s leading figure. Opinion Page 23 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Tel Aviv’s ‘northern shield’ operation’s objective in Lebanon border By: Mohammad Ghaderi
As the Zionists fear of Lebanese Hezbollah’s power increases day by day, they make military drills to practice the real battle with the Lebanese resistance’s group. On December 4, 2018, Zionists launched an operation dubbed “Northern Shield” to discover the Hezbollah cross-border tunnels.
On Tuesday, the Chief of General Staff of the Israel Defense Forces Gadi Eizen- kot called off his trip to Germany due to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanya- hu’s special meeting with the US Secre- tary of State Mike Pompeo in Brussels, the Zionist media reported. In fact, Netanyahu, who was scared of the Palestinian resistance after his defeat, has taken measures to restore the Israeli army on the other side of the Hezbollah cross-border tunnels. his domestic image, especially since border. Lebanese army forces and UNI- The White House supports the illegit- charges were brought against him about FIL troops are on standby in Lebanon. imate child of the Middle East corruption and bribery. Israel’s threats do not change anything, Bolton in a tweet message wrote, “US With the start of the Zionists military especially since residents of the border strongly supports Israel’s right to defend movements on their border with Leba- village are always threatened anyways.” its sovereignty, calls on Hezbollah to re- non, the Lebanese army and the United UNIFIL also released a statement frain from escalation and violence and Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, UNI- that said, “the overall situation in UNI- to stop digging tunnels into Israel’s soil. FIL, were on standby. The Lebanese army FIL’s area of operation remains calm and He also asked Iran and its allies to issued a statement to the military move- peace-keeping forces have boosted their stop taking provocative actions in the ments of the Zionist regime near the oc- patrols along the blue line alongside the region that could threaten Israel. cupied Palestinian border with Lebanon. Lebanese armed forces in order to main- tain stability and prevent any movement Exploring the objectives of Zionist’s Lebanese army statement to Tel Aviv’s that could lead to tension. UNIFIL’s com- operation on Lebanon boarder military movement mander, Dick Cole, is in close contact with By looking at the Zionist military The statement reads, “the situation all the Lebanese armed forces and the Is- moves, we realize that Israeli’s opera- on the Lebanese side is calm and sta- raeli army, and wants all sides to maintain tions are not a new issue or surprising ble, and it is being scrutinized, despite calm. UNIFIL watches the blue line around change in terms of military and security the fact that Israel launched Northern the clock and reports all violations of Se- affairs, because the Zionist military ac- Shield operation over the alleged Hez- curity Council resolution 1701.” tions in the lines of confrontation on the bollah’s tunnels in southern Lebanon on Lebanese President Michel Aoun also border of the occupied territories have Tuesday morning. The Lebanese army contacted Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the not stopped at all. In Gaza, Israel is al- forces are stationed in the region for Parliament of Lebanon, Saad al-Hariri, ways sought to uncover Hezbollah tun- normal border missions, in cooperation the Lebanese Prime Minister, and Joseph nels, and in southern Syria, the move- with UN forces in Lebanon, to prevent Aoun commander-in-chief of the Leb- ments of this regime have not stopped any tensions or instability in southern anese Armed Forces, and during these in the occupied the Golan Heights. Lebanon. The Lebanese army is ready to calls, he assessed the situation with regard But what’s significant is Netanyahu’s deal with any possible incidents.” to the scope of the Zionist operations and domestic situation, which is in deep cri- On the recent Israel’s movement, Ali requested that the Lebanese security forc- sis, due to the change of battle rule as Rammal, mayor of Adaisseh village in es closely monitor the situation. his minister of defense’ resignation, and southern Lebanon said, “the situation Meanwhile, John Bolton, the US Na- on the other hand because of the Netan- of the settlements and border areas is tional Security Advisor defended the yahu and his wife’s corruption scandal. quite natural despite the operation of Zionist regime movement against the In addition, in the regional and inter- » Opinion Page 24 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY national affairs, the imposition of the US sanctions against Iran has failed. FATF member countries, the very The Zionist regime is aware of the dangerous changes in center of money laundering the conflict rules with the re- sistance group in Gaza, Leb- By: Mohammad Ghaderi anon and Syria, and it knows too well that in the case of war, While Iranian Foreign Minister the three resistance groups Mohammad Javad Zarif asks for joining will unite against their com- FATF (The Financial Action Task Force on mon enemy. Money Laundering), it is obvious that the Hezbollah has always pro- member countries of this organization claimed readiness to confront are already actively engaged in money any Zionist adventure and has laundering, Mehr news agency reported. a strategic capability that can complete the deterrence equa- The foreign minister claimed that large third of Canadian banks don’t follow tion and deter attacks against amounts of money are laundered in Iran, standards that combat money laundering. the enemy. Hezbollah has also but according to the official sources, 90 According to the Week, at least 18 of recently revealed strategic ob- percent of European banks and Canada the 20 biggest banks in Europe, including jectives within the occupied are systematically engaged in money laun- five UK institutions, have been fined for- of Palestine that has the situation dering. fences relating to money laundering over under their nose. He further claimed that the opponents of the last decade. joining FATF are against financial transparen- Donald Toon, director of prosperity Expert’s view cy and benefit from money laundering prof- at the National Crime Agency, admitted Rafat Badawi, Lebanese its which amount to billions and joining FATF that money laundering in the UK was “a analyst told Elnashra, “the would prevent such transactions. very big problem” and estimated that the outcry of the Zionist enemy It seems that the term “financial trans- amount of money laundered each year has is a shout of fear and horror, parency” has turned into a pretext for FATF now risen to a staggering £150 billion. and propaganda and media defenders to silence critics and justify their According to Reuters, Estonia, the Eu- devices are not important claims. ropean Union member country of just 1.3 for misleading public opin- The important question here is “is FATF million people, has been at the center of a ion on either side. What the a reliable organization in combating mon- money-laundering scandal involving Dan- Zionist regime was doing on ey laundering and do its members have ske Bank, handled more than $1 trillion in December 