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April 2021 | Issue 22 A Monthly Newspaper Issued by The Levant News Media International - London Founder & Director: Thaer Alhajji | Chief Editor: Shiyar Khalealِ

Turkey and Dubai Britain’s right Foreign Policy Biden.. DIHAD royal rumpus Reset in Britain Unsuccessful Exhibition Attempts

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The Current Head of UK Embassy in Libya China Oxgenates Iran with Billions of Dollars On March 27, Iranian Foreign Minister All Foreign Forces Must Withdraw Javad Zarif and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi signed a «strategic cooperation pact» to deepen from Libya trade, economic and political cooperation. The UK ambassador to Libyan government revealed December 24 this year and As well, The two countries will also step up Libya Nicholas Hopton confirmed that the president of the Libyan stabilizing the country through military cooperation with joint training, research that: «All foreign forces must Presidential Council Mohamed national reconciliation. and intelligence sharing. Iran–China 25-year withdraw from Libya» and that al-Menfi submitted an official The issue of foreign mercenaries, Cooperation Program includes upgrading Iranian airports, harbours and railways, infrastructures, «the Government of National request to Turkish President which are about 20,000 fighters, is building new seaports, increasing cooperation Unity will work to unify the Recep Tayyıp Erdoğan to one of the most serious challenges in energy, oils and petrochemistry in addition to country.» withdraw mercenaries and the new Libyan authorities face. 450 billion-dollar Chinese investments in Iran. He also confirmed the need to Turkish military experts The US newspaper New York Times said that the continue the political process. from Tripoli.» Al-Menfi, deal could deepen China’s influence in the Middle «We will work with our partners who visited Turkey last East and undercut American efforts to keep Iran to support the withdrawal of the Friday, asked Erdoğan to isolated. But it was not immediately clear how foreign forces from Libya, to stick to the requirements Nicholas Hopton much of the agreement can be implemented transfer it to the elections and of the transitional phase while the U.S. dispute with Iran over its nuclear restore its full sovereignty.» in Libya which ends program remains unresolved. The pact reflected He added. A source from the with elections on China’s growing ambition to play a larger role in a region that has been a strategic preoccupation of the United States for decades.

ISIS Appears in ... and Takes over City On March 27, after days of clashes, Islamist insurgents* seized the town of Palma, in northeast Mozambique, 10 kilometres away from a major gas project run by the French company «Total». A source told the «AFP» that: «Government forces have withdrawn from Palma so the town has been taken by a jihadist group.» Another source confirmed that: «The insurgents had taken the town and fighting in the area is still ongoing after clashes were suspended for months.» Witnesses said they saw bodies in the streets of Palma. Security reports stated beaches are strewn with headless bodies. The Mozambican newspapers Pinnacle News said that tens of civilians were beheaded and at least 21 members of the government forces were killed by ISIS insurgents who launched a three-pronged attack on the city of Palma.» Reports Turkey and Biden.. Unsuccessful Attempts

Turkey knows tovery well Fix that What Erdoğan RuinedAmerica, itits NATO ally, on the the success of its expansion plans and Russian S-400 defence systems, if preservation of what it sees as military Washington withdrew its support gains -achieved with the help of its for Syrian Kurdish forces (the Syrian militias in Syria, Libya, Azerbaijan Democratic Forces). “We can find and elswhere- largely depends on a solution for the S-400s in our US cover or -at least- the lack of a negotiations with the US but we real objection to its expansion in the expect them to see the facts about the conflict zones and exploitation of the YPG. If we cannot find a solution, we civil wars in the Middle East to revive cannot go anywhere in relations with Turkish hegemony and fulfil the the US.” dream of Neo-Ottomanism. Turkey Tests America’s Reaction Therefore, Trump's defeat in the US Following an exchange of statements presidential elections was a severe by both sides, Ankara tried to take blow to Turkey's plans for more advantage of its military offensive expansion and influence, especially against the Kurdish fighters' The American president (Left) and his Turkish counterparts that the Democratic president Joe strongholds on the border with Iraq. Biden does not seem to favour reality of the tension between Turkey of ours would be in line with one of The attacks led to the killing of Turks Erdoğan. and the US. Reading between the lines our biggest strategic competitors in who had been held captive by the of Turkish president’s spokesman, Russia is not acceptable,» He added. Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) only confirms the speculations issued Blinken noted «I think we need to Turkey Tries to Clear the Air for years. The Turkish President by the former Ambassador to Israel, take a look to see the impact that accused the US of supporting the Turkey has tried to clear the air with David Friedman, on 12 January the existing sanctions have had and Kurdish fighters and claimed that the Washington. It has made friendly regarding the state of tension and then determine whether (there is) PKK militants executed 13 Turks in diplomatic statements but the US confrontation between Ankara and more that needs to be done «Turkey Northern Iraq. He also said that the US is yet to reciprocate. On 10 January, Washington, when he stated that is an ally, that in many ways... is not statement condemning the killings “if ten days before Biden assumed office, «Biden is expected to take a hardline acting as an ally should and this is a PKK’s responsibility is confirmed”, Turkey's presidential spokesman with Turkish President Recep Tayyıp very, very significant challenge for us was “a joke” as it implied scepticism Ibrahim Kalin said that «U.S. Erdoğan.» and we're very clear-eyed about it,» towards the Turkish version of events. President-elect Joe Biden's transition Blinken added in the same context. team wants to communicate with Turkey tried to frame the PKK for Turkey was not happy with the killing the 13 Turkish captives, while Ankara» and that “They say they Turkey's Hollow Vanity US attitude; it issued bizarre want to develop good relations When Turkey’s diplomatic messages the PKK confirmed that they were interpretations of the US refusal to killed by «friendly fire» as a result with Turkey and turn a new page.» failed to extract any positive reaction accept the status quo under Erdoğan's Speaking Turkish broadcaster, CNN from Biden, Ankara decided to of the Turkish air strike on the camp rule. The funniest interpretation where they were held. Turk, on 10 Jan to Ibrahim Kalin escalate the tone. On 14 January was when an MP of the AKP Orhan added: “Biden, while he served as Turkish Defence Minister Hulusthei Finally, Turkey had to try everything Miroğlu claimed that Joe Biden is and say anything in its strive to [Barack] Obama's vice president, Akar stated that it would be «very actually a Kurdish descendent of came to Turkey four times and problematic» for Ankara to turn disrupt the US support for the Syrian the Biruki tribe whose ancestors Democratic Forces and distract knows the region. Our contacts with back on its purchase of Russian S-400 emigrated to the US. the transition team so far are very defence systems. He also reiterated divert attention from Erdoğan’s positive” that Turkey was in talks with Russia expansion plans in the region. On 20 Although these statements sound on obtaining a second consignment Ankara Submits to Biden February Erdoğan claimed that the ordinary at face value, they actually of the S400 defence systems. “We Less than a month after Akar's leaders of US Capitol Hill attack had send several messages. Some of these invite (the United States) to distance statements about the difficulty of links to YPG. He claimed that: «The messages were aimed for domestic themselves from threatening turning back on purchase of Russian links of those who led the attack to audience reassuring Turkish people language such as sanctions,» Akar S-400 defence systems, he retracted the separatist organization's Syrian that the Biden administration will told journalists in Ankara. his comments in the face of the Biden branch YPG/PYD were revealed,» not impose new sanctions and that On 20 January, the US secretary of administration’s firm resolve. In an referring to PKK as the separatist Ankara can appease Biden and win State Antony Blinken responded interview published by the Hürriyet organisation. * him over. While others were aimed accusing Turkey of not acting like an daily on 9 February, he said that Erdoğan is still actively trying to get for Washington offering a truce to ally. He noted that it was possible to his country will propose activating Biden on his side but to no avail. mend fences. impose more sanctions on Ankara its Russian S-400s only partially, in Biden said earlier that the Turkish However, it seems that the Turkish over the purchase of S-400 missile negotiations with the United States. opposition must be supported to messages were not as conductive as defence system. «The idea that a He said also that Turkey would defeat Erdoğan in the 2023 Turkish they were revealing, in terms of the the strategic - so-called strategic - partner be willing to offer concessions to presidential elections. The Levant | Issue 22 - April 2021 2 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports Meghan and Harry: Racial Discrimination

After Harryand and Meghan Loss of Titles .. What's Next?Fayed described Prince Philip as a announced in January 2020 that they «Nazi» and «racist» in the Supreme quit royal duties, the royal family Court during the proceedings of the plunged into a crisis. Last month, lawsuit filed by the billionaire against Buckingham Palace confirmed that people he believed were involved in the couple will never return to royal the “assassination” of Princess Diana life as they wish to start a new life and his son Dodi. He pointed out that independently in the US. Oprah the hospital that could have treated Winfrey's interview with the couple Princess Diana was 10 minutes has received widespread attention away from the accident site in the because of the bold statements that Alma Tunnel in Paris, but they were they made during it. Most notably, transported to another hospital that the fact that Harry felt let down by was more than an hour away from the his father, Meghan’s suicidal thoughts site. and the concerns within the royal Prince Harry said in one of the family about Archie's skin colour. two clips that he fears “history was The interview shook the British royal repeating itself,” referring to his palace as Meghan accused the royal From the Oprah interview last month mother, Princess Diana, who died at family of racism, lying and pushing the age of 36, in a car accident because her into the brink of contemplating it’s fair to say this two-hour tell-all The Daily Mirror highlighted the she was followed by the paparazzi to suicide. She said that her young son represented a worst-case scenario for “deep sadness” of Prince Charles, Paris after her divorce from Prince was denied the title ‹Prince›, while what the couple kept referring to as Harry’s father and his older Charles. Harry said: «I›m just really Harry said that his family had cut The Firm. brother William. The Daily Express relieved and happy to be sitting here him off financially and that his father, The BBC thought that the interview condemned the couple's television talking to you with my wife by my Prince Charles the Crown Prince of was destructive as it reveals “terrible interview with Oprah and said it side.» «I can›t begin to imagine what Britain, had let him down and refused pressure in the palace” and reflects serves to the interests of Harry and it must have been like for her (Diana) to answer his calls at some point. the “image of careless individuals Meghan who have lived in the United going through this process by herself. Royal biographer Anna Pasternak lost in the institution”, sharing the States since leaving the royal family It's been unbelievably tough for the told the BBC: “It was a very soft- same indifference. While the Times last spring.» two of us, but at least we have each serving, soapy interview in Meghan’s went on to say: « Whatever the Like other newspapers whose pages other.» He added favour.” Nobody asked her about her royal family was expecting from this were closed before the interview was Buckingham Palace has hired an relationship with her father, nobody interview, this was worse. Meghan broadcast, the Daily Mail published external law firm to investigate asked her [about] the astonishing suffered suicidal tendencies. She was a “powerful” message sent by Queen claims that Meghan, Duchess of fact that she only had one member concerned for her mental welfare. Elizabeth II, Harry’s grandmother, Sussex, bullied royal staff. The Palace of her family at her wedding. This She wept at an official engagement. about the sense of duty, during her initially said it would investigate is a woman who seems to make a And the royal family did nothing to televised speech an hour before Harry after a British media report earlier habit of falling out with people, but help.” and Meghan's interview. ITV used this month cited unnamed royal none of Meghan’s real behaviour The picture that emerged was of a a military metaphor to described aides as saying a complaint had been was questioned. It was an absolute couple who were vulnerable, who what happened during the interview: made against Meghan in 2018. A exercise in torching the House of felt trapped in their roles and who “The couple shipped a B-52 bomber, spokesman for Buckingham Palace Windsor.” regarded themselves as unprotected drove it over Buckingham Palace and said: «Our commitment to look into In an article published on 9 March, by the institution. Harry also revealed lowered their arsenal over it.» the circumstances around allegations the Daily Telegraph said that there how bad his relationship was with the The family had been previously from former staff of The Duke and was no point in the Royal family rest of his family. He said relations accused of racism more than ten years Duchess of Sussex is being taken “hiding behind the sofa” as they with his father got so bad that the ago in a well-known TV interview. forward but we will not be providing “needed a bullet-proof vest as Harry Prince of Wales stopped taking his This interview reminded us of similar a public commentary on it.» and Meghan let rip”. There were calls. He also accused his family of accusations made by the Egyptian This move comes as the Palace genuine concerns about the damage cutting them off financially.,” the billionaire and former owner of faces a crisis over the allegations the interview could inflict on the newspaper added, referring to the Harrods, Mohamed Al-Fayed after made by Prince Harry and Meghan British monarchy. The Conservative “harmful accusations”. The Times his son Emad Al-Fayed, known as in their explosive interview with newspaper added: “From Meghan’s believed that the interview broadcast «Dodi», and «Princess Diana» were Oprah Winfrey. Harry and Meghan revelation that she was almost driven by the American channel CBS killed in a car accident in Paris in 1997. did not comment on Monday, but a to suicide by being in the Royal “showed a picture of a weak couple Al-Fayed accused the British royal spokesperson for the couple previously family, to the astonishing claim that who felt they had been imprisoned family of «racism and hatred» in a dismissed bullying accusations Harry was questioned about the and left without protection from the television interview with Egyptian reported by The Times newspaper as potential colour of Archie’s skin, royal family.» journalist Amr Adeeb. In 2008, Al- «defamatory.» The Levant | Issue 22 - April 2021 3 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports Aid and Coronavirus a Focus on Africa.. Dubai Ruler naugurates DIHAD Exhibition