4 in a search of total financial transparency?” cross-border flows between 2008 and 2017. northern occupied Palestine, By looking at the background of FATF However, FATF had not put Estonia on claiming the discovery of a member countries, it is revealed that mon- the list of high-risk countries in terms of tunnel linked to Lebanon was ey laundering is still closely interwoven financial transactions; and the country to mislead the public inside with their financial and banking systems claimed that it cooperated with Council Israel and misguide the IDF and this international organization has of Europe Select Committee of Experts on from crises. Israel is not able failed to prevent money laundering. the Evaluation of Anti-Money Laundering and won’t dare to confront Money laundering statistics in FATF Measures (MONEYVAL). Hezbollah. Since the Zion- member countries According to these statistics, it seems ist regime has always been Money laundering happens when mon- that “fighting money laundering” is merely the cause of instability in ey resulted from illegal activities enter the used as a cover-up to control some coun- the region, it is unlikely that clean financial or banking system of a coun- tries and holding them back in doing busi- the green light of the US will try; this phenomenon has now turned into ness with each other. bring about moves aimed at a major problem in international financial It seems that our Foreign Minister disturbing the situation.” and banking systems. should look for systematic money laun- Given the strength of the European Union member countries dering in the European Union and other Lebanese resistance, Hezbol- and North American countries are the world markets and publicize them. Contra- lah’s Secretary General Seyed major members of FATF, so it is expect- ry to his statement, there has never been Hassan Nasrallah has given a ed that these countries comply perfectly money laundering with such magnitude definite answer, “It is unlikely with rules set against money laundering; in Iran and the existing money laundering that the Zionists carry out a however, in recent months, several inter- activities can be controlled with complete stupid act, because they know national news agencies have reported of enforcement of local laws against money they will have to face devastat- these countries’ extensive engagement in laundering and following check laws as ing consequences.” money laundering. well as implementing the local scheme for According to Wall Street Journal, two tax on investment income. Opinion Page 25 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY West return to 2007: Europe’s anger over incompetent politicians By: Mohammad Ghaderi
The anger and discontent of European citizens over European politicians is increasing day by day. While more than ten years have passed since the economic crisis in Europe, we are still witnessing austerity plans in this block.
France’s recent round of demon- strations isn’t limited to this country anymore, and we’re now witnessing demonstrations in countries such as Belgium and the Netherlands. Many European citizens spent the years between 2007 and 2012 with the hope that the austerity policies would affect the devastated economy of Unit- ed Europe and the Eurozone. That’s why they tried to cooperate with their own governments (which were main- the impact of austerity policies adopted ropean countries should also be added ly the far-right and social-democratic for ten years inside the EU borders? to the economic and credit crises in the administrations). However, after 2012, They can clearly see that the adop- West. The crisis is heavily extended in we witnessed the end of European cit- tion of such policies has had no effects countries like Italy, causing a lot of trou- izens’ patience towards politicians like on improving their economic condi- ble for other member states of the Eu- Merkel. tions. The existing economic crisis rozone. The economic cohesion of the Part of this dissatisfaction revealed continues to be felt in everyday life of Eurozone member states has fueled this itself in cases such as the European European citizens. The rise of the signs trend. Parliamentary Elections in 2014, where of the financial crisis in Europe, and the In any case, it seems that the pa- more than 100 right extremists man- decline in credit ratings, and the growth tience of European citizens has come aged to enter the European Parliament. of unemployment in countries that to an end. As noted, according to the Now, in 2018, we are witnessing the continue to be affected by the financial predictions, these crises were to be continuation of the economic crisis in crisis have created many social crises in resolved before 2012, and economic Europe in the security, social and polit- Europe. growth symbols was to be replaced by ical spheres. The protests that are taking place austerity symbols. But at the moment, It’s not without a reason that the today in France and other European there is little indication of economic number of nationalist groups’ support- countries are not merely an objection growth in European countries, and aus- ers has increased in the mentioned ar- to rising fuel prices or tax increases terity policies remain strong. eas. The security crisis is strongly felt in for low-income groups. It is a protest Finally, it should be concluded that today’s Europe. Common policies which against the unstable economic struc- the European countries, especially the were adopted by European authorities ture of the European Union and the Eu- EU member states, have no choice but couldn’t improve the security crisis rozone. to “self-destruct” their economic foun- within the Schengen borders and other Emmanuel Macron, the young dations and replace them with new pat- European borders. French president, as an economist, terns. If European officials continue to During 2015 and 2016 (and some- promised to redefine the existing eco- insist on existing methods and economic how in 2017), the Immigration and nomic structure in the Eurozone, with models, they will be doomed to failure security crises in Europe caused other regard to the current economic crisis. in the near future. In this case, nation- issues such as the economic crisis to be- However, Macron himself has now be- alist groups and far-right extremists will come marginalized. But now it’s shad- come the symbol of crisis in Europe! dominate Europe’s political, economic, owed over the whole of Europe. Under The economic crisis in European social and security equations, and this such circumstances, the main question countries doesn’t limit to austerity pol- would definitely be a terrible nightmare of European citizens is that what was icies! The external debt crisis in the Eu- for those like Merkel and Macron. Opinion Page 26 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Will Clinton have the EU’s support? By: Hanif Ghaffari
In her recent remarks, the US defeated candidate in the 2016 presidential elections pointed to the current challenges in Europe and tried to take a stance accordingly! Hillary Clinton, who spoke briefly of her possible presence in the 2020 presidential elections before, warned against the raise of nationalism in Europe, while praising Angela Merkel’s policies toward immigrants.