15 March, Sheikhand Mohammed Conference bin international community must be zones. It is a unique initiative that was Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President more purpose-driven in pivoting launched from the UAE, the land of Noor Martini of UAE, Prime Minister and Ruler from delivering aid to ending need.» possibilities, to serve the whole of of Dubai, inaugurated the 17th She continues: «To succeed, we humankind. session of the Dubai International must activate the humanitarian – In parallel to the conference, The outbreak of COVID-19 in Humanitarian Aid & Development development nexus through joint DIHAD featured a rich exhibition late 2019 has exposed the weakness Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD), design, financing and implementation with participation from 600 of of the aid system around the world. which took place between 15 - approaches. We must support Africa the world’s most prominent non- Despite the numerous international 17 March in Dubai International and herald its promising future and governmental organisations, organisations, which are supposed to Convention Centre. use all tools at our disposal to support humanitarian governmental be ready for such global disasters, the African governments, communities associations, businesses, suppliers World Health Organization (WHO) and international brands. Why DIHAD is Important and people, in their efforts to harness was unable to fulfil medical needs. the full potential of this land of Additionally, the 17th edition of Giuseppe Saba, CEO of the The world witnessed severe shortage unmatched opportunity.» DIHAD brings together the biggest of medical supplies and personal International Humanitarian City donors, stakeholders, and major UAE protective equipment, like surgical in Dubai, spoke of his delight to based charities and foundations like gloves and masks, the thing that participate in Dubai International Parallel Events ‘Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum created crisis between neighbouring Humanitarian Aid & Development This year DIHAD agenda includes Global Initiatives’ (MBRGI), states over the confiscation of Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD), the ‘International Humanitarian the ‘Dubai Future Council on shipments of medical supplies. and said: «DIHAD represents an Hackathon’ final pitch day; the Humanitarian Aid’, the ‘Mohammed The shortage of medical supplies opportunity for exchanging lessons eight qualified teams from Egypt, Bin Rashid al Maktoum Humanitarian was not the only challenge; learned and improve our preparedness KSA, USA, and UAE will present and Charity Establishment’, the economies across the globe were for the most appropriate emergency their creative ideas and solutions for ‘Islamic Affairs & Charitable seriously affected by the pandemic. response. The IHC in Dubai, which is tackling the identified humanitarian Activities Department’, the ‘Emirates The situation was do dire in some the largest Humanitarian Hub in the challenges. Red Crescent Authority’, the countries that they faced food crisis. world, made extraordinary efforts in The importance of the ‘International ‘United Nations’, ‘Dubai Cares’ and Some Arab countries managed to response to the Covid-19 epidemic.» Humanitarian Hackathon’ lies not ‘International Humanitarian City’, effectively control the pandemic He continued: «Dubai's excellent only in the role it plays in bringing the Many international organisations and mitigate its impact on their logistics infrastructure allows easy world’s most brilliant minds together, participated in the event, such as economies, as much as possible. transit and transport of vaccines but also in utilizing the potential the ‘Red Crescent and Red Cross The UAE was one of the countries and collateral materials to Movements’, NGOs, and that managed the crisis competently. developing countries and other institutions to further Moreover, it had an important role in facilitates completing the explore the most urgent providing aid, saving some disaster- vaccination campaigns to needs of people facing huge stricken countries and supporting continue to respond to the humanitarian challenges in weak economies. pandemic.» Africa and to learn from their Against this bleak background, He also said: «We are proud of experiences and expertise in and under the theme “Aid and having partnered with Emirates different fields Coronavirus... A Focus on Africa”*, SkyCargo, Dubai Airports and The exhibition features the 17th session of the «DIHAD» DP World and launched all various activities and hosts the exhibition and conference discusses together the «Dubai Vaccine France Pavilion and the UN the most urgent issues with a focus on Logistics Alliance» to speed Pavilion, in addition to several Africa and the issues that COVID-19 up distribution of COVID-19 workshops. arose in addition to other issues such vaccines around the world This UAE initiative comes as the effects of military conflicts, through Dubai.» at a critical moment as humanitarian crises, climate change, Ahunna Eziakonwa, Assistant Coronavirus and its deadlier population growth, urbanization, Administrator and Director of variants are sweeping the education, the shortage of job the Regional Bureau for Africa, whole world while Ebola is opportunities and many other issues. United Nations Development breaking out again in Africa. Levantnews Media Establishment Programme (UNDP), said: Thus, it represents a beacon of covered the event, toured the «In an era of reducing aid and the still of youth and employing the latest hope for the countries that suffer from exhibition and its pavilions and - transmitting impacts of the Covid-19 technologies in finding solutions that poverty, famine and humanitarian interviewed the participants. On pandemic, now, more than ever, the can be implemented in real-life crisis crises. The Levant | Issue 22 - April 2021 4 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Reports The Battle of Constitutional Competencies

Does Ennahdamonitoring See corruption, Its issued Last reports taking Hope the oath is not ain mere formalityPublic In return, Support? the Workers› Party called confirming that there are suspicions rather a commitment to the words its supporters to take to the streets Murhaf Dwaidari conflict of interests and corruption of the oath and its consequences this to denounce, what it described in a surrounding eleven ministers who world and the after life.» Facebook post, as “messing with the were named by Prime Minister Ennahda movement, which leads the government system, and the interests Following the Tunisian Hichem Mechichi to complete the Tunisian ruling coalition and whose of and its people.” The workers› Revolution in 2011, the government process of the Cabinet reshuffle leader Rached Ghannouchi is the Party demonstration took off from Bab in Tunisia adopted a hybrid political which endorsed by the Assembly of speaker of the parliament, mobilised el Khadra Square towards Bourguiba system which is a mixture between the Representatives of the People. its supporters to take to the street Street; the thing that raised fears of presidential and the parliamentary The to project its powers to its political potential confrontation between the systems, which has deepened the has completely rejected this Cabinet opponents and respond to President two demonstrations, amid warnings disagreements over the constitutional reshuffle and repeatedly reiterated Kais Saied and the calls to dissolve of an escalation towards violence and competencies between the two highest that some of the new ministers are the parliament. The movementchaos. ranking officials in the country i.e. the suspected of corruption. Saied did said in a statement: «Our country Rached Ghannouchi faced a no- President and the Prime Minister. not reveal the names of the ministers has witnessed for months frequent confidence vote in July as four political The current political system that was under suspicion, despite Mechichi’s irresponsible attempts to destabilise blocs in the Parliament proposed a established by and demands. our democracy its relevance. motion of no confidence in July to Rached Ghannouchi, and enshrined in Mechichi dismissed 5 ministers to Moreover, these attempts aim to remove him from office. The vote the 2014 constitution, divides executive increase the pressure on the President disrupt the government work and failed to remove him; with 97 votes in powers between the President and and force him to approve the ministers the state's sovereign institutions.» It favour, 16 against and 18 invalid. He the Prime Minister, but gives the PM -who are supported by the ruling added: «These attempts have lead to a stayed in office thanks to his ally Heart more powers. This hybrid system is coalition led by Ennahda- and receive deterioration in poor living conditions of Tunisia party. the main reason behind the crisis that them in palace to take the and diminished the focus on social, However, some political blocs and Tunisia is currently witnessing. It is oath of office. Mechichi claimed that economic and healthcare affairs.” independent representatives (MPs) neither a parliamentary system where he had asked the independent national The demonstration of the Ennahda were convinced that confidence must there is a flexible separation between anti-corruption agency about the movement, which was named be withdrawn from Ghannouchi in the executive and the legislature, nor ministers and it confirmed that there «Defending the Legitimacy, the State light of the violations he committed a presidential system where there were no suspicions of corruption Institutions and the Constitution», was which could amount to threatening is a clear division between the two about them. a response to a counterdemonstration the country's vital interests and powers. A statement for the Tunisian that was held in support of President national security. They started signing The 2014 constitution determines Presidency on its Facebook page Kais Saied, calling for the resignation a new petition in the hope of meeting the concentration of the executive stated that Mechichi sent a letter to of the government, the dissolution the required quorum, so that it can power in the parliament and the Saied «about the legal aspects of the of the Parliament and changing the be put forward for voting in a general government. Observers see that there Cabinet reshuffle especially those political system. The slogans raised parliamentary session. More voices are clear limitations to the President's that override some of constitution at the counterdemonstrations were spoke out in parliament warning intervention in the executive provisions.» «The letter also included hostile to Ennahda movement and its against keeping Ghannouchi in office especially in defence, national security a reminder of some principles which leader, Rachid Ghannouchi, accusing because lest it impacts the Parliament and foreign relations, as he represents state that the political authority must it one of being the main reasons behind performance and the country's the sovereignty of the state. While reflect the will of people, and that the political crisis in the country. the powers of the Prime Minister are political stability. confined to setting the general policy Tunisian sources revealed that a deal of the State. However, it seems that was signed between one of the Tunisian the real concentration of the executive parties and Ghannouchi to save him power does not currently lie with the from the no-confidence motion. MP government but with the presidential Badr al-Din al-Qamoudi asserted that palace in Carthage; the thing that the petition to withdraw confidence keeps the crisis about the Cabinet from Rached Ghannouchi will succeed reshuffle in Tunisia ongoing. The crisis this time despite Ennahda movement has taken a constitutional form; a pressures. Al-Qamoudi did not hide conflict over power between the two that Ennahda is pressuring some MPs main powers. Ennahda movement, to reject signing the petition. He noted which has a parliamentary majority that Ghannouchi is on hot seat and is together with its political allies, has facing criticism and complaint from threatened with calling its supporters the MPs of the Heart of Tunisia party to take to the streets. who threatened to sign the petition «I Watch», the non-governmental because their leader Nabil Karoui was organisation which is specialised in Hichem Mechichi not been released from prison. The Levant | Issue 22 - April 2021 5 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Interview Moammar Al-Eryani to Levant News:

Houthi Crimes The initiatives and recently Theannounced International Solution North–South Transport Yemenis coup. It lured them away Wantfrom their Hajar al-Desouki by the US administration to end the Corridor.» homes and schools into brainwashing war and bring peace to Yemen were  Are you saying that revoking courses indoctrinating them with welcomed by the Yemeni government Washington’s designation of the hateful slogans and sectarian ideologies In a telephone interview with and people. The Yemeni government Houthis as a terrorist organisation imported from Iran, and filling their «Al-Eryani», he revealed the extent asserted its support for any efforts made has emboldened them and led to the heads with hatred, and terrorism of crimes and violations committed by by brotherly and friendly countries escalation of their attacks on Marib? before they are thrown into bloody the Houthi militia. He gave his analysis to establish a just and comprehensive Yes! The political, military and battles to fulfil the Iranian agenda. We of the reasons behind prolonging the peace in accordance with to the humanitarian conditions have have repeatedly spoken out against the war for nearly 6 years. The Yemeni three terms of reference (i.e. the GCC deteriorated since Washington delisted dangers of the abuses that are being Minister of Information talked about initiative and its implementation the Houthi movement as a terrorist committed in the Houthis controlled several issues, including the nature of mechanism, the National Dialogue organization. The Houthi militiaareas. They continue to weaponize the current relationship with the new outcomes, and relevant Security interpreted the decision as a green light education, distort school curricula and US administration and the impacts Council resolutions) and the efforts for committing more terrorist attacks. recruit children, which will produce of its decisions. He also addressed made by the United Nations Special They have escalated their political and a generation of terrorist who will Iran's plans to use the Houthi militia in Envoy for Yemen in this regard to put militant activities on all fronts of the threaten security and stability in Yemen implementing its expansionist agenda an end to the suffering of Yemenis.” Marib governorate, targeting civilian and the whole world. and spreading chaos and terrorism in the  But the new US administration infrastructure and civilians in Marib  Against this background of region. The interview coincides with the delisted* the Houthi movement as a and , in an attempt to concerns and warnings, what are the sixth anniversary of Operation Decisive foreign terrorist organization. How take advantage of the regional and main challenges facing the legitimate Storm* , on 25 March, which was led do you interpret this? international developments to achieve Yemeni government? by Saudi Arabia to restore legitimacy “That was disappointing. It confirmed military progress and impose a fait «The challenges that the government in Yemen to save the country from the that the international community accompli on the ground.» faces are grave and substantial. The Iranian-backed militias. is still oblivious to the reality of the  Various warnings have been issued terrorist and barbaric attack on Aden Houthi militia and their actions, which against the Muslim Brotherhood airport by the Houthi militia illustrates  To what extent are you pinning your are not different to those of terrorist (MB) plans to thwart the Riyadh the major difficulties it faces and the hopes on the new US administration organizations; in addition to their agreement, as seen in the attempt to various Houthi attempts to thwart to end the war? inherent relationship with the Iranian tighten the noose on the capital Aden the legitimate government and the “The current US administration is Revolutionary Guard Corps. The with Turkish support. How do you Riyadh Agreement.» We are aware more experienced in Yemen; it was international community must come tackle this? that the challenges and obstacles involved in the events that the country to the realization that the effective “The signatories of the Riyadhfacing us on various levels, are has witnessed since 2011. It was part way to force it to settle for peace and Agreement are aware of the big great; namely: achieving economic of organising the Transition Process, end the war is by intensifying political responsibilities laid upon them in stability, implementing the security in accordance with the Gulf Co- and military pressures.* The Biden light of the challenges that Yemen and military part of the Riyadh operation Council initiative, and its administration took that decision as is facing, especially countering the Agreement, normalizing conditions implementation mechanism,* and the part of a comprehensive review of Iranian expansionist agenda. There is in liberated areas, paying salaries, National Dialogue Conference which all the policies that the previous US a common awareness of the dangers of providing basic services to citizens, included all political components, in administration had pursued against the turning the country into an open field and improving living conditions. We conjunction with the Houthi militia's Iranian regime and its militias in the for regional conflicts and the need to have no choice but to work hard to coup against the conference outcomes region. It is an attempt to incentivize unite to restore the state, bring down rebuild the country, provide a decent and the proxy war it launched the Iranian regime to engage in the coup, normalize the conditions standard of living and the bright future against Yemenis to fulfil the negotiations on the nuclear in the liberated areas, improve living Yemenis deserve. Iranian agenda. program. conditions and alleviate the Yemenis›  How do you evaluate the Arab However, the Iranian suffering.» coalition efforts to support the regime and its militias in  What are the Houthi militia's legitimacy in Yemen in the past years? the region responded with most notorious crimes that have Since the crisis broke out in Yemen as their usual indifference to been detected in relation to child a result of the coup, the Arab coalition, the US administration's recruitment? led by our brothers in the Kingdom of Moammar Al-Eryani approach and resorted to “The Houthi militia's recruitment of Saudi Arabia, has provided unlimited an all-out escalation of the children is the most dangerous and support to the Yemeni government and conflicts in the region, heinous crime in a long catalogue people, whether political, economic, increasing the of abuses and violations committed military or humanitarian. The Yemeni terrorist attacks against innocent Yemenis. It is a leadership, government and people, in Iraq, Syria flagrant and unprecedented violation value their sincere and support and Yemen, and against international humanitarian assistance for Yemen in its crisis. We targeting Saudi law and child protection agreements hope that it will continue until Yemen Arabia and that prevent using children in wars. recovers and resumes its role as an merchant It is estimated that the Houthi militia active and constructive member of the vessels in has recruited nearly thirty thousand Arab region. the children since the beginning of the The Levant | Issue 22 - April 2021 6 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com opinion

Euphrates River basin in turkey Turkey is weaponising the Euphrates water against Kurds affected people’s life, agriculture, Kurdish, Syrian, and Iraqi neighbors for Iraq. Later on, the agreement has food security, fishing, and other downriver of the Euphrates and been failed due to the rise in tension Zara Saleh environmental sectors that could lead Tigris. Suleyman Demirel, the between Turkey and Syria because to catastrophic outcomes in the future former Turkish Prime Minister who Turkey accused the Syrian regime of and even the region could suffer from became known as “the king of dams” supporting the Kurdistan Worker’s Since the occupation of Afrin drought. at that time he said, “Arabs sell oil, Party (PKK). in March 2018 and Serekaniye and By using water as a weapon of war, why don’t we also sell our water?”. Consequently, with the other Tel Abyad in late 2019, Turkey has Turkey with the Syrian opposition Furthermore, during the UN General pressure on the Kurdish region been directly at war with the Kurdish- mercenaries that affiliated with the Assembly meeting in 1997, Turkey such as an occupation, an economic controlled region of northeast Syria. Syrian Coalition began to bomb the refused to sign the International embargo, and food insecurity In the few recent weeks, the Turkish water station since the occupation of Waters Convention, and they argued due to the lack of water supply, authorities have decreased the water Serekaniye in 2019. Furthermore, the that both rivers, the Euphrates and Erdogan now is committing a war level of the Euphrates River by 50% water has been shut-off repeatedly, Tigris are located only in Turkish crime against Kurds by using the or more that directly affects Raqqa denying nearly one million population territories and it is not necessary for Euphrates River as a weapon of war. province and other areas in Syria; of Hassaka province of access to water, them to share their water with the The results of such Turkey’s policy and again the water is now being after their occupation of Allouk water neighbouring countries. towards the Kurds in Syria due to weaponised against the Kurdish pumping station in 2019. Despite the fact that Turkey, Syria, Erdogan’s “phobia” of establishing population and self-administration Arguably since the Turkish and Iraq have reached an agreement a “Kurdish State” or independent autonomous that is lead by the Syrian government completed the Ataturk about sharing the Euphrates water autonomous in northeast Syria, could Democratic Forces (SDF). However, dam in 1990 on the Euphrates River in 1987 that allows Syria to receive lead to catastrophic humanitarian the water level has been recently with other dams later, the use of a flow of water 550 cubic meters per outcomes in the region, and the UN dropped dramatically and Syria now water as a weapon became a priority second. According to that agreement, and International Community should is receiving only about 200 cubic in their strategy. Turkey began to the Syrian government can use 42% respond to this serious crisis caused meters per second. Eventually, it has take control over the water supply to of the water, whereas 58% will be by the Turkish government. The Levant | Issue 22 - April 2021 7 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion Britain’s right royal rumpus

Ian Black

In a rare piece of royal good news the other day, the Duke of Edinburgh, commonly known as Prince Philip – Queen Elizabeth II’s husband or “consort” – was discharged from a London hospital to rejoin his wife at Windsor Castle to the west of the British capital. Prince Philip, aged 99, had spent nearly a month being treated for a heart condition and an infection before he was able to go home – though not to Buckingham Palace. Philip has spent most of the lockdown at Windsor with the Queen for their safety, alongside a reduced household staff dubbed “HMS Bubble.” The couple, who have been married for Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh 73 years, received their first Covid-19 vaccinations in January. of Edinburgh. Later, Prince William, that both she and her husband were given more support and that she Philip was also lucky to miss the Harry’s elder brother and the heir to having extra-marital affairs. was entirely justified in airing her bombshell of his grandson Harry’s the throne after their father Charles, The aftermath was deeply damaging. grievances in public. Her accusations appearance, with his wife Meghan the Prince of Wales, told reporters: It completely compromised Diana’s clearly dealt a reputational blow. Markle, on the Oprah Winfrey chat “We’re very much not a racist family.” relationship with the rest of the Britons over 50 and older are more show on March 7. “The family are Buckingham Palace responded, two royal family, who knew nothing of likely to feel that Meghan is an adult very keen that he’s not aware of the days after the interview, with a short the interview in advance, leaving who should have thought harder full extent of the interview,” one royal statement in the name of Queen, just 61 her isolated from any palace about joining the royal “firm” – in expert was quoted as saying. Had words: “The issue raised, particularly support. which the institution of monarchy Philip died, it was reported after the that of race, are concerning. Whilst Fast-forward a quarter of a century is deemed more important than event, it would have been postponed. some recollections may vary they and the impact of Meghan’s may be individual members. That controversial 50-minuteare taken very seriously and will be similar. She and Harry had already Queen Elizabeth has now reigned interview with the star of American addressed by the family privately.” attracted headlines last year by longer than any other British royal prime time TV has generated an Britain’s right deciding to give up their royal duties, and heads the biggest monarchy in unprecedented torrent of comment It was not the first time that move to California and fund their Europe. And she is more popular, about the current status of the British complaints about the royals’ attitudes lifestyle with lucrative media deals – wiser and less controversial than ever, royal family in the Queen’s 69-year had gone viral, generating a frenzy of though they took care to make clear disarming even the most republican- long reign. coverage in the British media. Back that were not rewarded financially for minded critics with a poll last year It was indeed sensational, but in 1997 William and Harry’s own their Winfrey interview. finding that two-thirds of Britons actually not that surprising. Meghan, mother, Princess Diana, was killed in Harry in particular emphasized want to maintain the status quo. a Hollywood actress, is mixed-race a car accident in Paris after she and the impact of “bigoted” tabloid Problems will escalate, inevitably, and she reported “concern” amongst Charles had divorced. Diana, who was newspapers on the couple’s well- when she is succeeded by Charles, the royal household, about how dark both white and very English, had her being. Meghan successfully sued the who is now 72, has been the Prince of their baby son Archie’s skin would be own difficulties with her husband’s Mail on Sunday after it published a Wales for more than half a century, and when she was pregnant. Loneliness family – just like Meghan. private letter she sent to her estranged is known to want a “slimmed-down” was another serious problem, In 1995, Diana’s candid interview father. royal family. A recent survey found prompting “very scary” thoughts of with the BBC’s Panorama programme Reactions in the UK reflect changing that more Britons want William to suicide. was watched by 23 million people attitudes towards the royal family. succeed the Queen than want Charles Neither Meghan nor Harry would in the UK. Hailed as the “scoop of a Different generations view ithimself to do so. Still, advocates of reveal who made these remarks, generation,” it was three years after differently. Younger people are more abolishing the monarchy and electing saying to do so would be “very she and Charles had separated. It likely to see the monarchy and the a British head of state have not made damaging”. Winfrey later clarified it exposed their unhappy marriage, British press as institutionally racist, much progress. But trouble may well was neither the Queen nor the Duke substantiated rumours and confirmed believe Meghan should have been be brewing in the future. The Levant | Issue 22 - April 2021 8 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion

Britain’sreview. ForeignBritain’ Policy has been used liberally Resetin the supposedly one of the tactics – smacks The headlines around the review shadow of Brexit as a placeholder for of old school gunboat diplomacy of a James Denselow have grasped on the decision to end those worried that leaving the EU completely different age. 30 years of gradual disarmament would diminish the UK’s influence. There is a key Orwellian twist since the collapse of the Soviet The review promises ‘new ways’ to be aware of when assessing Boris Johnson’s Government Union. It would appear a strange of working with the EU, who is the Government policies. It is a is owning some pretty major choice to invest in more nuclear currently taking the UK to Court campaigning administration that choices in the course of its short warheads, the hardest of hard over supposed breaches of the Brexit is able to pump up rhetoric far and time in power to date. It managed to weapons, months after the Ministry agreement, and is clear that the US above the reality of its own actions. famously ‘get Brexit done’, although of Defence set out a ‘Integrated remains the essential strategic ally. The review promises that the UK will with predictable plummeting rates Operating Concept’ that focused Beyond the homage to the traditional be leading in “dynamically shaping the of trade with the UK’s main market. on conflict below the level of war ‘special relationship’ between the UK post-Covid order” yet the mainstay of It’s handling of the Covid pandemic and the rise of nefarious weapons and the USA, is the interesting “Indo- much of its policies to date have been saw the worst hit economy and the including cyberwarfare. Britain Pacific tilt”. Pre-briefed as a ‘pivot’ inward looking; ‘taking back control’ worst rates of per capita deaths on the Yet the review laid out the nature of it is part of the narrative around that and removing plank upon plank of planet, yet its vaccine development the threats the UK currently faced, part of the world being home to the soft power influence as its dialled and rollout has been one of the best with particular reference to hostility most significant areas of growth; down its overseas aid. resulting in a subsequent poll bounce. from Russia, Iran and non-state economy, population and military There remains, of course, huge Britain armed groups and decided that this and therefore where the UK needs to questions as to how a review so Now a long-awaited review of the was one of the answers to them. There be at the races. The report reminds ambitious in scope can be turned into UK’s foreign and defence policy is more of course and the spectrum readers that it is “the world’s growth a reality and despite the evidence is being launched, representing a of weaponry that the UK is keen engine: home to half the world’s to date the UK Government should significant change in direction for to acquire more of ranges from the people; 40% of global GDP”. Britain be given the chance to prove its the country’s relations beyond its planet killers to more sophisticated That wasn’t exactly a secret, but the willingness to be a more, not less, borders. Originally it was supposed drones that can infiltrate hard to key question is how the UK expects active participant on the world’s to be a foreign, defence and aid reach parts of the world and have the to exert influence so far away from stage. Vaccine distribution and the policy review but with the merging ability to provide near continuous its own neighbourhood, especially role of the UK scientific and health of the Ministry for Development surveillance. considering how soured it has community in involvement in a into the Foreign office and a cutting Another key component of the managed to make things between more global vaccination effort is a of its budget that decision appears to review is what it doesn’t say as much its former closest allies. Sending prime opportunity to see a genuinely have largely pre-empted the larger as what it does. The term ‘Global an aircraft carrier to the region – “Global Britain” in action.