“Europe must get a handle on immi- gration to combat a growing threat from rightwing populists”, Hillary Clinton has said, calling on the European authorities to send out a stronger signal showing they are “not going to be able to contin- ue to provide refuge and support”. “I admire the very generous and compassionate approaches that were taken particularly by leaders like Angela Merkel, but I think it is fair to say Europe Hillary Clinton is now trying to regain going security crises, and because of the has done its part and must send a very this support. It should not be forgotten continuous presence of terrorist groups clear message – ‘we are not going to that Hillary Clinton will face a tough that have been fueled by the United be able to continue provide refuge and in-party competition for the 2020 pres- States and its European partners, were support’ – because if we don’t deal with idential elections. This is while some forced to immigrate to Western coun- the migration issue it will continue to Democrat leaders are no longer willing tries. In such a situation, Hillary Clinton roil the body politic,” Clinton added. to support Hillary Clinton against her ri- speaks as if she has basically had noth- Clinton criticized US President Don- vals as before. ing to do with creating this crisis in the ald Trump for his support for the Brexit. The second point is about Hillary West! Brexit, described by Clinton as the big- Clinton’s role in creating the immi- The final point is that Hillary Clinton gest act of national economic self-harm gration crisis inside Europe and in the has twice been a candidate in the US in modern history, “was largely about international system. In 2013, the for- presidential elections held in 2008 and immigration” she said. Hillary Clinton mer US Secretary of State has played 2016, and she was defeated in both. also warned against Brexit consequenc- an important role in the establishment Hence, many Democrat voters prefer es during her speech. of ISIS and other Takfiri and terror- to support a second candidate during This is while Donald Trump has long ist groups in West Asia. The United the 2020 presidential elections. Clinton, been supporting the UK’s exit from the States’ indirect financial and arms sup- however, seems to be willing to re-ap- European Union, and has even advised port for the terrorist and Takfiri groups pear in the next electoral competitions other European countries to follow Lon- reached its climax during Hillary Clin- through the lobbies of her husband Bill don’s decision to leave the EU. Regard- ton’s presence in the US Department Clinton, and other remarkable Demo- ing Hillary Clinton’s remarks, there are of State. crat figures such as Al Gore and Made- some points that should be taken into Under such circumstances, the for- leine Albright. consideration: mer foreign Secretary of State is one of At any rate, the polls’ results indi- Firstly, Hillary Clinton’s main goal of the main agents in creating terror and cate that Hillary Clinton doesn’t have praising Europe is to implicitly appeal insecurity in West Asia and North Af- a chance to win the next US presiden- for a renewed European political sup- rica. We all know that one of the main tial elections. According to recent polls port for her in the upcoming presiden- reasons for the immigration crisis in conducted in the United States, people tial election. We can remember that Europe is the insecurity raised in the like Elizabeth Warren, Joe Biden, Bernie in the 2016 presidential elections, the Middle-East as a result of the American Sanders and even John Kerry have more leaders of the three European countries officials’ intervention! chances to win the next elections com- of Germany, France, and the UK, sup- Many residents of the Wes-Asian and pared to Hillary Clinton, a fact that Clin- ported Clinton against Trump. North African countries, due to the on- ton doesn’t want to accept! Opinion Page 27 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
France’s unrestful days with Macron
By: Mohammad Ghaderi cate that Macron’s popularity has fallen an important step in defeating Macron by %25 over the last months. Today, the in France’ next presidential elections. It French President Emmanuel Macron French president is striving to resist the is not unreasonable that some analysts is going through hard times. On the opposition groups in his country which consider far-right extremists behind the one hand, Macron’s popularity with are basically against his policies. These recent protests in this country. the French citizens has drastically opponents are mostly members of the Undoubtedly, recent protests in fallen during recent months, and the nationalist movement of France, along France will not be the last round of continuation of public protests in with conservative and socialist activists! protests against the administration of different cities of France has created a The fact is that in 2021, Chancellor Emmanuel Macron. These protests will difficult situation for the young French of Germany, Angela Merkel, will step continue until 2022 (The time for France president. down from power. Many analysts be- next presidential elections). Without lieve Merkel’s successor won’t be able a doubt, the French protests and the Under such circumstances, many an- to influence the European equations the political fate of Emmanuel Macron will alysts of the French affairs believe that way she could, at least not in the near also affect the equations of the united Macron is not going to have a better future. On the other hand, regarding the Europe, making this block and the Eu- fate than Francois Hollande and Nicolas Brexit, British authorities can’t play an rozone even more vulnerable. In such a Sarkozy, and if he’s not removed from important role as the leader of the Unit- situation, it’s not exactly clear that what power before 2022, he doesn’t have a ed Europe. would be the European leaders’ final de- chance to win in the next presidential Under such circumstances, the French cision and policy towards France’ ongo- election. Anyway, the “yellow vests” see themselves as undisputed leaders of ing protests. have severely disturbed the French Europe (after 2021). Therefore, Macron’s It should be noted that France