Boris Johnson speaking in the house of Commons The Levant | Issue 22 - April 2021 9 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion Can Egypt-Turkey Reconciliation Make

the Disturbed Waters Sleep?indirectly withdrew itself from acting as a mediator between Egypt, Sudan, Dalia Ziada and . Some observers argued that the current diplomatic dispute may escalate into a military conflict The world is closely between Ethiopia, on one said, and watching the intense diplomatic Egypt and Sudan, on the opposing rapprochement between Egypt and side. At the beginning of March, Turkey, over the past month. The Egypt and Sudan signed a military many disagreements between Cairo cooperation agreement that enables and Ankara kept the two countries the two countries to join forces to apart for nearly eight years. But, counter regional threats. eventually, the two countries found Meanwhile, Turkey signaled that it themselves drawn towards each Turkish President Erdogan and Minister of Defense Hulusi Akar could intervene as a mediator in the other, not only by the mutual interest GERD crisis, if Egypt agrees. On in realizing the fruitful potential of Amidst this chaos, Greece succeeded difference in relations in the coming March 12th, Erdogan’s special envoy their unique alliance, but also by the in convincing Egypt to sign a days;” said Hulusi Akar, who also to Iraq said on a televised interview need to settle the disturbed waters maritime agreement that designates hinted that a maritime agreement that Turkey is ready to mediate in in their surroundings; either in the an Exclusive Economic Zone between Turkey and Egypt should the GERD, provided that western eastern Mediterranean or in the Nile (EEZ), which crosses with the zone be created in the near future. Hulusi countries do not intervene, because River. previously delaminated in Turkey’s Akar’s brief but honest statements, their intervention may complicate On one hand, Turkey’s primary maritime agreement with Libya. For on March 6th, aroused a lot of the issue. Turkey enjoys a massive concern, at the moment, is to settle decades, Egypt used to turn Greece controversy in the region, especially political and economic influence its century-long disputes with Greece requests to sign an EEZ agreement in Greece and Cyprus, but were over Ethiopia, that has continued and Cyprus over the maritime out of respect for Turkey. However, positively received in Egypt. Despite for decades. According to the official delimitations in the Aegean and the this time, motivated by the need to being part of Erdogan’s regime with statistics of the Ethiopian Investment Mediterranean. The Lausanne Treaty, secure its own national security which its infamous profile of flawed foreign Commission, Turkey is the third signed in 1922 under the fog of war, Turkey threatened from the north, policies, Hulusi Akar is widely biggest investor in the operational prevents Turkey from enjoying its in the Mediterranean, and from the respected and trusted for his word. capital of Ethiopia, after China and basic right to benefit from seabed west, in Libya, Egypt decided to sign Hulusi Akar’s statements were the Saudi Arabia. Over the past seven resources, despite the fact that it owns the EEZ agreement with Greece, in spark which initiated a round of years, Turkey supported Ethiopia the longest coastline in the eastern August 2020. positive statements from both sides in its conflict with Egypt over the Mediterranean. As a result, Turkey The Greece-Egypt maritimeand opened the door for actual steps GERD, due to the long political rift cannot drill for gas, which is a matter agreement and the formation of East to be taken towards the long-delayed between Cairo and Ankara. If Egypt of life or death for the Turkish people. Med Gas Organization, excluding reconciliation between Cairo and wins Turkey as an ally, or at least Every year, Turkey pays more than 40 Turkey as a member state, further Ankara. neutralizes Turkey’s involvement billion dollars to import gas, mainly complicated Turkey’s situation in On the other hand, Egypt’s primary in the GERD crisis, this would from Iran and Russia. the Mediterranean. However, by the concern, at the moment, is to definitely give leverage to Egypt in its Over the past two years, Turkey has beginning of 2021, Egypt decided to settle the waters of the disturbed negotiations with Ethiopia. been, particularly active in fighting tone down its standoff with Turkey. waters of the Nile River, by ending “Suuyur” or “water sleeps” is an for its rights in the Mediterranean. In March, Egypt decided to limit its dispute with Ethiopia over the idiom the Turkish people use to In December 2019, Turkey decided its gas drilling activities in eastern Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam push away the evil and give power to get politically and militarily Mediterranean outside the area (GERD), which was illegally founded to the good. If Cairo and Ankara involved in Libya, in hope that it which Turkey unilaterally designates in 2010. Ethiopia’s insistence on manage to successfully settle the could help improve its situation in the as the delimitation of its continental filling the GERD, despite legitimate political disagreements that kept Mediterranean. Then, in the summer shelf. Egypt’s respect for Turkey’s objection from other Nile valley them apart for almost eight years, of 2020, Turkey started seismic demarcations, despite its EEZ countries, especially Egypt where their future cooperation may research for gas in the disputed agreement with Greece, was warmly the Nile River ends, represents a change the geopolitics of the eastern waters. This aroused military tensions welcomed by the Turkish Minister of serious threat to the lives of the Mediterranean and alter the outcomes with neighbor Greece and Cyprus, Defense, Hulusi Akar. Egyptian and Sudanes people. For of several conflicts in Africa and the which attracted other navy forces “Egypt’s respect to our continental two years, Egypt has been lobbying Middle East. But, most importantly from Russia, France, and the United shelf is important. We have many the international community, in vain, it may help them work together on States in a way that threatened the historical and cultural values in to stop Ethiopia from proceeding making “water sleep” in a way that security and stability of the countries common with Egypt. The activation with building and filling the dam. serves their national security and the sharing the Mediterranean basin. of these values could make a On March 16th, the United States welfare of their peoples. The Levant | Issue 22 - April 2021 10 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion Better to live not die for your country German tactics in World War II. It first woman to blow herself up was the same with the hijackers started applying to the Japanese by in an attack against the Israelis in of September 11. Many, Paz said, Sami Moubayed 1942. It disappeared from the 1940s Jerusalem on January 28, 2002. were from wealthy or middle-class until the early 1980s, resurfacing in She was 28 years old, divorced and families. the Lebanese Civil War. working with the Palestinian Red This idea was backed by the By definition, a martyr is “a person Crescent. She justified her attack anthropologist, Scott Atran, and During the Suez War of 1956, who is put to death or endures as one against her declared enemy. Alberto Abadie, a professor of a young Syrian navy officer named suffering because of a belief, principle She did not detonate a bomb public policy at Harvard University. Jules Jammal volunteered to fight or cause. The death of a martyr or against fellow Palestinians. She Abadie published a paper on the with the Egyptian Army. He blew the value attributed to it is called became a symbol for many others, subject, saying that very seldom himself against a French vessel and martyrdom.” The first martyr in Islam most notably Ayat al-Akhras, an are the suicide bombers from poor died instantly, becoming an overnight was the old woman Sumayyah bint 18-year old girl who on March 29, families. Rather, he said violence legend in both Egypt and Syria. Khayyat, the first Muslim to die at 2002 detonated explosives at a and terrorism is a direct result Jammal was Christian not Muslim, the hands of the polytheists of Mecca. supermarket in Jerusalem, killing of political instability and lack of dying for Egypt not Syria. At the Hamas and the Brotherhood, and two Israelis, one a 17-year-old freedoms in the bomber’s country. time, nobody described his act as their version of Islam, is simply not Israeli girl. Her age, gender and Very rarely have the bombers been “amaliya istishadiyah,” coming from Islam because it justifies the killing the fact that one of the victims motivated by despair. In fact, it the word shahada (martyrdom) that of fellow Muslims. Their definition of was her age caused a loud outcry is hope that motivates them— is mentioned explicitly in the Holy martyrdom is distorted, perverted, in the international community, hope that they can destroy the Quran. Rather, it was called a “fedayaii and ultimately wrong. Their martyrs with people asking why is it that enemy and, in the process, achieve operation,” from the Arabic word kill indiscriminately, striking at these two innocent teenagers had emancipation for their cause. fedayeen, which has since entered children, women, elderly—and fellow to suffer, and die, for such a bloody the English dictionary and means Muslims. That is a red line the Prophet conflict that they had inherited from Learning from the Bahaiis “guerrilla fighters” linked specifically Mohammad would never allow. In their fathers and grandfathers? The Bahaii faith, which came after to attacks against Israel. the Holy Quran, there are verses Akhras had been an A-student who Islam and is therefore, widely That was the secular term by which calling on Muslims to take up arms wanted to go to college and study considered as an unorthodox faith Yasser Arafat’s operations were against aggressors, but not a single journalism. She was engaged to be in the Muslim world, decrees that a known throughout his military verse says that Muslims should kill married in July 2002. US President martyr is one who sacrifices his or career, which started in the mid-1960s fellow Muslims in order to destabilize George W Bush talked about the her life in the service of humanity in and lasted until signing of the Oslo governments. There is even a clear affair, saying: “When an 18-year-old the name of God. Abdul-Baha, the Peace Accords in 1993. Nobody ever verse that, if read correctly, would Palestinian girl is induced to blow son of the faith’s founder Bahaullah, described Arafat’s men as carrying prevent Muslims from blowing herself up and in the process kills said that the “truest form of out “amaliya istishadiyah,” or what themselves up against civilian and a 17-year-old Israeli girl, the future martyrdom is life-long service to was subsequently called by the West fellow Muslim targets. In the Holy itself is dying, the future of the society and