pro- president’s dreams. political and social opponents are -deter tests occurred just at a time when Eu- It should not be forgotten that in mined not to let him regain power in the rope was more vulnerable than any time 2017, Macron came to power with the next elections. Moreover, in 2017, French before, due to the London’s exit from slogan of economic development in citizens practically turned their back on the EU. This has motivated the opposi- France and the economic and political their country’s two traditional parties, tion groups inside the European coun- leadership of the European Union. How- namely, socialists and conservatives. tries for departing the European Union ever, the French president has failed to Under such circumstances, Marin Le and the Eurozone, which consequently become a strong leader in Europe. To- Pen and French nationalists are hope- resulted in the intensification of na- day he’s considered a defeated figure in ful about the next year European Par- tionalism through the Green Continent, the French economy and politics. liament elections. They hope that by an issue that has raised deep concerns The polls conducted in France indi- winning these elections, they can take among European officials. Opinion Page 28 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY
ed ploy to intimidate Iran, Hook accused the Houthis’ of ‘reckless use of advanced US propaganda war against weapons provided by Iran’. He didn’t mention the billion dollar arms deal between the US and Sau- Iran doomed to failure di Arabia, the same arms being used to slaughter Yemenis. He didn’t talk about the blockade of aid supplies triggering world’s worst humanitarian crisis with thousands of deaths over the past three years and more than 22 million people in need of assistance. Iran, he said, has ‘no legitimate inter- est’ in Yemen, other than to ‘expand its sphere of influence and to create a Shia corridor of control’. So, what interest does the Saudi regime have in Yemen and what interest does the US government have in supplying arms to Riyadh. Pertinently, the US State Department had admitted in leaked cables that Hou- this were not Iran’s proxy and they re- ceived neither funding nor weapons viding “materiel support” to the Taliban By: Syed Zafar Mehdi from Iran. That’s what happens when you in Afghanistan. don’t do your homework well. Or maybe, At a time when the Trump administration A select group of journalists were in- ignorance is bliss. is facing backlash at home over its vited for a briefing in Washington by Bri- He went on to accuse Iran of arming the military support for the Saudi-led an Hook, US special representative for Taliban, the same militant group that was coalition in Yemen and disgraceful Iran. Hook began by saying that the US on CIA’s payroll once. The same militant defeat in Afghanistan after 18 years deeply valued its “partnership with the group that has been holding ‘secret parleys’ of war, spin doctors in Washington are UAE, Bahrain and Israel”. That is how the with the US officials in Qatar. The same mili- looking for convenient scapegoats to agenda was set for the briefing. tant group the US wants to keep alive to jus- escape accountability. UAE is an integral part of the Saudi-led tify its occupation of the war-torn country. alliance that has wreaked havoc in Yem- Taliban spokesperson punctured his Last week, five human rights watchdog en, with the US support. Bahrain, where claim saying the militant group has weap- bodies issued a terse statement, saying Al-Khalifa regime has been committing hor- ons depots spread in various parts of the US will bear shared responsibility for rendous war crimes, is home to the Ameri- Afghanistan. He said the US government what may be the largest humanitarian can Fifth Fleet. Israel, a key US ally, has been was just seeking to deflect global atten- catastrophe in decades if it doesn’t end illegally occupying the Palestinian territo- tion from its failures in Afghanistan by support for the Saudi-led coalition in ries and brutalizing native Palestinians. leveling such unfounded allegations. Yemen. Ironically, Saudi journalist Jamal After the initial round of lavish praise As a reminder, on the afternoon of Oct. Khashoggi’s brutal murder has brought for these three regimes, with terrible hu- 7, 2001, when the US and its allies started the spotlight on Saudi regime’s war man rights record, Hook spoke about the the deadly air raid in Afghanistan, Rums- crimes in Yemen. imaginary ‘dangers’ posed by Iran’s ‘dan- feld said the objective of the ‘campaign’ In Afghanistan, the US imposed war, gerous proliferation of missiles across was to decimate the Taliban and al Qaeda which has stretched into its 18th year the Middle East’. The agenda was clear: hideouts in the country. As of today, the now, has turned out to be an exercise in to spread misinformation against the Is- war has completed 17 years, consumed futility. Even the top-notch US officials lamic Republic, which dares to say ‘no’ to thousands of lives, and cost US taxpayers have admitted defeat there, thereby em- the ‘Big Satan’ and all its allies, including more than $150 billion. All this without boldening terrorist groups like Taliban these three regimes. achieving the stated ‘objective’. and ISIS to up the ante. He conveniently forgot that his coun- And it’s not Iran supplying weapons to Amidst this hullabaloo, the ‘astute’ try’s commitment under Article VI of Non the Taliban. It is the United States. The advisers of Trump have come up with an Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to work towards Special Inspector General for Afghanistan innovative ‘idea’ to escape culpability for total disarmament has turned out to be Reconstruction (SIGAR), a US government Yemen and Afghanistan. Only that this hogwash. He forgot that US ally Israel has watchdog body, in a report last year de- idea doesn’t seem to work. refused to open its nuclear facilities for UN tailed the horrible job Pentagon does at A few days ago, Pentagon unveiled inspections and refused to adhere with the keeping weapons that eventually end up what it called “new evidence of Iran’s on- resolution regarding non-proliferation. in terrorist hands. And some of the weap- going missile proliferation”, claiming that Displaying pieces of what he said were ons are from Soviet war days when Amer- Tehran’s support of Houthi rebels in Yem- ‘Iranian weapons supplied to militants in icans and Taliban were fighting together. en has “deepened” and it has been pro- Yemen and Afghanistan’, a tried-and-test- Hook perhaps needs lessons in history. Opinion Page 29 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Kornet missile wins over Netanyahu’s cabinet By: Mohammad Ghaderi color from the Israeli flag, leaving only began with a cease-fire in Gaza, and white in the sign of surrender. We have then the strategic mistake of sophisti- The Israeli-Palestinian conflict last week completely lost the deterrent power cated security operations continued to has had a huge impact on the Zionist and Hamas has succeeded in achieving make matters worse. And then the ex- regime’s security and in its politics and deterrence against Israel. We are in a change of allegations led to a danger- media. Most of the Hebrew media, in state of ineffective security that we have ous military tension that ultimately led their analysis, has noted that Israel’s not witnessed since 1973,” he added, to the resignation of the Israeli Defense deterrence may have been damaged, and also said that Israel had become rel- minister Avigor Leiberman, and possibly for one thing. atively powerless and without an opera- the announcement of a new Israeli elec- tional agenda. He suggested that Israel tion.” The damage began when the Zion- should target Hamas leaders, houses, He added: “The winner was Hamas ists sent in a Special Forces team which cars, and their families, and put them in in last week’s developments. Hamas botched its planned operations in Khan deep fear and force them to live under- inflicted more damage than it received Yunis, in the south of Gaza. A brief con- ground. with its heavy rocket attacks around flict ensued with Palestinian resistance Referring to this latest Middle East Gaza.” fighters and this led to hundreds of development, he said that the Middle The failed Israeli operation allowed home-made missiles being launched East sees new and stronger enemies Hamas to launch nearly 500 missile at- into Israel. The so-called “Iron Dome” like Hezbollah in the north and Hamas tacks on Israel. It even knocked out an proved to be porous. in southern Israel. Israel fought against Israeli bus with a missile. The Resistance Zvi Fogel, a former head of the IDF three Arab countries in the war of June succeeded in turning the blockade into a Southern Command told Maariv: “The 1967 and defeated all, but today, he crisis for the Israelis. security situation in which Israel is in- said, Israel cannot apparently end the Analysis by the Zionists, especially sulting, and not seen since the October battle with Hamas. the regime’s troops, showed dismay at 1973 war. It seems that politicians do Zionist TV network 2 also reported the apparent relative helplessness of not pay attention to the future of Israel that the regime suffered a painful lesson the Tel Aviv authorities. Now, given the and are engaged in political games. And from the failure of the Special Forces at failed operation, there are political con- even Benjamin Netanyahu gives us the Khan Yunis. sequences for Netanyahu ahead similar story of an unacceptable illusion.” Yoav Limor, a military expert and se- to those which befell Ehud Olmert fail- “After the recent clash with Hamas, curity analyst for the Israeli newspaper ures in Lebanon years ago, and Hamas we removed David’s star and the blue Al-Youm, said: “We spent developments is not nearly as powerful as Hezbollah. Opinion Page 30 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Democrats vs. Trump: The dispute is intensified
By: Hanif Ghaffari ters in Washington. “It’s about restoring investigate Donald Trump’s administra- the Constitutions’ checks and balances tion, and their potential targets include The mid-term elections in the United to the Trump administration. It’s about Russian interference, tax returns, money States ended with the majority stopping the GOP and [Senate Majority paid to individuals to keep them silent of Republicans in the Senate, and Leader] Mitch McConnell’s assaults on over the president’s moral corruption, Democrats’ victory in the House of Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care security clearances, etc. The Washing- Representatives. Democrats in the Act, and the health care of 130 million ton Post wrote accordingly; “Democrats House of Representatives are now Americans living with preexisting medical are likely to launch investigations into preparing themselves to confront conditions.” numerous aspects of the Trump adminis- Trump and challenge his position at In another report, the Washing- tration, from its ties to Russia to the pres- the White House, as they seem to be ton Post focused on the angry stances ident’s tax returns, as well as to step up disappointed with the resistance of the some of the new representatives of oversight into Trump’s executive actions Senate to Trump and his friends. the House took in facing the US Pres- on immigration, the environment, and ident; “Energized by their success in other regulations.” Describing the political sphere ruling last week’s midterms and courting po- Gerry Connolly, the Democrat Repre- over the US House of Representatives, tential primary voters outraged by the sentative said; “Obviously the country the Washington Post writes: “Democrats actions of the Trump administration, gave us the mandate to provide some took control of the House on Tuesday virtually every Democrat considering a check and balance on the executive that night, a victory that will transform a Re- White House run is talking about fight- that has been sorely missing these last publican-controlled chamber that sup- ing in one form or another — and try- two years, and that involves rigorous ported and protected President Trump ing to prove he or she is prepared for oversight and accountability.” He added; into a legislative body ready to challenge the match... Some, like Sen. Elizabeth “This is not a time for holding back or be- and investigate him.” Warren of Massachusetts, have taken ing less than vigorous.” The Democrats intend to quickly start aggressive stances