mankind,” claiming and by Israel as a “suicide operation.” Qoran (verse 6:151) it reads, “And Palestinian people and the future that “life should be preserved—not That term was only invented by take not life, which Allah has made of the Israeli people.” Both attacks, wasted because it was given by God. Hamas during the first intifada in 1987 sacred, except by way of justice.” of course, were glorified by Hamas And nobody but God is entitled to and then popularized throughout the To terrorism-apologists, a bomber and the Muslim Brotherhood. take it away.” second, which started in 2001. Prior has not committed suicide, an act The Bahaiis champion protecting to Hamas, neither the resistance nor usually associated with cowardice and Death by suicide one’s life, claiming that it is better any of its operations were confined to despair, but rather, committed a brave Since 2003, thousands have died by to live than die for one’s country. Sunni Muslims only, and Palestinians deed of self-sacrifice that qualifies him suicide attacks in Iraq, especially That may sound unorthodox and were very proud of the Christian or her for entrance into heaven in the under ISIS rule in 2017-2017. Most ultimately wrong to millions of components in their revolution. In afterlife. It actually depends first and of them were Iraqi citizens who believers in Islam. It is true that fact, Christian revolutionaries like foremost on who the targeted enemy blew themselves in crowded areas, at certain junctures of a nation’s George Habash and Wadih Haddad is, whether it’s a fellow countryman, killing fellow Iraqi citizens. The history, sacrificing life, rather than did more for the Palestinian Cause or a foreign occupier. At some point, most recent of these events was a preserving it, are permissible, even than Ismail Haniya and Khaled however, when too much blood twin suicide attack at a Baghdad necessary, for a nation’s re-birth. Meshaal, who hijacked the Palestinian is spilled in the Middle East, the market earlier this year, which That applied to all peoples under resistance, leaving no room for both differences between bombings (and killed at least 32 Iraqis and wounded occupation throughout history. But non-Muslims and non-members of their targets) becomes blurred to the over 100. In March 2006, an Israeli this is not the eternal trend. It is just Hamas. point of indistinction. All the world expert on terrorism, named Reuven a moment in time that eventually, Suicide bombing, as a phenomenon, sees in them are scenes of senseless Paz, conducted research on jihadi will pass, even if it takes another 100 first became a public phenomenon gore, blood and anguish raising the operations in Iraq and concluded years. The real service to the nation when the Japanese kamikaze pilots eternal question: “Is it better to live or that contrary to common belief would be to live, produce, learn, crashed their explosive aircraft into die for one’s country?” most of the suicide bombers love, have children, and give to a US military targets in the Pacific at were not young, neglected, poor, nation’s psychology, well-being, Pearl Harbor in World War II. The Two examples from Palestine desperate, and deprived souls. and development. first time the term “suicide bombing” Let us take two examples from They were family people, married, All innocent life is precious. People was used was in The New York Times modern Levantine history. educated, living in decent homes should have all lived, not died for on August 10, 1940 in reference to One is Wafa Idris who was the and working in decent jobs. This their countries. The Levant | Issue 22 - April 2021 11 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion What has been happening in Syria since March 2011 is a civil war and not a revolution entitlement to each other’s bodies to restrain man’s nature and avoid humanity to prosper as safety gives leads to violence, and violence leads war in the state of nature. birth to knowledge, and then science Amir Darwish to a constant state of war. This state Hobbes reinforces the point that into economic success, and so forth. is man’s pre-political condition and people made the sovereign, ‘This is That way, man’s obedience in Syria shows human beings are generallynot more than Consent, or Concord; it is will be exchanged for peace, safety, The people have longyet mature enough to enter the world a real unity of them all, in one and the property protection, and an overall misunderstood words such as, of politics. Everyone in the state same Person, made by Covenant of physical shield from other subjects. ‘freedom’, ‘liberty’, and ‘rights’, of nature begrudges, distrusts, and every man with every man’. In turn, this will cause the society and and therefore the violence has been eventually fights one another, as is the This means the ruler and the ruled are its economy to flourish. unleashed and is not stopping. A case currently in Syria. That is when one, automatically; neither of them As man’s right to violence is similar condition waspresent in life, as Hobbes put and, as it is now in can dominate the other,as man in his abandoned, but not his right to England between 1642 to 1651, when Syria, becomes ‘solitary, poor, nasty, nature (according to Hobbes) does defend himself; in other words, when the country went into civil war. At brutish, and short.’ This avoidable by not like to be dominated. someone attacks him, he will retaliate that time, the situation prompted the having one absolute sovereign who Hobbes gave people the power to back, but he should not initiate the English poet, translator, physician, is able to act firmly againstthose who end the sovereign whenever they violence. and philosopher, Thomas Hobbes, let their human nature take over them wanted, and the Syrian people can do The Leviathan in this way became to write the most important work of and start to kill others for possessions, the same. When the Leviathan stops an absolutist proposal, where the his life (the Leviathan) to rescue his political interests, or other forms of protecting them,that’s when they can people of Syria would make the ruler. country from bloody civil war. gain. To avoid the state of nature, collectively decide to remove him or This allows man to decide his fate Liberty and freedom can bedangerous the pre-political condition, and the replace him. and provides him with true freedom. when put together.Freedom, taken state of war, the people in Syria have Not only that,not only can the Hobbes’s proposal guaranteed safety, to its extreme,can result in anarchy, to enter into a contract with a ruler. people end the sovereign when the protection of subjects, liberty, and some in the pursuit of freedom For Hobbes,this means men will go protection ends, but they can also end protection of property, protection engage in actions that include taking back to the state of nature where their it whenever they think the sovereign of rights, entitlement to make laws, others’ lives, as we have seen over the several interests cause war against is no longer good for them. and overall freedom to change the last ten years in Syria.Similarly,liberty all if they refuse obedience to the That means the people in Hobbes’s sovereign when inadequate. Yes, has included the allowance of man to Leviathan (the ruler). The latter will proposal are the final judge of their the Leviathan is an absolutist in hurt others. avoid and end future wars. destiny, and they are the ones to providing all these, but above all, the Hobbes believed the wrong Additionally, this absolute sovereign decide who rules them and when, Leviathan is not an absolutist in the understanding of liberty caused serves as a divine, unbreakable law to something the Syrian people can do. negative authoritarian connotation much of the trouble at the time keep everyone safe. If anything, Hobbes’ words limit, of the word. Hobbes could not make where freedom was seen, as a matter Men then can renounce the state of undermine, and prevent the abuse it any clearer when referred to the of living independently off arbitrary nature by promising obedience to the of sovereign power. This makes the Leviathan as ‘covenants without power under free states as free men Leviathan who spares their lives from sovereign an absolute protector who the sword’. When man ends the and opposed to monarchy. the cruel state of nature in Syria. That provides safety; the subjects, on the sovereign, at that time his rights, The definition of ‘free man’ was way also people enter into society in other hand, have the absolute right freedom, and liberty to be violent fashionable in England’s 1640s, as is a more civilised way than they are to end the sovereign when safety again will come back and the war will the case in present-daySyria. Often it doing now in Syria. This is done as ends. start again. This is not a recipe for was connected to the Magna Charta the Leviathan is the only sovereign It is worthy to note here, as the dictatorship or despotism, but rather and other liberal definitions, such absolute ruler who has no others to sovereign is the people, she has a recipe for living life safely without as the right to free trial, freedom compete with and cause conflicts as identical rights to the people, which thinking, ‘Can I leave the house and fromarbitrary arrest, and political in the state of nature. means an attack on her is an attack come back to it safely?’ It is a recipe rights. Likewise, the definition of Where human rights are concerned, on a member of the public. This to save lives. freedom is fashionable in Syria and theyare very basic when theyare in way, if individuals in Syria decide to It does not matter who rules Syria as connected to freedom of speech a state of war, as Thomas Hobbes attack the sovereign, at that time the long as they show proper governance and expression, political rights, and callsit. These are the right to breathe, sovereign shall retaliate, as that is an and the ability to restrain the indeed freedom from arbitrary arrest. and the right to move without being attack on all Syrians. violence, giving people the right to By stating ‘every man has a right to fear of being killed.Man is free to When such a contract is achieved, live again without fear of being killed, every thing; even to one another’s do as he pleases, and this includes life will become rich; Hobbes’s as that’s the most important ‘right’ body’, Hobbespointed out very moving, eating, drinking, dressing, reference to ‘Contentments of life’, of all. Whether the ruler is called clearlythat all men have the right to and self-defence. without the fear of losing safety, is to Bashar, Peter, Paul, or whatever—it take each other’s when they are in Noteworthy, just as the Leviathan state that man has the freedom and is security and safety the people of a state of war and nothing restrains was,the sovereign in Syria will be a liberty beyond the physical meaning Syria need and not just free speech or them. Hobbes also insinuates that this creation of their own people in order of impediment. It is the allowance of freedom of expression.