that suggest a will- Evidences suggest that in the coming with a legislative package of anti-cor- ingness to take on Trump directly.” weeks, the first phase of disputes be- ruption measures aimed at strengthen- It’s to be noted that on election night, tween the House of Representatives and ing ethics laws, protecting voter rights Warren said that Trump and his “corrupt the White House will start. Democrats and cracking down on campaign finance friends” took the past two years “build- in the House of Representatives have abuses. ing a wall of anger and division and re- threatened that they don’t let the White Washington reports: “Tomorrow will sentment.” In her remarks, she pointed House be indifferent to them. By this, be a new day in America,” House Minori- to the “fight” ahead more than two doz- they’re referring to issues such as the ty Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) declared en times. GDP management which can disturb the from the Democratic Party headquar- The Democrats are also planning to activity of the government. Page 31 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Report Report Page 32 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Where borders divide, music unites: Poland celebrates national day in Iran with music
By: Marjohn Sheikhi
The Polish Embassy in Tehran celebrated the centenary of Poland regaining independence with a concert of classical music on Sat. in Vahdat Hall, welcoming diplomatic figures with various nationalities as well as the Iranian music lover community to a few hours of sharing common sentiments.
“Perhaps one of the greatest means to achieve global peace and harmony is cultural exchange. It opens up the vistas of human understanding and fur- ther expands our universal conscious- ness. Let us raise ourselves from the that only music can manage. The concert was performed by Nilper narrow perspective of being a citizen of For this reason, the Centenary of Po- Orchestra, founded in 2004 for perform- a particular country to global citizenship land Regaining Independence was cele- ing contemporary classical music. The that is the greatest demand of modern brated with a concert of classical music first part consisted of a four-movement world.” These are the words of Indian au- on Saturday night in Vahdat Hall – one piece by Ahmad Pejman (1937), an Ira- thor-poet Preeth Nambiar in his poetry of Iran’s most distinguished cultural in- nian classical composer notable for his collection, ‘The Voyage To Eternity’, in stitutions in downtown Tehran. operatic and symphonic works, followed praise of cultural relations as means to The event was attended by repre- by ‘Three Pieces in Old Style’ (1963) com- bridge the gap among all nations. sentatives of Iranian cultural institutions, posed by Henryk Mikołaj Górecki, a Polish The sentiment behind these words ambassadors, attaches and other figures composer of contemporary classical mu- seems to have resonated well with the from diplomatic community, Polish expa- sic, and ‘Orawa’ (1986) by Wojciech Kilar Polish embassy in Tehran, which decid- triates living in Iran, and of course some (1932-2013), a Polish composer of music ed to do something different this year Iranian music lovers, all gathered togeth- for more than 130 motion pictures. This for the celebration of Poland’s nation- er to listen to Polish and Iranian music part was conducted by Nilper’s principal al day. Instead of the diplomatic norm performed by young Iranian and Polish conductor, Navid Gohari (1984), who is to celebrate a country’s national day by musicians in what the chargé d’affaires at also the founder of the Contemporary holding a formal, exclusive reception at Polish embassy in Tehran, Mr. Wojciech Music Circle of Tehran Museum of Con- the embassy for a specific guest list, the Unolt, described in his opening speech as temporary Art. Polish embassy decided to reach out to the “best way to express the community Part II was the highlight of the perfor- a wider audience, that would include Ira- of our values and sentiments.” mance: Fryderyk Chopin’s Piano Concer- nian public, and bring them together at Mr. Unolt opened the event by dis- to No. 1 in e minor Op. 11, under the ba- a cultural venue instead of a diplomatic cussing the significance of Poland’s ton of guest conductor Martyna Kosecka site, and surround them by notes of mu- national day (November 11) as the day and accompanied by one of the most sic and harmony instead of diplomatic the country regained its independence outstanding Polish pianists of his gener- chatter. And indeed, what strikes me the in 1918 after having resisted foreign ation, Tomasz Zając (1994). Ms. Kosecka, most about such a decision is how the dominion for more than a century. who is praised for her neo-expressionist inherent patriotic nature of a country’s Although “Poland was erased from compositional soundscapes in music, independence day is set aside for a more the political map of Europe,” the was phenomenal on the stage, and the inclusive approach, a warm embrace of chargé d’affaires made a good point of ensemble of Iranian musicians followed another country’s culture, a celebration, reminding the gathering that the coun- the demonstrations of her metrical not of one country’s exclusive existence try always “remained part of its human rhythm with perfect ease and precision. with its distinctive features and border- and cultural landscape.” He maintained The night was concluded by a soul- lines, but of all the common values and that while Fryderyk Chopin did not see ful solo piano performed under the sentiments that bring nations together, free Poland in his lifetime, but with his expert fingers of Tomasz Zając, and the that gifts them a chance to experience a music, he built a monument of Polish, ensemble were escorted off the stage strong sense of oneness in a holistic way and universal, culture. with a long, standing ovation. Report Page 33 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY Poland to celebrate centenary of regaining independence by classical concert in Tehran By: Marjohn Sheikhi
Nilper Orchestra will stage a classical concert on Nov. 17, partly sponsored by the Polish Embassy in Tehran, in celebration of the centenary of Poland regaining its independence.
2018 marks the the centenary of the state of Poland regaining its independ- ence. The Chargé d’affaires at Polish Em- bassy in Tehran, Mr. Wojciech Unolt, put special emphasis on the word ‘regain- ing’ during a press conference held on the occasion at Vahdat Hall, a perform- ing arts complex in downtown Tehran, on November 11. Vahdat Hall was hosting the presser been under foreign dominion in their communicate with one another through since the arts complex has been chosen country, he said, adding that independ- the medium of music; “by listening to as the venue for a major classical con- ence finally came only at the end of First the music produced by musicians of both cert to be jointly performed by Iranian World War. countries, the audience can feel and expe- and Polish musicians in celebration of While it is the diplomatic norm to cel- rience how close we are to one another, the 100th anniversary of Poland regain- ebrate a country’s national day by hold- and how many values and sentiments we ing its sovereignty (11 Nov. 1918). ing a formal reception at the embassy share,” he added. The Polish chargé d’affaires was for a specific guest-list including the au- “Our hope is that this concert will joined by executive director of Nilper thorities of the host country, as well as contribute not only to make Polish his- Orchestra, Ehsan Tarokh, artistic direc- friends and colleagues, this year, Poland tory better known to Iranian public but tor and principle conductor of Nilper has decided to commemorate the event also to share common values and senti- Orchestra, Navid Gohari, and Polish with another goal in mind: to make the ments,” he stressed. musician and guest conductor Martyna occasion an opportunity for Iranian peo- The concert, partly sponsored by the Kosecka, who in turn gave a brief intro- ple to get to know the Polish culture a Polish Embassy in Tehran, will be per- duction on the joint classical concert little better. formed by Nilper – a privately-owned scheduled for November 17. “It seemed to us that with Iranian orchestra founded in 2006 with a focus Talking about the significance of Nov. public listening together to Polish and on performing both classical and con- 11 for Polish people, a day celebrated Iranian music executed jointly by Irani- temporary music. around the world as the Armistice Day an and Polish musicians in Tehran would The event, slated for November 17, – a day that ended the First World War – be a far better way to celebrate the cen- will be held in two parts: the first part Mr. Unolt said that for Poles, the Nation- tenary of Poland’s independence,” said will be performed under the baton of al Day is not the independence day, but Mr. Unolt. Iranian conductor Navid Gohari, and the rather the ‘regaining’ of independence. A cultural interaction through the second part will be conducted by Polish “The polish independent state was medium of music indeed sounds like a pianist, composer and conductor Marty- born more than 1,000 years ago,” he good idea to bring the focus on what na Kosecka. said. “And for several centuries, it was matters the most: the commonalities. Kosecka is no stranger to the Ira- one of the biggest states in Europe. In Music is a universal language, Mr. Un- nian classical music scene, as well as the beginning of 19th century, however, olt touched upon this very well-known the Persian language. In 2013, togeth- Poland disappeared from the political fact, which was even proven by a study er with Iranian composer Idin Samimi map of Europe.” at Harvard University that underlined that Mofakham, she co-founded Spectro He added that this period during “our shared psychology produces funda- Centre for New Music, specializing in which Poland did not exist as a political mental patterns in song that transcend giving workshops in area of modern entity corresponds more or less to the our profound cultural differences.” music and organizing concerts. Their Qajar dynasty which ruled Persia from The Polish envoy maintained that the intensive efforts helped to run the 1st 1794 to 1925. main idea behind the concert was so that International Contemporary Music For more than 100 years, Poles had the people of both nations could easily Festival in Tehran. Report Page 34 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY The short film appeal; a roundup of 35th Tehran Intl. Short Film Festival By: Marjohn Sheikhi tival in the Middle East,” these are the shadow the popularity of long features words used by Director of 35th Tehran where famous, money-making film stars A successful short film in Iran, which International Short Film Festival, Sadegh engage in lengthy dialogues and dramat- can appeal to the not-so-easily im- Mousavi, to describe the Iranian short ic actions, and their stories become so pressed taste of Iranian audience, seems film event currently underway at Mellat important, so gripping, that the audi- to be built around a ‘punchline’, which Cineplex in an upscale Tehran neighbor- ence would sacrifice nearly two hours serves as a figurative punch to the gut. hood. of their time and a big chunk of their If there’s no punchline, then technique With 34 successful editions already savings just to see how it all ends? After needs to come to the rescue; otherwise, in the bag, the festival is noteworthy all, there is simply not enough time in a the audience is left wondering about the enough in terms of experience and vol- short film to develop a full story, and the whole point of the film. ume of screened films and total number director and cast are not usually famous “The most important