The Levant | Issue 22 - April 2021 12 www.THELEVANTNEWS.com Opinion

Russia’s Persistent Extortion of SDF in North-eastern Syria Ghouta for Russia and Assad regime. in Raqqa and Deir Ezzor. After the linked to the US military presence Russia’s aim behind giving Afrin to failure to shrink SDF’s influence due in Syria. If US withdraws from Syria, Jwan Dibo Turkey was to force Kurdish-led to American persistent support, then everything will collapse because SDF to negotiate with Assad regime Russia found that Turkey is the best SDF will be in an unequal clash with without preconditions. Likewise, way and power to minimise SDF role the Turkish army. Moreover, Russia The concerns of the Kurdish- to weaken US influence in Syria by and size. and the Syrian regime’s army will led Syrian Democratic Forces undermining its local ally, namely Therefore, Russia has always blessed not hesitate to attack SDF, which (SDF) have recently escalated SDF. Turkey for its expansionist policies in the Syrian regime considers it a following the fifteenth round of Nowadays, Russia is exerting the Syria, especially those targeting the separatist project. negotiations in Astana among the same dirty policy towards SDF in Kurdish-led SDF. For Russia, Turkey Apparently, Russia will continue three ‘guarantors’: Russia, Turkey, the town of Ain Isa In Raqqa and the has practically become an ally blackmailing SDF in northeast and Iran. SDF’s apprehension stems town of Tal Tamer in the countryside throughout the Syrian crisis. Russia Syria via Turkey since the balance from the possibility that Russia and of Hasakah. Russia threatens SDF initially won when it succeeded to of power on the ground tend to be Turkey can reach a clandestine deal that it will pull back its forces from create a rift between America and in its favour. Moscow was even able at the expense of the influence of Ain Isa and Tel Tamar if SDF will Turkey. Moscow culminated this to make Turkey join to its coalition SDF. Russia’s short history in Syria is not acquiesce to Russia’s agendas victory in signing the S-400 missile by exaggerating the alleged Kurdish replete with such disgraceful covert in Syria. Consequently, SDF will be deal with Ankara. This deal, which threat. The common factor among agreements with Turkey at the in asymmetric confrontations with caused a deep fissure between Moscow, Ankara, Damascus, and account of prolonging the tragedy of Turkish army. Turkey on the one hand, and US and Tehran is fighting the US military the Syrian people. On the ground, Russia implemented EU, on the other hand. presence in Syria. In addition, Since Turkish occupation of the recently partial withdrawal from When Russia fights SDF, it implicitly fighting Kurdish aspirations for Kurdish city of Afrin in March 2018, both mentioned towns before challenges US influence in Syria. liberation in the three countries Russia has never stopped extorting coming back shortly. Later, the Therefore, in this case, Turkey is is the old – new goal for the three SDF by intimidating them through move was understood as a kind of the best method for Russia to harass countries. Turkey. Detachments of Russian redeployment in order to confuse the American influence in Syria by But the scene may turn upside Military Police withdrew from the SDF. curbing the leverage of SDF, which down if Biden’s administration city of Afrin in January 2018 prior Since Kurdish-led SDF became the is Washington’s only partner in adopts more firm and clear policies Turkey began an offensive against essential partner of US in Syria in Syria. regarding the Syrian issue. This Kurdish forces. Russia abandoned late 2015, Russia has not stopped to The options for SDF are very scenario remains possible, knowing Afrin in return for Ghouta based incite other parties in Syria against limited. The survival of SDF and that it is somewhat improbable on the shameful deal, later known SDF. It started with using Iranian the Autonomous Administration due to the absence of a clear-cut as Afrin for Turkey, in exchange for and pro-Assad militias against SDF of Northern and Eastern Syria is American strategy in Syria.

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