cinematic event of audience and participating filmmak- enough to act as in impetus to grab the in Iran, and without exaggeration, the ers from all around the world. But is audience’s attention. most significant international film fes- the appeal of ‘short film’ able to over- Despite this, the short film industry is booming because making short films is cheap. It can also serve as an easy way to gain experience as a filmmaker and see whether you are cut out for bigger pro- jects. On the other hand, the audience may have started to grow an appetite for short films, if the high number of people tuning in to watch 30-minute something TV shows is any indication. The growing trend of short film enthusiasts is espe- cially evident in Iran, perhaps thanks to the many international appearances (a formidable figure of 2,000 international events) and won awards (370 awards, according to the festival director), that put short films in the spotlight. A case in point is ‘Retouch’, directed by Kaveh Mazaheri, in which a startling look into the seemingly ordinary life of a young couple shocks the audience into bouts of disbelieving laughter and awed ex- pression. The 20-minute film already has a Wikipedia page, and has made it into nearly 200 film festivals across the world, raking in awards as best short film and best screenplay. The powerful presence of Iranian shorts in the international cinematic scene makes it all the more urgent to give special attention to the short film industry in Iran. As of now, the short films have just recently found a way into the Iranian movie theaters (mainly Tehran, and a number of major cities), presented in a package of five or six, during a particular season. On the other hand, Tehran Short Film Festival has still retained its free-of-charge policy, which » Report Page 35 |No. 12| |Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY makes for a good incentive for bringing screened Iranian shorts were longer ly 5,100 films had been submitted this in a huge number of audience and intro- than the lines for foreign films. I year, mostly from France and the US. ducing them to the charm and power of watched some 20 foreign short films He said the festival’s panel in charge of short films, but it also makes no money in the TISFF’s international section, selecting the lineup was especially inter- to further support the short film indus- and I wondered on more than 10 oc- ested in films that moved beyond what’s try. casions about the point of the story: a perceived as “ordinary”, and as such, Mousavi, who is also the managing daughter goes missing and the moth- only 64 films made it into the interna- director of Iranian Youth Cinema Socie- er walks the streets at night in search tional section. ty (IYCS) – the organizer of TISFF, goes of her. She finds out a girl’s body has With a lineup of over 100 films, 40 so far as to describe short film as the been retrieved from the river, and the foreing guests, 20 specific sessions on “backbone of Iranian cinema”, adding film fades out with the mother sitting cinema, and an international short film that Iran’s cultural and artistic cinema is on a hard plastic chair in a morgue, market launched for the very first time, guided by short films. waiting to identify the body. Although the 35th Tehran International Short He also said that the festival offers the plot incorporates the elements of Film was a successful attempt at bring- the “best perspective on Iranian short tragedy which are all-too-familiar with ing back the focus of the filmmaking films situation to the world.” the Iranian film industry, it fails to de- industry on a genre that is, regrettably, For the most part, it seems to me, liver that punchline that was supposed overshadowed by big silver screen pro- that Iranian shorts lend themselves to to make a point. The film leaves you ductions, and allowing the audience to dark themes of tragedy and intense con- strangely dissatisfied as the credits witness the artists’ play with various cin- flict that don’t necessarily resolve with a roll. ematic styles and creative experiments happy ending. A successful short film in If the story lacks a punchline, tech- in a stimulating environment. Iran, which can appeal to the not-so-eas- nique needs to come to the rescue. A The festival’s main competition grants ily impressed taste of Iranian audience, number of short films at the interna- a total of $13,000 to films in Best Fiction, seems to be built around a ‘punchline’, tional section had made good use of Best Documentary, Best Animation, Best which – true to its name – serves as a special and eye-catching techniques, Experimental, and Video Art categories, figurative punch to the gut, leaving the which made you forgive the film for its and the Grand Prix for the best film of audience gasping for breath at the mo- unoriginal story. the main competition receives $5,000 in ment of truth. If there is no punchline, Four days since the 35th TISFF kicked cash prize. the audience may be left wondering off in the capital, and the enthusiasm Presided over by Sadegh Mousavi, about the whole point of a short film. and love for watching more and more the 35th Tehran International Short Film For this reason, perhaps, the lines short films have not died down. Accord- Festival is underway in the Iranian capi- outside the movie theaters that ing to the festival director, approximate- tal from 9-13 November 2018. Page 36 |No. 12|Nov - Dec 2018 MEHR NEWSAGENCY News in Vision News in Vision Tabriz drowned infog Yalda Night Yalda Night
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